The Surprising Power of People in Facilities Management

 Host Edward Wagoner interviews IFMA Global Influencer Kati Barklund about shifting the facility management focus from physical assets to human potential. They explore how the "power of people" serves as a strategic tool for organizational success and why facility managers must learn to speak the language of the C-suite to demonstrate their true value.

In this episode of Connected FM, we dive into the "power of people" with Kati Barklund, Global Chair of IFMA’s Workplace Evolutionaries. Kati shares her insights on why the "one size fits all" approach to workplace design is failing and how facility managers can create high-performing environments by balancing physical, digital, and psychosocial needs. From navigating C-suite perceptions to the importance of being your authentic self in leadership, this conversation redefines what it means to lead in the modern built environment.

Timestamps:

• 0:00 – Introduction
• 2:30 – Defining the "Power of People" in the workplace
• 4:15 – Why "One Size Fits All" doesn't work for modern employees
• 6:30 – Creating a holistic human experience: Work vs. Life
• 11:15 – Changing the C-suite perception of FM from cost to value
• 14:30 – Learning to speak "C-Suite Language"
• 19:15 – The role of digital tools in maintaining physical connections
• 22:45 – The importance of authentic leadership and self-worth
• 30:30 – Overcoming isolation through the IFMA community
• 33:30 – How to get involved with Workplace Evolutionaries
• 39:30 – Quick-fire questions: Leadership habits and inspirations

Resources & Links:

• IFMA Workplace Evolutionaries
• Kati Barklund on LinkedIn

 Connect with Us:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifma
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFacilityManagementAssociation/
• X: https://x.com/IFMA
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifma_hq/
• YouTube: https://youtube.com/ifmaglobal
• Visit us at https://ifma.org

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