Stay Curious – The Secret to Healthy Growth
My entire journey has had one common thread: curiosity.
That’s how the interview with Luisa Corvino, Chief People Officer at Scalapay, begins.
Hands clasped and resting on her knees, her gaze steady, with a kind smile, she shares her story. From her early days as an intern in a startup to her current role at Scalapay, it’s been a journey marked by growth and tough decisions.
Her path was anything but linear: she started in product, moved to project management, then sales, and finally found her calling in HR.
This hunger for exploration even led her back to the manager from her very first internship, years later, setting off a new and more focused chapter of her career, culminating in her arrival at Scalapay.
How did you first hear about Scalapay?
“The first contact was really funny,” she laughs, adjusting her hair. She was working for another company and urgently looking for someone to handle recruiting when she got a LinkedIn message.
“I accepted because, while the person who contacted me thought they were interviewing me for a role at Scalapay, I was actually evaluating them to see if they were the person I was looking for!”
The conversation with Luisa feels more like a friendly chat than an interview with one of Scalapay’s key leaders. As we unlock each drawer of her story, I begin to notice a recurring theme in her poised demeanor and calm tone of voice.
Curiosity as a Compass
Talking to Luisa, it becomes clear that curiosity isn’t just a personality trait; it’s a tool.
Every transition and turning point in her career was guided by a single question: “What’s behind this?”
- As a project manager, she wanted to better understand product development.
- In sales, she was fascinated by what made processes efficient.
- And so it went—always moving forward, always exploring new angles.
Her drive to seek answers never waned, even when life demanded a pause. During a period when she focused more on family, she continued to nurture her curiosity.
“Curiosity doesn’t work during office hours.”
It can come from reading a book, observing a colleague, or even talking to your child. It’s a mindset, and if nurtured, it follows you everywhere.”
A Human Leadership Model
For Luisa, joining Scalapay was the culmination of a journey fueled by competence and curiosity. But the challenge didn’t end there.
In the fast-paced environment of a rapidly growing company, the role of Chief People Officer is far more than administrative—it’s about balancing the needs of people with the goals of the organization.
“I’ve discovered that our work can change people’s lives—not just professionally, but personally. When we help a young intern feel respected and valued, we’re planting seeds that will bear fruit throughout their career.”
One of her favorite initiatives involves school-to-work programs. “When a 16- or 17-year-old steps into an office for the first time, the experience can be life-changing. If they’re welcomed with a smile and respect, it leaves a lasting positive impression.
This has a huge impact—not just on them but on us as a company and as a society.”
The Value of Curiosity at Scalapay
When asked what she looks for in her team members, Luisa doesn’t hesitate: “empathy, curiosity, and accountability.” Curiosity is essential.
It means not waiting for someone to tell you what to do but actively seeking answers. It means wanting to understand and grow. At Scalapay, this is a value we celebrate.“
Her leadership style is collaborative, encouraging people to step out of their comfort zones—not through pressure, but by guiding them on their journey. “I’ve worked with people who were insecure, shy, or afraid of failure.
My role has been to help them see their potential, to show them that a mistake isn’t the end—it’s a step toward something new.
That’s one of the most rewarding aspects of my job.”
A Piece of Advice for New Beginnings
Toward the end of our chat, I ask Luisa for advice for those starting their careers or considering applying to Scalapay.
“My suggestion is to keep an open mind and let curiosity guide you. Don’t rush to put yourself in a box. Early work experiences are an opportunity to explore, to figure out what you truly enjoy.
And at Scalapay, the opportunities to grow and learn are endless.“ This curiosity—so deeply ingrained in Scalapay’s values that it’s become one of its four pillars—takes on a human dimension in Luisa.
Watching her, it’s clear that her curiosity isn’t calculated or political, as it sometimes is with leaders of her stature. Instead, it’s the thread that weaves through every aspect of her work, from HR management to daily conversations with colleagues, to her personal life.
As the interview draws to a close, she leaves me with a thought that perfectly encapsulates her story:
“Curiosity isn’t just a company value, it’s a way of life. It drives us to grow, improve, and see the world through fresh eyes.And that, I believe, is the secret to making a difference.”