Xenia Wickett

Bio:

Xenia Wickett is an experienced executive coach, moderator and geopolitical advisor who helps leaders cut through the noise and focus on what really matters. Through her consultancy, Wickett Advisory, she works with clients across sectors to navigate complexity, sharpen decision-making, and build meaningful leadership impact.

With a career spanning diplomacy, business, think tanks and academia, Xenia brings a rare depth of cross-sector insight to the table. Before setting up her own practice, she was Vice President of Political Analysis and Integrity Due Diligence at global energy company Equinor. She has also held senior roles at Chatham House, including Head of the US and Americas Programme and founding Dean of the Leadership Academy.

Earlier in her career, Xenia worked in the US government, including as Director for South Asia at the National Security Council, and held posts at the State Department and the Office of the Vice President in the wake of 9/11. She went on to lead the PeaceNexus Foundation, which she helped establish, and served as Executive Director for Research at the Belfer Center, Harvard Kennedy School.

Today, alongside her advisory and coaching work, Xenia sits on the board of Transparency International UK and is a member of the Executive Committee of the Pilgrims. She also teaches at the Chatham House Leadership Academy and regularly chairs and moderates conversations at major international events including the Brussels Forum, Aspen and the FT Weekend Festival. Her commentary has featured across broadcast, print and digital media.

Xenia holds a Master’s in Public Policy from Harvard Kennedy School, a BA in Psychology and Physiology from Oxford University, and a Professional Certificate in Executive Coaching from Henley Business School. She is a qualified coach with the International Coaching Federation (ICF).

She brings clarity, calm and strategic focus to the leaders and organisations she works with—making complex challenges easier to navigate, and leadership more human.