Connected FM

In today's episode host Edward Wagoner interviews Kay Sargent, who was recently named an IFMA Global FM Influencer and is the Director of Thought Leadership, Interiors at HOK. Together they discuss the evolving needs of buildings and how facility managers must adapt to future trends. They also go over the importance of human-centric design, the impact of artificial intelligence on productivity and the potential for longer lifespans to change workplace dynamics. They also touch on the necessity for the industry to shift from a sustainability mindset to one of regeneration, emphasizing the role of curiosity and forward-thinking in driving meaningful change.00:00 Introduction to Future-Proofing Buildings00:25 Welcome to Connected FM Podcast01:15 Introducing Today's Guest: Kay Sargent02:54 The Need for Human-Centric Design05:41 Rethinking Work and Retirement10:23 Global Sustainability Challenges17:06 The Role of AI in Office Design23:42 Creating Meaningful Organizations24:32 The Importance of Wants and Needs in Sales25:47 Rethinking Workspace Design26:24 The Role of Technology in Our Lives27:36 The Science of Design29:00 Future Casting and the Role of AI30:44 Curiosity and Asking 'What If?'34:50 The Impact of Neuroaesthetics36:29 Challenges and Opportunities in Facility Management40:12 Personal Stories and Writing a Book43:08 Conclusion and FarewellSponsor:This episode is sponsored by ODP Business Solutions! Connect with Us:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifmaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFacilityManagementAssociation/Twitter: https://twitter.com/IFMAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifma_hq/YouTube: https://youtube.com/ifmaglobalVisit us at https://ifma.org

In this episode, host Kate Paradis, sound masking specialist at Soft dB, sits down with Francois Gariepy, a seasoned acoustic engineer with over two decades of experience, to unpack the world of sound masking in today’s office environments. Together, they dive into why noise and lack of privacy remain top challenges in open offices, and how sound masking provides a proven solution that supports focus, wellness and productivity. You’ll learn how these systems work, what sets them apart from noise cancellation and why proper installation and calibration are critical for success. Along the way, Kate and Francois also tackle common myths, health misconceptions and the real impact of sound on workplace experience.Sponsor:This episode is sponsored by ODP Business Solutions! Connect with Us:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifmaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFacilityManagementAssociation/Twitter: https://twitter.com/IFMAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifma_hq/YouTube: https://youtube.com/ifmaglobalVisit us at https://ifma.org

In this podcast episode, Dr. Matt Tucker, Director of Research for IFMA, and Gary Miciunas, founder of ChiefCircularityOfficer.com, discuss the significance of the circular economy in the facility management industry. They explain the need to shift economic models to mimic natural systems, focusing on reducing waste and rethinking ownership and operational practices. They also highlight practical implementations of circular economy principles. As well as examine the role of organizational culture in adopting these practices and the importance of collaborative efforts across supply chains. Sponsor:This episode is sponsored by ODP Business Solutions! Connect with Us:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifmaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFacilityManagementAssociation/Twitter: https://twitter.com/IFMAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifma_hq/YouTube: https://youtube.com/ifmaglobalVisit us at https://ifma.org

In today's episode, host Edward Wagoner sits down with Drew DePriest, Director of Real Estate OT at McKesson and recently named one of IFMA's top global influencers in facility management. Drew discusses the importance of mental health for facility management professionals, his own journey with it, and the importance of creating an environment where discussing mental well-being is normalized. The conversation also touches on how technology and AI influence FM as well as answering a few rapid-fire questions from listeners.Sponsor:This episode is sponsored by ODP Business Solutions! Connect with Us:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifmaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFacilityManagementAssociation/Twitter: https://twitter.com/IFMAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifma_hq/YouTube: https://youtube.com/ifmaglobalVisit us at https://ifma.org

In today's episode, Lisa Hickey and Darryl DeAngelis, a business developer at EBTRON with 40 years in the HVAC industry, discuss the critical aspects of indoor air quality (IAQ) that facility managers should monitor. They delve into various metrics such as VOCs, CO2 levels and particulate matter, emphasizing the importance of proper ventilation and filtration systems. They also share insights on demand control ventilation, the significance of MERV ratings and the impact of temperature and humidity on air quality.This episode is sponsored by ODP Business Solutions! Connect with Us:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifmaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFacilityManagementAssociation/Twitter: https://twitter.com/IFMAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifma_hq/YouTube: https://youtube.com/ifmaglobalVisit us at https://ifma.org

In this special episode of Connected FM, Kyle Eldridge sits down with Andrew Steele for a preview of his upcoming World Workplace session. They dive into the true costs of technology adoption in facility management. Andrew shares insights from his research and real-world experiences, emphasizing the importance of understanding hidden costs, organizational behavior, and the need for a cultural change in technology adoption. He outlines four categories of costs that facility managers should consider and provides actionable strategies for successful implementation.Resources mentioned:Andrew Steele's UW thesis research: https://digital.lib.washington.edu/researchworks/items/fe627f40-e558-4484-b937-b51a824fcc25Andrew Steele's WWP speaker profile: https://worldworkplace.ifma.org/whats-happening/speakers/Andrew Steele LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewsteelefmWWP Session: "Beyond Hardware: True Costs of Technology Adoption in FM" - Thursday, September 18, 2025, 9:45 AM to 10:30 AM, Room 102BCSponsor:This episode is sponsored by ODP Business Solutions! Connect with Us:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifmaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFacilityManagementAssociation/Twitter: https://twitter.com/IFMAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifma_hq/YouTube: https://youtube.com/ifmaglobalVisit us at https://ifma.org

In today's episode, Becky Spohn and Cherish Johnette delve into emotional intelligence (EQ) and its significance in professional settings. Together they discuss EQ's components as defined by Daniel Goleman: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management. They also address misconceptions about EQ, share personal experiences and emphasize the importance of empathy and effective communication in resolving conflicts.Sponsor:This episode is sponsored by ODP Business Solutions! Connect with Us:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifmaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFacilityManagementAssociation/Twitter: https://twitter.com/IFMAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifma_hq/YouTube: https://youtube.com/ifmaglobalVisit us at https://ifma.org

In today's episode, Dean Stanberry, a past chair of IFMA's Global Board of Directors, discusses the evolution of facility management from managing physical assets to dealing with digital systems. He highlights the challenges of data quality, low technology proficiency, and data literacy within the Commercial Real Estate (CRE) sector. He advocates for Building Lifecycle Management  emphasizing its role in integrating operations from design to deconstruction. Resources:Download the slides from this episode and turn on comments to see commentary from the host!Sponsor:This episode is sponsored by ODP Business Solutions! Connect with Us:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifmaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFacilityManagementAssociation/Twitter: https://twitter.com/IFMAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifma_hq/YouTube: https://youtube.com/ifmaglobalVisit us at https://ifma.org

Dean Stanberry, past chair of IFMA’s Global Board of Directors, hosts a discussion with Jim Uhalt, Chief Revenue Officer for Quality Uptime Services, and Kyle Butler, President of RavenVolt, about data centers, uptime, and future-proofing strategies. They explore the importance of maintaining infrastructure, handling aging equipment, and proactive versus reactive maintenance models. They highlight the increasing importance of resilience, climate risk, and cybersecurity in data centers. Additionally, they discuss modernizing energy infrastructure using renewable resources, addressing the challenges of staffing qualified personnel, and the role of AI and automation in optimizing maintenance and meeting ESG goals. Sponsor:This episode is sponsored by ODP Business Solutions! Connect with Us:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifmaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFacilityManagementAssociation/Twitter: https://twitter.com/IFMAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifma_hq/YouTube: https://youtube.com/ifmaglobalVisit us at https://ifma.org

In this podcast episode, host Griffin Hamilton of the Modern Facilities Management Podcast speaks at World Workplace Live, reflecting on his experiences and learnings from hosting over 120 episodes. Griffin discusses the evolution of facilities management post-COVID, emphasizing the role of facilities teams as strategic partners in organizations. He highlights the integration of technology, particularly AI, in the industry and its impact on operations. Griffin also stresses the importance of mentorship in nurturing the next generation of facilities managers. He concludes by discussing industry trends and the importance of community and shared knowledge in advancing the field.In this today's episode, recorded live at IFMA’s World Workplace, Griffin Hamilton, host of the Modern Facilities Management Podcast, reflects on key insights gained from over 120 interviews with leaders across the FM industry.Griffin shares how the role of the facility manager has transformed since COVID-19, evolving from behind-the-scenes support to a strategic partner within organizations. He dives into the growing influence of technology — especially AI — and what it means for day-to-day operations and decision-making. The conversation also highlights the critical role of mentorship in shaping the next generation of FM professionals and how community-driven learning helps the industry thrive.Sponsor:This episode is sponsored by ODP Business Solutions! Connect with Us:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifmaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFacilityManagementAssociation/Twitter: https://twitter.com/IFMAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifma_hq/YouTube: https://youtube.com/ifmaglobalVisit us at https://ifma.org