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!

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.

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!

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.

In this FMX BITE, Mark asks the question: what advice would you give to your younger self if you were starting in FM today. The guests give our listeners some amazing advice. Give this short one a listen!

In this FMX Bite, each guest shares their unique journey into the dynamic world of Facilities Management. Packed with inspiration, this episode is perfect for students starting university who are exploring different paths and wondering how to approach their future differently. It also highlights how a career in FM equips you with invaluable, real-world life skills that extend far beyond the workplace.

In this FMX BITE, Daniel and Colin discuss:

• Time is our greatest commodity
• Importance of being a sponge
• Consume the content that is right in front of you. Not on your phones
• The principles by which you live your life are the most important thing
• Property is a people business

In this FMX BITE, Colin Becker breaks down why playing the long game matters in business. With over 30 years of experience at Metrus, he shares hard-earned lessons and practical advice for young professionals looking to build a lasting career in property.