Amanda Schneider, LEED AP, MBA is Founder & President at ThinkLab, a TedX Speaker, and Host of “Design Nerds Anonymous” podcast where she is passionate about sharing research and insights for the built environment. Mike Petrusky asks Amanda about the evolving role of the workplace, the importance of process innovation over product innovation, and the impact of generational changes in the world of work today. They explore the integration of human resources, workplace design, and technology, and the need for professionals to connect space to strategy, people to purpose, and data to decisions. Amanda believes that the built environment is no longer just a backdrop to work, but “it is the workplace experience” and she is excited about the possibilities for workplace leaders as research reveals that Gen Z thinks digital first and analog second, which impacts how they build relationships and engage with the workplace. Tune in as Mike and Amanda share stories from their podcasting experiences while they encourage and inspire you to be a Workplace Innovator!

Connect with Amanda on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandajeanschneider/

Learn more about ThinkLab: https://thinklab.design/

Watch Amanda’s TEDx talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/amanda_schneider_work_is_broken_gen_z_can_help_fix_it_mar_2025

Listen to “Design Nerds Anonymous” podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/design-nerds-anonymous/id1534887549

Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://www.workplaceinnovator.com/

Learn more about Eptura™: https://eptura.com/

Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/

Pendrick Brown is Managing Director for EMEA and Principal at HLW where he is passionate about delivering architecture and design for commercial clients helping them create the spaces they need. Mike Petrusky asks Pendrick about the evolving workplace, design practices, and the role of technology in creating innovative and effective spaces. They discuss the top priorities for workplace leaders today and explore hybrid models and the importance of agile and flexible spaces. Pendrick believes that understanding the unique culture and ethos of each company is essential for creating a design that meets their specific needs and future goals. Human experience and behavior is crucial in workplace design, aiming to enhance collaboration, well-being, and serendipitous engagements, while technology, such as AI-infused booking systems and biometric data, can help optimize space usage and improve the employee experience. Tune in as Mike and Pendrick share practical insights and advice that will encourage and inspire you to be a Workplace Innovator!

Connect with Pendrick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pendrickbrown/

Learn more about HLW: https://hlw.com/

Find workplace research at ARK: https://www.workwithark.com/

Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://www.workplaceinnovator.com/

Learn more about Eptura™: https://eptura.com/

Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/

John Mackay, CFM is Senior Director, Sales & Business Development and Lauren Ross, NCIDQ, LEED AP is CAFM Manager at Aleto, Inc. where they are passionate about aligning the performance of people, process, and technology in the built environment. Mike Petrusky asks John and Lauren about how they work with clients to align workplace strategies with the specific needs of an organization’s workforce and the role of technology in tracking space utilization and occupancy. They explore the value of data in making informed decisions about space management and utilization and agree there is a need for open communication and flexibility in adopting industry best practices tailored to specific client needs. Lauren shares the power of IWMS (Integrated Workplace Management Systems) in consolidating information and improving efficiency and John encourages facility managers to develop strong interpersonal skills to enable collaboration and project success. Tune in for the insights and inspiration that you need to be a Workplace Innovator in your organization!

Connect with John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnmackaycfm/

Connect with Lauren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-ross-b25a5a232/

Learn more about Aleto, Inc.: https://aletosolutions.com/

Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://www.workplaceinnovator.com/

Learn more about Eptura™: https://eptura.com/

Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/

Ashleigh Fiora is Vice President and Head of Strategy & Sales at Striden where she creates customized solutions that redefine the workplace experience, fostering collaborative environments and bringing people back into the office to reconnect. Mike Petrusky asks Ashleigh about the newly branded facilities management division of 1Rivet called Striden, which provides outsourced hospitality and facilities services to enhance the workplace experience. They explore the importance of change management, employee engagement, and the integration of new technologies with a hospitality mindset to enhance employee satisfaction and collaboration. In-person connections are powerful in the workplace, so FM leaders must deliver clear communication, transparency, and executive buy-in to be effective. Mike and Ashleigh share their experiences with the IFMA community and inspire listeners to create partnerships to create environments where people can be productive and thrive, as they offer inspiration that will help you be a Workplace Innovator in your organization!

Connect with Ashleigh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleigh-fiora-6b631614/

Learn more about Striden: https://www.striden.com/

Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://www.workplaceinnovator.com/

Learn more about Eptura™: https://eptura.com/

Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/

Lisa Mitchell-Kastner is Head of People & Culture and CHRO at ISS Americas where she is passionate about enhancing workplace culture, leveraging technology tools to create an engaging employee experience. Mike Petrusky asks Lisa about her career journey from operations into HR and she shares her perspectives on current workplace trends, including the evolving talent landscape in a post-Covid workplace where employees have expectations for flexible working arrangements and desire a strong alignment with the company's purpose and values. Lisa believes that multigenerational workforces and diverse teams necessitate the creation of inclusive environments that foster open communication and value diverse perspectives, so she promotes the power of storytelling and the development of a strong employee value proposition to attract and retain talent. Mike and Lisa agree that delivering workplace technologies that match the frictionless and intuitive experiences in our personal lives is essential, so they offer practical advice to help you be a Workplace Innovator in your organization!

Connect with Lisa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-mitchell-kastner-22984b13/

Learn more about ISS Americas: https://www.issworld.com/en

Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://www.workplaceinnovator.com/

Learn more about Eptura™: https://eptura.com/

Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/

Tica Masuku is a Human Geographer and the Global Workplace Strategy Director at Spaceful where she is passionate about understanding the interrelatedness of the environment and the human condition. Mike Petrusky asks Tica to share insights from her training in human geography and her experiences helping clients manage their workplaces. They explore the trends and challenges in corporate real estate and facility management, the importance of understanding the interplay between people and place, and the impact of the digital age on our workplace experiences. Tica believes that the physical environment can influence behaviors, emotions, and productivity, so FM and CRE leaders must use storytelling to help people appreciate the value of design strategy and the power of place. Mike and Tica share stories about Australia, music, and their community of professionals, as they offer the inspiration you need to be a Workplace Innovator!

Connect with Tica on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ticamasuku/

Learn more about Spaceful: https://spaceful.com.au/

Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://www.workplaceinnovator.com/

Learn more about Eptura™: https://eptura.com/

Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/

Christine Mueller is Vice President and Director of Office Services Operations & Engineering at Capital Group where she is passionate about creating excellence through coaching, strong relationships, and inspiring others to achieve their most challenging goals. Mike Petrusky asks Christine about her career journey and how she currently views the role of facility management, the evolution of the built environment and moving from traditional FM to a focus on workplace experience. They explore the challenges of talent acquisition in the industry, the impact of technology, and the importance of active listening in facility management. Christine believes that AI and other technologies will allow enable FM professionals to better support the workplace while creating seamless user experiences. In a fast-changing work environment, Mike and Christine offer practical advice and inspiration to help you be a Workplace Innovator in your organization!

Connect with Christine on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinelmueller/

Learn more about Capital Group: https://www.capitalgroup.com/

Find out more about IFMA: https://www.ifma.org/

Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://www.workplaceinnovator.com/

Learn more about Eptura™: https://eptura.com/

Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/

David Dewane is Chief Experience Officer for Physical Space at Geniant where he is passionate about exploring the intersection of space, people and technology in the workplace. Mike Petrusky asks David about understanding the needs and experiences of employees, the evolution of workplace design, and the role of technology in creating more effective and engaging work environments. David says that by understanding the reality of the experience your teams are having and getting real intelligence through research, FM and CRE leaders can evolve their approach to workplace design, rather than reverting to outdated models. Mike and David discuss helping people move from a defensive mindset to a discovery mindset so they can foster innovation and adapt to changing workplace strategies. David also makes a distinction between functional and performative spaces, with the latter being more effective in enhancing productivity and well-being, so he encourages listeners to focus on making people happier while offering the inspiration needed to help you be a Workplace Innovator in your organization!

Connect with David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daviddewane/

Learn more about Geniant: https://geniant.com/

Watch Mike’s “On My Way To Work” video series on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSkmmkVFvM4E39sM-pNaGhLoG0dkM947o

Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://www.workplaceinnovator.com/

Learn more about Eptura™: https://eptura.com/

Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/

Jamie Woolf is Co-Founder and CEO of Creativity Partners, a renowned innovation cultivator, speaker, and the first Director of Culture at Pixar Animation Studios where she has inspired thousands worldwide to embrace innovation as a catalyst for personal and organizational transformation. Mike Petrusky asks Jamie about her time at Pixar and they explore how physical environments and organizational culture can facilitate or hinder creative thinking and collaboration. Jamie believes that infusing play and creativity into the workplace can enhance problem-solving and overall well-being as we move away from a strict focus on efficiency and profitability. Good ideas can come from anyone, regardless of their position in the organization, and leaders should be curious and open to all ideas. Mike and Jamie discuss how the physical work environment can facilitate casual collisions and interactions between different departments to foster creativity and they offer the inspiration you need to be a Workplace Innovator in your organization!

Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-woolf-a41416b/

Learn more about Creativity Partners: https://www.creativity-partners.com/

Watch Mike’s “On My Way To Work” video series on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSkmmkVFvM4E39sM-pNaGhLoG0dkM947o

Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://www.workplaceinnovator.com/

Learn more about Eptura™: https://eptura.com/

Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/

Todd Davis is a Senior Consultant and Thought Leader, the former Chief People Officer at FranklinCovey, and author of the book “Get Better: 15 Proven Practices to Build Effective Relationships at Work”. Mike Petrusky asks Todd about the importance of understanding employees, creating engaging work environments, and the principles of effective leadership as outlined in the book "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People". Todd emphasizes how leadership involves understanding employees and their needs and the timeless principles that Dr. Stephen Covey explored continue to be relevant in today's changing workplace environment. The physical workplace plays a critical role for employee engagement and productivity, so facility managers can lead their teams and leverage their understanding of change management to create great experiences in our built environment. Mike and Todd explore building effective relationships in the workplace and they offer practical advice to help you be a Workplace Innovator in your organization!

Connect with Todd on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/todddavisfc/

Learn more about Todd’s book: https://www.amazon.com/Get-Better-Practices-Effective-Relationships/dp/1501158309/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

Register for The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People™ course: https://www.franklincovey.com/the-7-habits/

Watch Mike’s “On My Way To Work” video series on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSkmmkVFvM4E39sM-pNaGhLoG0dkM947o

Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://www.workplaceinnovator.com/

Learn more about Eptura™: https://eptura.com/

Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/