In episode 386, host Mike Petrusky speaks with Joseph Diaz, CFM, SFP, Associate Projects Director at PWT in León, Guanajuato, Mexico where he is a VP at IFMA Mexico and passionate about Facilities, Project and Construction Management. Mike asks Joseph about his perspectives on the facility management industry and the importance of change management when seeking to meet the higher needs of the people in our organizations. They explore the value of cultural intelligence in managing complex environments and understanding human behavior in the workplace today. Joseph believes that paying attention to simple things and understanding the needs of both the company and people so we must have a holistic view of the built environment and the workplace.
Agenda
- Understanding people’s needs and cultural intelligence as foundations for effective facility and change management
- Exploring how workplace innovation is shaped by technology, sustainability, and quality‑of‑life priorities
- Offering practical guidance for leaders navigating complex environments and preparing their organizations for the future of work
What you need to know: Workplace takeaways
Takeaway 1: Understanding people’s needs is the core of effective change
“Pay attention to simple things. They play a vital role,” Joseph emphasizes.
Joseph explains that successful facility and change management begins with recognizing both apparent needs and the deeper “hidden needs” that influence how people behave in their environments. Leaders often focus on processes or tools, but Joseph argues that true progress requires understanding emotions, motivations, and the cultural context in which people operate.
For workplace and facility leaders, this people‑first approach ensures that solutions are meaningful, sustainable, and aligned with how employees actually work.
Takeaway 2: Cultural intelligence is essential in today’s workplace
“Culture refers to norms of behavior and values among a group of people,” John Kotter notes in a quote Joseph shares.
Modern organizations operate across diverse cultures, ethnicities, and belief systems. Joseph highlights that cultural intelligence—the ability to understand and navigate these differences—is no longer optional. It shapes communication, collaboration, and the success of any workplace initiative.
For facility and change management professionals, cultural intelligence helps leaders manage complexity, build trust, and design environments that support everyone.
Takeaway 3: Small details drive big improvements
“There are good and bad ways to do things… if your technique is wrong, you will just become someone who is good at shooting badly,” Joseph quotes Michael Jordan.
Joseph stresses that paying attention to simple, often overlooked details can unlock significant improvements. Whether it’s how people move through a space, how teams communicate, or how change is introduced, small adjustments can create meaningful impact.
This mindset encourages leaders to observe carefully, question assumptions, and refine their approach continuously.
Workplace management insights
- Understanding people’s needs—especially the hidden ones—is central to effective facility and change management
- Cultural intelligence enables leaders to navigate diverse, complex environments with empathy and clarity
- Focusing on simple details and human‑centered observations leads to more impactful workplace improvements
Explore the full library of Workplace Innovator podcast episodes for an in‑depth look at workplace insights.
