Beyond Buildings: Exploring Facilities Management

In this episode, our host, Brian Gregory, sits down with La Shawn Harrison, Space Planning Program Manager at Tesla. Together, they discuss the importance of diversity in facilities management and the value of gaining certifications in facilities management. They cover:

[00:00:35] La Shawn's background and her journey from interior design and property management to facilities management
[00:02:40] La Shawn's experience working as a female in a predominantly male industry
[00:03:33] How unique backgrounds can be applied to a facilities management role
[00:06:21] Common challenges La Shawn faces in her day-to-day
[00:09:00] Diversity and inclusivity in facilities management
[00:11:11] La Shawn's role in Women in Facilities Management (WIFM)
[00:14:05] The importance of gaining facilities management certifications
[00:17:06] Advice for those entering the facilities management industry

In this episode, our host, Brian Gregory, sits down with Matthew D'Oyly, Director of Events and Conferences at Otterbein University. Together, they discuss what it looks like to effectively implement new software and processes to an established organization. They cover:

• [00:00:35] Matthew's background and how he came to work at Otterbein as Director of Events and Conferences
• [00:01:28] What it's like to adopt a new system or software at Otterbein
• [00:03:24] Overcoming "resistance to change"
• [00:05:16] Choosing the appropriate software for your needs and culture
• [00:06:55] How post-implementation is going for Matthew and his team
• [00:8:50] How to effectively train your team
• [00:10:10] The KPIs Matthew and his team track to measure success
• [00:12:50] The roles that are critical to success when implementing new software
• [00:16:00] The largest challenges Matthew faces in his role
• [00:18:25] The new challenges on the horizon
• [00:20:00] The largest and most impactful event Matthew has led
• [00:22:22] How Matthew leverages students in his event operations
• [00:23:40] Advice Matthew would give to someone looking to enter the facilities management and event management space

In this episode, our host, Brian Gregory, sits down with Darin Porter, former Director of Facilities at Wheelersburg School District. Together, they discuss the power of clear, effective communication in facilities and maintenance management. They cover:

• [00:00:42] Darin's background and transition from construction to facilities and maintenance management in public education
• [00:02:30] The experience moving from the Iron Worker's Union to public education
• [00:03:55] How Darin and Brian met and formed an incredible relationship (after some bumps in the road)
• [00:07:00] How Darin defines effective communication and why it's so important to any industry
• [00:09:40] Example of how poor communication can negatively effect a team or organization
• [00:11:20] The impact of technology on communication and Darin's time at Wheelersburg School District
• [00:13:30] The training Darin and his team went through to provide the best learning environment possible for students
• [00:15:25] "Hallway Hijacking" and why it's not effective for your team
• [00:18:22] Example of how strong communication had a positive impact
• [00:20:37] How to effectively communicate with external vendors and those outside of your team
• [00:23:15] Advice from Darin for someone entering the facilities management industry

In this episode, our host, Brian Gregory, sits down with Matthew Pace, former Director of Maintenance and Operations at Queen Creek Unified School District. Together, they discuss the power of data-driven decision-making and its impact on team culture and performance. They cover:

• [00:00:47] Matthew's background and transition from his own private business as a landscaper to public education
• [00:03:47] Challenges faced in implementing data-driven approaches
• [00:05:18] "Grandma's Potroast" and how it relates to the importance of change
• [00:06:25] An example of a change Matthew implemented in his district based on the data he gathered
• [00:08:32] Leveraging data to enhance the reputation of your team and justify additional budget
• [00:13:07] How leveraging data can improve team culture and morale
• [00:16:14] Using data to work through challenging situations and conflict
• [00:18:40] How to start a career in facilities management

In this episode, our host, Brian Gregory, sits down with Dr. Gabriella Blakey, Chief Operations Officer at Albuquerque Public Schools. Together, they discuss the importance of advocating for yourself and others. They cover:

[00:00:42] Gabriella's background and why she chose education as her career path
[00:04:45] Gabriella's transition from teacher to principal to COO
[00:09:00] The pressures and dynamics of being a female COO
[00:13:00] The largest problems Albuquerque Public Schools is facing post-pandemic
[00:16:48] Balancing compensation at Albuquerque Public Schools to attract and retain talent
[00:22:27] How Gabriella became a Bengals fan
[00:25:45] Advice from Gabriella for the next generation of facility leaders