Meet the Speaker: One of our Rock Star Presenters at the upcoming Change Management for Utilities Conference in San Diego.
Q: Name, title, company?
A: Lesly Sauceda, Change Collaboration Manager, Consumers Energy
Q: Family, hometown, where you live?
A: I live with my husband, 10-year-old son and 5 year-old triplet boys in Jackson, Michigan. I am originally from Canton, MI.
Q: What is your Utility experience?
A: I have worked in Change Management and Communications in various capacities for the last 15 years. I have worked with Consumers Energy in the utility industry since 2014.
Q: What do you like to do when you’re not working? Hobbies?
A: In my “spare time,” I enjoy biking and salsa dancing! I also recently started a collection of bad paintings that I create during “wine and paint” nights with girlfriends.
Q: Notable achievements?
A: I have a B.A. in English from University of Michigan, where I was also awarded a Hopwood Literary award in Fiction. I have a M.A. in Communications from Michigan State University. Did I mention I have triplet boys?
Q: Where do you see Change Management in utilities in two years?
A: I see a growing need for strong change management competency in utilities because of the rapid pace of change required to adapt to alternative energy sources and increased emphasis on customer satisfaction/loyalty.
Q: What is your biggest challenge?
A: Change Management is perceived as extra work, instead of a requirement for progress.
Q: What did you do prior to your current role?
A: Prior to Consumers Energy, I worked at the University of Michigan for the Office of the Chief Information Officer. I led communications strategy and execution for enterprise IT initiatives impacting over 20,000 faculty, students, and staff.
Q: Who are a couple of your role models (and why)?
A: Maya Angelou – her life, work, and art speak to me – especially her thoughts on love, tolerance, perseverance, and strength. Joan Witte – a communications professional with 25 years of experience, because she hired and mentored me many years ago and continues to be an important thinking partner as I progress in my career.
Q: What is one of your big goals?
A: Send all my kids to college!
Q: What is the biggest misconception you run into in your role?
A: Change management is “done” if we have a communication and training plan.
