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

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/

Jitske Kramer is a corporate anthropologist, an inspiring speaker, entrepreneur founder of HumanDimensions, and author of the book, "Tricky Times: Navigating The Messy Middle of Change" in which she deciphers the complexities of transition and transformation. Mike Petrusky asks Jitske about the concept of liminality, which refers to the transitional phase during change, where old ways no longer apply, but the new ways are not yet clear. This phase is characterized by uncertainty, anxiety, and the potential for creative solutions, so they discuss how cultures are created through the processes of interaction and decision-making and explore why understanding these processes can help leaders influence and guide cultural shifts within organizations. Jitske believes that the physical layout of workplaces and environments reflects the cultural narrative and values of an organization and facility management leaders can influence that narrative by rearranging the physical world. Mike and Jitske discuss the value of effective communication and offer the practical advice and inspiration you will need to be a Workplace Innovator in your organization! Connect with Jitske on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jitskekramer/ Learn more about HumanDimensions and the work Jitske does: https://jitskekramer.com/ Explore Jitske's book, "Tricky Times": https://tricky-times.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/

Pallavi Shrivastava, Principal and Global Head for Workplace Strategy at Arcadis, shares insights on navigating hybrid work. She emphasizes the importance of simplifying workplace experiences and engaging all user levels to create emotional connections. Pallavi advocates for a holistic approach that interlinks people, place, purpose, and technology. With empathy and agility, she challenges leaders to co-create solutions that cater to diverse needs, urging them to think beyond traditional office right-sizing to include all asset types.

Hayley Blunden, PhD is an Assistant Professor of Management at the Kogod School of Business at American University where she focuses on researching how leaders can make challenging workplace interactions more productive. Mike Petrusky asks Professor Blunden about the new world of work and the workplace and why she believes that human interactions are at the core of organizational success. They explore how managers should take the time to reflect on how their decisions impact workplace dynamics and personal interactions, and why delegation should be carefully managed to empower subordinates rather than burden them. Asynchronous voice communication is an innovative way to enhance perceptions of competence and likability in the workplace and asking for advice rather than feedback can lead to more specific and actionable developmental information. Mike and Professor Blunden agree that leaders must think differently in today's built environment and they share the inspiration and the practical advice you will need to be a Workplace Innovator in your organization! Connect with Professor Blunden on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hayley-blunden-a6bb22a/ Learn more about American University's Kogod School of Business: https://kogod.american.edu/ Learn more about Professor Blunden's research: https://www.hayleyblunden.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/

Rene van Camp is Chief Hospitality Officer at ISS North America, the global facility management company, and Principal of Guckenheimer, its culinary brand where he is a senior leader in luxury and lifestyle hospitality and workplace experience management. Mike Petrusky asks Rene about the role of hospitality in the workplace today and why he believes that developing a culture of service where everyone focuses on the customer first is essential for organizations. They explore the ISS way of hospitality which involves setting clear expectations, providing the necessary tools, continuous training, and strong quality assurance programs. Rene says that community building is a top priority as workplace leaders seek to magnetize the office, and this can be achieved through a thoughtful and orchestrated approach to customer service. Mike and Rene agree that the FM industry is evolving, and professionals can maximize their value by fostering a culture of service and enhancing the employee experience, so they share the inspiration and the practical advice you need to be a Workplace Innovator! Connect with Rene on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renevancamp/ Learn more about ISS N/A: https://www.issworld.com/en-us Learn more about Guckenheimer: https://www.guckenheimer.com/en-us 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/

Dr. Ja-Nae Duane, a behavioral scientist and Brown University professor, dives into her book "SuperShifts," discussing the shift from industrial models to AI-driven workplaces. She explores how technology is reshaping our built environments into intelligent ecosystems while emphasizing the necessity of human connection for well-being. Ja-Nae highlights the importance of upskilling in data literacy and human-centered design, encouraging listeners to embrace change and become workplace innovators amid this evolution.

David Yeager, PhD, is a professor of psychology at the University of Texas at Austin and the co-founder of the Texas Behavioral Science and Policy Institute. Mike Petrusky asks David about his closing keynote address during IFMA's Facility Fusion 2025 where he inspired facility management leaders to have a growth mindset as they care for the people in the built environment. They explore how the best managers of high-performing teams are those who maintain high standards while also being supportive as they create a mentor mindset. David shares the research behind his new book, "10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People: A Groundbreaking Approach to Leading the Next Generation—And Making Your Own Life Easier" and offers practical advice for workplace leaders of all kinds. Mike and David discuss leadership, communication and fostering better relationships with team members as they offer insight and inspiration you need to be a Workplace Innovator today! Connect with David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-yeager-3713905/ Buy David's book "10 to 25": https://bookpeople.com/book/9781668023884 Learn more about David's Masterclass "The Power of Mindset: https://www.masterclass.com/classes/power-of-mindset 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/

Amanda Muzzarelli, a Global Real Estate and Facilities Executive at Trascent, dives deep into workplace strategy and 'invisible architecture.' She discusses how trust, meaning, and community shape workplace design and psychological safety. The episode explores the potential of AI to create responsive environments but warns against automating dysfunctional processes. Amanda emphasizes the importance of communication in facility management and encourages leaders to view spaces as tools for shaping behavior. Don't miss her insights on preparing for the future of work!