A recent panel discussion, “Future of FM: Next-Gen FM Leadership,” explored the evolving landscape of facility management, highlighting the critical interplay between technological advancement, human-centric approaches, and the crucial aspect of psychological security
A recent panel discussion, “Future of FM: Next-Gen FM Leadership,” explored the evolving landscape of facility management, highlighting the critical interplay between technological advancement, human-centric approaches, and the crucial aspect of psychological security. The event, featuring prominent figures from leading organisations, delved into the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the industry.
Shailendra Singh Yadav, Senior GM at 32nd Vistas, addressed the concept of next-generation leadership, stressing that it’s a dynamic and evolving notion. He highlighted the need to shift from a maintenance-focused approach to one that prioritises creating exceptional experiences for all stakeholders. This transition involves moving from a cost-centric model to a value-driven one, and from reactive to proactive, or rather, predictive management. Yadav emphasised the importance of being tech-savvy, adaptive, and agile, outlining key mindset shifts such as “use premises, don’t just occupy them,” and “experience over cost.” He advocated for data-driven insights, continuous self-improvement, and a coaching approach to mentorship.
Sanjay Mehta, Executive Director-Workplace Enablement at Grant Thornton Bharat LLP, addressed the burgeoning role of AI in facility management. While acknowledging the current trend of AI discussions, Mehta stressed the paramount importance of human intelligence. He underscored the significance of structured data collection through sensors, arguing that this data is the foundation for effective AI implementation. He differentiated between Gen-AI and agentic AI, expressing a cautious view on the latter, and emphasised the need for a realistic perspective on AI’s capabilities.
Further enriching the discussion, Amar Shetye, Global Operations Head-RMG at Tata Consultancy Services, contributed his insights, reinforcing the importance of adapting to the rapid technological changes and the need for a holistic approach to facility management.
Notably, Lt Cdr Ajit Singh Yadav, India Office Operations Director at Boston Consulting Group (BCG), brought a critical dimension to the conversation by emphasising the importance of psychological security within the workplace. He highlighted that creating a safe and supportive environment is paramount for fostering innovation and productivity in the next generation of facility management.
Major Aditi Mohan, Head of Establishment, India and Future of Workplace at Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages, modrated the discussion by emphasising the importance of agile and savvy data executives in the age of AI. She posed a crucial question: how can facility management transition to promote impactful, sustainable, and human-centred environments?
The discussion highlighted the necessity for facility managers to embrace technological advancements while maintaining a focus on human needs, including psychological well-being. The panelists collectively advocated for a shift towards creating value-driven, experience-centric environments, leveraging data and AI to enhance decision-making and predictive management. The evolving role of leadership was also highlighted, emphasising coaching, adaptability, a proactive mindset, and a commitment to creating psychologically safe work environments.
BY- Sambhav Kumar
