Novella Briggs
Novella Briggs is a seasoned executive-level professional with over 20 years of experience in higher education, nonprofit development, and organizational leadership. She has built a reputation for establishing and continuously improving organizational practices, processes, and systems, consistently driving strategic objectives while fostering collaborative and high-performing environments. Known for her infectious positive energy, Novella excels at motivating and mentoring teams, creating spaces where both individuals and organizations can thrive. Novella’s career highlights include more than a decade of service in executive support roles at Tidewater Community College, where she has assisted top leadership as Executive Assistant to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and the Provost. Her early work in South Africa, co-founding the Kingdom Development Group, demonstrates her longstanding commitment to community development and leadership training. Across these roles, she has cultivated expertise in coaching, mentoring, program development, and authentic communication, always prioritizing the growth and empowerment of those around her. Novella is also Founder of The Siza Group LLC, a coaching and mentoring initiative that extends her impact in educational and organizational leadership. Her professional focus is on developing future leaders, fostering collaboration, and guiding individuals and organizations to achieve their highest potential. Her notable achievements—ranging from nonprofit leadership in Johannesburg to shaping educational programs in the U.S. - reflect a career dedicated to purposeful service, transformational leadership, and community advancement.
• The Johns Hopkins University - MA, Public Management
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to perseverance, authenticity, resilience, pragmatism, and my capacity to forge meaningful connections. I value attentive listening, cultivate safe environments for candid dialogue, and guide individuals into identifying and leveraging their strengths. My global experiences, adaptability, and dedication to continuous learning have profoundly shaped my leadership path and enabled me to create a positive impact. Whether developing leadership acumen, refining decision-making, or nurturing a thriving team culture, I am committed to helping leaders reach both personal and organizational objectives.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to cultivate adaptability. This skill is essential in today's dynamic, ever-changing work environment, where career paths are rarely linear. Whether in South Africa, in higher education, or throughout my nonprofit and leadership journey, being able to adapt without losing oneself shapes my perspective regarding influence, service, and personal growth.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise a young woman starting out in this field to be resourceful and original, and choose a direction that feels authentic to who you are. Remember, your life is shaped by your decisions and efforts, so ensure they align with what matters most to you. Identify your core values, and have the courage to structure your life around them.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
There are significant opportunities in coaching, mentoring, and community-focused education as individuals and organizations increasingly value emotional intelligence, authentic leadership, and inclusion—trends that empower us to drive transformative and enduring change in our communities.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
- Confidentiality - I uphold confidentiality as a cornerstone of my professional practice, ensuring that sensitive information is protected and respected.
- Collaboration - I thrive in team environments, valuing diverse perspectives and collective effort to achieve common goals. I believe that great outcomes can arise from collaboration.
- Empowerment - I am passionate about empowering others to unlock their potential. My coaching approach focuses on nurturing individual strengths and fostering growth.
- Adaptability - I embrace change as a constant in today's workplace. My ability to pivot and adapt allows me to navigate challenges and seize new opportunities effectively.
- Growth - I am committed to lifelong learning, regularly seeking opportunities to expand my knowledge and skills. I encourage the same in those I support, fostering a culture of growth.
- Strategic Thinking - I approach challenges with a strategic mindset, analyzing situations to develop actionable plans that align with organizational objectives and drive success.
- Accountability - I believe in taking responsibility for my actions and decisions. I foster an environment where accountability is valued, encouraging others to do the same.
- Respect - I respect diverse opinions and backgrounds, creating an inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels valued and heard. I believe respect enhances collaboration.
- Service - My focus is on serving others, whether through coaching or executive support. I strive to contribute positively to individuals and organizations, helping them achieve their goals.