Celebrated Changemaker
Kimberly Novod on Loss, Legacy & Leadership
In leadership, our thoughts shape more than actions; they shape legacies. Kimberly Novod, founder of Saul’s Light, is a powerful example of this truth. Recently honored with The Angel Award® from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation, Kimberly’s journey reflects the impact one person can make when they lean into their purpose with bold thinking and open-hearted determination.
Relentlessly Helping Others
Since the loss of her son Saul—who was born prematurely at 28 weeks and drew his last breath at just 29 days old—in 2014, Kimberly has dedicated herself to supporting and advocating for families throughout the state who face the trauma and heartbreak of NICU stays or infant loss.
Under her leadership, Saul’s Light has expanded to serve more than 1,000 families in Louisiana, and her advocacy has led to meaningful policy changes aimed at improving access to vital resources, particularly for already underserved populations. Three laws have been passed because of Kimberly’s work: a tax credit law in 2021 aimed at easing the financial burden for families who experience a stillbirth, and two donor milk laws (Act 488 and Act 489) in 2022 that mandate health insurance coverage for donor human milk when medically necessary, making it more accessible for NICU families.
Kimberly’s incredible accomplishments have earned her and Saul’s Light ample praise and recognition, including numerous media appearances and competitive grants. Most recently, Kimberly received The Angel Award® from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation—one of the most prestigious awards given to Louisianans who do exceptional work to improve child health in the state. The recognition includes resources to power continued impact, and each honoree gets to select a nonprofit to receive a $30,000 grant from the Foundation.
Guided by It's the Impact, Kimberly embraced a powerful mindset shift—one that redefined her work's worth and transformed her self-doubt into strength. She realized that each step forward, no matter how small, creates ripples of change, shaping both her legacy and the lives of countless families.
Media and accolades didn’t always mark Kimberly’s journey. Early on, she struggled to accept the worth of her work and its influence, volunteering her time instead of taking compensation for her efforts. With a little help from It’s the Impact, Kimberly began to recognize that not only did she need to be compensated for her work, she deserved it.
“Nobody else is going to do this job for free,” she recalls being told. More than that, she realized that compensation is a reflection of impact, and that it can add credibility and validation to her work. This shift in mindset empowered her to step into the role of executive director.
“I doubt myself every day,” she admits, plagued by thoughts like I’m just a teacher, who am I to do this? But she’s learned to acknowledge the unique attributes she brings to her leadership. This is something that It’s the Impact helped with as well. “I’m not just any one thing, right? I’m a lot of things. I bring many skills, talents, and experiences to this.”
In today’s world, leaders often feel pressure to create global-scale change, but Kimberly learned the value of making an impact right where she is. “Impact isn’t about reach or scale—it’s about showing up and making a difference wherever you can,” she shares.
Reflecting on her journey, Kimberly offers one piece of advice to leaders and changemakers: “You’ve got to be relentless. You can’t stop. And part of that is surrounding yourself with good people who believe in you.”
3 Tips to Cultivate Empowered Thinking
With the guidance of It’s the Impact, Kimberly learned how to shift self-doubt, fear, and guilt into clarity and purpose, allowing her to recognize her worth and build her confidence. This empowered thinking helped Kimberly silence negative self-talk and lead with authenticity—something leaders at every level can benefit from.
Here are three powerful tips reflected in Kimberly’s story that can fuel your own impact and leadership:
Acknowledge Your Worth
Many leaders face imposter syndrome or struggle to set clear boundaries that reflect their value. Learn to recognize what you bring to the table, and grow to view compensation as a reflection of your impact.
How? Regularly assess your skills and achievements—and resist the urge to downplay them. In negotiations or performance reviews, articulate how your contributions drive the team or organization forward. Leaders who understand their value earn respect and commitment from their teams.Start Where You Are
Leaders often feel pressured to generate sweeping changes or dream of what they’ll do once they attain a certain position or role. But effective leadership is about creating change where you are today, not where you hope to be tomorrow. Kimberly’s journey reminds us that localized, targeted actions are as needed and impactful as ones occurring on a bigger scale—and often catalyze ongoing, larger change.
How? Shift your focus from large-scale ambitions to meaningful, immediate actions. Identify a goal you’d like to achieve in your current role—one aspect of your workplace that you’d like to improve or strengthen that aligns with your legacy. Then, develop a clear plan to make it happen, composed of achievable steps that build on themselves to create momentum and make larger transformation sustainable.Build a Support Network
Self-doubt is natural, and having people around who can keep you grounded, motivated, and uplifted can be vital to pushing through it. The right support can nourish your emotional endurance and well-being, making you a stronger (and happier) leader.
How? Lean on people you trust to be honest, encouraging, and supportive as you grow your leadership capabilities. Expand your support network by joining a peer leadership group or seeking a mentor who can remind you of your strengths and offer seasoned insights.
Kimberly’s story shows what’s possible when we take control of our thoughts. If you would like to support her work and help Saul’s Light continue making a difference for NICU families, consider donating here.
To learn more about empowered thinking, download the workbook from It’s the Impact. To take the first step toward transforming your thinking, your leadership, and your legacy, Book Your Complimentary Discovery Call today.