Blog - Joaquin Martin

I’m not a runner, but “The Running Ground” by Nicholas Thompson moved me

The longest I have ever run in my life is ten minutes. Anything beyond that, I felt a sharp pain in my left calf and had to stop. For that reason, reading a book about a runner and his passion for marathons would not, at first glance, seem like something that would immediately capture my interest.

I met Nicholas Thompson and his family in the summer of 2024 during their visit to Cadiz, Spain, while two of his sons were training in an international soccer program at Cádiz Club de Fútbol. Even then, he spoke to me about his passion for running, and you could instantly see that this passion was inseparable from who he is. Running and Nicholas were one.

The Running Ground, as his author, has so many layers that it cannot be defined by a single category. Nicholas Thompson is a successful executive—former Editor in Chief of Wired, a global reference in AI communication, and currently CEO of The Atlantic. He is also husband of Danielle and father of Ellis, Zachary and James, a tireless runner who has been seeking new challenges since childhood, and the son of Scott Thompson, who is both the origin of his passion for running and the reason this book exists.

Blending memoir with reflection, he uses the marathon runner as a metaphor to explore values such as discipline, connection with others, self-knowledge, and the expansion of personal limits. Throughout the book, Nicholas shares stories of people he has met along his path—individuals who represent resilience and growth through running. He also shares his own story: after surviving thyroid cancer, running became the force that pushed him not only to return to who he was before the illness, but, as he explains, to go beyond that version of himself.

Running becomes a source of connection—with his children, his wife, and, most importantly, his father. Through this relationship, Nicholas reveals his father’s influence from childhood until his death, the different stages and emotions he moved through over the years, and how the journey ultimately leads to forgiveness and love.

This is a book for everyone: for parents, for runners and athletes, for executives, for anyone interested in personal growth, and for those who are passionate about any artistic or athletic discipline that requires consistency and long-term commitment.

With disarming honesty, Nicholas lays out his achievements and his weaknesses, his fears and his bold choices. And just as he shares the stories of people who inspired him, by the end of the book the reader feels inspired as well—by the values of marathon and ultramarathon runners, by love and care for family, and by the humility that running teaches, beautifully illustrated in the chapter dedicated to Michael Westphal.

The Running Ground moves you, motivates you, and inspires you. And even if it is hard to define, as I said at the beginning, when you finish it you feel you have learned something new on many levels—just as the author transfers the lessons of marathon running to his professional life, and back again. As Nicholas writes on the cover, this is a book about “a father, a son, and the simplest of sports.”

Dealflow Discovery Conference

Nomadar will be participating in the 3rd Dealflow Discovery Conference, taking place on January 28–29 in Atlantic City.

I will be attending the conference personally, presenting Nomadar and meeting one-on-one with investors throughout the event. It will be a great opportunity to connect, exchange perspectives, and discuss what we are building and where we are heading.

If you are attending the conference as well, I look forward to connecting in person.

Happy New Year

As we begin a new year, I want to take a moment to reflect on what 2025 has meant for Nomadar.
It has been a year of building, progress, and important milestones.

In the video below, I share a brief overview of some of the key moments that shaped 2025—from growth and expansion to defining steps forward.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey.
Wishing you a healthy, inspiring, and successful 2026!

New Chapter as CEO Americas & Executive Vice Chairman

Three years ago, we began building Nomadar from the ground up. It has been a long road—one that has required patience, resilience, and conviction—while, in parallel, we built the business step by step. Reaching the point of being listed on Nasdaq is a meaningful milestone in that journey.

I now take on this new stage as CEO Americas and Executive Vice Chairman with responsibility, energy, and a strong desire to keep building. Building Nomadar itself, but also building the international bridges that connect countries and continents, teams and cultures.

I believe deeply in using technology in the service of people—of their wellbeing and health—through sport. That belief has guided the journey so far and continues to shape what comes next.

I often think of myself as an artificial nomadar: someone who moves between places, projects, and perspectives, connecting worlds that might otherwise remain separate. From this new role, my commitment is full and clear—to continue building, connecting, and executing with purpose.

Below, I’m sharing the full press release with more details on the appointment.

READ THE PRESS RELEASE HERE

Three years to Nasdaq: Reflections on a Transformational Journey

On October 31st, Nomadar became a publicly traded company in Nasdaq with the symbol NOMA. This is an achievement that represents far more than a date on a corporate calendar. It marks the conclusion of a three-year journey defined by discipline, resilience, and the commitment to build a company ready for international visibility and long-term growth.

Preparing a company for a public listing is an exceptionally demanding process. It requires technical precision, strategic clarity, and the ability to coordinate many different actors across many areas at once. In our case, we were simultaneously developing the business structure and preparing the company to meet the highest regulatory and market standards.

Throughout these three years, my role was to lead and coordinate the entire process—internally and externally. That included aligning teams across legal, financial, operational, and strategic fronts; managing advisors, institutions, and partners across jurisdictions; and ensuring that every step met the rigor required by two of the most demanding entities in global markets: the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), as regulator, and Nasdaq, as one of the world’s leading stock exchanges. Both operate under rules and expectations of the highest level, and ensuring full compliance and readiness was a daily responsibility.

Then came the moment that captured the essence of everything we had been working toward. When Rafael Contreras, Executive Chairman of Nomadar, rang the bell alongside Manuel Vizcaíno, President of Cádiz CF, it didn’t simply mark the opening of a trading session. It symbolized the transformation of a vision into a global company prepared to operate in the most demanding public market environment. It was the culmination of three years of disciplined preparation, constant coordination, and shared belief.

Nomadar’s listing is not a final destination. It is the beginning of a new chapter—one that brings greater visibility, higher expectations, and new opportunities, particularly as we continue to expand our presence in the United States. The journey continues, now with the added credibility and responsibility that come with being a public company.

Looking back, I am proud of the work the entire team has done and of the leadership role I have held throughout this process. Guiding a company to the public markets requires adaptability, technical mastery, and absolute consistency. It has been a defining professional experience—one that strengthens both the company and myself for what comes next.

Nomadar is now a public company.
And this is only the beginning.

The power of Awareness in international teams

At Nomadar, I’ve come to realize that awareness isn’t just a value — it’s a daily practice. From the beginning, Nomadar has operated as an international company, with teams and operations in the United States and Spain. That means our rhythm is global by nature.

As we grow, I see how essential it is for everyone — from team members to leaders — to stay aware of each other’s realities, challenges, and needs. Awareness keeps us connected, even when we’re thousands of kilometers apart.

In my professional life, I’ve had the privilege of working with teams from the West Coast of the United States, through Mexico, across Europe, and all the way to China. Those experiences taught me something simple but powerful: real global collaboration is not just about coordination or tools — it’s about people.

It’s about being conscious of the colleague who’s ending their day when yours begins. Of the partner working in another language. Of the client relying on you from across an ocean. Awareness turns distance into understanding.

Leadership Begins with Awareness

At Nomadar, this idea defines how I see leadership. I believe awareness begins with small, intentional gestures. Checking in with a teammate in a different time zone. Adapting communication to make things easier. Being present for a partner or provider facing a different context.

These habits build trust. And trust, in turn, builds culture. Every officer, every leader — myself included — must set the example. Awareness isn’t declared; it’s demonstrated. It’s how we plan meetings, how we respond, how we respect each other’s time.

Teams feel when leadership is truly aware. That feeling creates belonging — and belonging drives performance.

Expanding Awareness Beyond the Team

In a company like Nomadar, awareness doesn’t stop with internal teams. It extends to our partners, providers, and clients around the world. Expanding our level of consciousness means understanding and anticipating the needs of everyone we collaborate with.

It’s what keeps Nomadar aligned across continents. It’s what turns professional relationships into long-term partnerships.

For me, this isn’t just management theory — it’s a conviction.
Because awareness is connection. When people — whether teammates, partners, or clients — truly see and understand each other across borders, they don’t just work together.
They/We grow together.

Public speaking: Essential for Managers and Leaders

Public speaking is no longer a “nice-to-have” skill for managers and executives; it’s an essential tool for effective leadership. Whether presenting quarterly results to stakeholders, rallying a team around a new vision, negotiating partnerships, or representing the company at industry events, the ability to speak clearly and confidently can define the impact of a leader. In a world where communication drives action, mastering public speaking is critical for success.

Managers and executives often face diverse scenarios that require strong public speaking skills. From delivering team meetings and leading workshops to addressing large audiences at conferences or pitching to potential investors, every interaction is an opportunity to inspire, influence, and engage. A well-delivered message can motivate employees, earn trust from stakeholders, and leave a lasting impression in professional circles.

In the field of Investor Relations, public speaking takes on an even greater level of importance. For professionals in IR, CEOs, and executives, every presentation or conversation is an opportunity to act as an ambassador for the company. Whether it’s presenting at investor conferences, hosting earnings calls, or engaging directly with stakeholders, the way leaders communicate has a direct impact on how the company is perceived. Clear, confident, and transparent communication builds trust and strengthens the company’s reputation, ultimately influencing investor confidence and long-term business success.

5 Key Elements to Develop Public Speaking Skills

Confidence through Preparation – Thoroughly know your topic and anticipate questions to project authority.
Understanding Your Audience – Tailor your message to their interests, needs, and level of understanding.
Clarity and Focus – Deliver a concise, well-structured message that avoids unnecessary jargon.
Engaging Delivery – Use storytelling, pauses, and vocal variety to captivate attention.
Body Language – Maintain eye contact, use purposeful gestures, and stand with a confident posture.

The ability to speak in public effectively is more than a personal skill; it’s a strategic tool. It creates a lasting impact on others, driving engagement and trust, and brings the company closer to achieving its objectives by addressing the needs of its clients. When done right, public speaking bridges the gap between vision and action.

New chapter. New blog

Welcome to my blog!

After years of contemplating, I’ve decided to embark on this exciting new journey of writing and sharing once again. Having maintained blogs in the past, I’m well aware of the challenges of keeping up with the demands of daily life while dedicating time to thoughtful content creation. Yet, this new chapter comes with a deep sense of purpose and enthusiasm.

For over 20 years, my professional focus has been on three key areas: communication, investor relations, and international development. These disciplines are not just part of my career—they’re my passion. Whether working on strategic messaging, building relationships with stakeholders, or exploring international opportunities, I’ve seen firsthand the immense value of experience and the impact it can create.

This blog also reflects the diversity of my personal and professional journey. From my background as an international actor and producer, a certified coach, to my educational path—including degrees in Hispanic Philology and Drama, and master’s studies in Human Resources, Innovation, Technology, Leadership, and International Trade—each step has contributed to a multifaceted perspective.

This blog represents a new beginning—an opportunity to share and discover together the applied knowledge and experience gained over two decades. It’s a space to explore and share the day-to-day work in communication, investor relations, business, technology, and international dynamics, fostering a collaborative journey of discovery and applied experience.

Here’s to the journey ahead.