Asset Champion Podcast | Physical Asset Management | Facility Management | Facilities Maintenance and Operations

James Waddell is President and Chief Research & Innovation Officer at Cognitive Corp where he is passionate about using AI to improve how buildings are designed, run, and experienced. Mike Petrusky welcomes James back to the show for an update on the current state of AI in asset and facility management, its practical applications, and its potential impact on the industry. They explore the challenges of implementing AI, the importance of having a strategic intent, and the need for humans to work alongside AI tools in the future of the built environment. James shares some of his career journey in the world of facility management, real estate and the workplace and offers a unique perspective on the evolution of AI in the industry. AI has now become a sophisticated tool capable of producing high-quality work results, so Mike and James discuss the importance of communicating the value of AI to stakeholders and measuring its impact on your organization as they offer the inspiration you need to be an Asset Champion! Connect with James on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jcwaddell/ Learn more about Cognitive Corp: https://www.cognitive-corp.com/ Explore Eptura™: https://eptura.com/ Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://eptura.com/discover-more/podcasts/asset-champion/ Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/

Maureen Roskoski is Vice President at FEA where she is passionate about sharing her expertise in sustainability, resilience, and facilities management. Mike Petrusky welcomes Maureen back to the show to discuss the latest opportunities for asset management leaders to more effectively communicate their stories in this special crossover episode with the "My Facility Podcast". They explore the importance of resilience in facility management and the need for FM leaders to effectively communicate the value of their maintenance strategies to decision-makers. Maureen believes that if we are to be in the best position to care for our built environment long-term, professionals must improve their skills for storytelling while staying ahead of the many changes in technology impacting the FM industry. Mike and Maureen talk about shared IFMA experiences and upcoming community events as they deliver the encouragement needed to help you be an Asset Champion! Connect with Maureen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maureen-roskoski-92963b16/ Watch the "My Facility Podcast" on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Experience_FEA/videos Learn more about FEA: https://feapc.com/ Explore Eptura™: https://eptura.com/ Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://eptura.com/discover-more/podcasts/asset-champion/ Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/ Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSkmmkVFvM4H3pwnlU2AuqynuRDpvnh4J

Carl Fennell is General Manager at Serco serving a client in the capital city of Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. With over two decades of operational leadership experience, Carl is passionate about creating environments where people feel safe to think, speak, and grow. Mike Petrusky asks Carl about his facility management career journey which led him to move from his home country of the United Kingdom to pursue an opportunity in the UAE. They explore the importance of combining technical accuracy with people-centered leadership in facilities and asset management today while emphasizing the need for professionals to take a deep dive into new worktech tools. Carl shares about the UAE's initiatives to deliver ongoing training and support for UAE nationals and he explains some of the challenges that confront organizations as they care for the built environment. When facing high expectations and skilled labor shortages, FM technologies like predictive maintenance and IoT sensors will play a larger role, so Mike and Carl offer practical advice and the encouragement you will need to be an Asset Champion in your organiaztion! Connect with Carl on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-f-operations/ Learn more about Serco: https://www.serco.com/ Explore Eptura™: https://eptura.com/ Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://eptura.com/discover-more/podcasts/asset-champion/ Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/

Jon Towers is Policy Director at Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck where he is a strategist and advisor to top government officials and institutions, with years of experience serving The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Mike Petrusky asks Jon about the significant challenges facing the VA as it manages its vast portfolio of assets, including many aging and outdated facilities. They explore how technology, including AI and worktech solutions, can play a crucial role in helping the federal government optimize its assets and improve efficiency. The modernization of VA facilities must be a priority, so Jon emphasizes the need to configure real estate assets to meet the changing needs of veterans across the country. Engagement and collaboration between government officials, industry experts, and other stakeholders are essential for addressing these complex issues, so Mike and Jon offer the inspiration and encouragement you will need to be an Asset Champion in 2026! Connect with Jon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-towers1/ Learn more about Brownstein: https://www.bhfs.com/ Explore Eptura™: https://eptura.com/ Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://eptura.com/discover-more/podcasts/asset-champion/ Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/

Laura Kuhn, ProFM, FMP, SFP is Director of Fleet & Facilities Management at Jefferson County Commission, WV where she is passionate about caring for government buildings so her community can come together to celebrate modern, accessible, and welcoming spaces. Mike Petrusky asks Laura about her thirty-year career in FM and they explore some of the challenges when managing a mixed set of assets, including both historic structures as well as newer government facilities. Laura believes that the heart of facility management is the people, not just the technology or infrastructure, so she shares why long-term planning and asset management are essential. Technology, such as AI and smart building systems, can improve facilities maintenance, so continuous learning and professional development are essential for FM professionals. The IFMA community offers the credentials and networking and necessary to provide valuable insights and opportunities for growth, so Mike and Laura offer the inspiration and encouragement you will need to be an Asset Champion in your organization! Connect with Laura on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-kuhn-029a0a265/ Discover Jefferson County, WV: https://www.jeffersoncountywv.org/ Learn more about IFMA: https://www.ifma.org/ Explore Eptura™: https://eptura.com/ Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://eptura.com/discover-more/podcasts/asset-champion/ Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/