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Oscar Casanova hopes his journey can be a testament to the power of perseverance and the belief that success is possible with the right mindset, no matter where your journey begins. The entrepreneurially minded and results-driven leader has grown a successful career at the intersection of finance, strategy, and operations.
Casanova emigrated to the United States in 2011. He has never viewed the experience as a potential disadvantage.
“While it took me multiple years to realize this, being an immigrant to this country has been one of the most significant motivations in my life, not a limitation,” Casanova explains. “It instilled in me a relentless drive to prove myself, to push beyond what was expected, and to carve out a path where none seemed to exist. Starting over in a new country, adapting to a different culture, and overcoming barriers equipped me with a unique perspective and an unshakable resilience.”
Casanova’s journey is defined by his unwillingness to see obstacles as most of us traditionally would. Instead of disadvantage, Casanova sees strength. Where others might see gaps, he sees opportunities to build bridges. In the world of high-growth tech companies, adaptation and resilience are critical.
Casanova began his career at Goldman Sachs, where he says he learned the importance of precision, discipline, and strategic foresight. But his career took off when he stepped outside the traditional investment banking mold and ventured into high-growth tech companies.
“Transitioning from investment banking to operator roles in private equity–backed companies was a bold move that demanded a different kind of leadership and strategic thinking,” Casanova details. “It wasn’t just about managing numbers or client relationships—it was about navigating uncertainty, driving growth, and leading initiatives through the challenges that come with rapid scaling.”
Casanova has led finance and strategy efforts from seed-stage startups to Series C, D, and E enterprises. Each step has required him to adapt, think creatively, and lead with a vision that balances ambition with sustainability.
That ambition is especially important for Casanova. As an immigrant, he knows it can be easy to place limitations on one’s goals and hopes. He has fought against that mindset by taking calculated risks, pushing beyond the conventional, and leading with empathy and conviction.
Casanova has mentored people through a variety of channels: one-on-one formal mentoring, speaking engagements, and community outreach programs. While many wait until later in their careers to look back, Casanova says he’s been fortunate to have mentors who believed in him and challenged him, and he wants to give back in the same way.
“One of the most fulfilling aspects of mentorship for me is working with young professionals, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds,” Casanova says. “I understand the challenges they face because I’ve been in their shoes. Through mentorship, I aim to provide them with not just guidance but also the confidence to dream bigger and aim higher.
“I believe that when we lift others, we elevate ourselves and our communities. Giving back is not just about charity; it’s about investing in the future, creating opportunities for others, and building a legacy of impact.”
If he could give advice to his younger self, Casanova would urge himself to remain true to his values, trust that he would find a path forward through seemingly insurmountable obstacles, and invest in relationships. The journey forward would be full of twists and turns, but success is rarely a straight line.
Throughout his career, the leader has worked with diverse teams, and as a result, he understands global markets more intuitively and brings a fresh perspective of decision-making to any organization. This diversified and unique perspective is an inherent part of his immigrant journey. That’s the key, Casanova says. That’s how you turn any perceived weakness into a growth opportunity and ultimately, a strength. Casanova has figured that out, and now he wants to help others find the best versions of themselves.
An Advocate for the Mind-Body Connection
Fitness and wellness have played a critical role in Oscar Casanova’s life. He says the physical limits he pushes through early every morning at 5 a.m. have a habit of impacting his personal and professional life as well.
“Whether I’m lifting weights, running long distances, or pushing through intense training sessions, I’m constantly reminded that progress is achieved by embracing discomfort, by pushing just a little further when the temptation to stop arises,” Casanova says. “This mindset directly translates to how I approach work. In the high-stakes world of finance and strategy, success is often about perseverance, about staying the course even when the path is steep and the obstacles are many.”
Fitness also plays a critical role in maintaining mental clarity and emotional balance in a field that isn’t exactly well known for calm environments. Casanova encourages others to find ways to prioritize their own well-being, to recognize the powerful connection between physical health and professional success, and to approach each day with the energy and determination to achieve one’s fullest potential.