In episode 179 of the Asset Champion podcast, host Mike Petrusky speaks with Adam Bodner, Government Real Estate Consultant and Vice President of the Federal Real Property Association (FRPA). Drawing on decades of experience across the Department of Justice, State Department, and Public Buildings Reform Board, Adam shares why communication is often the deciding factor between project success and failure. The two explore the unique challenges federal agencies face in managing real estate portfolios, implementing new technologies, and collaborating with private-sector partners. Adam explains why asset management leaders need to bring stakeholders together, translate between different organizational cultures, and focus on implementation strategies rather than simply acquiring new systems. He also emphasizes the importance of storytelling, change management, and leadership in helping organizations realize the full value of technology investments.
Agenda
- Understanding why communication failures are often the root cause of project challenges
- Bridging the cultural, procedural, and language gaps between government and private-sector teams
- Improving technology adoption through change management, training, and stakeholder engagement
What you need to know: Facility and maintenance takeaways
Takeaway 1: Asset management improves when stakeholders work from a shared understanding
Adam explains that asset management works best when organizations break down traditional silos between facilities, engineering, workplace planning, and real estate teams. Bringing different perspectives into planning discussions creates better decisions because each stakeholder contributes unique operational knowledge that might otherwise be overlooked.
When employees understand not only what work needs to be done but also why decisions are being made, execution becomes more effective. Teams can align around shared objectives, identify risks earlier, and contribute ideas that strengthen asset and facility strategies.
“Bringing that asset management to me, successfully, is really like hearing from all parties and all the players and stakeholders. And then as a manager, you make the best decision you can, but you know that you’ve got everybody’s input,” explains Adam.
Takeaway 2: Technology success depends on implementation, not procurement
Modern technologies such as IWMS platforms, occupancy sensors, and building automation systems offer significant opportunities for facilities and asset management teams. However, organizations often underestimate the effort required to successfully implement and sustain these tools.
Successful adoption requires management commitment, ongoing funding, user training, data governance, and long-term support, Adam says.
Rather than viewing implementation as a one-time project, leaders should approach it as a multi-year operational transformation that continuously builds organizational capabilities and improves decision-making.
Takeaway 3: Communication and storytelling are essential leadership skills
Whether securing funding, building consensus, introducing new technology, or managing complex projects, Adam argues that leaders must become effective communicators.
“In my experience, when projects go awry, and they always do for some reason, the bottom-line reason is always communications,” shares Adam.
Asset management and facilities professionals frequently find themselves translating between technical teams, executives, contractors, and end users who each have different priorities and perspectives.
Strong leaders recognize that every initiative requires some degree of storytelling and persuasion. By clearly explaining goals, expectations, benefits, and outcomes, organizations can reduce misunderstandings, improve buy-in, and create the conditions necessary for successful project delivery.
Maintenance management insights
- Communication failures remain one of the most common causes of project delays, misalignment, and execution challenges.
- Federal agencies and other large organizations often benefit from external expertise because real estate and facilities management are not their primary mission.
- Government and private-sector teams frequently use different terminology, processes, and assumptions, making translation and facilitation critical to successful partnerships.
- Technology investments deliver value only when organizations commit to long-term training, support, and change management.
- Asset management leaders create stronger outcomes by bringing facilities, engineering, design, and planning stakeholders together early in decision-making processes.
Do a deep dive into more asset management insights by exploring all Asset Champion Podcast episodes.
Watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/0SngO0fi7pU?si=Ochxxy7PfP1C8ySY
