Tonya Thornburgh is an accomplished workplace leader with years of experience and a passion for leaving people, places and things better than she found them. Mike Petrusky asks Tonya about her career journey and why she believes continuous evolution, experimentation, and learning from failures are essential to long-term innovation and maintaining relevance in the workplace industry today. They explore how innovation in the built environment is less about adopting flashy new tools and more about deeply understanding human behavior, removing friction, and designing adaptable systems. As AI is transforming workplace strategy by enabling more personalized, intuitive, and data-driven experiences for employees, Tonya says that empathy and human experience should remain central to workplace innovation. Mike and Tonya agree that FM and workplace leaders should maintain curiosity, be open to continuous learning and nurture cross-functional relationships to stay relevant and effective, so they offer inspiration and encouragement to help you be a Workplace Innovator in your organization!

Connect with Tonya on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonya-thornburgh-4440186/

Find out more about Eptura Flex/26 New York: https://eptura.com/discover-more/events/

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/

Raul Garcia-Moncada, IIDA, NCIDQ, LEED AP, WELL AP is Principal & Director of Design at BR Design Associates where he is passionate about collaborating with real estate executives to develop strategies and resource plans that empower teams to achieve high-quality, sustainable results. Mike Petrusky asks Raul why he believes that good design is not just about aesthetics but is intrinsically linked to positive business outcomes. They explore innovation in workplace design and encourage leaders to embrace flexibility, adaptability, and prioritizing well-being in their organizations. Raul says that multi-sensory design which includes fragrance, lighting, and even influences from fashion and music, can subtly enhance the workplace experience and emotional connection for occupants. Hospitality and residential influences are shaping the evolution of workplace design, and technology can help measure space utilization, but understanding sensory impact often requires direct feedback from users. Cross-functional collaboration, particularly with HR, IT, facilities, and commercial real estate, is vital for successful workplace transformation, so Mike and Raul share the inspiration you will need to be a Workplace Innovator in your organization!

Connect with Raul on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raulgarciamoncada/

Learn more about BR Design Associates: https://www.brdesignassociates.com/

Find out more about Eptura Flex/26 New York: https://eptura.com/discover-more/events/

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/

Melissa Marsh is Founder & Executive Director at PLASTARC where she is a passionate practitioner of workplace strategy and a leader in change management services delivering social research and people analytics for the built environment. Mike Petrusky asks Melissa why she believes organizations need to focus on digitizing their real estate assets, ensuring system interoperability, and bridging the gap between people and building data to truly realize the benefits of AI and IoT. They explore how the post-pandemic world has fundamentally changed how cities and offices are occupied, leading to less predictable and more variable patterns of use, which necessitates new strategies for space management. Melissa says smart buildings are increasingly defined by their ability to connect digital and physical assets, so the transition to smart workplaces requires an investment in data systems and a clear understanding of desired outcomes before layering on AI tools. The true potential of AI in our workplace environments lies not just in automation, but in enhancing the workplace experience by integrating HR data, building systems, and personalized services, so Mike and Melissa offer practical advice and the inspiration you will need to be a Workplace Innovator in your organization!

Connect with Melissa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissaemarsh/

Learn more about PLASTARC: https://plastarc.com/

Find out more about Eptura Flex/26 New York: https://eptura.com/discover-more/events/

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/

Sarah Sims is Americas Regional Head of Workplace Experience at FTI Consulting and President of the Capital Chapter of IFMA in Washington, DC where she is passionate about designing human-centered workplaces at enterprise scale. Mike Petrusky asks Sarah about why she believes that self-awareness and focusing on personal strengths are foundational for professional growth and leadership in her facility management journey. They explore the fast-changing world of the built environment and share stories from their local FM community. Sarah says that innovation in the workplace involves both preserving what works well and embracing new changes, while leveraging technology can simplify processes, provide valuable data, and enhance the overall workplace experience for employees. Community service and peer support through IFMA provide knowledge sharing, professional growth, and the tools needed for adapting to industry changes, so Mike and Sarah offer the encouragement and inspiration you will need to get connected and be a Workplace Innovator!

Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-sims-pro/

Learn more about FTI Consulting: https://www.fticonsulting.com/

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

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/

Bex Moorhouse is Global Head of Strategy, Ops Excellence & Performance - Procurement & REWS at WPP where she is passionate about helping to prioritize employee experience and create environments where people thrive. Mike Petrusky asks Bex about her new role and her passion for cultivating such engaging environments where all employees feel seen, valued, and empowered. She believes that empathy and curiosity are crucial "power skills" for workplace professionals, enabling them to adapt, learn, and lead effectively in changing environments, so she shares that storytelling and clear communication are essential. Bex and Mike discuss how real estate and facility management teams often need to better articulate their value in business terms and focus less on justification and more on impact for end users. Continual adaptation, embracing new technologies, and focusing on both operational excellence and human experience will keep the FM profession relevant, so Mike and Bex offer the inspiration you will need to be a Workplace Innovator in your organization!

Connect with Bex on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bexmoorhouse/

Learn more about Bex's work: https://www.bexmoorhouse.com/

Find out more about WPP: https://www.wpp.com/en-us

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/

Joshua Freedman is CEO and cofounder of Six Seconds, the global emotional intelligence (EQ) network where he is passionate about helping organizations achieve higher engagement, better leadership, and scalable culture change. Mike Petrusky asks Joshua about his new book, "Emotion Rules: The Science and Practice of Emotional Wisdom", in which he equips leaders with scientific and practical tools for harnessing emotional intelligence to create a positive "felt environment" at work. Emotional intelligence is not only individually measurable but can also be assessed and developed at the organizational level to improve workplace culture and team effectiveness, so Joshua says emotional data is just as important as cognitive data in decision-making and leadership. Mike and Joshua discuss the increasing complexity and rapid change in the workplace today and explore how authenticity, empathy, and the willingness to acknowledge emotions in the workplace can help leaders to build trust and facilitate successful change management strategies. Tune in to hear the inspiration and encouragement that you will need to be a Workplace Innovator in your organization!

Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/freedman/

Order Joshua's new book "Emotion Rules": https://www.6seconds.org/emotionrules

Learn more about the Six Seconds EQ Network: https://www.6seconds.org/

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/

Tracy Brower, PhD, MM, MCRW is a sociologist studying community, happiness, and the future of work and life. She is VP of Workplace Insights at Steelcase and a Senior Contributor for Forbes and Fast Company. Mike Petrusky asks Tracy about her brand new book, "Critical Connections: Build Relationships and Harness the Power of Community in Work and Life", in which she delivers inspiration and pragmatic new insights on community and connection. They discuss how organizations can help to foster connections among employees, which can lead to higher levels of well-being and performance. Research shows that 50% of people globally are lonely with record levels of depression and anxiety, so Tracy believes the workplace can provide a sense of stability and identity for the workforce. Proximity and presence can increase performance and knowledge sharing among employees, and leaders should be intentional about creating cultures that support connections and community, so Mike and Tracy share some inspiration that will encourage you to be a Workplace Innovator in your organization!

Connect with Tracy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracybrowerphd/

Order Tracy's new book "Critical Connections": https://tracybrower.com/9218-2/

Learn more about Steelcase: https://www.steelcase.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/

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/