If you’re not following Carolyn McGary on LinkedIn, you’re missing out.
Known as the Wonder Woman of FM, Carolyn’s feed is full of Facilities Management news, podcasts, job listings, career advice, and then some. Her enthusiasm towards the Facilities Management profession is positively contagious.
In fact, by the time you’re finished reading and listening to her “FaciliTopics” – 10 min shorts from her FMPipeline team all about Facilities Management – you’ll find yourself, looking up programs to make a career pivot. Maybe you’ll even join her classes at Metropolitan State University in Denver where’s a part-time instructor in the Department of Engineering.
It’s easy to see why she made IFMA’s Forty under 40 list of the best and brightest FM professionals.
So let’s get to know Carolyn McGary, our FM Superhero, as part of our Facilities Manager Spotlight Series!
Carolyn McGary
FMP, CFM, SFP, PROFM
Tell us a bit about yourself…
Hello! Wonder Woman here. Superman (the hubby) and I live in Parker, CO with our three cats and a small horde of books and legos. He’s an electrical engineer and I’m currently a part-time assistant project manager, part-time instructor, and a part-time Co-Director of a Non-profit! When I’m not doing any of those things, I’m probably sleeping (ha!), or singing in my local choir, or volunteering with my sorority.
When it comes to self-improvement do you prefer to read books, listen to podcasts or take a course?
Ooh, this one is tricky. I would have to say it depends, so I will rank them by effectiveness for me:
Taking a Course – In person I always get more out of. Virtual as long as I have accountability buddies. I’m currently working on a virtual program and a Business Development Professional credential.
Podcasts – As I was driving more during covid (vs the train) I found podcasts are my jam! I’ve been listening to Nonprofits are Messy by Joan Garry and I’m learning SO MUCH about how to run a nonprofit. This benefits all the nonprofits I’m currently a part of.
Books – My self-improvement book collection is full of good intentions, but I tend to move much slower through the nonfiction. I like mainly fantasy type books with snarky heroines.
What are the three interesting facts about you?
I once sat on a live alligator! Colorado has (or had, in case it’s not still there) an alligator farm and I went with my parents on an adventure in high school. I guessed the alligator’s weight the most accurately and the prize was a photo with her. Good thing I was skinny at the time, poor girl!
I’ve sung at Carnegie Hall – it was with my HS choir and several other student choirs for…I couldn’t even tell you what event, but we got to spend several days touring NYC – seeing a Broadway show and the Statue of Liberty, and I have photos of the Twin Towers the Spring before they fell. ☹
I was a Ninja! No, really, my hubby and I found a dojo near our house that taught ninjitsu, which is the art of the ninja. Katana, Throwing Stars, Sais, Slurpee Straws…the works! Also, it’s fun to say I have ninja training.
What’s your favourite drink?
Earl Grey Latte
You’ve been asked to do a TED Talk. What is the topic you’re going to speak about?
The Future of FM!
How did you get started as a Facilities Manager?
I found my passion while in college. Our university had an accredited FM program, which has since closed, but it was intriguing, I liked buildings and people, so I decided to try it. After my first (or maybe second) world workplace, I realized I was where I would thrive.
What are your career goals as a facilities manager?
I’m currently very close to the dream. I have found the most joy in helping other students discover FM as a great career path. I’m not saying I’m great at it yet, but I’m working it!
From here I am trying to focus more on the nonprofit I am co-director of: FM Pipeline Team Inc. Our goal is to Engage, Enlighten, and Energize the Next Gen of FM. We’re hopeful to build the budget over the next 2-5 years to really help it take off and make a big impact to the FM Industry, getting more students to choose the career path rather than fall into it.
Lastly, I’m an aspiring future IFMA Fellow. I hope to one day join those prestigious ranks of people who have proven their impact on the profession.
How many years of experience in facility management do you have?
I’ve been doing this about 16 years now and am coming up on my 20 year anniversary with IFMA in 2024. It’s pretty exciting to think that by that time, I will be able to say I have spent over half my life in facility management!
We finish the interview and you step outside the office and find a lottery ticket that ends up winning $10 million. What would you do?
That depends, do I need to share it with my hubby? ;-p
After figuring out if I’m sharing, I want to 1) invest it so that I can live off the interest for as long as I can 2) create endowment scholarships for my Sorority and the IFMA Foundation and 3) Help seed the FM Pipeline to succeed far into the future. 4) Maybe travel on my interest $ to places other than WWP and such.
To connect with Carolyn McGary, visit:
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wonderwomanoffm/
- Website: https://fmpipeline.org/