From early coding lessons to empowering teams across continents, Nestinka Rebello is shaping the future of FinTech
Nestinka Rebello’s journey from the tranquil beaches of Goa to the dynamic world of FinTech development has taught her that meaningful innovation is rarely the result of a single breakthrough. Instead, it stems from persistent effort, continuous learning, and a willingness to seek solutions where others may only see obstacles.
Raised in a warm, supportive family in Margao, Nestinka’s early life was filled with encouragement and curiosity. Her parents had initially hoped she would pursue a career in medicine, but quickly became her most steadfast supporters when she chose technology instead. Her foundational years were spent at Presentation Convent High School and later at Shree Damodar Higher Secondary School, where her academic interests began to crystallize into a passion for engineering and computing.
She shares a formative moment from her childhood: “Looking back, even as a child, I was drawn to solving problems. I remember once rappelling down from our third-floor terrace with a rope to get into our locked house when I was in the 10th standard. That wasn’t just mischief; it was instinctively trying to find a solution.”
Nestinka’s fascination with technology began early. “That first encounter with computers in sixth standard at Presentation Convent was truly pivotal. Programming a little turtle to move across the screen with Logo opened up an entirely new world for me,” she recalls. From that moment, she was captivated by what technology could do.
Though a quiet student, Nestinka’s introverted nature helped her become an attentive listener and keen observer − traits that later became key assets in leadership. “The transformation wasn’t overnight. It happened slowly − step by step − as I tackled new technical challenges, learned to manage people, and eventually started thinking strategically about business growth and innovation.”
One of her most significant professional transformations came when she transitioned from being a solo developer to taking on a leadership role. “As a developer, I was entirely comfortable diving deep into code and solving problems alone. I didn’t have to interact much, and I liked that,” she explains. “But becoming a Director at Codemax changed everything. Suddenly, collaboration was essential. I had to manage people, understand their perspectives, and support their growth.”
The shift was initially overwhelming. Nestinka had to rethink her approach entirely. “My natural introversion made leadership harder. I was more at ease with code than with navigating team dynamics. But over time, I realized leadership isn’t about having all the answers it is about empowering others to find the best ones.”
She began scheduling regular check-ins with her team, listening more intently, and encouraging open communication. “Instead of giving directives, I started asking for input and building consensus. That changed everything. My team felt more invested, and the quality of our work improved drastically. They started proposing ideas I would never have imagined alone. That shift from individual contributor to collaborative leader was one of the most important phases of my growth.”
This new leadership philosophy was instrumental in developing Orion, a real-time transaction monitoring system that Nestinka and her team created. “Orion was born from frustration. We watched competitors take 15–30 minutes to respond to transactions. In FinTech, that kind of delay is risky. Every second can cost money or opportunity. So we asked ourselves: ‘What if we could process transactions in real-time?’
The goal was ambitious. “We didn’t plan to reach two-second response times from day one. It was a journey with lots of testing, optimization, and a refusal to accept ‘good enough.’ Every bottleneck was questioned. The real magic came from the way we worked together questioning, iterating, and constantly pushing limits.”
At CodeMax, Nestinka has infused this collaborative and solutions-driven mindset into the company’s culture. Her leadership is grounded in coordination, empathy, and active listening. This has helped strengthen internal team dynamics as well as relationships with international partners. “In our collaborations, especially with European clients, our listening-first approach has been vital. Different cultures have different communication styles, and being willing to understand before expecting to be understood has helped us build strong, lasting partnerships.”
She adds, “The team knows I am approachable. We solve problems together. That openness leads to stronger retention, more innovation, and better alignment with our global clients across different time zones.”
Outside the world of technology, Nestinka finds balance and inspiration through adventure. Whether its scuba diving, skydiving, or riding a motorcycle through Goa’s monsoon roads with friends. These activities are more than hobbies; they have shaped her mindset. “Adventure sports teach you quick decision −making and how to assess risks under pressure. Those skills directly translate to business, especially in FinTech where split-second decisions matter. And once you have jumped out of a plane, presenting to a boardroom full of executives isn’t quite as daunting!”
She adds that these experiences help her de-stress and stay grounded. “After a challenging week, there is nothing like being underwater with the fish. It clears your mind and puts everything into perspective.”
Nestinka is also passionate about contributing to Goa’s growth as a tech hub. “The state hasn’t traditionally been seen as a tech destination, but that is changing; being able to build a world-class company here, in a place I love, means everything to me.”
She proudly recalls a major milestone: “In 2018, when CodeMax was named one of the ‘Top 10 Best and Promising Startups’ by the Goa government, it felt like a win not just for us, but for all Goan innovators. We are proving that you don’t need to leave Goa to do meaningful, high-impact work.”
What makes their model unique, she says, is their commitment to Goan values. “We are not trying to replicate Silicon Valley. We are creating something authentic, something that respects community, relationships, and balance. It is possible to pursue excellence without losing sight of what matters most.”
Her commitment to community goes beyond the office. Nestinka launched the ‘Safe Us’ initiative to promote women’s safety and supports educational access in rural areas. “I believe in sharing opportunity. I was lucky to have early access to computers, quality education, and a supportive family. Not everyone gets that. The Safe Us initiative started after an incident at Benaulim Beach, but it’s really about something bigger; using our knowledge and networks to solve real-world problems.”
Rather than building new safety apps, Safe Us focuses on raising awareness of the tools people already have. “Sometimes it is not about invention, it is about education. A lot of people aren’t even aware of the safety features on their phones. We are closing that gap.”
Similarly, her work in rural education focuses on building digital literacy and confidence. “We can’t talk about innovation while communities still lack basic access. Bridging that divide is essential. If we are not lifting others up, we are not really succeeding.”
As a woman navigating the traditionally male-dominated world of FinTech, Nestinka has faced her share of challenges. One of the most personal was overcoming her hesitation in high-stakes business and networking environments. “Walking into rooms where you are the only woman, can be intimidating. I have always preferred listening over speaking, especially in unfamiliar settings. But I have come to realize that this is actually strength. Listening deeply leads to better understanding and stronger decisions.” She also credits adventure sports with helping her build confidence. “If you can conquer physical fear, you start seeing professional challenges differently. And having mentors like Mayur Virkar, who genuinely believed in me, made a world of difference. Support and belief are powerful.”
Looking ahead, Nestinka envisions a more balanced and inclusive tech future, especially for women. “In places like Goa, we have a real opportunity to design ecosystems that are both innovative and sustainable; one that value emotional intelligence, collaboration, and community, not just technical dominance.”
She believes the future of technology lies in diversity of thought and leadership styles. “Women bring unique perspectives to problem-solving, team dynamics, and long-term vision. My hope is that more young girls in Goa will see technology as a real, fulfilling career path. And that they will know they don’t need to give up who they are to succeed.” Her message is clear: “We are not trying to fit into someone else’s mould. We are creating models that work for us and for everyone.”
