The Intentional Leader

For leaders shaping culture with purpose, clarity, and courage

A research-informed leadership newsletter on culture, self-awareness, and the behaviors that shape organizations.

The Intentional Leader is a thought leadership newsletter for executives, and organizational leaders who understand that culture is not shaped by statements, but by behavior. Each edition explores how leadership decisions, mindsets, and everyday actions quietly shape organizational culture, often in ways leaders don’t intend. Grounded in research and real-world experience, the newsletter offers insight, reflection, and practical tools to help leaders examine how they lead, what they normalize, and how greater self-awareness cultivates cultures rooted in clarity, accountability, trust, and alignment.
Written by Dr. Nicole Yeldell Butts—organizational culture strategist, executive coach, author, and creator of the SHIFT framework—The Intentional Leader is grounded in her work helping leaders and organizations lead with greater intention, self-awareness, and impact.

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Welcome to The Intentional Leader

I am beyond excited to share this space with you, where we’ll dive into the transformative power of leadership in organizational culture. Whether you’re a seasoned executive, a leader-in-the-making, or simply passionate about cultivating intentional workplace cultures, this newsletter is designed with you in mind.

A Little About Me

My name is Nicole Yeldell Butts, and I’m thrilled to connect with you. With over 25 years of executive experience in people and culture, I’ve held leadership roles across diverse industries, guiding leaders and teams through transformative change and navigating the complexities of organizational culture. This extensive experience inspired me to earn a doctorate in Organizational Change and Leadership from the University of Southern California, further deepening my expertise in driving meaningful change and the critical role of leaders in organizational culture and change.

I am the creator of SHIFT, a proven five-step framework for transformation. In addition to my coaching and consulting work, I’m an author, public speaker, and passionate advocate for personal and organizational transformation and renewal.

My passion and purpose lie in helping clients—both individuals and organizations—become who they aspire or envision themselves to be.

What You Can Expect

In this newsletter, I’ll share practical, actionable insights and strategies to help you cultivate a thriving organizational culture. Here’s a glimpse of what’s to come:

  • Leadership Strategies: Guidance on how leaders can shape culture through intentionality, authenticity, civility, and conscious accountability.
  • Actionable Insights: Tips and tools you can apply immediately to create meaningful change in yourself and your organization.
  • Success Stories: Lessons learned from organizations that have successfully transformed their cultures.
  • Timely Topics: Commentary on emerging trends and challenges in leadership and workplace culture.

Most importantly, I want this newsletter to feel like a conversation. I’ll be here to offer ideas, spark thought, and answer your questions. So, if there’s a topic you’d like me to explore, don’t hesitate to let me know.

Thank you for joining me on this journey to explore, inspire, and transform organizational culture.

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Past Editions of The Intentional Leader

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