The Athena Rebels Podcast

Are We the Idiots? A Colourful Team Reflection | Pax8 - The Athena Rebels Podcast Episode 7

In this episode of Athena Rebels, we’re changing things up with a book‑club‑style conversation inspired by Surrounded by Idiots by Thomas Erikson — and asking the very real question… are we the idiots, or are we just different colours? We reflect on how our team used the book’s colour framework to better understand how we each think, communicate, and show up at work. We talk honestly about how we felt reading our own colour descriptions (some affirming, some uncomfortable), and what it revealed about our blind spots. We explore:. • Our different colour profiles and what resonated (or didn’t) • How opposite colours can actually work brilliantly together • Why self‑awareness is key to building stronger working relationships • How your colour — and behaviour — may be perceived by others, even when your intentions are good This episode isn’t about putting people in boxes. It’s about creating a shared language, improving communication, and recognising that difference doesn’t have to mean difficulty. Sometimes, it just means understanding each other a little better. Join the rebellion: 🔔subscribe, comment, and share the topics you want us to tackle next. 📌 The views and opinions expressed in the podcasts recorded in Pax8 studios are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Pax8. This podcast should not be considered professional advice. ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS Sophie Dowsett-Smith | Manager of Strategic Consulting | Pax8 https://uk.linkedin.com/in/sophie-dowsett-smith-663b0222 [https://uk.linkedin.com/in/sophie-dowsett-smith-663b0222] Limara Thorne | Senior Strategic Consultant | Pax8 https://uk.linkedin.com/in/limarathorne [https://uk.linkedin.com/in/limarathorne] ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ ☁ Learn More About Pax8 ☁ Why Pax8? - http://pax8.io/9oBr50OYkpi [http://pax8.io/9oBr50OYkpi] Explore our cloud marketplace - http://pax8.io/Pfoh50OYks1 [http://pax8.io/Pfoh50OYks1] ☁ Subscribe To Our Channel ☁ https://www.youtube.com/@UCPExUoFAYffRGZtFAkRH8ng [https://www.youtube.com/@UCPExUoFAYffRGZtFAkRH8ng] ☁ Follow Us ☁ LinkedIn - http://pax8.io/1jFu50JJ423 [http://pax8.io/1jFu50JJ423] Twitter - http://pax8.io/AAth50JJ42u [http://pax8.io/AAth50JJ42u] Facebook - http://pax8.io/A4gR50JJ43f [http://pax8.io/A4gR50JJ43f] ☁ Shop Pax8 Club ☁ See our collection of softwear - http://pax8.io/YG9P50OYkun [http://pax8.io/YG9P50OYkun]

Mental Health Awareness: Seeing, Supporting, Speaking Up | Pax8 - The Athena Rebels Podcast Episode 6

In this episode of Athena Rebels, we’re joined by Amy Brown, Manager of Partner Success, EMEA who shares her personal story and why mental health awareness in the workplace is no longer optional — it’s essential. Together, we explore how to recognise the signs that someone around us may be struggling, why so many people suffer in silence, and what genuine support can look like at work. Amy also talks about the role of a Mental Health First Aider — why this matters, what it really means in practice, and how having someone trained and trusted can make a powerful difference. This is an honest, compassionate conversation about responsibility, awareness, and creating workplaces where people feel seen, supported, and safe to speak up. Because mental health isn’t just a personal issue — it’s something we all need to be more aware of, more comfortable talking about, and more intentional in how we support one another. Check Out These Resources:  🔗 Workplace Mental Health Experts: https://mhfaengland.org/organisations/workplace/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=12579023978&gbraid=0AAAAABo-VsV9pkTW47ivGR5PVQ-UJ5mzR&gclid=CjwKCAjwhLPOBhBiEiwA8_wJHN6iverDthBv5jfM48THPAabio_9wV9HkogJfk8VirsR7JhMBtBBiBoCNv8QAvD_BwE [https://mhfaengland.org/organisations/workplace/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=12579023978&gbraid=0AAAAABo-VsV9pkTW47ivGR5PVQ-UJ5mzR&gclid=CjwKCAjwhLPOBhBiEiwA8_wJHN6iverDthBv5jfM48THPAabio_9wV9HkogJfk8VirsR7JhMBtBBiBoCNv8QAvD_BwE]  🔗 Resources: https://mhfaengland.org/mhfa-centre/resources/ [https://mhfaengland.org/mhfa-centre/resources/]  This isn’t about “fixing” yourself or pretending doubt doesn’t exist.  It’s about learning how to stop doubt from taking the wheel.  Because confidence isn’t the absence of doubt — it’s choosing not to let doubt drive. Join the rebellion: 🔔subscribe, comment, and share the topics you want us to tackle next. 📌 The views and opinions expressed in the podcasts recorded in Pax8 studios are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Pax8. This podcast should not be considered professional advice. ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS Sophie Dowsett-Smith | Manager of Strategic Consulting | Pax8 https://uk.linkedin.com/in/sophie-dowsett-smith-663b0222 [https://uk.linkedin.com/in/sophie-dowsett-smith-663b0222] Limara Thorne | Senior Strategic Consultant | Pax8 https://uk.linkedin.com/in/limarathorne [https://uk.linkedin.com/in/limarathorne] ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ CONNECT WITH THE GUEST Amy Brown | Manager of Partner Success | Pax8 EMEA https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-brown-398a9a198/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-brown-398a9a198/]  ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ ☁ Learn More About Pax8 ☁ Why Pax8? - http://pax8.io/9oBr50OYkpi [http://pax8.io/9oBr50OYkpi] Explore our cloud marketplace - http://pax8.io/Pfoh50OYks1 [http://pax8.io/Pfoh50OYks1] ☁ Subscribe To Our Channel ☁ https://www.youtube.com/@UCPExUoFAYffRGZtFAkRH8ng [https://www.youtube.com/@UCPExUoFAYffRGZtFAkRH8ng] ☁ Follow Us ☁ LinkedIn - http://pax8.io/1jFu50JJ423 [http://pax8.io/1jFu50JJ423] Twitter - http://pax8.io/AAth50JJ42u [http://pax8.io/AAth50JJ42u] Facebook - http://pax8.io/A4gR50JJ43f [http://pax8.io/A4gR50JJ43f] ☁ Shop Pax8 Club ☁ See our collection of softwear - http://pax8.io/YG9P50OYkun [http://pax8.io/YG9P50OYkun]

Imposter Syndrome: You’re Not a Fraud — You’re Human | Pax8 - The Athena Rebels Podcast Episode 5

Imposter syndrome doesn’t disappear as you become more successful — if anything, it often gets louder. In this episode of Athena Rebels, Sophie Dowsett‑Smith and Limara Thorne have an honest conversation about imposter syndrome — not as experts, but as two women who’ve both questioned whether they truly belonged in the rooms they’d worked hard to be in. Together, they explore: ✅ What imposter syndrome really is (and what it isn’t) ✅ Why it tends to show up more as we grow and stretch ourselves ✅ The internal stories that fuel self‑doubt — and how to challenge them ✅ Practical ways to manage imposter syndrome without trying to silence it completely This isn’t about “fixing” yourself or pretending doubt doesn’t exist.  It’s about learning how to stop doubt from taking the wheel.  Because confidence isn’t the absence of doubt — it’s choosing not to let doubt drive. Join the rebellion: 🔔subscribe, comment, and share the topics you want us to tackle next. 📌 The views and opinions expressed in the podcasts recorded in Pax8 studios are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Pax8. This podcast should not be considered professional advice. ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS Sophie Dowsett-Smith | Strategic Consultant | Pax8 https://uk.linkedin.com/in/sophie-dowsett-smith-663b0222 [https://uk.linkedin.com/in/sophie-dowsett-smith-663b0222] Limara Thorne | Strategic Consultant | Pax8 https://uk.linkedin.com/in/limarathorne [https://uk.linkedin.com/in/limarathorne] ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ ☁ Learn More About Pax8 ☁ Why Pax8? - http://pax8.io/9oBr50OYkpi [http://pax8.io/9oBr50OYkpi] Explore our cloud marketplace - http://pax8.io/Pfoh50OYks1 [http://pax8.io/Pfoh50OYks1] ☁ Subscribe To Our Channel ☁ https://www.youtube.com/@UCPExUoFAYffRGZtFAkRH8ng [https://www.youtube.com/@UCPExUoFAYffRGZtFAkRH8ng] ☁ Follow Us ☁ LinkedIn - http://pax8.io/1jFu50JJ423 [http://pax8.io/1jFu50JJ423] Twitter - http://pax8.io/AAth50JJ42u [http://pax8.io/AAth50JJ42u] Facebook - http://pax8.io/A4gR50JJ43f [http://pax8.io/A4gR50JJ43f] ☁ Shop Pax8 Club ☁ See our collection of softwear - http://pax8.io/YG9P50OYkun [http://pax8.io/YG9P50OYkun]

This is 40: Confidence, Curveballs, and Caring Less | Pax8 - The Athena Rebels Podcast Episode 4

In this candid conversation, Sophie and Limara explore what it really feels like to cross the threshold into 40. From unexpected moments of clarity to the quiet confidence that comes with age, they reflect on the myths, surprises, and emotional shifts that show up along the way. Together, they share experiences of letting go of old pressures, embracing personal growth, and redefining what matters—sprinkled with humour, honesty, and the kind of wisdom that only comes from lived experience. 🔑 Key Topics Covered ✅ What it really feels like to step into your 40 ✅ Letting go of expectations, pressure, and outdated narratives ✅ The emotional shifts that come with age and lived experience ✅ Finding clarity, confidence, and self trust over time ✅ Redefining success, identity, and what truly matters ✅ Humor and honesty as tools for navigating change ✅ Embracing growth and new chapters without apology A grounding, uplifting episode for anyone stepping into a new chapter and wondering what 40 might bring. Join the rebellion: 🔔subscribe, comment, and share the topics you want us to tackle next. 📌 The views and opinions expressed in the podcasts recorded in Pax8 studios are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Pax8. This podcast should not be considered professional advice. ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS Sophie Dowsett-Smith | Strategic Consultant | Pax8 https://uk.linkedin.com/in/sophie-dowsett-smith-663b0222 [https://uk.linkedin.com/in/sophie-dowsett-smith-663b0222] Limara Thorne | Strategic Consultant | Pax8 https://uk.linkedin.com/in/limarathorne [https://uk.linkedin.com/in/limarathorne] ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ ☁ Learn More About Pax8 ☁ Why Pax8? - http://pax8.io/9oBr50OYkpi [http://pax8.io/9oBr50OYkpi] Explore our cloud marketplace - http://pax8.io/Pfoh50OYks1 [http://pax8.io/Pfoh50OYks1] ☁ Subscribe To Our Channel ☁ https://www.youtube.com/@UCPExUoFAYffRGZtFAkRH8ng [https://www.youtube.com/@UCPExUoFAYffRGZtFAkRH8ng] ☁ Follow Us ☁ LinkedIn - http://pax8.io/1jFu50JJ423 [http://pax8.io/1jFu50JJ423] Twitter - http://pax8.io/AAth50JJ42u [http://pax8.io/AAth50JJ42u] Facebook - http://pax8.io/A4gR50JJ43f [http://pax8.io/A4gR50JJ43f] ☁ Shop Pax8 Club ☁ See our collection of softwear - http://pax8.io/YG9P50OYkun [http://pax8.io/YG9P50OYkun]

The AI Bias No One is Talking About | Pax8 - The Athena Rebels Podcast Episode 3

Hosted by Sophie Dowsett-Smith and Limara Thorne, Athena Rebels dives into the hidden gender gap in AI adoption. Women are 20–25% less likely to use AI tools than men, facing barriers like lower confidence, risk aversion, and concerns about privacy and ethics. This gap means fewer women’s voices shaping the future of technology—and risks amplifying bias in AI itself. Join Sophie and Limara as they uncover why this matters, what’s driving the divide, and how closing it could unlock new opportunities for everyone. 🔑 Key Topics Covered: ✅ The gender gap in AI adoption is real: Fewer women are using AI tools, which means less representation in shaping technology. ✅ Barriers go beyond skills: Confidence, risk tolerance, workplace culture, and trust in AI are major factors holding women back. ✅ Business impact: Companies risk losing out on diverse thinking and innovation if the gap isn’t addressed. AI is now a foundational skill, not just another tool. ✅ Bias can be amplified: Underrepresentation in AI training data and usage can reinforce existing biases, making it even more important to design with diversity in mind. ✅ Opportunities for change: Closing the gap could unlock massive productivity and innovation. Women can lead the way in ethical, human-centred AI development. ✅ Action matters: Awareness, education, and intentional support—like mentoring and safe spaces to experiment—are key to bridging the divide. Join the rebellion: 🔔subscribe, comment, and share the topics you want us to tackle next. 📌 The views and opinions expressed in the podcasts recorded in Pax8 studios are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Pax8. This podcast should not be considered professional advice. ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS Sophie Dowsett-Smith | Strategic Consultant | Pax8 https://uk.linkedin.com/in/sophie-dowsett-smith-663b0222 [https://uk.linkedin.com/in/sophie-dowsett-smith-663b0222] Limara Thorne | Strategic Consultant | Pax8 https://uk.linkedin.com/in/limarathorne [https://uk.linkedin.com/in/limarathorne] ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ CONNECT WITH THE GUEST Andy Readman | Data & AI Director, Academy | Pax8 https://www.linkedin.com/in/aiandy/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/aiandy/] ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ ☁ Learn More About Pax8 ☁ Why Pax8? - http://pax8.io/9oBr50OYkpi [http://pax8.io/9oBr50OYkpi] Explore our cloud marketplace - http://pax8.io/Pfoh50OYks1 [http://pax8.io/Pfoh50OYks1] ☁ Subscribe To Our Channel ☁ https://www.youtube.com/@UCPExUoFAYffRGZtFAkRH8ng [https://www.youtube.com/@UCPExUoFAYffRGZtFAkRH8ng] ☁ Follow Us ☁ LinkedIn - http://pax8.io/1jFu50JJ423 [http://pax8.io/1jFu50JJ423] Twitter - http://pax8.io/AAth50JJ42u [http://pax8.io/AAth50JJ42u] Facebook - http://pax8.io/A4gR50JJ43f [http://pax8.io/A4gR50JJ43f] ☁ Shop Pax8 Club ☁ See our collection of softwear - http://pax8.io/YG9P50OYkun [http://pax8.io/YG9P50OYkun]