Athena & Biotech CEO Sisterhood Join Forces with BCG to Foster Resilience & Resolve Among STEM CEOs

Athena and the Biotech CEO Sisterhood announce a strategic alliance with Boston Consulting Group (BCG) to deliver custom executive leadership programs designed to equip STEM CEOs with the resilience and resolve required to navigate today’s fast-evolving landscape.

This strategic alliance brings together three global organizations committed to advancing women leaders and driving transformative impact in STEM industries. The Athena Academy program is tailored for biotech, tech and life sciences executives, offering a blend of cutting-edge insights, leadership tools, and peer-driven learning to empower CEOs with the adaptability, emotional intelligence, and strategic vision demanded by modern leadership.

“In an era defined by unprecedented challenges—from the rise of AI to the battle for top talent—resilience is the currency of effective leadership,” said Holly Smithson, CEO of Athena. “This partnership with BCG and the Biotech CEO Sisterhood is a testament to our shared mission of elevating women leaders to thrive, innovate, and drive progress in STEM.”

Key program features include

• Executive Resilience Workshops | Guided by BCG’s top industry experts, participants will engage in dynamic sessions that explore strategies for managing ambiguity, fostering innovation, and leading with a growth mindset.

• Peer Leadership Forums | A confidential space for STEM CEOs to exchange ideas, address real-world challenges, and cultivate a support network of like-minded leaders hosted in hybrid formats at BCG locations in Austin, San Diego, San Francisco, Boston and London and available to stream on-demand on Athena’s Leadership Lab.

• Bespoke Leadership Playbooks | Tailored guidance and tools to help CEOs enhance their emotional intelligence, communication skills, and decision-making under pressure.

“As leaders at the forefront of STEM innovation, biotech and tech CEOs must navigate immense complexity while fostering inclusive and resilient organizations,” said Michelle Stohlmeyer, BCG Managing Director. “We are thrilled to partner with Athena and the Biotech CEO Sisterhood in delivering a best-in-class curriculum that strengthens both the professional success and personal resolve of these extraordinary leaders.”

The Biotech CEO Sisterhood, a dynamic network of over 400 life sciences leaders, further amplifies the reach and impact of this initiative. Together with Athena’s global movement to advance 1 million women in STEM by 2030, this collaboration represents a powerful step toward equipping STEM executives to lead with purpose, clarity, and resolve.

“Leadership in biotech requires not only domain expertise but also a deep sense of purpose and resilience,” said Dr. Sheila Gujrathi, Co-founder of Biotech CEO Sisterhood. “This alliance empowers our community to rise to the challenges of our times, while also advancing gender equity and innovation in STEM.”