The next generation of startups will be defined not only by breakthrough ideas but also by the systems, culture, and leadership that sustain them. Melissa Carvalho, Founder of Nova Foundations, Board Advisor at The DISCPlus Academy, and PhD Scholar in Industrial & Organizational Psychology, has built her career at the intersection of healthcare, scientific research, project leadership, and organizational psychology, bringing a people-first approach to solving complex business challenges. As the founder of Nova Foundations, she is helping early-stage organizations translate ambitious ideas into practical, scalable strategies grounded in scientific thinking and human behavior.
In this exclusive conversation with Business Now, she shares how science and psychology influence her approach to leadership, why people remain at the center of every successful startup, and the long-term vision driving Nova Foundations.
Your career spans healthcare, scientific research, project leadership, and now founding Nova Foundations. What experiences shaped your belief that scientific principles should be at the heart of startup design and innovation?
Melissa Carvalho: As a child, I was fascinated by science, especially watching the Weather Channel with my father. Those moments sparked a curiosity about understanding the world through observation and evidence. Over time, I came to believe that science is not just about discovery but also about perception and how people make sense of their experiences. That mindset eventually shaped my approach to startups. Every organization is built by people with unique stories, and scientific thinking provides a framework for transforming those experiences into practical, scalable innovation.
As the founder of Nova Foundations, you’re helping organizations bridge visionary ideas with practical execution. What are some of the biggest challenges startups face today, and how does your approach help overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges is that startups bring together brilliant people with very different ways of thinking. The difficulty begins when teams believe there is only one correct solution. I encourage founders to recognize that multiple paths can lead to success. My advice is simple. Choose one direction, treat it as your new starting point, and continue learning through each challenge rather than waiting for certainty before moving forward.
You’re pursuing a PhD in Industrial & Organizational Psychology while serving as a founder and board advisor. How has your academic research influenced your leadership philosophy?
Pursuing my PhD has transformed how I approach leadership and organizational development. My research has strengthened my ability to solve workplace challenges while reinforcing the importance of honesty, trust, and collaboration. I believe leaders do not create high-performing teams on their own. Their role is to provide guidance, psychological safety, and a shared vision that allows teams to unlock their own potential and perform at their best.
Throughout your career, you’ve worked in roles centered on people. How have those experiences shaped the culture you’re building at Nova Foundations?
Every role I’ve held has contributed to my understanding of leadership and helped shape my professional identity. Over time, I realized my greatest strength was helping people discover their own potential. That insight became the foundation of Nova Foundations. I want to build a culture where people come first, where small changes create meaningful impact, and where individuals feel empowered to help others grow.
As a board advisor, mentor, and founder, what distinguishes leaders who create lasting impact from those who simply manage organizations?
Leaders who leave a lasting impact demonstrate courage, integrity, empathy, and strong communication. They remain resilient during uncertainty and inspire others through difficult change. Managers are equally important because they provide structure, evaluate processes, and ensure operational excellence. The difference is that leaders establish direction while managers create the systems that help organizations move toward it.
Looking ahead, what is your long-term vision for Nova Foundations, and what legacy do you hope to leave?
I envision Nova Foundations becoming a central support system that helps founders access research, improve communication, and navigate complex organizational challenges with confidence. My goal is to build a psychologically rich organization that empowers entrepreneurs to think differently, embrace creativity, and create meaningful impact. I hope the legacy of Nova Foundations is one of helping people build stronger organizations while inspiring them to leave a positive mark on the world.
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