Workplace Innovator Podcast | Enhancing Your Employee Experience

Joshua Berry is the Co-founder and Managing Director of Econic, an innovation, transformation, and strategy consulting company and the author of “Dare to Be Naive: Unleash Ripples of Impact in Life and Business”. Mike Petrusky asks Joshua about the world of work and the workplace while exploring how leaders can take informed, impactful action to be a force for good in light of rapidly changing workforce and consumer expectations. They discuss the paradoxes of the workplace and offer practical advice for facility management and corporate real estate professionals as they navigate the future of work. Mike and Joshua agree that creating an environment where our teams can thrive requires a holistic understanding the physical workplace, organizational policies and our beliefs about human behavior. Check out this conversation to learn more about how you can be a workplace innovator in your organization! Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshberrygphr/ Learn more about the book: https://jo

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

Jeremy Kopstein is Senior Manager, Gl obal Business Systems Management at Uber, Carole Hunter is Senior Director, Occupancy Management at CBRE and Emily (Neff) Botello is Managing Director, Americas Consulting at CBRE. In February 2023, Mike Petrusky hosted a live webinar called “Magnetizing the Workplace During Economic Uncertainty” where these panelists shared their insights about how workplace leaders are rebuilding human connections. They discuss how companies must learn how to navigate employees returning to the office amid economic uncertainty while exploring how businesses can better balance cost, space utilization, and employee engagement. They offer research referenced in CBRE’s Global Workplace & Occupancy Insights Report, CBRE’s RTO Checklist and Eptura’s 2023 Workplace Predictions Report. Check out these audio highlights from the broadcast and then download the full hour-long video with audience Q&A! Download CBRE’s Global Workplace & Occupancy Insights Report: https://www.cbre.com/ins

Mark Eltringham is an author, editor, journalist, speaker and Publisher at Workplace Insight, the UK's most widely read online source of ideas, news and information about the office design and management sector. Mike Petrusky welcomes Mark back to the show for the first time “post-pandemic” to take a nuanced look at the many challenges facing workplace leaders today. They explore hybrid working policies and discover the parallels between complex organizational decision-making and the Jeff Goldblum classic film “The Fly”. Mike and Mark share concerns about social media, artificial intelligence and younger generations as technology intersects with work and the workplace of the future. In the end, they deliver a hopeful message by offering inspiration through music and pop culture to enable you to be a Workplace Innovator in your organization! Connect with Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-eltringham-2071804/ Learn more about Mark’s publications: https://workplaceinsight.net/ Discover free resou

Erica Keswin is an Author, Speaker, Podcast Host and Workplace Strategist who is a trusted guide for companies around the world looking for ways to connect their teams, increase engagement, and create a human workplace. Recorded live in New York City, Mike Petrusky asks Erica to update the audience on the insights she will share in her forthcoming book, “The Retention Revolution: 7 Surprising (and Very Human!) Ways to Keep Employees Connected to Your Company”. Mike also describes some lessons learned during WORKTECH’s Financial Workplace Conference 2023 and asks Erica to share her perspectives on the challenges facing leaders today. Should policies be built using mandates for return to office, should we try to magnetize the workplace, or will success require a combination of both? Mike and Erica explore the role of facility management and other disciplines in the future of work and offer practical advice to help you be a workplace innovator in your organization! Connect with Erica on LinkedIn: https://www.lin

Melissa Fisher, PhD is a Visiting Scholar at New York University’s Institute for Public Knowledge, a Distinguished Principal Research Fellow at the Conference Board and an Adjunct Professor in International and Public Affairs at Columbia University. Mike Petrusky asks Melissa about her work as a cultural & business anthropologist and how she applies social science tools to business research and workplace strategy. They discuss the state of workplace culture today while exploring topics of interest around WORKTECH’s Financial Workplace New York Conference. Mike and Melissa have talked before about human-centric strategies in a hybrid world, so they take a deeper dive into navigating post-pandemic environments, human behaviors and the power of in-person connections and physical spaces. Find out how facility management and corporate real estate leaders can reimagine the future workplace and discover how you can be a workplace innovator in your organization! Connect with Melissa on LinkedIn: https://www.linke

Danielle Farage is Director of Growth & Marketing at Café and a LinkedIn Top Voice for Gen Z, Top 50 Future of Work Influencer & Speaker. Mike Petrusky asks Danielle about her experiences beginning a career during the pandemic and why she dreams of a world where everyone feels valued, supported and fulfilled in the workplace and beyond. They discuss the value of in-person human connections, reasons for the office and the importance of personalizing workplace experiences to meet the needs of individuals in the future of work. Mike and Danielle agree that purpose and intention should be a priority and they share stories, music and inspiration as they explore ways to leverage technology to bridge the gap between leaders and talent to create more inclusive, equitable and dynamic cultures. Connect with Danielle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-farage/ Visit Danielle’s website: https://daniellefarage.com/ Learn more about Café: https://at.cafe/ Discover free resources and explore past inter

Katja Behrschmidt is Owner of Behrschmidt Consulting where she is passionate about connecting people with the corporate workplace through digital experiences by implementing modern facility management technologies. Mike Petrusky asks Katja about our digital journey to create an outstanding employee experience in the modern workplace while balancing the needs of people with business outcomes. They discuss the evolution of the facility management profession, building technology tools and strategies for unlocking a better future for everyone. Mike and Katja explore how CRE leaders can create value with technology, virtual collaboration spaces and change management while providing inspiration to be a workplace innovator for your organization in 2023! Connect with Katja on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kbcon/ Learn more about Behrschmidt Consulting: https://behrschmidt.consulting/ Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://www.workplaceinnovator.com/ Learn more about Eptura™: https://e

Dr. Marie Puybaraud is Global Head of Research at JLL, Christa Dodoo, CFM, CIWFM, FMP, CMQ-OE is Workplace Change Manager at the UN WFP and Marc Weigum, MBA, MSRE is Director, Real Estate & Workplace Technology at Twilio. In January 2023, Mike Petrusky hosted a “Workplace Predictions Roundtable” where these panelists offered their insights and experiences related to the top five worktech trends to watch for the New Year and beyond. They questioned which hybrid policies will stick, asked what in-person policies need to be formalized and what is the new role of data in the built environment? They also explored the monumental shifts in how people work and how leaders can break down silos to create more unified experiences. Check out these audio highlights from the broadcast and then download the amazing full video with full coverage of the five predictions along with audience Q&A! Download the full 2023 Workplace Predictions Report from Eptura™: https://eptura.com/discover-more/resources/worktech-trends/

Kristina York is Principal and Workplace Alchemist at CREATE+CO where she is passionate about being an interior designer and workplace advocate for human-centric environments where all people can work smarter and thrive together. Mike Petrusky asks Kristina to share her experiences with clients as she seeks to meet the needs of people by understanding what they are going through so leaders can empower teams to meet their goals. They explore the importance of space, design and why people gather while recognizing that no one size fits all organizations. Kristina feels a responsibility to advocate for employees by sharing ideas and workplace strategies that will help leadership teams navigate the future of work. Mike and Kristina offer motivational quotes, music and LOTR references to inspire you to be a workplace innovator! Connect with Kristina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristina-york-2436387/ Learn more about CREATE+CO: https://www.createandcompany.com/ Discover free resources and explore past i

Tracy Brower, PhD is Vice President of Workplace Insights at Steelcase and the author of two books, “The Secrets to Happiness at Work” and “Bring Work to Life”. She is a sociologist studying work life fulfillment and happiness while writing as a contributor for Forbes.com and Fast Company. A frequent guest on the show, Mike Petrusky welcomes Tracy back to discuss the state of the workplace in 2023 and the most important areas that workplace leaders should be considering in the New Year. They explore the value of connections and community for human beings and take a journey through the research and personal experiences related to human thriving at work. Mike and Tracy offer practical advice and musical inspiration for facility management and corporate real estate leaders interested in creating great employee experiences for their organizations. Connect with Tracy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracybrowerphd/ Learn more about Steelcase: https://www.steelcase.com/ Find Tracy’s books and other resource

Emily Klein is a Workplace Strategist and member of the Center for the Transformation of Work while Meryl Rosenthal is CEO and Co-Founder of FlexPaths, LLC. In December 2022, Mike Petrusky hosted a live webinar called “Women and Workplace Challenges: Solving the Post-Pandemic Departure” where he and his guests discussed putting women on a path to success in the post-pandemic workplace world. Mike asks Emily and Meryl to draw on their years of industry experience to comment on the impact of corporate cultures, hybrid working uncertainties, and the lack of work-life balance for many women today. Check out these audio highlights from the broadcast and then download the full video with audience Q&A! Connect with Emily on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilyklein1/ Connect with Meryl on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/merylrosenthal/ Watch the full video with Mike, Emily and Meryl: https://lp.iofficecorp.com/challenges-facing-women-in-the-workplace Discover free resources and explore past intervi

Mark Catchlove is Director of the Global Insight Group at MillerKnoll where he is passionate about helping occupiers and designers create great places by sharing extensive and insightful research with the workplace and design community. Recorded live in London, Mike Petrusky asks Mark about our fundamental human need for belonging and how it should impact workplace strategies in 2023. They discuss “creating an office that is worth the commute” by prioritizing connectedness and wellness while balancing individual flexibility with community. Mark believes that some corporate leaders have made mistakes with restrictive hybrid workplace policies as they struggle to create policies that offer autonomy without leading to anarchy. Mike and Mark explore the value of gathering for deep collaboration, restoring weak ties and building social connections as we seek to create better workplace experiences for our teams. Check out this episode to discover how you can be a Workplace Innovator in your organization! Connect wi

Susan Clarke is Senior Manager of Building Operations Strategy at Autodesk where she is focused on supporting her team’s expansion into operations including the recently formed strategic alliance between Autodesk and Eptura. Recorded live in London, Mike Petrusky asks Susan about the “mega-trends” and technologies impacting the built environment as they explore opportunities for asset management leaders and make predictions for the industry in 2023. Susan sees the rise of IoT tools and data-driven insights, an increased volume of renovations in existing facilities and prioritization of energy management to achieve corporate ESG goals. Mike and Susan offer inspiration, music and stories about life in London as they encourage you on your journey to be an Asset Champion in the New Year! Connect with Susan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-clarke-79b3a225/ Explore the Autodesk website: https://www.autodesk.com/ Learn more about Eptura™: https://eptura.com/ Discover free resources and explore past int

Neil Usher is Chief Workplace & Change Strategist at GoSpace AI, the author of three books, and an internationally experienced senior property, workplace, facilities and change leader. Recorded live in London, Mike Petrusky asks Neil if there is evidence for the value of people being together and how workplace leaders can measure the contribution of the office. They explore the power of in-person gatherings, question whether the office is the right place for physical connection, and seek to find balance through nuanced discussion that avoids polarizing views. Mike last met with Neil four years ago in New York City during the promotion of “The Elemental Workplace” and he discovered “Elemental Change” during the early months of the pandemic. Now, they kick off another New Year embracing a “spirit of punk” by testing the concepts discussed before the pandemic, all while challenging listeners with ways of “fixing” work, the topic of Neil’s latest book. Check out this episode to discover how you can impact you

Caren Kenney, MS, PCC is CEO and Founder at Evolve Leadership where she is passionate about transforming executive development and wellbeing through innovative programs that reinforce physical wellbeing, mental and emotional resilience, and character-centered leadership. Mike Petrusky asks Caren about her work with the Human Performance Institute as part of the Johnson & Johnson Health and Wellness Solutions leadership team and how that experience can help workplace leaders today. They explore hybrid working strategies and challenges while offering ideas for leaders who must challenge their own biases and blind spots to succeed in the future of work. Check out this episode to discover inspiration for helping teams prioritize wellbeing through nuanced communication and experimentation in 2023. Connect with Caren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carenkenney/ Learn more about Evolve Leadership: https://evolveleadership.com/ Get the book “Leading with Character: 10 Minutes a Day to a Brilliant Legacy

Kristin M. Reed is a Senior Consultant at Veldhoen + Company and Stacy Larkin is Vice President, People & Employee Success at ActionIQ. In November 2022, Mike Petrusky hosted a live webinar called “Creating Strategies for a Better Workplace” where he and his guests discussed recent workplace changes in a post-pandemic era and how companies are learning to progress beyond short-term reactions and realize long-term adaptations. They explored shifts in culture, policy, and space design while mapping out strategies for the use of data, benchmarks, storytelling and change management in the future workplace. Mike asked Kristin and Stacy to share inspirational quotes and music that will help you embrace the new future of work and be a workplace innovator in your organization. Check out these audio highlights from the broadcast and then download the full video with audience Q&A! Connect with Kristin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinreed/ Connect with Stacy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/

Dr. Marie Puybaraud is Global Head of Research at JLL where she is passionate about helping corporate organizations shape the future of work while she also serves as a Trustee of the IFMA Foundation. Mike Petrusky asks Marie about the role of the facility manager in a world that is constantly changing and the emerging trends as the workforce operates both in the office and outside of the built environment. They explore hybrid working, the importance of wellbeing and how our reliance on workplace technology requires resilience planning. Mike and Marie reminisce about their time at IFMA’s World Workplace in Nashville and offer inspiration for industry leaders as they seek to create a more human-centric workplace while caring for their people and preparing for what comes next! Connect with Dr. Marie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariepuybaraud/ Learn more about JLL: https://www.us.jll.com/ Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://www.workplaceinnovator.com/ Learn more about Eptu

Marc Weigum is Director of Real Estate and Workplace Technology at Twilio where he is passionate about building a tech stack that helps teams to deliver an amazing employee experience for customers wherever their work is being done. Mike Petrusky asks Marc about his career journey and his perspectives on the trends, strategies and technologies available for workplace leaders today as they seek to meet the needs of their people. They discuss challenges when planning for the future around real estate decisions and workspace design while focusing on the opportunity to iterate and learn along the way. Marc offers practical advice for leaders using baseball as a source for inspiration and delivers encouragement for workplace innovators to “keep taking swings” as we head into 2023! Connect with Marc on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-weigum-758635107/ Learn more about Twilio: https://www.twilio.com/ Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://www.workplaceinnovator.com/ Connect with M

Phil Kirschner is a Workplace Strategy and Change Leader at McKinsey & Company where he applies his years of experience persuading complex networks of stakeholders to transform their operational processes and behaviors. Mike Petrusky asks Phil about his journey at Credit Suisse, JLL and WeWork and how those experiences helped him find his passion for workplace strategy and the future of work. They explore the challenges and opportunities for workplace leaders today as they seek to build a culture that recognizes the needs of employees while also delivering on the business outcomes organizations are seeking in 2022 and beyond. Mike and Phil have known each other for many years from afar, and share many industry connections in common, but they finally have a chance to chat in person on this exciting episode of the podcast! Connect with Phil on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philkirschner/ Download the McKinsey & Co Report on “The Great Attrition”: https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/peop