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

Kay Sargent, a senior HOK principal and author of Designing Neuroinclusive Workplaces, reflects on a decade of workplace innovation. She explores why AI should not overshadow human well-being, inclusion, climate change, or geopolitical shifts. Topics include Kodak’s missed future, long-term real estate choices, cognitive sovereignty, regenerative design, and creating workplaces that serve future generations.

Mike Petrusky announces his departure from Eptura and the conclusion of two long-running workplace podcasts after more than 600 episodes. He reflects on the people and community behind the shows, previews the final conversation with Kay Sargent, and looks toward new ways to strengthen connections across facility management, real estate, HR, and IT.

Sue Asprey Price, EMEA CEO and Global Head of Portfolio Services at JLL, brings 30+ years of real estate and workplace expertise. She explores why real estate is now a business strategy, how AI is reshaping facility management, and why HR, IT, finance, and operations must break down silos. They also examine purposeful, neuroinclusive workplaces that make every commute worthwhile.

Kaveh Rostampor, CEO and co-founder of Planhat, brings two decades of enterprise software experience to a lively conversation about workplace transformation. He shares his journey from Iran and Sweden to California, the music connecting his family, and why meaningful value comes from difficult work. They explore AI, automation, courageous leadership, change management, and Planhat’s vision of the automated enterprise.

Natalie Johnson, Co-Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of Vidl Work, author, speaker, and workplace culture strategist, explores how relationships shape extraordinary workplaces. She discusses intentional culture-building, psychological safety, inclusion, innovation, and the everyday choices that influence teams. She also examines using technology to protect focus and human connection, reminding everyone that they have a role to play.

Drew DePriest, Salesforce Workplace Services Director and IFMA Global Board member, traces his journey from building automation to workplace leadership. He explores AI’s growing role in facility management, from analyzing work orders to supporting everyday tasks. They also discuss data governance, human oversight, constructive AI coaching, and why curiosity and continuous learning will shape the future of workplace operations.

Shelley Boland is Global Head Real Estate and Corporate Services at Standard Chartered where she is passionate about shaping enterprise strategy and corporate operations across international markets while transforming how global workforces connect by balancing commercial efficiency, future-of-work innovation, leveraging supply chain and strong risk discipline. Mike Petrusky asks Shelley why she believes that workplace and facility management leaders can create value when they treat their function as a strategic platform for talent, brand, culture, transformation, and growth, not simply as a cost center. Shelley says that every square foot should have a clear purpose, supported by portfolio optimization, data-informed decisions, and deliberately designed experiences that blend workplace design, hospitality, services, and technology. To lead effectively, FM professionals should strengthen their business acumen, understand their organization's strategy and customers, and learn from peers, industry groups, and external partners rather than trying to solve everything alone. Authentic, people-first leadership builds trust and helps global teams navigate change, so Mike and Shelley offer the practical advice and inspiration you need to be a Workplace Innovator in your organization! Connect with Shelley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelley-boland-763615a/ Learn more about Standard Chartered: https://www.sc.com/en/ Explore the IFMA Community: https://www.ifma.org/ Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSkmmkVFvM4H3pwnlU2AuqynuRDpvnh4J 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/

Rob Clark is a Senior Director at Cushman & Wakefield where he is designing client strategies at the intersection of experiences and real estate, while also sharing his story as an accomplished motivational speaker and author of "Everyday Resilience for Everyday Heroes" and The Resilient Worker blog. Mike Petrusky asks Rob why he believes that assuming good intentions and maintaining positivity are essential strategies for workplace and facility management professionals who often face adversity and competing interests. They explore the power of human connection, collaboration, and community through organizations like IFMA and discuss the role of the FM in the future of the built environment. The workplace has shifted from being a mandatory destination to a chosen environment, making thoughtful workplace strategy, culture, and design more important than ever and Rob says that facility managers play a key role in creating safe, comfortable, and collaborative environments. Personal resilience, a growth mindset, and the ability to appreciate diverse perspectives can contribute to a more positive, empathetic, and productive workplace culture, so Mike and Rob offer the encouragement and inspiration you will need to be a Workplace Innovator in your organization! Connect with Rob on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-clark-2b93622/ Read Rob's blog and get the books: https://www.resilientworker.net/ Learn more about Cushman & Wakefield: https://www.cushmanwakefield.com/en Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSkmmkVFvM4H3pwnlU2AuqynuRDpvnh4J 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/

Jenna Mikus, PhD is CEO of Eudae Group, LLC where she is a strategic advisor specializing in balancing architectural science with wellbeing science to promote flourishing health and wellbeing by design in the context of environments. Mike Petrusky asks Jenna why she believes embracing unconventional and multidisciplinary approaches to design leads to more creativity and innovation in the workplace. They explore the concept of eudaimonia and why the power of human flourishing should be a central goal in workplace strategy and design. Jenna says that facility management professionals can play an essential role in occupant health and well-being, and she believes that collaboration across disciplines can help deliver more effective workplace environments. Intentionality, humility, respect, and care in practice are vital for successful outcomes, so Mike and Jenna offer the practical advice and the inspiration you need to be a Workplace Innovator in your organization! Connect with Jenna on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennamikus/ Learn more about Eudae Group, LLC: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eudaegroup/ Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSkmmkVFvM4H3pwnlU2AuqynuRDpvnh4J 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/

Michael Geary, CAE is President & CEO of IFMA where he is passionate about serving the 25,000+ members of the world's largest and most widely recognized international association for facility management professionals. Mike Petrusky asks Michael about his time so far leading IFMA's global community which spans every continent, offering facility managers broad opportunities for professional networking, collaboration, and exposure to different cultural perspectives. They share excitement and anticipation for IFMA's World Workplace 2026 which promises to deliver great content, networking, recognition, and fun, including a keynote by BJ Novak from "The Office" and is taking place November 18-20 in Anaheim, California. Michael shares the "it takes a village" concept that is central to IFMA's philosophy of collaboration, shared knowledge, and collective problem-solving which are all necessary to drive both the profession and the organization's future strategy. Innovation in facility management may include technological advances, but it also often involves embracing incremental change and being open to new ideas and solutions, so Mike and Michael offer the encouragement and inspiration you will need to be a Workplace Innovator in your organization! Connect with Michael on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelvgeary/ Explore IFMA's Advocacy Forum: https://advocacyforum.ifma.org/ Register for IFMA's World Workplace: https://worldworkplace.ifma.org/ Learn more about IFMA: https://www.ifma.org/ Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSkmmkVFvM4H3pwnlU2AuqynuRDpvnh4J 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/