The Athena Effect

Dr Bex attended the Athena Effect event at the Grovesnor Hotel in London organised by the formidable Dame Kelly Holmes. The event brought together an inspiring group of women to share ideas, experiences, and conversations about leadership, resilience, and the realities of working in demanding professional environments.

During the event, Dr Bex had the honour of taking to the stage as part of a panel discussion exploring “high-stakes professions”. The discussion provided an opportunity for her to reflect on her own professional journey - from her time in the military, through her transition into medicine, and the experiences that ultimately inspired her to found Sisters In Service.

Following the panel, the focus shifted from speaking to listening, as Dr Bex joined the audience to hear from a series of remarkable women sharing their perspectives. Conversations ranged widely, covering topics from menopause and wellbeing to English sparkling wines and even the emerging discussions around psilocybin. The breadth of topics highlighted both the diversity of experiences in the room and the openness of the conversations taking place.

One of the most memorable aspects of the event was reconnecting with fellow women veterans. These moments of connection added another layer of meaning to the day.

The spoken word performance by a fellow female veteran proved to be a standout moment, delivering a powerful and moving piece that resonated strongly with those in attendance.

Overall, the event was a wonderful opportunity for Dr Bex to meet and connect with so many inspiring women. The conversations, shared experiences, and powerful voices throughout the day left her feeling both energised and inspired in many different ways.