Hosting & Moderating
The right moderator doesn't just manage a conversation. She shapes it.
Dr. Nicole Yeldell Butts is the host executives trust with the hard questions. Whether she's leading a panel, interviewing a headline guest, or hosting a full event, she creates the conditions for leaders and experts to move past their talking points and say something real on stage, holding the room with authority, warmth, and intellectual rigor.
Inquire About BookingHow Nicole Leads the Conversation
Event Host
For leadership forums, professional associations, and women's leadership events. Nicole sets the tone from the opening moment, connects ideas across sessions, and closes with meaning, giving the audience one coherent experience rather than a series of separate sessions.
Panel Moderator
For conferences, summits, and corporate events, single sessions or full days. Nicole draws out every panelist, keeps the discussion focused, moves past rehearsed answers, and brings the audience into the conversation.
Fireside Chat Interviewer
For CEOs, authors, and headline guests who want a conversation rather than a speech. Nicole prepares deeply, asks the questions audiences are actually wondering about, and creates the trust that lets guests speak candidly in front of a room.
What Makes Nicole Different
Nicole doesn't read questions off a card. She prepares deeply, listens actively, and knows how to draw out the insight that's already in the room, while keeping the conversation focused, accessible, and alive. As host of The Room Between: Navigating Life's Transitions, she's known for conversations where guests open up in ways they didn't expect to. And with decades of executive experience in organizational culture and change, she understands the content, not just the format, so she can hold complexity without losing the audience.
What Panelists and Organizers Say
"Her ability to foster a supportive and trusting environment allowed me to speak openly and share my experiences authentically during the discussion."
"Your approach, which is mixed with professionalism and a comfortable warmth, was a perfect balance for all to get the most out of the event. The participants as well as the panelists loved your calm demeanor and manner in which you tee'd up the questions. Makes all the difference in the world to have a professional expert."
"Targeted, tactical and talented, three words that describe Nicole Yeldell-Butts' expert and nimble moderation... Nicole exceeded my expectations as she adroitly combined probing, insightful questions with cogent and digestible summaries of the topics discussed."
Where Nicole Has Hosted and Moderated
- American Council on Education (ACE) Women's Conference
- Executive Conversations for Change
- FirstService Residential
Who Books Nicole as a Host or Moderator
Conferences and summits seeking a moderator who can hold intellectual depth and audience energy at once. Corporate events and leadership forums. Women's leadership events and professional associations. Organizations that want a host who understands the content, not just the format.
What Booking Includes
A planning conversation to understand your event, audience, and goals; preparation with panelists or guests before the event; and questions shaped around what your audience most needs to hear. Fees available upon inquiry.
Pair Hosting with a Keynote
Many organizers book Nicole to deliver a keynote and host or moderate the same event, giving the day a consistent voice and a stronger throughline.
Explore Keynotes →