Workplace Unplugged

Is the Facilities Management industry’s Net Zero ambition a game-changing goal or an illusion? This unmissable session cuts through the greenwashing to explore whether the sector is truly on track to deliver sustainable results. Are we tackling emissions head-on, or are we outsourcing the problem? How do bold targets align with the reality of operations on the ground? With open and honest debate, we’ll expose the challenges, discuss practical solutions, and ask if the industry is setting itself up for success—or failure. Come prepared to question everything you thought you knew about FM and Net Zero.Speakers:Andrew Hulbert, Vice Chair - Pareto FMTarniah Thompson, Head of FM & Sustainability - SHWElla Gladwin, Chartered Business Management Apprentice - Thermatic GroupPaula Carey, Communications & Strategic Partnerships Manager - Waste To WonderEmma Wilson, Social Impact Director - Pareto FMThis podcast was recorded live at The Workplace Event in April 2025 and the session took place at the Workplace Leaders Summit, sponsored by Eptura. Subscribe to our digital content here: Webinars: Safety & Security DigitalNewsletter: Workplace UnpluggedBlog: Workplace Unplugged Learn more about The Workplace Event 2026 here: The Workplace Event 2026

Get ready for a lively and entertaining session as "Mock The Week" puts a fun twist on workplace trends. This panel debate, inspired by the hit game show, features three entertaining rounds, including "Guess the Headline" and a picture round, to spark engaging discussions. Join us for a unique blend of humour and insight into the latest developments shaping the future of work.Speakers:Chris Moriarty, Co-Founder & Director - AudiemEsme Banks Marr, Strategy Director - BVN ArchitectureKasia Maynard, Head of Research & Editorial - WORKTECH AcademyDan Wakelin, Director & Spatial Anthropologist - isovistSaskia Lorrison, Head of Workplace Operations - Convex InsuranceThis podcast was recorded live at The Workplace Event in April 2025 and the session took place at the Workplace Leaders Summit, sponsored by Eptura. Subscribe to our digital content here: Webinars: Safety & Security DigitalNewsletter: Workplace UnpluggedBlog: Workplace Unplugged Learn more about The Workplace Event 2026 here: The Workplace Event 2026

AI is transforming facilities management, but where should you start? This session will explore practical, real-world applications of AI in Workplace Management, helping workplace leaders understand how to harness AI for greater efficiency and smarter decision-making.Speakers:John Hilderbrands, VP Alliances & Channel Solutions - EpturaKatya Anacker, Principal Consultant - Metafinanz Informationssysteme GmbHGraeme Roberts, Workplace Design Manager - Royal LondonThis podcast was recorded live at The Workplace Event in April 2025 and the session took place at the Workplace Leaders Summit, sponsored by Eptura. Subscribe to our digital content here: Webinars: Safety & Security DigitalNewsletter: Workplace UnpluggedBlog: Workplace Unplugged Learn more about The Workplace Event 2026 here: The Workplace Event 2026

Disconnected systems are a significant inconvenience, hindering both productivity and user satisfaction. The panel will share some of their strategies for unifying diverse technologies, enabling them to communicate effectively for a better user experience, increased efficiency, and actionable insights. Discover how to build a truly connected workplace that drives innovation and supports seamless collaboration.Speakers:Tom Woodley, Corporate Sales Director - YourWorkspaceChris Higgins, Head of EMEA, Workplace, Real Estate & Facilities - GSKLaura Lawrence, Director - Phase 4This podcast was recorded live at The Workplace Event in April 2025 and the session took place at the Workplace Leaders Summit, sponsored by Eptura. Subscribe to our digital content here: Webinars: Safety & Security DigitalNewsletter: Workplace UnpluggedBlog: Workplace Unplugged Learn more about The Workplace Event 2026 here: The Workplace Event 2026

Much discussion is currently taking place about AI and the sector’s readiness and optimisation of AI, when at the same time there is an existing maintenance backlog amounting to an eyewatering £49 billion bill for the Government. The recent NAO report highlighting this issue pointed at two key areas: a lack of accurate data and the lack of a comprehensive strategy around asset management. The discussion will emphasise the need for an industry-led approach on both information management and strategic asset management, touching on the important developments that are taking place such as the Information Management Initiative. Gain a deeper understanding of how robust standards can support effective decision-making and long-term resilience in the built environment.Speakers:Sofie Hooper, Head of Policy & Research - IWFMGordon Mitchell, Founder, WHOLUS & Chair, IWFM Technology SIG - WHOLUSDanielle Hayward-Nightingale, Head of Strategic Asset Management - AmeyDan Rossiter, Sector Lead - BSIThis podcast was recorded live at The Workplace Event in April 2025 and the session took place at the Workplace Leaders Summit, sponsored by Eptura. Subscribe to our digital content here: Webinars: Safety & Security DigitalNewsletter: Workplace UnpluggedBlog: Workplace Unplugged Learn more about The Workplace Event 2026 here: The Workplace Event 2026

With a growing movement from large corporations to denounce their DEI practices we ask; is Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Facilities Management a driving force for change or an initiative past its prime? In this bold discussion, we explore whether DEI has lost its momentum in the FM and property sectors. Is it still a priority, or has it been overshadowed by shifting agendas and budget cuts? This session doesn’t shy away from controversy—uncover the truth behind the rhetoric, question the status quo, and hear from voices across the industry. Join us to challenge assumptions and debate whether DEI in FM is thriving, struggling, or in need of a complete reinvention.Speakers:Andrew Hulbert, Vice Chair - Pareto FMSatvir Bungar, Managing Director & Head of Business Services, Deals Advisory - BDO LLPBecky Turner, Workplace Psychologist - Claremont GroupSharon Slinger, Director - Constructing RainbowsBianca Angelico, Co-Founder & Co-Chair - Emerging Workplace Leaders (EWL)This podcast was recorded live at The Workplace Event in April 2025 and the session took place at the Workplace Leaders Summit, sponsored by Eptura. Subscribe to our digital content here: Webinars: Safety & Security DigitalNewsletter: Workplace UnpluggedBlog: Workplace Unplugged Learn more about The Workplace Event 2026 here: The Workplace Event 2026

This session draws intriguing parallels between ostrich behaviour and leadership, using real-world case studies to highlight the consequences of avoidance and offering actionable lessons focused on courage, transparency, and proactive problem-solving. Attendees will explore how to foster adaptive skills like resilience and emotional intelligence while embedding leadership into organisational culture to inspire accountability and ownership at all levels. Additionally, the session examines the evolving role of Facilities Management (FM) in shaping sustainable and socially responsible workplaces, highlighting how leaders in FM can drive innovation, measure ROI, and embrace AI-driven tools to adapt to future challenges and opportunities.Speakers:Toyin Aderiye, Associate Head, Sheffield Business School - Sheffield Hallam UniversitySimone Fenton-Jarvis, Author of 'The Human-Centric Workplace'; Workplace Consultant - The Human-Centric WorkplaceCarla De Schepper, Group People & Culture Director - Animalcare GroupThis podcast was recorded live at The Workplace Event in April 2025 and the session took place at the Workplace Leaders Summit, sponsored by Eptura. Subscribe to our digital content here: Webinars: Safety & Security DigitalNewsletter: Workplace UnpluggedBlog: Workplace Unplugged Learn more about The Workplace Event 2026 here: The Workplace Event 2026

In an era of hybrid work, how do we build a culture where people genuinely want to come together and be part of the office experience? Our expert speaker will share best practices, challenge perspectives with thought-provoking questions, and showcase real-world case studies from across industries. Join this interactive session to explore what makes a workplace truly engaging, collaborative, and worth showing up for.Speaker:Tess Cope, Director & Leadership Coach - The Transformation AgencyThis podcast was recorded live at The Workplace Event in April 2025 and the session took place at the Workplace Leaders Summit, sponsored by Eptura. Subscribe to our digital content here: Webinars: Safety & Security DigitalNewsletter: Workplace UnpluggedBlog: Workplace Unplugged Learn more about The Workplace Event 2026 here: The Workplace Event 2026

Join this high-energy session to explore practical, high-impact techniques for embedding DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) into the core of your organisation. Discover essential tools for fostering a culture where every individual feels valued and empowered to excel, while top talent thrives in an inclusive environment. Packed with actionable insights and bold ideas, this session will leave you confident and equipped to inspire your teams, champion inclusivity, and create a workplace that celebrates belonging at every level.Speakers:Sian Bagshaw, Senior Manager, Diversity, Culture & Inclusion - World Scout BureauKate Walmsley, Workplace Inclusion Manager - Lloyds Banking GroupEmma Wilson, Social Impact Director - Pareto FMThis podcast was recorded live at The Workplace Event in April 2025 and the session took place at the Workplace Leaders Summit, sponsored by Eptura. Subscribe to our digital content here: Webinars: Safety & Security DigitalNewsletter: Workplace UnpluggedBlog: Workplace Unplugged Learn more about The Workplace Event 2026 here: The Workplace Event 2026

Eptura unveils the latest findings from its Workplace Index, offering a data-driven look at how workspaces are evolving and what it means for businesses. This keynote will break down key trends, challenges, and opportunities, providing actionable insights for workplace leaders navigating the changing landscape of workplace value.Speaker:Phil Davitt, SVP Global Professional Services - EpturaThis podcast was recorded live at The Workplace Event in April 2025 and the session took place at the Workplace Leaders Summit, sponsored by Eptura. Subscribe to our digital content here: Webinars: Safety & Security DigitalNewsletter: Workplace UnpluggedBlog: Workplace Unplugged Learn more about The Workplace Event 2026 here: The Workplace Event 2026

Capability in workplace and facilities management can be capability in the organisation. The skills crisis is raging real yet upskilling in workplace and facilities management can play a key part in helping to deliver not only an organisation’s workplace objectives but its strategic objectives too. How can organisations drive up competence? What impact can this have for wider questions beyond skills? Join the Institute’s skills experts and sector experts to explore these and other questions.Speakers:Emma Bellingham, Head of Training & Qualifications - IWFMJake Drummond, Deputy Government Head of Property Profession - Cabinet OfficeJenny Thomas, Director of Communications & Insight - IWFMRob Collins, Head of Facilities and Compliance Management - Anthem ManagementThis podcast was recorded live at The Workplace Event in April 2025 and the session took place at the Workplace Leaders Summit, sponsored by Eptura. Subscribe to our digital content here: Webinars: Safety & Security DigitalNewsletter: Workplace UnpluggedBlog: Workplace Unplugged Learn more about The Workplace Event 2026 here: The Workplace Event 2026

This session advocates for a people-first approach to real estate strategy, emphasising balance over rigid return-to-office mandates. Suggesting that each organisation is a unique "society" with its own culture and values, this discussion will explore how to craft flexible, inclusive workplaces that meet business needs without compromising employee well-being. Attendees will hear how aligning real estate decisions with organisational values fosters engagement, supports diversity and inclusion (D&I), and optimises space for purposeful, in-person work activities.Speaker:Sarah Audsley, Partner - Head of Workplace Strategy, Strategic Consulting - Knight FrankThis podcast was recorded live at The Workplace Event in April 2025 and the session took place at the Workplace Leaders Summit, sponsored by Eptura. Subscribe to our digital content here: Webinars: Safety & Security DigitalNewsletter: Workplace UnpluggedBlog: Workplace Unplugged Learn more about The Workplace Event 2026 here: The Workplace Event 2026

Is the Facilities Management industry ready to embrace a future shaped by different ways of thinking? This session explores how fostering inclusive environments for diverse cognitive approaches can spark creativity and innovation in FM. From rethinking recruitment to redesigning workplaces, we’ll tackle the changes needed to support a broader spectrum of thinkers. Are traditional practices holding us back from unlocking the potential of untapped talent? Join us for a thought-provoking conversation that challenges norms and explores the transformative power of inclusion. This is a revolution in thinking, don’t get left behind.Speakers:Andrew Hulbert, Vice Chair - Pareto FMChris Barnes, Account Director - Pareto FMPaula Brockwell, Founder and Leader Psychologist - The Employee Experience ProjectAndie Donaldson-Smith, Senior Account Manager - Pareto FMDemi Gower, Contracts Manager - CBREThis podcast was recorded live at The Workplace Event in April 2025 and the session took place at the Workplace Leaders Summit, sponsored by Eptura. Subscribe to our digital content here: Webinars: Safety & Security DigitalNewsletter: Workplace UnpluggedBlog: Workplace Unplugged Learn more about The Workplace Event 2026 here: The Workplace Event 2026

This session dives into the environmental impact of workplace assets, shedding light on key concepts like carbon management, Net Zero, and Carbon Neutrality, and how these connect with broader ESG goals such as biodiversity, wellbeing, and social equity. Attendees will gain insights into the hidden carbon impact of furniture, fixtures, and equipment (F,F&E), which can account for 30% of a building’s carbon footprint over its lifecycle. We’ll explore actionable strategies like lifecycle extension through asset tracking, refurbishment, and reuse, alongside the emerging role of technology and regulations, such as the EU’s ESPR legislation and Digital Product Passports, in driving sustainable practices.Speakers:Joanna Knight, Co-Founder - The Sustainable Design CollectiveMichael Amos, Managing Director - Waste To WonderPraveen Gopalan, Head of Sustainability - Macfarlanes LLPGraeme Hamilton, Sector Director - Energy - OCSSunil Shah, Managing Director - Acclaro AdvisoryRachel Houghton, Managing Director - Business Moves GroupThis podcast was recorded live at The Workplace Event in April 2025 and the session took place at the Workplace Leaders Summit, sponsored by Eptura. Subscribe to our digital content here: Webinars: Safety & Security DigitalNewsletter: Workplace UnpluggedBlog: Workplace Unplugged Learn more about The Workplace Event 2026 here: The Workplace Event 2026

Join Chris Wiegeraad – Commercial Director at GoBright - as he explores how Smart Workplace Solutions boost office space efficiency, reduce costs, and deliver real ROI. He’ll invite customer “Midland Heart” on stage to discuss their experiences, sharing the tangible benefits and challenges of implementing smart office technology. This session will inspire you to rethink your workplace strategy and see how data-driven solutions can drive meaningful change for both businesses and employees.Speakers:Chris Wiegeraad, Chief Commercial Officer - GoBrightEesha Ashley, Facilities Operations Officer - Midland HeartNicholas Smith, Head of IT Operations - Midland HeartFiona Griffiths, Senior Facilities Manager - Midland HeartThis podcast was recorded live at The Workplace Event in April 2025 and the session took place at the Workplace Leaders Summit, sponsored by Eptura. Subscribe to our digital content here: Webinars: Safety & Security DigitalNewsletter: Workplace UnpluggedBlog: Workplace Unplugged Learn more about The Workplace Event 2026 here: The Workplace Event 2026

The IWFM Outlook 2024 ‘Keep investing: the tide is turning’ saw a brighter future as hope shaped like encouraging metrics peeped from the storm clouds of 2023. It suggested the sector was investing in key areas to drive productivity as our research pointed to organisations increasing more than decreasing space managed and as workspace investment was more likely to have gone up than down. A year on, how have things changed? Join our expert panel to discuss how these and other measures fared for our profession in our 2025 Survey and get some expert takes on what this means for workplace trends as we approach the end of Q1 of the C21st.Speakers:Jenny Thomas, Director of Communications & Insight - IWFMSimone Fenton-Jarvis, Author of 'The Human-Centric Workplace'; Workplace Consultant - The Human-Centric WorkplaceIan Baker, Director - Humans and PlacesKev Jones, VP Product Management - EpturaMelissa Gilbert, Senior Research Manager - IWFMThis podcast was recorded live at The Workplace Event in April 2025 and the session took place at the Workplace Leaders Summit, sponsored by Eptura. Subscribe to our digital content here: Webinars: Safety & Security DigitalNewsletter: Workplace UnpluggedBlog: Workplace Unplugged Learn more about The Workplace Event 2026 here: The Workplace Event 2026

The workplace is evolving into a dynamic intersection of employee needs, business goals, and cultural shifts. The panel will explore the future of workplace experience through the lenses of facilities management, HR, technology and design, highlighting how collaboration can create environments that inspire productivity, engagement, and well-being. Discover actionable strategies for designing adaptable, people-centric workplaces that meet the demands of tomorrow.This session was hosted by Workplace Evolutionaries.Speakers:Tim Allen, Senior Director, HCG | Advisory Board Member - Workplace EvolutionariesTom Woodley, Corporate Sales Director - YourWorkspaceGeraldine Jardeleza, Global Workplace Leader - WiseAdrian Edmunds, Founder and CEO - OnXRCatherine Johnson, Senior Manager, Talent Acquisition - SlalomThis podcast was recorded live at The Workplace Event in April 2025 and the session took place at the Workplace Leaders Summit, sponsored by Eptura. Subscribe to our digital content here: Webinars: Safety & Security DigitalNewsletter: Workplace UnpluggedBlog: Workplace Unplugged Learn more about The Workplace Event 2026 here: The Workplace Event 2026

In this episode, we unpack the insights from the Workplace Leaders Summit session titled “The Office Reimagined: A Space for Mastery, Collaboration, and Constructive Challenge,” delivered at The Workplace Event 2025. Naomi Sakamoto, Principal at Gensler, discusses how modern office design can simultaneously support individual mastery, foster team collaboration, and create environments where constructive challenge thrives.Speaker: Naomi Sakamoto, Principal - GenslerThis podcast was recorded live at The Workplace Event in April 2025 and the session took place at the Workplace Leaders Summit, sponsored by Eptura. Subscribe to our digital content here: Webinars: Safety & Security DigitalNewsletter: Workplace UnpluggedBlog: Workplace Unplugged Learn more about The Workplace Event 2026 here: The Workplace Event 2026

The podcast where workplace and facilities leaders speak freely. From hybrid strategy and sustainability to tech, wellbeing and design - we go beyond the buzzwords and dive into the real challenges and innovations shaping the future of work. Powered by The Workplace Event, each episode features candid conversations with industry pros who are changing how we think about space, culture and performance. This podcast was recorded live at The Workplace Event in April 2025 and the session took place at the Workplace Leaders Summit, sponsored by Eptura. Subscribe to our digital content here: Webinars: Safety & Security DigitalNewsletter: Workplace UnpluggedBlog: Workplace Unplugged Learn more about The Workplace Event 2026 here: The Workplace Event 2026