Connected FM

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...

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...

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 conver...

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.

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How do you transition from being an "unintentional" facility manager to a world-class professional? In this episode of the Connected FM Podcast, Bobby LaRon, member of IFMA's Global Board of Directors, and Brent Ward member of the IFMA Foundation Board of Trustees, share their personal pathways into the industry.

They dive deep into the essential "just-in-time" knowledge required for the field and why no FM can succeed as an island. You'll hear about:

In this episode of Connected FM, we dive into the "power of people" with Kati Barklund, Global Chair of IFMA’s Workplace Evolutionaries. Kati shares her insights on why the "one size fits all" approach to workplace design is failing and how facility managers can create high-performing environments by balancing physical, digital, and psychosocial needs. From navigating C-suite perceptions to the importance of being your authentic self in leadership, this conversation redefines what it means to lead in the modern built environment.

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In this episode of Connected FM, Dr. Matt Tucker, IFMA’s Director of Research, moderates a student-led discussion on the critical role of well-being in facility management. Featuring three young professionals entering the FM industry, the conversation shifts the focus from simple maintenance to creating spaces where people can mentally, socially and physically thrive.

The panel shares personal insights on:

In this episode, host Edward Wagoner sits down with global influencer Brian Haines to demystify artificial intelligence for the facility management community. Together they discuss:

This episode is sponsored by TMA Systems! Discover more at https://www.tmasystems.com/ifmapodcast

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What does it mean to “think like an FM analyst”?

In this episode of Connected FM, Dr. Matt Tucker, Director of Knowledge and Insights at IFMA, sits down with Drew DePriest, Director of Workplace Services, Vendor Management at Salesforce, to unpack the evolving role of data, analytics and AI in facility management.

Drawing on insights from IFMA’s The Rise of the FM Analyst report, they explore why the FM analyst isn’t a job title, but a mindset grounded in curiosity, problem solving and cross-functional thinking. From fragmented data systems to the growing importance of story...

The traditional approach of competing solely on compensation and benefits is no longer enough to remain competitive in today's tightening labor market. In this episode, Jason Wetherford and Quinn Heimann from Aerotek share deep insights into the facility management industry, highlighting a significant shift where job seekers now prioritize opportunities for skills development as a top motivator for accepting new roles. The conversation addresses the looming "retirement skills gap" and offers a roadmap for succession planning through tailored training programs, mentorship and high-impact partnerships with organizations like Skills USA and Tooling U. They also discuss how proactive upskilling can...

Did you know that 62% of communication is nonverbal from signage to the layout? Every detail speaks volumes. 

Today we're diving deeper into this topic with host Edward Wagoner and IFMA Global Influencer and operations manager of the IFMA Ghana Chapter, Prince Botwe. Together, they explore the critical role of communication, especially nonverbal cues in facility management, how buildings communicate, the impact of nonverbal signals on safety and confidence, and strategies to elevate the FM profession globally. 

This episode is sponsored by TMA Systems! Discover more at https://www.tmasystems.com/ifmapodcast

Connect wi...

In this episode, Edward Wagoner sits down with Joe Scanlin to explore the foundational role of flooring sensors in the rapidly evolving world of Proptech. Scanlin explains how his background in neuroscience led to the creation of building "brains" that use surface-level data to solve complex challenges like HVAC modulation and unauthorized "tailgating" at security points. The discussion highlights the immediate return on investment found in energy reduction and the long-term value of post-occupancy data for creating neurodiverse and highly utilized workspaces. Listeners will learn how this Department of Energy-backed technology maintains strict data privacy while providing the high-resolution...

In today's episode, Eric Dillinger, Vice President of Strategic Consulting at Woolpert and current Convenor for the ISO/TC 267 working group, sits down with industry leaders Skip Vaughn, Assistant Vice President of Facilities Management at American University and member of the U.S. Technical Advisory Group for ISO/TC 267, and Mike Tasker, the Director of Aviation Maintenance for the Port of Seattle , who brings over 30 years of expertise spanning Navy nuclear power to airport infrastructure.

Together, they explore the critical alignment between facilities management and the "Demand Organization." They dive into the challenges of defining "uptime," aligning...

What does it take to turn a scholarship into a lifelong career? In this episode of Connected FM, host Angela Johnson Culver sits down with Alana Dunoff, Dipin Kasana, and Mahnaz Ensafi — three former scholarship recipients who have risen to leadership roles within the facility management (FM) world.

In this conversation, you’ll hear about:

What happens to your office furniture when it's no longer needed? In this episode, IFMA Global Influencer Michael Amos reveals the staggering reality that 99% of corporate furniture ends up in waste streams, even when it still has significant life left.

Michael shares the inspiring journey of Waste to Wonder Worldwide, a hybrid social enterprise that has equipped over 1,500 schools across 50 countries by ethically redistributing corporate assets. We dive into the Circular Economy, and discuss how facilities managers can lead their organizations toward net-zero targets by prioritizing reuse. Whether you are a business leader, an FM professional or...

What does the future of facility management look like in the Asia Pacific region? In this episode, Kenneth Foo sits down with Michael Ng, Don Tze, and Dora Yim to explore how FM is evolving across Singapore and Hong Kong, from government-led digital pushes to the integration of high-level sustainability.  They examine how multinational corporations are utilizing ESG reporting and "well certificates" to drive sustainability, as well as the critical role of change management in helping frontline workers embrace new technological tools.

This episode is sponsored by TMA Systems! Discover more at https://www.tmasystems.com/ifmapodcast

As experienced facility professionals retire and workforce demographics shift, the FM industry is approaching what many are calling a demographic cliff. In today's episode, host Wayne Whitzell is joined by researcher and associate professor Dr. Jake Smithwick to break down the data behind shrinking labor pools, rising safety risks and productivity challenges, and why so many new technicians are entering the field without hands-on experience. They explore the growing gap between generational work expectations, the critical role mentorship plays in knowledge transfer and retention, and how AI can act as a powerful support tool. 

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What does the future of facility management look like in Africa?

In this episode, Lara Paemen, Managing Director of IFMA EMEA, sits down with Sheriff Daramola, President of the IFMA Nigeria chapter, and Sampson Opare-Agyemang, President of the IFMA Ghana chapter. Together, they explore how FM is evolving across West Africa, from growing professional awareness and skills development to pressing challenges around energy, sustainability and infrastructure. The conversation highlights why Africa represents a major opportunity for FM professionals, organizations and investors alike.

00:00 Introduction 

00:52 Exploring FM Trends in Africa

01:35 Meet th...

In this episode, host Edward Wagoner speaks with Claire Coder, founder of Aunt Flow, IFMA Global Influencer, and Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, about why accessible period care should be treated as a basic workplace necessity. They discuss how providing period products alongside other restroom essentials can improve employee experience, productivity, and safety, reduce plumbing and maintenance costs and support more inclusive, human-centered facility design across workplaces, schools and public spaces worldwide. 

00:00 Introduction

00:52 Interview with Claire Coder, Aunt Flow Founder

02:26 Claire Coder's Journey and Vision

03:03 The Importance of Talking About Menstruation

06:32 Aunt F...

What if facility maintenance didn’t just react to problems, but predicted them before they happened?

In today’s episode, host Yonatan Rouache joins his colleagues from Office Space, Andres Avalos and Steph Austin, to explore how facility teams are moving from preventative to predictive maintenance using AI and integrated data. They break down why digitizing data matters, how connected systems can reduce costs and improve efficiency, and what AI-powered tools could mean for the future of maintenance in facility management.

In this episode of the Connected FM podcast, host Wayne Whitzell, second vice chair of IFMA's Global Board of Directors, speaks with Richard Peterson Senior Director of IFM at Cushman and Wakefield. They discuss how IFMA's educational opportunities, chapter meetings, networking, and credentialing,  have significantly advanced their careers. They recount their journey through the CFM exam and the benefits of community and mentorship within IFMA. They also touch on the challenges and rewards of leading a global team in IFM and the value of mentorship programs.

In this episode, Director of IFMA EMEA, Lara Paemen, interviews one of IFMA's Global Board of Directors and Vice Chairman of EFS Group, Tariq Chauhan, about the rapidly evolving facility management landscape in the Middle East. They discuss major trends reshaping the GCC region — from accelerated market growth and large-scale investment in the built environment to the rise of technology, ESG frameworks and the shift from O&M to strategic FM. Tariq also highlights the region’s skills gap, the need for upskilling, and what international FM professionals should understand when entering this dynamic, fast-growing market.

How much do you really know about the air circulating in your building right now?

In this episode, host Edward Wagoner sits down with Dr. Joseph Allen, associate professor at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, director of Harvard’s Healthy Buildings Program and and co-author of Healthy Buildings: How Indoor Spaces Can Make You Sick—or Keep You Well, to explore why indoor air quality is becoming a critical focus for today’s facility managers. Dr. Allen breaks down the science behind ventilation, filtration and cognitive function, and shares practical steps leaders can take t...

What will facility management look like in 2026, and how does that future differ across regions?'

In this episode of the Connected FM podcast, host Wayne Whitzell, Second Vice Chair of IFMA’s Global Board of Directors, is joined by IFMA Global Board of Directors Chair Christa Dodoo and facility management leader Maria Gonzalez-Burgos for a global conversation on the trends, challenges and opportunities shaping the profession worldwide. The conversation examines how technology adoption, workforce skills, and leadership expectations are evolving differently across regions, while reinforcing the universal importance of soft skills, data, and strategic thinking as FM...

As we close out 2025, we’re revisiting one of our most popular episodes of the year, a timely conversation on artificial intelligence and its role in the built environment. Lorri Rowlandson, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Innovation at BGIS, outlines a three-layer approach to AI integration: individual-level desktop AI for job reengineering, operational AI for internal efficiencies, and client-driven AI for service improvement.

Lorri emphasizes the importance of responsible innovation, employee engagement and continuous learning as AI continues to reshape the FM profession.

In this episode of the Connected FM podcast, host Christopher Bourke speaks with three students from The Hague University of Applied Sciences — Yaslin Schafthuizen, Mauro Kasirin, and Jorinde Drees — about their perspectives on sustainability. The discussion covers their definitions of sustainability, their awareness of sustainable practices fostered within their university, and personal anecdotes about their contributions to sustainable projects. They emphasize the importance of inclusivity and responsibility, challenges such as the higher costs of sustainable choices, and the need for global policies to support sustainable practices.

00:00 Introduction

01:19 Meet the Students from The Hague University

01:4...

What does AI really mean for the future of facility management, and how can FMs stay essential as technology accelerates?

In this episode, host Edward Wagoner talks with Brian Haines, IFMA Global Influencer and longtime real estate and technology strategist. Brian breaks down why AI is only as good as the data behind it, how natural-language tools are transforming daily FM work, and why maintaining professional expertise is more important than ever.

They explore the growing convergence of IT and operational technology, the potential for autonomous buildings, and the upskilling FMs need to stay ahead...

Jean-Pierre Segers and Jos Duchamps of Brains and Trees emphasize the critical role of learning and development in facility management. They discuss the diverse educational backgrounds of facility managers and stress the need for ongoing training to bridge skill gaps. Highlighting programs by IFMA, such as the Facility Management Professional Program, they underline the importance of combining managerial, technical, and emerging technology skills. They also touch on the impact of regulations and the shifting job market post-COVID. The conversation concludes with a call for lifelong learning and certification to ensure the future success of facility management professionals.

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In this episode, IBM’s Kal Gyimesi and Vishal Rane explore how AI is redefining efficiency in asset lifecycle management. They share why strong data governance is the foundation for successful AI adoption — noting that only 25% of AI projects meet ROI expectations due to disconnected systems. The conversation breaks down different types of AI, including generative AI, machine learning, chat assistance and intelligent agents, and how each drives smarter decision-making. They also emphasize the need for continuous testing, monitoring and responsible deployment to ensure reliability and long-term value across operations.

00:00 Introduction to AI in Facility Management

01...

In this episode, IFMA’s Director of Research, Matt Tucker, and IFMA EMEA's Managing Director, Lara Paemen, dive into the latest global trends shaping facility management (FM). They explore IFMA’s key research initiatives — from the circular economy to the evolving role of FM analysts — and discuss how regional differences across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America influence sustainability goals, technological adoption and education in the FM profession.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

01:27 Meet the Hosts

02:26 Global Trends in Facility Management

04:06 Circular Economy in Facility Management

07:26 The Rise of the FM A...

In this episode of IFMA's Connected FM podcast, host Edward Wagoner interviews Dr. Winnie Kwofie, a leader in facility management higher education. They discuss the importance of visibility in the profession, the underrepresentation of women and the need for diverse perspectives in leadership roles. Winnie shares her personal journey and the significance of storytelling in advocating for the profession. They also touch on cultural perceptions of facilities and the importance of creating inclusive environments for women in the industry.

00:00 Snippet

00:24 Welcome to Connected FM Podcast

01:14 Introducing Today's Guest: Dr. Winnie Kwofie

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, co...

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...

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.

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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 Management

00:28 Introduction to Connected FM Podcast

01:00 Meet the...

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!

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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.

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This episode is sponsored by ODP Business Solutions!

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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...

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...

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!