Nova Hartsook
What makes Nova Wildly Capable?
Nova is a blessing and a gift to all whose life is touched by her presence. She walks in faith, gentleness, strength, kindness, courage, care, and service. Her values are unwavering and her commitment to family, friends, and colleagues is steadfast. Nova has overcome so many challenges with grace and determination and she lifts others up to overcome as well. DEANNA FARMER
What makes you feel proud?
What makes me feel the most proud (and humble at the same time) is when my daughter says I’m the best mom/Grams and she wants to be like me, my son tells me he’s grateful I am his mom, and my husband says he doesn’t know what he’d do without me. I also feel really good when I’m able to help my team grow, whether it be in knowledge and skills or financially with raises, bonuses, and promotions. Finally, I’m proud that a little girl who was adopted at two-and-a-half and raised primarily by a single dad with a third grade education (without much money but lots of love) was blessed to go back to college later in life and complete a Bachelor’s degree.
What’s been the biggest obstacle in your life so far?
A 24-year marriage that ended in divorce. I never thought I’d be divorced. I fully believed (and still do) in the sanctity of marriage and it was an extremely hard decision to make, but there came a day when I knew it was the right one. That was a really tough time in my life, but God is faithful. His grace truly is amazing. He picked up the pieces of my life and put it back together more beautifully than I could have imagined.
Who is the biggest influence in your life? Why?
I’ve been blessed to have so many people speak into my life: pastors, friends, leaders, and mentors, to name a few. As I thought about it, I realized my daddy has been my biggest influence. He stayed when my mother walked away when I was four years old and he raised me alone. He taught me how to work hard, give generously, and love selflessly. I couldn’t have asked for a better parent.
One year from today, how do you hope you’re different?
I want to be a better leader. I want to be able to have tough conversations with grace that inspire growth and change. I want to be better at creating boundaries for my sake and the sake of my family. In every way, I want to be more like Christ.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
To accept Jesus as my Lord. It changed the trajectory of my life. Jesus taught me about the Golden Rule, to treat others the way I would want to be treated. When you treat people right, things usually work out better. Sometimes you make a new friend, and sometimes you receive favor or promotion. Regardless, it’s just the right thing to do.
