The final session of the Emerging Leaders Program 2026 marked the end of an incredible journey. During the very first session in February, Linda from Athena Leadership Academy, who develop and delivered the program, promised that we would be taken out of our comfort zones, challenged, learn new things about ourselves, and emerge with new skills that would help us see the bigger picture and become more confident leaders. And that’s exactly what happened throughout the course. From challenging discussions and self-reflection exercises to delivering a presentation to a room full of senior leaders, the program certainly pushed me well beyond my comfort zone. I was amazed by the diversity of leadership styles, approaches, and personal stories that were shared. One of the key lessons I learned is that there is no single "right" way to lead. Effective leadership comes in many forms, and understanding that has broadened my perspective significantly. For me, this learning journey was particularly timely, as I was promoted during the course. It’s given me the opportunity to put my new skills into practice and start applying what I learned. I am grateful for the experience, the insights gained, and the connections made along the way. Big thanks for making this happen, helping me on the way, sharing words of wisdom.

Linda is an outstanding leadership coach. She is an expert in her field and has an incredible ability to draw out the gold in people and take them from mediocre leaders to inspiring ones. Her approach to coaching, encouragement, wisdom and advice make her coaching sessions invaluable for any leader. She equips people with a comprehensive tool kit to approach leadership with confidence.

Linda is an exceptional coach who brings her wealth of knowledge to help people both personally and professionally. Her approach is kind, open, and honest. From our very first session I felt genuinely heard and understood. Through her coaching I have shifted the way I think, and that shift has touched every area of my life. I've found greater clarity and confidence in my decisions, a healthier balance between work and life, and a renewed sense of direction in my career. She has brought the best out in me, challenging me to grow in ways I didn't anticipate while always meeting me with warmth and encouragement. Working with Linda doesn't just change what you do, it changes how you see yourself. Would highly recommend!

Linda was kind, informed and supportive across the course of our coaching sessions. She encouraged me to identify the areas of focus and then worked through my questions and thoughts. Would highly recommend!

Linda Murray and her team at Athena Leadership Academy (ALA) came highly recommended to our engineering consultancy business from one of my most trusted mentors in our search for an external consultant to assist us with our training and development objectives as part of our pursuit of our strategic growth plan. We are certainly grateful for this initial connection with Linda and since our first introduction discussion with ALA over Zoom, we have now been working with ALA for a little over 2 years in their support of the professional development and training of our entire team. From a customised leadership training course spanning 6 months for our senior leadership team, to self-awareness and communication training for our entire team, to dedicated on-going professional coaching for several of our female leaders, our experiences with ALA and the benefits we have identified across our business due to the energy, knowledge and commitment they bring to their services and support has been nothing short of amazing.

Linda is positive, considered and passionate. She cares about her clients and is amenable to their needs and wants. Linda is committed to assisting her clients improve themselves and is encouraging through times of change

Working with Linda has completely changed how I show up at work, both in leading my team and managing myself. Linda has been an incredible sounding board, always providing guidance without judgment. She helps you understand underlying issues and find effective ways to overcome fears and poor management habits, fostering greater confidence in the workplace. One of the most significant changes I've experienced is the elimination of imposter syndrome. Thanks to Linda's coaching, I now recognise my true value and can contribute in meetings with a confidence I never had before. Linda's insights have empowered me to take on challenges I previously shied away from, such as public speaking and presenting on camera. Linda's leadership courses are invaluable. Her support and strategies have enabled me to step up in ways I never thought possible. I cannot recommend her courses enough for anyone looking to enhance their leadership skills and self-confidence. The lessons taken away flow both through my professional and personal life.

Working with Athena Leadership Academy has been nothing short of fantastic. Both for our business and personally. The creative and safe space provided to connect, understand and acheive is exceptional.

As the local L&D Head of a large global Banking Institution, it has been my great pleasure to partner with Linda Murray of the Athena Leadership Academy to deliver some high impact learning, coaching and mentoring programs that have benefited our people and added great value to the Organisation. I love Linda’s pragmatic style; she starts with the end in mind and asks the right questions, listening intently to ensure she understands what we are trying to achieve. While based in a very solid theoretical foundation, Linda’s proposals are practical. She has run her own business and understands the challenges leaders face and what would work in our context. Linda has added real value to our organization in a number of areas including leadership, executive presence, influencing, career development and personal effectiveness. We trust her with our most senior leaders and hi-potentials not only in Australia, but across the APAC region. Our employees have always provided excellent feedback on Linda’s programs; they find her both knowledgeable and inspiring and have said she is someone who “walks the talk”. Managers have commented they have observed an increase in confidence in their people, having attended one of Linda’s programs. I would describe Linda’s style as charismatic and engaging; whether she is coaching an Executive or running a session on influencing for our front line staff, Linda is able to connect with people and inspire them to want to develop themselves. I have no hesitation in recommending the Athena Leadership Academy to anyone who may be looking to build capability in their business and I look forward to further great collaboration with Linda.

Absolute powerhouse – grounds all work in theory base research, such a wonderful experience and outcome orientated leadership work, recommend for any business wanting to thrive.