Dr. Nicole Yeldell Butts

Dr. Nicole Yeldell Butts is a best-selling author, transformational speaker, executive coach, and organizational culture strategist with over 25 years of experience guiding individuals and institutions through profound change. She is the founder of NLYB Solutions and the creator of the SHIFT Framework—a five-step transformational framework designed to help leaders build high-performing, purpose-driven cultures.

Nicole’s journey began on stage as the emcee of her elementary school talent show, where she discovered the power of connection through voice. That early spark led to a lifelong calling to inspire, uplift, and catalyze change. Today, she stands on stages and in boardrooms helping people and organizations shift how they think, operate, and lead—with clarity, courage, and intention.

With a rare blend of intuitive insight and systems thinking, Nicole is known for her ability to see both the forest and the trees. She listens beyond words, guiding individuals to uncover unspoken truths and align with their highest potential. Whether coaching executives stepping into next-level leadership or supporting women 40+ navigating reinvention, she helps clients bridge the gap between who they are and who they want to become.

Her professional background includes C-suite roles such as Vice President, Chief Diversity Officer, and Human Resources Director. She has led inaugural People & Culture offices, developed enterprise-wide DEI strategies, and built leadership systems that align culture with performance. Nicole has worked across for-profit and not-for-profit sectors in industries such as healthcare, technology, manufacturing, higher education, and philanthropy.

Nicole is the author of the bestselling SHIFT: A Five-Step Framework for Transforming Organizational Culture and co-author of The New C-Suite: Civil Leadership in Action. Her work reflects a deep belief that leadership and culture must evolve to meet the demands of a more conscious, equitable, and human-centered workplace.
She holds a Doctorate in Organizational Change and Leadership from the University of Southern California, a Master’s in Human Resources Development, and certifications including SHRM-SCP, SPHR, SHRBP, and CAAP.

Based in View Park, California, Nicole finds joy in international travel, jazz festivals, yoga, meditation, horseback riding, and life with her husband, son, and their very large lap dogs. She lives by the truth that growth begins at the edge of fear—and she helps others do the same.