Dr. Ja-Nae Duane is a behavioral scientist, entrepreneur, award-winning innovator and author of the new book, “SuperShifts: Transforming How We Live, Learn, and Work in the Age of Intelligence”. Mike Petrusky asks Ja-Nae about the book in which she and her co-author, futurist Steve Fisher, deliver an incisive overview of how we are at the end of one 200-year arc and embarking on another. Mike and Ja-Nae discuss the new age of intelligence and the various catalysts for change currently affecting individuals, businesses, and society. They explore specific areas impacting our workplaces and built environment which are evolving from centralized, industrial models to more flexible, intelligent ecosystems, driven by AI and technological advancements. Ja-Nae says the lines between physical and digital realities are blurring, leading to the concept of "reality remix" where buildings can become cognitive ecosystems with digital twins and AI-assisted amenities, but human connection remains vital for our mental health and well-being, so facility management leaders will continue to have a big role to play as we move ahead. Upskilling in data and AI literacy, as well as human-centered design, will be essential for futureproofing the workplace, so Mike and Ja-Nae offer the encouragement and inspiration you will need to be a Workplace Innovator in your organization!

Connect with Ja-Nae on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janaeduane/

Buy Ja-Nae’s book “SuperShifts”: https://bit.ly/SuperShifts

Learn more about Ja-Nae: https://www.ja-nae.io/

Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://eptura.com/discover-more/podcasts/workplace-innovator/

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

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

David Yeager, PhD, is a professor of psychology at the University of Texas at Austin and the co-founder of the Texas Behavioral Science and Policy Institute. Mike Petrusky asks David about his closing keynote address during IFMA’s Facility Fusion 2025 where he inspired facility management leaders to have a growth mindset as they care for the people in the built environment. They explore how the best managers of high-performing teams are those who maintain high standards while also being supportive as they create a mentor mindset. David shares the research behind his new book, “10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People: A Groundbreaking Approach to Leading the Next Generation—And Making Your Own Life Easier” and offers practical advice for workplace leaders of all kinds. Mike and David discuss leadership, communication and fostering better relationships with team members as they offer insight and inspiration you need to be a Workplace Innovator today!

Connect with David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-yeager-3713905/

Buy David’s book “10 to 25”: https://bookpeople.com/book/9781668023884

Learn more about David’s Masterclass “The Power of Mindset: https://www.masterclass.com/classes/power-of-mindset

Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://eptura.com/discover-more/podcasts/workplace-innovator/

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

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

Amanda Muzzarelli is a Director at Trascent where she is a Global Real Estate & Facilities Executive and an AI Enthusiast empowering innovation in complex enterprises. Mike Petrusky asks Amanda about her focus on the importance of interpreting the less visible aspects of workplace strategy, such as trust, meaning, and community while they explore the concept of "invisible architecture" in workplace design, which influences psychological safety, culture, and belonging. Amanda believes that the value of facility management as a field is highlighted by the fact that it is an industry where strategic generalists can thrive, balancing operational and visionary roles. She shares the potential of AI to enhance workplace environments by making buildings smarter and more responsive to human needs, while warning about the risk of automating dysfunctional processes without addressing the underlying issues. Mike and Amanda agree that communication in workplace management is essential, and they encourage attendance at IFMA’s upcoming World Workplace conference in Minneapolis where FM leaders will get the insights and inspiration they need to be a Workplace Innovator in their organizations!

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

Learn more about IFMA’s World Workplace: https://worldworkplace.ifma.org/

Explore the Trascent website: https://trascent.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/

Richard Peterson, CFM, FMP, SFP is Director of IFM at ABM Industries Supporting Waymo where he is responsible for overseeing facility management operations and is passionate about driving operational excellence, safety, and innovation. He also serves as Vice President of the IFMA Silicon Valley Chapter and Secretary for IFMA’s Corporate Facilities Council with a mission is to assist FMs in navigating their career journey using leadership skills training, peer mentoring, and specialized education. Mike Petrusky asks Richard about his experiences in the profession and why he believes that knowing one's strengths and attributes is essential for success in facility management. Being a workplace leader in FM today involves a balance between the technical aspects of the job and the human element of creating spaces that foster innovation and productivity. Richard brings his personal passion for leadership development and community engagement to his career, which has resulted in his attaining IFMA credentials that have led to his professional success. Mike and Richard discuss IFMA’s upcoming World Workplace conference in Minneapolis as they look forward to networking and great educational opportunities and they encourage you to grow in your facility management journey by offering the inspiration needed to be a Workplace Innovator!

Connect with Richard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-peterson-cfm-fmp-sfp-33a526ba/

Learn more about IFMA’s World Workplace: https://worldworkplace.ifma.org/

Explore the ABM website: https://www.abm.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/

Philip Ross is Founder and CEO of UnGroup where he is an author, advisor, speaker, futurist and commentator on the new world of work. Mike Petrusky asks Philip about the upcoming WORKTECH New York conference and why embracing technology and continuous innovation is essential for workplace leaders who want to stay ahead in our rapidly evolving industry. AI is becoming a conversational technology that will significantly impact workplace dynamics, while data is being gathered so workplace experiences can be measured and optimized to remove friction and create memorable moments. Philip says that the post-COVID workplace is seeing a trend towards "espresso offices" where spaces are more compact and utilized more intensely and he believes that the intersection of music, art, and workplace design offers a rich analogy for diverse and innovative approaches to work. Philip and Mike remember their time together in Melbourne, Australia as they offer you the inspiration and advice you’ll need to be a Workplace Innovator!

Connect with Philip on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cordless/

Learn more about WORKTECH New York: https://www.worktechevents.com/events/worktech25-new-york/

Explore the Ungroup website: https://ungroup.co.uk/

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/

Barry Conchie is an executive leadership advisor and co-author of the book "The Five Talents That Really Matter: How Great Leaders Drive Extraordinary Performance" which demystifies the aura and complexity surrounding high performing leaders through original research and interviews with high-performing global leaders. Mike Petrusky asks Barry about how his book can help facility management and workplace leaders identify specific talents that are most predictive of superior leadership performance, providing a scientific basis for leadership development. They explore how many selection systems fail to place people in roles that best fit their strengths, leading to dissatisfaction and underperformance, therefore leadership development should focus on identifying and enhancing individuals' strengths rather than trying to improve weaknesses. Barry believes that innovation in the workplace should not only focus on products and processes but also on people development, so he and Mike offer the inspiration and advice you need to be a Workplace Innovator in your organization!

Connect with Barry on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barryconchie/

Learn more about Conchie Associates: https://www.conchieassociates.com/

Get the book “The Five Talents That Really Matter”: https://www.amazon.com/Five-Talents-That-Really-Matter/dp/0306833409/

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/

Kyle de Bruin is Managing Director at Leesman where he is passionate about measuring and analyzing the experiences of employees in their places of work. Mike Petrusky asks Kyle about how high-performance offices deliver a great employee experience and they review lessons learned from the past five years of workplace change. The lack of variety in office design is a significant challenge, as employees are staying at their desks due to the increased use of video calls and the need for private conversations. Kyle believes that the facility management and corporate real estate industry is data-rich but insights-poor, so he hopes AI advancements can help organize and analyze unstructured data. The value of real estate assets should not solely be measured by occupancy rates and workplace leaders need to focus on creating spaces where employees can focus and be productive, so Mike and Kyle offer the advice and inspiration you need to be a Workplace Innovator!

Take the Eptura™ Podcast Survey: https://forms.office.com/r/jY577CbNcx

Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyledebruin/

Learn more about Leesman: https://www.leesmanindex.com/

Read the “Lessons Learned” article Kyle referenced: https://www.leesmanindex.com/articles/redefining-the-workplace-why-employee-experience-matters/

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/

Michael Amos is Managing Director at Waste to Wonder Worldwide where he is passionate about managing office clearances that empower disadvantaged communities. Mike Petrusky asks Michael about his recent learning lab presentations during IFMA’s Facility Fusion where he shared that organizations should consider social enterprises when making procurement decisions to maximize social impact. The ethical reuse of office equipment can have a profound generational impact on disadvantaged communities and sustainability in the workplace is a core competency for facility management professionals, so this approach can enhance the ROI of your commercial spend by delivering positive social outcomes. Mike and Michael discuss the concept of a "spherical economy" which emphasizes the holistic view of the lifecycle of materials and products as the offer the inspiration you need to be a Workplace Innovator in your organization!

Take the Eptura™ Podcast Survey: https://forms.office.com/r/jY577CbNcx

Connect with Michael on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wastetowonderworldwide/

Learn more about Waste to Wonder Worldwide: https://www.wastetowonder.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/

Lily Pritchett is Regional Sales Manager at Humanscale and Past President of the IFMA Houston Chapter where she is passionate about consulting with organizations to create experiences that spur creativity and drive innovation with purposeful space design. Mike Petrusky asks Lily about their time together at IFMA’s Facility Fusion conference in Austin where industry partners and FM professionals connected to focus on leadership and caring for the built environment. There is a significant shift in corporate real estate towards flexible spaces, reflecting changes in how people use offices, so the role of facility managers is expanding, requiring a more holistic approach to ergonomics and accessibility. Lily believes that mentoring the next generation of FMs should be a priority for the industry, sustainability is critical, and technology should be leveraged to understand space and align with our goals for the future workplace, so Mike and Lily share practical advice and the inspiration that you will need to be a Workplace Innovator!

Take the Eptura™ Podcast Survey: https://forms.office.com/r/jY577CbNcx

Connect with Lily on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lilypritchett/

Learn more about Humanscale: https://www.humanscale.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/

Daniel Castner, AIA, LEED AP is Principal and Director of the Life Science practice at Mancini Duffy where he is passionate about workplace strategy with a focus on research labs, medical space, and anything requiring a helpful orchestrator of AEC coordination. Mike Petrusky asks Dan about his experiences helping the IFMA community, the importance of client relationships and the use of technology in workplace strategy. They explore design trends and emphasize the core elements of flexibility and being intentional when delivering spaces that meet the needs of the workforce. Dan believes that change management has evolved to focus more on the employee experience and wellbeing, rather than just specific projects, so using sensors and analytics can help leaders understand human priorities. Dan’s unique experience in life science workplaces have led him to focus on building a culture of collaboration and innovation, so he shares some encouragement, practical advice and the inspiration you will need to be a Workplace Innovator!

Take the Eptura™ Podcast Survey: https://forms.office.com/r/jY577CbNcx

Connect with Dan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielcastner/

Learn more about Mancini Duffy: https://www.manciniduffy.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/