From novice to Nova: Journeys of our rising stars (success stories in depth)
What does it take to be a Nova top talent?
Hey, we are Ramón Rodrigáñez and Andrea Marino, Co-Founders at Nova, the Global Top Talent Network.
Welcome to Talent First, our newsletter where those who believe that talent is the most important resource in the economy get together.
Every week, we cover a new topic related to attracting, hiring, developing, and retaining talent, as well as the learnings from our journey building Nova.
Summary
Why connections matter: The relationships we form—sometimes unexpected, sometimes long-sought—can transform our trajectories and bring deeper meaning to our careers.
Nova as a catalyst: A look at how Nova creates the conditions for meaningful connections—between peers, mentors, co-founders, and beyond.
Celebrating success: Why sharing stories strengthens our collective purpose and builds a more inspired, empowered community.
Why connections matter
If you trace the arc of most meaningful career journeys, you’ll often find they don't start with a resume—they start with a person.
A colleague who vouched for you.
A mentor who pushed you forward.
A friend who saw something in you before you did.
These connections are more than just stepping stones; they’re anchors, catalysts, and sometimes even life rafts. They change the way we see ourselves and the paths we believe are possible.
At Nova, we’ve seen this truth time and again. Sometimes it happens quietly: a thoughtful conversation that turns into a new perspective. Sometimes it’s more dramatic—a moment of clarity, a serendipitous introduction, a life-changing opportunity.
Take Carlos, for example. He came to Nova expecting a professional network. What he found was life-defining:
"When I joined Nova, I didn't expect to meet my now fiancée on (literally) my first event! And not only that: I've made great friends (even started a podcast with one of them) and took the next step in my career finding a new job after 7 years in consulting. Nova has definitely changed my life!"
His story isn’t unique in sentiment, but it is in detail—because every meaningful connection is deeply personal.
Or Gloria, who was just starting out with her sustainable fashion brand Hemper. Like many early-stage founders, she needed more than vision—she needed support.
“Nova connected me with what has since become our main investor.”
Sometimes the right connection doesn’t just fuel your momentum—it enables the journey entirely.
We’ve heard stories of roommates found, cities made less lonely, businesses co-founded, and mentors who opened doors not just into boardrooms, but into deeper self-belief. These aren’t accidents. They’re what happens when people show up for each other in a space designed for connection.
In a world that often prizes individual achievement, we believe in spotlighting something more powerful: collective growth through meaningful relationships.
Nova as a catalyst
So how does this happen? How do connections like this come to life, again and again?
At Nova, we don’t manufacture them. We create the conditions where they can happen.
We believe talent thrives in the presence of trust, shared ambition, and genuine care. Through thoughtfully curated events, coaching programs, mentorships, and a vibrant, values-driven community, we build the infrastructure where top talent can find each other—and more importantly, really see each other.
Let’s look at a few stories that illustrate the depth of what connection can do when the right environment exists:
1. Finding a co-founder, not just a contact
Alberto and Sebas didn’t meet at a startup pitch night or through cold outreach. They met inside Nova—both dreaming of starting something new, both hesitant to do it alone.
"Thanks to Nova, we found the ideal co-founder in each other."
That one connection sparked the founding of an energy startup, turning potential into impact.
2. From mentorship to meaningful change
Riccardo attended one of Nova’s CEO Dinners—a space designed for real conversation, not small talk. That night, he connected with Roberto Parazzini, CEO at Deutsche Bank Italy.
“He became my mentor, and we now meet monthly for mentorship sessions that have been incredibly valuable.”
Mentorship at Nova isn’t transactional. It’s transformative. It’s what happens when mutual curiosity meets shared purpose.
3. Clarity through coaching
Laura came to Nova feeling stuck—uncertain about her next career move. As a member, after sharing her next career goals with the Talent Agent, she identified her ideal role via Nova. She not only gained clarity, she landed a role as Head of Asset at Almond.
“With their support, I clarified my priorities and secured a job through one of the opportunities available within their network.”
Sometimes growth doesn’t require a new resume—it requires new reflection. Nova created the space for that.
4. The serendipity of belonging
Marc and Juan met in a Nova group chat, both navigating life as expats in Sydney. What started as a few logistical questions quickly became friendship, laughter, and belonging.
"Those initial conversations not only answered my doubts but also sparked a friendship that has proven to be incredibly valuable."
We often underestimate how much feeling seen and supported can shape our performance. Community is a competitive advantage.
And of course, these personal stories mirror the wider arc of success that our members are creating across the globe. Just look at some of the recent Nova Headlines:
🚀 Rodri Fernández Touza, co-founder of Crossmint, raised $23.6M to bring businesses and AI agents onchain.
✈️ Cem Uyanik, CEO of Urban Ray, launched autonomous flying couriers in Cologne.
🤖 Sebastián Acevedo sold Memorable AI to Reddit.
🧠 Edgar Pons Forn's health startup NutriBrain joined Rubió, strengthening wellness innovation.
Behind each of these bold moves are stories of perseverance, partnership, and often overlooked, connection.
Celebrating success, building purpose
At Nova, we’re not just building a talent network. We’re cultivating a culture where success is shared, not siloed. Where stories aren’t trophies, but torches.
That’s why we highlight community achievements through Headlines, in-depth Nova Stories, and features like Nova of the Month. These aren’t vanity metrics. They’re community mirrors. Every time we celebrate someone’s journey, we reinforce what’s possible. Not just for them—but for the rest of us.
Take Guille, founder of Ayúdame3D. He was asked by Nova to 3D-print trophies for a gala. That one request led him to discover a new business line—now the core of his company.
"That opportunity became a turning point."
Or Mauro, who joined the Mentorship Program and ended up mentoring several Novas:
"I can proudly say that some of my mentees have become good friends. Nova's Mentoring Program is truly about building meaningful connections and forming lasting friendships."
These moments aren’t just nice to share—they’re the DNA of a thriving network. They show that success isn’t linear, and neither is connection. You never know which conversation will become your next chapter.
Final reflections
When we started Nova, we didn’t just want to build a platform. We wanted to build a place where potential met possibility—and where talent wasn’t just celebrated, but supported by other brilliant, curious humans.
What we’ve learned over time is this: the true power of any network lies in the quality of its connections. Not just LinkedIn-style, but life-shaping ones. Ones that move you forward, help you heal, stretch your ambition, or remind you what matters.
We’re proud of what our community has built. Not because of the funding rounds or job titles (though those are impressive). But because of the deeper current running beneath it all: friendship, mentorship, clarity, courage.
If you're reading this, maybe you're reflecting on the people who’ve shaped your own journey. Maybe you're looking to find them now.
We hope you do. And if you're part of Nova, we hope you already have.
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