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

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.

E158 – Alistair Fenn: Chief of Staff & Global Interim Head of Workspace Experience – Tide

Another great episode of the Wear Many Hats podcast. This time, we sit down with Alistair Fenn, Chief of Staff & Global Interim Head of Workspace Experience at Tide, to explore the evolving role of workplace experience in fast-growing global organisations. Alistair shares his perspective on scaling workplace culture, managing global teams, and why workplace experience has become far more than just managing offices, it’s now a key part of how businesses operate, collaborate, and grow. We dive into the challenges that come with rapid growth, aligning people and operations across multiple regions, and the importance of creating environments that genuinely support employees at every level. Alistair also reflects on leadership, adaptability, and the growing connection between workplace strategy, culture, and business performance. A thoughtful and forward-looking conversation for workplace leaders, operations professionals, and anyone shaping the future of work.

E157– Christopher Ali: Facilities Manager – The Estate Office Shoreditch

Another great episode of the Wear Many Hats podcast. This time, we sit down with Christopher Ali, Facilities Manager at The Estate Office Shoreditch, to explore a career journey shaped by persistence, curiosity, and learning through experience. Christopher shares how he spent years working different jobs without a clear career path, struggling with confidence and direction before unexpectedly finding his way into facilities management through a role at Greenpeace UK. What started as a facilities assistant position soon became something much bigger. During the pandemic, Christopher stepped up to manage a building on his own, eventually progressing into facilities management and building a career in an industry he never originally planned to enter. We also discuss the realities of modern FM stakeholder management, compliance, contractor relationships, communication, and the growing recognition of facilities management as a strategic profession. Christopher also shares his honest thoughts on AI, operational pressures in today’s market, and why asking the right questions is one of the most valuable skills in the workplace. A genuine and inspiring conversation about growth, resilience, and finding opportunity in unexpected places.