This Women’s Month, we’re shining a spotlight on the women driving innovation and impact at Ozow. Meet Rachel Cowan, our Interim CEO, who has spent over four years shaping our journey, inspiring teams, and leading with resilience, integrity, and compassion.
Time at Ozow: +4 years
Q: What does Women’s Day mean to you?
For me, Women’s Day is about honouring independence and the ability to make your own choices and shape your own future. It’s a reminder of the women who came before us and the freedoms they fought for, and it’s a commitment to showing up every day for all women by not letting those sacrifices be in vain. For me, Women’s day is really about making sure the next generation of girls and young women can see that it can be done, and that they can achieve it too.
Q: What message would you share with young women considering a career in tech or payments?
Don’t wait for permission. This industry moves fast, and it needs your voice, your ideas, and your leadership. Independence is powerful - build it through learning and gaining real experiences and importantly surrounding yourself with people who challenge you to grow. Show up every day, even when it’s difficult, because consistency is what earns you credibility in fast paced and complex environments. That consistency, more than anything is what will set you apart in this space.
Q: What does it mean to be a woman in the payments and fintech industry?
It means stepping into a space that can be challenging and, at times, intimidating to be quite often, one of the few women in the room. But it’s also incredibly rewarding to succeed here: to solve complex problems and influence the future of an industry. It’s about showing other women that this path is possible and to pave the way so the next generation can confidently enter the space. Diversity in payments isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s essential. The more voices, perspectives, and lived experiences represented, the stronger and more inclusive and relevant solutions become.
Q: How do you see the role of women in fintech evolving over the next few years?
I believe more women will step into leadership roles where independence of thought and the courage to challenge the status quo are valued. Women will shape products, policies, and teams that reflect real-world diversity. The power of that visibility will encourage even more women to join and stay in fintech.
Q: What do you love most about your role at Ozow?
I love that it gives me the platform to guide and inspire and to challenge ways of thinking, to drive change, and to see the impact of our work in real time. The payments and fintech industry are incredibly relevant and exciting, and it continues to give me space to learn and grow – I genuinely learn something new every day! My role has allowed me to show other women joining Ozow, as well as my teenage daughter, what’s possible when you stay focused and confident in yourself.
I’ve been fortunate to be supported by incredible women and men throughout my journey, and I’ve had the privilege of working with amazing teams, building meaningful relationships, and solving complex problems that are reshaping the way people engage with financial products and services. But what matters most to me is using this platform, and the support I’ve had along the way, to help other women succeed, and to show them that there is space for them to thrive here too.
