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Connected FM

Connected FM

IFMA 119 Episodes Jun 30, 2026

A podcast connecting you to the latest insights, tools and resources to help you succeed in facility management. Join IFMA, as we explore new ideas and topics in facility management to help you make sense of the changes and challenges facing the profession while equipping you with the knowledge needed to grow your career. Episodes are 15 to 30 minutes long and delivered semi-weekly.

Episodes

Understanding Equipment Failures Before They Happen Jun 30, 2026 00:15:02 In this episode of Connected FM, host Howie Barber sits down with Denis Kouroussis to explore how continuous electrical monitoring and intelligent analytics are helping facility teams move beyond reactive maintenance. They discuss the limitations of traditional preventative maintenance methods, the value of high-resolution waveform monitoring and how predictive insights can uncover hidden electric
The Hidden Menu: Creating Return on Experience in the Workplace Jun 23, 2026 00:30:52 Host Osama Aduib from ISS Facility Services sits down with his colleagues Paul Ratkovic and Amelia Ekus to discuss the “hidden menu” of facility management. The conversation explores how invisible systems, operational decisions and hospitality-focused thinking shape the workplace experience in ways occupants may never notice directly, from HVAC and lighting to food service, cleanliness and comfort
From FM to PropTech: Lessons From the Field with Billy Holder Jun 16, 2026 00:32:59 What happens when a longtime facility manager steps beyond the built environment to help reshape it through technology? In this episode of Connected FM, host Brent Ward welcomes Billy Holder, Founder & CEO at Project Aidra, for a conversation about digital transformation, AI and the evolving role of facility management in a technology-driven world. Drawing from nearly 30 years of experience in fac
How CMMS Adds Real Value in Facility Management Jun 9, 2026 00:18:07 In this episode of Connected FM, host Dean Stanberry sits down with Melissa Kaan, Founder & CEO of NOVA IFM, to explore how facility teams can use CMMS platforms to drive smarter operational and capital decisions. They discuss the importance of quality data, why CMMS systems should function as decision engines rather than digital filing cabinets and how proactive maintenance strategies can improve
How to Build Resilient Teams through Psychological Safety and Mentorship Jun 2, 2026 00:30:07 What does strong leadership really look like in facility management? In this episode of Connected FM, host Wayne Whitzell welcomes Kathryn Lopez for a candid conversation on leadership, resilience and the human side of facility management. Drawing from decades of experience in global FM leadership, Kathryn shares lessons on staying calm under pressure, creating psychological safety for teams and d
How PCM Ceilings Boost Thermal Comfort and Cut Energy Use May 26, 2026 00:25:52 Host Bryant Hughes sits down with Mick Dunn, Technical Support Specialist at Armstrong Ceilings and Ian Gumbert, Facility Manager at Armstrong’s Lancaster headquarters, to explore how PCM (phase change material) ceilings are changing the way buildings manage thermal comfort. They break down the science behind phase change materials, explain how PCM ceilings can mimic the thermal mass of concrete a
How to Start and Thrive in Your Facility Management Career May 19, 2026 00:17:59 How do you transition from being an "unintentional" facility manager to a world-class professional? In this episode of the Connected FM Podcast, Bobby LaRon, member of IFMA's Global Board of Directors, and Brent Ward member of the IFMA Foundation Board of Trustees, share their personal pathways into the industry. They dive deep into the essential "just-in-time" knowledge required for the field and
The Surprising Power of People in Facilities Management May 12, 2026 00:45:18 In this episode of Connected FM, we dive into the "power of people" with Kati Barklund, Global Chair of IFMA’s Workplace Evolutionaries. Kati shares her insights on why the "one size fits all" approach to workplace design is failing and how facility managers can create high-performing environments by balancing physical, digital, and psychosocial needs. From navigating C-suite perceptions to the im
How Young Professionals Define Workplace Wellness May 5, 2026 00:19:57 In this episode of Connected FM, Dr. Matt Tucker, IFMA’s Director of Research, moderates a student-led discussion on the critical role of well-being in facility management. Featuring three young professionals entering the FM industry, the conversation shifts the focus from simple maintenance to creating spaces where people can mentally, socially and physically thrive. The panel shares personal ins
The AI Edge: Boosting Your Impact as a Facility Manager Apr 28, 2026 00:18:25 In this episode, host Edward Wagoner sits down with global influencer Brian Haines to demystify artificial intelligence for the facility management community. Together they discuss: Practical steps for FMs to get started with AI. A look at autonomous agents that can monitor building control systems and solve problems. Why it is critical to always verify AI-generated work. What to expect as AI
How to Think Like an FM Analyst Apr 21, 2026 00:24:34 What does it mean to “think like an FM analyst”? In this episode of Connected FM, Dr. Matt Tucker, Director of Knowledge and Insights at IFMA, sits down with Drew DePriest, Director of Workplace Services, Vendor Management at Salesforce, to unpack the evolving role of data, analytics and AI in facility management. Drawing on insights from IFMA’s The Rise of the FM Analyst report, they explore why
The Skills Gap Solution: Why Training is the New Retention Strategy Apr 14, 2026 00:16:28 The traditional approach of competing solely on compensation and benefits is no longer enough to remain competitive in today's tightening labor market. In this episode, Jason Wetherford and Quinn Heimann from Aerotek share deep insights into the facility management industry, highlighting a significant shift where job seekers now prioritize opportunities for skills development as a top motivator fo

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