Workplace Innovator Podcast | Enhancing Your Employee Experience

Craig Wiseman is Senior Program Manager for Salesforce Sydney Tower where he is passionate about wellness, sustainability, corporate social responsibility and smooth project to operational transition. Mike Petrusky asks Craig about his experiences on this remarkable project, his career journey, and his perspectives about the future of work and the workplace. Craig shares his views on the role of offices and the confusion between collaboration and interaction as marked by society’s current focus on individuality instead of teamwork. While Mike and Craig agree about the value of flexibility and choice when scheduling where we work, they also see concerns about a potentially unhealthy loss of personal accountability in some organizations. They discuss the need to balance the two while emphasizing the role of leadership, equality and social agreements if we are to have success both as individuals and members of a team. Check out this episode for a challenging discussion that will encourage you to be a workplace i

Louise Watts is Co-Founder at HPC Global and Transition Hub where she is passionate about what can be achieved when we work collectively to transform the workforce of tomorrow. Recorded in Sydney, Australia, Mike Petrusky welcomes Louise back to the show to reconnect for the first time since just before the Covid-19 Pandemic changed our world (Ep. 98). Transition Hub brings people together to develop the skills, mindset and confidence needed to thrive in the new world of work which Mike and Louise agree is more relevant than ever. They explore the value of gathering and rethinking how the office may create better workplace leadership by connecting generations, sparking ideas and facilitating new ways of learning and working. Check out this episode for music and inspiration that will encourage you to be a workplace innovator in your organization! Connect with Louise on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisewattshpcglobal/ Learn more about HPC & Transition Hub: https://www.transitionhub.com/ Discover

Leonie M. Hicks is a Workplace Strategy & Change Consultant at Unispace where she is passionate about delivering human-centered change management, design and workplace experience strategies. Recorded in Melbourne, Australia, Mike Petrusky asks Leonie about her corporate real estate journey and the ways she helps organizations with innovative change and engagement strategies that bring out the best in their people. They explore the challenges faced by facility management and workplace leaders as they try to balance the needs of the workforce with required business outcomes and offer a strategy to co-create workplace guidelines with end users. Mike and Leonie discover they have a shared interest in science fiction, stoic philosophy and pop diva music that serves as inspiration while they deliver practical advice that will help you to be a workplace innovator in your organization! Connect with Leonie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonie-m-hicks/ Learn more about Unispace: https://www.unispace.com/

Philip Ross is a speaker, author, futurist, and advisor on the new world of work. He is the founder and CEO of both UnGroup (UnWork, WORKTECH & WORKTECH Academy) and Cordless Group where he is passionate about exploring the future workplace. Recorded in Melbourne, Australia, Mike Petrusky asks Philip about the role of the FM as we look toward a future of hybrid or virtual offices and whether it is time to rethink the very nature and design of the workplace. They explore topics addressed in Philip’s book “Unworking: The Reinvention of the Modern Office” and discuss how technology, human behavior and workplace strategy will intersect in the future of work. Mike and Philip discover a kinship through Australian music and seek to offer inspiration that will help you to be a workplace innovator in your organization! Connect with Philip on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cordless/ Learn more UnWork: https://www.unwork.com/ Get the book “Unworking: The Reinvention of the Modern Office”: https://www.amazon.

Stephen Ballesty is Director at In-Touch Advisory where he is passionate about delivering sustainable outcomes for his clients while ensuring adherence to good governance, standards, compliance, and continuous process improvements. Recorded live in Sydney, Australia, Mike Petrusky asks Stephen about his experience in asset management, facility management and his many contributions to the IFMA community. They explore the challenges facing the built environment, the value of the ISO 41000 series of standards and the future role of the FM, while offering guidance for leaders seeking to have a positive impact on ESG priorities. Tune in to hear stories about IFMA, a plan to elevate the global FM community and some inspiration that will encourage you on your journey to be an Asset Champion! Connect with Stephen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-ballesty-9649064/ Explore the In-Touch Advisory website: https://in-touchadvisory.com/ Learn more about Eptura™: https://eptura.com/ Discover more Asset Champ

Brendan Robinson is Director of Facilities and Operations for Corporate Real Estate at Under Armour where he is passionate about aligning the mission of his organization with facility management and global workplace trends. Recorded live at NFMT 2023 in Baltimore, Mike Petrusky asks Brendan to revisit some of the predictions he made in late 2019 on “Defining Your Workplace – A Vision for the Future”. What has changed in our post-pandemic world and how can you support your people in the new frontier of work and the workplace? Mike and Brendan discuss flexible workplaces, understanding data, delivering office amenities and creating a wonderful employee experience for today’s workforce. Check out this conversation to find insights and inspiration that will help you be a workplace innovator in your organization! Connect with Brendan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bjrobinson/ Learn more about Under Armour: https://www.underarmour.com/en-us/ Listen to Brendan's 2019 podcast presentation on “A Vision for t

Kelly Mackin is Co-Founder of Motives Met, the work wellbeing platform empowering people to create their best work life and workplace, and the author of the upcoming book, “Work Life, Well Lived”. Mike Petrusky asks Kelly about the challenges facing workplace leaders as they navigate the tension between meeting the needs of individuals, teams and the broader culture in our organizations today. The future workplace will require an emphasis on the wellbeing of the workforce and an understanding of the motives that drive each of us, so Kelly shares research and insights using THE MOTIVES CIRCUMPLEX™, a framework that offers insight into the 28 human needs driving wellbeing at work. Kelly believes that when you put motives at the heart of your team or organization, you create a culture where everyone is empowered, take’s responsibility, and is a change agent for a better collective workplace. Check out this conversation to learn more about how you can be a workplace innovator in your organization! Connect with Ke

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