A Profile of Guenevere Dean

Guenevere (Gwen) Dean, Manager of Critical Systems for Sirius XM, is a remarkable figure whose focus is less on self-promotion and more on sparking thought. When you engage with her, you’re not just hearing about her career, you’re tunneling into a landscape of ideas and possibilities that reshape your understanding of the world. Conversations with her range from the intricacies of creating sustainable buildings in New York City to the unexpected ways water can infiltrate structures, and even how Hollywood could elevate the facilities management industry. It's a dynamic exchange where you're not merely listening but actively participating, learning, and reflecting.

Gwen’s beginnings in facility management started when she got her refrigeration machinery operator’s license from the Fire Department of New York when she was 17. Her first “real” job was at The Plaza Hotel in New York in the Building Operations department. Eventually, she became an engineer in commercial office towers, then moved to management roles. Her specialty is new construction projects which need transitioning from construction to operations.

With over 30 years of experience, Gwen has maintained buildings and operations across diverse sectors, including hospitality and broadcasting. Her educational background is as eclectic as her career, spanning nautical/maritime studies and philosophy. This blend of expertise equips her to tackle complex issues with a profound depth of understanding.

Gwen is a reservoir of knowledge on subjects such as blueprint reading, life safety codes, contract negotiation, budgeting, and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. Yet, it’s in her responses to questions that her true expertise shines. She speaks with a blend of precision and passion, drawing you into the intricacies of her field.

Her past and current teams are enthusiastic about her approach to mentoring, which is to gamify training and engagement.

“We play a monthly Kahoots Quiz Challenge (just to keep scores and rankings) and a more spontaneous but less frequent (quarterly) “Pop-Quiz Hot-Shot: Pick from the Fishbowl Scenarios” practical walkthrough,” she said.

“These methods quantify where we are and trend improvements in our teams’ ops readiness. If you wait for an actual event to assess where you are preparing for failure,” she added.

In addition to reading and movies, Gwen’s free time is packed with creativity, action and activity.

“I have a Cairn terrier named Merlin whose play button is permanently stuck in the on position,” she said.

“I’m also a professional puppeteer with major commercial credits to my name and am a children’s book author. Everyone should have two careers.”

For newcomers to the facilities management industry or those contemplating a career shift, Gwen suggested a practical approach. “Study a trade—any trade—and use it to support your education in business. This dual experience will give you a distinct advantage and a comprehensive understanding of the industry’s inner workings,” she advised.

When asked about the most impactful organizations she’s worked with, Gwen cited a few pivotal ones. “OSHA and EPA/DEP have been crucial for safety and industrial hygiene. The FDNY Bureau of Fire Prevention and NYC City Council have provided essential oversight and regulation. And organizations like SWE (Society of Women Engineers) and IFMA (International Facility Management Association) have been invaluable for networking and staying current with industry developments.”

Gwen’s reading list and podcast choices reflect her commitment to continuous learning and professional growth. She recommended Michael Melcher’s “Your Invisible Network,” which examines the nuances of building and sustaining a career network. “It’s more complex than you might think, and this book offers a deep dive into the process.” Additionally, she praised John Doerr’s “Measure What Matters,” which provides practical applications for setting and achieving objectives and key results (OKRs).

In every conversation with Gwen, you encounter a mind brimming with insights and a passion for her field that is both infectious and enlightening. Her approach is a blend of thoughtful analysis and forward-thinking, making her a standout subject matter expert and a joy to get to know.

Looking ahead, Gwen is enthusiastic about the future of facilities management. “There’s a huge building boom,” she observed. “If I were just starting out, I’d get up to speed as quickly as possible and enjoy the international growth we're about to witness. New cities are emerging everywhere; for example, Myanmar is relocating its entire capital about 200 miles.”

She highlighted the expanding need for high-density data centers, which, due to their specific climate preferences, will proliferate in certain regions. “These data centers will thrive in locations with the right balance of humidity and temperature,” she added, noting that the future will see a rise in facilities that aren’t always centered around human activity.

Gwen recognizes the challenges that come with managing these evolving facilities. “The facilities manager's burden will be ensuring that all this infrastructure remains operational. It’s a real juggling act,” she explained.

Her advice for those intrigued by a career in facilities management is to elevate the industry’s profile.

“We need to glamorize the field,” she said. “Imagine a world where people aspire to be facilities managers as eagerly as they do doctors or lawyers. Right now, it’s a bit of a mouthful, but it doesn’t have to be.”