In episode 382, host Mike Petrusky speaks with Valerie Spencer, assistant VP of strategic growth and engagement at Didlake, where she’s focused on creating opportunities that enrich the lives of people with disabilities, especially in the world of facility management. They chat about her recent work with Capital Chapter of IFMA to put on a local “Chapter Workplace & Expo” event, where professionals shared experiences and insights on facility management and innovation. Valerie believes that the FM industry is evolving with technology, making it more accessible to individuals with limitations, so she and Mike explore the importance of creating a healthy, safe, and productive environment for everyone. They then discuss how innovation in the workplace is driven by technology and why joining professional organizations like IFMA can provide valuable resources and support for individuals seeking collaboration and networking.
Agenda
- Exploring how technology is making facility management more accessible and inclusive
- Understanding the role of IFMA and professional networks in driving collaboration and growth
- Identifying practical strategies for adopting innovation and overcoming resistance to change
What you need to know: Workplace takeaways
Takeaway 1: Technology opens doors for inclusion and efficiency
“Technology in a larger sense also is opening more doors for people into facility management,” Valerie explains, pointing to the ways CMMS platforms, AI, and machine learning are transforming operations by automating tasks and improving decision-making.
But the impact goes beyond efficiency. These innovations make the field more accessible for individuals with disabilities and veterans, creating opportunities that didn’t exist before. Valerie says adaptive technologies often start with a specific purpose like the electric toothbrush, originally designed for people with dexterity limitations and then become mainstream.
For workplace leaders, the lesson is clear: embracing technology isn’t just about modernization. It’s about building inclusive environments that allow everyone to contribute while optimizing resources and preparing for the future.
Takeaway 2: Professional networks are critical for growth and problem-solving
“Facility management is such a multifaceted trade. It requires the necessary creative mindset to solve problems, and I think you need a collaborative group that can help support you in your day-to-day,” Valerie says.
She emphasizes that joining organizations like IFMA provides more than education. It also offers a trusted community where leaders can share best practices and find solutions to complex challenges. Networking creates a safety net for professionals who face unique building issues, because someone else has likely encountered the same problem.
Valerie’s advice: Lean into these connections. Whether it’s through local chapters or global events, professional networks give you access to expertise, trends, and resources that make innovation possible.
Takeaway 3: Overcoming fear of technology is key to workplace innovation
“Sometimes people can be a little bit afraid of technology, but technology really is such an adaptable way to grow and impact people’s lives,” Valerie shares.
Innovation starts with adopting the right mindset. Leaders must move past hesitation and embrace emerging tools, from AI-driven maintenance scheduling to data analytics that guide upgrades. Valerie notes that government clients often lag when it comes to modernization, making it even more important for FM professionals to advocate for change.
By leaning into technology rather than resisting it, organizations can maximize budgets, improve reliability, and create workplaces that support both operational goals and human needs. Today, adaptability isn’t optional. It’s the foundation for thriving in an ever-evolving industry.
Workplace management insights
- Leveraging technology expands accessibility and efficiency in facility management.
- Building strong professional networks fosters collaboration and continuous learning.
- Embracing innovation requires overcoming fear and adopting a growth mindset.
- Adaptive tools designed for inclusion often become mainstream workplace solutions.
- AI and CMMS systems help automate tasks and optimize maintenance strategies.
Check out the Didlake Difference Podcast and then explore the full library of Workplace Innovator podcast episodes for an in‑depth look at workplace insights.
