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Baachu Talk FM Podcast
A Podcast For Facilities & Workplace Service Professionals
Episode 11: Thomas L. Mitchell, IFMA Fellow, COO, FMIS Associates
Baachu Talk FM is a new show produced by Baachu Rain and hosted by Baskar Sundaram where top FM leaders discuss their work journeys to success. My podcast brings fascinating conversations with some of the most experienced insightful facilities services people in the world straight to listeners all over the world!
Join me, Baskar Sundaram on Baachu Talk FM as I explore the world of Facilities and Workplace services thru human stories.
You have the potential for even greater impact and a more satisfying legacy. Listen Now
Today's Guest is Thomas L. Mitchell, IFMA Fellow, COO, FMIS Associates
Thomas “Tom” L. Mitchell, Jr., CFM, CFMJ, IFMA Fellow, is a seasoned professional with over 35 years of experience in facility and asset management. Currently serving as the Senior Vice President and Chief Operations Officer at FM3IS Associates, L.L.C., Tom is committed to improving organizational performance by focusing on workforce competency and optimizing the workplace. He has held leadership positions in government, commercial, and not-for-profit industries.
Tom’s extensive background includes serving in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years as a civil engineer officer, overseeing the development and management of facilities in various locations worldwide. He has also played a significant role in the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), serving on the Global Board of Directors and receiving the prestigious IFMA Fellow designation.
In addition to his current role, Tom is actively involved in academia, serving as the Chairman of Florida A&M University’s Facility Management Degree Program Academic Advisory Council and as an adjunct faculty member at The University of Texas at San Antonio. He holds multiple degrees and certifications related to facility management.
Tom is a sought-after speaker and contributor to the facility management industry. He has presented at various international conferences and shares his expertise through publications and interviews. With his wealth of knowledge and experience, Tom Mitchell is an excellent guest to provide insights on facility management.
Join us as we delve into the inspiring journey of Thomas Mitchell, a man who has seen facility management evolve from the 90s to the present day. We explore his transition from military service to the private sector, his influence in global initiatives, and the challenges and opportunities he sees in today’s facility management landscape. A thought-provoking episode for anyone keen on understanding the dynamics of leadership and the future of facility management.
In this episode, we will discuss Thomas’s,
- Childhood in New York and Tallahassee with a sports star father and supportive mother.
- University and Inspirational movies that motivated Thomas to join the Air Force.
- Stages of Air Force Career through the years and discovery of new experiences under commanders.
- First encounter with Facilities Management and the FMM community inside Air Force.
- Commencement into IFMA with a promise of 800 hours commitment a year.
- Challenges of exiting the Air Force and joining the FM in the private industry.
- Presentation that led to the introduction of Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in FM.
- Love for Star Trek and his first granddaughter.
- Influences over his career and life.
- Advice to the professionals and newbies of the FM industry to become a global leader
From Civil Engineering to Boardroom - A Deep Dive into the Evolution of Facility Management with Thomas Mitchell
- Educational Background: Unravel how Thomas Mitchell’s education set the foundation for his success in facility and asset management.
- Inspiration: Discover what motivated Thomas to build a career in facility and asset management.
- Military Service: Gain insights into his memorable experiences as a civil engineer officer in the U.S. Air Force.
- Transition to Private Sector: Understand how moving from the military to Booz | Allen | Hamilton shaped Thomas’s career trajectory.
- Joining IFMA: Explore what drew Thomas to the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) and how it sculpted his professional journey.
- Chairmanship at IFMA: Uncover the initiatives and projects he takes pride in from his time as Chairman of the IFMA Global Board of Directors.
- Influence on IFMA: Discuss the industry-advancing initiatives Thomas spearheaded as a member and former board chairman at IFMA.
- Community Influence: Learn how being part of IFMA’s community moulded his approach to facility management and leadership.
- Facility Management Evolution: Understand how facility management has evolved from the 1990s to the present day from Thomas’s perspective.
- Current Challenges and Opportunities: Identify the most significant challenges and opportunities in today’s facility management landscape, and hear Thomas’s advice on how to navigate them successfully.
- Advisory Roles: Explore how Thomas contributes to the advancement of the facility management field through his advisory roles, such as serving on the Facility Management Degree Program Academic Advisory Council.
Leading the Way in Facility Management: An In-depth Discussion with Thomas Mitchell
- FM is one of the three most expensive assets that are available to an organization for it to be successful
- In terms of what consumes most of my time, it’s my granddaughter, it’s my family, it’s Star Trek.
- I would not be what I’m today had it not been for what I learned at Florida A&M University.
- If you are going to be entering an organization as a facilities manager, especially f you have a degree in architecture or one of the engineering programs.
- We (FM) are a critical enabler of organizational success.
- During my time in the Air Force, I found that individuals selflessly gave up their most valuable resource, their time and talent, in order to work together to achieve mutually acceptable goals and objectives.
- Coordinating with the right organization at the right time so that we could avoid mishaps. People started better understanding and appreciating not just FM but also IT to understand how both play an intricate role to ensure not only of a built environment but also to help end user achieve their organization’s objectives. Because they will need building and will need communication.
- I did everything I was expected to do as an air force officer. T I did not know about FM But when I learned about FM from Lt. Sinclair, I decided that was my trajectory. But I had lost my 10 years by then.
- There aren’t enough FM programs in the US as it is. It was an opportunity to establish one.
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