Meet the Speaker: Dr. Barbara Trautlein

We are excited to introduce Dr. Barbara Trautlein, Principal and Founder of Change Catalysts, LLC, as a featured speaker at the Utility Change Conference East 2026.

Barbara is a leading expert in change leadership, author of the best-selling book Change Intelligence, and creator of the CQ® System for developing Change Intelligence®. In this “Meet the Speaker” feature, she shares personal insights, her journey in the energy/utility sector, and what inspires her today.

1. What’s your name, title, and company—and if your role were a superhero alias, what would it be and why?

Dr. Barbara Trautlein, Principal and Founder, Change Catalysts, LLC

If my role were a superhero alias, it would be a Transformer! Starting off as a classic fire-engine-of-change-red classic Corvette Stingray and evolving into Optimus Primo! LOL—fun question!

Barbara Trautlein – proudly shows off logo

2. From your hometown to your current home, how has family shaped the map of your life? What’s one quirky tradition that still makes you smile?

I’m fortunate to come from a wonderful family of origin and lucky to have created a very happy family with my husband, two children, and friends who are like sisters and brothers!

A quirky tradition that makes me smile is that on Christmas Eve my husband, kids and I celebrate with a “fondue game night” during which we open our stocking stuffers, make three fondue courses, and play a game of Quirkle before, during and after!

3. Trace your energy/utility adventure in three moves; what unexpected turn led you to where you are today?

Move 1: Serving as the Change Management Lead during NiSource’s digital transformation from 2011-2013!

Move 2: Recognizing the need to help utilities not just “manage” change, but to truly “lead” it, aka develop and deploy Change Intelligence®!

Move 3: Being invited to speak at the Utility Change Conference East 2026!

4. When the workday fades, what’s the hobby or family escape that recharges your creative batteries—like a secret weapon for your next big idea?

Barbara Trautlein sitting playfully in the ocean waves at Miami Beach.

Beach, beach, beach! I’m an island girl from Long Island!

5. Picture yourself 365 days from now, what’s the bold milestone you’re chasing, and how will it ripple into your future?

Serving many more utilities by partnering with them to build their Change Intelligence® to lead successful and sustainable change with greater competence and confidence, and less frustration and stress.

6. What’s the trickiest challenge you’re tackling right now, and what’s one clever hack (or hilarious mishap) that’s helping you crack it?

We’re about to launch our AI Agent, Alara! Our hack is to practice what we preach, and use our Change Intelligence® to enable our Artificial Intellicence!

7. Who is your role model—name them, share the “why” that resonates, and how their wisdom sneaks into your daily grind?

Viktor Frankl, psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor, who wrote my favorite book of all time, Man’s Search for Meaning, which contains this amazingly inspirational quote:

“Life is never made unbearable by circumstances, but only by lack of meaning and purpose.”

8. Your top ambition right now! What’s the audacious target you’re locked on, and what’s the action that makes it feel achievable?

To serve broadly, deeply and joyously. This “ambition” feels achievable because my team and I have been living it for decades!

9. What’s motivating you RIGHT NOW? A breakthrough project, wild idea, or upcoming event that has you counting down the days?

Speaking for the Utilities Change community for the first time, making many new connections, and being inspired by the audience and my fellow speakers!

10. What are you grateful for RIGHT NOW? What’s the one thing (big or small) you’re overflowing with thanks for—and how does it fuel your fire?

My family, my close friends who are like family, and my awesome team and clients who are family too!

Join us at the Utility Change Conference East 2026 to hear Dr. Barbara Trautlein share her expertise on leading change that sticks in the utility industry. Visit utilityevents.com for more details and to register today!

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