Meet the Team – Adriano Orzelleca

When you think of a risk leader, imagine someone buried under spreadsheets, frowning over decimal points and probability models. But Adriano Orzelleca flips that image on its head. With his signature calmness, humour, and sharp instincts, he’s one of the driving forces behind Nucleus’s evolving approach to underwriting.

Adriano’s journey from skipping university to jumping straight into work life proves that real leadership isn’t always about ticking the traditional boxes. It’s about grit, intuition, and a deep understanding that behind every business application is a person, a dream, and a goal. Since joining Nucleus in 2016, he’s been a steady hand at the helm of Risk.

So, what’s it really like to be a Risk Manager at one of the top business lending solution providers in the UK? We sat down and had a candid conversation with Adriano.

What early life or career experience has had the biggest impact on you?

Deciding to dive into full-time work after college was a defining choice. Back then, I wasn’t sure if it was the “right” path, but something a manager said to me early on really stuck: “University isn’t for everyone, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with going straight into work.”

That mindset gave me the confidence to trust my path. It taught me that if you throw yourself into a role, stay committed, and surround yourself with growth-minded people, you can go just as far, if not further, than someone who took a more traditional route. I’ve carried that belief with me ever since.

From Operations to Risk Management, what inspired you?

Sales was never really my thing; I realised that early on. But when I joined Nucleus, I was lucky enough to be paired with an absolutely cracking salesman. He handled the front end; I was all about the behind-the-scenes detail. We worked brilliantly together, and that experience made me realise how much I enjoyed the analytical side of the job.

Digging into applications, looking at numbers, and spotting risks, there’s something very satisfying about it. The more deals we processed, the more it confirmed what I already knew: underwriting was the place for me. Operations gave me that exposure, and I used it to carve out a niche where I felt at home.

Why was Nucleus the right place for your growth?

When I joined back in 2016, Nucleus was much smaller. But even then, the vision for growth was unmistakable. There was this infectious drive to scale the business, and I could see early on that if we were going to hit those targets, the underwriting team had to grow too.

I wasn’t handed a leadership role on day one, but I was given an opportunity. I was encouraged to step up, take on more, and evolve with the business. Nucleus did not just allow me to grow into leadership; it actively backed me to do so. That kind of support is rare, and I will always appreciate it.

What’s been your proudest moment at Nucleus so far—something that really made you pause and think, this is why I do what I do?

It’s hard to pick just one, but for me, every time I approve a deal that helps someone achieve their dream, that’s a WIN. Whether it’s the BDM who’s been working hard to get it over the line, the broker who’s put their reputation on it, or the business owner who needs the funds to move forward, those moments matter.

Being declined for finance is never nice. So, knowing I’ve played a part in making someone’s day a little better, or helping a business take a step closer to its goals, that’s what it’s all about.

How do you stay calm and clear-headed in such a high-pressure space?

I’ve always been naturally calm, it’s just how I’m wired. But I also believe in staying present and not letting stress stack up. When you’ve got a big pile of applications in front of you, it’s easy to spiral. That’s when mistakes happen.

Instead, I break everything down. One app at a time. One decision at a time. I give each case the attention it deserves and then move on. It’s like hurdling, you deal with what’s in front of you, clear it, and then tackle the next one. That mindset keeps me focused, productive, and sane.

Culture is key at Nucleus. How do you foster collaboration and innovation while driving strong results?

Transparency is the key. I always try to be approachable, especially when BDMs have to ask for clarity about application outcomes. Risk decisions can be complex, but if I can explain why we’ve gone a certain way, it makes their jobs easier and builds trust.

Let’s be honest, BDMs often have to deal with situations where people think every application should be a guaranteed yes. That’s a lot of pressure. So, being able to give them clear, reasoned answers makes their job smoother and creates a more collaborative environment across the board.

Looking back at your journey, what’s one defining challenge that shaped you?

Learning to accept mistakes and move forward. When you’re in Risk, not everything goes to plan. Some deals will default. It’s part of the job. What matters is how you handle it.

Do you let it knock your confidence, or do you dig into what happened, learn from it, and refine your approach? I chose the latter. Over time, that’s helped me build resilience and trust my judgment, even when the stakes are high.

How do you stay grounded and maintain a balance between your leadership responsibilities and personal life?

I care deeply about my role, but I also know how important it is to recharge. Because I’m naturally calm, it’s easier for me to switch gears when I need to. I don’t carry work stress home with me.

That doesn’t mean I’m disengaged. It just means I understand the value of rest, family, and life outside of work. A well-rested leader makes better decisions, hands down.

What excites you about Nucleus’s future and your role as Risk Manager?

Underwriting has evolved massively since I started. A lot of manual processes are now handled by technology.

Although tech has made our process sharper and more thorough, intuition can’t be automated. There are things you just can’t teach a system. That’s why the combination of intelligent software and experienced underwriters is so powerful, and that’s what excites me most.

In one sentence, what does being a Risk Leader at Nucleus mean to you?

Being in Risk means knowing the weight of your decisions, but also knowing that taking smart, calculated risks is how we grow a business with real momentum and staying power.

Final Word

Adriano is the kind of leader who reminds us that growth isn’t just about scaling numbers; it’s about staying grounded, making decisions with heart and logic, and never losing your sense of humour. His journey is proof that calm, consistent leadership combined with a touch of cheek can not only shape a great career but also a thriving culture.

As Nucleus continues to push the boundaries of fintech, its leaders, like Adriano, who make the climb not just possible but genuinely inspiring.