Mayfair invited senior women from its portfolio companies and their guests to an evening of conversation, shared experience and new connections. The event was part of Boost!, Mayfair’s programme to strengthen relationships and unlock value across its portfolio.
The evening centred on a fireside chat between Helen Ashton and Mayfair Process Specialist for Sustainability, Sabrina Damian. Drawing on a career spanning corporate leadership, private equity-backed businesses, board roles and mentoring, Helen spoke to the group about staying curious, navigating change and taking opportunities that interest you, and deciding what success means for you.
Confidence and ‘executive presence’ are recurring themes that come up in her mentoring work. Helen questioned how often women are asked to demonstrate it without being told clearly what it means. Her practical suggestions included being intentional about where you sit in meetings and what you bring with you, bringing a clear point of view, and considering how best to make your contribution land. Her message was not that women need to become someone else, but that small, deliberate choices can help them express their judgement with confidence.
Helen also reflected on the value of connecting with other women. Earlier in her career, she said, she had avoided women’s networking events, believing that working hard would be enough. Looking back, she thought a wider network of women might have helped her see there were different ways to define success and navigate the challenges she faced. The evening gave guests the chance to share some of that perspective with one another.
The conversation continued well beyond the fireside chat. Several guests reflected on the reassurance of hearing experiences that felt familiar: navigating board meetings, finding the confidence to speak up, and working out how to remain true to yourself in environments where you may feel different.
Guest reflections:
“Hearing someone describe experiences that feel familiar can remind you that you’re not facing them alone. Challenges around confidence, speaking up and being heard may feel personal, but they are often shared.”
“Being authentic doesn’t mean holding back. It means understanding what you bring to a room, trusting that contribution and finding a way to express it clearly.”
“Executive presence can feel like a vague standard. Helen’s examples made it practical: where you sit, what you bring with you and how clearly you put forward your view.”
“Networking may not always feel natural, but the connections matter. Talking with women who understand the pressures of senior roles can bring perspective, ideas and support.”
Boost! Women is an opportunity for women across Mayfair’s portfolio to learn from an experienced leader as well as one another. Supporting professional development at both in-person and online events is an important part of the Boost! programme, which is intended to help people build connections that can continue long after an event has ended.
