Duke Energy Corporation [NYSE: DUK]

Katherine Neebe thrives where complexity meets possibility. For nearly 25 years, she has leaned on the question “What would have to be true?” to reframe challenges others deemed impossible. That perspective has guided her across roles at the World Wildlife Fund, Walmart and now Duke Energy, where she serves as Chief Communications Officer and Senior Vice President. From leading a $100 million global water partnership with Coca-Cola to navigating investor scrutiny at Walmart, she now directs communications for one of America’s largest energy modernization strategies.

Recognizing Neebe’s strategic vision and ability to connect complex business priorities with straightforward, authentic storytelling, this feature explores her role in elevating Duke Energy’s communications, strengthening stakeholder trust and positioning the company’s transformation within a rapidly evolving energy landscape.

AT A GLANCE

• Focus on What Matters: Narratives center on the issues that matter most to the business and to society, informed by deep stakeholder insight.

• Modern Storytelling in Action: Smart Brevity, people-centered language and digital-first channels ensure complex topics are clear and relevant.

• Clarity in Complexity: Communications are pressure-tested for simplicity, replacing jargon with everyday words and keeping pace with the transformation of the industry.

Crafting the Narrative: Connecting Business Goals with Societal Needs

A compelling narrative starts with clarity on what matters most— both to the business and to society. At Duke Energy, this means operating our system safely to deliver affordable, reliable energy, meeting unprecedented load growth driven by AI and U.S. manufacturing and modernizing our infrastructure for a more resilient, lower-carbon grid.

Each storyline builds on this foundation, linking strategy to broader societal needs and reflecting the perspectives of stakeholders who depend on us. Listening carefully keeps our message relevant and authentic.

How we communicate is just as important as what we say. We distill complex issues into straightforward language, use Smart Brevity to respect attention and keep people at the center of every story. Authenticity anchors our voice and as channels evolve, we continue to seek new ways to show the impact we’re making.

What I’ve learned is simple: strategy and storytelling are inseparable. When grounded in insight and delivered with clarity, communications not only inform but also build trust—and that’s what carries us forward.

Lessons in Boldness: Why Language, Courage and Transparency Matter

Three lessons shape how I approach communications today. Language must connect, boldness drives impact and transparency builds trust.

At WWF, the “Arctic Home” campaign, in collaboration with Coca-Cola, showed me that simple, inspiring words can reach further than technical jargon. When words fit on a can and still motivate action, the message has true power.

I also came to value boldness. Before the launch, I hesitated, thinking we should test and pilot first. A colleague reminded me that big ideas always feel risky. Confidence in the vision inspires credibility and the success of that campaign proved it.

At Walmart, I witnessed how transparency strengthens trust. Companies often prefer to share only good news, yet silence leaves room for doubt. Credibility comes from sharing the positive, the neutral and the difficult. In an era of declining trust, openness is not optional.

What I believe now is that the future of communications lies in clarity of language, courage of conviction and honesty of voice. When those principles guide the work, they inspire action and deepen trust.

Evolving Engagement: Leading with Authenticity in a Shifting Media World

The way people consume information is changing. Traditional media still matters, but many now turn to peers, social platforms, podcasts and short-form video first. Reaching audiences means understanding that shift and meeting them where they are.

The role of utilities has also undergone a significant transformation. Once behind the scenes, we now sit at the center of powering the AI revolution and America’s energy future, all while keeping costs as low as possible. That responsibility demands a modern, dynamic approach to sharing our story.

Through all this, one constant remains: transparency and honesty anchored in purpose. We continue to value established media while embracing new channels that foster authentic engagement. AI helps us work more efficiently, ensuring we are more impactful and deliver the information our stakeholders expect.

For me, the future of communications belongs to those who unite timeless values with new tools, balancing authenticity with innovation while staying true to purpose.

Adapting to Change: Clear Messaging for Complex Transformation

My background in sustainability has taught me to navigate shifting expectations. The best way to understand a dynamic landscape is through research, peer analysis, polling and stakeholder engagement. These insights validate priorities, reveal emerging issues and guide how we position the company.

Within the business, communication must evolve in tandem with transformation. Strong relationships with leaders in finance, strategy and other areas ensure we add value by bringing external perspectives to the table, often serving as the company’s eyes and ears.

Change creates complexity, which makes clarity all the more essential. We pressure-test messaging by asking: Can a white paper be distilled into a sound bite? Can jargon be replaced with everyday words? Does the language meet the moment? This discipline ensures clear and innovative communication.

A good example was our multipronged strategy during the 2024 hurricane season. It resonated with stakeholders in a crisis and earned two PRSA Silver Anvil awards—affirming my belief that clarity grounded in insight, coupled with compelling storytelling, is essential to shaping the future of communications.

Looking Ahead: Communications at the Center of the Energy Transition

Duke Energy is at a transformative point. Over the next five years, we will add eight gigawatts of new generation capacity, modernize our infrastructure for greater resilience and keep costs low while meeting demand from manufacturing, innovation and economic development. Our vertically integrated model allows us to balance these priorities while serving communities and the environment.

What excites me is the role communications plays in enabling this shift. It’s not just about sharing information, it’s about winning hearts and minds through authentic, transparent storytelling grounded in stakeholder needs.

Since taking on this role, I’ve helped evolve our approach by empowering frontline employees with clear information, elevating our enterprise story nationally and modernizing crisis communications. We’ve also aligned around imperatives where communications must deliver measurable impact. This refresh inspired the team and ensured consistency in research, messaging and outreach.

What I’ve learned is simple: effective communication creates the conditions for transformation to succeed. Our future impact will come from uniting clarity with purpose, building trust and showing— through every message—how Duke Energy is shaping the future of energy.

Advice for Future Leaders: Learn Business, Then Speak Up

My first piece of advice is to study the business. Learn how companies create value, how they deliver products and services, what stakeholders expect and what trends shape the industry. Those fundamentals are essential, regardless of your role.

My second piece of advice is to seek understanding with humility. Transformation often feels chaotic; yet, clarity emerges from asking why change is happening and what it is meant to achieve. That perspective leads to stronger outcomes and steadier leadership.

My third piece of advice is to bring solutions. They will not always be perfect, but problem solvers contribute more than problem identifiers. A willingness to try, refine and improve creates momentum and trust.

Finally, never underestimate your own perspective. Early in my career, I assumed leaders asked for my input out of courtesy. With experience, I learned that fresh perspectives spark innovation. A unique lens on a complex challenge can open new possibilities. That is why I encourage emerging leaders to speak up with confidence. Your voice matters and it can shape the future in ways you may not yet imagine.