Workplace Innovator Podcast | Enhancing Your Employee Experience

Martin Frohock is Global Workplace Experience Director at AVEVA where he is passionate about delivering a strategy that aligns with his team's mission is to connect trusted information and insights that spark industrial ingenuity and help create a more sustainable future. Mike Petrusky asks Martin about how the role of corporate real estate and facility management professionals has evolved to focus on strategy enablement rather than just services and operational support. They explore the power of technology, such as AI and data analytics, and how it will shape the future of real estate and the workplace. Martin says that workplace innovators will need to be fluent in data, understand technologies impact while also speaking the language of the business. Collaboration, curiosity, and being attentive listeners are essential skills for workplace leaders as they care for the future of the built environment and the workforce. Our industry needs to move away from reactive execution and head towards more strategic pa

Adam Hoy is the VP and Global Head of Real Estate who leads the global workplace, real estate, and facilities function at PepsiCo. As the Past President of CoreNet Global UK Chapter, he hosts a podcast called the "Voice of the Occupier" which is committed to advancing the profession and sharing insights and learnings with the wider CRE industry. Mike Petrusky asks Adam about the evolving role of CRE and FM professionals as there is a growing need to become more oriented toward business outcomes and strategic thinking. Adam says that focusing on the needs of the company and understanding broader business strategies is essential today, and he wants to see a joined-up approach between real estate and FM teams within an organization. Mike and Adam explore workplace technologies, including AI and space utilization tools, as they embrace the opportunity to better inform decisions about the built environment. They offer practical advice for staying focused on the fundamental needs of the business, while also encoura

Edward Kacal is CEO at Servus Limited in Trinidad and Tobago where he is a proven problem-solver with a blend of analytical and intuitive skills driving positive long-term performance at a company providing outsourced integrated facilities management services. Mike Petrusky asks Eddie about how the facility management industry is evolving and why leaders need to advocate for its growth and recognition both locally and internationally. They explore how AI is impacting the workplace and the FM profession as it revolutionizes building management and operations. Eddie says that FM professionals should strive to become generalists, being good at many different things, rather than being confined to specific job titles and descriptions. He encourages us to pursue continuous learning and professional development are essential to avoid becoming obsolete in a rapidly changing industry. Mike and Eddie agree that facility managers should focus on a strategic agenda and network within their organizations to gain support a

Becky Spohn, CFM, FMP is Senior Manager, Facilities Operations at ASPCA in Columbus, OH where she is passionate about ensuring that facilities not only function seamlessly but also serve as strategic assets that advance organizational goals. Mike Petrusky asks Becky about her career in facility management and the influence of the IFMA community, which has provided her with essential training and a supportive network of professionals. They explore the role of Emotional intelligence (EQ) in FM and its role in enabling better communication and problem-solving with vendors, staff, and contractors. Becky says that EQ involves understanding, interpreting, and managing one's own emotions as well as those of others, which can lead to more harmonious workplace interactions. She recommends the book "Emotional Intelligence 2.0" by Dr. Travis Bradberry & Dr. Jean Greaves as a source for team strategies and gaining insights related to strengthening our weak areas. Mike and Becky agree that compassion, grace, and empat

Martha Lawrence is Executive Editor at Blanchard and author of the book, “Catch People Doing Things Right: How Ken Blanchard Changed the Way the World Leads” in which she paints an intimate portrait of the man behind “The One Minute Manager” and dozens of other influential books. Mike Petrusky asks Martha about Ken Blanchard's leadership philosophy which emphasizes working with people rather than controlling them and they discuss how catching people doing things right can significantly boost energy levels and morale. Martha says that leadership is not just about formal positions, but she believes anyone can be a leader by influencing others, so our focus should be on empowering people and fostering a positive environment. Innovation often requires collaboration and overcoming the natural tendency to focus on mistakes, but effective change management involves addressing people's concerns about information, personal impact, and implementation. Mike and Martha discuss Ken’s influence and his work as they offer t

Larry Allen Morgan, CFM, SFP, FMP is Senior Facilities Manager and Environmental Management System SME at SAP where he is focused on results driven leadership within the corporate & commercial real estate facilities management industry. Mike Petrusky asks Larry why he believes that FM is “not what we do, but why and how we deliver the value” and they explore historical industry shifts, post-COVID impacts, and transformation of the built environment. Larry says that FM professionals must move beyond surface-level discussions and align with the broader strategic goals of the organization, focused on having a horizontal impact, not a vertical one, to better align with cross-functional needs. Traditional financial metrics are necessary but insufficient, so facility managers need to measure the success of their efforts in terms of impactful outcomes and employee experience. Mike and Larry agree that professionals must continuously upskill and expand their networks to stay relevant, so they recommend IFMA conne

Jitske Kramer is a corporate anthropologist, an inspiring speaker, entrepreneur founder of HumanDimensions, and author of the book, “Tricky Times: Navigating The Messy Middle of Change” in which she deciphers the complexities of transition and transformation. Mike Petrusky asks Jitske about the concept of liminality, which refers to the transitional phase during change, where old ways no longer apply, but the new ways are not yet clear. This phase is characterized by uncertainty, anxiety, and the potential for creative solutions, so they discuss how cultures are created through the processes of interaction and decision-making and explore why understanding these processes can help leaders influence and guide cultural shifts within organizations. Jitske believes that the physical layout of workplaces and environments reflects the cultural narrative and values of an organization and facility management leaders can influence that narrative by rearranging the physical world. Mike and Jitske discuss the value of ef

Pallavi Shrivastava, MRICS, LEED AP is Principal and Global Head for Workplace Strategy at Arcadis where she is passionate about cultivating business intelligence, strategy and pushing growth for the world's leading company delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets. Mike Petrusky asks Pallavi about her role as a workplace strategist navigating the hybrid work environment, understanding user needs, and finding the best solutions that align with an organization's vision and the workforce's preferences. They explore innovation in the workplace and how simplifying things for human beings, making the environment conducive to collaboration and creativity, is essential today. Pallavi believes there is a need for a holistic approach to workplace strategy, involving leaders, team members, and the broader workforce to gather deep insights and co-create solutions while she emphasizes the need for empathy and an open-minded, agile mindset when seeking to solve prob

Hayley Blunden, PhD is an Assistant Professor of Management at the Kogod School of Business at American University where she focuses on researching how leaders can make challenging workplace interactions more productive. Mike Petrusky asks Professor Blunden about the new world of work and the workplace and why she believes that human interactions are at the core of organizational success. They explore how managers should take the time to reflect on how their decisions impact workplace dynamics and personal interactions, and why delegation should be carefully managed to empower subordinates rather than burden them. Asynchronous voice communication is an innovative way to enhance perceptions of competence and likability in the workplace and asking for advice rather than feedback can lead to more specific and actionable developmental information. Mike and Professor Blunden agree that leaders must think differently in today’s built environment and they share the inspiration and the practical advice you will need

Rene van Camp is Chief Hospitality Officer at ISS North America, the global facility management company, and Principal of Guckenheimer, its culinary brand where he is a senior leader in luxury and lifestyle hospitality and workplace experience management. Mike Petrusky asks Rene about the role of hospitality in the workplace today and why he believes that developing a culture of service where everyone focuses on the customer first is essential for organizations. They explore the ISS way of hospitality which involves setting clear expectations, providing the necessary tools, continuous training, and strong quality assurance programs. Rene says that community building is a top priority as workplace leaders seek to magnetize the office, and this can be achieved through a thoughtful and orchestrated approach to customer service. Mike and Rene agree that the FM industry is evolving, and professionals can maximize their value by fostering a culture of service and enhancing the employee experience, so they share the

Dr. Ja-Nae Duane is a behavioral scientist, entrepreneur, award-winning innovator and author of the new book, “SuperShifts: Transforming How We Live, Learn, and Work in the Age of Intelligence”. Mike Petrusky asks Ja-Nae about the book in which she and her co-author, futurist Steve Fisher, deliver an incisive overview of how we are at the end of one 200-year arc and embarking on another. Mike and Ja-Nae discuss the new age of intelligence and the various catalysts for change currently affecting individuals, businesses, and society. They explore specific areas impacting our workplaces and built environment which are evolving from centralized, industrial models to more flexible, intelligent ecosystems, driven by AI and technological advancements. Ja-Nae says the lines between physical and digital realities are blurring, leading to the concept of "reality remix" where buildings can become cognitive ecosystems with digital twins and AI-assisted amenities, but human connection remains vital for our mental health a

David Yeager, PhD, is a professor of psychology at the University of Texas at Austin and the co-founder of the Texas Behavioral Science and Policy Institute. Mike Petrusky asks David about his closing keynote address during IFMA’s Facility Fusion 2025 where he inspired facility management leaders to have a growth mindset as they care for the people in the built environment. They explore how the best managers of high-performing teams are those who maintain high standards while also being supportive as they create a mentor mindset. David shares the research behind his new book, “10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People: A Groundbreaking Approach to Leading the Next Generation—And Making Your Own Life Easier” and offers practical advice for workplace leaders of all kinds. Mike and David discuss leadership, communication and fostering better relationships with team members as they offer insight and inspiration you need to be a Workplace Innovator today! Connect with David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin

Amanda Muzzarelli is a Director at Trascent where she is a Global Real Estate & Facilities Executive and an AI Enthusiast empowering innovation in complex enterprises. Mike Petrusky asks Amanda about her focus on the importance of interpreting the less visible aspects of workplace strategy, such as trust, meaning, and community while they explore the concept of "invisible architecture" in workplace design, which influences psychological safety, culture, and belonging. Amanda believes that the value of facility management as a field is highlighted by the fact that it is an industry where strategic generalists can thrive, balancing operational and visionary roles. She shares the potential of AI to enhance workplace environments by making buildings smarter and more responsive to human needs, while warning about the risk of automating dysfunctional processes without addressing the underlying issues. Mike and Amanda agree that communication in workplace management is essential, and they encourage attendance at

Richard Peterson, CFM, FMP, SFP is Director of IFM at ABM Industries Supporting Waymo where he is responsible for overseeing facility management operations and is passionate about driving operational excellence, safety, and innovation. He also serves as Vice President of the IFMA Silicon Valley Chapter and Secretary for IFMA’s Corporate Facilities Council with a mission is to assist FMs in navigating their career journey using leadership skills training, peer mentoring, and specialized education. Mike Petrusky asks Richard about his experiences in the profession and why he believes that knowing one's strengths and attributes is essential for success in facility management. Being a workplace leader in FM today involves a balance between the technical aspects of the job and the human element of creating spaces that foster innovation and productivity. Richard brings his personal passion for leadership development and community engagement to his career, which has resulted in his attaining IFMA credentials that ha

Philip Ross is Founder and CEO of UnGroup where he is an author, advisor, speaker, futurist and commentator on the new world of work. Mike Petrusky asks Philip about the upcoming WORKTECH New York conference and why embracing technology and continuous innovation is essential for workplace leaders who want to stay ahead in our rapidly evolving industry. AI is becoming a conversational technology that will significantly impact workplace dynamics, while data is being gathered so workplace experiences can be measured and optimized to remove friction and create memorable moments. Philip says that the post-COVID workplace is seeing a trend towards "espresso offices" where spaces are more compact and utilized more intensely and he believes that the intersection of music, art, and workplace design offers a rich analogy for diverse and innovative approaches to work. Philip and Mike remember their time together in Melbourne, Australia as they offer you the inspiration and advice you’ll need to be a Workplace Innovator!

Barry Conchie is an executive leadership advisor and co-author of the book "The Five Talents That Really Matter: How Great Leaders Drive Extraordinary Performance" which demystifies the aura and complexity surrounding high performing leaders through original research and interviews with high-performing global leaders. Mike Petrusky asks Barry about how his book can help facility management and workplace leaders identify specific talents that are most predictive of superior leadership performance, providing a scientific basis for leadership development. They explore how many selection systems fail to place people in roles that best fit their strengths, leading to dissatisfaction and underperformance, therefore leadership development should focus on identifying and enhancing individuals' strengths rather than trying to improve weaknesses. Barry believes that innovation in the workplace should not only focus on products and processes but also on people development, so he and Mike offer the inspiration and advice

Kyle de Bruin is Managing Director at Leesman where he is passionate about measuring and analyzing the experiences of employees in their places of work. Mike Petrusky asks Kyle about how high-performance offices deliver a great employee experience and they review lessons learned from the past five years of workplace change. The lack of variety in office design is a significant challenge, as employees are staying at their desks due to the increased use of video calls and the need for private conversations. Kyle believes that the facility management and corporate real estate industry is data-rich but insights-poor, so he hopes AI advancements can help organize and analyze unstructured data. The value of real estate assets should not solely be measured by occupancy rates and workplace leaders need to focus on creating spaces where employees can focus and be productive, so Mike and Kyle offer the advice and inspiration you need to be a Workplace Innovator! Take the Eptura™ Podcast Survey: https://forms.office.com

Michael Amos is Managing Director at Waste to Wonder Worldwide where he is passionate about managing office clearances that empower disadvantaged communities. Mike Petrusky asks Michael about his recent learning lab presentations during IFMA’s Facility Fusion where he shared that organizations should consider social enterprises when making procurement decisions to maximize social impact. The ethical reuse of office equipment can have a profound generational impact on disadvantaged communities and sustainability in the workplace is a core competency for facility management professionals, so this approach can enhance the ROI of your commercial spend by delivering positive social outcomes. Mike and Michael discuss the concept of a "spherical economy" which emphasizes the holistic view of the lifecycle of materials and products as the offer the inspiration you need to be a Workplace Innovator in your organization! Take the Eptura™ Podcast Survey: https://forms.office.com/r/jY577CbNcx Connect with Michael on Linke

Lily Pritchett is Regional Sales Manager at Humanscale and Past President of the IFMA Houston Chapter where she is passionate about consulting with organizations to create experiences that spur creativity and drive innovation with purposeful space design. Mike Petrusky asks Lily about their time together at IFMA’s Facility Fusion conference in Austin where industry partners and FM professionals connected to focus on leadership and caring for the built environment. There is a significant shift in corporate real estate towards flexible spaces, reflecting changes in how people use offices, so the role of facility managers is expanding, requiring a more holistic approach to ergonomics and accessibility. Lily believes that mentoring the next generation of FMs should be a priority for the industry, sustainability is critical, and technology should be leveraged to understand space and align with our goals for the future workplace, so Mike and Lily share practical advice and the inspiration that you will need to be a

Daniel Castner, AIA, LEED AP is Principal and Director of the Life Science practice at Mancini Duffy where he is passionate about workplace strategy with a focus on research labs, medical space, and anything requiring a helpful orchestrator of AEC coordination. Mike Petrusky asks Dan about his experiences helping the IFMA community, the importance of client relationships and the use of technology in workplace strategy. They explore design trends and emphasize the core elements of flexibility and being intentional when delivering spaces that meet the needs of the workforce. Dan believes that change management has evolved to focus more on the employee experience and wellbeing, rather than just specific projects, so using sensors and analytics can help leaders understand human priorities. Dan’s unique experience in life science workplaces have led him to focus on building a culture of collaboration and innovation, so he shares some encouragement, practical advice and the inspiration you will need to be a Workpla