Nehama Cowen

Share your journey to Bain.

I joined Bain after 6.5 years at one of Australia’s largest banks, where I explored a variety of roles across different career paths. Every few years, I found myself seeking something new, a bigger challenge, greater impact, and the opportunity to be part of the conversations that truly matter.

What remained constant was my drive to keep learning, push boundaries, and contribute meaningfully. I was drawn to Bain for its reputation: the incredible work, the meaningful impact, and most of all, the people. I wanted to work in a place surrounded by brilliant, curious minds, people motivated to help clients and companies achieve extraordinary outcomes.

How did you know that Bain was the right company for you?

Everyone I’ve met at Bain has impressed me—not just with their intelligence, but with their generosity, humility, and relentless curiosity. It’s rare to find a workplace where people are not only passionate about driving results but also deeply invested in one another’s success. That culture of collaboration and care made it clear to me that Bain was the right place.

What is the culture of the Melbourne office like? What made you choose this office?

Melbourne is home, so choosing this office was an easy decision - but the culture made it feel like the right decision. The Melbourne office truly feels like a family. There’s a genuine sense of belonging and warmth, where everyone - from consulting teams to office staff - works to make the space vibrant and supportive.

From rotating snack selections to Friday cakes and year-round table tennis tournaments, the office has its own special energy. Monthly meetings are filled with laughter and celebrations of each other’s successes. It’s a culture that balances excellence with connection - and I feel really lucky to be a part of it.

How has Bain supported you in your career and helped you Be More?

Bain’s support has been exceptional. One of the most powerful aspects of “Be More” is the firm’s deep investment in individual growth. From day one, I was paired with a mentor, and have since benefited from both formal and informal mentorship—woven into the culture at every level. I’ve always felt there’s a team of people genuinely rooting for me, helping me grow and thrive.

As someone passionate about empowering women in business, I’ve also found tremendous support through affinity groups like Women at Bain. These communities aren’t just symbolic—they’ve played a meaningful role in my development and confidence.

Do you have any work or a project that allowed you to Build at Bain? What was it and why was it so impactful? What are you most proud of about this work/project?

One of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had at Bain was working on a post-merger integration for a client. We partnered closely with their team to not only design solutions but also to build internal capabilities—ensuring they had the right people, processes, and confidence to carry the work forward.

What made this project so impactful was seeing real ownership transfer to the client, knowing we had empowered them for long-term success. That kind of partnership is what makes the work at Bain truly meaningful.