EXPATS & BUSINESS: From Toronto to Barcelona – A Story of Resilience and Reinvention

Today, we bring you the inspiring story of Nivida, a Canadian tech guru, serial entrepreneur, and advocate for women in STEM and innovation.
With over a decade of experience in the technology sector, Nivida has built a reputation as a thought leader in AI education and entrepreneurship. Her career spans continents, industries, and cultures, giving her a unique perspective on what it takes to thrive both personally and professionally.

Born and raised in Toronto, Canada, Nivida began her career in North America’s fast-paced tech ecosystem. However, her adventurous spirit and hunger for growth led her to live and work in cities across Asia, Europe, and South America. Each chapter in her life has been marked by bold decisions, resilience, and a commitment to building meaningful connections.

Her latest chapter, in Barcelona, Spain, is perhaps her most transformative. It’s a story of overcoming personal challenges, embracing cultural differences, and finding success in an entirely new environment.

A World Citizen: From Bangkok to Barcelona

Nivida’s journey as an expat spans seven years and multiple continents. She began her international adventure in Bangkok, Thailand, before living in Singapore, Madrid, and Buenos Aires. Each city brought unique experiences and opportunities for personal and professional growth. However, a return to her home city of Toronto left her yearning for the dynamism she had experienced abroad.

By 2019, with her marriage on shaky ground and a sense that Toronto’s lifestyle no longer aligned with her goals, she made the courageous decision to relocate to Barcelona. The city’s burgeoning reputation as a tech hub and its vibrant, community-oriented culture were key factors in her choice. “There was something inside me that said I still need room to grow,” she recalls.

The Hurdles of Relocation

While the allure of Barcelona was strong, relocating came with its share of obstacles. Like many expats, Nivida encountered visa issues, which were compounded by her move right before the pandemic. With borders closing and her paperwork incomplete, she had to navigate Spain’s bureaucratic processes under tight deadlines.

Mistakes in preparation led to delays, but she found invaluable support in her local network. “My Spanish and Catalan friends were instrumental,” she explains, highlighting how a lawyer friend helped expedite her visa process. Her advice? “Don’t do what I did. Get your documents organized well in advance and rely on professional help.”


Personal Struggles and Finding Strength

Relocation challenges were not limited to administrative hurdles. Shortly after her arrival in Barcelona, her marriage ended. Facing the dual challenges of starting over in a new city while navigating a toxic relationship, Nivida found herself alone and without a local support system.

However, Barcelona’s vibrant community offered her a lifeline. Attending events like the Professional Women’s Network (PWN), she began building meaningful connections. “It’s so important to find your tribe,” she shares. Through this network, she met women who became her friends and mentors, helping her find stability during one of the most challenging periods of her life.


A New Chapter in Entrepreneurship

As an entrepreneur, Barcelona became a surprising catalyst for Nivida’s career growth. With nearly a decade of experience running her own businesses in North America, she initially viewed the continent as the epicenter of innovation. However, the city’s community-driven culture helped her reimagine her entrepreneurial journey.

Networking with like-minded women in tech and entrepreneurship opened doors she hadn’t anticipated. “Meeting powerful women here changed my career trajectory,” she says. Today, she advises companies, runs AI workshops, and continues scaling her own ventures. Barcelona’s approach to business—rooted in connection and collaboration—stood in stark contrast to North America’s hyper-productivity and status-driven culture, offering her a refreshing new perspective.


The Cost of Living: A Balanced Perspective

While Barcelona is often seen as a more affordable alternative to cities like Toronto, Nivida offers a nuanced perspective. Housing and dining are significantly cheaper, and the quality of produce is unparalleled. Yet, the cost of electricity and some taxes can be higher.

For entrepreneurs, she notes that Spain has room to grow in offering tax breaks and grants to attract and support startups. In contrast, Canada’s entrepreneurial ecosystem provides more incentives, particularly for women. However, Barcelona compensates with its quality of life, which she describes as “priceless”.


Embracing the Culture
Adapting to life in Barcelona required Nivida to redefine her values. She had to unlearn North America’s “hustle culture” and embrace a slower, more balanced way of living. “In Toronto, my day started at 6 a.m. and ended late at night. In Barcelona, I learned to enjoy my mornings, take a step back, and appreciate the little things.”
Networking was another adjustment. In North America, events focus heavily on job titles and achievements. In Barcelona, she found the emphasis on personal connections refreshing, though it took time to adapt to the less transactional nature of these interactions.


Lessons for Aspiring Expats

For those considering a move to Barcelona or Europe, Nivida offers the following advice:

1. Do Your Research: Barcelona is part of Catalunya, a region with its own traditions, language, and history. Respecting and understanding this context is key to integrating smoothly.
2. Redefine Success: Moving abroad allows you to shift your focus from purely financial goals to valuing health, community, and personal well-being.
3. Find Your Tribe: Building authentic relationships is critical for navigating the ups and downs of expat life. Don’t spread yourself too thin by trying to befriend everyone.
4. Seek Professional Help: For visas and legal matters, rely on experts to avoid unnecessary stress.
5. Embrace Growth: Moving abroad is a chance to grow in unexpected ways. Be open to the changes that come with integrating into a new culture.

A Life Transformed

Today, Nivida’s life in Barcelona is a testament to the power of resilience and adaptability. What began as a leap into the unknown has evolved into a fulfilling chapter of personal and professional success.
Her story is a reminder that relocating isn’t just about moving to a new city—it’s about embracing a new way of life. For those contemplating a similar journey, Nivida’s advice is clear: “Do the inner work, find your community, and redefine what success means to you.”

Barcelona may not solve all your problems, but as Nivida’s story shows, it can be the perfect setting for transformation.