Workplace Innovator Podcast | Enhancing Your Employee Experience

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

Sabrina Pagani is Principal and Interiors Practice Leader at AECOM where she is passionate about helping clients create impactful environments in which to live, learn, work, and play. Mike Petrusky asks Sabrina about the importance of trust and giving people freedom and clear objectives when creating thriving environments. They explore how facility management leaders must cut through the noise and focus on the essential aspects of human behavior and needs when designing spaces. Sabrina believes that the physical environment is crucial for human connection, but it must be integrated with policies, procedures, and behaviors to enhance its effectiveness. She shares how neuroscience and data are beginning to inform design practices, helping to understand how the environment affects human emotions and behaviors. In an AI-driven world, maintaining human skills such as critical thinking, trust, and care is essential for thriving, so Mike and Sabrina offer the encouragement and advice you need to be a Workplace Innov

Porschia Parker-Griffin, MS, PCC is Founder and CEO at Fly High Coaching where she is an organizational consultant, career services and strategy leader, and Host of the “Career 101 Podcast”. Mike Petrusky asks Porschia about how the physical workspace impacts company culture and employee engagement, while leading to collaboration, innovation and better business outcomes. They explore the marketplace today where organizational change, including reorganizations, mergers and acquisitions are all significant challenges for companies. Employee engagement is at its lowest point globally since the start of the pandemic, so leaders must bridge generational differences to deliver results while recognizing people want to feel valued and make a difference. Porschia believes that being innovative today involves continuous learning and adapting to new ideas, technologies, and insights to improve processes, so she and Mike encourage listeners to make incremental changes over time that can lead to better outcomes, as they i

Jess Baker is a Chartered Psychologist, Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society and Author of the book, “The Super-Helper Syndrome: A Survival Guide for Compassionate People” which is for anyone who wants to understand how helping works and to be better at it. Mike Petrusky asks Jess why she believes that empathy in the workplace is often misunderstood, and she shares the difference between cognitive empathy and emotional empathy. She explains that compassionate leadership involves both empathy and taking action to relieve the suffering of others, which leads to better team performance and a more inclusive environment. Jess says that change management in the workplace should involve asking employees about their needs and how they would design their workspaces to optimize their well-being and productivity, but advises we ask more questions since the first answer may not always reveal the true needs or feelings of individuals. Mike and Jess share inspiration and encouragement as you seek to be a W

Adam Stoltz is a corporate real estate and workplace leader with a focus on strategy, operations, and workplace experience and he is Cofounder at The Idea Kitchen, a shared workspace in the heart of Larchmont, NY. Mike Petrusky asks Adam about his career journey and his current focus on understanding the evolving workplace and how leaders can meet the needs of professionals today. They discuss how businesses must foster a culture of continuous improvement and adaptation while providing flexibility in their operations as they explore the challenges of delivering dynamic workspaces. Adam believes that empowering a diverse talent pool with different skill sets will be essential for the future of the built environment, so he suggests looking beyond traditional industry boundaries to find people that can drive innovation. Mike and Adam share stories from their community of FM and CRE leaders and offer some practical advice as they seek to inspire you to be a Workplace Innovator! Connect with Adam on LinkedIn: http

Silvija Martincevic is CEO of Deputy, a global workforce management platform, where she is passionate about creating a culture that expects high performance, but also one where high care and the importance of open and respectful communication is prioritized. Mike Petrusky asks Silvija about her years of experience building, growing and scaling global businesses, including Affirm and Groupon, and her current views of Gen Z and the expectations of frontline workers today. They explore flexibility as a strategy for long-term business success, improving employee sentiment, engagement, and retention. Silvija sees a significant generational shift in work preferences and believes that Gen Z workers prefer micro shifts (4 to 6 hours) for better work-life balance, making traditional 9-to-5 shifts less appealing. Technology and tools that promote recognition and communication can enhance the dignity and satisfaction of frontline workers. Mike and Silvija agree that the future of work requires innovative approaches to c

Kelly Duff is Employee Experience Manager at Sentinel Technologies where she is passionate about creating meaningful and engaging workplace experiences that foster growth, community, and purpose. Mike Petrusky asks Kelly for an update on her career journey and they explore how her role has expanded to include a variety of responsibilities such as building community, recognizing employees, and planning social events. Mike and Kelly agree that the pandemic dramatically changed the concept of workplace experience, shifting the focus from physical office amenities to remote and hybrid work models, while simultaneously making human connection and physical spaces essential. So Kelly shares strategies for identifying opportunities, addressing pain points and team-building activities that focus on employee well-being. The future of work is about adapting to change, staying curious, and being human-centered, so Mike and Kelly offer inspiration to help you be a Workplace Innovator in your organization! Connect with Kel

Jeff Frick is a podcast host and a media entrepreneur who is passionate about the future of work, leadership, and innovation. He is the host of two podcasts, Work 20XX and Turn the Lens, and he joins Mike Petrusky on this collaboration episode to share his current views on the workplace and the role of the built environment in the future of work. They explore how the physical office can serve as a place for meaningful interactions and experiences and discuss the role that technology can play in understanding space utilization and enhancing the experience of employees who come into the office. Jeff believes that leaders must shift their mindset from the workplace being where we are housing employees to creating an environment where they can deliver their best work and the office of the future will likely be more flexible, with a focus on hospitality and services. Collaboration and sharing of content across different platforms and communities can help in building a stronger, more engaged audience, so Mike and J

Lorri Rowlandson is Senior Vice President for Strategy & Innovation at BGIS in Toronto and Alana Dunoff, ProFM, FMP, IFMA Fellow is a Consultant and Adjunct Professor at Temple University in Philadelphia. They joined Mike Petrusky on stage in front of an audience of FM professionals at IFMA’s Facility Fusion in Austin, TX to record a live podcast called “Leading through Change and the Future of FM Innovation” where they discussed change management and the role of technology in the built environment. Mike asked his guests to share practical use cases as they focused on sharing specific ways that facility managers can have a significant impact on the health of human beings in the workplace. Innovation in FM should start with small, incremental changes, and the panel emphasized that technology, especially AI, should be used to enhance human potential rather than replace it. Lorri and Alana agreed that continuous learning and upskilling are essential for staying relevant in this rapidly changing industry, so

Kay Sargent is Senior Principal and Director of Thought Leadership for Interiors at HOK where she is a recognized expert on workplace design and strategy and author of the new book, “Designing Neuroinclusive Workplaces: Advancing Sensory Processing and Cognitive Well-Being in the Built Environment”. Mike Petrusky invites Kay back to the show for a milestone episode and an inspiring conversation about the importance of neuro-inclusive design in the workplace and the impact of the built environment on individuals. Kay believes that designing with intention and evidence-based methods is essential, so her book includes case studies and quotes from experts, providing a rich resource for those interested in neuro-inclusive design. Mike asks how technology can impact this topic and wonders about the role of facility management professionals as they collaborate with their partners to ensure that design decisions are not undermined by practical considerations. Kay shares that neuro-inclusive design is not just about a

Amanda Schneider, LEED AP, MBA is Founder & President at ThinkLab, a TedX Speaker, and Host of “Design Nerds Anonymous” podcast where she is passionate about sharing research and insights for the built environment. Mike Petrusky asks Amanda about the evolving role of the workplace, the importance of process innovation over product innovation, and the impact of generational changes in the world of work today. They explore the integration of human resources, workplace design, and technology, and the need for professionals to connect space to strategy, people to purpose, and data to decisions. Amanda believes that the built environment is no longer just a backdrop to work, but “it is the workplace experience” and she is excited about the possibilities for workplace leaders as research reveals that Gen Z thinks digital first and analog second, which impacts how they build relationships and engage with the workplace. Tune in as Mike and Amanda share stories from their podcasting experiences while they encourag

Pendrick Brown is Managing Director for EMEA and Principal at HLW where he is passionate about delivering architecture and design for commercial clients helping them create the spaces they need. Mike Petrusky asks Pendrick about the evolving workplace, design practices, and the role of technology in creating innovative and effective spaces. They discuss the top priorities for workplace leaders today and explore hybrid models and the importance of agile and flexible spaces. Pendrick believes that understanding the unique culture and ethos of each company is essential for creating a design that meets their specific needs and future goals. Human experience and behavior is crucial in workplace design, aiming to enhance collaboration, well-being, and serendipitous engagements, while technology, such as AI-infused booking systems and biometric data, can help optimize space usage and improve the employee experience. Tune in as Mike and Pendrick share practical insights and advice that will encourage and inspire you

John Mackay, CFM is Senior Director, Sales & Business Development and Lauren Ross, NCIDQ, LEED AP is CAFM Manager at Aleto, Inc. where they are passionate about aligning the performance of people, process, and technology in the built environment. Mike Petrusky asks John and Lauren about how they work with clients to align workplace strategies with the specific needs of an organization’s workforce and the role of technology in tracking space utilization and occupancy. They explore the value of data in making informed decisions about space management and utilization and agree there is a need for open communication and flexibility in adopting industry best practices tailored to specific client needs. Lauren shares the power of IWMS (Integrated Workplace Management Systems) in consolidating information and improving efficiency and John encourages facility managers to develop strong interpersonal skills to enable collaboration and project success. Tune in for the insights and inspiration that you need to be a

Ashleigh Fiora is Vice President and Head of Strategy & Sales at Striden where she creates customized solutions that redefine the workplace experience, fostering collaborative environments and bringing people back into the office to reconnect. Mike Petrusky asks Ashleigh about the newly branded facilities management division of 1Rivet called Striden, which provides outsourced hospitality and facilities services to enhance the workplace experience. They explore the importance of change management, employee engagement, and the integration of new technologies with a hospitality mindset to enhance employee satisfaction and collaboration. In-person connections are powerful in the workplace, so FM leaders must deliver clear communication, transparency, and executive buy-in to be effective. Mike and Ashleigh share their experiences with the IFMA community and inspire listeners to create partnerships to create environments where people can be productive and thrive, as they offer inspiration that will help you be

Lisa Mitchell-Kastner is Head of People & Culture and CHRO at ISS Americas where she is passionate about enhancing workplace culture, leveraging technology tools to create an engaging employee experience. Mike Petrusky asks Lisa about her career journey from operations into HR and she shares her perspectives on current workplace trends, including the evolving talent landscape in a post-Covid workplace where employees have expectations for flexible working arrangements and desire a strong alignment with the company's purpose and values. Lisa believes that multigenerational workforces and diverse teams necessitate the creation of inclusive environments that foster open communication and value diverse perspectives, so she promotes the power of storytelling and the development of a strong employee value proposition to attract and retain talent. Mike and Lisa agree that delivering workplace technologies that match the frictionless and intuitive experiences in our personal lives is essential, so they offer prac

Tica Masuku is a Human Geographer and the Global Workplace Strategy Director at Spaceful where she is passionate about understanding the interrelatedness of the environment and the human condition. Mike Petrusky asks Tica to share insights from her training in human geography and her experiences helping clients manage their workplaces. They explore the trends and challenges in corporate real estate and facility management, the importance of understanding the interplay between people and place, and the impact of the digital age on our workplace experiences. Tica believes that the physical environment can influence behaviors, emotions, and productivity, so FM and CRE leaders must use storytelling to help people appreciate the value of design strategy and the power of place. Mike and Tica share stories about Australia, music, and their community of professionals, as they offer the inspiration you need to be a Workplace Innovator! Connect with Tica on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ticamasuku/ Learn more a

Christine Mueller is Vice President and Director of Office Services Operations & Engineering at Capital Group where she is passionate about creating excellence through coaching, strong relationships, and inspiring others to achieve their most challenging goals. Mike Petrusky asks Christine about her career journey and how she currently views the role of facility management, the evolution of the built environment and moving from traditional FM to a focus on workplace experience. They explore the challenges of talent acquisition in the industry, the impact of technology, and the importance of active listening in facility management. Christine believes that AI and other technologies will allow enable FM professionals to better support the workplace while creating seamless user experiences. In a fast-changing work environment, Mike and Christine offer practical advice and inspiration to help you be a Workplace Innovator in your organization! Connect with Christine on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chri

David Dewane is Chief Experience Officer for Physical Space at Geniant where he is passionate about exploring the intersection of space, people and technology in the workplace. Mike Petrusky asks David about understanding the needs and experiences of employees, the evolution of workplace design, and the role of technology in creating more effective and engaging work environments. David says that by understanding the reality of the experience your teams are having and getting real intelligence through research, FM and CRE leaders can evolve their approach to workplace design, rather than reverting to outdated models. Mike and David discuss helping people move from a defensive mindset to a discovery mindset so they can foster innovation and adapt to changing workplace strategies. David also makes a distinction between functional and performative spaces, with the latter being more effective in enhancing productivity and well-being, so he encourages listeners to focus on making people happier while offering the i

Jamie Woolf is Co-Founder and CEO of Creativity Partners, a renowned innovation cultivator, speaker, and the first Director of Culture at Pixar Animation Studios where she has inspired thousands worldwide to embrace innovation as a catalyst for personal and organizational transformation. Mike Petrusky asks Jamie about her time at Pixar and they explore how physical environments and organizational culture can facilitate or hinder creative thinking and collaboration. Jamie believes that infusing play and creativity into the workplace can enhance problem-solving and overall well-being as we move away from a strict focus on efficiency and profitability. Good ideas can come from anyone, regardless of their position in the organization, and leaders should be curious and open to all ideas. Mike and Jamie discuss how the physical work environment can facilitate casual collisions and interactions between different departments to foster creativity and they offer the inspiration you need to be a Workplace Innovator in y

Todd Davis is a Senior Consultant and Thought Leader, the former Chief People Officer at FranklinCovey, and author of the book “Get Better: 15 Proven Practices to Build Effective Relationships at Work”. Mike Petrusky asks Todd about the importance of understanding employees, creating engaging work environments, and the principles of effective leadership as outlined in the book "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People". Todd emphasizes how leadership involves understanding employees and their needs and the timeless principles that Dr. Stephen Covey explored continue to be relevant in today's changing workplace environment. The physical workplace plays a critical role for employee engagement and productivity, so facility managers can lead their teams and leverage their understanding of change management to create great experiences in our built environment. Mike and Todd explore building effective relationships in the workplace and they offer practical advice to help you be a Workplace Innovator in your organiza