×
×
×
×

Career Insights with Helen Vaughan

March 8, 2023 | Helen Vaughan

For International Women’s Day, XA Investments would like to recognize Helen Vaughan. Our team recommended Helen for a board role on an UK investment trust that is under development through our XAI consulting practice. Helen currently serves as non-executive director on three Irish fund boards, an Irish management company, a UK ACD company and a UK investment trust. Previously, Helen was the Chief Operating Officer at the JOHCM Group, Director of Business Development at Credit Suisse, Head of Investment Operations at SLC Asset Management, and Head of Client Accounting at Framlington.

Helen believes surrounding yourself with good people, listening to different perspectives but ultimately taking responsibility for the decisions you make is crucial to success. We are pleased to share some of her insights and offer others the opportunity to learn from her.

What is your most valued skill or personality trait that has helped drive your career success?

I was very fortunate to be brought up in a loving and nurturing family. My parents gave me the inner self confidence to pursue what I think is right (a trait I share with my father). In addition to having confidence in my decisions, I think that one of my most valuable personality traits is being pragmatic. I have also been very fortunate with respect to the people who have worked for me – I do not think you can succeed without surrounding yourself with good people and listening to different perspectives. That being said, you must ultimately take responsibility for the decisions you make.

Why did you pursue various non-executive director (NED) roles and how do you think you were best prepared to take on that type of governance role?

After nearly 30 years as an executive in investment management, I took the opportunity to retire from my executive life, move to West Wales and rebalance my life. This involved taking care of my two elderly parents and reassessing my priorities. I am a doer and needed to maintain work engagement, which I was able to do through my NED roles. Prior to retiring as an executive, I qualified as a Certified Investment Fund Director, so the transition from executive to a governance role was fairly seamless. Since then, I have continued to add to my portfolio of NED roles.

Recommendations for resources for women looking to advance their careers?

When I started work in the 1980s, things were very different. The large accountancy firm I trained with did not even have one female partner at that time! Things have progressed in leaps and bounds, and there are now many more opportunities for women and groups which can help women advance their careers. Women in Asset Servicing, Women in Investment, the Diversity Project and many other groups all help in providing opportunities for career progression. However, there is no real substitute for finding a strong mentor within your work organization to help you progress.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

cont
  • Back to Top