Unboxing the Office | Episode 12: Dr. Nashay Lowe on Transforming Conflict and Culture

Unboxing the Office at IFMA World Workplace 2025 | The Future of Facilities with ProKey

Recorded live from IFMA World Workplace 2025, this special "Tradshow," i.e. traditional tradeshow, edition of Unboxing the Office features an energetic, thought-provoking conversation with Ryan Connoy and Curtis Hagen of ProKey, an ArchKey Solutions company. This episode isn’t just about integrated facility services.  It’s about culture. Leadership. AI. Generational change. And the future of work.  Ryan shares how ProKey approaches integrated facility services — not just maintaining buildings, but collaborating with clients to create environments where safety, productivity, and performance thrive.  Then CJ — a 21-year-old Information Systems major — steps in and delivers one of the most compelling perspectives we’ve heard on this show: • Why facilities management is more engaging than people realize • Why trade shows sometimes feel like “LinkedIn parties” • How Gen Z views collaboration and leadership • Why culture matters more than job titles • How AI and small, agile teams are reshaping the business landscape The conversation dives deep into how organizations must adapt — not just to technology — but to mindset shifts led by younger professionals entering the workforce. ✅ Topics Covered in This Episode • What “Integrated Facility Services” actually means • How internship culture can shape long-term talent retention • Why facilities management offers real career growth for Gen Z • How AI is leveling the playing field between small teams and enterprise giants • Why intentional workplace environments drive productivity If you’re a facilities leader, executive, project manager, or emerging professional wondering where this industry is headed…this episode is for you. 👉 Like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations about collaboration, culture, and the next generation of facilities professionals. 🔗 Learn more about Ryan Connoy: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connoy-209074135/] 🔗 Learn more about Curtis Hagen: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtishagen/] 🔗 Learn more about ProKey: [https://www.archkey.com/prokey/] 🔗 Learn more about HOTLOGIC®, the AI Oven: [https://hotlogicappliances.com/] #IFMA #HotLogic #ProKey #CorporateCulture #UnboxingtheOffice

Unboxing the Office | Episode 14: Mission-Driven Culture and Scaling a Nonprofit with Rikki Harris

In this powerful episode of Unboxing the Office, Bernie Youngblood sits down with Rikki Harris, CEO of TN Voices, to explore what it really takes to scale a mission-driven organization without sacrificing culture, people, or purpose. Rikki shares the deeply personal journey that led to her mental health advocacy, the leadership lessons that transformed a small nonprofit into a statewide organization, and how focusing on people first can drive growth in ways dashboards never could.  From leadership sabbaticals and overcoming fear…to collaboration vs competition…to the future of workplace mental health and innovative treatment approaches, this conversation dives deep into the human side of leadership, and the future of the workplace. ✅ In this episode, they explore: —Scaling nonprofits through mission-driven growth —A leadership sabbatical that eliminated fear —Building a human-centered workplace culture —Growing through collaboration and partnerships —The workplace impact of the mental health crisis —Faith and purpose in executive leadership Whether you’re a CEO, manager, entrepreneur, or someone passionate about culture and purpose at work, this episode is packed with perspective-shifting insights. 📚 Chapters 00:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mD6_M0j8o3s] Welcome to Unboxing the Office 02:05 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mD6_M0j8o3s&t=125s] Rikki’s Origin Story & Path to Mental Health 08:20 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mD6_M0j8o3s&t=500s] Scaling TN Voices from Startup Nonprofit to Statewide Organization 13:30 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mD6_M0j8o3s&t=810s] The Leadership Sabbatical That Changed Everything 18:25 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mD6_M0j8o3s&t=1105s] Overcoming Fear as a Leader 22:10 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mD6_M0j8o3s&t=1330s] The Mental Health Crisis & Loss of Community 28:05 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mD6_M0j8o3s&t=1685s] How TN Voices Serves People Across the Lifespan 33:40 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mD6_M0j8o3s&t=2020s] Funding, Workforce Challenges & Partnerships with the State 38:50 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mD6_M0j8o3s&t=2330s] Aligning Board, Leadership & Mission 42:10 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mD6_M0j8o3s&t=2530s] Building Human-Centered Workplace Culture 44:30 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mD6_M0j8o3s&t=2670s] Collaboration vs Competition & Win-Win Leadership 46:15 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mD6_M0j8o3s&t=2775s] Faith, Purpose & Leadership Decision-Making 48:10 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mD6_M0j8o3s&t=2890s] The Power of Perspective — Rikki’s Upcoming Book 51:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mD6_M0j8o3s&t=3060s] Innovation in Mental Health & Advocacy for New Treatments 53:30 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mD6_M0j8o3s&t=3210s] Where to Learn More & Closing Thoughts 👉 Like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations about workplace culture, leadership, and the human side of business. 🔗 Learn more about Rikki Harris: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikki-harris-08a3963/] 🔗 Learn more about TN Voices: [https://tnvoices.org/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbW85eFNya1ljU2xOV2t6NlNuTDhmTklVYjd5d3xBQ3Jtc0ttajhhc0RaTEVZMjcyeHcwOHRHZXotTXVyOHRNaF93emQ4T0tWNVVWandBdWxwOVFITFVHWUVPYVFxMGc2aGxETnhhNVBYekMzLUJDeXg0OFU5ODNTY1ZnbGllM19WY1JZaXVtRE96alJLVzl4MmV4aw&q=https%3A%2F%2Ftnvoices.org%2F&v=mD6_M0j8o3s]] 🔗 Learn more about HOTLOGIC®, the AI Oven: [https://hotlogicappliances.com/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbGJGVThVV25hQzBMYUxsc19tbkRMdXVvM1g1QXxBQ3Jtc0trejQzeGNGa1VScm9pVXYycnNldjdjdVNvZWdWRDd4S2pYeHZWSnFYbDFpWjlRZ1JXbVVMNHZzQVlLbHp0MUlDUW05aXNfeEswVjRIc0U4aGlUSjhuSVpEejk4X1JsTkdNZWtaYW90WmtpTUEwSWo1RQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fhotlogicappliances.com%2F&v=mD6_M0j8o3s]] #TNVoices [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/tnvoices] #UnboxingTheOffice [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/unboxingtheoffice] #HotLogic [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/hotlogic]  #WorkplaceCulture [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/workplaceculture] #NonprofitLeadership [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/nonprofitleadership]

Unboxing the Office at IFMA World Workplace 2025 | Trust & Workplace Well-Being with FloWater

Recorded live from the show floor at IFMA World Workplace 2025, this special edition of the Unboxing the Office podcast features an engaging conversation with Mark Trudeau, VP of Sales at FloWater — a company redefining how workplaces think about drinking water. In this episode, we unpack why water quality is no longer a “nice to have” in modern facilities, but a critical component of employee health, trust, and productivity. Mark explains how FloWater’s seven-stage purification and remineralization process delivers cleaner, better-tasting water directly from the tap — without plastic bottles, five-gallon jugs, or guesswork. The conversation goes beyond hydration, touching on real-world challenges facilities managers face today, including aging infrastructure, water safety concerns, sustainability, and the education gap around what’s actually in municipal water systems. We also explore FloWater’s powerful work in communities like Flint, Michigan, where access to trusted water matters most. ✅ Topics Covered in This Episode • Why hydrated employees are happier — and more productive • The truth about reverse osmosis and remineralization • Water trust, aging pipes, and the hidden risks in municipal systems • Sustainability, microplastics, and reducing plastic bottle dependency • How better water improves coffee, tea, and the entire workplace experience • Why facilities managers play a bigger role in culture than they realize If you’re a facilities manager, workplace leader, HR professional, or anyone responsible for employee experience, this episode offers practical insight into how small infrastructure decisions can have an outsized impact on morale, wellness, and performance. 👉 Like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations on workplace culture, facilities, and the future of work. 🔗 Learn more about Mark Trudeau: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mtrudeau14/] 🔗 Learn more about FloWater: [https://drinkflowater.com/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa1E4bjhDZGlEdkJoSG5INjA0RUl0SHVNQjJFQXxBQ3Jtc0tuc2Nia0tTMU41cTVWMGIyaC0tM1loWDJWWjd1N21ycnkxc0x5OVljcEZIMVpGeTVyWUl1cEYwbW9ld29ZUk9XRVNVZTJzQTJUTXNyUEQ3OTQ2Nk1GUVgxVURCdkZnZ1IzaHoxd2Z5aVpPR25FVEJCWQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fdrinkflowater.com%2F&v=xjFAWocwvlw]] 🔗 Learn more about HOTLOGIC®, the AI Oven: [https://hotlogicappliances.com/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbUY2U2oxMGx6dkMzREdjR1h6eF94YVBsVWNQQXxBQ3Jtc0tsaGZJS0dGdFlYby1JTzA2bFdEQktCd2NhQzFYVTdPcVE1TzNuV0dZX0FYc1hYVW5uYkdCV2syY1RqN0ZGNDh2aWhYZk9lLXE5TXp1N3Nad1hKWWRaNHdtbEFpTVlmNE1DZHNfWVBnWkRoMnJrXzRITQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fhotlogicappliances.com%2F&v=xjFAWocwvlw]] #IFMA [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/ifma] #WorldWorkplace2025 [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/worldworkplace2025] #FacilitiesManagement [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/facilitiesmanagement] #HotLogic [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/hotlogic] #AIoven [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/aioven] #SmartShelfOven [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/smartshelfoven] #BreakroomInnovation [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/breakroominnovation] #BreakroomUpgrade [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/breakroomupgrade] #WorkplaceInnovation [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/workplaceinnovation] #WorkplaceCulture [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/workplaceculture] #CorporateCulture [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/corporateculture] #OrganizationalCulture [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/organizationalculture] #FutureofWork [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/futureofwork] #BusinessLeadership [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/businessleadership] #HRtrends [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/hrtrends] #WorkplaceWellness [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/workplacewellness] #CorporateWellness [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/corporatewellness] #EmployeeWellness [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/employeewellness] #HealthyWorkplace [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/healthyworkplace] #EmployeeHealth [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/employeehealth] #EmployeeEngagement [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/employeeengagement] #EmployeeExperience [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/employeeexperience] #Nutrition [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/nutrition] #Fitness [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/fitness] #Sleep [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/sleep] #Health [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/health] #Wellness [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/wellness] #ReturntoWork [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/returntowork] #BusinessPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/businesspodcast] #UnboxingtheOffice [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/unboxingtheoffice]

Unboxing the Office | Episode 13: LouAnn Clark on Mental Wellness & Rebuilding Workplace Culture

In this powerful and deeply human episode of Unboxing the Office, Bernie Youngblood sits down with motivational speaker, author, and podcast host LouAnn Clark for a wide-ranging conversation on mindset, mental wellness, and how the way we think shapes our lives, our leadership, and our workplaces. After battling depression for nearly two decades, LouAnn discovered that lasting change didn’t come from “positive thinking,” but from what she calls decided thinking — a practical, reasoned approach to reshaping our inner dialogue. Together, Bernie and LouAnn explore how inner critics sabotage performance, why toxic positivity fails people at work, and how healthier thinking patterns can transform corporate culture, creativity, and productivity. ✅ In this episode, they explore: —Why “decided thinking” creates more lasting change than positive thinking —How inner critics quietly undermine confidence, performance, and leadership —The hidden cost of toxic positivity in workplaces and relationships —Why mental wellness is foundational to healthy corporate culture —How psychological safety fuels creativity, innovation, and retention —Simple mindset shifts leaders can model to strengthen teams This episode goes deep — from personal struggle to professional application — and offers practical insight for leaders, teams, and individuals navigating stress, change, and uncertainty in today’s workplace. 📚 Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to Unboxing the Office 03:10 – LouAnn Clark’s Story: From Depression to Decided Thinking 10:45 – Why “Normal Reactions” Matter More Than Labels 17:30 – The Difference Between Positive Thinking and Decided Thinking 25:20 – Toxic Positivity Explained (The Airport Story) 32:40 – The Inner Critic at Work 41:15 – Thinking Is a Skill (And Skills Can Be Learned) 49:50 – Applying Mental Wellness Inside Organizations 58:10 – Failure, Feedback & Creating Psychological Safety 58:30 – Renovational vs. Motivational Thinking 👉 Like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge how we think, lead, and build workplace cultures where people—and performance—can thrive. 🔗 Learn more about LouAnn Clark’s work: [https://www.louannclark.com/] 🔗 Learn more about LouAnn Clark’s book: [https://a.co/d/bldxVf4] 🔗 Learn more about the “A Decided Difference” Podcast: [https://www.louannclark.com/podcast] 🔗 Learn more about HOTLOGIC®, the AI Oven: [https://hotlogicappliances.com/] #MentalWellness #LeadershipDevelopment #MindsetMatters #PsychologicalSafety #HealthyWorkplaces #HotLogic #SmartShelfOven #BreakroomInnovation #WorkplaceInnovation #WorkplaceCulture #CorporateCulture #OrganizationalCulture #FutureofWork #BusinessLeadership #HumanCapacity #WorkplaceWellness #CorporateWellness #EmployeeWellness #HealthyWorkplace #EmployeeHealth #EmployeeEngagement #EmployeeExperience #Nutrition #Fitness #Sleep #Health #Wellness #MentalHealth #BusinessPodcast #UnboxingtheOffice

Unboxing the Office | Episode 12: Dr. Nashay Lowe on Transforming Conflict and Culture

In this deeply insightful episode, host Bernie Youngblood sits down with Dr. Nashay Lowe—conflict transformation strategist, global practitioner, scholar, and host of "The Resolution Room” Podcast—for a conversation that reframes how we think about conflict, communication, corporate culture, and the human experience at work. From her years with the Peace Corps, and global conflict research across more than 30 countries, to her groundbreaking Allyship Ecosystem Model, to her work rebuilding culture inside U.S. institutions, Dr. Lowe reveals the patterns, pressures, and human stories that shape how modern teams succeed—or break apart. Together, Bernie and Dr. Lowe unpack the realities of an overworked, under-connected workforce, and the practical tools leaders and teams can use to rebuild trust, clarity, and alignment in an age defined by speed, stress, and AI. ✅ In this episode, they explore: —Why communication failures are the hidden root of most workplace conflict —How identity, culture, and global experience shape how we work —Why role clarity and accountability are collapsing—and how to fix both —How AI will challenge leaders to be more human, not less —Why real transformation requires patience, practice, and emotional courage —The path to rebuilding corporate culture one conversation at a time Dr. Lowe brings a rare blend of global insight, academic rigor, and disarming honesty—breaking down how conflict, when handled well, becomes a catalyst for clarity, collaboration, and cultural strength. 📚 Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to Unboxing the Office 00:44 – Introducing Dr. Nashay Lowe 03:04 – From Peace Corps to PhD: A Global Path to Conflict Work 08:26 – Why Americans Tie Identity to Work 12:05 – Corporate Culture in Crisis: A Doctor’s Diagnosis 17:40 – Communication: The Real Root of Most Workplace Problems 22:55 – Social Media, Groupthink & Cognitive Overload 29:18 – AI, Speed & Why Humans Weren’t Built for This Pace 35:42 – Role Clarity, Accountability & Organizational Breakdown 44:03 – Leadership vs. Management: Trust, Delegation & Empowerment 51:20 – Rediscovering Shared Mission & Meaning at Work 58:12 – Why Real Transformation Takes Time (More Than a Workshop) 01:09:45 – Can Corporate Culture Be Saved? Dr. Lowe’s Final Answer 👉 Like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge how we lead, communicate, and build workplaces where people—and purpose—can thrive. 🔗 Learn more about Dr. Nashay Lowe: [https://linktr.ee/loweinsights] 🔗 Learn more about Dr. Lowe’s work: [https://www.loweinsights.com/] 🔗 Learn more about “The Resolution Room” Podcast: [https://shows.acast.com/the-resolutio...] 🔗 Learn more about HOTLOGIC®, the AI Oven: [https://hotlogicappliances.com/] ***Fact Check: Dr. Lowe’s dissertation model was referred to as the Allyship Economic Model. It’s actually called the Allyship Ecosystem Model. #ConflictTransformation #ConflictResolution #HotLogic #AIoven #SmartShelfOven #SmartOven #BreakroomInnovation #BreakroomUpgrade #WorkplaceInnovation #CorporateCulture #OrganizationalCulture #FutureofWork #BusinessLeadership #HumanCapacity #WorkplaceWellness #CorporateWellness #EmployeeWellness #HealthyWorkplace #EmployeeHealth #EmployeeEngagement #EmployeeExperience #Nutrition #Fitness #Sleep #Health #Wellness #MentalHealth #ReturntoWork #BusinessPodcast #UnboxingtheOffice