Cut the dead ends
Don’t hold on to negativity or situations that drain your energy. I’ve learned that when something isn’t working — whether it’s a job, relationship, or project — it’s better to let it go than to force it. Holding on to things that no longer serve you diminishes your zeal and keeps you stuck in low vibrations. Protecting your energy and staying aligned with your purpose sometimes means making difficult decisions to move on.
Today, more than ever, wellness is at the forefront of societal discussions. From mental health to physical well-being, women are making significant strides in bringing about change, introducing innovative solutions, and setting new standards. Despite facing unique challenges, they break barriers, inspire communities, and are reshaping the very definition of health and wellness. In this series called women in wellness we are talking to women doctors, nurses, nutritionists, therapists, fitness trainers, researchers, health experts, coaches, and other wellness professionals to share their stories and insights. As a part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Nadia Carta.
Nadia is a dynamic leader, AI expert, and certified executive coach who empowers individuals and organizations to achieve transformative growth. Her journey, from Sardinia to Silicon Valley, is marked by resilience, a passion for learning, and a commitment to uplifting others. As a Google AI Evangelist, TedX speaker, podcast host, and founder of “Spark Your Zeal,” Nadia inspires audiences worldwide to unlock their full potential and embrace a life filled with purpose.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Our readers would love to “get to know you” better. Can you share your “backstory” with us?
First and foremost, I’m Italian, which is a key part of my identity and journey as a global citizen. I was born and raised on the beautiful island of Sardinia, but from a young age, I always felt a deep pull toward something bigger — a life beyond the island. At 18, I made the bold decision to leave a restrictive religious community to pursue my dreams of education and a different life. It wasn’t easy, and it involved taking risks, even telling difficult truths to my parents in order to set myself free. But that experience taught me grit, resilience, and the power of trusting my inner calling.
Through hard work and perseverance, I earned scholarships that allowed me to go to college in Milan far away from my native land — an opportunity that otherwise would have been out of reach. In 2009, I joined Google in Dublin, an event that completely transformed my life. Working in such a dynamic, innovative environment allowed me to grow professionally and personally, and it opened my eyes to what’s possible when you combine ambition with purpose.
Then, in 2019, I took a significant leap by becoming a life coach, which was a pivotal moment in my journey. Coaching has completely reshaped how I think and approach life. It gave me the tools not just to thrive in my own life, but to help others do the same by aligning with their inner truth and passion. This decision was the birth of my movement, Spark Your Zeal™, which blends corporate success with spiritual wellness and purpose-driven living.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career? What were the main lessons or takeaways from that story?
One of the most impactful stories in my career happened when I was unexpectedly relocated to Paris in 2013. Just two weeks after my mother passed away from a very aggressive cancer, my boss approached me and said, “Pack your bags, you’re moving to Paris.” At that time, I was emotionally raw, still grieving, and overwhelmed by the weight of managing my mother’s funeral and all the responsibilities that come with losing a loved one. I had spent years caring for her through her illness, and her passing left me deeply broken and far from healed.
The last thing I wanted was to move to Paris alone, but in retrospect, that move became one of the most transformational experiences of my life. It was incredibly hard. I moved to a city where I barely spoke the language beyond basic French, which made every day a challenge. Paris itself is not the easiest city to adapt to — Sundays are quiet with everything closed, and it can feel lonely. My colleagues had their own families, and my boyfriend (now husband) was living in Milan, so I commuted back and forth between Milan and Paris each week.
On top of the emotional weight of the move, the job itself was one of the most difficult roles I had ever taken on — I was leading strategy and commercialization for the entire EMEA region, a high-stakes, high-pressure position.
What I learned from this experience is that as humans, we are capable of incredible resilience. We can endure the most challenging and emotional periods of our lives and still find growth on the other side. This chapter of my life opened doors I never imagined. Just a few years later, I landed my dream role in New York City, the place I had always envisioned for myself. It reminded me that even in the most difficult and uncertain times, we don’t always see where the next opportunity will lead us — but often, those moments of hardship can be the key to our greatest breakthroughs.
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about a mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
I’ve made several mistakes in my career, but one that stands out was my difficulty in managing my nervous system, especially in high-stress situations. Early in my career, I found it hard to get along with people whose values didn’t align with mine, and I often let my emotions take control. One particularly tough moment occurred in 2010/2011, when I had a serious conflict with my manager at the time. I completely lost my temper and ended up yelling at them for nearly an hour. It was a terrible outburst — emotionally charged, and far from how I wanted to conduct myself as a leader.
Looking back, I was in a very difficult headspace. It was around the time of my mother’s illness and passing, and I hadn’t taken the time to fully process my emotions. I was drained and overwhelmed, and it all boiled over in that moment. I said hurtful things, and I later learned just how much my outburst had affected them. Years later, we had an honest conversation where they shared the impact that incident had on them. It was a tough pill to swallow, but we were able to apologize to each other and take accountability for our roles in the situation.
The biggest lesson I learned from that experience is the importance of managing your emotional well-being and knowing when to step away from a situation. If I could go back, I would have recognized that I wasn’t in the right mental space and simply said, “I’m not in a good place to have this conversation right now. Let’s revisit it later.” In fact, I had a similar situation recently, and this time, I recognized the signs. I was able to pause and say, “I need to step away from this conversation because I’m feeling triggered.”
For me, wellness isn’t just about physical health — it’s about having the self-awareness to recognize your emotional state and knowing how to regulate yourself. This experience taught me that when you feel overwhelmed or triggered, it’s okay to take a break. Walking away when you need to can prevent you from saying things you’ll regret and ensure you show up as the best version of yourself. It’s an ongoing practice, but it’s one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned in my journey.
Let’s jump to our main focus. When it comes to health and wellness, how is the work you are doing helping to make a bigger impact in the world?
I founded Spark Your Zeal™ to teach people the transformative power of living with high vibrations. When we live in a high-vibrational state, we not only feel better emotionally and physically, but we also attract the life we truly desire. But what do I mean by high vibrations? It’s the energy we carry within us, and it directly affects our state of being. High vibrations are linked to emotions like love, joy, gratitude, compassion, and empathy. On the other hand, low vibrations — emotions like sadness, anxiety, or apathy — pull us down into negative states that can hold us back.
Life is challenging, and it’s normal to experience both high and low vibrations. The key is in our ability to make a choice: we can either dwell in low vibrational states or choose to shift into higher ones. With Spark Your Zeal™, my mission is to guide people through that shift — to teach them how to move from a place of fear or anxiety into a space of love, abundance, and gratitude. It’s about creating an abundant mindset that allows people to manifest the life they desire.
When we talk about manifesting or creating our own reality — something thought leaders like Dr. Joe Dispenza and Dr. Wayne Dyer explore deeply — it’s critical to understand the role that our vibrational state plays. The energy you put into the universe is the energy you attract, and this is not just a philosophical concept, it’s scientifically grounded in quantum physics. We’re all interconnected, and the vibrations we emit have a ripple effect, impacting not just our own lives but the world around us.
There’s also increasing research showing that many modern-day diseases are tied to low vibrational states — chronic stress, anxiety, and negativity can manifest as physical ailments. By helping people raise their vibrations, we are not only improving their emotional health but their physical health as well. The work I’m doing with Spark Your Zeal™ has a profound impact on wellness because it addresses the whole person — mind, body, and spirit.
Ultimately, if we can raise the vibration of the entire world, we’re not just healing ourselves, we’re healing the planet. More kindness, compassion, and love lead to collective healing, which in turn builds a better legacy for future generations. That’s why I’m so passionate about this work — because it has the potential to impact not just individual health and wellness, but the well-being of the entire universe.
Can you share your top five “lifestyle tweaks” that you believe will help support people’s journey towards better wellbeing? Please give an example or story for each.
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Being Present
In today’s world, staying present is more challenging than ever, thanks to our constant connection to technology and the never-ending to-do lists running in our minds. We’re often in a loop of thinking about what’s next instead of focusing on the moment. For me, learning to be present has been one of the most transformative shifts in my life. It’s about noticing the details — like feeling the warmth of the sun, hearing the sounds around you, or simply breathing deeply. When I’m fully present, I find that I’m calmer, more thoughtful, and more centered in my interactions with others. Being present helps you regulate your nervous system and respond with intention rather than reactivity. It’s a powerful tool to manage stress and maintain balance in any situation. -
Getting Enough Sleep
Sleep is often the first thing we sacrifice when we’re busy, but it’s foundational to well-being. In my twenties and thirties I used to pride myself on getting by with just five hours of sleep a night. I thought it made me more productive — until it didn’t. Over time, I became irritable, unfocused, and physically exhausted. It wasn’t until I started prioritizing sleep — making sure I got at least 7–8 hours a night and tracking my sleep patterns — that I realized how much better I could feel. Now, I make sleep a non-negotiable part of my routine, and the results are life-changing. I feel calmer, more energized, and much more focused throughout the day. Sleep is one of the most overlooked wellness practices, but it’s critical to longevity and mental clarity. -
Meditation
Meditation has been a profound practice for me, allowing me to connect with both my inner self and a higher source of guidance. I started meditating a few years ago, and it has completely rewired how I approach life. Whether it’s through breathing exercises, guided visualizations, or simple silence, meditation helps me stay present and connected to my purpose. For example, after just 10 minutes of meditation, I often feel recharged, clear-headed, and ready to tackle the day with intention. Beyond that, meditation serves as a tool for manifestation. It helps me align my desires with my energy, allowing me to attract what I’m truly seeking in life. Everyone can find a form of meditation that works for them, and it’s an essential practice for creating inner peace and clarity. -
Journaling
Journaling has become a sacred practice in my daily life. It’s a space where I can unpack everything I’m thinking and feeling, whether it’s positive or negative. When I put my thoughts on paper, I’m acknowledging them, and in doing so, I create more mental space to focus on what truly matters. I also use journaling as a gratitude practice. No matter how my day has been, I always write down three things I’m grateful for. It could be as simple as “I’m grateful for a sunny day” or “I’m grateful for a good conversation,” but this practice shifts my focus toward the abundance in my life. Journaling has allowed me to stay grounded, clear-headed, and connected to my goals and emotions. -
Seeking Joy
Actively seeking joy has been a game-changer for me. Life moves fast, and it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and forget to appreciate the small, beautiful moments. I’ve made it a priority to intentionally plan joyful activities — whether it’s meeting a friend, attending an event, or simply indulging in something that makes me happy. At one point, I even had a “joy calendar” where I’d mark joyful experiences to look forward to, ensuring that I always had something to be excited about. Joy is a state of being, not just a fleeting emotion, and it’s one of the highest vibrational states we can live in. By cultivating joy, I attract more positive experiences into my life, and it’s been a cornerstone of maintaining my well-being.
These five lifestyle tweaks have been absolutely transformational for me, and I believe they can help anyone seeking a deeper sense of well-being and balance in life.
If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of wellness to the most amount of people, what would that be?
I did! It’s called Spark Your Zeal™.
Spark Your Zeal™ is more than just a coaching or personal development brand — it’s a global movement designed to ignite passion and purpose in both individuals and organizations by providing Vitamins For Your Spirit™. This movement is rooted in the belief that by living in alignment with our highest truth and by tapping into our inner fire, we can create the transformation we desire in every area of life.
The mission of Spark Your Zeal™ is to dissolve inertia and inspire people to tap into their innate zeal — the energy that fuels action, growth, and alignment. I want people to understand that their dreams are not just distant fantasies; they are achievable realities when they live in high-vibration states and take empowered, intentional steps. It’s about helping individuals and companies overcome burnout, find clarity, and align with their purpose.
But this movement isn’t just about action; it’s about honoring the beauty, luxury, and spirituality that surrounds us. I believe deeply in the power of beauty and the role it plays in lifting our spirits and creating a high-vibrational life. By raising the world’s vibration — through workshops, retreats, spiritual tools, and experiences — Spark Your Zeal™ helps people lead more abundant, joyful, and impactful lives.
My vision is to bring this sense of zeal to the world, creating ripple effects that not only transform personal lives but also entire companies and communities. By inspiring people to live with passion, purpose, and high vibrations, we can create a world where wellness, fulfillment, and success are not just possibilities — they are the standard.
What are your “5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Started” and why?
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Never take anything personally
People have their own struggles, insecurities, and circumstances that often have nothing to do with you. I used to internalize other people’s reactions, thinking it was about me, but the truth is, it rarely is. When I learned to stop taking things personally, I freed myself from unnecessary stress and emotional baggage. It’s about staying grounded in your own energy and not letting external situations dictate your peace. -
Get good sleep
I wish someone had told me earlier how essential sleep is! For years, I thought I could function on five hours of sleep and still be at my best. But the truth is, sleep is foundational to well-being. It impacts everything — your mood, energy, focus, and even your ability to make good decisions. Prioritizing sleep was one of the most transformative lifestyle changes I made, and it allowed me to show up more centered, clear-headed, and aligned. -
Surround yourself with people who uplift you
The energy of the people around you is contagious. There was a time when I didn’t pay much attention to the kind of company I kept. Now I realize how critical it is to surround yourself with people who genuinely support and uplift you. Being selective about your inner circle allows you to protect your own energy and zeal. The right people encourage your growth, and their positive energy helps elevate your vibration. -
Cut the dead ends
Don’t hold on to negativity or situations that drain your energy. I’ve learned that when something isn’t working — whether it’s a job, relationship, or project — it’s better to let it go than to force it. Holding on to things that no longer serve you diminishes your zeal and keeps you stuck in low vibrations. Protecting your energy and staying aligned with your purpose sometimes means making difficult decisions to move on. -
Make an effort to find love
Love is one of the highest vibrations we can live in, and it’s incredibly healing. This includes both the love you give and receive from others and the love you cultivate within yourself. I’ve learned that when you love yourself deeply, you see the world in a completely different light. Self-love helps you set better boundaries, make empowered choices, and attract more of what you want in life. Love is the foundation for everything we do, and it’s worth making the effort to nurture it.
Sustainability, veganism, mental health, and environmental changes are big topics at the moment. Which one of these causes is dearest to you, and why?
Mental health is the cause dearest to me because, without it, everything else falls apart. Humans can’t function at their best — whether it’s thinking about the environment, caring for animals, or even pursuing personal goals — if their mental well-being is compromised. Mental health is the foundation upon which everything else is built.
That’s why I created Spark Your Zeal™ — a movement that bridges the gap between mental health and spirituality. I believe that mental health isn’t just about addressing challenges but also about aligning with your purpose and living in high-vibration states like joy, love, and gratitude. By helping people reignite their inner zeal, we’re nurturing their mental and emotional well-being in a way that empowers them to create positive change in their own lives and in the world.
At Spark Your Zeal™, I’m on a mission to show people that when we take care of our mental health — by staying connected to ourselves spiritually and energetically — we can make a real difference, not just for ourselves but for the planet. Together, we can raise the collective vibration and build a better, more conscious world.
What is the best way for our readers to further follow your work online?
The best way to stay connected is by signing up for my newsletter at sparkyourzeal.com/list. When you sign up, you’ll receive the Zeal Manifestation Map for free, a powerful tool to help you unlock your purpose and future. You’ll also get regular inspiration, tools, and updates on events and offerings to spark your own zeal.
You can also follow me on Instagram at @NadiaCarta for daily insights and high-vibration content, or connect with me on LinkedIn at Nadia Carta for thought leadership and engaging conversations.
Thank you for these fantastic insights! We wish you continued success and good health.
Thank you so much, Authority Magazine, for having me as part of this feature! It’s been a joy to share my journey and insights with your readers. Wishing everyone continued success, growth, and high-vibration living!
About the Interviewer: Wanda Malhotra is a wellness entrepreneur, lifestyle journalist, and the CEO of Crunchy Mama Box, a mission-driven platform promoting conscious living. CMB empowers individuals with educational resources and vetted products to help them make informed choices. Passionate about social causes like environmental preservation and animal welfare, Wanda writes about clean beauty, wellness, nutrition, social impact and sustainability, simplifying wellness with curated resources. Join Wanda and the Crunchy Mama Box community in embracing a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle at CrunchyMamaBox.com.
