Nova Collective – Fairplay Learning Partners Merge to Redefine Bold, Human Learning

Chicago, Illinois Jan 27, 2026 (EMWNews.com) – The Nova Collective, a leader in equity-centered organizational learning, has officially merged with Fairplay Learning Partners, a firm specializing in storytelling, leadership, and life sciences learning and development. This merger unites two long-time collaborators under one roof, creating a powerhouse team dedicated to transforming how organizations learn, lead, and grow.

For years, Nova and Fairplay have shared the same foundation and vision: to make learning bold, human, and unforgettable. While they have often partnered behind the scenes, the merger marks a full-circle moment, bringing together their expertise, philosophies, and people to deliver an even greater impact for their client partners.

What this means for clients:

• More Expertise: Expanded capabilities in leadership, storytelling, and life sciences L&D.
• More Innovation: Enhanced digital assets, creative program design, and forward-thinking learning strategies.
• More Capacity: A larger, integrated team ready to scale and deliver transformative results.

“Nova and Fairplay have always spoken the same language of creativity, collaboration, and inclusion,” said Scott Zoll, Partner. “That shared language was first developed over a decade ago when many of us worked together at Second City, where listening deeply and saying ‘Yes, And’ wasn’t just a performance principle, it was a way of leading. By officially joining forces, we’re not just expanding services, we’re multiplying impact for the organizations and leaders we serve.”

Launching The Dynamic Leader Program

As part of the merger, The Nova Collective is proud to launch The Dynamic Leader Program, a leadership development initiative that combines Fairplay’s science of learning with Nova’s proven frameworks for communication, agility, and dialogue. Recognized as a 2025 Training Magazine Network Choice Awards Winner in Leadership Development, the program equips high-potential leaders to thrive in fast-changing, high-stakes environments.

“This isn’t just a merger, it’s the natural next step in a story we’ve been building all along,” said Brynne Hovde, Partner. 

About The Nova Collective

The Nova Collective creates equity-centered learning experiences that transform organizations. With a focus on inclusion, agility, and cultural impact, Nova works with Fortune 100  organizations and has made an impact on thousands of learners worldwide.

About Fairplay Learning Partners

Formerly Fairplay Communications, Fairplay Learning Partners was founded by leaders with deep expertise in storytelling, communication, and leadership development. Fairplay Learning Partners has designed mission-critical programs for organizations across industries, with a strong focus on life sciences and executive leadership.