Our values (updated December 2022)
We work in areas that have been approached in a similar way for a looooong time. The first IPO (and therefore prospectus) was issued in 1602 and things haven't really changed much since then! So, it can be hard to imagine what a 'different way' might look like.
Our job is to help our clients see what the future could look like, and then help them deliver that new state. This is how we do it:
1 - Challenge the status quo.
Everyone at Mayflower has worked in fields other than financial services. This is part of our secret sauce, because we all bring new perspectives and experiences to the table. Plus, we have built up a considerable knowledge base around PDS best practise and our clients expect us to bring that knowledge to the table.
So when a client or staff member says ‘that’s how we’ve always done it’ it’s OK to ask why. In fact, it’s expected!
2 - Consider the big picture, identify and solve real problems.
Before we do anything, we ask:
Is this problem the one that really needs fixing?
Or is it a symptom of something else?
How can we add the most value/make the most difference?
3 - We are committed to excellence – in the short AND long term.
We take the extra few minutes to make sure our work is in top shape before it goes to a colleague OR client. We prepare in advance for every client meeting. When we meet with clients (including prospective ones), they leave feeling that time spent with us is always worth while.
And when we’re doing something new, we think about how we will do it the next 3 times. Should we do more up front so it’s less work later?
4 - Help people be the best version of themselves.
We embrace new technology and ideas and are always curious. We have training processes in place for all our team that are constantly evolving. We regularly attend industry events and webinars to keep up-to-date and improve our individual skill sets.
On a day-to-day basis, we make sure everyone gets to work on projects and tasks that use their individual strengths. We want our jobs to be a good mix of ‘I’m great at this bit’ and ‘I’m building my strengths in this bit’. Too much of the first and it gets boring, too much of the second and it’s just too hard!
5 - It’s OK to not have the answer, but don’t stop asking the question.
When something isn’t working and you can’t figure it out, don’t stew on it. Instead reach out and ask for help. And if you’re asked for help, make sure you teach your colleague so they can sort it next time. And while you’re there, write up the process in Slab so our team knowledge base is always expanding.
More broadly, if there’s an element of financial services or running a business or PDS management or AMMs (or Starwars) that you’d like to know more about, make sure you ask about that too. And if you come across a fascinating article or new way of thinking, make sure you share that with the team.
6 - Sh*t happens. Own it, fix it, learn from it and move on.
Mayflower is growing fast. Things are bound to go wrong, have to be done twice, take too long, cost too much. As long as we are constantly learning, improving and communicating what we’ve learnt, then we are all OK.
7 - Life is short, have fun!
We need to celebrate our wins just as much as learn from our mistakes. And frankly we spend too much time at work for it not to be enjoyable or at least rewarding!