In episode 365, host Mike Petrusky speaks with Richard Peterson, CFM, FMP, SFP, the director of IFM at ABM Industries Supporting Waymo, where he’s responsible for overseeing facility management operations. He’s also the vice president of the IFMA Silicon Valley Chapter and secretary for IFMA’s Corporate Facilities Council, where he focuses on helping facility managers (FMs) navigate their careers using leadership skills training, peer mentoring, and specialized education. Mike and Richard talk about his experiences in the profession and why he believes that knowing one’s strengths and attributes is essential for success. Richard talks about bringing his personal passion for leadership development and community engagement to his career and how it’s helped him attain IFMA credentials that have supported him professionally. Mike and Richard also discuss IFMA’s upcoming World Workplace conference in Minneapolis and its networking and educational opportunities.
Agenda
- Role of facility management in workplace innovation
- Impact of technology, particularly AI, on the industry.
- Success and engagement in the FM field
What you need to know: Workplace takeaways
Takeaway 1: Understanding personal strengths and cultivating a positive attitude are key to success in facility management
“I think it’s helpful to know what your attributes are and what you can bring to the table,” says Richard.
“Are you especially intelligent? Are you conscientious? Are you a people person? Do you have communication skills, you know, grit, resilience?”
Richard on his own journey, which included developing a passion for facility management through relationships and continuous learning: “I can’t recall when I was a kid or a teenager just really gravitating towards facility management. I think it was a series of developing relationships and connections and interest and just deciding, making that decision to lean into something and be a part of something.”
His advice for a successful career: “Stay positive, show up. Be supportive with your team, get involved, and develop a professional network of like-minded people that you can lean on when you need problems solved or support or want to be of service.”
Takeaway 2: Facility management leaders play a crucial role in creating environments that foster innovation and collaboration
Because of the role they play, FMs need to think beyond the day-to-day tasks and focus on the broader impact of their work, he explains. “How do we optimize this? How do we create cost savings. You know, I certainly get stuck in the minutia and all those things are important, but I think it’s important for me to remind myself that, at the end of the day, we’re making an impact on the people that we serve.”
Richard then talks about the potential for AI and other tools to enhance the FM’s role in creating innovative spaces: “AI is a big question mark on how impactful that’s going to be and how we can best utilize it and make us more efficient. I know it helps sharpen my planning, my communication.”
His advice: Explore how these technologies can be tailored to meet specific organizational needs, fostering an environment where teams can thrive and innovate.
Takeaway 3: World Workplace conferences provide valuable networking and educational opportunities for facility management professionals
“I really enjoy the connection with the people and the FM community. The welcome reception, the awards luncheon, just that human aspect of it,” Richard says.
He also praises the educational sessions: “I love going onto the app and sorting out what I think is going to be most relevant, interesting to me, and also useful and helpful that I can bring back to the team and the organization that we serve.”
The discussion moves from the topic of service to recognition when Richard shares his feelings about being named Associate Member of the Year for IFMA in 2024: “It was humbling, flattering, and scary all at the same time.” He explains how it was a testament to the hard work and contributions of many within the FM community, and it served as an inspiration to continue striving for excellence.
Workplace management insights
- Facility management is about more than just the daily operations; it involves creating spaces that foster productivity, collaboration, and creativity among people in the built environment.
- AI is a promising tool for facility management, offering potential improvements in planning, communication, and efficiency, but its integration into practical tools is still evolving.
- Occupancy planning tools are valuable but often require customization to meet specific organizational needs.
- Personal passion and engagement in the FM community, such as through IFMA, can significantly enhance one’s career and professional network.
Do a deep dive into more workplace insights by exploring all Workplace Innovator podcast episodes.
