Connected FM

By IFMA

A podcast connecting you to the latest insights, tools and resources to help you succeed in facility management. Join IFMA, as we explore new ideas and topics in facility management to help you make s... more

44 ratings

FAQs about Connected FM:

How many episodes does Connected FM have?

The podcast currently has 126 episodes available.

Connected FM episodes:

May 26, 2026How PCM Ceilings Boost Thermal Comfort and Cut Energy Use
Host Bryant Hughes sits down with Mick Dunn, Technical Support Specialist at Armstrong Ceilings and Ian Gumbert, Facility Manager at Armstrong’s Lancaster headquarters, to explore how PCM (phase change material) ceilings are changing the way buildings manage thermal comfort. They break down the science behind phase change materials, explain how PCM ceilings can mimic the thermal mass of concrete at a lower weight and cost, and share real-world examples of how the technology has reduced temperature-related occupant complaints while lowering energy use and limiting manual HVAC adjustments.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction

02:58 Thermal Mass and PCM Basics

08:07 Comfort Wins and Complaints

10:15 Where PCM Works Best

12:05 HVAC Scheduling and Controls

14:03 Sponsor Break

14:56 Testing and Demand Savings

17:34 Energy Modeling Tools

18:59 Retrofit and Installation

22:14 Tax Credits and Payback

23:41 Misconceptions

25:25 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
...more
26min
May 19, 2026How to Start and Thrive in Your Facility Management Career
How do you transition from being an "unintentional" facility manager to a world-class professional? In this episode of the Connected FM Podcast, Bobby LaRon, member of IFMA's Global Board of Directors, and Brent Ward member of the IFMA Foundation Board of Trustees, share their personal pathways into the industry.
They dive deep into the essential "just-in-time" knowledge required for the field and why no FM can succeed as an island. You'll hear about:
The Power of the Local Chapter: Why active participation is the key to unlocking the full value of your membership.

The Value of Credentials: How the CFM, FMP and SFP provide a common global vocabulary and meet the increasing demands of employers.

The Human Connection: Moving beyond capital assets to focus on the people who occupy the buildings we manage.

Investing in the Next Generation: How scholarship programs and student cohorts are shaping the future of the FM profession.
Whether you are a student, a mid-career professional, or a seasoned veteran, this conversation offers a roadmap for "sharpening your saw" and finding fulfillment through service and mentorship within the global FM community.
Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction

01:47 – How Brent Ward Got Started in FM

02:40 – The Accidental FM

03:30 – The Value of Community

04:45 – Getting Started

06:00 – Camaraderie Over Competition

07:30 – Finding Your Path

09:40 – The Service Mindset

11:15 – Resources for Growth

12:35 – IFMA Engage & Credentials

14:40 – Nurturing the Next Generation

16:30 – The Global Model

17:15 – 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
...more
18min
May 12, 2026The Surprising Power of People in Facilities Management
In this episode of Connected FM, we dive into the "power of people" with Kati Barklund, Global Chair of IFMA’s Workplace Evolutionaries. Kati shares her insights on why the "one size fits all" approach to workplace design is failing and how facility managers can create high-performing environments by balancing physical, digital, and psychosocial needs. From navigating C-suite perceptions to the importance of being your authentic self in leadership, this conversation redefines what it means to lead in the modern built environment.
Timestamps:
0:00 – Introduction

2:30 – Defining the "Power of People" in the workplace

4:15 – Why "One Size Fits All" doesn't work for modern employees

6:30 – Creating a holistic human experience: Work vs. Life

11:15 – Changing the C-suite perception of FM from cost to value

14:30 – Learning to speak "C-Suite Language"

19:15 – The role of digital tools in maintaining physical connections

22:45 – The importance of authentic leadership and self-worth

30:30 – Overcoming isolation through the IFMA community

33:30 – How to get involved with Workplace Evolutionaries

39:30 – Quick-fire questions: Leadership habits and inspirations
Resources & Links:
IFMA Workplace Evolutionaries

Kati Barklund on LinkedIn
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
...more
46min
May 05, 2026How Young Professionals Define Workplace Wellness
In this episode of Connected FM, Dr. Matt Tucker, IFMA’s Director of Research, moderates a student-led discussion on the critical role of well-being in facility management. Featuring three young professionals entering the FM industry, the conversation shifts the focus from simple maintenance to creating spaces where people can mentally, socially and physically thrive.
The panel shares personal insights on:
The direct impact of CO2 levels, natural lighting and ergonomic furniture on concentration and health.

Why language support and inclusive communication are essential for multicultural FM teams.

How FM is evolving from a technical "building-first" sector to a "people-first" service management sector.

Balancing the efficiency of automated tools with the irreplaceable "human touch" required in facility management
This episode is sponsored by TMA Systems! Discover more at https://www.tmasystems.com/ifmapodcast
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction

03:00 Defining Wellbeing

03:53 Why It Matters Now

05:01 Environment And Ergonomics

06:51 Language And Inclusion

08:22 FM Services For Wellbeing

10:09 Listening And Education Shift

13:34 Tech Sensors And Human Touch

14:19 AI Impact And Skills

16:59 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
...more
20min
April 28, 2026The AI Edge: Boosting Your Impact as a Facility Manager
In this episode, host Edward Wagoner sits down with global influencer Brian Haines to demystify artificial intelligence for the facility management community. Together they discuss:
Practical steps for FMs to get started with AI.

A look at autonomous agents that can monitor building control systems and solve problems.

Why it is critical to always verify AI-generated work.

What to expect as AI evolves
This episode is sponsored by TMA Systems! Discover more at https://www.tmasystems.com/ifmapodcast
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction

02:28 What Is AI in FM

03:53 AI "Aha" Moment Story

06:22 Why FMs Need AI Now

09:22 Sponsor Message

10:16 AI Basics and Safe Use

11:00 Four Steps to Start

14:33 What’s Next in AI

16:11 Agentic AI in Buildings

17:43 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
...more
19min
April 21, 2026How to Think Like an FM Analyst
What does it mean to “think like an FM analyst”?
In this episode of Connected FM, Dr. Matt Tucker, Director of Knowledge and Insights at IFMA, sits down with Drew DePriest, Director of Workplace Services, Vendor Management at Salesforce, to unpack the evolving role of data, analytics and AI in facility management.
Drawing on insights from IFMA’s The Rise of the FM Analyst report, they explore why the FM analyst isn’t a job title, but a mindset grounded in curiosity, problem solving and cross-functional thinking. From fragmented data systems to the growing importance of storytelling in the C-suite, the conversation highlights what it takes to turn data into decisions that drive real business value.
They also dive into:
The six key traits shaping modern FM professionals

Why data confidence is still a major gap across the industry

How FM fits into the broader enterprise data ecosystem

The role of AI as a “co-pilot” for analysis and decision-making

What the next 5–10 years of FM could look like in a digital-first world
This episode is sponsored by TMA Systems! Discover more at https://www.tmasystems.com/ifmapodcast
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction

02:50 Six Traits Breakdown

06:29 Are Traits Happening

08:40 FM In Data Ecosystem

10:57 Tool Stack Reality

13:14 From Reports To Decisions

14:49 AI As Copilot

17:17 AI Confidence Concerns

19:37 Skills Training Pathways

22:21 FM In Five Years

24:01 Wrap Up And Outro
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
...more
25min
April 14, 2026The Skills Gap Solution: Why Training is the New Retention Strategy
The traditional approach of competing solely on compensation and benefits is no longer enough to remain competitive in today's tightening labor market. In this episode, Jason Wetherford and Quinn Heimann from Aerotek share deep insights into the facility management industry, highlighting a significant shift where job seekers now prioritize opportunities for skills development as a top motivator for accepting new roles. The conversation addresses the looming "retirement skills gap" and offers a roadmap for succession planning through tailored training programs, mentorship and high-impact partnerships with organizations like Skills USA and Tooling U. They also discuss how proactive upskilling can prevent operational inefficiencies and the loss of critical institutional knowledge.
This episode is sponsored by TMA Systems! Discover more at https://www.tmasystems.com/ifmapodcast
Time Stamps:
00:00 – Introduction

02:15 – Current Labor Market Trends: Shortages and tightening conditions

03:45 – The Power of Upskilling: Driving retention and productivity

04:15 – Succession Planning: Bridging the retirement skills gap

04:45 – Practical Strategies: Mentorship, apprenticeships, and tailored training

05:45 – Success Stories: Upskilling in retail and healthcare

06:30 – Strategic Partnerships: Working with Skills USA and Tooling U

08:15 – What Job Seekers Want: Data from the Aerotek Job Seeker Survey

10:45 – Technology & Automation: The rise of smart building systems

11:45 – The Two-Pronged Approach: Training existing staff vs. new hires

13:40 – Risks of Inaction: Missing key objectives and falling behind

14:50 – Closing Thoughts
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
...more
17min
April 07, 2026The Hidden Language of Buildings: Non-verbal Cues in Facility Management
Did you know that 62% of communication is nonverbal from signage to the layout? Every detail speaks volumes.
Today we're diving deeper into this topic with host Edward Wagoner and IFMA Global Influencer and operations manager of the IFMA Ghana Chapter, Prince Botwe. Together, they explore the critical role of communication, especially nonverbal cues in facility management, how buildings communicate, the impact of nonverbal signals on safety and confidence, and strategies to elevate the FM profession globally.
This episode is sponsored by TMA Systems! Discover more at https://www.tmasystems.com/ifmapodcast
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
...more
36min
March 31, 2026The Future Beneath Your Feet: Flooring Sensors & Proptech
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/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
...more
19min
March 24, 2026From Uptime to Impact: Proving the Strategic Value of Facility Management
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/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
...more
25min

FAQs about Connected FM:

How many episodes does Connected FM have?

The podcast currently has 126 episodes available.

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Connected FM

FAQs about Connected FM:

How many episodes does Connected FM have?

Connected FM episodes:

FAQs about Connected FM:

How many episodes does Connected FM have?

More shows like Connected FM

This American Life

Up First from NPR

Workplace Innovator Podcast | Enhancing Your Employee Experience | Facility Management | CRE | Digital Workplace Technology