Ep. 172: "It's About the People" – Building a Culture of Care in Campus Facilities Management with Kari Myers, CFM of Caltech

Kari Myers, CFM is Manager of Service & Process at Caltech where she is passionate about facilities and operations strategies that deliver from asset intelligence to institutional impact. Mike Petrusky asks Kari why she believes the central theme in facilities and asset management is prioritizing people, both with staff and the broader campus community. They explore the opportunity FM leaders have by integrating technology and data-driven tools while delivering customer service excellence and empathetic leadership. Kari says training for her team, continuous learning and professional development are vital for success in asset management, so she encourages involvement at industry associations like APPA and IFMA. Building your professional relationships and sharing knowledge through podcasts, events, and networking supports growth and resilience across the community, so Mike and Kari offer the encouragement and inspiration you will need to be an Asset Champion in your organization! Connect with Kari on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karimyers/ Listen to Kari's Facility Management Playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4mKSuldefdJRgrUMQLSBzC?si=m2HX8yJbRJe3Wp6uvjAvGw Learn more about Caltech: https://www.caltech.edu/ Explore Eptura™: https://eptura.com/ Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://eptura.com/discover-more/podcasts/asset-champion/ Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/ Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSkmmkVFvM4H3pwnlU2AuqynuRDpvnh4J  

Kris Lengieza is Field Chief Innovation Officer at Procore Technologies where he channels his passion for construction and technology to drive meaningful change in our industry. Mike Petrusky asks Kris about his experiences hosting the "Power of Construction" podcast, with his colleague, Sasha Reed. They explore the strong alignment between construction and facilities management, especially around the use and handover of data throughout the asset lifecycle. Kris says that the construction process represents only about 20% of an asset's lifecycle, with operations and maintenance of the building encompassing the rest, so FM leaders must demand better collaboration and data flow between stakeholders. Technological advancements like AI and automation are poised to fundamentally change how documentation and decision-making are handled, so Kris encourages upskilling, a focus on soft skills and digital literacy as we head into the future of the built environment. Mike and Kris agree that music, generational connections, and human experiences will always play an important role in building culture and bridging gaps in the industry, so they offer the inspiration you need to be an Asset Champion in your organization! Connect with Kris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krislengieza/ Subscribe to The Power of Construction Podcast: https://www.procore.com/podcast Learn more about Procore Technologies: https://www.procore.com/ Explore Eptura™: https://eptura.com/ Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://eptura.com/discover-more/podcasts/asset-champion/ Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/ Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSkmmkVFvM4H3pwnlU2AuqynuRDpvnh4J  

James Waddell is President and Chief Research & Innovation Officer at Cognitive Corp where he is passionate about using AI to improve how buildings are designed, run, and experienced. Mike Petrusky welcomes James back to the show for an update on the current state of AI in asset and facility management, its practical applications, and its potential impact on the industry. They explore the challenges of implementing AI, the importance of having a strategic intent, and the need for humans to work alongside AI tools in the future of the built environment. James shares some of his career journey in the world of facility management, real estate and the workplace and offers a unique perspective on the evolution of AI in the industry. AI has now become a sophisticated tool capable of producing high-quality work results, so Mike and James discuss the importance of communicating the value of AI to stakeholders and measuring its impact on your organization as they offer the inspiration you need to be an Asset Champion! Connect with James on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jcwaddell/ Learn more about Cognitive Corp: https://www.cognitive-corp.com/ Explore Eptura™: https://eptura.com/ Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://eptura.com/discover-more/podcasts/asset-champion/ Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/ Kris Lengieza is Field Chief Innovation Officer at Procore Technologies where he channels his passion for construction and technology to drive meaningful change in our industry. Mike Petrusky asks Kris about his experiences hosting the "Power of Construction" podcast, with his colleague, Sasha Reed. They explore the strong alignment between construction and facilities management, especially around the use and handover of data throughout the asset lifecycle. Kris says that the construction process represents only about 20% of an asset's lifecycle, with operations and maintenance of the building encompassing the rest, so FM leaders must demand better collaboration and data flow between stakeholders. Technological advancements like AI and automation are poised to fundamentally change how documentation and decision-making are handled, so Kris encourages upskilling, a focus on soft skills and digital literacy as we head into the future of the built environment. Mike and Kris agree that music, generational connections, and human experiences will always play an important role in building culture and bridging gaps in the industry, so they offer the inspiration you need to be an Asset Champion in your organization! Connect with Kris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krislengieza/ Subscribe to The Power of Construction Podcast: https://www.procore.com/podcast Learn more about Procore Technologies: https://www.procore.com/ Explore Eptura™: https://eptura.com/ Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://eptura.com/discover-more/podcasts/asset-champion/ Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/ Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSkmmkVFvM4H3pwnlU2AuqynuRDpvnh4J

Maureen Roskoski is Vice President at FEA where she is passionate about sharing her expertise in sustainability, resilience, and facilities management. Mike Petrusky welcomes Maureen back to the show to discuss the latest opportunities for asset management leaders to more effectively communicate their stories in this special crossover episode with the "My Facility Podcast". They explore the importance of resilience in facility management and the need for FM leaders to effectively communicate the value of their maintenance strategies to decision-makers. Maureen believes that if we are to be in the best position to care for our built environment long-term, professionals must improve their skills for storytelling while staying ahead of the many changes in technology impacting the FM industry. Mike and Maureen talk about shared IFMA experiences and upcoming community events as they deliver the encouragement needed to help you be an Asset Champion! Connect with Maureen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maureen-roskoski-92963b16/ Watch the "My Facility Podcast" on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Experience_FEA/videos Learn more about FEA: https://feapc.com/ Explore Eptura™: https://eptura.com/ Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://eptura.com/discover-more/podcasts/asset-champion/ Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/ Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSkmmkVFvM4H3pwnlU2AuqynuRDpvnh4J  

Carl Fennell is General Manager at Serco serving a client in the capital city of Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. With over two decades of operational leadership experience, Carl is passionate about creating environments where people feel safe to think, speak, and grow. Mike Petrusky asks Carl about his facility management career journey which led him to move from his home country of the United Kingdom to pursue an opportunity in the UAE. They explore the importance of combining technical accuracy with people-centered leadership in facilities and asset management today while emphasizing the need for professionals to take a deep dive into new worktech tools. Carl shares about the UAE's initiatives to deliver ongoing training and support for UAE nationals and he explains some of the challenges that confront organizations as they care for the built environment. When facing high expectations and skilled labor shortages, FM technologies like predictive maintenance and IoT sensors will play a larger role, so Mike and Carl offer practical advice and the encouragement you will need to be an Asset Champion in your organiaztion! Connect with Carl on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-f-operations/ Learn more about Serco: https://www.serco.com/ Explore Eptura™: https://eptura.com/ Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://eptura.com/discover-more/podcasts/asset-champion/ Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/  

Jon Towers is Policy Director at Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck where he is a strategist and advisor to top government officials and institutions, with years of experience serving The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Mike Petrusky asks Jon about the significant challenges facing the VA as it manages its vast portfolio of assets, including many aging and outdated facilities. They explore how technology, including AI and worktech solutions, can play a crucial role in helping the federal government optimize its assets and improve efficiency. The modernization of VA facilities must be a priority, so Jon emphasizes the need to configure real estate assets to meet the changing needs of veterans across the country. Engagement and collaboration between government officials, industry experts, and other stakeholders are essential for addressing these complex issues, so Mike and Jon offer the inspiration and encouragement you will need to be an Asset Champion in 2026! Connect with Jon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-towers1/ Learn more about Brownstein: https://www.bhfs.com/ Explore Eptura™: https://eptura.com/ Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://eptura.com/discover-more/podcasts/asset-champion/ Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/  

Laura Kuhn, ProFM, FMP, SFP is Director of Fleet & Facilities Management at Jefferson County Commission, WV where she is passionate about caring for government buildings so her community can come together to celebrate modern, accessible, and welcoming spaces. Mike Petrusky asks Laura about her thirty-year career in FM and they explore some of the challenges when managing a mixed set of assets, including both historic structures as well as newer government facilities. Laura believes that the heart of facility management is the people, not just the technology or infrastructure, so she shares why long-term planning and asset management are essential. Technology, such as AI and smart building systems, can improve facilities maintenance, so continuous learning and professional development are essential for FM professionals. The IFMA community offers the credentials and networking and necessary to provide valuable insights and opportunities for growth, so Mike and Laura offer the inspiration and encouragement you will need to be an Asset Champion in your organization! Connect with Laura on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-kuhn-029a0a265/ Discover Jefferson County, WV: https://www.jeffersoncountywv.org/ Learn more about IFMA: https://www.ifma.org/ Explore Eptura™: https://eptura.com/ Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://eptura.com/discover-more/podcasts/asset-champion/ Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/  

Ryan Linthicum is Managing Principal and Brett Milburn, GISP is Principal and Director of Digital Solutions at Langan Engineering & Environmental Services where they are passionate about guiding clients through the strategic implementation of cutting-edge technologies, including AI, machine learning, geospatial analytics, and enterprise system integration. Mike Petrusky asks his guests about the role of digital solutions in asset management and the impact of emerging technologies on the built environment. They explore some of the top trends and challenges in facility and asset management industry and offer strategies for managing the asset life cycle using the latest technology solutions. Topics of interest include governance and standardization, proactive stewardship and intentional design in managing assets, and the potential of emerging technologies such as AI, digital twins, and IoT sensors. Mike, Ryan and Brett emphasize the value of partnerships and collaborations in scaling technology solutions, so they offer the encouragement you will need to be an Asset Champion in your organization! Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-linthicum-3633b86/ Connect with Brett on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brett-milburn-gisp-6b738517/ Learn more about Langan: https://www.langan.com/ Explore Eptura™: https://eptura.com/ Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://eptura.com/discover-more/podcasts/asset-champion/ Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/  

Billy Holder, CFM is Founder & CEO at Project Aidra where he is as a dynamic and tech-savvy facilities professional who is passionate about driving facility management innovation. Mike Petrusky asks Billy about his FM career journey and how it led to the founding of Project Aidra, a company dedicated to building a future where more intelligent, automated, and precise property inspection is possible. They explore the importance of taking a holistic view of the built environment, including the people occupying our facilities. Billy says the challenges facing the FM industry include staffing shortages and the need to leverage technology but he encourages us to keep technology "human-centered," ensuring it augments rather than replaces human intuition and knowledge. There is great potential for technologies like AI, reality capture, and IoT sensors to improve asset management and facility condition assessments, so Mike and Billy offer the inspiration you will need to be an Asset Champion in your organization! Connect with Billy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billy-holder-project-aidra/ Learn more about Project Aidra: https://projectaidra.net/ Explore Eptura™: https://eptura.com/ Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://eptura.com/discover-more/podcasts/asset-champion/ Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/  

Colette Temmink is a corporate real estate, facilities and operations leader at Voxel committed to making a positive impact championing safe, efficient and sustainable workplace technology. Mike Petrusky asks Colette about how asset and facility management has evolved from a purely tactical focus to a more strategic and technology-oriented profession, influenced by trends such as digital twins, AI, and sustainability. They discuss how FM professionals should not be afraid to embrace new technologies and innovations, but they need to ask what they are solving for and explore technologies that align with their organization's needs and data requirements. A holistic asset lifecycle approach to managing buildings and assets can provide multiple benefits and insights, not just for FM departments but for the entire organization. Colette believes that human connections and professional relationships remain critical in an increasingly AI-driven industry and she emphasizes the importance of being a lifelong learner and staying informed about technological advancements to maintain relevant in the field. FM professionals should shift from reactive maintenance models to more data-informed, AI-driven decision-making processes, so Mike and Colette offer the practical advice and encouragement you need to be an Asset Champion in your organization! Connect with Colette on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colettetemmink/ Learn more about Voxel: https://www.voxelai.com/ Explore Eptura™: https://eptura.com/ Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://eptura.com/discover-more/podcasts/asset-champion/ Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/