Grounded in years of participating in executive forums, Athikom Kanchanavibhu brings a clear and balanced approach to moderation. Having often contributed as a panellist and roundtable participant, he understands how facilitation shapes the direction and impact of a session. He recognises that effective moderation goes beyond guiding discussion and requires ensuring that sponsors, speakers, organisers, and audiences feel included and connected throughout the exchange.
How did you start your moderation journey in B2B events?
Athikom Kanchanavibhu traces his entry into moderation back to years spent observing the craft from the audience side, where contrasting styles taught him what makes a session truly land.
“I started my journey as a moderator from the ‘other side of the table’. For many years, I was invited as a panellist or roundtable participant, and I had the chance to observe first-hand how different moderation styles shaped the energy of a session. Some moderators were very structured, others were more free-flowing, but the ones who truly stood out were those who created an environment where every participant felt valued.
I realised that the moderator’s role was not only to guide the flow but also to make all stakeholders, speakers, sponsors, organisers and audiences feel connected. That realisation drew me in, and I began taking on moderation roles myself to foster meaningful dialogue where everyone benefits from the exchange.”
What do you find most exciting about moderating?
Athikom Kanchanavibhu describes the thrill of moderation as an unfolding, real-time discovery process rather than a scripted exchange of information.
“The most exciting aspect is the ‘alchemy’ of connection that happens in real time. A session may bring together people from different industries, with different expectations, yet in the course of a good discussion, they often discover shared challenges and unexpected common ground. For me, the thrill lies in guiding that discovery, when a sponsor shares insights in a way that genuinely helps the audience, or when an audience member offers a perspective that sparks fresh debate.
It is especially rewarding to see people smiling, leaning in, and leaving with takeaways that make them feel proud to have contributed. Moderation, at its best, is about orchestrating those moments of shared learning and collective value.”
How do you typically prepare to moderate an Ortus event?
To Athikom Kanchanavibhu, preparation blends careful strategic mapping with a willingness to leave room for the unplanned.
“I approach preparation with empathy and strategy in equal measure. I begin by understanding the event organiser’s goals, the sponsor’s expectations, and the participant list. From there, I map out potential themes and anchor questions that can bridge these different perspectives into a coherent storyline. Importantly, I think about airtime balance, ensuring sponsors can highlight their solutions in ways that inform rather than overwhelm, while participants from diverse backgrounds feel encouraged to share their insights.
Preparation also involves anticipating possible tensions or divergent views and planning how to channel them into constructive dialogue. But while I prepare thoroughly, I always hold the structure lightly; the most memorable sessions are the ones that allow space for organic, authentic exchanges.”
What tips and tricks would you recommend for those aspiring to become moderators?
The advice of Athikom Kanchanavibhu centres on empathy and stakeholder value, urging new moderators to create space for others rather than dominate it.
“First and foremost, practise empathy. A moderator’s role is not to dominate the stage but to create space for others. That means listening actively, reading the room, and knowing when to intervene and when to step back. Balance is key: encourage quieter voices, tactfully manage dominant ones, and connect the dots across perspectives so participants see how their contributions fit into the bigger picture.
Another tip is to focus on value for all stakeholders. Sponsors should get visibility without it feeling like a sales pitch, audiences should feel proud of their contributions and leave with actionable insights, and organisers should feel that the session elevated the overall experience.
Lastly, cultivate curiosity. Ask questions that go beyond the obvious, and do not shy away from moments of silence; sometimes that pause is the opening for a deeper, more meaningful response.”
In what ways has moderating contributed to your growth as a leader in your field?
Athikom Kanchanavibhu connects the discipline of moderating directly to his leadership work across digital transformation, cybersecurity, and ABM strategy.
“Moderating has strengthened my ability to align diverse perspectives, which is a core leadership skill. In digital transformation, cybersecurity, and ABM strategy, I often work across functions, industries, and geographies, each with their own viewpoints and priorities. Moderating mirrors this dynamic, requiring me to synthesise inputs, create alignment, and guide the conversation toward collective outcomes. It has also deepened my situational awareness.
As a moderator, you learn to read subtle cues, sense shifts in energy, and adapt quickly. These are equally vital in leadership, where guiding people through uncertainty and complexity often depends less on having all the answers and more on asking the right questions and creating clarity for others.”
How has moderating contributed to your personal and professional growth?
Athikom Kanchanavibhu reflects on moderation as both a continuous professional education and a personal practice in listening and humility.
“On a professional level, moderating has been a gateway to continuous learning. Each session feels like a live masterclass; hearing leaders share their challenges and strategies provides insights that no report or article could capture. It keeps me close to emerging trends and diverse industry practices, which enriches my own leadership work.
Personally, moderating has nurtured my curiosity and sharpened my listening. I find joy in the simple but powerful moments when people feel seen and heard, when ideas spark and ripple across the room. Ultimately, moderation has taught me that leadership is not about holding the spotlight but about ensuring others shine. That lesson, both humbling and inspiring, continues to shape the way I approach both my career and my life.”
Join the Conversation: The Ortus Club’s Executive Network
Across Athikom’s insights on the alchemy of connection, empathetic preparation, and value for every stakeholder, one pattern is clear: great moderation is not about holding the spotlight, but about ensuring others shine. It requires a peer-level perspective and the kind of high-trust dialogue that transcends any single participant’s agenda.
The vision of Athikom Kanchanavibhu on moderation as orchestration reflects a broader reality. Today’s digital and technology leaders cannot rely on structured agendas alone to generate real value. The most effective executives, especially those aligning perspectives across functions, industries, and geographies, actively seek out peer dialogue as a strategic necessity to synthesise insight and create clarity.
At The Ortus Club, we host curated executive roundtables that bring together senior leaders facing these exact challenges. Step into a space built for genuine exchange and engage in the kind of open, high-value conversations that let every voice in the room contribute to collective value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does ‘the alchemy of connection’ mean in moderation?
A: It refers to the real-time discovery of shared challenges and common ground among participants from different backgrounds, a dynamic a skilled moderator actively guides rather than leaves to chance.
Q: How should a moderator balance sponsor visibility with audience value?
A: By ensuring sponsors can highlight their solutions in ways that inform rather than overwhelm, so the exchange never feels like a sales pitch and audiences leave with genuinely actionable insights.
Q: What is airtime balance and why does it matter?
A: It is the deliberate management of speaking time across a session, encouraging quieter voices, tactfully managing dominant ones, and ensuring all stakeholders feel heard and connected.
Q: How does moderation build leadership skills?
A: It strengthens the ability to synthesise diverse inputs, create alignment across functions and geographies, and develop situational awareness, reading subtle cues and adapting quickly, all of which are core leadership capabilities.
Q: Why is holding structure ‘lightly’ important in preparation?
A: Thorough preparation gives a moderator a clear map of themes and anchor questions, but the most memorable sessions leave space for organic, authentic exchange rather than rigid adherence to a script.
