

Connected FM
IFMA
A podcast connecting you to the latest insights, tools and resources to help you succeed in facility management. Join IFMA, as we explore new ideas and topics in facility management to help you make sense of the changes and challenges facing the profession while equipping you with the knowledge needed to grow your career. 
15 to 30-minute episodes, delivered semi-weekly.
15 to 30-minute episodes, delivered semi-weekly.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 28, 2025 • 19min
La economía circular en América Latina
 En el episodio de hoy, Rebeca Arguedas se sienta con Edwin Fernández y Augusto Henao para explorar el papel de la economía circular en la gestión de instalaciones en toda América Latina. Juntos, debaten cómo las prácticas sostenibles, el diseño eficiente y las operaciones conscientes pueden ayudar a reducir los residuos, en particular el desperdicio de agua, y crear valor a largo plazo. También profundizan en cómo la tecnología, la educación y la colaboración desempeñan un papel clave en la aceleración del cambio hacia modelos circulares, compartiendo ejemplos prácticos y haciendo hincapié en la mentalidad colectiva necesaria para que estos cambios tengan éxito.00:00 Introducción a la Economía Circular00:26 Bienvenida y Presentación de los Invitados01:44 Discusión sobre la Economía Circular en Facility Management04:59 Importancia del Diseño y la Operación en la Economía Circular10:36 Casos Prácticos y Ejemplos de Economía Circular13:02 Educación y Cambio de Mentalidad hacia la Economía Circular16:55 Colaboración y Comunidad en la Sostenibilidad18:37 Conclusión y DespedidaEste episodio está patrocinado por 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 

Oct 21, 2025 • 36min
How Trena Ellis Led Facility Management Projects in California and India
 What does it take to grow from hands-on project work to leading teams and shaping strategy? In this episode, Second Vice Chair President on IFMA's Global Board of Directors, Wayne Whitzell, interviews Trena Ellis, Vice President of Facilities and Physical Security at Safe Credit Union, who shares her career journey across local builds in Northern California to international projects in Bangalore, India.Trena opens up about the shift from being a doer to becoming a delegator, the power of networking and strong vendor partnerships, and how involvement with organizations like IFMA has expanded her perspective. Along the way, she offers valuable insights for both seasoned leaders and professionals just starting their FM careers.Sponsor:This episode is sponsored by ODP Business Solutions!Time stamps:00:00 Introduction and Career Beginnings00:11 Welcome to Connected FM01:30 Guest Introduction: Trena Ellis02:39 Early Career and IFMA Involvement04:04 Memorable Moments and Lessons Learned08:04 Major Projects and Challenges12:24 International Experience in India20:01 The Importance of Networking and Vendor Relationships27:55 Leadership and Delegation33:19 Advice for Aspiring Facility Managers34:55 Conclusion and Farewell
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 

Oct 14, 2025 • 14min
Proactive Cybersecurity Strategies for Facility Managers
 Every day, critical infrastructure is under siege with about 1.2 million cyberattacks per day. For facility managers, that means cybersecurity isn’t just an IT issue, it’s a frontline responsibility. In today's episode, Stacey Shepard and E.J. von Schaumburg from Building Cybersecurity, discuss why facility managers must treat digital threats with the same urgency as physical ones and how leaders can use proactive strategies, assessments and insurance awareness to stay prepared. Together, they share how facility managers can build resilience, safeguard their organizations, and lead the way in a world where cyber risk is constant.Sponsor:This episode is sponsored by ODP Business Solutions! 00:00 Introduction: The Growing Threat of Cyber Attacks00:19 Podcast Overview and Guest Introduction01:23 Understanding Cybersecurity in Facility Management02:24 The Importance of Data Management02:54 Building Cybersecurity: Framework and Training03:38 The Role of Facility Managers in Cybersecurity05:01 Cybersecurity Training and Preparedness08:11 Insurance and Risk Management11:11 Leadership and Legal Implications11:48 Resources and Conclusion
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 

Oct 7, 2025 • 32min
Navigating AI and Technology in Facility Management with Peter Ankerstjerne
 Today host Edward Wagoner sits down with Peter Ankerstjerne, CEO of Planon, to discuss his journey as a global influencer in facility management, emphasizing the importance of technology, data management and community in the industry. He shares insights on adapting to new technologies, the role of AI and the need for a proper data strategy. Peter also highlights the value of being part of a global community like IFMA and encourages young professionals to consider careers in facility management.00:00 The Revolution of AI in Facility Management00:28 Introduction to Connected FM Podcast01:00 Meet the Influencer: Peter Ankerstjerne01:18 Defining an IFMA Global Influencer01:42 Introducing Peter Ankerstjerne03:23 Peter's Perspective on Technology in FM05:17 Adapting to Technological Changes11:53 The Importance of Data Management13:51 Exploring Other Technologies Beyond AI18:02 The Role of IFMA and Global Networking27:27 Peter's Personal Insights and Advice31:05 Closing Remarks 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 

Sep 30, 2025 • 28min
Adapting to Extreme Heat: Challenges and Solutions for Facility Managers
 In today's episode, moderator Tom Ryckaert, a board member of IFMA Belgium Chapter, sits down with Christa Dodoo, the chair of IFMA's Global Board of Directors, and Eleni Myrivili, Global Chief Heat Officer for the Atlantic Council’s Climate Resilience Center and the UN-Habitat, explore the rising temperatures in cities and their impact on facility management They discuss the importance of retrofitting historic buildings, leveraging traditional design for sustainability and the need for targeted education and leadership in facility management to address climate challenges.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 

Sep 23, 2025 • 36min
Leadership, Mentoring and Workplace Strategy: Insights from Katerina Karasyova
 In this engaging conversation, Wayne Whitzell and Katerina Karasyova explore the multifaceted world of facilities management, focusing on the importance of professional associations like IFMA, the dynamics of hybrid work and the critical role of data-driven design in enhancing employee experience. Katerina shares her personal journey within IFMA, emphasizing the value of networking, mentorship and community support in professional growth.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 

Sep 16, 2025 • 44min
Snap Out of It: Rethinking How We Work & Workplaces with Kay Sargent
 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 

Sep 9, 2025 • 29min
The Importance of Sound Masking in Modern Offices
 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 

Sep 2, 2025 • 18min
The Role of the Circular Economy in Facility Management
 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 

Aug 26, 2025 • 34min
Breaking Stigma: Mental Health in Facility Management
 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 


