Podcast

Connected FM

Business, Careers, Education, How To

A podcast connecting you to the latest insights, tools and resources to help you succeed in facility management. Join IFMA, as we explore new ideas and topics in facility management to help you make sense of the changes and challenges facing the profession while equipping you with the knowledge needed to grow your career.

15 to 30-minute episodes, delivered semi-weekly.

Episodes
139
Releases
Weekly
Typical length
26 min
On air since
2022
Latest episode
21 hours ago

Episodes

139 episodes, newest first

  1. How Early FM Involvement Transforms Design & Operations

    Episode 139

    Show notes

    Why is facilities management ultimately a relationship-driven profession? Wayne Whitzell, Senior VP Strategic Accounts, SOLID Surface Care and First Vice Chair, IFMA Global Executive Board, sits down with Maria O'Callaghan-Cassidy, Senior Associate Vice President of Facilities, Development and Operations at San Jose State University, to explore the intersections of workplace design, operations and leadership.

    Together, they discuss:

    • Why bringing trade teams into early project design prevents maintenance disasters downstream.
    • How proactive communication and checking in during quiet periods builds trust with stakeholders.
    • How cutting classroom support response times down to seconds transformed user trust at Wharton.
    • Navigating tight state university budgets without compromising student-centered priorities.
    • Addressing the gap in senior FM roles and cultivating effective mentor/mentee dynamics.

    This episode of Connected FM is sponsored by Tork. Whether you’re managing office buildings, healthcare facilities or high-traffic spaces, Tork offers hygiene products and smart dispensing solutions designed for today's dynamic workplaces. Head over to https://www.torkglobal.com/ to explore their full range of products.

    Resources:

    • FM Women's Connect Community
    • Read the blog "3 'Aha Moments' Facility Leaders Are Taking Into 2027"

    Connect with Us:

    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifma
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFacilityManagementAssociation/
    • Twitter: https://twitter.com/IFMA
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifma_hq/
    • YouTube: https://youtube.com/ifmaglobal
    • Visit us at https://ifma.org/

    47 min
  2. The Hidden Reason People Feel Connected at Work

    Episode 138

    Show notes

    What does it take for people to feel genuinely connected at work? In this episode, host Dr. Matt Tucker sits down with organizational psychologist Yoy Bergs and MillerKnoll workplace researcher Mark Catchlove to discuss identity, relationships and physical space.

    Together, they explore:

    • Why identity is multiple, contextual, dynamic and socially constructed.
    • Why place alone isn't the answer, but flexible, supportive design enables real collaboration.
    • How remote models impact social learning, community and identity cues.
    • Why organizations should ask why and when people need to gather, rather than just forcing attendance.

    Whether you're leading teams, shaping workplace culture, or designing modern spaces, this conversation offers actionable insights on building a workplace where people feel seen, valued and connected.

    Connect with Us:

    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifma
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFacilityManagementAssociation/
    • Twitter: https://twitter.com/IFMA
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifma_hq/
    • YouTube: https://youtube.com/ifmaglobal
    • Visit us at https://ifma.org/

    24 min
  3. The "Go-To Person" Problem: Transitioning Facility Data from Memory to Mapping

    Episode 137

    Show notes

    When critical facility infrastructure fails, where do your teams turn for reliable drawings? In this episode, Andy Santoro of Sansys sits down with former Etobicoke General Hospital infrastructure lead Scott Payne to discuss the reality of managing complex facility data.

    Together, they explore:

    • Why scanned PDFs and paper as-builts break down over time.
    • Moving critical facility data out of one "go-to" person’s head and into a shared platform.
    • How tracking critical equipment, electrical panels and shutoffs reduces risk during emergencies.
    • Practical ways to map downstream impacts before isolating transformers, water lines or med gases.

    Interested in hearing more? Andy and Scott will take this topic to the stage at World Workplace on 20 November for their education session, “When the Go-To Goes: Don’t Let the Knowledge Walk Out the Door.” Learn more.

    Connect with Us:

    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifma
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFacilityManagementAssociation/
    • Twitter: https://twitter.com/IFMA
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifma_hq/
    • YouTube: https://youtube.com/ifmaglobal
    • Visit us at https://ifma.org/

    20 min
  4. ISO Standards in FM: Driving Digital Transformation with High-Quality Data

    Episode 136

    Show notes

    For years, facility management relied on local habits, tradition and gut feel. Today, international standards like ISO 41001 and the work of ISO TC 267 Work Group 6 are creating a shared global language that connects data, technology, and business outcomes.

    In this insightful conversation, host Jim Whittaker leads a deep dive with Planon Solution Architect Mahnaz Ensafi and JLL Director of Data Insights Dipin Kasana on how FMs can navigate the changing digital landscape.

    Together, they discuss:

    • Completeness, validity through standards, cross-system consistency, and currency/timeliness.
    • Why organizations must map processes and define business problems before evaluating or configuring new tech tools.
    • Navigating privacy, transparency, model bias, accountability, and essential human oversight in autonomous FM systems.
    • Translating technical data science concepts into actionable daily practices for facility managers.
    • Starting small with defined pilot projects, prioritizing user training, and establishing continuous data monitoring rather than one-time fixes.

    Whether managing a single building or a global portfolio, discover how trustworthy data and standardized frameworks help quantify value and drive strategic decision-making.

    Connect with Us:

    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifma
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFacilityManagementAssociation/
    • Twitter: https://twitter.com/IFMA
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifma_hq/
    • YouTube: https://youtube.com/ifmaglobal
    • Visit us at https://ifma.org/

    22 min
  5. What Human-Centered Leadership Looks Like in the Workplace with OpenAI’s Tracy Hawkins

    Episode 135

    Show notes

    Great facility management isn't just about managing square footage; it's about building spaces where people can do their best work. In this conversation, Tracy Hawkins, VP of Real Estate and Workplace at OpenAI, shares key leadership and operational insights gained over a career spanning Yahoo, Twitter and OpenAI.

    Together, Wayne and Tracy explore:

    • Why protecting your team from "Sunday night scaries," remaining authentic, and maintaining transparency during corporate ambiguity builds resilient organizations.
    • Why OpenAI's spaces are designed to feel welcoming, warm and human-first rather than cold and overly digital.
    • Actionable advice for emerging professionals, bridging the gap between project management and operations, and empowering women to step into executive FM and real estate roles.

    Whether you are managing local facilities or scaling a global corporate real estate portfolio, discover how leading with empathy and leveraging technology thoughtfully drives operational excellence.

    Resources mentioned:

    • Connect with Tracy on LinkedIn

    Connect with Us:

    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifma
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFacilityManagementAssociation/
    • Twitter: https://twitter.com/IFMA
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifma_hq/
    • YouTube: https://youtube.com/ifmaglobal
    • Visit us at https://ifma.org/

    45 min
  6. What Happens When Disaster Planning Becomes Daily Operations?

    Episode 134

    Show notes

    Disaster planning is no longer reserved for rare emergencies. It's becoming a core part of facility management.

    In this episode, IFMA's Director of Knowledge and Insights, Dr. Matt Tucker is joined by Holley Henderson and Dr. Mark Wilson of Chemical Insights to discuss how extreme weather, wildfires and cascading disasters are changing the role of facility managers. Together, they explore exposure science, building resilience, chemical hazards after disasters and why today's facility managers are making critical decisions with limited information.

    Timestamps:

    • 0:00 - Why facility managers are becoming frontline resilience managers
    • 1:30 - Meet Holly Henderson and Dr. Mark Wilson
    • 3:40 - Why disasters are becoming part of daily operations
    • 5:00 - When frequent disasters lead to complacency
    • 5:50 - How climate change is increasing exposure risks
    • 7:00 - The hidden chemical hazards inside buildings
    • 8:20 - Why lead and asbestos remain long-term risks
    • 10:00 - Making critical decisions with limited information
    • 11:00 - Can AI improve disaster response?
    • 12:00 - Why resilience is now a core FM skill
    • 14:00 - Are buildings designed for multiple disasters?
    • 15:30 - How exposure science informs better FM decisions
    • 17:00 - The overlooked danger of residual dust
    • 18:45 - Why post-disaster cleaning matters more than you think
    • 20:00 - What are cascading disasters?
    • 21:00 - Planning for more than one disaster at a time
    • 22:30 - Why disaster planning is never one-and-done
    • 23:45 - Balancing business continuity with occupant health

    Connect with Us:

    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifma
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFacilityManagementAssociation/
    • Twitter: https://twitter.com/IFMA
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifma_hq/
    • YouTube: https://youtube.com/ifmaglobal
    • Visit us at https://ifma.org/

    25 min
  7. The Trillion Dollar Threat: Why Cybersecurity is an FM Emergency

    Episode 133

    Show notes

    As smart buildings become more connected, they also become more exposed to cyber threats. In this episode, host Dr. Matt Tucker, IFMA's Director of Knowledge and Insights, sits down with Stacey Shepard, Advisory Board Member at Building Cyber Security, to discuss how facility managers can bridge the gap between Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) to protect their organizations.

    Together, they unpack:

    • Why global cybercrime is now a multi-trillion-dollar issue impacting business continuity, productivity, and physical safety.
    • Understanding how building automation, HVAC, access control, and IoT devices create non-traditional entry points for bad actors.
    • Lessons learned from high-profile hacks involving ransomware, supply chains, and interconnected smart devices.
    • How FMs can establish strong communication channels with CIOs and C-suite executives.
    • Practical advice on performing asset inventories, reviewing vendor contracts, and leveraging free tools like the 16-step checklist from Building Cyber Security.

    Whether managing a single facility or a global portfolio, this episode provides essential strategies for treating cybersecurity as a core component of emergency preparedness and all-hazard resilience.

    Resources Mentioned:

    • Building Cyber Security Website

    Connect with Us:

    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifma
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFacilityManagementAssociation/
    • Twitter: https://twitter.com/IFMA
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifma_hq/
    • YouTube: https://youtube.com/ifmaglobal
    • Visit us at https://ifma.org/

    25 min
  8. Global Strategy, Local Impact: Inside IFMA's Workplace Evolutionaries

    Episode 132

    Show notes

    Facility management is no longer just about tactical maintenance. It is about driving business performance, shaping company culture, and creating strategic value at the C-suite level.

    In today's episode, host Edward Wagoner is joined by WE leadership team members Tim Allen, Martin Ruppe and Kati Barklund to break down what makes the Workplace Evolutionaries community essential for anyone touching the built environment.

    Together, they detail the many ways to engage with the community, including:

    • Local WE Hubs: How regional communities of practice tailor global workplace strategy to local markets and foster peer networking.
    • Monthly WEbinars: Gaining a competitive edge through 60-minute virtual sessions featuring global corporate speakers and real-world ROI case studies.
    • World Workplace & Key Events: What to expect at major annual gatherings, masterclasses and interactive sessions.
    • Educational Programs & Hot Topics: Diving into professional development pathways, change management, AI integration, circularity/sustainability and cross-disciplinary liaisons across HR, IT, FM and academia.

    Whether you are a seasoned workplace strategist or new to the field, discover how joining the WE community can help you bridge research and practice while expanding your career horizons.

    Connect with Us:

    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifma
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFacilityManagementAssociation/
    • Twitter: https://twitter.com/IFMA
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifma_hq/
    • YouTube: https://youtube.com/ifmaglobal
    • Visit us at https://ifma.org/

    38 min
  9. Why Procurement Holds the Key to Circular FM

    Episode 131

    Show notes

    What if waste wasn't just a sustainability issue but one of your organization's biggest business opportunities?

    In this episode, IFMA's Director of Knowledge and Insights, Dr. Matt Tucker, is joined by Hélène Carpentier, the founder of Circular Workplaces, to explore why the future of facility management is circular. Together, they discuss how culture influences waste, why procurement is one of the most powerful drivers of circularity, and how facility managers can reduce costs while improving workplace experiences.

    Timestamps:

    • 0:00 - Why FM can disrupt the waste industry
    • 1:30 - Meet Hélène Carpentier and Circular Workplaces
    • 3:00 - How culture shapes waste around the world
    • 5:00 - Why developed countries create more workplace waste
    • 6:00 - The hidden cost of "throwaway" culture
    • 7:30 - Why Hélène founded Circular Workplaces
    • 9:00 - The business case for circular economy
    • 10:00 - Why waste is part of the workplace experience
    • 11:00 - Why circularity is already in FM's DNA
    • 12:00 - How FM can disrupt the waste industry
    • 13:00 - Why the "Netflix of FM" matters
    • 14:00 - From ownership to services: A new FM model
    • 15:00 - Why procurement is the key to circular FM
    • 16:00 - The coffee cup example every FM should hear
    • 17:00 - Looking beyond waste to transform operations
    • 18:00 - The Circular Workplaces framework
    • 19:00 - Why doing nothing could cost £1.6 million
    • 20:00 - Waste is your biggest operational inefficiency

    Connect with Us:

    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifma
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFacilityManagementAssociation/
    • Twitter: https://twitter.com/IFMA
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifma_hq/
    • YouTube: https://youtube.com/ifmaglobal
    • Visit us at https://ifma.org/

    21 min
  10. How Facility Managers Can Lead Urban Renewal

    Episode 130

    Show notes

    What does it take to transform aging buildings into resilient, high-performing spaces?

    Recorded at IFMA's World Workplace Asia-Pacific, this panel brings together Samuel Ma, Head of Account Management at JLL, Andrew Macpherson, Executive Director, Head of Asset Development at JLL, and Caitlin Shem, Head of Sustainability Consulting at JLL, to discuss the future of urban regeneration. They explore why retrofitting existing buildings is often more sustainable than rebuilding, how facility managers can play a larger strategic role in asset enhancement, and why predictive maintenance, AI and better operational data are changing how buildings are managed. The conversation also examines the growing importance of resilience, biodiversity and government policy in shaping the next generation of cities.

    Timestamps:

    • 0:00 - The three pillars shaping future cities
    • 1:35 - Why aging buildings need a new approach
    • 4:55 - Why retrofitting beats rebuilding
    • 6:20 - Decarbonization, resilience and biodiversity explained
    • 8:10 - Bringing nature back into cities
    • 9:00 - What One Bangkok gets right
    • 9:40 - Why older buildings are losing tenants
    • 10:15 - World Workplace 2026
    • 11:00 - Why facility managers are essential to urban renewal
    • 11:45 - The rise of the "urban steward"
    • 12:20 - Moving from reactive to predictive maintenance
    • 13:00 - How better data drives better investments
    • 14:15 - Why AI is making predictive maintenance a reality
    • 15:10 - "Now is the age of predictive maintenance"
    • 15:35 - What governments can do to accelerate urban renewal
    • 16:20 - Public-private partnerships for better cities
    • 17:45 - How policy is changing sustainable buildings
    • 18:30 - Why building performance matters more than ever
    • 19:50 - The growing link between sustainability and property value
    • 21:00 - Why collaboration will shape the future of cities

    Connect with Us:

    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifma
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFacilityManagementAssociation/
    • Twitter: https://twitter.com/IFMA
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifma_hq/
    • YouTube: https://youtube.com/ifmaglobal
    • Visit us at https://ifma.org/

    22 min
  11. Why Great FM Strategies Fail During Execution

    Episode 129

    Show notes

    Strong strategies don't fail because they're poorly written. They fail because they weren't designed with operational reality in mind.

    In this episode, Wayne Whitzell, Senior VP Strategic Accounts, SOLID Surface Care and First Vice Chair on IFMA's Global Executive Board, sits down with Amanda Muzzarelli, Global Operations Director at Macro, to explore what separates effective facility management leaders from reactive ones. Together, they discuss preserving institutional knowledge, creating psychological safety, developing future leaders and why understanding day-to-day operations is essential for successful strategy execution. They also examine how AI may reshape facility management workflows and why curiosity and leadership remain the profession's greatest competitive advantages.

    Timestamps:

    • 0:00 - Why role clarity is a gift
    • 1:20 - Meet Amanda Muzzarelli
    • 2:40 - From public affairs to facility management
    • 6:10 - Why institutional knowledge lives in people
    • 7:30 - Building psychological safety for knowledge transfer
    • 9:00 - How to preserve institutional knowledge before it's lost
    • 10:35 - Escaping the tactical mindset
    • 11:10 - Why role clarity makes better leaders
    • 12:10 - Leading global FM teams without micromanaging
    • 13:15 - Developing leadership instead of doing everything yourself
    • 15:05 - Self-reflection as a leadership skill
    • 18:20 - Why great FM strategies fail during execution
    • 20:45 - World Workplace 2026
    • 21:15 - The biggest mistake strategists make
    • 22:30 - Why facilities teams need a seat at the table
    • 23:35 - Shadow systems and hidden operational knowledge
    • 25:05 - How AI can eliminate repetitive FM tasks
    • 27:10 - When will AI become part of everyday FM?
    • 28:10 - Amanda's prediction: AI in FM within 3–5 years
    • 29:20 - Why AI won't replace facility managers
    • 31:05 - Who will lead AI adoption in FM?
    • 32:10 - Why curiosity matters more than technical expertise
    • 35:00 - Preparing the next generation of FM leaders
    • 35:50 - Amanda's World Workplace sessions
    • 36:45 - Closing remarks

    Resources from the episode:

    • Connect with Amanda on LinkedIn
    • Join us at World Workplace in Anaheim 17-19 November: https://worldworkplace.ifma.org/

    Connect with Us:

    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifma
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFacilityManagementAssociation/
    • Twitter: https://twitter.com/IFMA
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifma_hq/
    • YouTube: https://youtube.com/ifmaglobal
    • Visit us at https://ifma.org/

    37 min
  12. How AI and Data Are Transforming Smart Buildings in APAC

    Episode 128

    Show notes

    Artificial intelligence is changing the way facilities operate, but successful adoption starts long before implementing new technology. Recorded live at World Workplace Asia-Pacific in Hong Kong, Dr. Matt Tucker, IFMA's Director of Knowledge and Research, sits down with Serena Pau, Chief Commercial Officer at Neuron Digital, to discuss digital transformation across the region, the importance of breaking down data silos and why curiosity may be one of the most valuable skills facility managers can develop. They also explore how AI can improve reporting, energy management and decision-making while keeping people at the center of the workplace.

    Timestamps:

    • 0:00 - AI should enhance, not replace, people
    • 0:24 - Introduction to Serena Pau and Neuron Digital
    • 2:18 - Digital maturity across Asia-Pacific
    • 4:08 - Balancing AI with the human side of facility management
    • 6:11 - Why change management matters more than technology
    • 7:00 - World Workplace 2026
    • 7:35 - Where AI can make the biggest impact today
    • 8:46 - Turning AI insights into actionable recommendations
    • 9:02 - Why curiosity is the most important AI skill
    • 10:21 - The rise of the FM analyst
    • 11:02 - Using AI to improve reporting and tell better data stories
    • 12:18 - Building a future-ready digital strategy
    • 13:17 - Mindset before technology
    • 13:43 - Closing remarks

    Connect with Us:

    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifma
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFacilityManagementAssociation/
    • Twitter: https://twitter.com/IFMA
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifma_hq/
    • YouTube: https://youtube.com/ifmaglobal
    • Visit us at https://ifma.org/

    14 min
  13. How Facility Managers Can Earn a Seat at the Decision-Making Table

    Episode 127

    Show notes

    Host Wayne Whitzell, Senior VP Strategic Accounts, SOLID Surface Care and First Vice Chair on IFMA's Global Executive Board welcomes Grant Sommerfeld, president of IFMA's FM Consultants Council and founder of Executive FM, for a conversation about the challenges facing facility managers today. Drawing on his experience leading FM transformations across healthcare, municipal government and higher education, Grant shares why many organizations remain trapped in reactive operating models and what leaders can do to break the cycle.

    The discussion explores the importance of data driven decision making, the communication gap between FM teams and executive leadership, and why facility managers need a stronger voice before major organizational decisions are made. Grant also explains how consultants can help organizations build internal capabilities, improve stakeholder communication and create more sustainable operating models that don't rely on individual heroics to succeed.

    Resources:

    • Connet with Grant on LinkedIn

    Connect with Us:

    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifma
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFacilityManagementAssociation/
    • Twitter: https://twitter.com/IFMA
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifma_hq/
    • YouTube: https://youtube.com/ifmaglobal
    • Visit us at https://ifma.org/

    37 min
  14. Why AI Alone Won't Prepare Your Workforce for the Future

    Episode 126

    Show notes

    Artificial intelligence is transforming the workplace, but successful organizations know that technology alone isn't enough. Recorded live at World Workplace Europe, Dr. Matt Tucker sits down with Jessica Schmidt, Future of Work Strategy Lead at EY, to discuss how leaders can prepare their workforce for the future of work. Together, they explore evolving talent expectations, AI leadership, workplace strategy and why organizations must balance technology, physical workplaces and human behavior to create lasting business value. They also discuss the skills leaders need, why only a small percentage of organizations are realizing measurable returns from AI investments and what facility managers can do to prepare for the future.

    Timestamps:

    • 0:00 - Why only 28% of companies see business value from AI
    • 1:18 - Introduction to Jessica Schmidt and the future of work
    • 3:35 - The biggest forces reshaping today's workplace
    • 5:42 - Why generational stereotypes miss the bigger picture
    • 6:28 - Changing talent expectations and workplace sustainability
    • 8:18 - Bricks, bytes and behaviors explained
    • 10:06 - Why people matter more than technology
    • 12:34 - Leading AI transformation in facility management
    • 14:15 - World Workplace 2026
    • 15:00 - What an AI-enabled organization really looks like
    • 16:10 - The leadership framework: Tool set, skill set and mindset
    • 17:12 - Building AI skills across your workforce
    • 18:03 - Why mindset is the biggest leadership challenge
    • 19:20 - Helping employees embrace AI instead of fearing it
    • 20:18 - Why most AI investments fail to deliver value
    • 21:10 - From AI assistants to AI agents
    • 22:22 - Preparing the next generation of FM professionals
    • 23:48 - The Great Resignation and evolving employee expectations
    • 25:00 - Why learning is becoming a competitive advantage
    • 26:15 - How organizations can attract and retain top talent
    • 26:52 - Closing remarks

    Connect with Us:

    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifma
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFacilityManagementAssociation/
    • Twitter: https://twitter.com/IFMA
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifma_hq/
    • YouTube: https://youtube.com/ifmaglobal
    • Visit us at https://ifma.org/

    27 min
  15. The Never Normal: Rethinking Facility Management in the AI Era

    Episode 125

    Show notes

    Artificial intelligence is accelerating change across every industry, but simply adding AI to existing processes won't deliver lasting results. Recorded live at World Workplace Europe, Erik Jaspers is joined by Peter Hinssen and Mikis Waschl to explore how AI is reshaping facility management, why digital transformation was only the beginning, and what organizations must do to build stronger data foundations, embrace digital twins and rethink how value is delivered. They also discuss the economics of AI, Europe's role in the future of technology and why today's leaders must prepare for a world that is never normal.

    This episode is sponsored by SiteMap®, powered by GPRS. Learn more at https://www.sitemap.com/ifma/

    Timestamps

    • 00:00 Introduction
    • 01:45 Meet The Guests
    • 03:39 Digital Was Just Start
    • 05:36 AI Goes Geopolitical
    • 07:52 FM Outcomes And Twins
    • 11:02 Data Foundations Matter
    • 12:15 CarPlay For Buildings
    • 16:12 Construction Productivity Gap
    • 17:39 AI Economics And Pricing
    • 22:26 Stop Pilot Snacking
    • 23:49 Europe Digital Autonomy
    • 26:07 Wrap Up And Outro

    Connect with Us:

    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifma
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFacilityManagementAssociation/
    • Twitter: https://twitter.com/IFMA
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifma_hq/
    • YouTube: https://youtube.com/ifmaglobal
    • Visit us at https://ifma.org/

    27 min
  16. Mastering Energy Management in a Disrupted Market

    Episode 124

    Show notes

    In this episode of Connected FM, host Dean Stanberry, former Chair on IFMA's Global Board of Directors, welcomes Gabe Phillips, CEO of Catalyst Power, for a practical conversation about energy management in an increasingly disrupted market.

    Gabe explains how facility managers can move beyond treating energy as a fixed operating expense and instead take a more strategic approach to procurement, efficiency and resilience planning. The discussion covers energy contracts, market volatility, demand management, on-site generation and how organizations can evaluate opportunities such as solar, combined heat and power and battery storage.

    The conversation also highlights the importance of understanding energy baselines, gathering operational data and conducting energy audits before making major investments. Gabe shares why facility managers should focus on building a strong data foundation, leveraging expert advice and carefully evaluating the financial realities behind emerging energy technologies.

    This episode is sponsored by SiteMap®, powered by GPRS. Learn more at https://www.sitemap.com/ifma/

    Timestamps:

    • 0:00 Introduction
    • 3:01 Meet Gabe Phillips and Catalyst Power
    • 5:17 The Biggest Sources of Avoidable Energy Costs
    • 7:23 Why Energy Procurement Strategy Matters
    • 9:00 Resilience Planning and Backup Power Decisions
    • 11:20 What Drives Energy Investments: Cost, Stability or Sustainability?
    • 12:25 Sponsor Message: SiteMap by GPRS
    • 13:03 Evaluating Solar, CHP and Other Energy Technologies
    • 15:26 Why Energy Baselines and Audits Come First
    • 18:00 New Energy Technologies Facility Managers Should Watch
    • 18:42 The Reality of Demand Response Programs
    • 19:53 How Better Data Is Transforming Energy Management
    • 21:27 Are Battery Storage Systems Worth It?
    • 22:36 Why Data Is the Foundation of Energy Strategy
    • 24:02 Closing Thoughts and Outro

    Connect with Us:

    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifma
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFacilityManagementAssociation/
    • Twitter: https://twitter.com/IFMA
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifma_hq/
    • YouTube: https://youtube.com/ifmaglobal
    • Visit us at https://ifma.org/

    25 min
  17. From Data to Decisions: Building Better FM Partnerships

    Episode 123

    Show notes

    In this episode of Connected FM, host Wayne Whitzell, Senior VP Strategic Accounts, SOLID Surface Care and Second Vice Chair on IFMA's Global Executive Board, welcomes Justin Hitt, Sr. Manager - Corporate Advisory & Solutions at Lincoln Property Company, for a wide-ranging conversation on facility management strategy, service delivery and the future of work.

    Justin discusses his experience leading IFMA’s Museums and Cultural Institutions Council, the relationship between operations and sales, the importance of transparency in outsourcing partnerships, and how data can help facility managers communicate more effectively with leadership. Wayne and Justin also examine the growing role of AI, productivity tools and digital workflows in helping FM teams work more efficiently while maintaining a people-first approach to service delivery.

    This episode is sponsored by SiteMap®, powered by GPRS. Learn more at https://www.sitemap.com/ifma/

    Timestamps:

    • 00:00 Introduction
    • 02:28 Museum Council Roadshow
    • 06:53 Assessing Clients And Culture Fit
    • 12:50 Dashboards that Speak to the CFO
    • 17:00 AI As Productivity Clones
    • 20:26 How Providers Really Profit
    • 26:33 Sales Ops Alignment Handoff
    • 29:52 Wrap Up

    Connect with Us:

    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifma
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFacilityManagementAssociation/
    • Twitter: https://twitter.com/IFMA
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifma_hq/
    • YouTube: https://youtube.com/ifmaglobal
    • Visit us at https://ifma.org/

    31 min
  18. Cómo influye la movilidad urbana en las estrategias de oficinas en América Latina

    Episode 125

    Show notes

    En el episodio de hoy, Esteban Martínez, cofundador y director de operaciones de Green Loop, y Cibele Verasto, directora sénior de espacios de trabajo en Databricks, analizan el panorama cambiante de la gestión de instalaciones en América Latina, centrándose en la sostenibilidad, el bienestar de los empleados y las estrategias innovadoras para adaptarse a los retos de la movilidad urbana y a los modelos de trabajo híbridos.

    Este episodio está patrocinado por SiteMap®, con tecnología de GPRS. Para más información, visita sitemap.com/ifma

    Connect with Us:

    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifma
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFacilityManagementAssociation/
    • Twitter: https://twitter.com/IFMA
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifma_hq/
    • YouTube: https://youtube.com/ifmaglobal
    • Visit us at https://ifma.org/

    31 min
  19. Understanding Equipment Failures Before They Happen

    Episode 120

    Show notes

    In this episode of Connected FM, host Howie Barber sits down with Denis Kouroussis to explore how continuous electrical monitoring and intelligent analytics are helping facility teams move beyond reactive maintenance.

    They discuss the limitations of traditional preventative maintenance methods, the value of high-resolution waveform monitoring and how predictive insights can uncover hidden electrical and mechanical issues before equipment failures occur. Denis also shares a real-world case study involving a 750-ton hydraulic press where advanced monitoring identified the root cause of repeated motor failures, helping reduce downtime and avoid costly disruptions.

    This episode is sponsored by SiteMap®, powered by GPRS. Learn more at https://www.sitemap.com/ifma/

    Timestamps:

    • 0:00 Introduction
    • 1:03 Why Most Facilities Still Run Equipment to Failure
    • 2:48 How Continuous Waveform Monitoring Detects Early Issues
    • 4:10 Understanding Upstream vs. Downstream Electrical Problems
    • 5:07 Why Traditional Maintenance Methods Fall Short
    • 7:20 The Difference Between Preventative and Predictive Maintenance
    • 7:43 World Workplace 2026 Sponsor Message
    • 8:10 Case Study: The 750-Ton Hydraulic Press Failure
    • 11:34 How Early Can Equipment Degradation Be Detected?
    • 13:01 Transitioning From Scheduled to Predictive Maintenance
    • 13:39 Why Facility Managers Should Monitor Before Replacing Equipment
    • 14:10 Common Mistakes in Electrical Troubleshooting
    • 14:43 Closing Thoughts

    Connect with Us:

    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifma
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFacilityManagementAssociation/
    • Twitter: https://twitter.com/IFMA
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifma_hq/
    • YouTube: https://youtube.com/ifmaglobal
    • Visit us at https://ifma.org/

    15 min
  20. The Hidden Menu: Creating Return on Experience in the Workplace

    Episode 120

    Show notes

    Host Osama Aduib from ISS Facility Services sits down with his colleagues Paul Ratkovic and Amelia Ekus to discuss the “hidden menu” of facility management.

    The conversation explores how invisible systems, operational decisions and hospitality-focused thinking shape the workplace experience in ways occupants may never notice directly, from HVAC and lighting to food service, cleanliness and comfort. Paul and Amelia share insights on empathy in facility management, anticipatory service, workplace innovation and how FM teams can create seamless, people-centered environments through collaboration and intentional design.

    They also discuss the role of technology, AI and data-driven insights in supporting proactive building operations while emphasizing that hospitality, human connection and emotional intelligence remain at the center of exceptional workplace experiences.

    This episode is sponsored by SiteMap®, powered by GPRS. Learn more at https://www.sitemap.com/ifma/

    Resources:

    • Re-thinking the Purpose of the Workplace Experience
    • The Enduring Significance of Place

    Timestamps:

    • 0:00 - Introduction to the “Hidden Menu” of Facility Management
    • 2:01 - How hospitality and facility management intersect
    • 3:10 - Defining the hidden menu in workplace experiences
    • 4:38 - Why engineering is one of the most hospitality-driven functions
    • 6:18 - Frictionless experiences vs. “good friction” in the workplace
    • 8:47 - The emotional impact of HVAC, comfort and building systems
    • 11:10 - Emotional intelligence and empathy in facility management
    • 14:28 - Innovation, anticipation and proactive workplace experiences
    • 16:35 - AI, data and the future of anticipatory service
    • 18:55 - How engineering teams create invisible, seamless experiences
    • 20:35 - Building a culture of hospitality across FM teams
    • 22:10 - Using sensors and data to improve occupant experiences
    • 23:40 - Predictive analytics, occupancy insights and space behavior
    • 25:35 - Practical ways FM leaders can activate the hidden menu
    • 27:15 - Why “placemakers” mindset matters in FM
    • 28:20 - Final thoughts on service, visibility and human-centered experiences
    • 30:20 - Closing remarks

    Connect with Us:

    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifma
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFacilityManagementAssociation/
    • Twitter: https://twitter.com/IFMA
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifma_hq/
    • YouTube: https://youtube.com/ifmaglobal
    • Visit us at https://ifma.org/

    31 min