Nova Noval may describe her life as “boring,” but her role in the executive world is far from that. For over seven years, she has been at the helm of the BE Group of Companies, growing with it.
Noval, the company’s chief operating officer, also oversees the BE Residences and BE Resorts, ensuring operations run smoothly under her leadership.
She is the type of leader who is firm but friendly and fair. She knows how to get the best out of her team—whether it is through a gentle push, one-on-one coaching, or simply encouraging them to speak their minds. In fact, she often prioritizes listening to her team’s ideas.
A Simple Life
Outside her executive role, Noval says her life is very simple, even jokingly calling it “boring,” as she enjoys the quiet stuff like cooking, doing laundry, and ironing clothes.
She said one of the most interesting things about her is that she is a huge fan of “The Little Prince.” She has read the book over a hundred times and even keeps little figures of the characters in her office. It shows that while she is a strong, “matriarchal” type of leader, she still keeps that sense of wonder and kindness in everything she does.
Leadership Principles and Values
In covering various roles, Noval adopts a different hat depending on the company’s thrust and situation. She treats the brands like her own, which is why being a mother herself is an advantage.
“Though often I am told that my leadership style is matriarchal, I don’t have one single approach in addressing challenges, quite like how my relationship with each team member is different,” Noval said.
Noval shared the values and leadership principles that have guided and shaped her legacy at BE. She said that they always go back to their “mother value”—a sense of ownership. No matter your rank or level, if you have a strong sense of ownership, you will act and decide just like an owner would, she added.
For Noval, one essential trait of a leader is being able to clearly communicate the vision—not just to managers, but to all ranks—as everyone contributes to the foundation and growth of the business.
“On a day-to-day basis, aside from being focused and decisive, it helps that I’ve had the privilege of being trained by supportive mentors to articulate directions clearly. When a department is stuck on a task, it’s easy to just bark orders. Instead, I try to learn how it’s done. That way, I can understand the problem better and find the most viable solution,” Noval shared.
Women Leaders Emerge Amid Challenges
Nova’s leadership journey has been vibrant—she shared her insights on empowering and inspiring fellow women within her organization and the community.
Through many coaching sessions and her own personal journey, she always reminds the women in her team: “You dictate how others treat you.” By setting boundaries, they make themselves—and the people around them—aware of what behavior they are willing to tolerate, she said.
Even with more “alpha females” rising up the career ladder, Noval said many would be surprised by how many corporate women still deal with issues at home and in their personal relationships. The desire to move up is there, but their confidence is often pulled down by the thought that they are never good enough just because they are women.
“Many women juggle being a homemaker and an executive at the same time—thinking they have to give up one to be successful in the other. I always dare to question: Why can’t you be a queen and be successful in both?” Noval said.
Women Can Empower the World
Being a leader in a fast-paced industry like BE requires a strong mind and a brave heart. It takes a lot of patience, understanding, and openness to the ideas and opinions of your people.
Noval’s story is an inspiration to her fellow women entrepreneurs and leaders, with the powerful insights and values she carries in the business world.
“Celebrate your womanhood. Use your strengths as a woman to be a great leader. Be a mentor who is sensitive to the needs of your people and the market. Pay attention to detail, and lead with empathy and emotional strength. One woman can be powerful. A legion of empowered women can empower the world,” Noval said.
