Lorri Rowlandson, head of strategy and innovation at BGIS, outlines a three-layer approach to AI integration: individual level desktop AI for job reengineering, operational level AI for enhancing internal efficiencies and client value-driven AI for service improvement. She emphasizes the importance of practical innovation, responsible AI use, employee engagement and continuous learning. 

This episode is sponsored by Envoy.

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Facility managers play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of their buildings, occupants, and operations. In this episode, Brent Ward, owner of Left Coast Facilities Consulting, and Ray Bizal, Director of Regional Operations for NFPA, dive into the impact of NFPA standards on facility management. They explore essential fire, electrical, and life safety codes, along with standards for wildfire and active shooter preparedness. The discussion highlights key updates, including the mandatory inspection practices introduced in the 2023 edition of NFPA 70B, emphasizing the need for compliance to protect business continuity and brand reputation.

This episode is sponsored by Envoy.

Resources from the episode:

• NFPA's website

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En este episodio de Connected FM, las anfitrionas Norma Pleitez, Vicepresidenta de IFMA México, y Rebeca Arguedas, CEO de UNRF Facility Services, discuten el progreso y los retos a los que se han enfrentado las mujeres en la industria del Facility Management en los últimos 20 años. Exploran el cambio de roles administrativos a puestos técnicos, la importancia de la tutoría y las certificaciones, y las dificultades de equilibrar la vida personal y profesional. También destacan los resultados de un estudio de investigación de la IFMA sobre las tasas de retención en varios niveles profesionales dentro del sector. Subrayan la necesidad del desarrollo profesional, el apoyo de la comunidad y el papel de la tutoría en el fomento de futuras mujeres líderes en Facility Management.

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In this episode, Kelsey Hirsch, VP in Workplace Solutions at Sodexo, interviews Teena Shouse, past chairman of the IFMA Board of Directors, on the importance and impact of women in facilities management (FM). They discuss Teena's journey into FM, her strategic approach to career planning, and the importance of mentorship and inspiration. The conversation highlights the progress of gender diversity within IFMA's leadership and underscores the value of diverse experiences. Teena shares her personal strategies for achieving career goals and mentoring others, emphasizing the need to balance professional aspirations with personal well-being. 

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In this episode, Christa Dodoo, the First Vice-Chair of IFMA, sits down with Sampson Opare-Agyemang, the President of IFMA Ghana, about the chapter’s 13-14 year journey in advancing facilities management across Africa. They also discuss how education has been pivotal in shifting mindsets, the value of credentials like the FMP, and the adoption of renewable energy and lifecycle costing practices. They also talk about essential FM skills, partnerships with government bodies and associations, and future goals like expanding university programs and developing more local trainings.

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Today Mike Petrusky, the host of the “Workplace Innovator Podcast” & “Asset Champion Podcast”, talks with Rhonda Small, the Director of RSP i_SPACE, about the importance of digitization, data governance, and digital twin technology. When it comes to implementing these technologies, they discuss starting small and being realistic about staffing and budgeting. they also discuss the significance of standardizing data and properly using AI to improve operations.  

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• Visit us at https://ifma.org

In this episode of Connected FM, Lara Paemen, Managing Director of IFMA EMEA, explores five key trends shaping the future of facility management in the EMEA region, which includes Europe, Middle East, and Africa. These trends are sustainability and green facilities, the rise of digital twins and technology integration, prioritizing health and well-being, hybrid work environments and flexible spaces, and data-driven decision making. She delves into how these trends are influencing facility management practices across different regions and highlights the importance of staying ahead to add value to businesses and stakeholders.

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Today, Dean Stanberry, the immediate past chair of IFMA's Global Board of Directors, delves into the critical emerging trends reshaping the facility management industry. Drawing insights from IFMA's report, 'Evolution is Never Finished,' the episode covers six transformative topics: circular economy, climate change, ESG reporting, PropTech, AI, and workplace wellness. From legislative actions enhancing circularity to AI-driven innovations in predictive maintenance, Dean highlights the evolving responsibilities of facility managers in driving sustainability and resilience.

Resources Mentioned:

• Gamechanger: A Facility Manager’s Guide to Building a Relationship with AI
• Evolution is Never Finished: Insights from IFMA’s Emerging Topics Working Group on How Six Key Topics are Transforming the FM Industry
• Circular FM: The Role of the Circular Economy in Facility Management
   

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This week, Connected FM is taking a short break, but we’re revisiting a must-hear episode on networking. Host Lindsay Young, a strategic marketing consultant at Nu Marketing, and Tim Pile, the Western Regional Sales Manager at Metal Fab Inc., discuss the essentials of effective networking. They offer practical tips for both extroverts and introverts. Stressing the importance of intentional planning, leveraging platforms like LinkedIn, and maintaining professional etiquette. The conversation includes real world examples and strategies for facility managers to build a robust network of reliable connections. If building your professional network is one of your goals for the coming year, you're not going to want to miss this one!

Resources Mentioned:

• The Go-Giver

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Today host Ross Green, Head of Business Development & Commercial Management at C&W Services, sits down with Shanil Patel, the Senior Director at Cushman & Wakefield, and Charles Ng, the Vice President of Innovation and Technology at Primech A&P. Together they explore the commercial aspects of facility management (FM), focusing on the balance between manpower and technology. The discussion covers training, managing costs and client expectations, highlighting post-COVID challenges, government regulations, and the shift towards outcome-based contracts.

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• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifma
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFacilityManagementAssociation/
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• YouTube: https://youtube.com/ifmaglobal
• Visit us at https://ifma.org