Jade Cano operates at the intersection of media, financial services and business.
As a journalist and experienced presenter, she brings international media experience from ARD, Bloomberg and finews.ch, as well as a deep understanding of economic and financial policy issues. Whether it’s Switzerland as a financial centre, global markets, FinTech, AI or sustainable investments: Jade Cano knows how to present complex topics in a precise, understandable and engaging way. With her friendly, approachable manner, she creates an atmosphere that fosters open, exciting and insightful conversations. In this interview, we talk to her about current developments in the events industry and her personal career path.
Interview with Jade Cano
How did you come to become a presenter, and what sparked your interest in this profession?
In 2018, I attended Swiss Biotech Day in Basel as a journalist for Bloomberg. There, I saw how a presenter managed to introduce even the most complex scientific topics in an engaging way and completely captivate the audience. I was thrilled and had a real ‘aha moment’!
From that day on, it became clear to me: moderating also means being a host. I wanted to support people in sharing their expertise and talking about important topics with the same enthusiasm and passion as she did.
A year later, I returned to the conference and was able to ask that same presenter personally for some tips.
What were the biggest challenges you faced in your career as a presenter, and how did you overcome them?
Although I already had a large network, most people knew me primarily as a journalist. It took a while for that perception to change. I had to explain time and again that I had taken the plunge into self-employment as a presenter. Over time, through my first presenting gigs and word of mouth, I came to be recognised in this role as well.
What qualities and skills do you consider most important for being a successful presenter?
The presenter who inspired me back then gave me an important piece of advice: “Never try to be smarter than the panellists!”
Even today, I am convinced that a successful presenter should always prioritise the audience and their understanding. It is not about proving oneself or one’s own knowledge, but about presenting complex content in a way that is clear and understandable to the audience. To this end, I deliberately ask seemingly simple questions at the start to open up the dialogue and make the discussion accessible and relevant to everyone.
Furthermore, a presenter must be thoroughly prepared and have a clear idea of how the event will unfold.
Can you tell us about a particularly memorable or challenging event you’ve hosted?
On one occasion, a panellist was on stage and suddenly found it very difficult to speak in English, even though this hadn’t been an issue at all during the preparations. I immediately switched to a ‘supportive conversation mode’ and phrased the questions in such a way that parts of the answers were already included.
This made it easier for her to speak, she quickly gained confidence and was subsequently able to answer more fluently. That moment showed me how important it is to remain flexible and to support the speakers on stage so that they feel confident.
How do you prepare for a moderation, and what strategies do you use to remain flexible during an event?
In the run-up to an event, I research the topic thoroughly and speak to each speaker individually over the phone to gain a clear understanding of their perspectives and key points. I’m interested not only in the technical content, but also in the message they wish to convey to the audience. I always ask them what motivates them to take part in the event and what they hope to achieve with their contribution.
Thanks to this preparation, I can ask targeted questions during the event, respond spontaneously to new aspects and steer the discussion flexibly.
What are the key trends and developments in the field of moderation and event management that you are currently observing?
At business forums, I am increasingly being asked to moderate workshops rather than traditional panel discussions. I think this makes a lot of sense, as it is an effective way of drawing on the audience’s existing knowledge and making discussions interactive. Furthermore, many participants attend business events to network. Through direct interaction in the workshops, they immediately strike up conversations with one another.
How do you deal with difficult or unexpected situations during an event?
If something doesn’t go to plan, it’s important to inform the audience openly.
If there’s a change to the agenda or a speaker drops out, I explain the situation matter-of-factly, without going into too much detail. That way, I stay calm and the audience is kept engaged without disrupting the flow of the event.
To bridge short gaps, you can incorporate questions from the audience, encourage spontaneous discussions or briefly summarise the content covered so far.
It is important to maintain a positive atmosphere among the audience and the speakers so that the speakers can continue confidently afterwards.
What advice would you give to someone aiming for a career as a presenter?
Build up a network and look for role models among experienced presenters. You can learn a lot from good role models about stage presence, preparation and how to lead a conversation.
Thank you very much for the interview!
Book Jade Cano as a presenter: 1 (704) 804 1054 or jade.cano@premium-speakers.com