Who better to lead the Novi Awards judging panel than someone who has experienced the Awards from the other side?
Gisela Abbam OBE knows exactly what it feels like to have your work recognised by the Novi community. In 2024, she was named Novi Women on Boards of the Year. This year, she returns in a very different role: Chair of the 2026 Judging Panel.
Gisela will lead an incredible panel of industry leaders through a robust and rigorous judging process, helping to identify and celebrate the women who are breaking through barriers and redefining what excellence looks like across business and beyond.
But before the judging begins, we sat down with Gisela to talk about what real change looks like inside organisations, the leadership trends we need to watch, and why she encourages leaders to bring their entire teams to Novi.
“I am deeply honoured to serve as the Chair of Judges for the 2026 Novi Awards. Having experienced the transformative power of these awards firsthand as a past winner, I know how vital it is to shine a spotlight on exceptional leadership. The judging process is always a robust, transparent, and rigorous evaluation of some truly exceptional candidates. Together with an incredible panel of industry leaders, we look forward to celebrating the trailblazers who are redefining excellence across the globe.” — Gisela Abbam OBE
1. How does Gisela describe the Novi Awards and Leadership Summit in just three words?
Inspiring, Empowering & Innovative.
2. The tagline for the Novi Awards is Breaking Through Barriers, but we know there’s still so much institutional resistance to change. How does true breakthrough start to take shape in our teams and organisations? hat does real breakthrough look like?
The Novi Awards are built around a simple idea: Breaking Through Barriers. But breaking through isn’t always about one dramatic moment. For Gisela, meaningful change starts with how organisations think about diversity, and whose ideas they are actually prepared to hear.
True breakthrough happens, she notes, “when organisations fully value diversity in all forms — from diversity of thought, to diversity of gender and race.” She also believes organisations must create space for ideas that don’t fit neatly into the usual way of doing things. “Furthermore, it is when ‘out of the box’ thinking is embraced and explored.”
That is where breakthrough begins: not simply with representation, but by creating environments where different perspectives are genuinely valued and new ways of thinking are given room to develop.
3. What topics do you think will be top-of-mind and highly topical at the Novi Summit? What trends should we be watching?
The leadership landscape is changing quickly. Gisela points out that artificial intelligence and technological advancement will continue to reshape how businesses operate. But tech isn’t the only conversation we should be having. Leaders must also think carefully about the skills required to succeed in a changing world, while entrepreneurship, innovation, and access to finance for female founders remain critical priorities.
4. You’ve strongly advocated that leaders should bring their teams and thought partners to the event. Why is attending in person such a powerful talent retention tool?
Gisela is a strong advocate for leaders bringing their teams and thought partners to the Novi Awards. Why? Because attending together sends a powerful message. It tells your people that their development matters, that their ideas matter, and that you are prepared to invest in them.
“It demonstrates to the teams and leaders that the organisation values them and is prepared to invest in their development,” she explains. And that investment goes far beyond one day in the diary.
The Novi Awards is a true leadership development summit—a chance to hear new perspectives, discover new tools, meet peers across industries, and take bold ideas back into your own career and organisation.
Bring Your Team to the Novi Awards
5. What are you hoping people take away from the conversations at the event?
For Gisela, the value of the Summit isn’t simply in hearing inspiring stories—it’s what you do with them afterwards.
“I hope as we celebrate the journeys of the finalists and winners they set an example for others to learn from,” she says, adding that the event’s programming is designed for high-impact takeaways. “The panel discussions and an exceptional keynote speaker will leave everyone with powerful leadership lessons that if taken on board would support one’s career growth.”
6. You belong at Novi if you are tired of….
You belong at Novi if you are tired of not making a visible impact.
7. What does Novi mean to you personally as someone who attends the Summit?
Having experienced Novi as both a winner and now as Chair of Judges, what does this community mean to her personally?
“It is a gathering of women who support and inspire each other to reach for the sky,” she shares. “It is a warm and friendly community that empowers female leaders.”
Perhaps that is what makes the Novi community so different. It isn’t just about recognising where someone is today; it’s about creating a space where women can learn from one another, find encouragement, build strategic connections, and imagine what might be possible next.
From being recognised to recognising others
Gisela first experienced the Novi Awards as a winner. Now, she returns to help decide who will take the stage in 2026. It’s a fitting next chapter, and one that speaks to the very heart of Novi: being recognised, being inspired, and eventually helping to lift others.
We are delighted to have Gisela leading this year’s judging panel and look forward to celebrating the exceptional women whose stories will take centre stage this November at The Londoner Hotel, London. A full day celebrating the women changing industries, challenging stereotypes, and creating lasting impact.
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