If you are on the hunt for an EA, chances are you have come across Athena Executive Assistant. And why wouldn’t you? It is one of the most talked-about companies for hiring a virtual EA. But here’s the real question – does it actually deliver on what it promises? Well, as with any service, the real proof lies in the experience.
To help you figure out if it is truly worth the investment, we will dive deep into everything Athena has to offer – the good, the “could-be-betters,” and whether it is a game-changer or just another EA company in a crowded market. So stick around – we are about to break it all down in this extensive Athena company review.
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What Is Athena Company?
Athena Executive Assistants is a high-end agency that provides dedicated executive assistants (EAs) for busy professionals and entrepreneurs. Founded in 2015, the company operates from the Philippines and employs around 3,100 executive assistants. It primarily focuses on offshore talent, with EAs serving clients globally.
Athena hires top candidates through a rigorous process involving skill assessments, personality tests, and extensive training, including a 4-week boot camp. Assistants are skilled in email management, scheduling, market research, and using AI tools like ChatGPT and Zapier.
Athena offers full-time executive assistants who work exclusively for one client, along with access to delegation playbooks, masterclasses, and networking events.
How Athena Works?
Athena blends elite human talent with AI tools to give you 360° life support and so far, it helped 55,000+ clients save 2,000,000 hours/year. Its clientele of best-selling authors, investors, founders, and podcasters also gets access to an extensive playbook library built on Athena co-founders’ experience and knowledge.
Let’s go beyond the surface and dig deeper into how Athena works.
Athena VA Hiring: What Is The Athena Interview Process?
Athena virtual assistant hiring process involves 5 simple steps to find top-notch help for you.
Step 1: Communication Assessment
First, applicants take an English test. Only those with the highest proficiency, a C2 level based on CEFR, move to the next stage.
Step 2: Personality Assessment
Those who pass the English test have to take a multi-factor personality test. Candidates are picked based on information from over 500,000 applicants.
Step 3: In-Depth Skill Review
Those who pass the personality test go through a skill evaluation that includes:
- Writing emails
- Arranging meetings
- Handling complex research tasks
Step 4: Real-Life Projects
Next, candidates will do real-world projects to test their efficiency and performance quality under pressure.
Step 5: Live Screening
Finally, they face a live evaluation to test their leadership qualities, integrity, and quick problem-solving abilities.
Step 6: 4-Week Bootcamp
Those hired enter a 4-week boot camp to learn Athena’s delegation system and how to use tools like Zapier and ChatGPT. This boot camp ensures that assistants are ready to fit into your workflows smoothly and perform all sorts of tasks.
Athena’s Customization & Executive Assistant Matching Process
Athena’s customization & EA matching process is a tailored approach designed to match clients with the right virtual executive assistant. The process begins with a detailed consultation where a dedicated team member, the Delegation Expert, assesses your specific needs.
They gather information through a delegation quiz to understand your working style and business requirements. Based on this, Athena matches you with an EA whose skills and experience align with your needs
Once paired, Athena’s onboarding program kicks in. Your EA undergoes training with a personal coach, ensuring they can provide personalized support. Over the first 100 days, Athena works closely with you and your EA to streamline processes, manage your calendar, and boost productivity
Throughout this period, the focus is on creating a seamless, long-term partnership. Your EA will be fully dedicated to you, working a 40-hour week (more on this in the next section). The process is designed to ensure that your EA not only meets your immediate needs but also grows with your business, providing long-lasting support and enhancing your efficiency.
???? That’s Astonishing!
The global virtual assistant market is projected to reach $11.9 billion by 2030.
(Source)
Virtual Assistant Client Integration
Athena follows a 1:1 model to guarantee that each virtual assistant provides dedicated service to their client. With this system, the VA builds a deep understanding of your systems and needs so they can provide more personalized support.
In addition, the Athena team provides helpful playbooks to guide clients on how to delegate tasks effectively. These will help you and your VA have a system from the get-go to make the integration more seamless.
Here’s an example of Athena’s travel planning playbook:
Lastly, Athena continuously trains its assistants to fill their knowledge gaps and help them adapt to your evolving needs.
How Long Is Athena Training?
Athena’s training program typically lasts around 4 weeks, depending on the role and the specific skills required. It is a full-on boot camp where new executive assistants learn essential skills like managing emails, scheduling, and using tools like AI for tasks.
The training is designed to ensure that every virtual assistant is fully prepared to handle a range of executive tasks. It covers everything from communication skills and time management to project management tools and client-specific systems. The focus is on building strong organizational skills and an in-depth understanding of the client’s business needs.
By the end of the training, Athena’s EAs are expected to be ready to jump in and assist with all sorts of tasks, all while maintaining a high level of professionalism. It is pretty thorough, so you can expect a well-prepared assistant to hit the ground running!
How Can An Athena Virtual Assistant Help You?
In this section, let’s dive into how an Athena virtual assistant can help you save time. Check out the various tasks they can handle to support your professional and personal life.
1. Navigate Email Inbox
Athena assistants can skilfully sort through your inbox, prioritize important emails, and draft responses to guarantee your communication stays efficient. This helps you catch every opportunity, address urgent issues, and respond promptly to critical messages.
2. Manage Calendar & Schedules
Your Athena VA can manage your calendar, schedule meetings, and remind you of important events to make sure you are where you need to be.
3. StreamlineTravel Plans
From booking flights and hotels to planning itineraries and local transport, an Athena VA can take the hassle out of travel planning. With this, you can concentrate on your agendas during business trips.
4. Coordinate & Plan Events
Athena virtual assistants can organize events, book venues, check catering options, and handle decor. With these tasks out of the way, you can focus on presenting, hosting, networking, and enjoying the event.
5. Conduct Research
An Athena VA can help you uncover insights from the web and databases, including:
- Market trends
- Competitor research
- A perfect gift for your mom
They can give you a summarized analysis that you can use to assist you in decision-making.
6. Handle Meal Plans
Your Athena VA can plan healthy meals or organize meal deliveries. They can also tailor your meal plans to fit your diet, goals, or lifestyle. No more wondering, “What’s for lunch?”
7. Identify Networking Opportunities
Your virtual assistant will be your go-to person to find events, like seminars and webinars, that match your interests. They will help you grow your network, hone your skills, or even let you explore new hobbies.
8. Streamline Communications
Your Athena VA can organize, prioritize, and guarantee timely responses to messages across platforms. This ensures your digital interactions are structured and effective.
???? Did You Know?
59% of freelancers use virtual assistants to help manage their workloads.
(Source)
How Much Does Athena Executive Assistant Cost?
Athena offers a simple pricing plan: $3,000 monthly for a full-time (40 hours/week) dedicated assistant. This fee covers the in-house assistant’s salary, training, continuous mentorship, and many benefits like health insurance.
$2,000 of the cost covers middleman fees for components like the extensive benefits they give the employees. So, while Athena guarantees quality, it also requires a significant financial commitment from you.
Who Is Athena VA Best Suited For?
Athena VA is perfect for anyone who needs help managing their business tasks but doesn’t want to hire a full-time employee. It is especially useful for:
- Busy Entrepreneurs: If you are managing a ton of tasks but can’t afford to hire full-time help, Athena VA can take care of admin work, scheduling, and customer support.
- Small Business Owners: If you are growing your business and need someone to manage your emails, handle social media, or assist with research, Athena VA has your back.
- Startups: Startups often need extra hands but have limited budgets. Athena VA provides flexible and affordable support for everything from market research to managing customer relationships.
- Solopreneurs: If you are running your business solo, a virtual assistant can help free up your time to focus on big-picture goals, while Athena VA handles the repetitive stuff.
- Professionals with Busy Schedules: Whether you are a freelancer, consultant, or executive, Athena EA can streamline tasks like calendar management, document preparation, or travel coordination, so you stay on top of your game.
Basically, if you need reliable, efficient support without the overhead, Athena VA is a great fit.
Athena EA Pros & Cons
Here’s a quick overview of the pros and cons when it comes to hiring an Athena VA.
| Pros | Cons |
| Tailored VA matching process | Expensive |
| VAs handle professional & personal tasks | Long onboarding time |
| Assistants sign NDAs for confidentiality | Cultural differences can cause challenges |
| Only the top 1% of applicants get selected | A lack of job security can demotivate your VA |
| Access to Athena’s delegation playbook | Has a long waitlist process |
Now let’s discuss these pros and cons in detail.
Pros Of Hiring Athena VAs
Here are the 4 main benefits of hiring from Athena:
I. 1:1 Assistance Model
Athena’s 1:1 model guarantees you have a dedicated assistant for focused support. With this, your VA can quickly adapt to your needs, working style, and processes. This model also helps to develop a lasting, effective partnership.
II. Rigorous Training
New hires attend a 4-week boot camp to learn about Athena’s specialized delegation system and improve their skills in handling AI tools. The training also includes:
- Apprenticeship
- Remote classroom work
- Shadow sessions with Athena leaders and high-performing, experienced Assistants.
With this extensive training, your VA will be equipped to efficiently handle diverse tasks.
III. Continuous Mentorship
Athena VAs receive ongoing training on new delegation methods, knowledge updates, and expert advice for specialized tasks. With continuous mentorship, your VA can refine their skills and be more efficient in meeting your needs.
IV. Playbook Library
You will get access to Athena’s extensive Playbook Library – guides based on real-world experiences and proven delegation methods. This will help you learn how to optimize your time, play to your strengths, and be a more effective delegator.
Cons Of Hiring Athena VAs
These cons help you set realistic expectations and understand Athena’s limitations. Here are the 3 cons you should know about:
I. High Cost
Hiring a full-time virtual assistant from Athena will cost you $3,000 monthly. This may not be sustainable for smaller companies with budget constraints. This can also be a risky investment if the VA that gets assigned to you doesn’t fit your needs.
II. Communication Issues
At times, Athena struggles with keeping its virtual assistants up-to-date because of gaps in internal communication. Your VA may not be aware of or apply the latest policies and enhancements.
III. Inadequate Training
Even with thorough training, Athena assistants may not always get all the details they need. This oversight can cause mistakes, delays in responses, and a gap between what you expect and what the VA can actually do.
???? That’s a Huge Saving
You can expect to save as much as 78% in operating costs from getting a VA instead of a traditional, in-house employee.
(Source)
Athena Executive Assistant Reviews & Feedback By Real Customers
When it comes to choosing a virtual assistant service, the real feedback from customers speaks volumes. Here are some Athena VA reviews from real customers about their experiences with the company:
Streamlining My Workload
“I’m a small business owner, and Athena Executive Assistant has been a game-changer. They handle everything from my calendar to email management, and I can finally focus on growing my business. The best part? They are always on top of things, so I don’t have to worry about missing important tasks.” – Jessica, Boutique Owner
Mixed Experience with Scheduling Support
“As someone who runs a busy startup, I was hoping Athena’s assistant could streamline my calendar and appointments. While they did a decent job with some tasks, I occasionally had to follow up to ensure everything was properly organized. The assistant was helpful, but I feel like the service could have been a bit more proactive.” — Michael, Startup Founder.
Good but Expensive
“I hired Athena for their dedicated 40-hour assistants. The quality of work is good, but the cost feels high compared to other services that offer more flexibility. It works for me because I need full-time support, but I would have preferred a more affordable option.” — Laura, Executive.
Lack of Versatility
“I was really excited to try Athena, but after a few months, I realized they only offer executive assistants and not people with a wider skill set. I needed someone who could handle both administration and marketing tasks. Athena only provided basic administrative support, which didn’t meet my needs.” — Tom, Small Business Owner
Frustrating Communication Delays
“I struggled with Athena’s communication. My assistant was good when they were on task, but if I had a quick question or needed clarification, the response time was too slow. It often felt like I had to wait too long to get the help I needed, which was frustrating.” — Jennifer, Marketing Manager
Expensive for Limited Services
“At $3,000 a month, Athena is far more expensive than similar services. While the assistant was competent, I feel like I didn’t get the value I expected. I’ve used other platforms that offered more services for a lower cost. I just didn’t see the return on investment with Athena.” — Kevin, Entrepreneur
3 Top Athena Executive Assistant Alternatives You Should Consider
If the Athena reviews have got you thinking about whether this is the right fit for your needs, you are in good company. While Athena provides a dedicated and highly skilled assistant, there are areas where it falls short.
But don’t worry, there are other excellent virtual assistant services available that could meet your needs – whether you are looking for more versatility, better pricing, or a wider range of support options. Let’s discuss the top 3 Athena alternatives in detail.
A. Genius
It might seem biased for us to mention Genius as the top alternative, however, we genuinely believe it is the best fit for many businesses looking for executive assistant services – and here’s why.
Genius stands out as the best Athena alternative with a truly unique approach to sourcing top-tier talent. Unlike many virtual assistant companies, Genius isn’t just offering “good enough” assistance; we focus on hiring A+ talent at a fraction of the cost you’d pay in the U.S.
For just $12K per year, you get an executive assistant with 5+ years of experience, perfect English, and a strong alignment with Western work culture. This is the result of Genius’ rigorous 12-step vetting process, including local university networks, on-ground recruiters, and a culture fit guarantee.
What’s even better? We offer zero risk with no monthly fees and a 6-month guarantee. This ensures that you can hire with confidence, knowing you are getting highly skilled professionals who are more than capable of handling complex tasks. Plus, Genius boasts a 97% success rate in placing high-quality talent – something many remote hiring services can’t match.
For anyone tired of dealing with low-quality applicants, sketchy credentials, or cultural mismatches, Genius is the answer. Our commitment to finding the best candidates and delivering exceptional value makes them a top contender in the executive assistant market.
- Pricing Model: One-time fee, no monthly fees
- Talent Expertise Level: Mid-level, Senior EAs
- Engagement Model: Full-time
- Year Founded: 2019
- Revenue: $1M – $2M
- No. of Employees: 25
B. Pearl Talent
Pearl Talent is a standout choice for hiring virtual assistants, especially when you want more than just a generic recruitment service. The firm takes a hands-on approach, combining personalized selection processes with a unique network that includes university professors.
This allows them to find highly qualified candidates who have 1.5+ years of experience, ensuring that you get professionals who are already well-versed in the ins and outs of the executive assistant role. Inspired by best practices from Fortune 100 managers, their EA training ensures that each executive assistant is prepared to handle the high demands of modern executives.
- Pricing Model: Monthly fees starting at $3,000
- Talent Expertise Level: Entry-level, Mid-level
- Engagement Model: Full-time, long-term placements
- Year Founded: 2021
- Revenue: $2.5M – $5M
- No. of Employees: 32
C. Magic
Magic is known for providing highly qualified and vetted professionals. Having served over 10,000 businesses, they have a structured onboarding process to ensure your assistant gets up to speed with your workflows. Each assistant undergoes over 4 weeks of training, including live tests and real-world simulations, ensuring that they are well-prepared for the tasks.
Magic also provides continuous 1-on-1 coaching where each assistant receives weekly coaching sessions to refine their skills and adapt to your evolving needs. Having been featured in The New York Times, Fortune, TechCrunch, and Wired, Magic has established itself as a trusted player in the virtual assistant market.
- Pricing Model: Hourly rates, Monthly fee. Starts at $10 per hour and $2,000 per month for business plans
- Talent Expertise Level: Entry-level, Mid-level
- Engagement Model: Full-time, Part-time
- Year Founded: 2015
- Revenue: $20M – $50M
- No. of Employees: 1,478
Conclusion
As we have seen in our Athena review, the company does a lot of things right – reliable, skilled assistants, and an easy-to-use platform. However, its pricing might be a bit steep for smaller businesses or startups that are watching their budgets closely. Plus, the initial onboarding process can be a bit slow and there are also inconsistent response times during peak periods.
If you are looking for an alternative to Athena Executive Assistant, Genius is an excellent choice. We match you with A+ executive assistants who have 5+ years of experience, perfect English, and an understanding of Western work culture – all at a fraction of the cost you’d expect to pay in the US.
Get started with Genius today and access the top 1% of executive assistants.
FAQ
What types of tasks are Athena’s virtual assistants most effective at handling?
Athena VAs are most effective at handling 3 foundational projects: inbox, travel, and calendar management.
Who is the CEO of Athena VA?
The CEO of Athena VA is Gina Cotner. She is a business leader and mentor who focuses on empowering entrepreneurs by providing virtual executive assistant services.
How old is Athena Company?
Athena VA was founded in 2015, making the company around 9 years old.
What is the average onboarding time for a new Athena virtual assistant?
The average onboarding time is 60 days. This includes the assessment, orientations, and launch.
