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

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424

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Aug 2026

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About the show

The Workplace Innovator Podcast, hosted by speaker, entrepreneur and answer-man Mike Petrusky, offers real-world insights from top facility management & workplace leaders on how to use tech, talent and tenacity to create the best workplaces on earth. Powered by Eptura™, The Workplace Innovator helps corporate real estate, facility management, IT, and HR leaders design incredible "friction-free" workplace experiences that fuel employee productivity, tech innovation and optimal space utilization, today, and tomorrow. Tune in now!

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60 recent

August 25, 202624 min

Ep. 416: "Diversity of Perspective" – AI Innovation, Leadership and the Future of Corporate Real Estate with Katy Redmond, MCR of JLL

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/

August 18, 202623 min

Ep. 415: "Build a Community" – Making Connections and Finding Your Path in Facility Management with Workplace Operations Leader Anthony Lucca

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/

August 11, 202626 min

Ep. 414: "Innovation Starts with Why" – Strategy, Change, and the Human Side of Facility Management with Martin Ruppe MBA, MCR, SFP of IFMA's Workplace Evolutionaries

Martin Ruppe MBA, MCR, SFP is the Executive Director for IFMA's Workplace Evolutionaries community where he is passionate about transforming facilities and workplaces through strategic consulting, digital innovation, and data-driven solutions. Mike Petrusky asks Martin why he believes innovation in FM is not about using the latest tools, but about identifying organizational gaps and aligning technology choices with strategic objectives. Having a clear strategy and understanding the 'why' behind workplace transformation is essential, so Martin encourages workplace leaders to focus on their strategic vision and adaptability, while maintaining a human-centric approach. This episode explores the importance of change management and communication as AI and digital solutions are increasingly disrupting the FM industry. Building a strong professional network and participating in communities like IFMA brings long-term benefits for workplace professionals, so Mike and Martin offer the encouragement and inspiration you will need to be a Workplace Innovator in your organization! Connect with Martin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martinruppe/ Learn more about Ruppe Consulting: https://www.ruppe.cc/ Explore the Workplace Evolutionaries at IFMA: https://we.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/

August 4, 202621 min

Ep. 413: "Always Be Connecting the Dots" – The Role of Hospitality in Culture and the Future of the Workplace with Jason Leeds of Dartcor Enterprises

Jason Leeds is Chief Growth Officer at Dartcor Enterprises where he helps organizations use hospitality to create workplaces that strengthen culture, connection, and employee engagement. Jason brings a unique perspective at the intersection of hospitality, commercial real estate, and the future of work, so Mike Petrusky asks him how hospitality helps people connect and thrive at work. They explore intentional, detail-driven experiences that can contribute to a sense of belonging and increase employee engagement as facility management leaders seek to reinvent workspaces and make them more attractive. Technology and AI, when used thoughtfully, can automate routine tasks and provide more space for genuine human interaction in the workplace, and Jason says collaboration across FM, HR, and IT is essential for delivering seamless workplace experiences. Small, consistent actions can create significant positive change in the workplace over time, and the future workplace will be more flexible, experience-based, and focused on human connection, so Mike and Jason offer practical advice and the inspiration you will need to be a Workplace Innovator in your organization! Connect with Jason on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-leeds-7b253a87/ Learn more about Dartcor Enterprises: https://www.dartcorenterprises.com/ Explore Dartcor Hospitality: https://www.dartcorhospitality.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/

July 28, 202625 min

Ep. 412: "Where the Design Should Start" – Aligning Workplace Experience with Organizational Strategy with Beth Goff-McMillan of SKG and FOLIO

Beth Goff-McMillan is CEO of SKG and Founder of FOLIO where she is passionate about helping organizations create environments that inspire people, elevate performance, and reflect purpose. Mike Petrusky asks Beth why she believes that workplace design should start with asking "why" and how FM leaders should focus on understanding the purpose behind bringing employees together and what the organization aims to achieve from the space. The physical office is not the strategy itself but a direct reflection of a company's strategy and desired outcomes for people and culture, so successful workplace innovation relies on the intersection of business vision and employee engagement. Beth says that "earning the commute" emphasizes the need to create inspiring, engaging workspaces that make employees want to come to the office and technology can help streamline the process, accelerate decision-making, and ensure thoughtful, repeatable approaches to workplace design. Leaders and facility management professionals must work strategically with HR and executive teams to support their people, so Mike and Beth offer the inspiration you will need to be a Workplace Innovator in your organization! Connect with Beth on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beth-goff-mcmillan/ Learn more about SKG, Inc.: https://skgtexas.com/ Explore FOLIO Project Software: https://skgtexas.com/about/folio/ 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/

July 21, 202618 min

Ep. 411: "Flexibility is Key" – FM Change, AI, and the Future of Workplace Experience with Tanja Stojanovski, FMP, SFP of Rothmans, Benson & Hedges Inc.

Tanja Stojanovski, FMP, SFP is Manager, Workplace Experience at Rothmans, Benson & Hedges Inc. where she is passionate about operations, property, facility and corporate management. Mike Petrusky asks Tanja about the future of the facility management and workplace experience profession as the industry faces constant change and requires daily adaptation. She believes that flexibility is key and says that the role of the FM team is shifting from being execution-focused to strategic partners who participate in business decisions and innovation. AI and data-driven technologies are already integral to workplace management, and professionals must embrace these tools to remain relevant and efficient. So, Tanja suggests pursuing professional credentials and engaging in continuous learning, both through formal courses and networking at IFMA and conferences like Facility Fusion and World Workplace. Collaboration, sharing perspectives across industries, and broadening skills are valuable for tackling new challenges in FM, so Mike and Tanja share the encouragement and inspiration you will need to be a Workplace Innovator in your organization! Connect with Tanja on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanja-stojanovski/ Learn more about Rothmans, Benson & Hedges Inc.: https://www.rbhinc.ca/en/home Discover the benefits of IFMA membership: 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/

July 14, 202624 min

Ep. 410: "Safe, Significant, and Situated" – Getting to Better: Elevating Human Potential at Work and in Life with Author Stephen de Groot of Brivia

Stephen de Groot is President & Co-Founder of Brivia where he is passionate about making work and life meaningful for everyone and he is author of the new book, "Getting to Better: A New Model for Elevating Human Potential at Work and in Life". Mike Petrusky asks Stephen about his business philosophy, and they discuss how he believes workplace leaders can align their values and behaviors by creating environments where individuals feel safe, significant, and situated. They explore Steve's book in which he offers practical strategies for value alignment including identifying the value, developing shared understanding, and practicing aligned behaviors. Steve says that innovation should be viewed as ongoing growth and adaptation, rather than just "thinking outside the box" and he believes most workplace issues stem from value incongruence, not lack of competency. Effective workplace leadership involves simplicity, clarity, and fostering conditions for others to exceed their current performance, so Mike and Stephen share practical advice and the inspiration you need to be a Workplace Innovator in your organization! Connect with Stephen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephendegrootofficial/ Order Steve's book "Getting to Better: A New Model for Elevating Human Potential at Work and in Life": https://gettingtobetter.com/ Learn more about Brivia Consulting: https://briviaconsulting.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/

July 7, 202624 min

Ep. 409: "Things are Changing Rapidly" – Workplace Culture and the Human Side of Facility Management with Melissa Van Hagan, CFM, IFMA Fellow of Hill Physicians Medical Group

Melissa Van Hagan, CFM, IFMA Fellow is Director, Facilities & Corporate Real Estate at Hill Physicians Medical Group where she is passionate about collaborating to ensure that relevant stakeholders are kept appraised of progress and challenges while delivering appropriate level of detail for each audience. Mike Petrusky asks Melissa why she believes that building strong industry relationships and community through IFMA and events like World Workplace is essential for personal and professional growth in facility management. They explore how hybrid and remote work have dramatically reshaped the modern workplace, requiring adaptive approaches to space management and employee needs, acknowledging that change management depends on both leadership vision and the willingness of employees to embrace new ways of working. FM professionals must stay open-minded, strategic, and passionate, so Mike and Melissa share the encouragement and inspiration needed to be a Workplace Innovator in your organization! Connect with Melisaa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-van-hagan-cfm-ifma-fellow-b2220314/ 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/

June 30, 202624 min

Ep. 408: "Be More Human" – Embracing AI, Robotics and the Future of Workplace Strategy with Kevin Sauer, MCR.w of Nhance.ai & Sauer Strategy Works, LLC

Kevin Sauer, MCR.w, is Head of US Operations & Client Delivery at Nhance.ai, a digital twin and smart building platform, and Founder & CEO of Sauer Strategy Works, LLC where he is passionate about helping clients develop their workforce and workplace strategies, find the right technology, tools and resources, and guiding their change management programs. Mike Petrusky asks Kevin why he believes that human connection remains central to innovation and how engagement with colleagues, leaders, and outside perspectives is essential in the future of workplace strategy. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the acceptance and implementation of flexible workplace strategies, such as activity-based working and shared desking, and Kevin says that AI and robotics are poised to significantly impact the industry, from automating administrative tasks to optimizing facility operations. Workplace and facility leaders should focus on upskilling, embracing both human and technological intelligence, and maintaining a holistic view of the built environment, so Mike and Kevin share practical case studies and offer inspiration you need to be a Workplace Innovator in your organization! Connect with Kevin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinsauer/ Learn more about Kevin: https://www.sauerstrat.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/

June 23, 202626 min

Ep. 407: "Stay Curious" – Using Smart & Adaptive Technologies to Build People-Centric Workplace Experiences with Daniel Grilli of VECOS

Daniel Grilli is General Manager for Australasia at VECOS where he is passionate about using adaptive workplace technology to deliver operational strategy initiatives. Mike Petrusky asks Daniel why he believes that true innovation involves rapid learning from failure and requires organizations to be agile, experiment, and adapt quickly. They explore how design and management of workplaces are shifting from assumption-based to evidence-based, using real data about how spaces and amenities are actually used. Daniel says that adaptive technology should serve the people in the workplace, making experiences seamless and frictionless while integration and interoperability between workplace technologies are essential to overcome legacy system silos and unlock greater efficiency. The future of smart workplaces lies in their ability to adapt rather than simply being technologically advanced, so Mike and Daniel offer the encouragement and inspiration you will need to be a Workplace Innovator in your organization! Connect with Daniel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-grilli-3359b834/ Learn more about VECOS: https://www.vecos.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/