Workplace Innovator Podcast | Enhancing Your Employee Experience

Hassan Shaikh, PhD is a South African-born workplace strategist who brings over two decades of global experience to reimagining how people and organizations connect through space. Mike Petrusky asks Hassan about his research and the "Ubuntu" philosophy, which means "I am because we are" and serves as an inspiration to design workplaces that elevate our collective wellbeing. Successful workplace innovation requires challenging outdated models and embracing new approaches that center on human experience and diversity, so Mike and Hassan explore how human needs, cultural context, neurodiversity, and wellbeing must become core considerations in workplace strategy. As facility management and corporate real estate leaders evolve from support roles to "architects of organizational culture and performance", Hassan encourages continuous learning, curiosity, bravery, and empathy. It is time for our industry to make positive impact on the future of work, so Mike and Hassan offer the inspiration you will need to be a Wor

Lorri Rowlandson is Senior Vice President, Strategy and Innovation at BGIS where she is a strategic and operational real estate executive with global experience delivering integrated real estate services in a distributed portfolio of diverse assets. Mike Petrusky asks Lorri about her updated perspectives on delivering "practical innovation" in the workplace with a focus on measurable results rather than just ideas or "innovation theater". They explore how AI and automation are rapidly evolving and encourage FM professionals to view change through a variety of lenses including personal productivity, organizational efficiency, and client value creation. Lorri says that leadership and change management, including emotional intelligence and process documentation, are essential skills today when adopting new technologies and optimizing operations. Curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving are more valuable than static knowledge, which is increasingly accessible via AI tools, so Lorri shares how workplace leaders

Tonya Thornburgh is an accomplished workplace leader with years of experience and a passion for leaving people, places and things better than she found them. Mike Petrusky asks Tonya about her career journey and why she believes continuous evolution, experimentation, and learning from failures are essential to long-term innovation and maintaining relevance in the workplace industry today. They explore how innovation in the built environment is less about adopting flashy new tools and more about deeply understanding human behavior, removing friction, and designing adaptable systems. As AI is transforming workplace strategy by enabling more personalized, intuitive, and data-driven experiences for employees, Tonya says that empathy and human experience should remain central to workplace innovation. Mike and Tonya agree that FM and workplace leaders should maintain curiosity, be open to continuous learning and nurture cross-functional relationships to stay relevant and effective, so they offer inspiration and enc

Raul Garcia-Moncada, IIDA, NCIDQ, LEED AP, WELL AP is Principal & Director of Design at BR Design Associates where he is passionate about collaborating with real estate executives to develop strategies and resource plans that empower teams to achieve high-quality, sustainable results. Mike Petrusky asks Raul why he believes that good design is not just about aesthetics but is intrinsically linked to positive business outcomes. They explore innovation in workplace design and encourage leaders to embrace flexibility, adaptability, and prioritizing well-being in their organizations. Raul says that multi-sensory design which includes fragrance, lighting, and even influences from fashion and music, can subtly enhance the workplace experience and emotional connection for occupants. Hospitality and residential influences are shaping the evolution of workplace design, and technology can help measure space utilization, but understanding sensory impact often requires direct feedback from users. Cross-functional col

Melissa Marsh is Founder & Executive Director at PLASTARC where she is a passionate practitioner of workplace strategy and a leader in change management services delivering social research and people analytics for the built environment. Mike Petrusky asks Melissa why she believes organizations need to focus on digitizing their real estate assets, ensuring system interoperability, and bridging the gap between people and building data to truly realize the benefits of AI and IoT. They explore how the post-pandemic world has fundamentally changed how cities and offices are occupied, leading to less predictable and more variable patterns of use, which necessitates new strategies for space management. Melissa says smart buildings are increasingly defined by their ability to connect digital and physical assets, so the transition to smart workplaces requires an investment in data systems and a clear understanding of desired outcomes before layering on AI tools. The true potential of AI in our workplace environmen

Sarah Sims is Americas Regional Head of Workplace Experience at FTI Consulting and President of the Capital Chapter of IFMA in Washington, DC where she is passionate about designing human-centered workplaces at enterprise scale. Mike Petrusky asks Sarah about why she believes that self-awareness and focusing on personal strengths are foundational for professional growth and leadership in her facility management journey. They explore the fast-changing world of the built environment and share stories from their local FM community. Sarah says that innovation in the workplace involves both preserving what works well and embracing new changes, while leveraging technology can simplify processes, provide valuable data, and enhance the overall workplace experience for employees. Community service and peer support through IFMA provide knowledge sharing, professional growth, and the tools needed for adapting to industry changes, so Mike and Sarah offer the encouragement and inspiration you will need to get connected an

Bex Moorhouse is Global Head of Strategy, Ops Excellence & Performance - Procurement & REWS at WPP where she is passionate about helping to prioritize employee experience and create environments where people thrive. Mike Petrusky asks Bex about her new role and her passion for cultivating such engaging environments where all employees feel seen, valued, and empowered. She believes that empathy and curiosity are crucial "power skills" for workplace professionals, enabling them to adapt, learn, and lead effectively in changing environments, so she shares that storytelling and clear communication are essential. Bex and Mike discuss how real estate and facility management teams often need to better articulate their value in business terms and focus less on justification and more on impact for end users. Continual adaptation, embracing new technologies, and focusing on both operational excellence and human experience will keep the FM profession relevant, so Mike and Bex offer the inspiration you will need

Joshua Freedman is CEO and cofounder of Six Seconds, the global emotional intelligence (EQ) network where he is passionate about helping organizations achieve higher engagement, better leadership, and scalable culture change. Mike Petrusky asks Joshua about his new book, "Emotion Rules: The Science and Practice of Emotional Wisdom", in which he equips leaders with scientific and practical tools for harnessing emotional intelligence to create a positive "felt environment" at work. Emotional intelligence is not only individually measurable but can also be assessed and developed at the organizational level to improve workplace culture and team effectiveness, so Joshua says emotional data is just as important as cognitive data in decision-making and leadership. Mike and Joshua discuss the increasing complexity and rapid change in the workplace today and explore how authenticity, empathy, and the willingness to acknowledge emotions in the workplace can help leaders to build trust and facilitate successful change m

Tracy Brower, PhD, MM, MCRW is a sociologist studying community, happiness, and the future of work and life. She is VP of Workplace Insights at Steelcase and a Senior Contributor for Forbes and Fast Company. Mike Petrusky asks Tracy about her brand new book, "Critical Connections: Build Relationships and Harness the Power of Community in Work and Life", in which she delivers inspiration and pragmatic new insights on community and connection. They discuss how organizations can help to foster connections among employees, which can lead to higher levels of well-being and performance. Research shows that 50% of people globally are lonely with record levels of depression and anxiety, so Tracy believes the workplace can provide a sense of stability and identity for the workforce. Proximity and presence can increase performance and knowledge sharing among employees, and leaders should be intentional about creating cultures that support connections and community, so Mike and Tracy share some inspiration that will enc

Sophie Wade is a work transformation strategist, workforce innovator and well-known authority on the future of work. She is Founder of Flexcel Network where she advises executive leaders on human-centric, AI-driven change while also hosting her own show, the Transforming Work Podcast. Mike Petrusky asks Sophie about her latest book, "Empathy Works: The Key to Competitive Advantage in the New Era of Work", and why she believes we need a more holistic approach to workplace innovation, considering the human element and the psychology of collaboration. They explore the importance of integrating different departments such as facilities management, HR, and IT to create a cohesive work environment and discuss the role of technology and AI in shaping the future of work. FM leaders must embrace empathy and understanding in our distributed and hybrid work environments, so Mike and Sophie share stories about collaboration, music, and next generation connections as they encourage and inspire you to be a Workplace Innovat

Host Mike Petrusky reflects on his decade-long journey of podcasting and the evolution of the facility management industry in this solo episode of the Workplace Innovator Podcast. He explores lessons learned about leadership, technology, and innovation in the workplace with a mix of personal anecdotes, inspirational quotes, and discussions on the future of work. Mike shares his excitement for the next ten years and the potential impact of AI on the built environment as he emphasizes the importance of empathetic leadership and understanding human behavior in the future workplace. With quotes from C.S. Lewis, Brene Brown, and Seth Godin, Mike encourages listeners to get out of their comfort zone and embark on their own hero's journey, as he offers the inspiration you will need to be a Workplace Innovator in your organization! Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/ Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSkmmkVFvM4H3pwnlU2AuqynuRDpvnh4J Discover fr

Rex Miller is a keynote speaker, futurist, and executive coach who helps leaders and organizations unlock the hidden genius that lies just beneath the surface, often trapped by outdated systems, fear, or inertia. He is author of the book, "Genius Spark: Reignite Your Life" and Mike Petrusky references insights learned from Rex over the years as they discuss the challenges of remote and hybrid work today. They explore how workplace leaders should embrace differences and friction in their teams as they seek to drive innovation and improve employee engagement. Rex believes that curiosity and understanding are essential for effective collaboration and he shares practical tips for leaders hoping to move their organizations forward in our new world of work. Embracing a move from "think tank" to "do tank" is the call to action as Mike and Rex offer the insights and inspiration you need to be a Workplace Innovator! Connect with Rex on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rexmiller/ Learn more about Genius Spark: htt

Joseph Diaz, CFM, SFP is Associate Projects Director at PWT in León, Guanajuato, Mexico where he is a VP at IFMA Mexico and passionate about Facilities, Project and Construction Management. Mike Petrusky asks Joseph about his perspectives on the facility management industry and the importance of change management when seeking to meet the higher needs of the people in our organizations. They explore the value of cultural intelligence in managing complex environments and understanding human behavior in the workplace today. Joseph believes that paying attention to simple things and understanding the needs of both the company and people so we must have a holistic view of the built environment and the workplace. Mike and Joseph share about the power of our IFMA community as they offer you the encouragement and inspiration needed to be a Workplace Innovator in your organization! Connect with Joseph on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josediazdl/ Learn more about PWT: https://pwt.mx/ Find out more about IFMA: h

Vik Bangia, MCR is CEO of Verum Consulting and Verum's OutsourceUSA where he is a CRE and FM outsourcing advisor, workplace strategist, and author of the book "Tales from an Accidental Corporate Real Estate Leader". Mike Petrusky and Vik reflect on their time together at IFMA's World Workplace in Minneapolis and look forward to a new year with great challenges and opportunities on the horizon. They explore the need for facility management leaders to understand how AI can help them think more strategically with the potential for AI to take over mundane and routine tasks in the built environment. Vik shares his career journey in corporate real estate and encourages listeners to become aware of AI's capabilities and embrace new tools and opportunities in the industry. The role of outsourcing relationships and service providers in leveraging AI is essential, so Mike and Vik offer real world examples and the inspiration you will need to be a Workplace Innovator in your organization! Connect with Vik on LinkedIn: h

Charles Corley is Director of Development at M Moser Associates in Singapore where he leads with a passion for strategic and innovative workplace design, leveraging advanced project leadership methodologies to drive success and value for his clients. Mike Petrusky asks Charles about his journey from architecture to his current role of being an AI and workplace leader as they share stories of mutual connections and content creation in the industry. Charles shares about the importance of teamwork and collaboration in the workplace and the need to incorporate wellness into every aspect of workplace design. He shares how the role of technology is enhancing work environments and he encourages listeners to embrace AI and use it deeply in daily work to enhance productivity and innovation. Mike and Charles agree that creating great spaces to host events and foster team bonding is essential, so they offer practical advice and the inspiration you will need to be a Workplace Innovator in your organization! Connect with

Bryan Berthold is a Global Workplace Experience Leader at Cushman & Wakefield where he is passionate about helping organizations quantify and elevate people, place, and performance. Mike Petrusky asks Bryan about the latest report from Cushman & Wakefield called "Reimagining Workplaces: Why Efforts Fall Short—and How to Get It Right" where he shares why the workplace experience is not just about real estate, but also involves HR, IT, and other stakeholders. Bryan says that only 47% of organizations have a focus on workplace experience, and less than 1% treat it as a business priority, so CRE and FM leaders have an opportunity to move the needle in this area. People come to the office primarily to collaborate and connect with others, so mandates alone are not effective in improving workplace experience, but a focus on clear communication, listening, and investment in technology is essential. Mike and Bryan share about C&W's "Experience per Square Foot" model for measuring and improving the workplac

Valerie Spencer is Assistant VP of Strategic Growth and Engagement at Didlake where she is passionate about creating opportunities that enrich the lives of people with disabilities, especially in the world of facility management. Mike Petrusky asks Valerie about her recent role volunteering with the Capital Chapter of IFMA to put on a local "Chapter Workplace & Expo" event where professionals shared experiences and insights on facility management and innovation. Valerie believes that the FM industry is evolving with technology, making it more accessible to individuals with limitations, so she and Mike explore the importance of creating a healthy, safe, and productive environment for all people. Innovation in the workplace is driven by technology and joining professional organizations like IFMA can provide valuable resources and support for individuals seeking collaboration and networking opportunities. Mike and Valerie offer practical advice and inspiration to help you connect with the IFMA community and

Vera van de Loo is part of the Media & Events team at Ifmec in The Netherlands where she is passionate about helping facility management organizations create events and content that connect, inspire and deliver results. Mike Petrusky asks Vera about her career as a young professional in the FM industry and her recent experience hosting the video stage at IFMA's World Workplace 2025 in Minneapolis, MN. They discuss the future of the workplace and facility management industry and the exciting opportunities available for FM leaders as they seek to have an impact on not only the workplace, but on a societal level. She shares how intergenerational differences must be understood if we are to care for the built environment effectively going forward and she discusses how leaders must consider the needs of younger generations in the workplace. Vera believes that asking how others are doing and prioritizing people over products is essential, so she and Mike share stories that will encourage and inspire you to be a

Darlene Pope is CEO of Brava Systems where she is passionate about delivering a flexible system that lets you configure, launch, and seamlessly interact with AI across your organization, using your own data. Mike Petrusky asks Darlene about her career journey as a smart building and digital workplace expert who is also a globally recognized visionary and passionate advocate for disruptive technology applications in real estate. They discuss the importance of embracing AI and using technology to support businesses and the built environment as they explore why workplace leaders need to rethink the traditional office setup and expectations around return to office. Darlene believes that AI should be considered a "surge" rather than a "bubble," with significant potential to impact businesses over the next 5-10 years, so she emphasizes gathering clean data to implement AI effectively. Location-based services and dynamic assignment of space are emerging technologies that can improve the workplace experience and driv

Dominique Burgauer is CEO at Archilogic where he is passionate about mapping the world's interiors to make them more useful with an integrated suite of products that allows you to build apps, websites, and experiences. Mike Petrusky asks Dom about why he believes that connectivity and interoperability in systems are essential for accelerating decision-making in the workplace. They discuss AI, worktech tools and the importance of capturing the right data to deliver on desired business outcomes. Breaking down silos and fostering collaboration across departments is paramount for CRE and facility management leaders hoping to bring frictionless experiences to their teams while creating a more productive built environment. Dom says that the best workplace technologies are those that are seamless and unnoticeable, so he and Mike share some practical advice as they encourage you to be a Workplace Innovator in your organization! Connect with Dom on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominique-burgauer/ Learn mor