Meet the Team – Nicola Lowes 

From a temp contract at 18, to supporting the Collections team at Nucleus. Nicola Lowes’ career journey is anything but ordinary. It reminds you why leadership isn’t always about loud voices and boardroom bravado. It’s about stepping in when needed, stepping up when it counts, and doing it all with grace, grit, and just the right dose of good banter. 

With unwavering determination and commitment, Nicola worked her way up the ranks, gaining not just deep-rooted industry knowledge but the kind of confidence that lets you carve your own path. 

Today at Nucleus, she’s not just managing collections portfolios; she’s mentoring, inspiring, and shaping the next generation. From building a team from scratch to collaborating with people across borders, Nicola’s impact stretches far beyond her role. And all this while juggling life as a mum of three. 

We sat down with Nicola to hear her story — one of growth, grit, and the kind of leadership that inspires others to believe in their own potential. 

What early life or career experience has had the biggest impact on shaping who you are today? 

My journey into financial services wasn’t meticulously planned; it began with a three-month temp contract at RBS Invoice Finance at the age of 18. What followed was a 13-year tenure that became a foundation for my professional growth. During that time, I developed deep industry knowledge, led teams, and, most importantly, built the confidence to step outside of my comfort zone. That experience shaped the leader I am today — adaptable, resilient, and growth-focused. 

What was the moment in your professional and personal life that really shaped how you approach your work? 

Becoming a mother of three transformed how I work. Moving from full-time to part-time work taught me the value of time management, prioritisation, and productivity. Working three days a week means I approach every task with focus and discipline, ensuring nothing is left unresolved. This shift also helped me redefine what professional success looks like, it’s not about hours at a desk but the impact you deliver. 

What made you choose Nucleus to grow your career? 

After being made redundant, I didn’t think a part-time role in this industry was even an option. Then I saw the Collections Manager role at Nucleus, three days a week, and just me managing the portfolio. It was a big leap, especially stepping into a standalone role. But I saw potential and knew it could evolve. It was a challenge I was ready for, and it’s been one of the best decisions of my career. 

What’s been your proudest moment at Nucleus so far? 

Without a doubt, it was building the Collections team in India. I was given the opportunity to recruit, train, and shape the team from the ground up. I travelled to a new country, took on a fresh challenge, and helped launch careers, including someone who is now a Senior Manager. That moment reminded me why I love what I do: building people, building teams, and creating impact. 

How do you handle tough situations in Collections? 

Collections can be intense, but I’ve learned to stay calm under pressure. Being a parent has taught me patience, balance, and prioritisation, all of which help at work. I stay grounded by being organised, managing my time well, and preparing for what’s ahead. I lead with empathy because every case involves people, not just numbers. 

How do you build a positive and open team culture? 

Culture matters, and it starts with connection. I take time to build genuine relationships across departments because Collections doesn’t work in isolation. When tough decisions need to be made, collaboration becomes easier if you’ve already built that trust. I believe in open communication, approachability, and creating a space where everyone feels heard. 

What’s one defining challenge you overcame, and what did it teach you? 

The first challenge I can remember at Nucleus was when it became obvious that I couldn’t manage the workload of Collections on my own. I spoke to my manager at the time, and it was agreed that we would bring more people in, and eventually lead to having the team in India. I’m not usually very good at asking for help or admitting that I “can’t do it all,” so it taught me that it’s ok to ask for help when you need it, and it also gave me the opportunity to manage a team again. 

How do you maintain a sense of balance between your leadership responsibilities and your personal life? 

I’ve found a rhythm that works. Working part-time allows me to give my best at work and be fully present at home. I manage my schedule carefully so that when I log off, I can focus entirely on family life. Having that balance keeps me energised and grounded; it’s the key to long-term success and happiness. 

What excites you about the future at Nucleus? 

The growth we’ve seen in Collections and across Nucleus over the past seven years has been incredible, from new technology to expanding teams. Collections is crucial to Nucleus; we’re the final step in the process, and we represent the brand to clients and stakeholders. I’m excited to see how we continue to evolve, deliver impact, and keep raising the bar. 

Final Thoughts: 

From an unexpected start in finance to building teams and shaping strategy at Nucleus, this journey is a testament to the power of resilience, growth, and purpose-driven leadership. It’s not just about managing collections; it’s about supporting people, embracing change, and creating meaningful impact every step of the way. As Nucleus continues to grow, so does the opportunity to lead with empathy, inspire progress, and redefine what success looks like. 

Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from our Meet the Team series at Nucleus!