Sophie Wade is a work transformation strategist, workforce innovator and well-known authority on the future of work. She is Founder of Flexcel Network where she advises executive leaders on human-centric, AI-driven change while also hosting her own show, the Transforming Work Podcast. Mike Petrusky asks Sophie about her latest book, "Empathy Works: The Key to Competitive Advantage in the New Era of Work", and why she believes we need a more holistic approach to workplace innovation, considering the human element and the psychology of collaboration. They explore the importance of integrating different departments such as facilities management, HR, and IT to create a cohesive work environment and discuss the role of technology and AI in shaping the future of work. FM leaders must embrace empathy and understanding in our distributed and hybrid work environments, so Mike and Sophie share stories about collaboration, music, and next generation connections as they encourage and inspire you to be a Workplace Innovator in your organization!

Connect with Sophie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/a-sophie-wade/

Learn more about Sophie's work: https://www.sophiewade.com/

Subscribe to The Work in Progress Report: https://theworkinprogressreport.substack.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/

Host Mike Petrusky reflects on his decade-long journey of podcasting and the evolution of the facility management industry in this solo episode of the Workplace Innovator Podcast. He explores lessons learned about leadership, technology, and innovation in the workplace with a mix of personal anecdotes, inspirational quotes, and discussions on the future of work. Mike shares his excitement for the next ten years and the potential impact of AI on the built environment as he emphasizes the importance of empathetic leadership and understanding human behavior in the future workplace. With quotes from C.S. Lewis, Brene Brown, and Seth Godin, Mike encourages listeners to get out of their comfort zone and embark on their own hero's journey, as he offers the inspiration you will need to be a Workplace Innovator in your organization!

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

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/

Rex Miller is a keynote speaker, futurist, and executive coach who helps leaders and organizations unlock the hidden genius that lies just beneath the surface, often trapped by outdated systems, fear, or inertia. He is author of the book, "Genius Spark: Reignite Your Life" and Mike Petrusky references insights learned from Rex over the years as they discuss the challenges of remote and hybrid work today. They explore how workplace leaders should embrace differences and friction in their teams as they seek to drive innovation and improve employee engagement. Rex believes that curiosity and understanding are essential for effective collaboration and he shares practical tips for leaders hoping to move their organizations forward in our new world of work. Embracing a move from "think tank" to "do tank" is the call to action as Mike and Rex offer the insights and inspiration you need to be a Workplace Innovator!

Connect with Rex on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rexmiller/

Learn more about Genius Spark: https://rexmiller.com/genius-spark

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/

Joseph Diaz, CFM, SFP is Associate Projects Director at PWT in León, Guanajuato, Mexico where he is a VP at IFMA Mexico and passionate about Facilities, Project and Construction Management. Mike Petrusky asks Joseph about his perspectives on the facility management industry and the importance of change management when seeking to meet the higher needs of the people in our organizations. They explore the value of cultural intelligence in managing complex environments and understanding human behavior in the workplace today. Joseph believes that paying attention to simple things and understanding the needs of both the company and people so we must have a holistic view of the built environment and the workplace. Mike and Joseph share about the power of our IFMA community as they offer you the encouragement and inspiration needed to be a Workplace Innovator in your organization!

Connect with Joseph on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josediazdl/

Learn more about PWT: https://pwt.mx/

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

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/

Vik Bangia, MCR is CEO of Verum Consulting and Verum's OutsourceUSA where he is a CRE and FM outsourcing advisor, workplace strategist, and author of the book "Tales from an Accidental Corporate Real Estate Leader". Mike Petrusky and Vik reflect on their time together at IFMA's World Workplace in Minneapolis and look forward to a new year with great challenges and opportunities on the horizon. They explore the need for facility management leaders to understand how AI can help them think more strategically with the potential for AI to take over mundane and routine tasks in the built environment. Vik shares his career journey in corporate real estate and encourages listeners to become aware of AI's capabilities and embrace new tools and opportunities in the industry. The role of outsourcing relationships and service providers in leveraging AI is essential, so Mike and Vik offer real world examples and the inspiration you will need to be a Workplace Innovator in your organization!

Connect with Vik on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vik-bangia-mcr-0b54522/

Learn more about Verum Consulting: https://verumconsulting.com/

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/

Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSkmmkVFvM4H3pwnlU2AuqynuRDpvnh4J

Charles Corley is Director of Development at M Moser Associates in Singapore where he leads with a passion for strategic and innovative workplace design, leveraging advanced project leadership methodologies to drive success and value for his clients. Mike Petrusky asks Charles about his journey from architecture to his current role of being an AI and workplace leader as they share stories of mutual connections and content creation in the industry. Charles shares about the importance of teamwork and collaboration in the workplace and the need to incorporate wellness into every aspect of workplace design. He shares how the role of technology is enhancing work environments and he encourages listeners to embrace AI and use it deeply in daily work to enhance productivity and innovation. Mike and Charles agree that creating great spaces to host events and foster team bonding is essential, so they offer practical advice and the inspiration you will need to be a Workplace Innovator in your organization!

Connect with Charles on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlescorley/

Learn more about M Moser Associates: https://www.mmoser.com/

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/

Bryan Berthold is a Global Workplace Experience Leader at Cushman & Wakefield where he is passionate about helping organizations quantify and elevate people, place, and performance. Mike Petrusky asks Bryan about the latest report from Cushman & Wakefield called "Reimagining Workplaces: Why Efforts Fall Short—and How to Get It Right" where he shares why the workplace experience is not just about real estate, but also involves HR, IT, and other stakeholders. Bryan says that only 47% of organizations have a focus on workplace experience, and less than 1% treat it as a business priority, so CRE and FM leaders have an opportunity to move the needle in this area. People come to the office primarily to collaborate and connect with others, so mandates alone are not effective in improving workplace experience, but a focus on clear communication, listening, and investment in technology is essential. Mike and Bryan share about C&W's "Experience per Square Foot" model for measuring and improving the workplace experience as they offer the encouragement and inspiration you need to be a Workplace Innovator in 2026!

Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryanberthold/

Learn more about C&W: https://www.cushmanwakefield.com/en

Download the "Reimagining Workplaces" report: https://www.cushmanwakefield.com/en/insights/reimagining-workplaces

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/

Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSkmmkVFvM4H3pwnlU2AuqynuRDpvnh4J

Valerie Spencer is Assistant VP of Strategic Growth and Engagement at Didlake where she is passionate about creating opportunities that enrich the lives of people with disabilities, especially in the world of facility management. Mike Petrusky asks Valerie about her recent role volunteering with the Capital Chapter of IFMA to put on a local "Chapter Workplace & Expo" event where professionals shared experiences and insights on facility management and innovation. Valerie believes that the FM industry is evolving with technology, making it more accessible to individuals with limitations, so she and Mike explore the importance of creating a healthy, safe, and productive environment for all people. Innovation in the workplace is driven by technology and joining professional organizations like IFMA can provide valuable resources and support for individuals seeking collaboration and networking opportunities. Mike and Valerie offer practical advice and inspiration to help you connect with the IFMA community and share stories that will encourage you to be a Workplace Innovator in your organization!

Connect with Valerie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeriespencer/

Learn more about Didlake: https://www.didlake.org/

Check out "The Didlake Difference" podcast: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0dH-97_y-SPN3QmczhfO-160VbItcgzh&si=oKz_HmNNQFkVFbOa

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

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/