In this compelling episode of The Facilities Management Exchange, we sit down with two outstanding security professionals whose real-world experience, insight, and straight-talking approach shine a light on one of the most critical challenges facing modern facilities and organisations: keeping people safe in an increasingly complex and unpredictable world.

Our guests come from different backgrounds, yet they share a common mission — raising standards across the security sector, improving risk awareness, and helping organisations move beyond box-ticking into meaningful protection.

Helmey El-Aasar brings a powerful and personal journey into the industry, from his early “floater” days through to senior leadership. With trademark honesty and humour, Helmey reflects on the realities of frontline security, the dangers of complacency, and the responsibility every individual has to play their part. His perspective on accountability, ownership, and the importance of challenging vague language in legislation offers a refreshing and much-needed dose of clarity.

Chris Hotchkiss, (Founder and CEO at Prova Risk) drawing on his background in the Army and his leadership within the security sector, shares a pragmatic view of risk, technology, and operational excellence. He explains how modern security services can go far beyond minimum compliance — using technology to simplify complex processes, reduce risk, and deliver protection that is both efficient and effective. Chris also offers invaluable advice for those entering the industry and the mindset required to build a long-term career in security.

Together, Helmey and Chris explore the realities of modern threat environments, from Martyn’s Law and risk mitigation to radicalisation, social media, fake news, and the growing role of AI in security operations.

In this episode, expect a candid, thought-provoking mix of frontline stories, industry insight, and practical guidance, including:

• Helmey’s journey into the security industry — and the stories that shaped his career
• Why “reasonable” is one of the most dangerous words in legislation
• The real-world implications of Martyn’s Law for facilities and venues
• What effective risk mitigation should actually look like
• Why “they only need to get lucky once — we need to be lucky all the time”
• The role of technology in simplifying compliance and raising standards
• Social media, radicalisation, and the impact of online visibility
• Why ownership at every level is critical to safety
• The future of AI, robotics, and drones in security operations
• Advice for the next generation entering the security profession
• Lessons from global conflict and what it teaches us about procurement and efficiency

At its core, this conversation asks a vital question:
What does effective security really look like in today’s world — and how do we move from compliance to genuine protection?

In this powerful episode of The Facilities Management Exchange, we sit down with three remarkable professionals whose personal stories, expertise, and lived experience shine a light on one of the most pressing challenges facing modern workplaces: wellbeing.

Our guests come from different backgrounds, yet they share a common mission—helping people navigate stress, overwhelm, addiction, trauma, technology overload, changing expectations, and the relentless pace of work. Their openness offers insight, inspiration, and practical tools for anyone striving to build healthier working lives.

Katie Maycock joins us as the founder of GYST Wellbeing, an organisation focused on helping leaders, teams, and businesses stress less and perform better. Katie specialises in stress, anxiety, and burnout—particularly within fast-paced, high-pressure environments. Her methodology, built around six stages of identifying and addressing warning signs, gives structure to a problem many struggle to name. Her candid, memorable storytelling—including where the now-iconic business name came from—sets the tone for one of our most honest wellbeing conversations yet.

David Taylor, Head of Strategy and Major Accounts at SmartSec Solutions, brings vulnerability and strength as he shares his personal journey with mental health, alongside recent successes in his professional life—including exciting news for SmartSec Solutions. Dave offers grounded reflections on technology as distraction, accountability, taking ownership, and the power of simply remembering to “look up.”

Rounding out the panel is Patrick O’Sullivan: senior security leader, strategist, and author of Daddy Is Dead, a true story documenting his recovery from childhood trauma and addiction. Patrick shares deeply personal experiences—therapy, substance abuse, family history, and the decision to break painful generational patterns—while also delivering clear insights on leadership, spirituality, and the meaning we seek in an increasingly technological world.

In this episode, expect a raw and compelling mix of lived experience, humour, breakout moments, and emotional depth. Together, we explore:

• The pressures of modern leadership and the silent build toward burnout
• The six-stage methodology for recognising stress and warning signs early
• How technology accelerates anxiety and disconnects us from our lives
• Why accountability matters—and how to take ownership of your wellbeing
• The emotional weight of feeling guilty for struggling
• The critical role therapy and trusted support networks play
• How society has changed faster than humans can adapt
• The impact of addiction, trauma, and generational patterns
• Dogs, spirituality, and searching for meaning in a hyper-connected world
• Why being able to take time off is a measure of business health
• And the reminder many of us need: don’t forget to look up

At its core, this conversation asks a simple but profound question:
What does wellbeing actually look like in the modern workplace—and how do we reclaim it?

In this episode of The Facilities Management Exchange, we sit down with three outstanding workplace professionals who are shaping the future of the industry. Their diverse backgrounds, impressive achievements, and unique perspectives make this a conversation you won’t want to miss.

James Murphy brings a wealth of experience and a reputation for excellence across the Facilities and Workplace landscape. Having successfully transitioned through multiple roles in his career, he now leads on a single, high-profile trophy contract. Beyond his operational expertise, James is also an author, soon to release his captivating series The Signal Wars. His blend of industry insight and creative vision makes his story one of the most fascinating in today’s FM space.

Matt “Lasagna-Topper” Brownlee joins us with deep experience as a Workplace Services Manager and a proven track record of delivering safe, efficient, and high-performing work environments. Originally from Australia, Matt made the leap to the UK and hasn’t looked back, throwing himself into some of London’s most impressive workplace projects. His global outlook and hands-on approach to workplace strategy bring a dynamic energy to the discussion.

Alex McCann rounds out the panel as a seasoned Facilities Specialist with a strong history in the real estate sector. His expertise spans negotiation, budgeting, operations management, and sales management, making him a versatile force within FM. With a BA (Hons) in Drama: Theatre & Television from the University of Winchester, Alex brings a unique blend of creativity and operational discipline—an uncommon combination that elevates his approach to workplace and facilities solutions.

In this episode, you can expect an engaging mix of industry insights, personal stories, and a few unexpected twists. We explore:

• The unique paths each guest took into the Facilities and Workplace industry
• Why mentorship matters — and how it can shape a career
• The toughest challenges professionals face, and practical strategies to overcome them
• The complexities of managing multiple sites and delivering consistent excellence
• The role a supportive partner plays in professional success
• Long-term goals, ambitions, and what drives our guests forward
• A surprising detour into the Pyramids… and even Zombies
• A sneak peek at The Signal Wars, James Murphy’s upcoming series
• Core principles for building positive, high-performing work environments
• How AI is set to reshape the workplace of the future