The Power of Relationships in Executive Search
By Acadia Munari, Head of Marketing & Branding
Employee Spotlight: Adonai Aloma
Adonai Aloma, Principal at Nexus Search Partners
Adonai didn’t set out to work in executive search after finishing college. But once he stepped into the industry, he quickly saw how well it matched the way he thinks, builds, and connects, refining it through the perspective he gained in business school.
Fast-moving, highly strategic, and centered around people, executive search gave Adonai a chance to do what he does best: build lasting relationships and help leaders step into roles where they can create real impact.
“I didn’t seek out executive search,” he shares. “It wasn’t even on my radar. But once I got into it, I realized how much I enjoy the work.”
Now a Principal at Nexus Search Partners, Adonai leads with precision and intentionality and works across sectors to identify talent that fits not just the job, but the business, culture, and stage of growth.
Understanding What Success Looks Like
At Nexus, Adonai leads candidate engagement across sectors. It’s a role that requires precision, curiosity, and the ability to see beyond the resume.
“An A+ candidate for one company might not be the right fit for another,” he shares. “It starts with understanding what success really looks like, not just in terms of skills, but also leadership style, cultural fit, and stage of the business.”
That ability to connect context to talent is what sets his approach apart. And at Nexus, he prioritizes engaging meaningfully, listening more closely, and helping candidates think strategically about what’s next.
“I’m not rushing to make placements,” Adonai shares. “I stay involved throughout the process, including prep, concerns, and conversations. It builds trust and leads to stronger, longer-lasting outcomes.”
Members of the Nexus team attend the 2025 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, NC. Pictured from left, Thadd Jones, Darci Galvin, Sam Worobec, and Adonai Aloma.
Why Nexus Felt Different
What drew Adonai to Nexus wasn’t just the opportunity to grow. It was the chance to build something with intention.
“I saw a firm that was focused on high-impact work, long-term relationships, and creating lasting value,” he shares. “What really sealed it was the leadership. Thadd’s vision, especially from having been a client, stood out. He’s building something that avoids the usual missteps and actually delivers on what clients want.”
That vision resonated with Adonai’s own approach to search: thoughtful, relational, flexible, and grounded in trust.
“The model gives us room to go deep with clients, be thoughtful with candidates, and actually deliver on what we say we’re going to do,” says Adonai. “That mix of autonomy, quality, and trust really clicked for me.”
Looking Beyond the Resume
For Adonai, success isn’t just about matching skills to a job description. It’s about aligning lived experience to company culture and ensuring both clients and candidates understand the full picture.
“I’m not just asking what someone has done, but how they’ve done it and what’s shaped the way they lead,” Adonai explains. “That helps me figure out not just if they can do the job, but where they’ll thrive.”
He also emphasizes giving candidates a real view into culture, not just the polished narrative.
“That transparency helps both sides make better decisions.”
Focused on the Long Game
Whether he’s launching new practice areas or strengthening candidate pipelines, Adonai is focused on building for the long game. His work helped jumpstart Nexus’ emerging sports practice, and he continues to grow client relationships across founder-led and private equity-backed businesses.
The Nexus Search Partners team attends a Charlotte Hornets game against the Washington Wizards. Pictured from left is Adonai Aloma, Acadia Munari, Darci Galvin, and Sam Worobec.
“These are organizations where the right hire can truly move the needle,” he shares. “That kind of work feels purposeful.”
And as Nexus grows, he’s excited to shape more than just search strategy.
“I’m energized by the chance to help shape our culture: how we support each other, how we show up in the market, and how we stay connected to great leaders even when there isn’t a live search.”
At Nexus, We Lead Differently
Adonai’s story reflects what Nexus is building every day: a high-touch, values-aligned firm where relationships come first.
We’re not here to check boxes. We’re here to connect people and organizations in ways that change the trajectory for both.
Thinking About What’s Next?
At Nexus, we don’t just invest in leadership for our clients. We invest in it internally, too. Our team members are supported with a comprehensive benefits package that reflects the same intentionality we bring to every search:
Medical, dental, and vision coverage
401(k) with company match
Generous PTO and paid holidays
Ongoing professional development opportunities
We’re building a purpose-driven firm where great people can do the best work of their careers and be well taken care of along the way.