Ask The Judges

secrets to winning a novi award

We went behind the judging panel and asked exactly what it takes to win.
Here's what some of our judges had to say!
If you haven't yet applied for the Novi Awards consider this your cheat sheet. Now go write that award-winning entry.

Elizabeth Vega
Group CEO, Informed Solutions
What must appear in the first paragraph of a winning entry and what immediately signals it won’t score highly?
A strong opening paragraph should immediately demonstrate impact, leadership and clear outcomes. Judges want to quickly understand what was achieved and why it mattered. Entries that begin with vague statements, excessive waffle or overly self-centred positioning tend to weaken confidence from the outset and can set the wrong tone for the rest of the submission.
Click Here
What is the one key piece of evidence nominees almost always miss that would strengthen their entry?
Clear evidence supported by measurable data is often missing. Absolute numbers, tangible outcomes and illustrative examples make a significant difference to the credibility of an entry. Judges are looking for proof of impact rather than broad claims, so showing scale, change or measurable improvement is incredibly powerful.
Click Here
What does a well-executed Community Impact section include and what typically weakens it?
The strongest Community Impact sections demonstrate measurable outcomes, scale, collaboration and authentic testimonials from those affected. Strong entries clearly evidence how people or communities benefited over time. Generic statements, unsupported claims or a lack of metrics tend to weaken the submission and make impact harder to assess.
Click Here
In your view, what clearly separates a winning entry from one that is highly commended?
Winning entries demonstrate contribution that genuinely goes beyond the expected day job. Authentic leadership, meaningful influence and measurable impact stand out far more than virtue signalling or simply describing standard responsibilities. The very best submissions show sustained contribution and evidence of making a difference beyond the immediate role remit.
Click Here
If you could change one thing in most entries in under a minute before submission, what would it be?
I would reduce the overuse of “I” and make the language more inclusive. The strongest entries recognise collaboration and demonstrate how outcomes benefited teams, organisations and communities, not just individuals. Small changes in tone can make an entry feel far more credible, balanced and impactful.
Click Here
What’s the one thing missing from most Leadership sections?
The human story. I want to understand who you are as a leader — how you think, how you show up for your team — not just a list of titles and responsibilities.
Click Here
What commercial evidence do nominees rarely include, but always should?
Numbers with context. Revenue figures and growth percentages are great, but tell me what that meant for your organisation, your team, or your clients — that’s what brings the impact to life.
Click Here
What makes a Community Impact section feel personal rather than corporate?
When it’s clear the nominee chose this cause because it genuinely matters to them, not because it looked good on paper. Specificity and personal connection always shine through.
Click Here
Does the optional video influence your decision — yes or no, and why?
Yes, absolutely. A short, authentic video lets your personality come through in a way that’s hard to capture in writing.
Click Here
What puts a nominee straight into your “yes” pile?
When I finish reading and feel genuinely inspired/ moved . If your entry makes me want to share your story with others, you’re a definite yes.
Click Here
Erica King
People Operations Director in Corporate Transformation Services, Alvarez & Marsal
Debra White
Rt. Customer Experience Director, Small Business Banking, HSBC
What’s the one thing missing from most Leadership sections?
Vision for the future. Ensuring that the examples given are robust and show the outcome and impact of great leadership. Include any mistakes made and how these were dealt with and lessons learned.
Click Here
What commercial evidence do nominees rarely include, but always should?
Awareness of competitors and external factors that could impact them and the business.
Click Here
What makes a Community Impact section feel personal rather than corporate?
Give specific examples of what they have done - this makes it very personal as opposed to what the company does . Outcomes of these and how it has impacted. Include everything even though it may seem small and I significant.
Click Here
Does the optional video influence your decision — yes or no, and why?
This is great for getting to know them on a deeper level. May have a small impact
Click Here
What puts a nominee straight into your “yes” pile?
When they tell their story effectively with great examples and details to show they know and understand the business , the community and are passionate about what they do including adversity.
Click Here
Anything else?
Definitely sell themselves which may not come naturally to some. It is key they fully get across the passion, understanding and resilience. Include what motivates them personally ( family etc) include any adversity and how they have overcome this.
Click Here
Enter the novi awards
get tickets
Summit
Summit