Athena Manley Email & Phone Number

Australia

At The Flexible CEO, we empower mid-size organizations by providing them with access to top CEO talent on a flexible and affordable basis, fueling their next stage of business growth. We kickstart portfolio careers for top CEO talent through Co-CEO and Fractional CEO opportunities, effectively combating ageism in the process.

Australia

I am also a strategic advisor and leadership coach for CEOs and business leaders, and I've had the privilege of training and mentoring over 1,000 leaders and CEOs in Australia and the US, imparting essential leadership and strategic skills.Recent engagements include:A Nasdaq scale-up on leadership structures and processes to support their global expansion plans.A private equity firm in NYC on technology transformation in banking.A global software company on successful transition of their CEO.A global ‘for purpose’ organisation on the intersection between financial well-being and mental health in organisations.An AI firm in Silicon Valley on strategic decision-making and growth planning.

Australia

At Second Me Services, we're dedicated to giving executives and business owners more time for what truly matters in their lives. We help them shine in their careers and be present with their families by offering caring family life admin services. This not only reduces the mental load but also creates flexible employment opportunities for people with physical disabilities. Our mission is to free up time for what matters most in life.

Australia

Reporting to the CEO, I was initially appointed as Chief of Strategy. The role was later expanded to incorporate the Chief of Staff mandate. Accountable for leading the design and execution of company strategy, and acted as a trusted advisor to the CEO on a broad range of complex and mission-critical issues. √ Working with the CEO, developed and executed a strategic plan supported by a new operating model. This took the company from low single-digit organic growth to sustained double-digit organic growth and margin expansion. Simultaneously improved client and employee retention and satisfaction.√ Developed a strategy to reposition a key client segment in anticipation of market disruption and response to declining profitability. Drove segment profitability uplift of ~30% and set up for continued growth over the next decade.√ Led the development of an ESG proposition, engaging multiple teams to design and integrate the value proposition. This included industry-first climate modeling, analytics, and advisory capabilities across the enterprise.√ Negotiated and won ASX top 10 partnerships, resulting in AUD7M in new sales.√ Re-negotiated key partnerships, delivering AUD10M in cost savings.√ Instrumental in turning around a complex and contentious SME project. Reviewed and redesigned the strategy and implemented a revised proposition, returning the program to profitability.

Australia

Reporting to the Managing Director, this role led a team holding accountability for strategy, transformation, and partnerships. Acted as an advisor to the MD and led Aon’s partner network.√ Led the development of the 10-year strategy and roadmap of initiatives designed to deliver above-market growth. In FY2023 the Commercial division delivered above-market revenue growth of 7%, up from 2%.√ Developed a ‘branch of the future’ program addressing rapid shifts in market conditions, client expectations, and buying behaviour. Carried out an assessment of Aon’s physical footprint and created post-pandemic operating models with flexible and remote workplace options.

Brisbane, Australia

This role held accountability for building and leading an enterprise-wide transformation program√ Delivered 23.5% growth in new business across Aon’s SME/Mid-Market segment and increased staff engagement. Restored an unprofitable referral partnership, leading to $1M p.a. in operational efficiencies and 220% revenue growth.

Brisbane, Australia

During my time at CUA (now Great Southern Bank), I held a number of senior roles, the last two roles in an acting capacity as I stepped up at short notice to cover extended executive absences of up to six months.√ As Head of the IT Services Group, I led multiple teams across a range of critical services. In <6 months, I developed a cloud framework for future transition of services, drove improvements in SLAs, increased employee engagement by 40%, and cleared incident backlog by 80%. √ As Head of People, Culture, & Capability I implemented a new talent and performance system on time and on budget.√ As Head of Sales Transformation, I led multi-disciplinary teams using Agile and Design Thinking to transform CUA’s distribution channels. Collaborating with international FinTechs, deliverables included new retail store and contact centre designs in a global first.

Brisbane, Australia

Brisbane, Australia

Senior leadership role responsible for innovation and transformation of CUA’s distribution channels including branches, contact centres and other touch points to deliver an outstanding member experience or Australia's largest customer owned financial institution.Responsibilities:• Innovation leadership• Customer experience transformation and complex projects• Leadership of multi-disciplinary teams using Agile and Design Thinking methods• Design and development of transformed retail stores and contact centres • Transformed capability and operating models and technology roadmap• Board and Executive Committee collaboration

Brisbane, Australia

Interim contract prior to commencement of Head of Sales Transformation role leading a portfolio spanning organisational performance, system implementation, diversity and inclusion, culture, engagement, talent and leadership for Australia's largest customer owned financial institution.

Brisbane, Australia

√ Reporting to the CEO. Built and delivered new capability in product and distribution channel development, efficient and customer-centric processes, scalable sales practices, and learning and development.

Brisbane, Australia

√ Built an award-winning community of 50 facilitators in business leadership and HR roles across Australia and Asia.

Responsible for the delivery of Leadership and executive level facilitation and coaching.

Australia

Leadership and facilitation of a full range of corporate learning and development programs.

Brisbane, Australia

Sales leadership, high value customer service, personal and home lending, insurance & personal risk.

Founding member and CBA representative on advisory council

Summer Leadership Program - Mba Exchange, Business Administration And Management, General, A

Master Of Business Administration (Mba), Dean'S Commendation For Academic Achievement, Dean'S Honor Roll

Bachelor Of Commerce (B.Com.), Organisational Behaviour And Human Resource Management, University Medal For Academic Achievement, Ahri Award