The Facilities Management Exchange – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Technical and general information from the podcast's RSS feed.

The Facilities Management Exchange

Mark Robinson

Business

Frequency: 1 episode/11d. Total Eps: 21

The new leading Facilities Management podcast.

🎙️ What to Expect

-In-depth conversations with experts across the FM/PM industry
-Real-world experiences and success stories
-Emerging trends, technology, and strategies shaping the sector

Whether you’re a facilities manager, service provider, or simply passionate about the built environment, this podcast will be your go-to source for knowledge and inspiration.

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Data updated on 15/09/2026

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https://amzn.eu/d/0hsTu0wR
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Score global : 27%

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#16 - Discovering Leadership - Ross Abbate

Season 1 · Episode 16

Friday, June 5, 2026 • Duration 53:35

Welcome to Discovering Leadership with Ross Abbate

For the final episode of Season 1, we're joined by Ross Abbate, CEO of Macro, one of the world's leading facilities management and workplace experience businesses operating across 49 countries.

From his early days struggling through his first role in FM, to leading a global organisation and shaping strategy across multiple continents, Ross shares the leadership lessons, career decisions and mindset shifts that have defined his journey.

This episode is a fascinating conversation exploring leadership, resilience, networking, culture, confidence and what it really takes to succeed in a global business environment.

In this episode expect:

Ross's journey into facilities management and the challenging first six months of his career
Why "another day, another challenge" became a mindset that helped shape his success
The importance of backing yourself when things aren't going to plan
A brilliant performance incentive strategy that transformed team engagement and results
His move from Australia to the UK and the career opportunities that followed
The networking advice every FM professional should hear
How introverts can build meaningful networks without pretending to be someone they're not
The story behind becoming CEO of Macro and the challenges that came with stepping into the role
How leadership teams build strategy across a business operating in 49 countries
Why the best business plans allow room to adapt and pivot
Ross's approach to handling pressure, uncertainty and responsibility as a CEO

This is a fitting finale to Season 1 — packed with leadership insights, practical advice and honest reflections from one of the industry's most respected leaders. Whether you're just starting your career or leading teams across multiple regions, Ross's perspective offers valuable lessons on growth, resilience and the power of staying curious.

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#15 - Discovering Heritage Buildings - Tony Retberg, Hellen Spall and Andy Kelly

Season 1 · Episode 15

Friday, May 22, 2026 • Duration 01:07:19

Welcome to Episode #15 of The Facilities Management Exchange

Today we’re joined by Andy Kelly, Helen Spall and Tony Retberg for a fascinating conversation exploring the unique challenges and rewards of managing some of the UK’s most iconic and historic buildings — from Manchester Central and the Houses of Parliament to Freemasons’ Hall.

This episode dives into the realities of heritage Facilities Management, balancing modern operational demands with centuries of history, and why the people behind these buildings are so passionate about what they do.

In this episode expect:
• A behind-the-scenes look at managing landmark heritage buildings
• The hidden operational challenges of maintaining historic venues
• Ghost stories, urban legends and some unexpected humour along the way
• Honest reflections on the pride FM professionals feel for the buildings they manage
• Career journeys into FM from aviation, security and events
• Why transferable skills are one of the biggest strengths in the industry
• The importance of people, relationships and workplace culture in FM
• The debate around AI, automation and whether experience will always beat technology
• Advice for young people looking to break into Facilities Management
• The growing need for apprenticeships and opportunities within the industry

This is a candid, insightful and entertaining conversation about heritage buildings, operational pressures, career progression and the future of Facilities Management — packed with stories, practical lessons and a genuine passion for the industry.

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Episode #14 - Discovering Security on the Front Line

Season 1 · Episode 14

Friday, May 8, 2026 • Duration 57:16

Welcome to this special episode of The Facilities Management Exchange in partnership with the City Security Council

In this episode, we’re joined by three rising professionals from across the security industry for an honest and insightful conversation around ambition, progression, pay, apprenticeships, leadership and the future of security careers in the UK.

From overcoming imposter syndrome and fleeing adversity to building careers through relentless hard work and sacrifice, this episode shines a light on the real people behind the industry — and the challenges facing the next generation coming into security.

This is a raw, inspiring and thought-provoking discussion exploring career growth, confidence, opportunity, workplace culture and what it truly takes to progress in one of the UK’s most demanding sectors.

In this episode expect:

The biggest challenges each guest has faced in their career so far
Why stepping outside your comfort zone is essential for growth
How every role helps “polish your skills” and shape your career path
A discussion on ambition, drive and whether everyone actually wants career success
The realities of pay, wage growth and the increasing pressure businesses are under
Why the government needs to do more to support businesses and employers
A huge conversation around apprenticeships — and why removing them could damage the future of the industry
Advice for anyone feeling suppressed or stuck in their current role

This episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone working in security, facilities management or leadership — especially those looking to build a long-term career and create opportunities for the next generation entering the industry.

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#13 - Discovering Consultancy - Darien Jay, Debra Watson and Sharlene Rhoden

Season 1 · Episode 13

Friday, April 24, 2026 • Duration 01:13:41

Welcome to Episode #13 of The Facilities Management Exchange

Today we’re joined by Darien Jay, Sharlene Rhoden and Debra Watson for a deep dive into the world of Facilities Management consultancy — how people enter the industry, what keeps them there and how relationships, value creation and adaptability define long-term success.

This episode explores three very different career journeys into FM, and what they reveal about the realities of consultancy, networking, and staying relevant in a rapidly evolving sector.

In this episode expect:
• How each guest found their way into Facilities Management
• The honest answer to what keeps people in the industry
• Why great consultants are defined by being problem solvers
• The role of relationships in FM
• How supplier ecosystems often drive the most innovative thinking in FM
• The importance of networking
• Honest reflections on over-promotion
• Why FM is still largely meritocratic
• The growing impact of AI and technology
• How COVID reshaped working patterns

This is a candid, practical and insight-packed conversation on what consultancy really looks like inside FM — from career lessons and commercial realities to the future of technology, talent and workplace culture.

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#12 - Discovering Leadership - Andrew Hulbert

Episode 12

Friday, April 10, 2026 • Duration 01:22:21

Welcome to Episode #12 of The Facilities Management Exchange

Today we’re joined by Andrew Hulbert — entrepreneur, investor, culture-builder and one of the most recognisable figures in UK FM. Andrew is the founder of Pareto FM, a business he grew from a laptop in his bedroom into one of the industry’s most admired companies, ultimately exiting in a deal worth $100 million.

This episode is an honest, energising conversation covering entrepreneurship, culture, politics, pressure, sacrifice… and the mindset required to build something truly exceptional.

In this episode expect:

Why showing up — literally going to the office — is still one of the most underrated success strategies in business
How Andrew built the company from a laptop in his bedroom
What made Pareto FM different — adaptability, treating people right, and building a culture where anyone could call anyone out
The realities of running an FM company in today’s volatile economic environment
The personal cost of ambition — relationships, loneliness, sacrifice
The deeper meaning of wealth
Professional vulnerability: why great leaders don’t need all the answers
Andrew’s biggest leadership mistake — and what he’d do differently if he
The advice he wants every entrepreneur — and every young person entering FM — to hear

This is an episode packed with insights, honesty, humour, and hard-won wisdom from someone who built, scaled and exited one of the most transformative businesses in FM.

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#11 - Discovering Workplace, Culture and Mental Health - Petra Velzeboer

Episode 11

Friday, March 27, 2026 • Duration 59:17

Welcome to Episode #11 of The Facilities Management Exchange

We're joined today by Petra Velzeboer — global keynote speaker, author, mental health expert, and founder of a consultancy dedicated to transforming workplace culture and building high-performing teams rooted in genuine wellbeing.

Raised in a cult, Petra has seen first-hand how toxic systems break people down. With 17+ years in mental health and organisational culture, she now uses that lived experience to help individuals and businesses create environments where people can truly thrive — not simply survive.

This is a powerful, eye-opening conversation exploring technology, addiction, culture change, human connection, and Petra’s extraordinary personal journey.

In this episode expect:

How billions are being spent, competing for our attention
Why so many of us use our phones to avoid difficult emotions
The rise of digital addiction, doomscrolling and the disconnect between online and real life
The skill of turning fear into excitement
Advice for anyone stuck in a toxic work culture
Petra's history, growing up in one of the most notorious cults
Petra's latest book, Digital Wellbeing: Recharge your focus and reboot your life

Links to purchase Petra's books are below:

Digital Wellbeing - https://amzn.eu/d/0hsTu0wR
Begin With You - https://amzn.eu/d/01ogj77S

Follow the Facilities Management Exchange on Linkedin, Instagram and TikTok

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#10 - Discovering Your First Role in FM - Bernard Crouch, Todimu Bello and Wayne Young

Episode 10

Friday, March 13, 2026 • Duration 57:06

Welcome to Episode #10 of The Facilities Management Exchange

We're joined by Bernard Crouch, Todimu Bello, and Wayne Young for a powerful conversation about discovering your first role in Facilities Management and the challenges many aspiring professionals face when trying to break into the industry.

In this episode expect:
• How people really find their way into Facilities Management
• Why FM is still overlooked in schools and career pathways
• The perception problem facing the industry
• The realities of starting out – from janitors to leadership roles
• Advice for young professionals trying to break into FM
• The power of networking and saying yes to opportunities
• Todimu’s journey, resilience, and passion for the industry

Enjoy everyone!

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FMX BITES - That One Moment - Steven Downie, Satia Rai and Craig Dougal

Thursday, March 5, 2026 • Duration 12:35

In this FMX BITE, Mark asks our guests, what is the hardest challenge they have faced in their working life from an LGBTQ+ perspective.

Our amazing guests are honest and open about their experiences, which should hopefully help others who are going through similar situations. You are never alone.

Listen to the full episode on all platforms.

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Episode #9 - Discovering Cleaning & Hygiene - Reuben Heppelthwaite, James and John Makanjuola

Episode 9

Friday, February 27, 2026 • Duration 01:02:52

Welcome to Episode #9 of The Facilities Management Exchange!

We're joined by Co-CEO Reuben Heppelthwaite of Not Just Cleaning, alongside James Makanjuola and John Makanjuola - better known as the Maka Twins - founders of Makagroup Cleaning.

In this episode expect:

Entrepreneurial roots and family legacy
Building a commercial cleaning company from scratch
Making cleaning cool
Speed, risk and resilience in business
The power of story, trust and social media
The future of Facilities Management

Enjoy everyone!

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Episode #8 - Discovering LGBTQ+ in FM - Steven Downie, Satia Rai and Craig Dougal

Episode 8

Friday, February 13, 2026 • Duration 01:26:15

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Mark is joined by three inspiring leaders from the world of Facilities Management and Security: Satia Rai, Steven Downie and Craig Dougal.

Satia Rai is a recognised global leader in the private security sector, COO of Leverage Security and CEO of the International Professional Security Association (IPSA). With nearly 30 years’ experience, she has led transformational change across the industry and founded Security Industry Pride in London and the International Women’s Day campaign for security professionals. In this episode, Satia opens up like never before—sharing untold stories about identity, faith, leadership, and why she will always choose people over profit.

Craig Dougal, an experienced Engineering Manager and HV Authorising Engineer, manages risk across large-scale facilities and critical environments. With a career spanning electrical engineering, business continuity and operations management, Craig brings both technical authority and raw honesty—sharing his journey through bullying, career pivots, and the power of conversation in creating real change.

Steven Downie, a facilities and real estate leader with expertise in large portfolios, refurbishments and ESG, speaks candidly about leading with knowledge, resilience and integrity. From running major refurb projects to championing inclusion, Steven shares how his experiences—from school bullying to senior leadership—shaped his approach to people, culture and respect in the workplace.

This episode moves beyond job titles. It’s about identity, resilience, leadership and the responsibility that comes with influence.

In this episode we talk about:

Coming out journeys
How we can change bullying in schools and the workplace
DEI, "woke" culture and legislation
Leadership approaches
The power of conversation and community.

The Facilities Management Exchange – Details, episodes & analysis

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The Facilities Management Exchange – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

Other2

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Similar podcasts and content

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Other2

Apple Podcasts

Spotify