"Wear Many Hats" Podcast

E163 – Elisa Brashkova: Property Consultant – EB Estates

Another inspiring episode of the Wear Many Hats podcast. This time, we sit down with Elisa Brashkova, Property Consultant at EB Estates, to explore a journey defined by resilience, independence, and personal growth. Elisa shares how moving to the UK alone at the age of 16 shaped her outlook on life and accelerated her development both personally and professionally. From starting out in lettings and property management to working across complex residential and operational environments, she reflects on the experiences that helped shape her career. We discuss the realities of modern property management, the growing importance of communication and emotional intelligence, and why technical expertise alone is no longer enough in today's industry. Elisa also shares her thoughts on AI, ESG, resident expectations, and the challenges facing property professionals as the industry continues to evolve. Throughout the conversation, one theme stands out clearly: leadership isn't about controlling every situation, it's about staying calm, building trust, and responding effectively when challenges arise. A thoughtful and inspiring conversation about resilience, leadership, and building a meaningful career in property.

E162 – Jack Belton: Smart Workplace Manager – ProAV

Another great episode of the Wear Many Hats podcast. This time, we sit down with Jack Belton, Smart Workplace Manager at ProAV, to explore the complex and rapidly evolving world of smart workplace technology. Jack shares his journey from starting out in sales to now building a new smart workplace function within ProAV, effectively creating a business within a business. He reflects on how curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to take on new challenges have shaped his career. We dive into the real challenges behind smart workplaces, from unclear ownership across departments to the difficulty of integrating systems across IT, facilities, HR, and estates. Jack also breaks down where the industry is heading, including the growing role of AI, data integration, and why the future of work depends on making systems truly work together. A sharp and insightful conversation for workplace professionals, FM leaders, and anyone interested in the future of smart, connected workplaces.

E161– Iain McDonald: Head of Property & Facilities – Alexandra Palace

Another great episode of the Wear Many Hats podcast. This time, we sit down with Iain McDonald, Head of Property & Facilities at Alexandra Palace, to explore a career journey built through hard work, craftsmanship, and a passion for historic buildings. Iain shares how he left school without strong qualifications, became a father at a young age, and started knocking on doors looking for work before discovering the trade and construction industry. From plastering and restoration work to managing projects at St Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, and now Alexandra Palace, Iain reflects on the experiences that shaped his career and his deep connection to historic buildings. We also discuss leadership, preserving heritage sites, managing large operational venues, and balancing modern-day demands with long-term restoration and maintenance strategies. Iain shares honest insights into building teams, learning through experience, and why passion and work ethic can sometimes matter more than traditional career paths. A fascinating and grounded conversation about growth, resilience, and building a meaningful career through hands-on experience.

E160– Jan Jaap Boogaard: Head of EMEA Workplace Advisory – Colliers

Another great episode of the Wear Many Hats podcast. This time, we sit down with Jan Jaap Boogaard, Head of EMEA Workplace Advisory at Colliers, to explore how workplace strategy, culture, and technology are reshaping the future of work across global organisations. Jan Jaap shares how his journey began in organisational studies before moving into workplace consultancy, where he became fascinated by the connection between business performance, human behaviour, and workplace design. We dive into the challenges global companies face when trying to create consistent workplace experiences across different countries and cultures, and why a “one size fits all” approach rarely works in practice. Jan Jaap also shares insights into workplace technology, AI, data-driven decision-making, and how offices are becoming more adaptive to individual needs than ever before. A thoughtful and forward-looking conversation for workplace leaders, FM professionals, and anyone interested in the future of global workplaces.

E159– Caroline Pontifex: Head of Workplace & Design Director – Savills

Another great episode of the Wear Many Hats podcast. This time, we sit down with Caroline Pontifex, Head of Workplace & Design Director at Savills, to explore how workplace design has evolved from traditional office planning into a strategic tool for business performance, collaboration, and behaviour change. Caroline shares her journey from starting in furniture space planning during the 90s to helping shape some of London’s most influential workplace projects. Along the way, she reflects on navigating recessions, industry disruption, and the transformation of workplace expectations over the last two decades. We dive into how hybrid working, Teams calls, AI, and changing employee behaviours have completely reshaped the way offices are designed and used today. Caroline also discusses the growing importance of business understanding in design, why communication is critical for leadership, and how technology is accelerating both creativity and complexity within the workplace industry. A thoughtful and forward-looking conversation for workplace leaders, designers, FM professionals, and anyone interested in the future of work and office design.