The Facilities Management Exchange

#16 - Discovering Leadership - Ross Abbate

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.

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

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.

Episode #14 - Discovering Security on the Front Line

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.

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

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.

#12 - Discovering Leadership - Andrew Hulbert

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.