CHAIRING & MODERATING
My goal for any moderation is for participants to leave with a new perspective, and with knowledge and understanding that will lead them to take a fresh look at their situation and the world more broadly. Whether it be a large event, an intimate discussion, or a debate, success is to create a conversation that gives individuals and organisations clear insights that enable them to take practical steps forward in addressing their goals.
As an experienced moderator, facilitator and speaker, my role is to help every event be as successful and memorable as possible, involving open and honest conversation that sparks curiosity, adds value and delivers real impact.
"Xenia draws out diverse voices and relevant facts to reveal and explore new solutions. The energy and clarity she brings invigorates the conversation."
Nicola Lightner, Director of Strategic Convening, The German Marshall Fund of the US
CASE STUDY 1
ELEVATING AN INDUSTRY-LEADING BIANNUAL FORUM
A client hosting a high-profile biannual industry event sought to reinforce their position as a leading convener, deepen audience engagement, and strengthen financial supporters through high-impact programming. Their stage? A opening lineup featuring Ukrainian President Zelensky, Elon Musk, and other senior business and government leaders.
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We shaped an opening keynote that balanced visionary insight with practical relevance. I worked closely with speakers and their teams, helping to frame their narratives in ways that would spark candid, solution-oriented dialogue. On the day, I guided the conversation to ensure diverse voices were heard, curiosity was stimulated, and energy was high.
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The result: attendees described the sessions as inspiring and directly relevant. Media coverage was high, sponsorship has grown, and the client strengthened attendee trust, fueling momentum into the next event cycle.
CASE STUDY 2
DEEPENING TRANSATLANTIC UNDERSTANDING AMONG LEGISLATORS
A UK–US convenor invited me to moderate a full day of private dialogue with around 20 cross-party legislators from both sides of the Atlantic. Their goal was clear: foster a non-partisan understanding of key policy issues, while deepening cross-border relationships and insight.
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I moderated a series of conversations that allowed expert briefings to alternate with candid, small-group discussion. My facilitation encouraged respectful debate: even in tense moments, participants felt safe exploring diverse viewpoints. Throughout the day, I gently reframed discussions and pulled emerging themes to the fore, ensuring ideas were shared and aired transparently.
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At the close, participants spoke of new depth in mutual understanding—not just of policy constraints, but of motivations and pressures across the pond.
"As moderator of the Words Matter 2025 conference, Xenia Wickett guided the day with confident, graceful leadership. She asked insightful questions, drew out the best from each speaker, and fostered deeply resonant discussions. Participants consistently shared positive feedback, noting how comfortable and engaged they felt thanks to her calm, professional presence. She steered conversations with clarity and purpose, bringing depth and relevance to every session. Her contribution was instrumental in the conference’s success".
Linda Rode - Executive Director