From physics to cloud operations, Nico Cánepa’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, curiosity, and constant growth. In this interview, Nico opens up about his transition from an electronic technician to a leader in cloud engineering at Avature, revealing how he resparked his love for technology and embraced new challenges along the way.
Curious about how physics shaped his problem-solving approach? Or how Avature’s collaborative culture fueled his leadership path? Whether you’re navigating a career shift or looking for fresh insights on team dynamics and leadership, Nico’s story offers valuable lessons that will leave you inspired and ready to dive into your own journey.
Without further ado, join me as Nico shares how his curiosity, passion for technology, and never-ending drive to learn have shaped his path at Avature.
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How did you first come across Avature, and what motivated you to join the company?
I was referred by a high school friend, Gabriel Vieytes, who is Deployments Manager here at Avature. We had worked together in IT at the Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales at the UBA, where I spent ten years as a systems administrator. After that, I worked as an electronic technician at the Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica for another decade until I realized I needed a change. I wanted to return to something that had always been my passion and biggest hobby—technology and systems. That’s when Gabriel referred me, and even though it had been a while since I was fully immersed in IT, Avature saw potential in me and gave me a chance.
In August 2021, I joined the Cloud Operations team in Palermo as a cloud engineer, and that’s when I started gaining a deep understanding of cloud computing and how things worked at Avature.
What drew you to study physics in the first place, and how has it influenced your approach to your work in technology?
I was drawn to physics out of pure curiosity and a love for understanding how the world works. Studying physics helped me develop a strong analytical mindset, which has been invaluable in my work. In both science and technology, you’re often faced with complex problems where the solutions aren’t immediately obvious. Physics taught me to approach these challenges methodically, breaking them down into smaller, more manageable pieces. This skill has proven incredibly useful throughout my professional journey, especially in the tech world.
That said, while physics shaped my thinking, my passion for computers and systems was always there in the background. It started as a hobby, but over time, I realized it was my true calling. Transitioning into technology allowed me to combine my love for problem-solving with my passion for systems, and it eventually became my dream career.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when transitioning from electronic technician to cloud engineer, and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges was catching up on the latest technologies, even though I had kept up a bit because of my hobby. But the most impactful one was moving from a small, slower-paced team of just three people in a public organization to a fast-paced, private company like Avature. That wasn’t necessarily a challenge, but it was an exciting shift and I actually enjoyed the change—especially being in a more dynamic environment, working with a bunch of teams and people with different backgrounds.
Another big, positive change was the flexibility Avature offers. I usually go to the office a couple of times a week, not because I have to, but because I want to. It gives me the chance to meet Avaturians from different teams, people I wouldn’t normally interact with while working remotely.
I heard you recently became Cloud Operations Manager—huge congrats! What inspired you to transition from a technical role to a leadership path?
Thank you! I actually discovered my passion for leadership here at Avature. In my previous jobs, I felt like something was missing—now I realize it was that I wanted to be in a position where I could help others grow and be involved in decision-making that could actually impact the careers of others in a significant way. Soon after I joined as a cloud engineer, I got really into the onboarding process and told my manager that I was interested in developing my leadership and soft skills. My leaders saw that potential, and in 2023, I became team leader of Cloud Operations, guiding the part of our team who covers the day shift.
My previous manager played a huge role in supporting me through this discovery process. I felt comfortable and accompanied in that role, and contributed a lot to the team’s growth. Then in July 2024, with even more support from my leaders, I transitioned into the Cloud Operations Manager role. Now, I get to guide a growing team of over 20 people across the globe, with most of them in Argentina.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your journey at Avature so far?
It’s been an incredible journey so far. The most rewarding part has been the human side of Avature. I’ve met amazing people here, and I’ve felt supported since day one—especially when it came to leadership opportunities. I’ve also been fortunate to work with amazing managers and directors who’ve guided me along the way.
Avature has been there for me in every turn, from those first interviews to my current role as a manager. The company truly values your growth, and I feel that support every day. It’s a place where you’re always evolving, and that sense of continuous growth has been really fulfilling.
As you mentioned, Cloud Operations is a large team that interacts with various areas at Avature. How do you foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing between these teams?
From day one, it’s been made clear that there are no "silly" questions here—it’s always better to ask and someone will help you out every time. In Cloud Ops, we have an open line of communication where we constantly share information and make sure everyone is up to date. Collaboration is essential, and we often gather as a team to solve problems and brainstorm ideas.
We also put a lot of effort into the onboarding process to make sure new team members feel comfortable asking questions and sharing their projects. Within the Cloud Services area, we naturally work closely with other teams. That’s why I always encourage fellow Avaturians to reach out, ask questions, and identify opportunities for improving current processes, regardless of their role. Embracing this culture of curiosity and teamwork is what drives our success.
As far as I know, the team that has on-call shifts and often handles critical processes like and crisis management, which can be quite unpredictable. In that context, how do you encourage effective workload management and work-life balance? And do you apply the same principles for yourself?
Since technology is both my profession and my hobby, it can be challenging for me to know when to unplug. But when it comes to my team, I always encourage them to disconnect when they need to. To foster a relaxed atmosphere, we have an off-topic channel where we share memes, jokes, and other fun content, which helps to break up the workday and brings us closer together.
As a leader, I’m constantly checking in on those who struggle to disconnect. Like you said, we do have on-call shifts, so if something urgent comes up on a weekend, I make sure the team takes time off during the week to rest. My team is always ready to jump in and help when something urgent happens, but I’m very mindful of making sure they take time to recharge after everything is solved. I believe that finding the right balance between the urgency of our work and the need for downtime is vital for both our well-being and productivity.
What advice would you give to someone with a similar background who is considering a career in cloud engineering at Avature?
Go for it, it’s all worth it! Nobody was born knowing everything, and here at Avature you’ll be learning new things constantly. Every piece of your past experience contributes to your future success, no matter your age or background. If you have the passion and drive, Avature will help you develop the skills.
Don't hesitate to take the first step and embrace the journey!