Resilience in Action: FM Thriving in a World of Change
To mark World FM Day and the theme Resilience in Action: FM Thriving in a World of Change, we are shining a light on the impactful roles within facilities management by speaking with our colleagues. These professionals generously share their experiences, challenges, and aspirations, illustrating the dynamic nature of the FM industry.
Their stories reflect the breadth and depth of FM roles from strategic asset management to front-line operations and beyond. Whether it’s optimising energy usage or transforming workplace culture, our colleagues embody the spirit of World FM Day by making a tangible difference in their roles.
Rose Nicholls – Assets & Lifecycle Coordinator
Rose Nicholls, Assets & Lifecycle Coordinator for Sodexo’s Corporate Services business, shows how curiosity and perseverance can shape a successful career in FM. Starting out in a temporary admin role after exploring careers in childcare and hairdressing, Rose found her calling by asking the right questions.
“If something was broken, I didn’t just want to report it—I wanted to know why it broke, how it worked, and how to prevent it next time,” she explains. This mindset quickly set her apart and helped her transition into a more technical FM role.
Encouraged by supportive colleagues, Rose deepened her knowledge of asset management and pursued formal training, including an IAMS qualification and a management apprenticeship. Returning from maternity leave with renewed focus, she combined lived experience with career ambition to drive change.
“Motherhood was a turning point for me,” she says. “It gave me the motivation to invest in my career and think long-term about the impact I want to have.”
With support from mentors Adrian Clarke and Hannah Kerin, Rose now plays a key role in asset data analysis, compliance reviews, and proactive planning. Her contributions improve reliability and long-term planning at her site, demonstrating the value of insight-driven FM.
She also advocates for cultural change through Sodexo’s SoTogether FM Network. One of her proudest achievements is championing better maternity return policies, ensuring breastfeeding mothers receive greater support at work.
“I want to lead asset management at my site and continue making a difference—operationally and culturally. There’s so much opportunity in FM when you stay curious and speak up.”
Mazen Kandil – Regional Energy & Sustainability Engineer
Mazen began his career at Sodexo as a placement engineer at Central Manchester Hospital for Sodexo’s Health & Care business, where he quickly learned the critical role of energy efficiency in healthcare. Combining a passion for engineering with data-driven problem-solving, Mazen helped deliver a 1.3 million kWh energy saving for the NHS Trust—a clear example of how FM can drive environmental and operational transformation.
A major milestone in his journey was leading the implementation of Xempla, an AI-powered platform that shifts FM from reactive to predictive. By integrating Xempla into Sodexo workflows, Mazen helped frontline teams use real-time data to anticipate issues, reduce energy waste, and improve asset reliability—all without disrupting patient care.
“There was a learning curve,” Mazen recalls. “But by building trust and showing the real benefits, we empowered teams to adapt and thrive.”
Now a Regional Energy & Sustainability Engineer, Mazen continues to lead transformative initiatives including turning the Manchester Oxford Road Campus into a smart building that connects systems and shares live asset insights.
“AI platforms like Xempla will reshape FM in healthcare, they help us think bigger, act smarter, and build truly resilient facilities that deliver for patients and the planet.”
Emily Davis – Hospitality Support Manager & FM Apprentice
Emily Davis, Hospitality Support Manager in Sodexo’s Independent Schools business, is taking an exciting next step in her career by beginning an FM apprenticeship this May, a decision inspired by a chance encounter that turned into an important moment.
Her journey into facilities management began when she attended an IWFM Rising event. “Before the talk, I really didn’t know what FM was,” she says. “But hearing from leaders like Joanne Harris and Deborah Rowland opened my eyes to a whole new world of opportunity. Their passion and perseverance showed me that FM could be a path for someone like me.”
The event, which featured stories from women thriving in a traditionally male-dominated sector, left a lasting impression. “I left feeling empowered. It made me believe I could forge my own career in FM.”
Eager to learn more, Emily reached out to thank the speakers, a simple act that sparked a network of support from colleagues across Sodexo.
“I was amazed by how many people wanted to help me find my place in FM. It made me realise just how welcoming and supportive the industry could be.”
Now starting her FM apprenticeship while continuing in her hospitality role, Emily feels energised by the opportunity. “This is a huge milestone for me,” she says. “I didn’t think a career in FM was accessible without a degree, but this apprenticeship is showing me otherwise.”
Looking ahead, she’s excited to get hands-on experience by visiting FM sites and diving into core aspects of the profession. With a strong interest in sustainability especially given her current role at a site focused on waste management she hopes to explore how environmental practices are shaped through FM operations.
“Starting during World FM Day feels like the perfect launchpad. It’s a reminder that I’m not doing this alone — there’s a whole community behind me.”
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