"Wear Many Hats" Podcast

Hosted by Wear Many Hats - Podcast

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Episodes

158

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-GB

About the show

Interviewing leading FM/Procurement sector specific executive business people to inspire the next generation of young professionals. Our objective is to share our guests' stories and experiences to help motivate and inspire others. Through 'Wear Many Hats' podcast, you will gain new perspectives, insights, and learn about strategies to develop your career in the FM/Procurement business.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 9, 202632 min

E159– Caroline Pontifax: Head of Workplace & Design Director – Savills

Another great episode of the Wear Many Hats podcast.This time, we sit down with Caroline Pontifax, Head of Workplace & Design Director at Savills, to explore how workplace design has evolved from traditional office planning into a strategic tool for business performance, collaboration, and behaviour change.Caroline shares her journey from starting in furniture space planning during the 90s to helping shape some of London’s most influential workplace projects. Along the way, she reflects on navigating recessions, industry disruption, and the transformation of workplace expectations over the last two decades.We dive into how hybrid working, Teams calls, AI, and changing employee behaviours have completely reshaped the way offices are designed and used today.Caroline also discusses the growing importance of business understanding in design, why communication is critical for leadership, and how technology is accelerating both creativity and complexity within the workplace industry.A thoughtful and forward-looking conversation for workplace leaders, designers, FM professionals, and anyone interested in the future of work and office design.

June 4, 202646 min

E158 – Alistair Fenn: Chief of Staff & Global Interim Head of Workspace Experience – Tide

Another great episode of the Wear Many Hats podcast.This time, we sit down with Alistair Fenn, Chief of Staff & Global Interim Head of Workspace Experience at Tide, to explore the evolving role of workplace experience in fast-growing global organisations.Alistair shares his perspective on scaling workplace culture, managing global teams, and why workplace experience has become far more than just managing offices, it’s now a key part of how businesses operate, collaborate, and grow.We dive into the challenges that come with rapid growth, aligning people and operations across multiple regions, and the importance of creating environments that genuinely support employees at every level.Alistair also reflects on leadership, adaptability, and the growing connection between workplace strategy, culture, and business performance.A thoughtful and forward-looking conversation for workplace leaders, operations professionals, and anyone shaping the future of work.

June 2, 202646 min

E157– Christopher Ali: Facilities Manager – The Estate Office Shoreditch

Another great episode of the Wear Many Hats podcast.This time, we sit down with Christopher Ali, Facilities Manager at The Estate Office Shoreditch, to explore a career journey shaped by persistence, curiosity, and learning through experience.Christopher shares how he spent years working different jobs without a clear career path, struggling with confidence and direction before unexpectedly finding his way into facilities management through a role at Greenpeace UK.What started as a facilities assistant position soon became something much bigger.During the pandemic, Christopher stepped up to manage a building on his own, eventually progressing into facilities management and building a career in an industry he never originally planned to enter.We also discuss the realities of modern FM stakeholder management, compliance, contractor relationships, communication, and the growing recognition of facilities management as a strategic profession.Christopher also shares his honest thoughts on AI, operational pressures in today’s market, and why asking the right questions is one of the most valuable skills in the workplace.A genuine and inspiring conversation about growth, resilience, and finding opportunity in unexpected places.

May 21, 202638 min

E156 – Lee Bennett: Head of Estate Services – Bidcorp UK

Another great episode of the Wear Many Hats podcast.This time, we sit down with Lee Bennett, Head of Estate Services at Bidcorp UK, to explore a career built through curiosity, initiative, and taking opportunities before feeling fully ready.Lee shares how he started out in an entry-level administrative apprenticeship with no clear career plan, before gradually discovering the world of property and facilities management through hands-on experience.From organising tenant forums at East Midlands Airport to emailing senior leadership for opportunities, Lee reflects on the moments that shaped his career, including unexpectedly delivering a speech in China in front of more than 1,000 people.We also dive into leadership, team building, strategic estate management, and the operational challenges of managing property and FM within a fast-moving food distribution business.Lee also shares his thoughts on AI, data-driven decision making, ESG, and why simplicity and strong processes are becoming more important than ever.A thoughtful and honest conversation about growth, leadership, and building a long-term career through experience and adaptability.

May 14, 202641 min

E155 – Ashley Diamond: COO – MetSpace

Another great episode of the Wear Many Hats podcast.This time, we sit down with Ashley Diamond, COO at MetSpace, to explore a career that started with uncertainty and evolved into leading a growing business in the flexible office sector.Ashley shares how a single opportunity taken without fully knowing where it would lead became the foundation for his entire career. From learning the fundamentals on the ground to helping build and scale MetSpace, his journey is a powerful example of growth through experience.We dive into the evolution of the flexible office market, the rise of managed office solutions, and the challenges of operating in a fast-growing and increasingly competitive space.Ashley also shares his thoughts on AI, ESG, and why being in the office still plays a key role in collaboration, learning, and development.A practical and honest conversation about building a career, taking opportunities, and growing within an evolving industry.

May 5, 202631 min

E154– Nathan Cornell: Head of UK Operations – Linklaters

Another great episode of the Wear Many Hats podcast.This time, we sit down with Nathan Cornell, Head of UK Operations at Linklaters, to explore what it truly takes to lead operations at one of the world’s most prestigious law firms.Nathan shares a behind-the-scenes look at managing complex, high-stakes environments where precision, performance, and people all need to align. From driving operational excellence to navigating scale, he reflects on the realities of leadership in a fast-paced, high-performance setting.We dive into the challenges of balancing strategy with execution, the importance of resilience under pressure, and how strong operational leadership quietly powers world-class organisations.A sharp and insightful conversation for workplace leaders, operations professionals, and anyone interested in how top-tier organisations run seamlessly behind the scenes.

April 30, 202652 min

E153 – Helen Holland: Assistant Director – Estate Planning & Strategic Projects – University of Kent

Another insightful episode of the Wear Many Hats podcast.This time, we sit down with Helen Holland, Assistant Director of Estate Planning & Strategic Projects at the University of Kent, to explore her journey from fast-paced corporate environments into leading strategic change within higher education.Helen shares how her experience managing global projects and large-scale transformations shaped her approach to estate strategy and what it really takes to drive change in complex, traditional institutions like universities.We dive into the realities of navigating legacy systems, challenging long-standing ways of working, and delivering meaningful transformation in environments where change can often be slow and complex.Helen also reflects on leadership, adaptability, and the importance of balancing long-term strategy with practical execution.A thoughtful and practical conversation for workplace leaders, estate professionals, and anyone involved in large-scale organisational change.

April 28, 202641 min

E152 – Olivia Saxen: Workplace Design Lead – Landsec (Myo & Flexible Offices)

Another great episode of the Wear Many Hats podcast.This time, we sit down with Olivia Saxen, Workplace Design Lead at Landsec (Myo & Flexible Offices), to explore her journey into workplace design and what it takes to create environments that genuinely compete with working from home.Olivia shares her international career path, moving from Finland to London, and her experience working across flexible workspace brands before joining Landsec. She reflects on the evolution of flex offices, the “hotelification” of the workplace, and how design, experience, and commercial reality must align to create successful spaces.We also discuss tenant expectations, ESG considerations, AI’s growing influence, and the balance between creativity and operational delivery in large-scale workplace projects.A thoughtful and practical conversation for anyone working in workplace strategy, flexible offices, design leadership, or commercial real estate.

April 9, 202628 min

E151– Caroline Main: Senior Director, Head of Retail Property Management UK – CBRE

Another great episode of the Wear Many Hats podcast. In this episode, we sit down with Caroline Main, Senior Director and Head of Retail Property Management UK at CBRE, to explore her journey from starting out in administrative roles to leading one of the UK’s most significant retail property portfolios. Caroline shares how her career evolved over time from learning the fundamentals in entry-level roles to gaining qualifications, embracing new opportunities, and ultimately stepping into a leadership position at one of the world’s leading real estate firms. We discuss the importance of mentorship, building confidence, and why not having a clear plan at the start of your career doesn’t mean you can’t achieve incredible success. Caroline also reflects on the changing retail landscape, leadership challenges, and what it takes to grow and lead high-performing teams. This is a powerful conversation about resilience, growth, and backing yourself even when you’re unsure. A must-listen for professionals in property, facilities management, workplace leadership, and anyone building their career step by step

April 7, 20261 hr 13 min

E150 – Darren (Daz) Keelor: Regional Facilities Manager – A J Gallagher

Another powerful episode of the Wear Many Hats podcast.In this episode, we sit down with Darren (Daz) Keelor, Regional Facilities Manager at A J Gallagher, to explore a truly unique and inspiring career journey — from military life to leading facilities operations across regions.Daz shares how the discipline, resilience, and structure developed during his time in the army became the foundation for his success in workplace and facilities management. He reflects on transitioning into civilian life, adapting to new environments, and building a career that spans multiple locations and responsibilities.We dive into the realities of regional facilities management, including managing large-scale operations, leading teams, and maintaining consistency across different sites, all while navigating constant change.This episode is a powerful reminder that career paths don’t have to be traditional to be successful and that some of the most valuable skills come from the most unexpected experiences.A must-listen for anyone working in facilities management or workplace operations, or for those building a career through resilience, adaptability, and real-world experience.