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Connected FM

Latest episodes

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Jun 17, 2025 • 18min

Tackling the Hybrid Workplace Dilemma

In today’s episode, Erik Jaspers, Chair of IFMA EMEA’s Executive Board, joins author and speaker Rex Miller to unpack the evolving landscape of hybrid work. Together, they examine the push and pull between remote and office-based models—shaped by high-profile return-to-office mandates from companies like Amazon and Dell. Their conversation emphasizes the need to rethink organizational structures, decision-making, and incentives to support hybrid success. They also highlight the critical role facility managers play as change leaders, advocating for a collaborative, cross-functional approach to navigating this new world of work.This episode is sponsored by ABM! Learn more about ABM here.  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
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Jun 10, 2025 • 13min

Cyber Threats Aren't Just IT's Problem Anymore

In today's episode Lucian Niemeyer, CEO of Building Cybersecurity, joins Stacey Shepard, the President of Shepard Global Strategies to explore how IFMA’s new partnership with BCS is helping facility managers better understand and manage cyber risks. Together they discuss Lcuian's background at the United States Department of Defense to developing a 16-step cybersecurity framework that is available for free for facility managers. They highlight how training, collaboration, and proactive strategies are reshaping cyber safety in the built environment to drive safer, smarter facility management practices.This episode is sponsored by ABM! Learn more about ABM here.  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
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May 27, 2025 • 14min

AI’s Impact on the Built Environment and IFM Service Delivery

Vik Bangia, CEO of Verum Consulting, and James Waddell, the President of Cognitive Corp discuss the transformative impact of AI on the corporate real estate and facilities management sectors. They share practical use cases for AI  and highlight AI's potential in operational tasks, facility management and report generation. Despite challenges around data confidentiality, the duo emphasizes AI’s role in enhancing decision-making, operational efficiency, and continuous learning. They also touch on evolving technologies like visual condition assessments and stress the importance of human oversight in AI applications.This episode is sponsored by ABM! Learn more about ABM here. 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
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May 13, 2025 • 15min

From Crime Labs to R&D: Facility Management's Diverse Impact

In this episode of Connected FM, host Edward Wagoner discusses the crucial role of facility managers in various environments with guest Lyle Gladney, the Building Operations Director at Claremont Oaks. They explore how facility managers impact different sectors, including crime labs, package processing facilities, jails, R&D facilities, cancer treatment centers and retirement homes. The discussion highlights the intricacies involved in maintaining these facilities, ensuring their proper function, and the critical impact on people's lives.This episode is sponsored by ABM! Learn more about ABM here. 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
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Apr 29, 2025 • 16min

Facility Management en LATAM: Retos y oportunidades

En el episodio de hoy, Valentina Pérez de IFMA LATAM se sienta con Raúl Garcés de IFMA México y Jaime Pire de IFMA España para hablar sobre el crecimiento y los retos de la industria del facility management en Latinoamérica. Destacan la importancia de traducir los recursos de la IFMA al español para que las certificaciones y las mejores prácticas sean más accesibles. También hacen hincapié en el papel de las empresas internacionales en la promoción de las normas de gestión de instalaciones y los esfuerzos para profesionalizar la industria a través de la educación y la certificación.  Este episodio está patrocinado por Envoy. 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
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Apr 15, 2025 • 16min

A Strategic Guide to Transforming Facility Management with AI

Lorri Rowlandson, head of strategy and innovation at BGIS, outlines a three-layer approach to AI integration: individual level desktop AI for job reengineering, operational level AI for enhancing internal efficiencies and client value-driven AI for service improvement. She emphasizes the importance of practical innovation, responsible AI use, employee engagement and continuous learning. This episode is sponsored by Envoy. 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
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Apr 1, 2025 • 17min

From Codes to Compliance: NFPA Standards for Facility Managers

Facility managers play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of their buildings, occupants, and operations. In this episode, Brent Ward, owner of Left Coast Facilities Consulting, and Ray Bizal, Director of Regional Operations for NFPA, dive into the impact of NFPA standards on facility management. They explore essential fire, electrical, and life safety codes, along with standards for wildfire and active shooter preparedness. The discussion highlights key updates, including the mandatory inspection practices introduced in the 2023 edition of NFPA 70B, emphasizing the need for compliance to protect business continuity and brand reputation.This episode is sponsored by Envoy.Resources from the episode:NFPA's website 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
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Mar 18, 2025 • 12min

Impulsando a las mujeres en la industria de Facility Management en LATAM

En este episodio de Connected FM, las anfitrionas Norma Pleitez, Vicepresidenta de IFMA México, y Rebeca Arguedas, CEO de UNRF Facility Services, discuten el progreso y los retos a los que se han enfrentado las mujeres en la industria del Facility Management en los últimos 20 años. Exploran el cambio de roles administrativos a puestos técnicos, la importancia de la tutoría y las certificaciones, y las dificultades de equilibrar la vida personal y profesional. También destacan los resultados de un estudio de investigación de la IFMA sobre las tasas de retención en varios niveles profesionales dentro del sector. Subrayan la necesidad del desarrollo profesional, el apoyo de la comunidad y el papel de la tutoría en el fomento de futuras mujeres líderes en Facility Management. 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
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Mar 4, 2025 • 28min

The Role of Mentorship and Strategic Career Planning in Expanding Opportunities for Women in FM

In this episode, Kelsey Hirsch, VP in Workplace Solutions at Sodexo, interviews Teena Shouse, past chairman of the IFMA Board of Directors, on the importance and impact of women in facilities management (FM). They discuss Teena's journey into FM, her strategic approach to career planning, and the importance of mentorship and inspiration. The conversation highlights the progress of gender diversity within IFMA's leadership and underscores the value of diverse experiences. Teena shares her personal strategies for achieving career goals and mentoring others, emphasizing the need to balance professional aspirations with personal well-being.  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
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Feb 18, 2025 • 17min

Facility Management in Africa: Challenges and Successes

In this episode, Christa Dodoo, the First Vice-Chair of IFMA, sits down with Sampson Opare-Agyemang, the President of IFMA Ghana, about the chapter’s 13-14 year journey in advancing facilities management across Africa. They also discuss how education has been pivotal in shifting mindsets, the value of credentials like the FMP, and the adoption of renewable energy and lifecycle costing practices. They also talk about essential FM skills, partnerships with government bodies and associations, and future goals like expanding university programs and developing more local trainings. 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

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