Athena vs. Boldly: Where To Find Your Top Executive Assistants for Your Business

For busy leaders juggling countless priorities, hiring an executive assistant (EA) can be the difference between constant fire-fighting and real progress. Two EA services — Athena and Boldly — help you reclaim your time and improve productivity. 

The best assistants are strategic allies who handle everything from workflow optimization and meeting coordination to travel planning and expenses. However, the challenge is finding an EA whose skills and experience align with your work style and growth goals. 

Explore the differences between Athena versus Boldly EAs so you can find the service model that’s suited to your needs.

How Athena and Boldly Measure Up

Athena and Boldly have their own approaches to executive assistance.

At Athena, we believe exceptional support starts with personalized partnerships. That’s why we recruit EAs from across the U.S. and globally to match you with the exact qualifications you’re looking for. You gain a full-time, trusted collaborator who’s invested in your success and helps you operate at your highest level.

Athena Assistants integrate into your workflows and understand your priorities — working autonomously while anticipating your needs. Their unmatched attention to detail keeps projects on track and addresses issues before they escalate. So not only do Athena EAs offer immediate impact, but they add long-term value, as well.

By comparison, Boldly’s fractional workers assist you on a part-time basis. They focus mainly on routine administrative duties — such as scheduling, data entry, and email management — rather than complex, higher-impact tasks. With the Boldly model, you scale hours up or down as needed, making this a practical option for leaders who don’t require full-time support. 

The Benefits of Letting an EA Take the Reins

The benefits of hiring an EA go beyond clearing your to-do list. By delegating high-value but time-consuming tasks — like coordinating projects and preparing reports — you free up time for the planning and decision-making that moves your business forward. 

This boosts efficiency and can also reduce costs, since EAs take on multiple roles that might otherwise call for additional staff. Instead of bringing in separate employees for scheduling, bookkeeping, or invoicing, a skilled assistant can handle all three, streamlining operations and saving on payroll expenses. 

On top of that, hiring an EA gives you greater flexibility. Premium assistants, like those from Athena, adapt to shifting priorities and scale their support as your business grows. That way, you always have the amount of help when you need it. 

Why an Athena EA Could Be Your Smartest Hire

Athena is the go-to provider for remote executive assistant services. Our EAs are true strategic partners who help transform the way you work and lead. Here’s what sets Athena executive assistants apart from what you’ll find with other EA services:

• Elite talent selection: Athena handpicks top-tier assistants from a global talent pool, so you’re paired with someone who meets our rigorous standards. Every Athena Assistant goes through rigorous training to ensure they can perform in high-pressure environments.
• Structured onboarding and ongoing training: New EAs complete a comprehensive onboarding program that aligns them with your goals and work style right out the gate. We also provide ongoing training to refine and sharpen their skill set over time.
• AI-enhanced productivity tools: We equip all our assistants with proprietary advanced AI tools to accelerate workflows and automate repetitive tasks. By combining expert human insight with cutting-edge technology, work gets done faster and with fewer errors.
• Comprehensive benefits package: Athena Assistants receive competitive pay along with health insurance, paid leave, and perks like mental health support. This investment in our EAs’ well-being translates to higher retention and greater motivation at work.
• Continuous career growth: Athena attracts and retains top talent by offering career advancement and skill-building opportunities. Our focus on professional development ensures your assistant consistently improves and excels in their role. 
• Strong security and confidentiality protocols: Athena follows strict safety measures and confidentiality protocols. Our EAs handle data with the highest level of discretion and care so your details remain secure.
• Personalized coaching delegation: The Athena team coaches you on delegating effectively so you get maximum value from your assistant. With this guidance, you can free up more time in your schedule to devote to high-impact priorities.
• Cultural fit and buy-in: Athena EA services match you with an assistant whose personality, values, and communication style complement yours. This lays the foundation for a smoother working relationship and long-term collaboration.

Considerations Before Choosing a Boldly Assistant

While Boldly is well-known in the remote assistant world, there are several limitations to its EA services. Understanding these downsides can help you determine if Boldy is the right choice for your executive needs:

• Primarily part-time hours: Boldly focuses on providing fractional administrative support that responds to requests within a few hours or the next business day. This falls short for leaders who need dedicated, reliable assistance. Relying on part-time help can lead to slower response times and possible project delays.
• Less emphasis on strategic partnership: Boldy’s model focuses more on checking off tasks rather than developing a deep, proactive partnership. This hinders your assistant’s ability to contribute to strategic planning and decision-making.
• Limited ongoing training: Boldly provides minimal ongoing coaching for their assistants, which holds EAs back from expanding their knowledge and developing new skills. Over time, a lack of training can affect both the quality and scope of an EA’s support.
• No proprietary tech: While Boldly uses AI tools in their workflows, they don't have proprietary technology. Without custom-built systems, they're limited in how much they can automate, optimize, and tailor services to their clients.
• Less focus on leadership enablement: Boldly’s EA services focus on task completion rather than providing leaders with high-level, strategic support. As a result, Boldly assistants have less capacity to influence productivity or advance your goals.

Comparing Athena vs. Boldly: Which One Is Right for You?

When evaluating Athena versus Boldly, consider factors like their depth of support, range of services, and training and development. These criteria will guide you toward the provider with the right balance of expertise and overall value. 

Here’s a side-by-side comparison to help you visualize how these options stack up:

How Athena Supercharges Executive Performance

Athena breaks the mold of traditional EA services. We don’t just send you résumés; we carefully match you with a highly qualified assistant who tackles short-term tasks and supports your long-term vision.

Thanks to our customized hiring process, your personal Athena Assistant understands how you think, work, and lead. While you navigate big picture goals, your assistant acts as your second brain — anticipating what needs to be done and staying two steps ahead.

When you hire an Athena Assistant to own details that slow you down, you reclaim valuable time and freedom to lead with intention. That’s what makes partnering with Athena the key to unlocking your full potential.

Get Started With an Athena Assistant

Athena Assistants are the hidden superpower behind founders, investors, and world-class leaders. They’re attuned to the pace and pressure of your role and help you operate at your highest level while continually growing in their own careers. 

Even better, Athena EAs work proactively so you get to invest your energy where it matters most: leading and growing your business. 

‍Contact Athena today and find an assistant who transforms your daily workflows and makes high-impact contributions to your success. There’s no better time to bring on dedicated support with an elite EA.