Workplace Innovator Podcast | Enhancing Your Employee Experience

Martha Lawrence is Executive Editor at Blanchard and author of the book, “Catch People Doing Things Right: How Ken Blanchard Changed the Way the World Leads” in which she paints an intimate portrait of the man behind “The One Minute Manager” and dozens of other influential books. Mike Petrusky asks Martha about Ken Blanchard's leadership philosophy which emphasizes working with people rather than controlling them and they discuss how catching people doing things right can significantly boost energy levels and morale. Martha says that leadership is not just about formal positions, but she believes anyone can be a leader by influencing others, so our focus should be on empowering people and fostering a positive environment. Innovation often requires collaboration and overcoming the natural tendency to focus on mistakes, but effective change management involves addressing people's concerns about information, personal impact, and implementation. Mike and Martha discuss Ken’s influence and his work as they offer t

Larry Allen Morgan, CFM, SFP, FMP is Senior Facilities Manager and Environmental Management System SME at SAP where he is focused on results driven leadership within the corporate & commercial real estate facilities management industry. Mike Petrusky asks Larry why he believes that FM is “not what we do, but why and how we deliver the value” and they explore historical industry shifts, post-COVID impacts, and transformation of the built environment. Larry says that FM professionals must move beyond surface-level discussions and align with the broader strategic goals of the organization, focused on having a horizontal impact, not a vertical one, to better align with cross-functional needs. Traditional financial metrics are necessary but insufficient, so facility managers need to measure the success of their efforts in terms of impactful outcomes and employee experience. Mike and Larry agree that professionals must continuously upskill and expand their networks to stay relevant, so they recommend IFMA conne

Jitske Kramer is a corporate anthropologist, an inspiring speaker, entrepreneur founder of HumanDimensions, and author of the book, “Tricky Times: Navigating The Messy Middle of Change” in which she deciphers the complexities of transition and transformation. Mike Petrusky asks Jitske about the concept of liminality, which refers to the transitional phase during change, where old ways no longer apply, but the new ways are not yet clear. This phase is characterized by uncertainty, anxiety, and the potential for creative solutions, so they discuss how cultures are created through the processes of interaction and decision-making and explore why understanding these processes can help leaders influence and guide cultural shifts within organizations. Jitske believes that the physical layout of workplaces and environments reflects the cultural narrative and values of an organization and facility management leaders can influence that narrative by rearranging the physical world. Mike and Jitske discuss the value of ef

Pallavi Shrivastava, MRICS, LEED AP is Principal and Global Head for Workplace Strategy at Arcadis where she is passionate about cultivating business intelligence, strategy and pushing growth for the world's leading company delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets. Mike Petrusky asks Pallavi about her role as a workplace strategist navigating the hybrid work environment, understanding user needs, and finding the best solutions that align with an organization's vision and the workforce's preferences. They explore innovation in the workplace and how simplifying things for human beings, making the environment conducive to collaboration and creativity, is essential today. Pallavi believes there is a need for a holistic approach to workplace strategy, involving leaders, team members, and the broader workforce to gather deep insights and co-create solutions while she emphasizes the need for empathy and an open-minded, agile mindset when seeking to solve prob

Hayley Blunden, PhD is an Assistant Professor of Management at the Kogod School of Business at American University where she focuses on researching how leaders can make challenging workplace interactions more productive. Mike Petrusky asks Professor Blunden about the new world of work and the workplace and why she believes that human interactions are at the core of organizational success. They explore how managers should take the time to reflect on how their decisions impact workplace dynamics and personal interactions, and why delegation should be carefully managed to empower subordinates rather than burden them. Asynchronous voice communication is an innovative way to enhance perceptions of competence and likability in the workplace and asking for advice rather than feedback can lead to more specific and actionable developmental information. Mike and Professor Blunden agree that leaders must think differently in today’s built environment and they share the inspiration and the practical advice you will need

Rene van Camp is Chief Hospitality Officer at ISS North America, the global facility management company, and Principal of Guckenheimer, its culinary brand where he is a senior leader in luxury and lifestyle hospitality and workplace experience management. Mike Petrusky asks Rene about the role of hospitality in the workplace today and why he believes that developing a culture of service where everyone focuses on the customer first is essential for organizations. They explore the ISS way of hospitality which involves setting clear expectations, providing the necessary tools, continuous training, and strong quality assurance programs. Rene says that community building is a top priority as workplace leaders seek to magnetize the office, and this can be achieved through a thoughtful and orchestrated approach to customer service. Mike and Rene agree that the FM industry is evolving, and professionals can maximize their value by fostering a culture of service and enhancing the employee experience, so they share the

Dr. Ja-Nae Duane is a behavioral scientist, entrepreneur, award-winning innovator and author of the new book, “SuperShifts: Transforming How We Live, Learn, and Work in the Age of Intelligence”. Mike Petrusky asks Ja-Nae about the book in which she and her co-author, futurist Steve Fisher, deliver an incisive overview of how we are at the end of one 200-year arc and embarking on another. Mike and Ja-Nae discuss the new age of intelligence and the various catalysts for change currently affecting individuals, businesses, and society. They explore specific areas impacting our workplaces and built environment which are evolving from centralized, industrial models to more flexible, intelligent ecosystems, driven by AI and technological advancements. Ja-Nae says the lines between physical and digital realities are blurring, leading to the concept of "reality remix" where buildings can become cognitive ecosystems with digital twins and AI-assisted amenities, but human connection remains vital for our mental health a

David Yeager, PhD, is a professor of psychology at the University of Texas at Austin and the co-founder of the Texas Behavioral Science and Policy Institute. Mike Petrusky asks David about his closing keynote address during IFMA’s Facility Fusion 2025 where he inspired facility management leaders to have a growth mindset as they care for the people in the built environment. They explore how the best managers of high-performing teams are those who maintain high standards while also being supportive as they create a mentor mindset. David shares the research behind his new book, “10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People: A Groundbreaking Approach to Leading the Next Generation—And Making Your Own Life Easier” and offers practical advice for workplace leaders of all kinds. Mike and David discuss leadership, communication and fostering better relationships with team members as they offer insight and inspiration you need to be a Workplace Innovator today! Connect with David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin

Amanda Muzzarelli is a Director at Trascent where she is a Global Real Estate & Facilities Executive and an AI Enthusiast empowering innovation in complex enterprises. Mike Petrusky asks Amanda about her focus on the importance of interpreting the less visible aspects of workplace strategy, such as trust, meaning, and community while they explore the concept of "invisible architecture" in workplace design, which influences psychological safety, culture, and belonging. Amanda believes that the value of facility management as a field is highlighted by the fact that it is an industry where strategic generalists can thrive, balancing operational and visionary roles. She shares the potential of AI to enhance workplace environments by making buildings smarter and more responsive to human needs, while warning about the risk of automating dysfunctional processes without addressing the underlying issues. Mike and Amanda agree that communication in workplace management is essential, and they encourage attendance at

Richard Peterson, CFM, FMP, SFP is Director of IFM at ABM Industries Supporting Waymo where he is responsible for overseeing facility management operations and is passionate about driving operational excellence, safety, and innovation. He also serves as Vice President of the IFMA Silicon Valley Chapter and Secretary for IFMA’s Corporate Facilities Council with a mission is to assist FMs in navigating their career journey using leadership skills training, peer mentoring, and specialized education. Mike Petrusky asks Richard about his experiences in the profession and why he believes that knowing one's strengths and attributes is essential for success in facility management. Being a workplace leader in FM today involves a balance between the technical aspects of the job and the human element of creating spaces that foster innovation and productivity. Richard brings his personal passion for leadership development and community engagement to his career, which has resulted in his attaining IFMA credentials that ha

Philip Ross is Founder and CEO of UnGroup where he is an author, advisor, speaker, futurist and commentator on the new world of work. Mike Petrusky asks Philip about the upcoming WORKTECH New York conference and why embracing technology and continuous innovation is essential for workplace leaders who want to stay ahead in our rapidly evolving industry. AI is becoming a conversational technology that will significantly impact workplace dynamics, while data is being gathered so workplace experiences can be measured and optimized to remove friction and create memorable moments. Philip says that the post-COVID workplace is seeing a trend towards "espresso offices" where spaces are more compact and utilized more intensely and he believes that the intersection of music, art, and workplace design offers a rich analogy for diverse and innovative approaches to work. Philip and Mike remember their time together in Melbourne, Australia as they offer you the inspiration and advice you’ll need to be a Workplace Innovator!

Barry Conchie is an executive leadership advisor and co-author of the book "The Five Talents That Really Matter: How Great Leaders Drive Extraordinary Performance" which demystifies the aura and complexity surrounding high performing leaders through original research and interviews with high-performing global leaders. Mike Petrusky asks Barry about how his book can help facility management and workplace leaders identify specific talents that are most predictive of superior leadership performance, providing a scientific basis for leadership development. They explore how many selection systems fail to place people in roles that best fit their strengths, leading to dissatisfaction and underperformance, therefore leadership development should focus on identifying and enhancing individuals' strengths rather than trying to improve weaknesses. Barry believes that innovation in the workplace should not only focus on products and processes but also on people development, so he and Mike offer the inspiration and advice

Kyle de Bruin is Managing Director at Leesman where he is passionate about measuring and analyzing the experiences of employees in their places of work. Mike Petrusky asks Kyle about how high-performance offices deliver a great employee experience and they review lessons learned from the past five years of workplace change. The lack of variety in office design is a significant challenge, as employees are staying at their desks due to the increased use of video calls and the need for private conversations. Kyle believes that the facility management and corporate real estate industry is data-rich but insights-poor, so he hopes AI advancements can help organize and analyze unstructured data. The value of real estate assets should not solely be measured by occupancy rates and workplace leaders need to focus on creating spaces where employees can focus and be productive, so Mike and Kyle offer the advice and inspiration you need to be a Workplace Innovator! Take the Eptura™ Podcast Survey: https://forms.office.com

Michael Amos is Managing Director at Waste to Wonder Worldwide where he is passionate about managing office clearances that empower disadvantaged communities. Mike Petrusky asks Michael about his recent learning lab presentations during IFMA’s Facility Fusion where he shared that organizations should consider social enterprises when making procurement decisions to maximize social impact. The ethical reuse of office equipment can have a profound generational impact on disadvantaged communities and sustainability in the workplace is a core competency for facility management professionals, so this approach can enhance the ROI of your commercial spend by delivering positive social outcomes. Mike and Michael discuss the concept of a "spherical economy" which emphasizes the holistic view of the lifecycle of materials and products as the offer the inspiration you need to be a Workplace Innovator in your organization! Take the Eptura™ Podcast Survey: https://forms.office.com/r/jY577CbNcx Connect with Michael on Linke

Lily Pritchett is Regional Sales Manager at Humanscale and Past President of the IFMA Houston Chapter where she is passionate about consulting with organizations to create experiences that spur creativity and drive innovation with purposeful space design. Mike Petrusky asks Lily about their time together at IFMA’s Facility Fusion conference in Austin where industry partners and FM professionals connected to focus on leadership and caring for the built environment. There is a significant shift in corporate real estate towards flexible spaces, reflecting changes in how people use offices, so the role of facility managers is expanding, requiring a more holistic approach to ergonomics and accessibility. Lily believes that mentoring the next generation of FMs should be a priority for the industry, sustainability is critical, and technology should be leveraged to understand space and align with our goals for the future workplace, so Mike and Lily share practical advice and the inspiration that you will need to be a

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