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Buildings Podcast

How FM Becomes a Strategic Partner with IFMA’s Wayne Whitzell

The facilities department isn’t just a cost center—but changing that perception can be tough, especially when you don’t have the headcount to accomplish everything you need to do. Wayne Whitzell, first vice chair of IFMA’s Global Executive Board, joins the Buildings Podcast to explain how FM can become a strategic partner.
July 20, 2026
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Key Highlights

After listening to this podcast, you’ll learn:

  • What stops facilities managers from thinking and acting like strategic partners—and why senior organizational leaders don’t view them that way
  • Tips for dealing with short staffing
  • How to start turning around the cost center perception
  • How to communicate more clearly with your organization’s C-suite
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Facilities managers drive more value than anyone realizes, so why aren’t they viewed as a strategic partner? Changing that perception among senior decision-makers starts with speaking the C-suite’s language and aligning yourself with your organization’s strategy.

Show Notes:

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About Our Guest:

Wayne Whitzell is the first vice chair of IFMA’s Global Executive Board.

About the Author

Janelle Penny
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Janelle Penny

Editor-in-Chief at BUILDINGS

Janelle Penny has been with BUILDINGS since 2010. She is a two-time FOLIO: Eddie award winner who aims to deliver practical, actionable content for building owners and facilities professionals.

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