In episode 380, host Mike Petrusky speaks with Darlene Pope, CEO of Brava Systems, where she’s focused on delivering flexible systems that let organizations configure, launch, and seamlessly interact with AI across the enterprise. Mike asks Darlene about her career journey as a smart building and digital workplace expert and her passion for disruptive technology applications in real estate. They discuss the importance of embracing AI and using technology to support businesses and the built environment as they explore why workplace leaders need to rethink the traditional office setup and expectations around return to office. Darlene believes that AI is best understood as a “surge” rather than a “bubble,” with significant potential to impact businesses over the next five to 10 years, which is why she always emphasizes gathering clean data to implement AI effectively.
Agenda
- Rethinking traditional office models and return-to-office campaigns
- Leveraging technologies like location-based services and dynamic space assignments
- Implementing strategies for facility management and real estate leaders to drive innovation
What you need to know: Workplace takeaways
Takeaway 1: AI represents a transformative “surge,” not a fleeting “bubble”
Darlene firmly believes that AI is not a temporary trend but a fundamental shift that will redefine how organizations operate, and that it has “significant potential to impact businesses over the next five to 10 years.”
So, she says there’s a real necessity for leaders to view AI as a long-term strategic investment, capable of driving profound changes and creating sustained value across various industries, particularly within the built environment.
She encourages them to invest in a deeper commitment to its integration, moving beyond superficial applications to truly harness its power for innovation, efficiency, and competitive advantage. It’s about building resilient, future-ready workplaces, she explains, that can adapt and thrive with intelligent technologies at their core.
Takeaway 2: There is a critical need to rethink office setups and return-to-office expectations
“Workplace leaders need to rethink the traditional office setup and expectations around return to office,” Darlene says, and this involves challenging long-held assumptions about office design, occupancy, and the very purpose of the physical workplace.
By embracing a new mindset, organizations can move towards creating more flexible, adaptive, and employee-centric environments.
It’s about more than just accommodating hybrid work models. Leaders need to think about how they can start leveraging technology and innovative design to foster collaboration, enhance productivity, and improve overall employee wellbeing, ultimately optimizing the value and utility of their real estate portfolios.
Takeaway 3: Clean data is the foundation for effective AI implementation and drives workplace innovation
Without accurate and well-structured data, AI systems cannot provide reliable insights or drive meaningful improvements in areas like space utilization, energy efficiency, or employee experience.
Darlene encourages facility management and real estate leaders to strategically invest in emerging technologies that offer clear, measurable returns and “follow the money” by adopting solutions such as location-based services and dynamic assignment of space.
Workplace management insights
- AI represents a significant, long-term “surge” with transformative potential for businesses over the next five to 10 years.
- Traditional office setups and return-to-office expectations require fundamental rethinking by workplace leaders.
- Effective AI implementation is contingent upon the gathering and utilization of clean, high-quality data.
- Strategic investment in emerging technologies like location-based services and dynamic space assignment drives improved workplace experience and energy efficiency.
Do a deep dive into more workplace insights by exploring all Workplace Innovator podcast episodes.
