The Athena Rebels podcast challenges the status quo by confronting real issues women face in tech and the modern workplace.
Hosted by longtime friends and Pax8 Academy leaders Sophie Dowsett-Smith and Limara Thorne, this podcast goes deeper than a corporate pep talk.
Grounded in the wisdom of the goddess Athena and fueled by a rebellious spirit, the hosts bring humor, vulnerability and lived experience to these bold discussions.
Athena Rebels offers fearless conversations that challenge, connect and change.
Ready to join the rebellion? 💛
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The Let Them Theory: The Mindset Shift Everyone Needs | Pax8 - The Athena Rebels Podcast Episode 11
Athena Rebels dives into Mel Robbins’ The Let Them Theory—a mindset shift that’s changing how we lead, collaborate, and protect our energy. In her latest book, Robbins argues that most stress comes from trying to control other people’s choices. Her solution?
Two words: Let Them. Stop policing, start focusing on what you can control—your actions, boundaries, and mindset.
19 Aug 2026
From Finance Expert to MSP Voice: Building a Business and a Brand | Pax8 - The Athena Rebels Podcast Episode 10
From finance expert to trusted MSP industry voice, Heather MacDonald Alford has built a business, a brand, and a reputation that cuts through the noise.
In this episode of Athena Rebels, Heather shares her journey from finance professional to founder of Counting Creators and one of the most respected financial advisors in the MSP community. We explore what it really takes to build credibility, establish authority in your market, and grow a business that people trust.
29 Jul 2026
The Truth About Juggling Work, Life & Expectations | Pax8 - The Athena Rebels Podcast Episode 9
Can women really have it all? And if not, why do we keep expecting ourselves to?
In this episode of Athena Rebels, we get honest about the myth of work-life balance, the pressure of juggling competing priorities, and the exhausting feeling that we’re somehow falling short in every area of life. We explore why trying to do it all isn’t sustainable, how expectations—both external and self-imposed—shape our choices, and why sometimes ”good enough” is more than enough.
24 Jun 2026
Mastering Your Craft: Lessons from Limara Thorne | Pax8 - The Athena Rebels Podcast Episode 8
In this episode of Athena Rebels, Sophie sits down with Limara for an honest conversation about sales — how she found her way into it, why she loves it, and why it’s so often misunderstood.
Limara shares her journey into sales (not necessarily a straight line), what keeps her passionate about it, and how her approach has evolved over time. Building on our previous episode, we explore how understanding behavioural colours has changed the way Limara connects with customers — helping her build trust, adapt her communication style, and sell with authenticity rather than pressure.
20 May 2026
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.
15 Apr 2026
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.
18 Mar 2026
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.
18 Feb 2026
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.
21 Jan 2026
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.
17 Dec 2025
Confidence Uncovered: Myths, Mindsets and Mentorship | Pax8 - The Athena Rebels Podcast Episode 2
Is confidence something you’re born with, or can it be built?
In this episode of Athena Rebels, hosts Sophie Dowsett-Smith and Limara Thorne dive deep into the realities of confidence in the workplace. They share personal stories, explore personality differences, and discuss why confidence often gets misunderstood, especially for women in tech.
14 Nov 2025
No More Status Quo: The Athena Rebels Origin Story | Pax8 - The Athena Rebels Podcast Episode 1
In the debut episode of Athena Rebels, hosts Limara Thorne and Sophie Dowsett-Smith confront the conversations that professionals shy away from in tech and the modern workplace. From navigating male-dominated industries to rebuilding confidence after career setbacks, Limara and Sophie share their real-life journeys, including workplace bullying, returning from maternity leave, and daring to reinvent their careers in tech despite battling imposter syndrome.
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
6 ratings
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