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

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, MRICS, LEED AP is Principal and Global Head for Workplace Strategy at Arcadis where she is passionate about cultivating business intelligence, strategy and pushing growth for the world's leading company delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets. Mike Petrusky asks Pallavi about her role as a workplace strategist navigating the hybrid work environment, understanding user needs, and finding the best solutions that align with an organization's vision and the workforce's preferences. They explore innovation in the workplace and how simplifying things for human beings, making the environment conducive to collaboration and creativity, is essential today. Pallavi believes there is a need for a holistic approach to workplace strategy, involving leaders, team members, and the broader workforce to gather deep insights and co-create solutions while she emphasizes the need for empathy and an open-minded, agile mindset when seeking to solve problems. Mike and Pallavi challenge listeners to take a balanced and sustainable approach to all asset classes as they offer inspiration and the encouragement you need to be a Workplace Innovator in your organization! Connect with Pallavi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shrivastavapallavi/ Learn more about Arcadis: https://www.arcadis.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/  

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 is a Director at Trascent where she is a Global Real Estate & Facilities Executive and an AI Enthusiast empowering innovation in complex enterprises. Mike Petrusky asks Amanda about her focus on the importance of interpreting the less visible aspects of workplace strategy, such as trust, meaning, and community while they explore the concept of "invisible architecture" in workplace design, which influences psychological safety, culture, and belonging. Amanda believes that the value of facility management as a field is highlighted by the fact that it is an industry where strategic generalists can thrive, balancing operational and visionary roles. She shares the potential of AI to enhance workplace environments by making buildings smarter and more responsive to human needs, while warning about the risk of automating dysfunctional processes without addressing the underlying issues. Mike and Amanda agree that communication in workplace management is essential, and they encourage attendance at IFMA’s upcoming World Workplace conference in Minneapolis where FM leaders will get the insights and inspiration they need to be a Workplace Innovator in their organizations! Connect with Amanda on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandamuzzarelli/ Learn more about IFMA’s World Workplace: https://worldworkplace.ifma.org/ Explore the Trascent website: https://trascent.com/ Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://www.workplaceinnovator.com/ Learn more about Eptura™: https://eptura.com/ Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/  

Richard Peterson, CFM, FMP, SFP is Director of IFM at ABM Industries Supporting Waymo where he is responsible for overseeing facility management operations and is passionate about driving operational excellence, safety, and innovation. He also serves as Vice President of the IFMA Silicon Valley Chapter and Secretary for IFMA’s Corporate Facilities Council with a mission is to assist FMs in navigating their career journey using leadership skills training, peer mentoring, and specialized education. Mike Petrusky asks Richard about his experiences in the profession and why he believes that knowing one's strengths and attributes is essential for success in facility management. Being a workplace leader in FM today involves a balance between the technical aspects of the job and the human element of creating spaces that foster innovation and productivity. Richard brings his personal passion for leadership development and community engagement to his career, which has resulted in his attaining IFMA credentials that have led to his professional success. Mike and Richard discuss IFMA’s upcoming World Workplace conference in Minneapolis as they look forward to networking and great educational opportunities and they encourage you to grow in your facility management journey by offering the inspiration needed to be a Workplace Innovator! Connect with Richard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-peterson-cfm-fmp-sfp-33a526ba/ Learn more about IFMA’s World Workplace: https://worldworkplace.ifma.org/ Explore the ABM website: https://www.abm.com/ Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://www.workplaceinnovator.com/ Learn more about Eptura™: https://eptura.com/ Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/  

Philip Ross is Founder and CEO of UnGroup where he is an author, advisor, speaker, futurist and commentator on the new world of work. Mike Petrusky asks Philip about the upcoming WORKTECH New York conference and why embracing technology and continuous innovation is essential for workplace leaders who want to stay ahead in our rapidly evolving industry. AI is becoming a conversational technology that will significantly impact workplace dynamics, while data is being gathered so workplace experiences can be measured and optimized to remove friction and create memorable moments. Philip says that the post-COVID workplace is seeing a trend towards "espresso offices" where spaces are more compact and utilized more intensely and he believes that the intersection of music, art, and workplace design offers a rich analogy for diverse and innovative approaches to work. Philip and Mike remember their time together in Melbourne, Australia as they offer you the inspiration and advice you’ll need to be a Workplace Innovator! Connect with Philip on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cordless/ Learn more about WORKTECH New York: https://www.worktechevents.com/events/worktech25-new-york/ Explore the Ungroup website: https://ungroup.co.uk/ Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://www.workplaceinnovator.com/ Learn more about Eptura™: https://eptura.com/ Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/  

Barry Conchie is an executive leadership advisor and co-author of the book "The Five Talents That Really Matter: How Great Leaders Drive Extraordinary Performance" which demystifies the aura and complexity surrounding high performing leaders through original research and interviews with high-performing global leaders. Mike Petrusky asks Barry about how his book can help facility management and workplace leaders identify specific talents that are most predictive of superior leadership performance, providing a scientific basis for leadership development. They explore how many selection systems fail to place people in roles that best fit their strengths, leading to dissatisfaction and underperformance, therefore leadership development should focus on identifying and enhancing individuals' strengths rather than trying to improve weaknesses. Barry believes that innovation in the workplace should not only focus on products and processes but also on people development, so he and Mike offer the inspiration and advice you need to be a Workplace Innovator in your organization! Connect with Barry on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barryconchie/ Learn more about Conchie Associates: https://www.conchieassociates.com/ Get the book “The Five Talents That Really Matter”: https://www.amazon.com/Five-Talents-That-Really-Matter/dp/0306833409/ Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://www.workplaceinnovator.com/ Learn more about Eptura™: https://eptura.com/ Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/