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.

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.

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

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