The Athena Network - West Berks

23/06/2026

We provide our members with the tools to network confidently.

All complimentary as part of their annual membership.

Athena membership = VALUE done even say it’s ’GOLD’!

Reach out and ask for details today and you could be receiving the training you need to help you get the results you want!

23/06/2026

Is your networking hit and miss?

Do you attend networking events, have great conversations, collect business cards, make connections… and then simply hope something comes from it?

Hope is not a strategy.

The most successful networkers I know don’t leave things to chance.

They have a plan.

Today I’m running our Athena Network Strategy Masterclass, helping members think more strategically about how they use their membership and network to create opportunities, build meaningful relationships and increase referrals.

We’ll be looking at:
✨ Making your 1 Minute Presentation more memorable
✨ Building the right relationships
✨ Spotting referral opportunities
✨ Raising your visibility
✨ Creating a networking strategy that works for your business goals

Networking isn’t about attending more meetings.

It’s about being intentional with the meetings you attend.

One of the benefits Athena members have access to is regular Network Strategy Training and Masterclasses designed to help them make the most of their investment, their time and their connections.

So here’s my question…

Do you have a networking strategy, or are you simply hoping for the best?

NetworkingWithPurpose AthenaWestBerkshire

18/06/2026

18/06/2026

A great round of June meetings , listen to what gone on and what’s coming up in July at Athena West Berks !

18/06/2026

✨ Two incredible PASS+ speakers, one brilliant Athena meeting ✨

One of the things I love most about Athena is the willingness of our members to share their expertise, experiences and wisdom to help others succeed.

At our June Thatcham & Theale meeting, we were treated to not one, but two fantastic PASS+ sessions from Laurenne Dorgan and Cathy Hargreaves

💚 Laurenne shared the importance of having a home group and investing in regular one-to-ones. After 18 years as an Athena member, she knows exactly how powerful it is when your fellow members truly understand what you do and who you help.

She spoke about spotting Green Flags – those moments when someone is looking for outcomes and needs an expert solution. Those are the referrals that really matter.

🧘‍♀️ Cathy then helped us all slow down and reconnect with a sense of calm. In just 10 minutes she shared practical techniques to help manage stress and bring us back to centre.

I was so impressed that I tried one of the techniques last night when I couldn't get back to sleep... and it worked! 😊

This is the magic of Athena. Learning, growing, supporting one another and sharing expertise that makes a real difference.

Thank you Laurenne and Cathy for two brilliant sessions. 💜



📸 Which piece of advice has stayed with you long after a networking event? Let me know below. 👇

17/06/2026

I love going out for Afternoon Tea - do you?

It feels special, it feels a treat and if there is a piano playing in the background like there was when I was at The Empress Hotel in Victoria, Vancouver Island, even better.

I love the history that surrounds the tradition of Afternoon Tea.

It all started in 1840 by Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford. It was to cure her "sinking feeling" from the long gap between a light lunch and an 8:00 PM dinner, she began requesting tea, bread, and cake in her room.

I also think some of the best conversations happen around a table.

Over tea, cake and a few hours away from our busy lives, we connect. We share ideas. We support each other. We laugh. We make memories.

I've always believed that bringing people together creates something magical. It is one of the reasons I love networking so much.

On Friday 17th July, I'll be hosting a Charity Afternoon Tea at Audley Inglewood, Kintbury @ bringing together wonderful people for a fabulous afternoon whilst raising money for two charities doing incredible work in our community


There will be delicious food, great company, raffle prizes and plenty of opportunities to connect.

I can't wait!

Would you like to join me? It is open to non Athena members so come along!

Tickets are now on sale, priced £36. This also includes a welcome drink sponsored by .familylawyer and the team from Knights ( thank you).

Link in Bio to book or reach out and DM for more details.

Athena ladies have you booked yet?

17/06/2026

🌱 No big award ceremony.
🌱 No stage.
🌱 No fancy photographs.

Just a selfie in my office after printing off my certificate.

I'm delighted to share that I am now Carbon Literacy Certified. 💚

A huge thank you to Pat Glover from for her passion, knowledge and commitment in delivering the training.

What started with a conversation at an Athena West Berkshire Cappuccino Connection has inspired a number of our members to complete the course and take positive action.

The biggest thing I learned?

It's not about being perfect.

It's not about doing everything.

It's about understanding that small actions by many people create significant impact.

As a result of the training, Richard and I are committing to:
🌿 Installing water butts
🌿 Creating wildflower areas to encourage biodiversity
🌿 Growing more of our own vegetables
🌿 Reducing meat and dairy consumption
🌿 Exploring an electric vehicle for island travel
🌿 Buying more locally and sustainably
🌿 Choosing more pre-loved clothing

Will these actions change the world on their own?
Probably not.

However, if they inspire friends, neighbours, clients, family members and fellow business owners to make a few changes of their own, that's where the real magic happens.

That's the ripple effect. 🌊

As someone who spends her life connecting people, building communities and encouraging confidence, I believe conversations matter. If talking about sustainability encourages even one person to take a positive step, then that's a conversation worth having.

I'd love to know:
💬 What's one sustainable change you've made recently?

15/06/2026

There is something incredibly special about watching someone bring a dream to life.

I am so proud of fellow Athena member, on the launch of her new book, Born Intuitive. Released last week, this beautiful book invites us to reconnect with something many of us have forgotten how to trust – our own intuition.

(tarapaonessa.com)

As business owners and leaders, we spend so much time listening to external opinions, advice and expectations. Sometimes the wisest answers come when we slow down enough to listen to ourselves.

I’m only part way through, but my verdict so far?

✨ An excellent read. ✨

Congratulations Tara. I know how much heart, courage and commitment goes into bringing a book into the world, and this is a wonderful achievement.

Have you read this yet ? Did it make you stop and think ?

I’d love to hear below. 📚👇
Intuition PersonalGrowth TrustYourself BusinessWomen AthenaWomenInBusiness

12/06/2026

Friday afternoon reflections

12/06/2026

📸 Your next client is already forming an opinion of your business from your social media page.

A huge thank you to for today's thought-provoking Business Development Training session at our Hungerford Athena meeting.

Liz's talk, "Are Your Photos Costing You Opportunities?", challenged us to think about the role our images play in building trust, credibility and connection.

One of the biggest takeaways?

You don't need to be a photographer, designer or creative business for your visuals to matter. Whether it's your LinkedIn profile, website, social media or marketing materials, your photos are helping people decide whether they want to work with you.

✨ Are your images reflecting the quality of your business?
✨ Do they communicate who you are and what you stand for?
✨ Are they helping you attract the right opportunities?

Lots for us all to think about!

Thank you, Liz, for sharing your expertise and reminding us that first impressions often happen long before a conversation begins.

💜 Another fantastic example of Athena members learning from Athena members.