Connected FM

In this episode, Edward Wagoner sits down with Joe Scanlin to explore the foundational role of flooring sensors in the rapidly evolving world of Proptech. Scanlin explains how his background in neuroscience led to the creation of building "brains" that use surface-level data to solve complex challenges like HVAC modulation and unauthorized "tailgating" at security points. The discussion highlights the immediate return on investment found in energy reduction and the long-term value of post-occupancy data for creating neurodiverse and highly utilized workspaces. Listeners will learn how this Department of Energy-backed technology maintains strict data privacy while providing the high-resolution insights necessary to manage modern facilities as dynamic, responsive environments.  This episode is sponsored by TMA Systems! Discover more at https://www.tmasystems.com/ifmapodcast Time Stamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:58 - Defining Proptech Beyond the Buzzwords 03:12 - Top Challenges for Modern Facility Leaders 03:34 - ROI Through Energy Management and Occupant Comfort 04:46 - The Building Knows: Space Utilization Optimization 05:37 - The Science of Floor Sensors: Neuroscience to Smart Surfaces 06:55 - Beyond Movement: Detecting Leaks and Structural Issues 07:58 - Real World Application: HVAC Control and Energy Efficiency 09:23 - Streamlining Maintenance with Smart Data 09:59 - Case Study 11:13 - Augmenting the Facility Manager’s Role 12:56 - Safety, Senior Living, and Neurodiversity in Design 14:10 - Implementation Hurdles: Network Coordination and Integration 15:55 - Data Privacy: Preservation and Encryption Standards 17:11 - Future Outlook: The Next Decade of Smart Buildings    Connect with Us:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifmaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFacilityManagementAssociation/Twitter: https://twitter.com/IFMAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifma_hq/YouTube: https://youtube.com/ifmaglobalVisit us at https://ifma.org

In today's episode, Eric Dillinger, Vice President of Strategic Consulting at Woolpert and current Convenor for the ISO/TC 267 working group, sits down with industry leaders Skip Vaughn, Assistant Vice President of Facilities Management at American University and member of the U.S. Technical Advisory Group for ISO/TC 267, and Mike Tasker, the Director of Aviation Maintenance for the Port of Seattle , who brings over 30 years of expertise spanning Navy nuclear power to airport infrastructure. Together, they explore the critical alignment between facilities management and the "Demand Organization." They dive into the challenges of defining "uptime," aligning facility management performance metrics with your facility's mission , and how FMs can better justify resources and demonstrate true strategic value. This episode is sponsored by TMA Systems! Discover more at https://www.tmasystems.com/ifmapodcast Time Stamps:  00:00 – Introductions: Meet the Experts  02:25 – What is the "Demand Organization"?  03:08 – Aligning FM Strategy to Laboratory & Academic Missions  04:30 – Managing Diverse Demands at International Airports  06:55 – Metrics That Matter: Moving Beyond Raw Data to "Smiley Faces"  09:20 – The Strategic Value of First Impressions in Higher Education  11:00 – Measuring Value: Economic, Social, and Environmental Lenses  14:30 – The "Clean Buildings" Initiative & Maintenance Realities  16:45 – The Dangers of "Gun Decking": Why Honest Data Drives Resources  18:50 – Begin with the "Why": Connecting FM to Mission Success  21:00 – Quantifying Mission Impact: Lessons from World-Class Research  23:15 – Closing Thoughts: Elevating FM as a Strategic Partner Connect with Us:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifmaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFacilityManagementAssociation/Twitter: https://twitter.com/IFMAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifma_hq/YouTube: https://youtube.com/ifmaglobalVisit us at https://ifma.org

What does it take to turn a scholarship into a lifelong career? In this episode of Connected FM, host Angela Johnson Culver sits down with Alana Dunoff, Dipin Kasana, and Mahnaz Ensafi — three former scholarship recipients who have risen to leadership roles within the facility management (FM) world. In this conversation, you’ll hear about: The "Golden Ticket" Moment: How winning a scholarship opened doors to the IFMA community and provided the confidence to pursue a then-unknown profession. Theory vs. Practice: Why attending events like World Workplace is essential for new facility professionals. The Power of Mentorship: Personal stories of how industry veterans provide the wisdom and guidance needed to navigate a rapidly evolving field. Paying it Forward: How today’s leaders are volunteering and mentoring the next generation of FM professionals, particularly international students. Whether you are a student looking to apply for a scholarship or a seasoned professional interested in the future of the industry, this episode highlights the lasting ripple effect of a single opportunity. This episode is sponsored by TMA Systems! Discover more at https://www.tmasystems.com/ifmapodcast Connect with Us:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifmaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFacilityManagementAssociation/Twitter: https://twitter.com/IFMAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifma_hq/YouTube: https://youtube.com/ifmaglobalVisit us at https://ifma.org

What happens to your office furniture when it's no longer needed? In this episode, IFMA Global Influencer Michael Amos reveals the staggering reality that 99% of corporate furniture ends up in waste streams, even when it still has significant life left. Michael shares the inspiring journey of Waste to Wonder Worldwide, a hybrid social enterprise that has equipped over 1,500 schools across 50 countries by ethically redistributing corporate assets. We dive into the Circular Economy, and discuss how facilities managers can lead their organizations toward net-zero targets by prioritizing reuse. Whether you are a business leader, an FM professional or a student, this conversation will change how you view the "trash" you may be sitting on right now. This episode is sponsored by TMA Systems! Discover more at https://www.tmasystems.com/ifmapodcast Time Stamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:17 Introducing Today's Guest: Michael Amos 02:19 Michael Amos on Ethical Reuse and Social Impact 04:44 Challenges and Solutions in Corporate Asset Reuse 06:33 Global Partnerships and Success Stories 08:04 The Value of Ethical Disposal 18:07 Reporting and Measuring ESG Impact 28:23 Inspiring Stories and Personal Influences 33:19 Conclusion and Call to Action Connect with Us:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifmaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFacilityManagementAssociation/Twitter: https://twitter.com/IFMAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifma_hq/YouTube: https://youtube.com/ifmaglobalVisit us at https://ifma.org

What does the future of facility management look like in the Asia Pacific region? In this episode, Kenneth Foo sits down with Michael Ng, Don Tze, and Dora Yim to explore how FM is evolving across Singapore and Hong Kong, from government-led digital pushes to the integration of high-level sustainability.  They examine how multinational corporations are utilizing ESG reporting and "well certificates" to drive sustainability, as well as the critical role of change management in helping frontline workers embrace new technological tools. This episode is sponsored by TMA Systems! Discover more at https://www.tmasystems.com/ifmapodcast Time Stamps: 00:00 Introduction to Facility Management 01:00 Exploring FM in Asia Pacific 02:38 FM in Singapore: Technology and Transformation 04:11 FM in Hong Kong: Embracing Technology 06:11 The Role of ESG and Sustainability 09:10 Challenges and Opportunities in FM 17:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Connect with Us:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifmaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFacilityManagementAssociation/Twitter: https://twitter.com/IFMAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifma_hq/YouTube: https://youtube.com/ifmaglobalVisit us at https://ifma.org

As experienced facility professionals retire and workforce demographics shift, the FM industry is approaching what many are calling a demographic cliff. In today's episode, host Wayne Whitzell is joined by researcher and associate professor Dr. Jake Smithwick to break down the data behind shrinking labor pools, rising safety risks and productivity challenges, and why so many new technicians are entering the field without hands-on experience. They explore the growing gap between generational work expectations, the critical role mentorship plays in knowledge transfer and retention, and how AI can act as a powerful support tool. Time Stamps:00:00 Introduction01:37 Meet Dr. Jake Smithwick01:56 Jake's Background and Experience03:46 The Role of IFMA in Jake's Career07:23 The Impact of Demographic Shifts12:06 COVID-19 and Workforce Changes17:48 Generational Differences in the Workforce21:16 Building Relationships with Experienced Colleagues21:36 The Urgency of Knowledge Transfer in FM22:18 IFMA's Facility Fusion Conference22:58 Opportunities for Young Professionals23:14 The Role of Authenticity in the Workplace26:32 The Impact of AI on Mentoring and Workforce27:21 Augmented Intelligence: A New Perspective on AI29:26 The Future of AI in the Workforce30:43 Mentoring: A Key to Job Satisfaction36:21 IFMA's Research and Data Collection40:13 Closing Thoughts and Future OutlookResources mentioned:Interested in having Jake speak at your next component meeting? Contact him at jake.smithwick@charlotte.eduFMJ article "Building Better Leaders in FM" https://fmj.ifma.org/building-better-leaders-in-fm Connect with Us:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifmaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFacilityManagementAssociation/Twitter: https://twitter.com/IFMAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifma_hq/YouTube: https://youtube.com/ifmaglobalVisit us at https://ifma.org

What does the future of facility management look like in Africa?In this episode, Lara Paemen, Managing Director of IFMA EMEA, sits down with Sheriff Daramola, President of the IFMA Nigeria chapter, and Sampson Opare-Agyemang, President of the IFMA Ghana chapter. Together, they explore how FM is evolving across West Africa, from growing professional awareness and skills development to pressing challenges around energy, sustainability and infrastructure. The conversation highlights why Africa represents a major opportunity for FM professionals, organizations and investors alike. 00:00 Introduction 00:52 Exploring FM Trends in Africa01:35 Meet the Experts: Sheriff Daramola and Sampson Opare-Agyemang03:13 FM in Ghana: Progress and Challenges04:12 FM in Nigeria: Growth and Opportunities04:46 Comparing FM in West Africa07:43 Client Awareness and Appreciation of FM12:02 Opportunities and Challenges in FM Across Africa14:12 Energy Management and Sustainability in FM17:53 Future of FM in Africa20:46 Final Thoughts and Messages to the Global FM Community22:00 Closing Remarks and Call to Action Connect with Us:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifmaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFacilityManagementAssociation/Twitter: https://twitter.com/IFMAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifma_hq/YouTube: https://youtube.com/ifmaglobalVisit us at https://ifma.org

In this episode, host Edward Wagoner speaks with Claire Coder, founder of Aunt Flow, IFMA Global Influencer, and Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, about why accessible period care should be treated as a basic workplace necessity. They discuss how providing period products alongside other restroom essentials can improve employee experience, productivity, and safety, reduce plumbing and maintenance costs and support more inclusive, human-centered facility design across workplaces, schools and public spaces worldwide. 00:00 Introduction00:52 Interview with Claire Coder, Aunt Flow Founder02:26 Claire Coder's Journey and Vision03:03 The Importance of Talking About Menstruation06:32 Aunt Flow's Impact and Cost Benefits14:38 Advocating for Change in Period Care19:36 Global Policy Changes and Expansion24:03 Addressing Concerns and Overuse28:35 Rapid Fire Questions with Claire Coder34:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Connect with Us:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifmaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFacilityManagementAssociation/Twitter: https://twitter.com/IFMAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifma_hq/YouTube: https://youtube.com/ifmaglobalVisit us at https://ifma.org

What if facility maintenance didn’t just react to problems, but predicted them before they happened?In today’s episode, host Yonatan Rouache joins his colleagues from Office Space, Andres Avalos and Steph Austin, to explore how facility teams are moving from preventative to predictive maintenance using AI and integrated data. They break down why digitizing data matters, how connected systems can reduce costs and improve efficiency, and what AI-powered tools could mean for the future of maintenance in facility management.00:29 Introduction00:55 Exploring Predictive Maintenance01:36 Panelist Introductions03:39 Preventative vs Predictive Maintenance06:10 Digitizing Maintenance Data08:43 The Future of Predictive Analytics14:12 Self-Optimization in Facility Management20:35 Closing Thoughts and TakeawaysResources Mentioned:OfficeSpace Software Connect with Us:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifmaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFacilityManagementAssociation/Twitter: https://twitter.com/IFMAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifma_hq/YouTube: https://youtube.com/ifmaglobalVisit us at https://ifma.org

In this episode of the Connected FM podcast, host Wayne Whitzell, second vice chair of IFMA's Global Board of Directors, speaks with Richard Peterson Senior Director of IFM at Cushman and Wakefield. They discuss how IFMA's educational opportunities, chapter meetings, networking, and credentialing,  have significantly advanced their careers. They recount their journey through the CFM exam and the benefits of community and mentorship within IFMA. They also touch on the challenges and rewards of leading a global team in IFM and the value of mentorship programs.00:00 Introduction01:31 Meet Richard Peterson02:15 The Journey to CFM Certification04:22 Impact of IFMA Credentials on Career05:48 Leadership and Mentorship in IFMA09:16 Global Facility Management Challenges14:35 The Fun Side of FM: Star Wars and More16:03 Final Thoughts Connect with Us:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifmaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFacilityManagementAssociation/Twitter: https://twitter.com/IFMAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifma_hq/YouTube: https://youtube.com/ifmaglobalVisit us at https://ifma.org