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

Kaveh Rostampor is CEO & Co-founder of Planhat where his passionate about building a customer platform where commercial teams work better. Mike Petrusky asks Kaveh why he believes that leading people in our age of rapid change and workplace innovation requires embracing AI and automation to eliminate repetitive work and make them more effective. He frames the future as an "automated enterprise," where technology brings together scattered commercial data and workflows so teams can focus on higher-value decisions and customer relationships. Rather than viewing new tools as a threat, Kaveh says employees should learn how to use them to amplify their work, because organizations will increasingly expect teams to accomplish more with better technology. Successful change management depends on clearly explaining why change is necessary and inviting people to become part of the solution as workplaces adapt to AI-driven transformation. Kaveh emphasizes that lasting value usually comes from doing difficult things, encouraging people to leave their comfort zones and pursue challenging work, so he and Mike offer real-world advice and the inspiration you need to be a Workplace Innovator in your organization!

Connect with Kaveh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaveh-rostampor/

Learn more about Planhat: https://www.planhat.com/

Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSkmmkVFvM4H3pwnlU2AuqynuRDpvnh4J

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/

Natalie Johnson is Co-Founder & Chief Visionary Officer of Vidl Work where she is leading business development, strategy, innovation, and thought leadership while also working directly with clients through keynote speaking, consulting, training, facilitation, and coaching services. Mike Petrusky asks Natalie about her new book, co-authored with Rebecca Johnson, called "Leading the Culture Journey: Elevating Everyday Actions to Create Extraordinary Workplaces", in which she shares a practical roadmap for understanding and improving workplace culture. They explore how culture is shaped by workplace leaders of all kinds engaging in everyday relationships, so regardless of their role, everyone has agency and an opportunity to improve it. Natalie defines culture as the way people relate to one another and argues that relationships, not just individuals, are an organization's most valuable asset. She offers innovative approaches and encourages listeners to use technology with intention, protecting focus and human connection rather than allowing digital tools to replace meaningful collaboration. Mike and Natalie offer practical advice and the inspiration needed to help you be a Workplace Innovator in your organization!

Connect with Natalie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-johnson-speaks/

Learn more about Vidl Work: https://www.vidlwork.com/

Get the book "Leading the Culture Journey": https://www.vidlwork.com/culturejourneybook

Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSkmmkVFvM4H3pwnlU2AuqynuRDpvnh4J

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/

Drew DePriest, MCR.w is Director of Workplace Services at Salesforce and part of the IFMA Global Board of Directors where he is passionate about operating at the intersection of facilities management, corporate real estate, enterprise IT/OT, and building automation. Mike Petrusky asks Drew to share and update on his career journey, and they discuss the future of facility management and corporate real estate. They explore how AI is rapidly changing the field by helping workplace teams analyze work-order data, find patterns, and turn scattered information into more useful operational context. Drew encourages leaders to start small by applying approved AI tools to repeatable tasks, such as preparing updates, gathering data, or summarizing work, rather than waiting for fully autonomous buildings and he stresses that strong data governance, security, human oversight, and careful verification are essential. Mike and Drew are optimistic about the future of work and believe FM professionals must keep learning, ask better questions, and use technology to deliver better outcomes, so they offer real world stories and the practical advice you will need to be a Workplace Innovator in your organization!

Connect with Drew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drewdepriest/

Learn more about Salesforce: https://www.salesforce.com/

Explore the IFMA Community: https://www.ifma.org/

Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSkmmkVFvM4H3pwnlU2AuqynuRDpvnh4J

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/

Shelley Boland is Global Head Real Estate and Corporate Services at Standard Chartered where she is passionate about shaping enterprise strategy and corporate operations across international markets while transforming how global workforces connect by balancing commercial efficiency, future-of-work innovation, leveraging supply chain and strong risk discipline. Mike Petrusky asks Shelley why she believes that workplace and facility management leaders can create value when they treat their function as a strategic platform for talent, brand, culture, transformation, and growth, not simply as a cost center. Shelley says that every square foot should have a clear purpose, supported by portfolio optimization, data-informed decisions, and deliberately designed experiences that blend workplace design, hospitality, services, and technology. To lead effectively, FM professionals should strengthen their business acumen, understand their organization's strategy and customers, and learn from peers, industry groups, and external partners rather than trying to solve everything alone. Authentic, people-first leadership builds trust and helps global teams navigate change, so Mike and Shelley offer the practical advice and inspiration you need to be a Workplace Innovator in your organization!

Connect with Shelley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelley-boland-763615a/

Learn more about Standard Chartered: https://www.sc.com/en/

Explore the IFMA Community: https://www.ifma.org/

Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSkmmkVFvM4H3pwnlU2AuqynuRDpvnh4J

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/

Rob Clark is a Senior Director at Cushman & Wakefield where he is designing client strategies at the intersection of experiences and real estate, while also sharing his story as an accomplished motivational speaker and author of "Everyday Resilience for Everyday Heroes" and The Resilient Worker blog. Mike Petrusky asks Rob why he believes that assuming good intentions and maintaining positivity are essential strategies for workplace and facility management professionals who often face adversity and competing interests. They explore the power of human connection, collaboration, and community through organizations like IFMA and discuss the role of the FM in the future of the built environment. The workplace has shifted from being a mandatory destination to a chosen environment, making thoughtful workplace strategy, culture, and design more important than ever and Rob says that facility managers play a key role in creating safe, comfortable, and collaborative environments. Personal resilience, a growth mindset, and the ability to appreciate diverse perspectives can contribute to a more positive, empathetic, and productive workplace culture, so Mike and Rob offer the encouragement and inspiration you will need to be a Workplace Innovator in your organization!

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-clark-2b93622/

Read Rob's blog and get the books: https://www.resilientworker.net/

Learn more about Cushman & Wakefield: https://www.cushmanwakefield.com/en

Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSkmmkVFvM4H3pwnlU2AuqynuRDpvnh4J

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/

Jenna Mikus, PhD is CEO of Eudae Group, LLC where she is a strategic advisor specializing in balancing architectural science with wellbeing science to promote flourishing health and wellbeing by design in the context of environments. Mike Petrusky asks Jenna why she believes embracing unconventional and multidisciplinary approaches to design leads to more creativity and innovation in the workplace. They explore the concept of eudaimonia and why the power of human flourishing should be a central goal in workplace strategy and design. Jenna says that facility management professionals can play an essential role in occupant health and well-being, and she believes that collaboration across disciplines can help deliver more effective workplace environments. Intentionality, humility, respect, and care in practice are vital for successful outcomes, so Mike and Jenna offer the practical advice and the inspiration you need to be a Workplace Innovator in your organization!

Connect with Jenna on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennamikus/

Learn more about Eudae Group, LLC: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eudaegroup/

Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSkmmkVFvM4H3pwnlU2AuqynuRDpvnh4J

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/

Michael Geary, CAE is President & CEO of IFMA where he is passionate about serving the 25,000+ members of the world's largest and most widely recognized international association for facility management professionals. Mike Petrusky asks Michael about his time so far leading IFMA's global community which spans every continent, offering facility managers broad opportunities for professional networking, collaboration, and exposure to different cultural perspectives. They share excitement and anticipation for IFMA's World Workplace 2026 which promises to deliver great content, networking, recognition, and fun, including a keynote by BJ Novak from "The Office" and is taking place November 18-20 in Anaheim, California. Michael shares the "it takes a village" concept that is central to IFMA's philosophy of collaboration, shared knowledge, and collective problem-solving which are all necessary to drive both the profession and the organization's future strategy. Innovation in facility management may include technological advances, but it also often involves embracing incremental change and being open to new ideas and solutions, so Mike and Michael offer the encouragement and inspiration you will need to be a Workplace Innovator in your organization!

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

Explore IFMA's Advocacy Forum: https://advocacyforum.ifma.org/

Register for IFMA's World Workplace: https://worldworkplace.ifma.org/

Learn more about IFMA: https://www.ifma.org/

Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSkmmkVFvM4H3pwnlU2AuqynuRDpvnh4J

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/

Dr. Gleb Tsipursky serves as the CEO of the future-of-work consultancy Disaster Avoidance Experts where he is an author who was dubbed the "Office Whisperer" by The New York Times and he helps tech-forward leaders stop overpaying for AI while boosting adoption and decreasing resistance. Mike Petrusky asks Dr. Gleb about his brand-new book, "The Psychology of AI Adoption at Work: From Resistance to Results", in which he explores how AI will fundamentally transform the workplace, applying his findings to facility managers and workplace strategists. He believes that FM leaders will need to evolve with increased integration of AI, IoT, and robotics, demanding new skills and adaptability as their role becomes that of "a managers of agents" overseeing both digital and physical assets. AI adoption faces unique psychological barriers beyond traditional change management challenges, specifically fear, identity threat, and shame. So, workplace professionals must start by addressing these emotions through supportive leadership, transparency, and the normalization of AI use. Leaders should focus on upskilling and preparing their teams for this transition, so Mike and Dr. Gleb offer the encouragement and inspiration you need to be a Workplace Innovator in your organization!

Connect with Dr. Gleb on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-gleb-tsipursky/

Buy the book: https://disasteravoidanceexperts.com/aibook/

Learn more about Disaster Avoidance Experts: https://disasteravoidanceexperts.com/

Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSkmmkVFvM4H3pwnlU2AuqynuRDpvnh4J

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/

Katy Redmond, MCR is Senior Managing Director, Integrated Portfolio Services (IPS) Lead, Americas East at JLL where she is passionate about corporate real estate, innovation and leadership while also serving as a Global Board Member at CoreNet. Mike Petrusky welcomes Katy back to the show to hear her latest insights and perspectives on FM, CRE and expectations for upcoming industry events like the CoreNet Global Summit and IFMA's World Workplace. Katy says that speed and efficiency are now critical demands in the real estate industry, with clients seeking faster execution, streamlined processes, and better uses of technology. So, she and Mike explore how AI and worktech tools are reshaping CRE, offering new insights into decision-making and efficiency while also requiring careful governance and strategic implementation. Katy predicts that the industry is experiencing an elevation of the real estate function, with greater organizational visibility and potential pathways to C-suite roles such as CFO, COO, or CHRO and she encourages mentorship and exposure to diverse experiences for developing well-rounded future leaders. Tune in as Mike and Katy offer practical advice and the inspiration you will need to be a Workplace Innovator in your organization!

Connect with Katy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katy-redmond-mcr-045a302/

Learn more about JLL: https://www.jll.com/en-us/

Find out about CoreNet Global North America Summit: https://www.corenetglobal.org/attend-summits-events/2026-corenet-global---north-america-summit

Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSkmmkVFvM4H3pwnlU2AuqynuRDpvnh4J

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/

Anthony Lucca is a young professional based in New York City with a passion for workplace operations, facility management, project management, and enhancing the employee Experience. Mike Petrusky asks Anthony about his aspiring career journey in the world of the workplace and they explore why building and fostering genuine relationships and professional networks is essential in facility management. Anthony says that his professional growth often involves learning from the experiences of others and that is why he is constantly seeking mentorship and has plans to get involved in communities such as IFMA. The workplace is fundamentally about people, and FM leaders are responsible for creating environments where employees feel connected, valued, and engaged in the age of hybrid and remote work. While individual innovation and adaptability are necessary for success in the future workplace, leaders look to the hospitality and service industries to provide valuable lessons when creating great cultures, so join Mike and Anthony as they offer the inspiration needed to be a Workplace Innovator in your organization!

Connect with Anthony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonylucca/

Learn more about IFMA: https://www.ifma.org/

Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSkmmkVFvM4H3pwnlU2AuqynuRDpvnh4J

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/