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Baachu Talk FM Podcast
A Podcast For Facilities & Workplace Service Professionals
Episode 14: Laurie Gilmer, President, Facility Engineering 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 Laurie Gilmer
In a riveting episode of Baachu Talk FM, we have a trailblazing powerhouse joining us – someone who has shattered ceilings and transformed the industry over her storied career. I’m talking about the one and only Laurie Gilmer!
As President and COO of Facility Engineering Associates, Laurie has been a disruptive force for progress. She’s ushered countless organizations into the future with her expertise in facility assessments, energy management, and sustainability. But Laurie is more than just an industry titan. She’s a true leader dedicated to advancing FM as chair of the IFMA Global Board.
She lends her talents to guide the next generation. And she’s always uplifting others on their journeys. In our conversation today, the brilliant Laurie Gilmer will give us a rare glimpse into her inspirational path. We’ll learn about her vision, her secrets to success, and her blueprint for making waves in the FM field. This is sure to be a riveting and memorable episode with one of the most acclaimed women in facilities management! So join us for an electrifying chat with Laurie Gilmer – a true luminary lighting the way forward.
As President and COO of Facility Engineering Associates, Laurie has been a disruptive force for progress. She’s ushered countless organizations into the future with her expertise in facility assessments, energy management, and sustainability. But Laurie is more than just an industry titan. She’s a true leader dedicated to advancing FM as chair of the IFMA Global Board.
She lends her talents to guide the next generation. And she’s always uplifting others on their journeys. In our conversation today, the brilliant Laurie Gilmer will give us a rare glimpse into her inspirational path. We’ll learn about her vision, her secrets to success, and her blueprint for making waves in the FM field. This is sure to be a riveting and memorable episode with one of the most acclaimed women in facilities management! So join us for an electrifying chat with Laurie Gilmer – a true luminary lighting the way forward.
Join me, Baskar Sundaram on Baachu Talk FM as I explore the world of Facilities and Workplace services thru human stories.
Embark on a journey as we delve into Laurie's remarkable story, from her upbringing in California's wine country to her relentless pursuit of an engineering dream. Discover how she shattered ceilings and embraced the male-dominated world of mechanical engineering, all while finding her calling in Facilities Management (FM). Laurie's career path, marked by challenges turned into triumphs, has not only transformed her but also left an indelible mark on the FM industry. Join us as we explore her unwavering commitment to sustainability, her innovative approach to workplace design, and her exceptional leadership journey within IFMA. Laurie Gilmer's narrative is a testament to resilience and the boundless possibilities of a career in FM.
In this episode, we will discuss Laurie’s,
- Upbringing in northern Californian wine country.
- Fondness for the countryside and childhood memories.
- Early move to a house in town and how it felt confining.
- Dream of becoming an engineer, starting in third grade, and the support received from school and parents.
- College journey at Calpol, California, where there was no time for typical college experiences in an engineering school.
- First job during high school at an engineering firm and the mentorship gained.
- Involvement in senior projects and exciting projects both at work and in college.
- Career path in a male-dominated field, especially mechanical engineering.
- Transition to Facilities Management (FM) and expertise in various skill sets, including client management, problem-solving, and gaining new perspectives.
- Incorporation of engineering background into the FM career.
- Memories of the first FM project, facing unprecedented challenges and creating a win-win situation.
- Journey in establishing a career through exposure and experience.
- Emphasis on continuous learning and growth in any job.
- Experiences and stories of finding simple solutions to extremely complex problems.
- Exploration of innovative ideas for bringing a green perspective to projects.
- Thoughts on creating the perfect workplace area.
- Insights on hypothetically managing historical buildings.
- IFMA journey, from being a newbie to becoming a chair at Global Board.
- Rewarding experiences from working with IFMA.
- Fun passions outside of FM, such as skiing and quiet activities.
- Mentors who inspired her.
- Advice to future FM Managers.
Powerful Nuggests from the Episode
- The whole point is, how you can learn from someone else’s experience, whether or not you go through the same occasion.
- The bigger point here is resource effectiveness and making sure that you are responsible for the things under your care.
- We are not here to convince you that global warming or climate change is happening or not. What we are here to do is to learn how to help your company navigate that issue and think environmental stewardship which most of us can get behind is wise use of resources.
- I find FM to be a highly adaptable profession, that basically continues to follow what is needed for facilities. As the facilities become more complicated and the people in them become more needful of different accommodations, the Facility Management profession is the one helping them provide it. So, I see it as a continuously evolving profession.
- The key with any organization you join is how you can play your part well. Not everyone wants to do a presentation, teach, or lead a chapter. But there is something you are going to be good at and you can contribute.
- One of the things that we do is, go and visit a lot of facilities that have a lot of different issues in various facilities. So I help to asses and solve various issues.
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