From Working Student to CMO: My Journey at Nexus Group

When I joined Startups.ch during my studies, I wrote blog posts in Italian and translated documents. Today, I am CMO of Nexus Group Holding AG, responsible for marketing across the group and its portfolio companies. I could not have predicted this path back then. In between lie many roles, projects and challenges, and above all countless opportunities to learn something new.

First steps at Startups.ch

My time at Nexus Group began while I was studying at the University of St. Gallen. My tasks at Startups.ch included writing Italian blog posts and translating a large number of documents.

Looking back, it is almost surprising how much time that took. AI and modern translation tools, which are now a natural part of everyday work, played no role yet.

For me, this period was one thing above all: a chance to gain my first practical experience and get to know the company step by step.

From first tasks to bigger projects

Over time, the work became more demanding. One project I remember particularly well is the Swiss Startups Awards. I analysed numerous business plans, got to know a wide range of business models and gained a deep insight into the Swiss start-up scene.

After graduating, the next important step followed: I worked directly for the founder and CEO of Nexus Group and helped shape the expansion into Italy. The goal was to bring the successful Startups.ch business model to the Italian market. For around six months, I commuted between Lugano and Milan and helped lay the groundwork for the venture.

A new direction: marketing

Following a later restructuring, the position of Head of Marketing & Partner Relations at Startups.ch became vacant. I was offered the role and gladly accepted.

This marked the start of an intense learning phase. Marketing, digital marketing, project management, product development and partner management became my daily work.

I quickly realised that professional growth rarely follows a fixed plan. It often happens because you stay curious, recognise opportunities and take on topics that initially lie outside your comfort zone. Nexus Group gave me that opportunity again and again.

Joining the executive board

A particularly formative moment came in 2020: in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic, I was appointed to the executive board of Nexus Group Holding AG. From then on, I was responsible not only for marketing at Startups.ch, but also for other portfolio companies such as Findea.ch and Taxea.ch.

This moment mattered to me less because of the title. What struck me was how much my role had changed since my first days at Startups.ch.

The new position also taught me that expertise alone is not enough. Setting priorities, making decisions, thinking strategically and helping others grow all became increasingly important.

Learning as part of everyday work

A love of learning has accompanied me throughout my career. During my bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at the University of St. Gallen, I was introduced to the theoretical foundations of marketing. My subsequent studies in Accounting and Finance, also at the University of St. Gallen, were more analytically focused. Yet my fascination with marketing remained, particularly its combination of creativity, strategy and measurable results.

I therefore acquired much of my marketing knowledge independently: through online courses, specialist books, blogs, videos and, above all, hands-on experimentation. Later, I completed a Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in Strategic Management at the University of St. Gallen, which deepened my understanding of long-term business strategy.

Today, I am most engaged by the rapid developments in artificial intelligence, AI visibility and new digital technologies. I deliberately set aside time to follow trends, test tools and understand their potential. For me, continuous learning is not a project with a beginning and an end. It is part of my everyday work.

Trust enables growth

When I look back, trust plays a central role. Our CEO, Michele Blasucci, gave me the freedom early on to contribute my own ideas and drive projects independently.

It was never about knowing everything already. What counted was the willingness to dig into new topics, try things out and learn from mistakes. This learning by doing has shaped me profoundly.

It is exactly this culture that I still value today: new ideas are welcome, and those who show initiative actually get to implement them.

Leading means supporting others

Today, growth no longer means only building my own skills. As a leader, it is just as important to me that my team finds its own solutions, shares knowledge and takes ownership.

I am convinced that good collaboration emerges when people support one another and, at the same time, have enough freedom to make their own decisions and gain their own experience.

For me, that also includes focused work. I regularly schedule Focus Days: days without meetings, when I can dedicate myself to demanding topics without interruption.

What defines Nexus Group

If I had to describe Nexus Group to someone who does not know it, I would highlight one thing: here, you can help shape things. Anyone who is curious and shows initiative can contribute their own ideas and grow both professionally and personally.

At the same time, you need to be comfortable with change. Priorities shift, new technologies open up new possibilities, and an idea can quickly turn into a project. Those looking for fixed routines and the same tasks every day will probably feel less at home in this environment. For me, that is precisely the appeal.

My biggest highlight

My biggest highlight is therefore neither a single project nor a particular promotion. It is the journey as a whole: from the working student who wrote blog posts, through the expansion into Italy and the head of marketing role, to the executive board. Today, as CMO, I lead the group's marketing and continue to build our partner ecosystem.

This path has shown me that professional growth does not come from titles or hierarchy levels. It happens when people are given trust, stay curious and have the freedom to try new things.

That is exactly what I have experienced at Nexus Group. And I am excited to see what comes next.