Member in the Spotlight:

Colette Bane: Embodying the Spirit of Athena 

Every so often, a woman enters our community who quietly, gracefully, and unmistakably embodies everything Athena stands for.
Today, with deep appreciation and acknowledgement, we are delighted to shine a light on Colette Bane, Family Solicitor at Knights.

Colette’s journey with Athena began in the most fitting way, through a moment of recognition.

Years ago, at a Christmas networking event in SW Oxfordshire, Regional Director Lindsay McLoughlin noticed Colette immediately.
Not because she was the loudest in the room.
Not because she was pushing her business card into every hand.

But because of her quiet composure, her thoughtful presence, and the way others, including fellow family solicitors, genuinely respected her.

Lindsay later shared:

“There was something special about Colette. When I met her, I created a group around her because she was so special.”

And she was right.

When the two met in January to discuss Lindsay’s idea for a new Athena group, Colette arrived with an open mind, and left as one of its founding members. She has been part of our network ever since, later moving to the Newbury group when her role shifted, where she continues to contribute with warmth and integrity.

A Woman Who Acknowledges Others and Helps Them Acknowledge Themselves

Colette didn’t join Athena to simply attend meetings.

She joined to participate, to support, and to grow, not just her own business, but the women around her.

She used PASS+ visits.
She showed up consistently.
She said yes to opportunities.
She delivered thoughtful Business Development Trainings (BDT).

And one training in particular has rippled across the network:

Her powerful and compassionate session on how your networking colleagues can support a friend through a relationship breakdown.

What sets this BDT apart is not just the content but the way Colette updates it the day before each delivery to reflect the roles and strengths of the women in that room.  She acknowledges every woman present, showing how each person contributes meaningfully to someone’s healing, resilience, and support system.

As Colette’s Regional Director Lara Lauder says:

“Colette is a truly wonderful member who embodies the very essence of Athena. Her presence in the region always brings a smile, she arrives with sparkly eyes, warmth, and a way of making everyone feel instantly welcome. One of the things she is most known for is her love of coffee and cake, not just for the treats themselves, but because she uses those moments to genuinely get to know people. It’s her signature way of building deep, meaningful connections. I absolutely love having Colette as a member.”

And everyone who has experienced her training would agree.

A Woman Who Lives the Monday Muse

Last week, Colette shared a reflection on the Monday Muse that spoke volumes about who she is:

“Clarity rarely arrives in the hustle. Clarity arrives when we pause long enough to hear ourselves.”

Her own invitation?
Simply to breathe.

It is exactly this blend of wisdom, sensitivity, leadership, and gentle strength that makes Colette such an asset to our community — and such a beautiful representation of the heart of Athena.

She encourages women to pause.
To reflect.
To make thoughtful decisions.
To honour the quiet spaces.
And to remember that clarity is an act of acknowledgement too.

Why We Spotlight Colette Today

We recognise Colette not only for what she does, but for who she is.

A woman of integrity
A woman of contribution
A woman who uplifts other women through empathy and expertise
A woman who shows up fully, quietly, consistently, powerfully

She is a reminder that leadership doesn’t always announce itself.  Sometimes, it simply walks into a room, offers a steady presence, and changes everything.

Colette, thank you for the grace, compassion, and depth you bring to our Athena community.