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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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!