

Workplace Innovator Podcast | Enhancing Your Employee Experience | Facility Management | CRE | Digital Workplace Technology
Eptura™
The Workplace Innovator Podcast, hosted by speaker, entrepreneur and answer-man Mike Petrusky, offers real-world insights from top facility management & workplace leaders on how to use tech, talent and tenacity to create the best workplaces on earth. Powered by Eptura™, The Workplace Innovator helps corporate real estate, facility management, IT, and HR leaders design incredible “friction-free” workplace experiences that fuel employee productivity, tech innovation and optimal space utilization, today, and tomorrow. Tune in now!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 7, 2023 • 28min
Ep. 246: What Anthropology Reveals about Corporate Culture and the Future Workplace with Melissa Fisher, PhD of the NYU Institute for Public Knowledge
Melissa Fisher, PhD is a Visiting Scholar at New York University’s Institute for Public Knowledge, a Distinguished Principal Research Fellow at the Conference Board and an Adjunct Professor in International and Public Affairs at Columbia University. Mike Petrusky asks Melissa about her work as a cultural & business anthropologist and how she applies social science tools to business research and workplace strategy. They discuss the state of workplace culture today while exploring topics of interest around WORKTECH’s Financial Workplace New York Conference. Mike and Melissa have talked before about human-centric strategies in a hybrid world, so they take a deeper dive into navigating post-pandemic environments, human behaviors and the power of in-person connections and physical spaces. Find out how facility management and corporate real estate leaders can reimagine the future workplace and discover how you can be a workplace innovator in your organization! Connect with Melissa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-fisher-phd-66625863/ Learn more about NYU’s Institute for Public Knowledge: https://ipk.nyu.edu/ Listen to Mike & Melissa’s last conversation: https://workplaceinnovator.iofficecorp.com/podcast/how-anthropology-can-inform-human-centric-strategies-for-your-hybrid-workplace 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/

Feb 28, 2023 • 31min
Ep. 245: Reimagining Work, the Purpose of Space and Understanding the Journey of Gen Z in the Workplace with Danielle Farage of Café
Danielle Farage is Director of Growth & Marketing at Café and a LinkedIn Top Voice for Gen Z, Top 50 Future of Work Influencer & Speaker. Mike Petrusky asks Danielle about her experiences beginning a career during the pandemic and why she dreams of a world where everyone feels valued, supported and fulfilled in the workplace and beyond. They discuss the value of in-person human connections, reasons for the office and the importance of personalizing workplace experiences to meet the needs of individuals in the future of work. Mike and Danielle agree that purpose and intention should be a priority and they share stories, music and inspiration as they explore ways to leverage technology to bridge the gap between leaders and talent to create more inclusive, equitable and dynamic cultures. Connect with Danielle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-farage/ Visit Danielle’s website: https://daniellefarage.com/ Learn more about Café: https://at.cafe/ 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/

Feb 21, 2023 • 22min
Ep. 244: Unlocking a Better Future Using Facility Management and CRE Technology with Katja Behrschmidt of Behrschmidt Consulting
Katja Behrschmidt is Owner of Behrschmidt Consulting where she is passionate about connecting people with the corporate workplace through digital experiences by implementing modern facility management technologies. Mike Petrusky asks Katja about our digital journey to create an outstanding employee experience in the modern workplace while balancing the needs of people with business outcomes. They discuss the evolution of the facility management profession, building technology tools and strategies for unlocking a better future for everyone. Mike and Katja explore how CRE leaders can create value with technology, virtual collaboration spaces and change management while providing inspiration to be a workplace innovator for your organization in 2023! Connect with Katja on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kbcon/ Learn more about Behrschmidt Consulting: https://behrschmidt.consulting/ 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/

Feb 14, 2023 • 26min
Ep. 243: 2023 Workplace Predictions Roundtable with Dr. Marie Puybaraud of JLL, Christa Dodoo of UN WFP and Marc Weigum of Twilio
Dr. Marie Puybaraud is Global Head of Research at JLL, Christa Dodoo, CFM, CIWFM, FMP, CMQ-OE is Workplace Change Manager at the UN WFP and Marc Weigum, MBA, MSRE is Director, Real Estate & Workplace Technology at Twilio. In January 2023, Mike Petrusky hosted a “Workplace Predictions Roundtable” where these panelists offered their insights and experiences related to the top five worktech trends to watch for the New Year and beyond. They questioned which hybrid policies will stick, asked what in-person policies need to be formalized and what is the new role of data in the built environment? They also explored the monumental shifts in how people work and how leaders can break down silos to create more unified experiences. Check out these audio highlights from the broadcast and then download the amazing full video with full coverage of the five predictions along with audience Q&A! Download the full 2023 Workplace Predictions Report from Eptura™: https://eptura.com/discover-more/resources/worktech-trends/ Connect with Dr. Marie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariepuybaraud/ Connect with Christa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christa-dodoo-cfm/ Connect with Marc on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-weigum-mba-msre-758635107/ Watch the full hour-plus video with Mike, Marie, Christa and Marc: https://lp.iofficecorp.com/2023-workplace-predictions-roundtable 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/

Feb 7, 2023 • 23min
Ep. 242: Designing Workspaces and Sharing Strategies for the Future of Work with Kristina York of CREATE+CO
Kristina York is Principal and Workplace Alchemist at CREATE+CO where she is passionate about being an interior designer and workplace advocate for human-centric environments where all people can work smarter and thrive together. Mike Petrusky asks Kristina to share her experiences with clients as she seeks to meet the needs of people by understanding what they are going through so leaders can empower teams to meet their goals. They explore the importance of space, design and why people gather while recognizing that no one size fits all organizations. Kristina feels a responsibility to advocate for employees by sharing ideas and workplace strategies that will help leadership teams navigate the future of work. Mike and Kristina offer motivational quotes, music and LOTR references to inspire you to be a workplace innovator! Connect with Kristina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristina-york-2436387/ Learn more about CREATE+CO: https://www.createandcompany.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/

Jan 31, 2023 • 25min
Ep. 241: Connections, Community and Finding “The Secrets to Happiness at Work” with Dr. Tracy Brower of Steelcase
Tracy Brower, PhD is Vice President of Workplace Insights at Steelcase and the author of two books, “The Secrets to Happiness at Work” and “Bring Work to Life”. She is a sociologist studying work life fulfillment and happiness while writing as a contributor for Forbes.com and Fast Company. A frequent guest on the show, Mike Petrusky welcomes Tracy back to discuss the state of the workplace in 2023 and the most important areas that workplace leaders should be considering in the New Year. They explore the value of connections and community for human beings and take a journey through the research and personal experiences related to human thriving at work. Mike and Tracy offer practical advice and musical inspiration for facility management and corporate real estate leaders interested in creating great employee experiences for their organizations. Connect with Tracy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracybrowerphd/ Learn more about Steelcase: https://www.steelcase.com/ Find Tracy’s books and other resources for leaders: https://tracybrower.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/

Jan 24, 2023 • 22min
Ep. 240: Women and Workplace Challenges: Solving the “Post-Pandemic Departure” with Strategic Advisor Emily Klein and Meryl Rosenthal of FlexPaths, LLC
Emily Klein is a Workplace Strategist and member of the Center for the Transformation of Work while Meryl Rosenthal is CEO and Co-Founder of FlexPaths, LLC. In December 2022, Mike Petrusky hosted a live webinar called “Women and Workplace Challenges: Solving the Post-Pandemic Departure” where he and his guests discussed putting women on a path to success in the post-pandemic workplace world. Mike asks Emily and Meryl to draw on their years of industry experience to comment on the impact of corporate cultures, hybrid working uncertainties, and the lack of work-life balance for many women today. Check out these audio highlights from the broadcast and then download the full video with audience Q&A! Connect with Emily on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilyklein1/ Connect with Meryl on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/merylrosenthal/ Watch the full video with Mike, Emily and Meryl: https://lp.iofficecorp.com/challenges-facing-women-in-the-workplace 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/

Jan 17, 2023 • 22min
Ep. 239: “Start with the People” – Sharing Insights about the Future Workplace with Mark Catchlove of MillerKnoll
Mark Catchlove is Director of the Global Insight Group at MillerKnoll where he is passionate about helping occupiers and designers create great places by sharing extensive and insightful research with the workplace and design community. Recorded live in London, Mike Petrusky asks Mark about our fundamental human need for belonging and how it should impact workplace strategies in 2023. They discuss “creating an office that is worth the commute” by prioritizing connectedness and wellness while balancing individual flexibility with community. Mark believes that some corporate leaders have made mistakes with restrictive hybrid workplace policies as they struggle to create policies that offer autonomy without leading to anarchy. Mike and Mark explore the value of gathering for deep collaboration, restoring weak ties and building social connections as we seek to create better workplace experiences for our teams. Check out this episode to discover how you can be a Workplace Innovator in your organization! Connect with Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markcatchlove/ Learn more about MillerKnoll: https://www.millerknoll.com/ Listen to Mike and Mark on their last podcast together: https://workplaceinnovator.iofficecorp.com/podcast/creating-a-culture-of-belonging-in-the-workplace-with-mark-catchlove-of-herman-miller 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/

Jan 13, 2023 • 22min
SPECIAL: Asset Champion 2023 Predictions with Susan Clarke of Autodesk
Susan Clarke is Senior Manager of Building Operations Strategy at Autodesk where she is focused on supporting her team’s expansion into operations including the recently formed strategic alliance between Autodesk and Eptura. Recorded live in London, Mike Petrusky asks Susan about the “mega-trends” and technologies impacting the built environment as they explore opportunities for asset management leaders and make predictions for the industry in 2023. Susan sees the rise of IoT tools and data-driven insights, an increased volume of renovations in existing facilities and prioritization of energy management to achieve corporate ESG goals. Mike and Susan offer inspiration, music and stories about life in London as they encourage you on your journey to be an Asset Champion in the New Year! Connect with Susan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-clarke-79b3a225/ Explore the Autodesk website: https://www.autodesk.com/ Learn more about Eptura™: https://eptura.com/ Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://assetchampion.iofficecorp.com/ Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/

Jan 10, 2023 • 30min
Ep. 238: Evidence for the Contribution of the Office, the Value of Gathering and “Fixing Work” in 2023 with Neil Usher of GoSpace AI
Neil Usher is Chief Workplace & Change Strategist at GoSpace AI, the author of three books, and an internationally experienced senior property, workplace, facilities and change leader. Recorded live in London, Mike Petrusky asks Neil if there is evidence for the value of people being together and how workplace leaders can measure the contribution of the office. They explore the power of in-person gatherings, question whether the office is the right place for physical connection, and seek to find balance through nuanced discussion that avoids polarizing views. Mike last met with Neil four years ago in New York City during the promotion of “The Elemental Workplace” and he discovered “Elemental Change” during the early months of the pandemic. Now, they kick off another New Year embracing a “spirit of punk” by testing the concepts discussed before the pandemic, all while challenging listeners with ways of “fixing” work, the topic of Neil’s latest book. Check out this episode to discover how you can impact your organization and be a Workplace Innovator in 2023. Connect with Neil on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilusher/ Learn more about GoSpace AI: https://www.gospace.com/ Get all three of Neil’s books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Neil-Usher/author/B07FZN9VLH?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true 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/