Connected FM

Great facility management isn't just about managing square footage; it's about building spaces where people can do their best work. In this conversation, Tracy Hawkins, VP of Real Estate and Workplace at OpenAI, shares key leadership and operational insights gained over a career spanning Yahoo, Twitter and OpenAI. Together, Wayne and Tracy explore: Why protecting your team from "Sunday night scaries," remaining authentic, and maintaining transparency during corporate ambiguity builds resilient organizations. Why OpenAI's spaces are designed to feel welcoming, warm and human-first rather than cold and overly digital. Actionable advice for emerging professionals, bridging the gap between project management and operations, and empowering women to step into executive FM and real estate roles. Whether you are managing local facilities or scaling a global corporate real estate portfolio, discover how leading with empathy and leveraging technology thoughtfully drives operational excellence. Resources mentioned: Connect with Tracy on LinkedIn Connect with Us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifma Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFacilityManagementAssociation/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/IFMA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifma_hq/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/ifmaglobal Visit us at https://ifma.org

Disaster planning is no longer reserved for rare emergencies. It's becoming a core part of facility management. In this episode, IFMA's Director of Knowledge and Insights, Dr. Matt Tucker is joined by Holley Henderson and Dr. Mark Wilson of Chemical Insights to discuss how extreme weather, wildfires and cascading disasters are changing the role of facility managers. Together, they explore exposure science, building resilience, chemical hazards after disasters and why today's facility managers are making critical decisions with limited information.  Timestamps: 0:00 - Why facility managers are becoming frontline resilience managers 1:30 - Meet Holly Henderson and Dr. Mark Wilson 3:40 - Why disasters are becoming part of daily operations 5:00 - When frequent disasters lead to complacency 5:50 - How climate change is increasing exposure risks 7:00 - The hidden chemical hazards inside buildings 8:20 - Why lead and asbestos remain long-term risks 10:00 - Making critical decisions with limited information 11:00 - Can AI improve disaster response? 12:00 - Why resilience is now a core FM skill 14:00 - Are buildings designed for multiple disasters? 15:30 - How exposure science informs better FM decisions 17:00 - The overlooked danger of residual dust 18:45 - Why post-disaster cleaning matters more than you think 20:00 - What are cascading disasters? 21:00 - Planning for more than one disaster at a time 22:30 - Why disaster planning is never one-and-done 23:45 - Balancing business continuity with occupant health Connect with Us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifma Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFacilityManagementAssociation/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/IFMA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifma_hq/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/ifmaglobal Visit us at https://ifma.org

As smart buildings become more connected, they also become more exposed to cyber threats. In this episode, host Dr. Matt Tucker, IFMA's Director of Knowledge and Insights, sits down with Stacey Shepard, Advisory Board Member at Building Cyber Security, to discuss how facility managers can bridge the gap between Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) to protect their organizations. Together, they unpack: Why global cybercrime is now a multi-trillion-dollar issue impacting business continuity, productivity, and physical safety. Understanding how building automation, HVAC, access control, and IoT devices create non-traditional entry points for bad actors. Lessons learned from high-profile hacks involving ransomware, supply chains, and interconnected smart devices. How FMs can establish strong communication channels with CIOs and C-suite executives. Practical advice on performing asset inventories, reviewing vendor contracts, and leveraging free tools like the 16-step checklist from Building Cyber Security. Whether managing a single facility or a global portfolio, this episode provides essential strategies for treating cybersecurity as a core component of emergency preparedness and all-hazard resilience. Resources Mentioned: Building Cyber Security Website Connect with Us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifma Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFacilityManagementAssociation/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/IFMA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifma_hq/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/ifmaglobal Visit us at https://ifma.org

Facility management is no longer just about tactical maintenance. It is about driving business performance, shaping company culture, and creating strategic value at the C-suite level. In today's episode, host Edward Wagoner is joined by WE leadership team members Tim Allen, Martin Ruppe and Kati Barklund to break down what makes the Workplace Evolutionaries community essential for anyone touching the built environment. Together, they detail the many ways to engage with the community, including: Local WE Hubs: How regional communities of practice tailor global workplace strategy to local markets and foster peer networking. Monthly WEbinars: Gaining a competitive edge through 60-minute virtual sessions featuring global corporate speakers and real-world ROI case studies. World Workplace & Key Events: What to expect at major annual gatherings, masterclasses and interactive sessions. Educational Programs & Hot Topics: Diving into professional development pathways, change management, AI integration, circularity/sustainability and cross-disciplinary liaisons across HR, IT, FM and academia. Whether you are a seasoned workplace strategist or new to the field, discover how joining the WE community can help you bridge research and practice while expanding your career horizons. Connect with Us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifma Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFacilityManagementAssociation/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/IFMA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifma_hq/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/ifmaglobal Visit us at https://ifma.org

What if waste wasn't just a sustainability issue but one of your organization's biggest business opportunities? In this episode, IFMA's Director of Knowledge and Insights, Dr. Matt Tucker, is joined by Hélène Carpentier, the founder of Circular Workplaces, to explore why the future of facility management is circular. Together, they discuss how culture influences waste, why procurement is one of the most powerful drivers of circularity, and how facility managers can reduce costs while improving workplace experiences. Timestamps: 0:00 - Why FM can disrupt the waste industry 1:30 - Meet Hélène Carpentier and Circular Workplaces 3:00 - How culture shapes waste around the world 5:00 - Why developed countries create more workplace waste 6:00 - The hidden cost of "throwaway" culture 7:30 - Why Hélène founded Circular Workplaces 9:00 - The business case for circular economy 10:00 - Why waste is part of the workplace experience 11:00 - Why circularity is already in FM's DNA 12:00 - How FM can disrupt the waste industry 13:00 - Why the "Netflix of FM" matters 14:00 - From ownership to services: A new FM model 15:00 - Why procurement is the key to circular FM 16:00 - The coffee cup example every FM should hear 17:00 - Looking beyond waste to transform operations 18:00 - The Circular Workplaces framework 19:00 - Why doing nothing could cost £1.6 million 20:00 - Waste is your biggest operational inefficiency Connect with Us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifma Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFacilityManagementAssociation/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/IFMA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifma_hq/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/ifmaglobal Visit us at https://ifma.org

What does it take to transform aging buildings into resilient, high-performing spaces? Recorded at IFMA's World Workplace Asia-Pacific, this panel brings together Samuel Ma, Head of Account Management at JLL, Andrew Macpherson, Executive Director, Head of Asset Development at JLL, and Caitlin Shem, Head of Sustainability Consulting at JLL, to discuss the future of urban regeneration. They explore why retrofitting existing buildings is often more sustainable than rebuilding, how facility managers can play a larger strategic role in asset enhancement, and why predictive maintenance, AI and better operational data are changing how buildings are managed. The conversation also examines the growing importance of resilience, biodiversity and government policy in shaping the next generation of cities.  Timestamps: 0:00 - The three pillars shaping future cities 1:35 - Why aging buildings need a new approach 4:55 - Why retrofitting beats rebuilding 6:20 - Decarbonization, resilience and biodiversity explained 8:10 - Bringing nature back into cities 9:00 - What One Bangkok gets right 9:40 - Why older buildings are losing tenants 10:15 - World Workplace 2026 11:00 - Why facility managers are essential to urban renewal 11:45 - The rise of the "urban steward" 12:20 - Moving from reactive to predictive maintenance 13:00 - How better data drives better investments 14:15 - Why AI is making predictive maintenance a reality 15:10 - "Now is the age of predictive maintenance" 15:35 - What governments can do to accelerate urban renewal 16:20 - Public-private partnerships for better cities 17:45 - How policy is changing sustainable buildings 18:30 - Why building performance matters more than ever 19:50 - The growing link between sustainability and property value 21:00 - Why collaboration will shape the future of cities Connect with Us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifma Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFacilityManagementAssociation/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/IFMA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifma_hq/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/ifmaglobal Visit us at https://ifma.org

Strong strategies don't fail because they're poorly written. They fail because they weren't designed with operational reality in mind. In this episode, Wayne Whitzell, Senior VP Strategic Accounts, SOLID Surface Care and First Vice Chair on IFMA's Global Executive Board, sits down with Amanda Muzzarelli, Global Operations Director at Macro, to explore what separates effective facility management leaders from reactive ones. Together, they discuss preserving institutional knowledge, creating psychological safety, developing future leaders and why understanding day-to-day operations is essential for successful strategy execution. They also examine how AI may reshape facility management workflows and why curiosity and leadership remain the profession's greatest competitive advantages.  Timestamps: 0:00 - Why role clarity is a gift 1:20 - Meet Amanda Muzzarelli 2:40 - From public affairs to facility management 6:10 - Why institutional knowledge lives in people 7:30 - Building psychological safety for knowledge transfer 9:00 - How to preserve institutional knowledge before it's lost 10:35 - Escaping the tactical mindset 11:10 - Why role clarity makes better leaders 12:10 - Leading global FM teams without micromanaging 13:15 - Developing leadership instead of doing everything yourself 15:05 - Self-reflection as a leadership skill 18:20 - Why great FM strategies fail during execution 20:45 - World Workplace 2026 21:15 - The biggest mistake strategists make 22:30 - Why facilities teams need a seat at the table 23:35 - Shadow systems and hidden operational knowledge 25:05 - How AI can eliminate repetitive FM tasks 27:10 - When will AI become part of everyday FM? 28:10 - Amanda's prediction: AI in FM within 3–5 years 29:20 - Why AI won't replace facility managers 31:05 - Who will lead AI adoption in FM? 32:10 - Why curiosity matters more than technical expertise 35:00 - Preparing the next generation of FM leaders 35:50 - Amanda's World Workplace sessions 36:45 - Closing remarks Resources from the episode: Connect with Amanda on LinkedIn Join us at World Workplace in Anaheim 17-19 November: https://worldworkplace.ifma.org/ Connect with Us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifma Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFacilityManagementAssociation/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/IFMA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifma_hq/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/ifmaglobal Visit us at https://ifma.org

Artificial intelligence is changing the way facilities operate, but successful adoption starts long before implementing new technology. Recorded live at World Workplace Asia-Pacific in Hong Kong, Dr. Matt Tucker, IFMA's Director of Knowledge and Research, sits down with Serena Pau, Chief Commercial Officer at Neuron Digital, to discuss digital transformation across the region, the importance of breaking down data silos and why curiosity may be one of the most valuable skills facility managers can develop. They also explore how AI can improve reporting, energy management and decision-making while keeping people at the center of the workplace.  Timestamps: 0:00 - AI should enhance, not replace, people 0:24 - Introduction to Serena Pau and Neuron Digital 2:18 - Digital maturity across Asia-Pacific 4:08 - Balancing AI with the human side of facility management 6:11 - Why change management matters more than technology 7:00 - World Workplace 2026 7:35 - Where AI can make the biggest impact today 8:46 - Turning AI insights into actionable recommendations 9:02 - Why curiosity is the most important AI skill 10:21 - The rise of the FM analyst 11:02 - Using AI to improve reporting and tell better data stories 12:18 - Building a future-ready digital strategy 13:17 - Mindset before technology 13:43 - Closing remarks Connect with Us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifma Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFacilityManagementAssociation/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/IFMA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifma_hq/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/ifmaglobal Visit us at https://ifma.org

Host Wayne Whitzell, Senior VP Strategic Accounts, SOLID Surface Care and First Vice Chair on IFMA's Global Executive Board welcomes Grant Sommerfeld, president of IFMA's FM Consultants Council and founder of Executive FM, for a conversation about the challenges facing facility managers today. Drawing on his experience leading FM transformations across healthcare, municipal government and higher education, Grant shares why many organizations remain trapped in reactive operating models and what leaders can do to break the cycle. The discussion explores the importance of data driven decision making, the communication gap between FM teams and executive leadership, and why facility managers need a stronger voice before major organizational decisions are made. Grant also explains how consultants can help organizations build internal capabilities, improve stakeholder communication and create more sustainable operating models that don't rely on individual heroics to succeed. Resources: Connet with Grant on LinkedIn Connect with Us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifma Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFacilityManagementAssociation/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/IFMA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifma_hq/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/ifmaglobal Visit us at https://ifma.org

Artificial intelligence is transforming the workplace, but successful organizations know that technology alone isn't enough. Recorded live at World Workplace Europe, Dr. Matt Tucker sits down with Jessica Schmidt, Future of Work Strategy Lead at EY, to discuss how leaders can prepare their workforce for the future of work. Together, they explore evolving talent expectations, AI leadership, workplace strategy and why organizations must balance technology, physical workplaces and human behavior to create lasting business value. They also discuss the skills leaders need, why only a small percentage of organizations are realizing measurable returns from AI investments and what facility managers can do to prepare for the future.  Timestamps: 0:00 - Why only 28% of companies see business value from AI 1:18 - Introduction to Jessica Schmidt and the future of work 3:35 - The biggest forces reshaping today's workplace 5:42 - Why generational stereotypes miss the bigger picture 6:28 - Changing talent expectations and workplace sustainability 8:18 - Bricks, bytes and behaviors explained 10:06 - Why people matter more than technology 12:34 - Leading AI transformation in facility management 14:15 - World Workplace 2026 15:00 - What an AI-enabled organization really looks like 16:10 - The leadership framework: Tool set, skill set and mindset 17:12 - Building AI skills across your workforce 18:03 - Why mindset is the biggest leadership challenge 19:20 - Helping employees embrace AI instead of fearing it 20:18 - Why most AI investments fail to deliver value 21:10 - From AI assistants to AI agents 22:22 - Preparing the next generation of FM professionals 23:48 - The Great Resignation and evolving employee expectations 25:00 - Why learning is becoming a competitive advantage 26:15 - How organizations can attract and retain top talent 26:52 - Closing remarks Connect with Us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifma Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFacilityManagementAssociation/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/IFMA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifma_hq/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/ifmaglobal Visit us at https://ifma.org

Artificial intelligence is accelerating change across every industry, but simply adding AI to existing processes won't deliver lasting results. Recorded live at World Workplace Europe, Erik Jaspers is joined by Peter Hinssen and Mikis Waschl to explore how AI is reshaping facility management, why digital transformation was only the beginning, and what organizations must do to build stronger data foundations, embrace digital twins and rethink how value is delivered. They also discuss the economics of AI, Europe's role in the future of technology and why today's leaders must prepare for a world that is never normal.  This episode is sponsored by SiteMap®, powered by GPRS. Learn more at sitemap.com/ifma Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 01:45 Meet The Guests 03:39 Digital Was Just Start 05:36 AI Goes Geopolitical 07:52 FM Outcomes And Twins 11:02 Data Foundations Matter 12:15 CarPlay For Buildings 16:12 Construction Productivity Gap 17:39 AI Economics And Pricing 22:26 Stop Pilot Snacking 23:49 Europe Digital Autonomy 26:07 Wrap Up And Outro Connect with Us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifma Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFacilityManagementAssociation/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/IFMA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifma_hq/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/ifmaglobal Visit us at https://ifma.org

In this episode of Connected FM, host Dean Stanberry, former Chair on IFMA's Global Board of Directors, welcomes Gabe Phillips, CEO of Catalyst Power, for a practical conversation about energy management in an increasingly disrupted market. Gabe explains how facility managers can move beyond treating energy as a fixed operating expense and instead take a more strategic approach to procurement, efficiency and resilience planning. The discussion covers energy contracts, market volatility, demand management, on-site generation and how organizations can evaluate opportunities such as solar, combined heat and power and battery storage. The conversation also highlights the importance of understanding energy baselines, gathering operational data and conducting energy audits before making major investments. Gabe shares why facility managers should focus on building a strong data foundation, leveraging expert advice and carefully evaluating the financial realities behind emerging energy technologies. This episode is sponsored by SiteMap®, powered by GPRS. Learn more at sitemap.com/ifma Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 3:01 Meet Gabe Phillips and Catalyst Power 5:17 The Biggest Sources of Avoidable Energy Costs 7:23 Why Energy Procurement Strategy Matters 9:00 Resilience Planning and Backup Power Decisions 11:20 What Drives Energy Investments: Cost, Stability or Sustainability? 12:25 Sponsor Message: SiteMap by GPRS 13:03 Evaluating Solar, CHP and Other Energy Technologies 15:26 Why Energy Baselines and Audits Come First 18:00 New Energy Technologies Facility Managers Should Watch 18:42 The Reality of Demand Response Programs 19:53 How Better Data Is Transforming Energy Management 21:27 Are Battery Storage Systems Worth It? 22:36 Why Data Is the Foundation of Energy Strategy 24:02 Closing Thoughts and Outro Connect with Us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifma Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFacilityManagementAssociation/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/IFMA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifma_hq/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/ifmaglobal Visit us at https://ifma.org

In this episode of Connected FM, host Wayne Whitzell, Senior VP Strategic Accounts, SOLID Surface Care and Second Vice Chair on IFMA's Global Executive Board, welcomes Justin Hitt, Sr. Manager - Corporate Advisory & Solutions at Lincoln Property Company, for a wide-ranging conversation on facility management strategy, service delivery and the future of work. Justin discusses his experience leading IFMA’s Museums and Cultural Institutions Council, the relationship between operations and sales, the importance of transparency in outsourcing partnerships, and how data can help facility managers communicate more effectively with leadership. Wayne and Justin also examine the growing role of AI, productivity tools and digital workflows in helping FM teams work more efficiently while maintaining a people-first approach to service delivery. This episode is sponsored by SiteMap®, powered by GPRS. Learn more at sitemap.com/ifma Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 02:28 Museum Council Roadshow 06:53 Assessing Clients And Culture Fit 12:50 Dashboards that Speak to the CFO 17:00 AI As Productivity Clones 20:26 How Providers Really Profit 26:33 Sales Ops Alignment Handoff 29:52 Wrap Up Connect with Us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifma Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFacilityManagementAssociation/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/IFMA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifma_hq/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/ifmaglobal Visit us at https://ifma.org

En el episodio de hoy, Esteban Martínez, cofundador y director de operaciones de Green Loop, y Cibele Verasto, directora sénior de espacios de trabajo en Databricks, analizan el panorama cambiante de la gestión de instalaciones en América Latina, centrándose en la sostenibilidad, el bienestar de los empleados y las estrategias innovadoras para adaptarse a los retos de la movilidad urbana y a los modelos de trabajo híbridos. Este episodio está patrocinado por SiteMap®, con tecnología de GPRS. Para más información, visita sitemap.com/ifma Connect with Us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifma Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFacilityManagementAssociation/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/IFMA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifma_hq/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/ifmaglobal Visit us at https://ifma.org

In this episode of Connected FM, host Howie Barber sits down with Denis Kouroussis to explore how continuous electrical monitoring and intelligent analytics are helping facility teams move beyond reactive maintenance. They discuss the limitations of traditional preventative maintenance methods, the value of high-resolution waveform monitoring and how predictive insights can uncover hidden electrical and mechanical issues before equipment failures occur. Denis also shares a real-world case study involving a 750-ton hydraulic press where advanced monitoring identified the root cause of repeated motor failures, helping reduce downtime and avoid costly disruptions.  This episode is sponsored by SiteMap®, powered by GPRS. Learn more at sitemap.com/ifma Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 1:03 Why Most Facilities Still Run Equipment to Failure 2:48 How Continuous Waveform Monitoring Detects Early Issues 4:10 Understanding Upstream vs. Downstream Electrical Problems 5:07 Why Traditional Maintenance Methods Fall Short 7:20 The Difference Between Preventative and Predictive Maintenance 7:43 World Workplace 2026 Sponsor Message 8:10 Case Study: The 750-Ton Hydraulic Press Failure 11:34 How Early Can Equipment Degradation Be Detected? 13:01 Transitioning From Scheduled to Predictive Maintenance 13:39 Why Facility Managers Should Monitor Before Replacing Equipment 14:10 Common Mistakes in Electrical Troubleshooting 14:43 Closing Thoughts Connect with Us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifma Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFacilityManagementAssociation/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/IFMA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifma_hq/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/ifmaglobal Visit us at https://ifma.org

Host Osama Aduib from ISS Facility Services sits down with his colleagues Paul Ratkovic and Amelia Ekus to discuss the “hidden menu” of facility management. The conversation explores how invisible systems, operational decisions and hospitality-focused thinking shape the workplace experience in ways occupants may never notice directly, from HVAC and lighting to food service, cleanliness and comfort. Paul and Amelia share insights on empathy in facility management, anticipatory service, workplace innovation and how FM teams can create seamless, people-centered environments through collaboration and intentional design. They also discuss the role of technology, AI and data-driven insights in supporting proactive building operations while emphasizing that hospitality, human connection and emotional intelligence remain at the center of exceptional workplace experiences. This episode is sponsored by SiteMap®, powered by GPRS. Learn more at sitemap.com/ifma Resources: Re-thinking the Purpose of the Workplace Experience The Enduring Significance of Place Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction to the “Hidden Menu” of Facility Management 2:01 - How hospitality and facility management intersect 3:10 - Defining the hidden menu in workplace experiences 4:38 - Why engineering is one of the most hospitality-driven functions 6:18 - Frictionless experiences vs. “good friction” in the workplace 8:47 - The emotional impact of HVAC, comfort and building systems 11:10 - Emotional intelligence and empathy in facility management 14:28 - Innovation, anticipation and proactive workplace experiences 16:35 - AI, data and the future of anticipatory service 18:55 - How engineering teams create invisible, seamless experiences 20:35 - Building a culture of hospitality across FM teams 22:10 - Using sensors and data to improve occupant experiences 23:40 - Predictive analytics, occupancy insights and space behavior 25:35 - Practical ways FM leaders can activate the hidden menu 27:15 - Why “placemakers” mindset matters in FM 28:20 - Final thoughts on service, visibility and human-centered experiences 30:20 - Closing remarks Connect with Us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifma Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFacilityManagementAssociation/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/IFMA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifma_hq/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/ifmaglobal Visit us at https://ifma.org

What happens when a longtime facility manager steps beyond the built environment to help reshape it through technology? In this episode of Connected FM, host Brent Ward welcomes Billy Holder, Founder & CEO at Project Aidra, for a conversation about digital transformation, AI and the evolving role of facility management in a technology-driven world. Drawing from nearly 30 years of experience in facility management, Billy shares how recurring operational frustrations led him from the FM field into the PropTech space. He discusses why documentation overload, disconnected systems and inefficient workflows pushed him to search for smarter solutions powered by AI and automation. The conversation explores how facility managers can use technology to augment the workforce instead of replacing it, why human connection still matters in smart buildings, and what organizations should consider when evaluating PropTech platforms and AI-enabled tools. Whether you are a facility manager navigating digital transformation or simply curious about where the built environment is headed next, this episode offers practical insights into the future of FM and the people shaping it. This episode is sponsored by SiteMap®, powered by GPRS. Learn more at sitemap.com/ifma Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 03:37 Documentation Pain Points 05:31 Winning Tech Buy In 07:15 AI As Workforce Boost 08:57 Human Metrics Matter 12:19 PropTech Stack Essentials 16:14 Training Next Gen FMs 18:55 ESG Reality Check 23:29 The Beautiful Mess Story 27:08 Hidden Wins Of Adoption 29:41 FM In Five Years 30:50 Start Small Advice 32:04 Closing Remarks Connect with Us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifma Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFacilityManagementAssociation/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/IFMA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifma_hq/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/ifmaglobal Visit us at https://ifma.org

In this episode of Connected FM, host Dean Stanberry sits down with Melissa Kaan, Founder & CEO of NOVA IFM, to explore how facility teams can use CMMS platforms to drive smarter operational and capital decisions. They discuss the importance of quality data, why CMMS systems should function as decision engines rather than digital filing cabinets and how proactive maintenance strategies can improve response times, compliance and long-term asset performance. Melissa also shares practical insights on asset management, technician engagement, data governance and translating operational trends into meaningful capital planning conversations. The conversation highlights how facility leaders can improve CMMS adoption, strengthen reporting practices and use data more effectively to support both daily operations and long-term portfolio planning. This episode is sponsored by SiteMap®, powered by GPRS. Learn more at sitemap.com/ifma Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 02:29 Minimum Viable CMMS Data 04:52 Must Have Data Fields 06:16 From Records to Decisions 09:16 First 90 Days Wins 11:00 Data to Capital Plans 13:27 Leadership Review Rhythm 14:59 One Step This Week 16:53 Data Quality Wrap Up   Connect with Us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifma Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFacilityManagementAssociation/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/IFMA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifma_hq/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/ifmaglobal Visit us at https://ifma.org

What does strong leadership really look like in facility management? In this episode of Connected FM, host Wayne Whitzell welcomes Kathryn Lopez for a candid conversation on leadership, resilience and the human side of facility management. Drawing from decades of experience in global FM leadership, Kathryn shares lessons on staying calm under pressure, creating psychological safety for teams and developing people through mentorship and trust. She explains why great leaders “take the bullets and give the credit,” how mistakes can become growth opportunities and why empathy is essential in today’s workplace. The conversation also explores how AI is beginning to transform facility management workflows, from streamlining communication to delivering faster operational insights. Wayne and Kathryn discuss the growing role of data, digital tools and “smart buildings” in attracting the next generation of facility management professionals into the industry. Whether you lead a global portfolio, manage an in-house FM team or are growing into leadership for the first time, this episode offers practical insights on building trust, navigating challenges and leading with humanity. This episode is sponsored by SiteMap®, powered by GPRS. Learn more at sitemap.com/ifma Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 02:17 Global FM Reality Check 03:20 IFMA Roots and Impact 04:30 Staying Calm Under Fire 07:30 Smoke Jumper Problem Solver 10:02 Psychological Safety in Leadership 15:17 Mentorship Mistakes Growth 18:31 Ad Break 18:59 Empathy Versus Dictatorship 20:39 AI That Actually Helps 22:39 Attracting the Next Gen 26:14 Kindness and Empathy 29:06 Closing Thanks and Outro Connect with Us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifma Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFacilityManagementAssociation/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/IFMA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifma_hq/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/ifmaglobal Visit us at https://ifma.org

Host Bryant Hughes sits down with Mick Dunn, Technical Support Specialist at Armstrong Ceilings and Ian Gumbert, Facility Manager at Armstrong’s Lancaster headquarters, to explore how PCM (phase change material) ceilings are changing the way buildings manage thermal comfort. They break down the science behind phase change materials, explain how PCM ceilings can mimic the thermal mass of concrete at a lower weight and cost, and share real-world examples of how the technology has reduced temperature-related occupant complaints while lowering energy use and limiting manual HVAC adjustments. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 02:58 Thermal Mass and PCM Basics 08:07 Comfort Wins and Complaints 10:15 Where PCM Works Best 12:05 HVAC Scheduling and Controls 14:03 Sponsor Break 14:56 Testing and Demand Savings 17:34 Energy Modeling Tools 18:59 Retrofit and Installation 22:14 Tax Credits and Payback 23:41 Misconceptions 25:25 Conclusion Connect with Us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifma Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFacilityManagementAssociation/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/IFMA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifma_hq/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/ifmaglobal Visit us at https://ifma.org