Cowens Careers: Building Futures- Michelle and Libby Ramsey

At Cowens, family has always been at the heart of our culture and for Michelle and her daughter Libby Ramsey, that’s true in more ways than one. Michelle first walked through the doors of Cowens as a 16-year-old and over the past 35 years has built a career that has seen both the business and her own role evolve with the times. In the summer of 2024, her daughter Libby followed in her footsteps with an internship, and has since joined the business full-time after finishing her GCSEs. In this blog, we sit down with Michelle and Libby to reflect on their journeys, the Cowens culture that connects them, and the exciting future they see ahead.

Starting out young at Cowens
 
Michelle: What was it like beginning your career at Cowens as a teenager?
I was almost 16 when I started my journey at Cowens in July 1990- well before Google and emails!  Office equipment included carbon paper memo pads and fax machines.
Obviously, at that age, any career path would have felt daunting; starting at Cowens was no exception. I remember my first day vividly with Bob Cowen telling me “don’t call me Mr Cowen, call me Bob”
Despite her confidence and mature attitude, Libs would have felt exactly the same. It’s a big step in life.
 
Libby: How does it feel to be starting your own journey at the same company after your GCSEs?
Starting a job like this after GCSEs is daunting and very different to school life; however, everyone has made it very comfortable and knowing my mum is also at the company provides extra reassurance.

2.           Inspiration and influence

Michelle: In what ways has your career shaped how Libby sees Cowens?

Family culture is a large part of Cowens foundations.  We have a fair few long standing staff who aren’t just colleagues, over the years they have become good friends. Libby has seen this first-hand.

Libby: How has your mum’s career inspired or influenced your own decision to join Cowens?

When I was younger, I used to come into the office with my mum. I could see her colleagues asking her questions on certain situations, and it encouraged me to try and learn everything I could about the job so that I could be the one people came to with their questions.

3.           The Cowens culture

Michelle: What has kept you at Cowens for over 35 years?

Having now been at Cowens for just over 35 years, clearly, I have witnessed lots of changes within the business and have had the pleasure of seeing the company develop and grow to where we are today, and it feels great to be part of that.  

Libby: What have you noticed about the culture since joining full-time, and how has it helped you settle in?

Everyone in the office helps each other and works together; whether it’s dealing with client meetings or just managing documents, this has really helped me settle in at Cowens, as I know people are there to help when I need.

4.           Looking at changes and the future

Michelle: What’s the biggest change you’ve seen at Cowens since you started?

The future is exciting for Cowens, and I am thrilled Libs will be a part of that.  She is super hard-working and a joy to be around, and I am confident she will blend into the culture that we have. One month in Libby seems to be really enjoying her time.  Everyone has made her feel really welcome, she has thrown herself into social events already- including playing padel, she is very competitive, so watch out!  Libby has big aspirations to do well in her career, which Cowens will embrace.

Libby: What excites you most about the future at Cowens and your career ahead?

The most exciting thing about my career ahead is starting my revision to complete my RO exams (the first set of Financial Planning examinations), so I will eventually get my diploma, and hopefully do my next exams to become chartered.

5.           Advice across generations

Michelle: What advice would you give Libby (or your younger self) about building a career at Cowens?

I do find that schools tend to concentrate more on A level and Uni placements rather than opening students’ eyes to other possibilities and career avenues to explore. 

My advice to any young adult is don’t wait for opportunities to land in your lap, put yourself out of your comfort zone and grab opportunities with both hands, who knows where it could lead with hard work and dedication!

Libby: What advice would you give to other young people just finishing school and considering their first career step?

My advice now to younger people who have just finished school and are considering starting work is to not panic so much about their first day, as, if it’s anything like Cowens, all the staff will welcome you with open arms.

Michelle and Libby’s journeys highlight both Cowens’ history and its future. For Michelle, it’s been a career built on trust and long-standing relationships; for Libby, it’s the start of an exciting path with big ambitions ahead. Together, they reflect the values that continue to make Cowens a place where people can grow and thrive.