Ep. 129: “Next Gen FM” – Preparing and Inspiring Leaders for the Future of the Built Environment with Audrey Schultz, PhD of Pratt Institute

Audrey Schultz, Ph.D. is Chairperson and Professor of Construction Management, Facilities Management & Real Estate Practice Programs at Pratt Institute where she is passionate about the importance of education and innovation in the future of the built environment. Mike Petrusky asks Audrey about her philosophy for empowering the next generation of FM leaders as there is a need for continuous learning with the rapid changes and advancements in the industry. Mike and Audrey explore how technology is becoming increasingly important in the facilities management and construction management industry, with tools like drones and digital twins streamlining processes and increasing efficiency. Audrey believes the industry needs to focus more on sustainability, with initiatives like the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals being integrated into education programs. Mike and Audrey agree that networking and public speaking are crucial skills for success in FM and they recommend that students take courses and participate in events that will help them develop these skills. Tune in for the inspiration and encouragement you need to be an Asset Champion in your organization! Connect with Audrey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/audrey-schultz-ph-d-a0a3bb9/ Learn more about Pratt Institute: https://www.pratt.edu/ Watch Mike’s “On My Way To Work” video series on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSkmmkVFvM4E39sM-pNaGhLoG0dkM947o Learn more about Eptura™: https://eptura.com/ Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://assetchampion.iofficecorp.com/ Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/  

Cassandra Yocum is Technical Marketing Manager at Autodesk Tandem, where she is passionate about educating the AECO industries about the digital twin while using her “very particular set of skills”. Mike Petrusky asks Cassandra about her role as host of The Digital Thread Podcast and they share stories of connection through their experiences as podcasters and their common interests in movies and Irish music. They explore the opportunities in asset management for using technology and get practical by defining and describing the digital twin while also explaining the differences and confusion around BIM. Research shows that 95% of all data is lost at project handover while 85% of building operators struggle with poor and fragmented data, contributing to inefficient decision making and processes. Mike and Cassandra discuss how facility managers and building owners should collaborate with AEC firms to help them build, create, and leverage the power of the digital twin. They offer inspiration and lots of laughs as they encourage you to be an Asset Champion in your organization! Connect with Cassandra on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassandravagher/ Check out The Digital Thread Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcuPmjjwqWK_GkjMIvUoc1Fgh9lvMYv0m Learn more about Autodesk Tandem: https://intandem.autodesk.com/ Watch Mike’s “On My Way To Work” video series on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSkmmkVFvM4E39sM-pNaGhLoG0dkM947o Learn more about Eptura™: https://eptura.com/ Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://assetchampion.iofficecorp.com/ Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/  

Randall Niznick, DCP, FMP is a self-published author and professional services executive working in Corporate Real Estate Services as Senior Director of Operations at JLL. He is passionate about contributing to growth, efficiency, and profitability through exceptional customer relationship management and vendor partnerships. Mike Petrusky asks Randy about his thoughts on how military veterans can leverage their skills and experiences in the facility management industry. They discuss his new book, “In Service To Others – A US Navy Seabee’s Journey” in which Randy shares his career story and provides insights into the transition from military service to FM and corporate leadership positions. Continuous learning and upskilling are crucial in today’s fast-changing marketplace, so Mike and Randy explore the power of networking, IFMA relationships and offer you the inspiration needed to be an Asset Champion in your organization! Register for the Eptura Product Event on April 16: https://lp.eptura.com/webinar-power-of-one-april-24.html Connect with Randall on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rniznick/ Buy Randy’s book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Service-Others-Navy-Seabees-Journey-ebook/dp/B0CTFZXX73 Watch Mike’s “On My Way To Work” video series on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSkmmkVFvM4E39sM-pNaGhLoG0dkM947o Learn more about Eptura™: https://eptura.com/ Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://assetchampion.iofficecorp.com/ Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/  

Tom Sicola is an Executive Business and Leadership Coach specializing in CRE operations and engineering, with a particular focus on helping transitioning accounts achieve long-term success. Mike Petrusky asks Tom about his career journey, including over a decade at JLL, and how continuous learning and staying updated with changes in the industry is essential for professionals in the built environment. They explore the significant challenges of change and uncertainty FM leaders face today, including finding more talent in the built environment, rebalancing real estate portfolios, and implementing return-to-office policies. Mike and Tom agree that change management is often poorly handled because of fear and anxiety from leaders and there's a need for a culture that encourages learning opportunities that can come from experiencing failure. Tune in for the inspiration and encouragement you need to be an Asset Champion in your organization! Register for the Eptura Product Event on April 16: https://lp.eptura.com/webinar-power-of-one-april-24.html Connect with Tom on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomsicola/ Discover more about Tom’s coaching services: https://www.sicolainsights.com/ Watch Mike’s “On My Way To Work” video series on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSkmmkVFvM4E39sM-pNaGhLoG0dkM947o Learn more about Eptura™: https://eptura.com/ Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://assetchampion.iofficecorp.com/ Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/  

Deniz Besiktepe, PhD, FMP, ProFM is an assistant professor in the Purdue University School of Construction Management Technology where she focuses on research interests that include facilities management, building maintenance, condition assessment, decision-making models, and implementing data-driven techniques in the FM area. Mike Petrusky asks Deniz her thoughts about preparing the next generation for different trends and technologies in the future of the built environment and she believes that the key will be to focus on their adaptability. They discuss how technology offers facility management leaders the ability to process a large amount of data in a short time, which can result in better outcomes when human experience is added to the decision-making process. Emotional intelligence and the ability to adapt and innovate are crucial skills for the future workforce, and both Deniz and Mike support the IFMA Foundation’s mission to help students prepare for what comes next while they also offer ideas and encouragement to help you be an Asset Champion! Connect with Deniz on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denizbesiktepe/ Discover more about the Purdue University School of Construction Management Technology: https://polytechnic.purdue.edu/schools/construction-management-technology Learn more about Eptura™: https://eptura.com/ Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://assetchampion.iofficecorp.com/ Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/  

Sharon Jaye, D.Ed, SFP is Building Performance Policy Manager at the City and County of Denver where she is passionate about leading the team that is implementing Denver's Building Performance Policy for the Office of Climate Action, Sustainability, and Resiliency in the High Performance Buildings and Homes division. Mike Petrusky asks Sharon about how making buildings more sustainable not only improves operating costs and the quality of the facility, but also can improve the lives of the people in the built environment. Building performance standards give facility managers a way to get approval for their projects by improving the return on investment calculation and value of the initiative. Sharon believes it is essential for FM professionals to be involved in the early stages of building design and construction to ensure energy management is prioritized to ensure compliance with energy efficiency goals now and in the future. Mike and Sharon share stories and inspiration from their time being involved at IFMA and they encourage you to be an Asset Champion in your organization! Connect with Sharon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drsharonjaye/ Discover more about IFMA’s SFP Credential: https://www.ifma.org/credentials/sustainability-facility-professional-sfp/ Learn more about Eptura™: https://eptura.com/ Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://assetchampion.iofficecorp.com/ Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/  

Fred Kraus is VP of Product at Eptura™ where he is a software product strategist, product management leader, and workplace technology expert. Recorded live in Las Vegas during Autodesk University 2023, Mike Petrusky asks Fred about the use of AI and data in improving decision-making and efficiency in asset management and facilities operations. They discuss the exciting conversations the team has been having with customers and the conference theme of the power of data, AI and technology tools throughout the building lifecycle. Fred believes that location data can significantly improve efficiency in maintenance operations by helping technicians understand where they are going while AI and IoT devices can allow proactive management of equipment based on data rather than a set schedule. Mike and Fred explore the challenges of transitioning from design and construction data to operational use, while encouraging experimentation and creativity by inspiring you to be an Asset Champion in your organization! Connect with Fred on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frederick-kraus-182b7/ Discover more about Autodesk University: https://www.autodesk.com/autodesk-university/ Learn more about Eptura™: https://eptura.com/ Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://assetchampion.iofficecorp.com/ Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/  

Peter Costanzo is Director at ROI Consulting Group where he is passionate about delivering workplace technology solutions that optimize operations, streamline processes, and increase the accuracy of data to reduce costs. Recorded live in Las Vegas during Autodesk University 2023, Mike Petrusky asks Peter about how the latest FM technology is expected to bring significant improvements to workplaces, making them healthier and more efficient. They explore the concept of a digital twin, an electronic representation of a physical space, and the use of sensors in buildings becoming more prevalent and contributing to the development of smart buildings. Peter believes that good data from the design and construction process is crucial for effective facilities management and he shares how he helps businesses select the right technology, considering both their current needs and future trends. Mike and Peter share about the exciting opportunity to connect the asset management industry through IFMA’s IT Community and Autodesk as they encourage you to be an Asset Champion in your organization! Connect with Peter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterjcostanzo/ Learn more about ROI Consulting Group: https://roicg.com/ Discover more about Autodesk University: https://www.autodesk.com/autodesk-university/ Learn more about Eptura™: https://eptura.com/ Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://assetchampion.iofficecorp.com/ Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/  

Ted Ritter, IFMA Fellow is Principal at LMI360, a sales and marketing organization focused on commercial service and technology providers that support the commercial built environment. Geoff Williams, CFM, FMP, SFP, IFMA Fellow is Principal Owner at GDW Facility Management Consulting and Training where he is passionate about enabling organizations and developing FM leaders. Recorded live in Las Vegas during Autodesk University 2023, Mike Petrusky asks Ted and Geoff about the use of technology in facility management, the role of IFMA's IT community, and the potential of digital twins in improving building operations. They discuss adopting the latest FM tech tools while managing building lifecycles, the importance of collaboration and communication in the built environment, and why clean data and data standardization are essential when exploring the value of digital twins. This conversation will encourage you to take your FM career to new heights by engaging with the IFMA community and finding the resources needed to be an Asset Champion in your organization! Connect with Ted on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedritter819/ Connect with Geoff on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoffdwilliams/ Learn more about the IT Community of IFMA.: https://it.ifma.org/ Discover more about Autodesk University: https://www.autodesk.com/autodesk-university/ Learn more about Eptura™: https://eptura.com/ Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://assetchampion.iofficecorp.com/ Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/    

Matt Davoren is President & C.O.O. at CADD Microsystems, Inc. where he is focused on using technology to better our lives - one solution at a time. Recorded live in Las Vegas during Autodesk University 2023, Mike Petrusky asks Matt about his experiences, views on technology, and his believe in the importance of continuous learning in the asset and facility management industry. They discuss the trends revealed during this amazing event and Matt shares his views around the transformation of disconnected information islands into connected data as we continue to digitize the built environment. A.I. has the potential to help manage and manipulate information, making it a less manual process and more valuable to building owners and operators. So, Mike and Matt explore the strategies and tools available to better transfer data during the commissioning and handover process, including BIM and digital twins. It is an exciting time for facility management professionals and Matt will inspire you to be an Asset Champion in your organization! Connect with Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattdavoren/ Learn more about CADD Microsystems, Inc.: https://www.caddmicrosystems.com/ Discover more about Autodesk University: https://www.autodesk.com/autodesk-university/ Learn more about Eptura™: https://eptura.com/ Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://assetchampion.iofficecorp.com/ Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/