Workplace Innovator Podcast | Enhancing Your Employee Experience

Elizabeth Redmond is Director of Sales & GM, Sensors at R-Zero where she helps clients understand risk, occupancy, utilization, and how to adapt environments to create the best outcomes. Mike Petrusky welcomes Elizabeth back to the show after a few years and many changes to ask about her commitment to climate technology that has a meaningful impact on the reversal of climate change. They explore the growing focus on sustainability and ESG reporting within organizations, with an increased awareness of the need for energy-efficient and healthy buildings. Understanding the real-time air quality and occupancy density in a facility can help optimize energy usage and maintain the healthiness of the building, which is essential today. Mike and Elizabeth agree that 2024 is an exciting time for our industry and they hope to inspire you to be a Workplace Innovator in your organization! Connect with Elizabeth on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethredmond/ Learn more about R-Zero: https://rzero.com/ Explo

Alice Fournier is Chief Information Officer at ISS Americas where she executes the technology roadmap for the retail business, workplace technology and internal IT Infrastructure, with a focus on technology as a driver of productivity and business growth. Mike Petrusky asks Alice to share her perspectives on the importance of accepting and driving change, the role of AI and technology in facility management and corporate real estate, and the need to create a workplace experience that matches consumer expectations. They discuss creating a culture that embraces change, the challenges facing facility managers and the opportunity they have to shape the future of the built environment. Alice believes that AI has significant potential for predicting maintenance needs and optimizing asset lifecycles, but it requires clean, trustworthy, and available data. Mike and Alice agree that employee experiences need to mimic our seamless personal tech and they offer advice to help you deliver on expectations and be a Workplac

Anthony Parzanese is Senior Vice President and Global Head of Real Estate & Workplace Evolution at Dow Jones where he is passionate about delivering employee-centric services that enable the “moments that matter” at work. Mike Petrusky welcomes Anthony back to the show after two years to catch up on his new role and explore how the pandemic has shifted the balance between working from home and the office. They discuss how the physical workplace plays a significant role in building a company's culture and fostering employee engagement while encouraging FM and CRE leaders to share ideas and make sure their voices are heard. Anthony believes that utilization data has become more accessible, allowing for quicker, better informed decisions and he explains how the integration of internal systems can provide a more holistic view of the workplace. Listen to discover the practical advice and inspiration you need to be a Workplace Innovator in 2024! Connect with Anthony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anth

Vik Bangia, MCR is CEO of Verum Consulting where he is a Corporate Real Estate & Facilities Management Outsourcing Advisor and advocate for the employee-centric workplace. Mike Petrusky asks Vik how to create more employee-centric, role-specific hybrid models that replace unpopular one-size-fits-all return-to-office mandates. They explore a holistic view of work and the workplace and agree that work-life balance is not a seesaw but rather an integration of different aspects of one's life, including our work. Vik believes that the balance of power is shifting with employees now having a say in how much time they need to spend in the office to get their work done and he shares data showing that employee engagement increases when work policies are determined collaboratively, rather than being mandated. Mike and Vik offer practical advice to help you create a bespoke, customized experience for your employees as they seek to inspire you to be a Workplace Innovator in 2024! Connect with Vik on LinkedIn: https:/

Rebecca Swanner is a Workplace Design Leader and Associate Principal at HED where she has a passion for interior design while “Advancing Your World”. Mike Petrusky asks Rebecca about her perspectives on hybrid working with a focus on creating spaces and strategies that will allow people to thrive in the workplace. They explore how leaders can improve wellbeing by asking the right questions to employees and being open to the answers, even if they're not what the company wants to hear. Rebecca sees activity-based design gaining momentum and believes technology has a significant role to play in facilitating seamless collaboration in hybrid work settings. Mike and Rebecca agree that this is a great opportunity for facility management and workplace professionals and they offer inspiration to help you be a Workplace Innovator for your team in 2024! Connect with Rebecca on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-swanner-b8a9a55/ Learn more about HED: https://www.hed.design/ Explore the latest Eptura Workplace

Derek Newberry is Head of Organization and Culture Design at co:collective and co-author of the book “The Culture Puzzle: Harnessing the Forces That Drive Your Organization's Success” which offers a proven model for identifying and leveraging the essential elements of any culture. Mike Petrusky asks Derek about his passion for helping organizations thrive by defining their core purpose, strategic vision, and cultural values while they explore the role of the workplace in 2024. They discuss the challenges of disconnection and fragmentation inside organizations and wonder if in-person office experiences might help foster better collaboration. Mike and Derek agree that flexibility is essential, but also see the value of creating an attractive workplace that provides spaces that support creativity, personal connections and inspirational events. Storytelling, relationship-building, and encouraging bottom-up innovation are key principles to help you create a great culture, and enable you to be a Workplace Innovator

Follow this link to watch Mike Petrusky and his guests on the new video series “On My Way To Work”: https://youtu.be/cXYDv-AYY0A More from Eptura™ on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Eptura Learn more about Eptura™: https://eptura.com/ Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/  

Leni Rivera is an author, industry advocate and owner of WorkplaceXperience Consulting where she is passionate about empowering workplace professionals around the world with the profound ability to change lives, communities, and companies, through physical environments that allow everyone to thrive. She is also creator of the Workplace Experience Training Program, which brings together all workplace functions under a single learning platform, so Mike Petrusky asks Leni to share her vision for the workplace, the importance of human connection, and the role of technology in enhancing workplace experience. They explore the future of the office, the changing expectations of employees, and how unification of all workplace functions is necessary for creating seamless, cohesive, and effective workplace experiences. Leni’s enthusiasm is contagious and will inspire you to be a Workplace Innovator in your organization! Connect with Leni on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leni-rivera-0286ba15/ Learn more about Wor

Kay Sargent is Senior Principal and Director of WorkPlace at HOK where she is a recognized expert on workplace design and strategy issues. Kay is responsible for helping clients redefine how, when and where their people work, working in tandem to support a holistic design approach that integrates an organization’s people, processes and technology. Mike Petrusky welcomes Kay back to the show for a candid discussion about the challenges and opportunities facing workplace leaders as they balance the needs of individuals while creating spaces and strategies that also build teams and a thriving culture. They revisit some of Kay’s past predictions, offer practical advice for facility management professionals, and discuss how future generations can be successful in the workplace. On this fast-paced episode you will discover ways that you can be a workplace innovator in your organization! Connect with Kay on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kay-sargent-53b2431/ Learn more about HOK: https://www.hok.com/ Discover

Ryan Anderson is Host of the “Looking Forward” Podcast and Vice President of Global Research & Insights at MillerKnoll where he leads a globally-distributed team of researchers, interior designers, and workplace strategists responsible for the generation, sharing, and application of insights to create places that positively affect the world. Mike Petrusky asks Ryan to share his priorities for 2024 and beyond as they explore how offices can become the preferred choice in a world where people can work anywhere. Ryan believes in the importance of inclusive design and is energized by the renewed emphasis on creating spaces that really work for employees by delivering better employee experiences. Tune in to hear Mike and Ryan discuss the power of conversations with their shared industry connections and be inspired by the prospect of a brighter future for offices including practical tips to help you be a Workplace Innovator in your organization! Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryaning

Katy Redmond, MCR is Co-Lead for IPS Americas & Brokerage Tech Sector Lead at JLL where she is passionate about helping organizations with practical and innovative strategies for connecting "people, place and profit”. Mike Petrusky asks Katy for an update on her role at JLL and they explore how we can embrace technology and innovation to enhance the way real estate and facility management professionals work and improve their decision-making processes. They highlight the impact of A.I. and other related technologies in driving efficiencies, speed and ultimately your success in the industry. Katy shares the top five things that matter most to corporate occupiers today including return to the office strategies, sustainability, and talent retention. Mike and Katy agree that we should never stop learning and they share the value of IFMA and CoreNet for our personal and professional growth. Listen to get a better understanding about how FM tech tools and the power of data analytics can help you be a Workplace I

Kate Lister is President at Global Workplace Analytics where she is passionate about helping employers develop, deploy, and measure the results of remote and hybrid workplace strategies. Mike Petrusky invited Kate to join him on the show just days after returning from Denver, CO where they both took part in “The Big Debate: Which way should the pendulum swing?” with the Workplace Evolutionaries community. They agreed to take a more thoughtful, nuanced approach when discussing the impact of remote work and acknowledged that the problem facing companies is NOT a binary one and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Mike and Kate took a deeper dive into the challenges brought up in the debate, including the difficulty in measuring the impact of remote work on productivity, innovation, culture, and engagement. Kate believes that the evolution of work is just beginning and she challenges workplace leaders to remain curious, open to new ideas, and willing to experiment. Mike and Kate both emphasized the importance

Yitsy Montano is Manager of Workplace Strategy & Programs at UKG where she is passionate about process improvement, innovation, and using technology to deliver workplace initiatives with a concierge and hospitality mindset. Mike Petrusky hosted Yitsy for a live broadcast about “Meeting Business and Employee Needs Through Human Connection” where they explored the future of the workplace, the importance of employee experience, the role of data in decision-making, and how to foster community within our teams. They discussed the trends in desk bookings, as reported in Eptura’s brand new Workplace Index - Q2, and they emphasized the importance of facilitating social connections and creating a productive work environment by cultivating freedom and collaboration in the workplace. Check out these highlights from the live event for practical advice that will inspire you to be a Workplace Innovator in your organization! Connect with Yitsy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yitsymontano/ Learn more about UKG:

Dr. Patrick Simon is Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company where he is focused on recent organizational transformations made by companies including the importance of human-centered leadership and the disconnect between what employers think their employees want and what they actually want. Mike Petrusky asks Patrick to discuss McKinsey’s global report on “The State of Organizations 2023”, which outlines the greatest challenges that impact an organizations’ ability to attract and retain talent, work efficiently, and achieve growth and other performance goals. They explore key findings in the report about hybrid working models, advancing our capabilities, and how leaders need to be self-aware, inspiring, and communicative with their people. Mike and Patrick agree that the role of facility managers will be significant in shaping the future of work and they offer ideas for reinventing the workplace as they seek to inspire you to be a Workplace Innovator in your organization! Connect with Patrick on LinkedIn: ht

Tania Luna is a psychology researcher, educator and author of the book “Lead Together: Stop Squirreling Away Power and Build a Better Team” in which she tells a story about the concepts of power, leadership, and the impact of shared decision-making in the workplace. Mike Petrusky asks Tania to discuss her research, leadership experiences, and the four principles of sharing power including how we can “rely on context, not control”. Tania believes that leaders must clarify the “why” rather than dictating the “how” and advises that when people have context, they have the information they need to take action and make good decisions. Mike and Tania explore how these concepts apply to the power struggle between leadership and employees in our post-pandemic workplace and they offer practical advice for facility management leaders as they seek to navigate changing office dynamics. Listen to this conversation for ideas that will inspire you to be a Workplace Innovator in your organization! Connect with Tania on Linked

Noelle Mykolenko is CEO at Trusted Advisor Associates where she is passionate about helping organizations grow through deepening trust relationships and Geoff Snavely is Vice President & General Manager at milliCare by EBC where he is impassioned by building trust-based customer relationships through a consultative approach. Mike Petrusky asks Noelle and Geoff to share practical advice for workplace leaders hoping to navigate the tensions between return to office policies and workforce demands for flexibility. They explore the importance of trust in professional relationships, the principles of trust, and how trust can be scaled within organizations. Building a culture of trust in the workplace requires both personal commitment from employees and organizational commitment to alleviate concerns, improve communication, and create a more conducive working environment. Listen to this discussion and you will be inspired to be a Workplace Innovator in your organization! Connect with Noelle on LinkedIn: https://

Jurors Antonia Cardone of Cushman & Wakefield and Carly Klaire of Acrylicize join Publisher Bob Fox for a conversation exploring the insights gained during Work Design Magazine’s “2023 Next Work Environment Competition”. Mike Petrusky hosted this live broadcast announcing the winners and asked the panel to share their perspective on the changing nature of the workplace, the importance of innovation, and the role of collaboration, flexibility, and wellness in the built environment. They discuss a shift in focus for the future workplace from productivity and utilization to collaboration, wellness, and human connectedness. As flexibility has become a top priority in the way we work, the panelists advise leaders to listen to their employees, provide spaces for creativity, and create inclusive work environments. Check out these audio highlights from the broadcast and then download the full reveal video announcing the winners and details about their innovative projects! Connect with Bob on LinkedIn: https://ww

Linda Foggie, AIA is Managing Director, Global Head of Real Estate Operations at Citi where she is known for her ability to build strong, high-performing company cultures with high levels of belonging and engagement globally across wide geographic regions. Mike Petrusky asks Linda to share her thoughts on employee experiences today and how leaders can integrate people and places by providing a holistic connectedness in the workplace. Mike and Linda discuss the importance of designing inclusive and sustainable workplaces and the role of real estate leaders in shaping the future of our organizations. They explore enhancing the workplace experience by focusing on creating well-designed, functional spaces that foster connections and productivity for different work styles and preferences. Linda believes that "fortune favors the bold” and that a more holistic approach to creating and managing workspaces will result in better experiences for our people and greater value for our companies. Enjoy this conversation tha

David Mirmelli, MBA, MCR is Global Head of Corporate Real Estate & Facilities at Fortinet where he is passionate about creating innovative international workplaces across continents and cultures, and Dr. Eldar Gizzatov is CEO & Co-founder at Basking.io, a workplace occupancy analytics company. Mike Petrusky asks David and Eldar to share their views on the future workplace and the power of data for facility management and real estate occupancy decision-making. They explore some of the technologies and tools available to help leaders deliver on the expectations of their employees as we try to balance the tension between flexibility and business outcomes. With a common interest in music, IFMA, and CoreNet, Mike and his guests discuss the importance of community and opportunity for workplace leaders to have an impact on the future of work. Check out this discussion to learn how you can be a Workplace Innovator in your organization! Connect with David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmirmelli/

Janet Pogue McLaurin, FAIA, FIIDA is Principal and Global Director of Workplace Research at Gensler where she is passionate about leading their Workplace Performance Index® (WPIx), which measures how people work, space effectiveness and workplace experience for clients. Mike Petrusky asks Janet to share stories from her 40-year journey in workplace strategy, research and design, with a focus on how the physical workplace can impact employee engagement and business performance. Mike and Janet celebrate their common communities at IFMA and Workplace Evolutionaries as they explore highlights of Gensler’s latest global workplace research showing that employers are providing choice in the workplace, but not the choice that workers say they need. They share how facility management leaders can create the environments where their workforce can thrive while offering inspiration to help you be a Workplace Innovator in your organization! Connect with Janet on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janet-pogue-mclaurin-f