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

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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

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• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifma
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFacilityManagementAssociation/
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• Visit 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 Introduction
• 01:37 Meet Dr. Jake Smithwick
• 01:56 Jake's Background and Experience
• 03:46 The Role of IFMA in Jake's Career
• 07:23 The Impact of Demographic Shifts
• 12:06 COVID-19 and Workforce Changes
• 17:48 Generational Differences in the Workforce
• 21:16 Building Relationships with Experienced Colleagues
• 21:36 The Urgency of Knowledge Transfer in FM
• 22:18 IFMA's Facility Fusion Conference
• 22:58 Opportunities for Young Professionals
• 23:14 The Role of Authenticity in the Workplace
• 26:32 The Impact of AI on Mentoring and Workforce
• 27:21 Augmented Intelligence: A New Perspective on AI
• 29:26 The Future of AI in the Workforce
• 30:43 Mentoring: A Key to Job Satisfaction
• 36:21 IFMA's Research and Data Collection
• 40:13 Closing Thoughts and Future Outlook

Resources mentioned:

• Interested in having Jake speak at your next component meeting? Contact him at [email protected]
• FMJ article "Building Better Leaders in FM" https://fmj.ifma.org/building-better-leaders-in-fm

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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

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 Africa

01:35 Meet the Experts: Sheriff Daramola and Sampson Opare-Agyemang

03:13 FM in Ghana: Progress and Challenges

04:12 FM in Nigeria: Growth and Opportunities

04:46 Comparing FM in West Africa

07:43 Client Awareness and Appreciation of FM

12:02 Opportunities and Challenges in FM Across Africa

14:12 Energy Management and Sustainability in FM

17:53 Future of FM in Africa

20:46 Final Thoughts and Messages to the Global FM Community

22:00 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

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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

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 Introduction

00:52 Interview with Claire Coder, Aunt Flow Founder

02:26 Claire Coder's Journey and Vision

03:03 The Importance of Talking About Menstruation

06:32 Aunt Flow's Impact and Cost Benefits

14:38 Advocating for Change in Period Care

19:36 Global Policy Changes and Expansion

24:03 Addressing Concerns and Overuse

28:35 Rapid Fire Questions with Claire Coder

34:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifma
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFacilityManagementAssociation/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/IFMA
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifma_hq/
• YouTube: https://youtube.com/ifmaglobal
• Visit 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 Introduction
• 00:55 Exploring Predictive Maintenance
• 01:36 Panelist Introductions
• 03:39 Preventative vs Predictive Maintenance
• 06:10 Digitizing Maintenance Data
• 08:43 The Future of Predictive Analytics
• 14:12 Self-Optimization in Facility Management
• 20:35 Closing Thoughts and Takeaways

Resources Mentioned:

• OfficeSpace Software

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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

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 Introduction
• 01:31 Meet Richard Peterson
• 02:15 The Journey to CFM Certification
• 04:22 Impact of IFMA Credentials on Career
• 05:48 Leadership and Mentorship in IFMA
• 09:16 Global Facility Management Challenges
• 14:35 The Fun Side of FM: Star Wars and More
• 16:03 Final Thoughts

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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

In this episode, Director of IFMA EMEA, Lara Paemen, interviews one of IFMA's Global Board of Directors and Vice Chairman of EFS Group, Tariq Chauhan, about the rapidly evolving facility management landscape in the Middle East. They discuss major trends reshaping the GCC region — from accelerated market growth and large-scale investment in the built environment to the rise of technology, ESG frameworks and the shift from O&M to strategic FM. Tariq also highlights the region’s skills gap, the need for upskilling, and what international FM professionals should understand when entering this dynamic, fast-growing market.

• 00:00 Introduction
• 00:43 Discussion with Tariq Chauhan
• 01:35 Tariq Chauhan's Role and Experience
• 02:25 Current State of Facility Management in GCC
• 03:04 Technological Advancements and ESG in Middle East
• 03:46 Global Comparisons and Skill Deficit
• 06:26 Challenges and Opportunities in GCC
• 14:36 Future of Facility Management in GCC
• 15:42 Advice for International FM Professionals
• 17:45 Conclusion

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

How much do you really know about the air circulating in your building right now?

In this episode, host Edward Wagoner sits down with Dr. Joseph Allen, associate professor at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, director of Harvard’s Healthy Buildings Program and and co-author of Healthy Buildings: How Indoor Spaces Can Make You Sick—or Keep You Well, to explore why indoor air quality is becoming a critical focus for today’s facility managers. Dr. Allen breaks down the science behind ventilation, filtration and cognitive function, and shares practical steps leaders can take to create healthier, higher-performing spaces.

• 00:00 Introduction
• 00:55 Interview with Dr. Joseph Allen
• 01:54 The Role of Facility Managers in Health and Business
• 04:30 The Science Behind Indoor Air Quality
• 07:00 Practical Steps for Better Air Quality
• 12:41 Empowering Consumers with Air Quality Data
• 15:05 Future of Indoor Air Quality Monitoring
• 18:14 Public Health Career Advice
• 22:57 Rapid Fire Questions
• 26:30 Conclusion

Resources Mentioned:

• Book: Healthy Buildings: How Indoor Spaces Can Make You Sick―or Keep You Well
• Dr. Joseph Allen on LinkedIn

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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

What will facility management look like in 2026, and how does that future differ across regions?'

In this episode of the Connected FM podcast, host Wayne Whitzell, Second Vice Chair of IFMA’s Global Board of Directors, is joined by IFMA Global Board of Directors Chair Christa Dodoo and facility management leader Maria Gonzalez-Burgos for a global conversation on the trends, challenges and opportunities shaping the profession worldwide. The conversation examines how technology adoption, workforce skills, and leadership expectations are evolving differently across regions, while reinforcing the universal importance of soft skills, data, and strategic thinking as FM professionals prepare for 2026 and beyond.

• 00:00 Introduction
• 01:28 Meet the Hosts and Guests
• 04:19 Global Trends in Facility Management
• 05:46 Regional Insights: Africa and Middle East
• 10:44 Regional Insights: Latin America
• 16:02 Challenges and Opportunities in Facility Management
• 22:44 The Future of Facility Management
• 39:02 IFMA's Role in Global Facility Management
• 44:22 Conclusion

Connect with Us:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifma
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFacilityManagementAssociation/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/IFMA
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifma_hq/
• YouTube: https://youtube.com/ifmaglobal
• Visit us at https://ifma.org