About Emma — AGORA

Emma Watkins is an inherently curious human, an entrepreneur who passionately believes in the power of the collective to drive positive sustainable impact and change. A yoga teacher, lover of nature and the outdoors, Emma pursues deep and extensive learning in the fields of mental and physical health, acknowledging that success in life, goes hand in hand with achieving self mastery.

Emma started her career at systematic Investment Manager, Winton Capital Management, moving after 5 years, to become Operations Director at Fifty Technology, a technology company focused on large scale analysis of Social Media data.

Whilst at Fifty, Emma created an informal network for business founders that she developed and launched as Agora in 2017 - a values driven members club, uniting Founders driving mission based business, across the globe.

Alongside, Emma also completed her 200 hr vinyasa yoga teacher training, and a specialised trauma training in the US, cementing a life long interest and dedication to exploration of self, and healing.

At the start of 2019, Emma took the decision to wind down the membership operations of Agora. A burnout had forced her to take a step back, and re-evaluate. She acknowledged that the business would be better placed supporting less, but with more. She remained and remains very active in the entrepreneurial space, and closely connected to the original membership group. Agora is now a consultancy focused on wellbeing and community, bringing together her life passions: mind and body and community to bring about and enable change.

Emma passionately believes that mind healing has to be complemented by somatic work, and is always open to, and exploring the new and old to disrupt the current health solution status quo.

She splits her time between yoga teaching, working with investment opportunities in the med and bio tech spaces, and advising businesses and individuals on how to build resilience, and their own wobble toolkits to help them navigate a long term sustainable path to success.

Thank you.

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“Emma is the most inspiring teacher and each lesson I am always taken aback by her deep understanding of the practice. This most certainly isn’t a generic yoga class! Each class is totally focused on your specific needs that day, she also knows just when to challenge you. I was slightly apprehensive having never done yoga before how I would learn via zoom but her instructions are so clear I can follow easily, even with my eyes closed. Emma doesn’t just teach how to do yoga but instils a love of the practice. Could not recommend her more as a teacher.”

— Emma, Oncologist & Mother

“I have attended individual and group stretch and strength classes with Emma. She has an extensive knowledge of Yoga and its different formats. She is always keen to explain her processes, provide demonstrations, and assesses how effective each pose is for each member of her class. I only required one-to-one classes for a few months as it was clear that the treatments were working and my knowledge was improving. I now feel that I have the knowledge to be able to continue with my stretches on my own. Six months after my first class, I have reduced pain in my knees and hips and, as I approach a Half Ironman triathlon, I am confident my active lifestyle will continue for a few more years.”

— Colonel N Tomlin, OBE

“I have been attending Emma’s online pre natal yoga sessions whilst waiting for my second baby boy this spring/summer. Despite my reservations about taking part online, I have been absolutely blown away by how accessible the sessions are, how it being online has had no negative impact upon my ability to take part, to relax but also work really hard to the benefit of both my mind and my body. I have never taken part in yoga sessions before whereby I find the sessions challenging but at the same time so rewarding. Emma is patient, skilled and knowledgeable about pre natal yoga and her teaching style is calm but empowering at the same time. I would highly recommend the sessions to anyone who needs time and space in their week to focus on themselves during pregnancy - your mind and body will definitely be stronger as a result! ”

— Imogen, Working Professional, Mother & Mother To Be

“I was amazed at how effective the stretches in Emma’s session were. When I told her about my issues she was brilliant at honing in on those areas and giving me stretches that I could easily do and easily repeat afterwards. I’ve definitely noticed a difference in my mobility and well being.

I shared these sessions with other guys in exactly the same place as me, which helped. I’d actually done a bit of yoga in the past so thought I knew a bit, but Emma’s terrific knowledge and super clear teaching style built on this and meant I learnt so much more.

The Yin Yoga techniques where you hold stretches for several minutes and focus on breathing, was perfect for me because I could practically meditate in each stretch. This was therefore extremely helpful in the middle of a busy WFH day. I actually think it made me more productive in the afternoon!”

— Dave, Working Professional & Father

“Emma is one of the special ones. A human being capable of driving change through her ability to connect people and ideas with a combination of heart and smart insight. She is a system thinker, a connector, a creator, a teacher and one of the kindest human beings who wants and delivers the best for those she works with.”

— Caroline Casey, Founder The Valuable 500

“Emma is one of those women who is trailblazing the future of business. Her caring, empathetic nature coupled with her smart and strategic knowledge sets her apart from most. She’s able to bring together communities, transform growing businesses and help businesses do the right thing. Working with Emma is not only a joy it is game changing for all of us, she joins the dots and brings ideas to life. ”

— Charlotte Pearce, CEO Inkpact

“The early days of Loop were very bumpy and hard to navigate through – Emma made it easier. Her experience in working with entrepreneurs allowed her to both give us great support, and make introductions that helped us grow. Thank you Emma for being a great mentor, supporter and friend!”

— Ali Attar, Founder Purpl