The Building People | A Grid Edge original series

content typeInterview primary goalEducational summaryIn this in-depth interview, Chris Reid, Managing Director at BMSI, shares his 30-year journey in the building management systems industry. From early beginnings in controls to leading a successful business, he discusses leadership, culture, technology, and talent development, offering valuable insights for aspiring professionals and industry veterans alike. keywordsBuilding Management Systems, Leadership, Talent Development, Industry Insights, Technology in Buildings, BMSI, Career Journey, Industry Challenges, Innovation, Building Automation key topicsCareer journey in BMSI and controls industryLeadership and culture developmentTechnology's role in smart buildings and energy optimization guest nameChris Reid key frameworksLeadership and Culture DevelopmentTalent Mapping and ApprenticeshipsSmart Building TechnologiesEnergy Optimization StrategiesTitlesFrom Controls to Leadership: Chris Reid's 30-Year Industry JourneyBuilding the Future: Insights from BMSI's MD Chris Reid sound bites"All right, see you.""It's about people, isn't it?""Take as much jargon out of life."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Chris Reid's Journey00:53 Early Career and Family Influence03:13 Career Progression and Key Experiences06:01 Leadership Challenges and COVID-19 Impact08:28 Cultural Development and Team Engagement11:04 Communication and Transparency in Leadership13:26 Lessons Learned from Mistakes15:54 Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations23:29 Understanding Audience Dynamics24:45 The Importance of Communication in Leadership26:15 Learning from Failure and Adaptability27:56 The Challenges of Public Speaking29:45 The Reality of Leadership Responsibilities31:36 The Future of Smart Buildings34:51 Addressing the Skills Gap in the Industry37:58 Investing in Future Talent43:05 Advice for Newcomers in the Industry resourcesBMSI Careers Page - https://bmsi.co.uk/careersBCIA Apprenticeship Program - https://www.bcia.co.uk/education/apprenticeshipsHorizon Group Horizon Trailblazer Program - https://horizongroup.co.uk/ guest linksLinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/chrisreidCompany Website - https://bmsi.co.uk

content typeInterview primary goalEducational summaryIn this insightful interview, Alex Green shares her journey from sustainability in various sectors to leading the Let's Go Zero campaign for UK schools. Discover how her work is transforming education estates into active climate infrastructures, the importance of human behavior, and practical strategies for achieving net zero in schools. keywordssustainability, education, net zero, climate action, schools, infrastructure, behavior change, UK, Let's Go Zero key topicsThe journey from sustainability to education leadershipThe impact of student activism on climate policyStrategies for decarbonizing school estatesThe importance of human behavior in sustainabilityInnovative solutions for overheating and flood resilience in schools guest nameAlex GreenTitlesHow UK Schools Are Going Zero Carbon: The Inside StoryThe Future of Sustainable Education with Alex Green sound bites"Most school buildings are already too warm for comfort""Passive cooling and ventilation are key to climate resilience""Access to private finance is the biggest challenge we face"Chapters00:00 Introduction to Sustainability in Education11:12 Alex Green's Journey in Sustainability13:11 The Impact of Student Strikes on Climate Action15:45 Global Perspectives on Sustainability17:38 Identifying Gaps in School Sustainability20:08 Understanding Sustainability for Schools24:20 The Ripple Effect of School Closures27:21 Changing Approaches to Sustainability Advocacy32:29 Adapting Schools for Climate Resilience34:15 Cognitive Impact of Extreme Heat on Students36:47 Leadership and Progress in Schools38:39 Understanding Building Management and Usage41:35 Making Environmental Management Easy44:13 Challenges in Accessing Private Finance46:52 Influences in Environmental Leadership51:16 The Importance of Collaboration53:40 Getting Involved with Let's Go Zero resourcesLet's Go Zero Website - https://www.letsgozero.org/UK Department for Education Sustainability Strategy - https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/sustainable-schoolsGreen Finance Institute - https://www.greenfinanceinstitute.co.uk/UCL Research on Heat and Cognitive Function - https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2023/mar/heat-cognitive-performance-schoolsOasis Community Organisations - https://www.oasisuk.org/Education Estates Conference June 2023 - https://www.educationestates.com/ guest linksLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexgreen/Website - https://www.letsgozero.org/

content typeInterview primary goalEducational summaryIn this insightful interview, Alice Hands, a sustainability expert with a rich background in ethical procurement and building operations, shares her journey, key lessons, and strategies for advancing sustainability in the built environment. From navigating supply chain challenges to leveraging technology and fostering stakeholder engagement, this conversation offers practical advice for professionals committed to making a difference. keywordssustainability, ethical procurement, built environment, supply chain, technology, stakeholder engagement, building operations, net zero, sustainability strategy key topicsEthical procurement and supply chain transparencyThe role of technology in sustainable building managementStakeholder engagement and communication in sustainability initiatives guest nameAlice Hands key frameworksStakeholder-Centric ApproachContinuous Improvement Model action itemsEngage stakeholders early in the design processLeverage technology for real-time data analysisBuild a culture of continuous optimization and learningTitlesFrom Construction to Building Operations: Alice Hands' Sustainability JourneyMastering Ethical Procurement in the Built Environment sound bites"Better something on the screen.""Small daily tweaks can lead to big impacts.""Trust your gut and listen to your instincts."Chapters00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene00:16 Alice's Journey in Sustainability08:20 Ethical Procurement and Modern Slavery Act12:56 Challenges in Sustainability and Stakeholder Engagement18:42 Innovation vs. Following in Sustainability20:36 The Impact of Ethical Procurement21:38 Harnessing Technology for Data-Driven Decisions23:21 Communication and Stakeholder Engagement25:09 Navigating Difficult Conversations26:52 Balancing Aspirations and Realities27:39 The Power of Small Changes30:55 The Role of Mentorship in Career Growth37:35 Advice for Newcomers in Sustainability40:03 Engaging with the Sustainability Community resourcesJLL - https://www.jll.com/Royal Geographic Society - https://www.rgs.org/Modern Slavery Act 2015 - https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2015/30/contents/enactedGrid Edge - https://gridedge.com/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/ guest linksLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicehands/

content typeInterview primary goalEducational summaryIn this insightful interview, Prash Kidiyoor shares his journey from renewable energy student to founder of ZeroGram, emphasizing practical steps for decarbonization, energy management, and navigating the evolving funding landscape. Discover how small, manageable actions can drive significant impact in the quest for Net Zero. keywordsNet Zero, Energy Management, Decarbonization, Sustainability, Building Efficiency, Renewable Energy, Funding, Energy Audits, Corporate Sustainability, ZeroGram key topicsPrash Kidiyoor's career journey from energy systems to ZeroGramMyth that decarbonization requires massive investmentsImportance of energy management and quick winsImpact of funding landscape on decarbonization projectsRole of technology and data in energy efficiencyBuilding resilience and cost certainty in energy strategies guest namePrash Kidiyoor key frameworksStep-by-step decarbonizationEnergy management as a foundationFunding and governance alignmentTitlesFrom Renewable Energy to Net Zero: Prash Kidiyoor's JourneySmall Steps to Big Impact in Decarbonization sound bites"Simple wins in energy management make a huge impact""Building efficiency is the fundamental step""Nighttime audits reveal hidden energy waste"Chapters00:00 Introduction to Prash Kidiyoor and ZeroGram01:45 Prash's Journey from India to Energy Consultancy05:24 The Birth of ZeroGram and Its Mission05:48 Debunking Myths in Decarbonization09:00 The Impact of Energy Management on Cost Savings10:03 Transitioning from Corporate to Startup13:48 Navigating Funding Landscapes18:04 Cost Certainty and Compliance22:22 The Role of Technology in Energy Management26:30 Learning from Experience and Mentorship30:49 Engaging with Clients for Energy Solutions resourcesZeroGram Website - https://zero-gram.comLinkedIn Profile of Prash Kidiyoor - https://linkedin.com/in/prashkidiyoor guest linksLinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/prashkidiyoor

content typeInterview primary goalEducational summaryIn this insightful interview, Freddie Pritchard-Smith shares his journey from property surveying to founding Trustek, an independent PropTech verification marketplace. Discover how his honest approach and focus on understanding real estate challenges are shaping the future of smart buildings and PropTech adoption. keywordsPropTech, smart buildings, independent verification, real estate technology, building data, innovation, industry challenges key topicsPropTech verification marketplaceChallenges in smart building implementationThe importance of honest industry insights guest nameFreddie Pritchard-SmithTitlesThe Future of PropTech: Independent Verification and Building DataHow Trustek Is Changing Real Estate Tech Decisions sound bites"Someone assumes someone else is doing something, but probably not.""I always give feedback I wish I had received.""A smart building should be when no one's there you turn it off."Chapters00:00 Introduction and Technical Issues00:00 Rules of the Game: Podcast Setup00:00 Freddie's Journey into PropTech01:59 Transitioning from Surveyor to Tech CEO04:15 Building Relationships with Landlords05:46 Barriers to Technology Adoption07:18 Understanding the Real Problem in PropTech09:23 The Need for Insight Over Data10:41 Evolving from Builder to Consultant11:10 Navigating Challenges in PropTech14:58 Understanding the Innovation Journey17:37 The Pursuit of Small Wins20:01 Embedding Innovation in Culture24:34 Vision for the Future of Building Audits28:54 Adopting an Agile Mindset in Real Estate31:54 Defining Smart Buildings34:14 Engaging with the Verified Marketplace resourcesFreddie Pritchard-Smith on LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/freddiepritchardsmith guest linksLinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/freddiepritchardsmith

content typeInterview primary goalEducational summaryIn this insightful interview, Atiya Khan shares her journey from environmental science to becoming a global sustainability leader in FM. She discusses the evolution of sustainability practices, the importance of data, and how education and industry collaboration drive change. keywordsSustainability, FM, Data, Decarbonization, Circular Economy, Net Zero, Environmental Management, Industry Collaboration key topicsEvolution of sustainability practices in FMThe role of data and technology in decarbonizationBridging industry and education for sustainable development guest nameAttiya KhanTitlesFrom Environmental Science to Global FM Sustainability Leader: Atiya Khan's JourneyDecoding Sustainability: Data, Challenges, and Opportunities in FM sound bites"It's all about making buildings actually perform""I challenge you to not complain for 30 days""Trust in data is crucial for decarbonization"Chapters00:00 Introduction and Pre-Conversation Nerves00:00 Atiya's Journey in Sustainability08:16 The Role of Education in Sustainability11:44 Myths and Realities of Building Sustainability17:17 Challenges in Implementing Sustainability21:10 Essential Data for Sustainability Initiatives29:21 Evolving Focus in Sustainability30:07 The Impact of Public Disclosure31:29 Biodiversity and Corporate Reporting32:51 Shifts in Sustainability Standards34:10 Circular Economy: Past and Present36:41 Universal Sustainability Strategies38:06 Cost Reduction as a Driver40:21 The Challenge of Data Access41:56 Influences and Mentorship in Sustainability45:19 Advice for Newcomers in Sustainability48:20 Opportunities for Engagement and Mentorship resourcesGHG Protocol - https://ghgprotocol.org/ISO 14001 Environmental Management - https://www.iso.org/iso-14001-environmental-management.htmlBS 8001 Circular Economy Standard - https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/standards/ guest linksLinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/atiyakhan

keywordssustainability, environmental management, education, building management, climate change, energy efficiency, community engagement, eco-friendly practices, carbon footprint, green careers summaryIn this conversation, Jessica Marshall, National Environment Sustainability Manager at Oasis Community Learning, shares her journey into sustainability, emphasizing the importance of connecting environmental strategies with the operational needs of educational institutions. She discusses the psychological aspects of sustainability, the significance of building relationships, and the need for effective communication to drive change. Jessica also highlights the role of data in managing buildings sustainably and the importance of engaging the next generation in environmental initiatives. takeawaysSustainability requires both data and human psychology.Building relationships is key to driving change.Engaging students in eco-initiatives fosters responsibility.Data helps identify inefficiencies in building management.Sustainability should be integrated into corporate strategy.The environment and education outcomes are interconnected.Authenticity in messaging is crucial for change.Conversations about sustainability should be accessible.New career paths in sustainability are emerging.Understanding different perspectives enhances environmental strategies.TitlesNavigating the Path to SustainabilityThe Human Side of Environmental Management sound bites"It's about connecting the two.""The planet will adapt and change.""You have to build relationships."Chapters00:00 Introduction and Technical Setup00:00 Jessica's Journey in Sustainability09:22 The Role of Psychology in Sustainability14:38 Connecting Education and Environmental Sustainability17:02 Influences and Mentorship in Sustainability20:15 Advice for Newcomers in Sustainability23:04 Engaging Students in Environmental Action26:56 The Future of Sustainability Careers28:46 Navigating Challenges in Sustainability Implementation

Keywordsproperty management, career journey, sustainability, commercial real estate, workplace transformation, mentorship, personal development, building community, energy efficiency, professional growthSummaryIn this conversation, Jonathan Shires shares his extensive journey in the property management sector, detailing his early interests, career transitions, and the lessons learned along the way. He emphasizes the importance of people in property management, the need for sustainability, and the value of mentorship. Jonathan also offers advice for the next generation entering the industry, highlighting the significance of maintaining a work-life balance and the necessity of continuous learning.TakeawaysI've always been interested in property.I always say yes to everything.If you don't make a mistake, you don't learn.Get the people bit right first and everything else follows.Surround yourself with really good people.It's a privilege to mentor the next generation.You need to learn every day.Try and get a life balance right.Buildings are about people.It's about creating places worth commuting to.TitlesNavigating the Property Landscape: Jonathan Shires' JourneyFrom Average Student to Property Expert: A Career Story sound bites"I always say yes to everything.""You need to learn every day.""Buildings are about people."Chapters00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene00:00 Jonathan's Journey into Property05:01 Transitioning to Monroe Kay and Current Role10:43 Lessons Learned in Property Management15:59 The Importance of People in Property21:40 Advice for the Next Generation23:28 Closing Thoughts and Future Engagement