Ep. 170: "A Very Real Trend" – The Impact of AI on Asset and Facility Management with James Waddell of Cognitive Corp

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/ Kris Lengieza is Field Chief Innovation Officer at Procore Technologies where he channels his passion for construction and technology to drive meaningful change in our industry. Mike Petrusky asks Kris about his experiences hosting the "Power of Construction" podcast, with his colleague, Sasha Reed. They explore the strong alignment between construction and facilities management, especially around the use and handover of data throughout the asset lifecycle. Kris says that the construction process represents only about 20% of an asset's lifecycle, with operations and maintenance of the building encompassing the rest, so FM leaders must demand better collaboration and data flow between stakeholders. Technological advancements like AI and automation are poised to fundamentally change how documentation and decision-making are handled, so Kris encourages upskilling, a focus on soft skills and digital literacy as we head into the future of the built environment. Mike and Kris agree that music, generational connections, and human experiences will always play an important role in building culture and bridging gaps in the industry, so they offer the inspiration you need to be an Asset Champion in your organization! Connect with Kris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krislengieza/ Subscribe to The Power of Construction Podcast: https://www.procore.com/podcast Learn more about Procore Technologies: https://www.procore.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