Cowens Careers: Building Futures- Part One

Featuring: Lisa, Matthew & Oliver

For more than four decades, Cowens has played a central role in one family’s life, beginning with Lisa’s career in the 1980s and continuing today through her sons, Matthew and Oliver. In Part One of this two-part series, we explore their early memories, first roles, and what drew each of them into the business.

Lisa: Joining Cowens in 1984
Q: When did you first join Cowens, and what was your role back then?
Lisa: I joined Cowens in August 1984 as a receptionist and admin/post assistant. All the processes were manual- no computers, lots of paperwork, and a more formal dress code. The pace was slower, and everything relied on in-person interactions.

Matthew: Childhood Memories & His First Steps Into Cowens
Q: What inspired you to follow your mum into the business?
Matthew: Some of my earliest memories are being brought into the office as a child and firing elastic bands at people who are still colleagues today!
My proper introduction came at 15 during work experience, I spent a week on reception and doing admin tasks. I already knew about Cowens from Mum, but seeing it up close was eye-opening.
When I got the chance to join as a paid employee at 21, I jumped at it, I knew Cowens was a great environment with friendly people and real career opportunities. I spent a couple of years in reception and admin (and lots of staple picking!) before joining Karl in Broking and developing from there.

Oliver: From University U-Turn to Full-Time Opportunity
Q: How did your Cowens journey begin, and what inspired you to join?
Oliver: I was originally set to go to university after my A-levels, but at the last minute I decided to defer, something didn’t feel right. I’d really enjoyed my Finance A-level, and during a chat with Mum I mentioned it. She suggested asking Financial Services whether they needed admin support.
I didn’t expect anything, but the next day they wanted my CV. Before I knew it, I had two interviews and a full-time offer. Because Cowens was so familiar, it felt like the easiest decision.
My first couple of years were spent doing a mixture of admin, accounts, and reception. From there, I naturally moved into more technical admin work, eventually progressing into paraplanning and recently completed my Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning (February 2025).

End of Part One
In Part Two, we explore how each of them developed into their current roles, how Cowens has supported their progression, and what it means to build a family legacy within the business.
👉 Stay tuned for Part Two of Cowens Careers: Building Futures