FM is changing fast. The expectations are higher, the skillset is broader, and the route into the profession is anything but clear.

In this episode of The FM Fix, we're joined by Emma Bellingham, then Head of Academy at IWFM, to unpack what training and qualifications really mean for modern facilities managers, and where the industry still needs to catch up.

We talk about why traditional career paths no longer fit the FM role, how qualifications should support real-world capability (not just compliance), and what skills will matter most over the next decade.

Emma also shares advice for FMs who feel stuck, overlooked, or unsure where to invest in their development, plus what organisations can do better if they actually want to retain talent.

As Maintenance Manager (now Facilities Manager!) at Flat Iron, Lily oversees the maintenance function across hospitality sites where uptime, safety, and guest experience are non-negotiable. From urgent reactive issues to planned upgrades, refurbishments, and contractor performance, her role sits right at the intersection of operations, finance, and people management.

In this episode of The FM Fix, we talk about what it really takes to keep busy hospitality spaces running smoothly behind the scenes. We unpack how to balance reactive maintenance with long-term improvements, how to build contractor partnerships that actually deliver value, and how communication can make or break day-to-day operations. Lily also shares lessons from working in fast-paced, multi-site environments, managing budgets, and staying calm when downtime simply isn’t an option.