Workplace Innovator Podcast | Enhancing Your Employee Experience | Facility Management | CRE | Digital Workplace Technology

Valerie Spencer is Assistant VP of Strategic Growth and Engagement at Didlake where she is passionate about creating opportunities that enrich the lives of people with disabilities, especially in the world of facility management. Mike Petrusky asks Valerie about her recent role volunteering with the Capital Chapter of IFMA to put on a local "Chapter Workplace & Expo" event where professionals shared experiences and insights on facility management and innovation. Valerie believes that the FM industry is evolving with technology, making it more accessible to individuals with limitations, so she and Mike explore the importance of creating a healthy, safe, and productive environment for all people. Innovation in the workplace is driven by technology and joining professional organizations like IFMA can provide valuable resources and support for individuals seeking collaboration and networking opportunities. Mike and Valerie offer practical advice and inspiration to help you connect with the IFMA community and share stories that will encourage you to be a Workplace Innovator in your organization! Connect with Valerie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeriespencer/ Learn more about Didlake: https://www.didlake.org/ Check out "The Didlake Difference" podcast: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0dH-97_y-SPN3QmczhfO-160VbItcgzh&si=oKz_HmNNQFkVFbOa Explore the IFMA community: https://www.ifma.org/ Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://eptura.com/discover-more/podcasts/workplace-innovator/ Learn more about Eptura™: https://eptura.com/ Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/

Vera van de Loo is part of the Media & Events team at Ifmec in The Netherlands where she is passionate about helping facility management organizations create events and content that connect, inspire and deliver results. Mike Petrusky asks Vera about her career as a young professional in the FM industry and her recent experience hosting the video stage at IFMA's World Workplace 2025 in Minneapolis, MN. They discuss the future of the workplace and facility management industry and the exciting opportunities available for FM leaders as they seek to have an impact on not only the workplace, but on a societal level. She shares how intergenerational differences must be understood if we are to care for the built environment effectively going forward and she discusses how leaders must consider the needs of younger generations in the workplace. Vera believes that asking how others are doing and prioritizing people over products is essential, so she and Mike share stories that will encourage and inspire you to be a Workplace Innovator in your organization! Connect with Vera on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/veravandeloo/ Learn more about Ifmec: https://www.ifmec.nl/ Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://eptura.com/discover-more/podcasts/workplace-innovator/ Learn more about Eptura™: https://eptura.com/ Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/

Darlene Pope is CEO of Brava Systems where she is passionate about delivering a flexible system that lets you configure, launch, and seamlessly interact with AI across your organization, using your own data. Mike Petrusky asks Darlene about her career journey as a smart building and digital workplace expert who is also a globally recognized visionary and passionate advocate for disruptive technology applications in real estate. They discuss the importance of embracing AI and using technology to support businesses and the built environment as they explore why workplace leaders need to rethink the traditional office setup and expectations around return to office. Darlene believes that AI should be considered a "surge" rather than a "bubble," with significant potential to impact businesses over the next 5-10 years, so she emphasizes gathering clean data to implement AI effectively. Location-based services and dynamic assignment of space are emerging technologies that can improve the workplace experience and drive energy efficiency, so Mike and Darlene encourage facility management and real estate leaders to "follow the money" as they inspire you to be a Workplace Innovator in your organization! Connect with Darlene on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darlene-pope-b8548a2/ Learn more about Brava Systems: https://bravasystems.com/ Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://eptura.com/discover-more/podcasts/workplace-innovator/ Learn more about Eptura™: https://eptura.com/ Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/

Dominique Burgauer is CEO at Archilogic where he is passionate about mapping the world's interiors to make them more useful with an integrated suite of products that allows you to build apps, websites, and experiences. Mike Petrusky asks Dom about why he believes that connectivity and interoperability in systems are essential for accelerating decision-making in the workplace. They discuss AI, worktech tools and the importance of capturing the right data to deliver on desired business outcomes. Breaking down silos and fostering collaboration across departments is paramount for CRE and facility management leaders hoping to bring frictionless experiences to their teams while creating a more productive built environment. Dom says that the best workplace technologies are those that are seamless and unnoticeable, so he and Mike share some practical advice as they encourage you to be a Workplace Innovator in your organization! Connect with Dom on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominique-burgauer/ Learn more about Archilogic: https://www.archilogic.com/ Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://eptura.com/discover-more/podcasts/workplace-innovator/ Learn more about Eptura™: https://eptura.com/ Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/

Martin Frohock is Global Workplace Experience Director at AVEVA where he is passionate about delivering a strategy that aligns with his team's mission is to connect trusted information and insights that spark industrial ingenuity and help create a more sustainable future. Mike Petrusky asks Martin about how the role of corporate real estate and facility management professionals has evolved to focus on strategy enablement rather than just services and operational support. They explore the power of technology, such as AI and data analytics, and how it will shape the future of real estate and the workplace. Martin says that workplace innovators will need to be fluent in data, understand technologies impact while also speaking the language of the business. Collaboration, curiosity, and being attentive listeners are essential skills for workplace leaders as they care for the future of the built environment and the workforce. Our industry needs to move away from reactive execution and head towards more strategic partnerships, so Mike and Martin offer practical advice and the inspiration you will need to be a Workplace Innovator in your organization! Connect with Martin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-frohock-0001/ Learn more about AVEVA Group Limited: https://www.aveva.com/ Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://eptura.com/discover-more/podcasts/workplace-innovator/ Learn more about Eptura™: https://eptura.com/ Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/

Adam Hoy is the VP and Global Head of Real Estate who leads the global workplace, real estate, and facilities function at PepsiCo. As the Past President of CoreNet Global UK Chapter, he hosts a podcast called the "Voice of the Occupier" which is committed to advancing the profession and sharing insights and learnings with the wider CRE industry. Mike Petrusky asks Adam about the evolving role of CRE and FM professionals as there is a growing need to become more oriented toward business outcomes and strategic thinking. Adam says that focusing on the needs of the company and understanding broader business strategies is essential today, and he wants to see a joined-up approach between real estate and FM teams within an organization. Mike and Adam explore workplace technologies, including AI and space utilization tools, as they embrace the opportunity to better inform decisions about the built environment. They offer practical advice for staying focused on the fundamental needs of the business, while also encouraging and inspiring you to be a Workplace Innovator in your organization! Connect with Adam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-hoy-72a2ab7/ Listen to the "Voice of the Occupier" Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2357096/episodes Learn more about CoreNet: https://www.corenetglobal.org/ Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://eptura.com/discover-more/podcasts/workplace-innovator/ Learn more about Eptura™: https://eptura.com/ Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/

Edward Kacal, CEO of Servus Limited and an IFMA leader from Trinidad and Tobago, shares his insights on the evolving field of facilities management. He discusses the impact of AI, encouraging professionals to adopt continuous learning and embrace a generalist approach. Eddie emphasizes the need for facility managers to focus on strategic networking and innovation while suggesting they avoid being confined by rigid job titles. He motivates listeners to seek growth through discomfort and take proactive steps in their careers. Discover how to thrive in this dynamic industry!

Becky Spohn, CFM, FMP is Senior Manager, Facilities Operations at ASPCA in Columbus, OH where she is passionate about ensuring that facilities not only function seamlessly but also serve as strategic assets that advance organizational goals. Mike Petrusky asks Becky about her career in facility management and the influence of the IFMA community, which has provided her with essential training and a supportive network of professionals. They explore the role of Emotional intelligence (EQ) in FM and its role in enabling better communication and problem-solving with vendors, staff, and contractors. Becky says that EQ involves understanding, interpreting, and managing one's own emotions as well as those of others, which can lead to more harmonious workplace interactions. She recommends the book "Emotional Intelligence 2.0" by Dr. Travis Bradberry & Dr. Jean Greaves as a source for team strategies and gaining insights related to strengthening our weak areas. Mike and Becky agree that compassion, grace, and empathy in the workplace can help bridge generational and personality gaps, so they offer some inspiration to help you be a Workplace Innovator in your organization! Connect with Becky on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beckyspohn/ Take an EQ test: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/tests/personality/emotional-intelligence-test Learn more about IFMA: https://www.ifma.org/ Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://eptura.com/discover-more/podcasts/workplace-innovator/ Learn more about Eptura™: https://eptura.com/ Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/

Martha Lawrence is Executive Editor at Blanchard and author of the book, "Catch People Doing Things Right: How Ken Blanchard Changed the Way the World Leads" in which she paints an intimate portrait of the man behind "The One Minute Manager" and dozens of other influential books. Mike Petrusky asks Martha about Ken Blanchard's leadership philosophy which emphasizes working with people rather than controlling them and they discuss how catching people doing things right can significantly boost energy levels and morale. Martha says that leadership is not just about formal positions, but she believes anyone can be a leader by influencing others, so our focus should be on empowering people and fostering a positive environment. Innovation often requires collaboration and overcoming the natural tendency to focus on mistakes, but effective change management involves addressing people's concerns about information, personal impact, and implementation. Mike and Martha discuss Ken's influence and his work as they offer the practical advice and inspiration you will need to be a Workplace Innovator in your organization! Connect with Martha on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marthaclawrence/ Learn more about Blanchard: https://www.blanchard.com/ Explore Martha's book, "Catch People Doing Things Right": https://www.amazon.com/Catch-People-Doing-Things-Right/dp/B0DTP1BCYM Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://eptura.com/discover-more/podcasts/workplace-innovator/ Learn more about Eptura™: https://eptura.com/ Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/

Larry Allen Morgan, CFM, SFP, FMP is Senior Facilities Manager and Environmental Management System SME at SAP where he is focused on results driven leadership within the corporate & commercial real estate facilities management industry. Mike Petrusky asks Larry why he believes that FM is "not what we do, but why and how we deliver the value" and they explore historical industry shifts, post-COVID impacts, and transformation of the built environment. Larry says that FM professionals must move beyond surface-level discussions and align with the broader strategic goals of the organization, focused on having a horizontal impact, not a vertical one, to better align with cross-functional needs. Traditional financial metrics are necessary but insufficient, so facility managers need to measure the success of their efforts in terms of impactful outcomes and employee experience. Mike and Larry agree that professionals must continuously upskill and expand their networks to stay relevant, so they recommend IFMA connections and offer the practical advice and inspiration you need to be a Workplace Innovator in your organization! Connect with Larry on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larryallenmorgan/ Learn more about IFMA: https://www.ifma.org/ Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://eptura.com/discover-more/podcasts/workplace-innovator/ Learn more about Eptura™: https://eptura.com/ Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/