‘It’s About Balance’: CFO Kate Cowan and daughter Olivia talk family, careers, and work experience

As conversations about how to support working parents continue to gather momentum, we sat down with Hope Capital’s Chief Financial Officer, Kate Cowan, and her 14-year-old daughter Olivia, who recently completed her first work experience placement with the lender.

Kate joined Hope Capital in 2019 and, in 2023, achieved one of her proudest career milestones, becoming CFO.

It’s an impressive achievement in any industry, but in the financial sector, where senior female leaders are still in the minority, it’s particularly inspiring.

Yet for Kate, professional success has always gone hand in hand with her most important role, being a hands-on mum.

What is it like working full-time as a mum with two children?

Kate: I’m incredibly proud to be mum to Olivia, who’s 14, and Teddy, who’s 7. I won’t pretend it’s easy,  juggling a senior role and raising two children definitely has its challenges.

Many working mums will relate to the guilt of feeling they’re not fully present at work or at home, and the mixed messages society sends about what being a “good mum” should look like don’t help.

I’m fortunate to have both a husband who completely understands the demands of my role and a CEO who truly appreciates the realities of being a parent. That support, at home and at work, makes all the difference.

How do you find balance between work and family, and what advice would you give to other parents?

Kate: Balance is an ongoing process. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach because your children’s needs, their ages, and your work demands all come into play. Whether you work full-time or part-time, it can still be incredibly challenging.

A lot of parents will know the feeling of being physically in one place but mentally somewhere else. That’s why having strong support networks is vital.

I’m lucky that Hope Capital understands the importance of family. If I’ve needed extra time for personal commitments, they’ve always been supportive, but I know from experience that not every employer is like that.

When Olivia was younger, I didn’t have that flexibility, and frequent travel meant I missed moments like sports days and Christmas plays. Those are memories you can’t get back, and no parent should have to carry the guilt of missing them.

Olivia, what’s it been like growing up with a CFO for a mum?

Olivia: Honestly, it’s inspiring. Seeing Mum lead at work and then still run things at home makes me think, “I could do that one day too.” I don’t always understand exactly what her job involves, but I’ve learned that hard work and aiming high are important.

Kate: I think the Covid lockdowns gave Olivia a real insight into my day-to-day work. She saw what goes into running a business and leading a team. It was eye-opening for her, and for me, to share that side of my life.

Olivia, you’ve just completed your first work experience. How important do you think that is for young people?

Olivia: I think it’s essential. You can only learn so much from school, work experience lets you see what different jobs are really like.

My week at Hope Capital was great because I got to work in different departments and see how each team contributes.

It’s helped me understand how businesses operate, and it’s given me a sense of what I might want to do in the future, even though right now I’m thinking about a career in law.

Kate: We were lucky Hope Capital could give Olivia the opportunity. At 14, there are a lot of restrictions on placements, and although people were supportive when I reached out, most couldn’t help because of age limits.

I think that’s something that needs reviewing; younger teens should be able to explore the workplace earlier.

The experience here has been so valuable. Even if Olivia chooses a completely different career path, she’s learned how workplaces function, how teams communicate, and how rewarding it feels to contribute to something real. These are skills that will serve her well, whatever she does.

Why do you think more businesses should offer work placements?

Kate: The job market is tough for young people, and employers often say new recruits lack workplace skills.

According to the CIPD, only one in four employers feel young people are well-prepared for work. Giving them the chance to develop skills like teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and presentation early on is vital.

That’s why I’d encourage other lenders, and businesses in general, to open their doors to work placements. It’s a win-win. Young people gain confidence and experience, and employers get the chance to inspire the next generation.

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