FM SPOTLIGHT NAVINDRA PRABHUDAYAL - YEXT

Interviewed by Sonya Verny, MCR, IFMA NYC Secretary

Navindra Prabhudayal is the Workplace Operations Manager for Yext’s Global Headquarters, which is located in Chelsea and spans 150,000 square feet. He oversees all Facility Operations (MEP, Janitorial, Security, Financial Planning, etc.) as well as Hospitality Services (Guest Services Program, Food & Beverage, etc.). In addition, he manages Physical Security and EHS Operations for the company globally; oversees daily operations; and plays a prevalent role with capital improvement projects, specifically focused on new workplace buildouts and relocations. Prior to joining Yext, Navindra worked within well established companies, such as Facebook and CNN, in very robust capacities.

“Navindra joined our team just months before COVID-19 swept across the US and Europe. What's been most incredible is his ability to leverage his operational, health & safety, and customer-facing experience to quickly pivot, adapt and solve for the unknowns we faced. We move fast at Yext, and our response was no exception. He immediately led the charge to transition our population to remote work, defining a methodical and safe process and minimizing business disruption while assuring our employees that their well-being comes first all while leading his team to redeploy responsibilities for extended WFH to provide strong at-home support, to stay engaged, and to use the time wisely for team growth. He's shown adept agility to step into critical roles to help successfully deliver on underway capital improvement projects on the real estate side (across three continents) when we needed extra resources to strategically and creatively solve for new daily challenges. And more importantly, he helped to develop and deploy our Global Workplace Resumption Plan to satisfy both operational compliance and clear direction for our Yexters when they're ready to return to a safe workplace. These unique circumstances have allowed Navindra to shine in surprising ways and prove himself a valuable asset among my team and our organization as a whole.” – John Houfe, Vice President, Real Estate & Workplace

What is one thing no one knows about you?

“I am a classically trained musician – performing, studying and teaching for more than 20 years. With the long hours and multiple hats our roles require, music is that force that centers me in even the most hectic of situations.”

How did you get into the Facilities/Workplace field?

“During high school I started helping out the operations team at a local nonprofit, including coordinating repairs, scheduling inspections and managing their events. During that time, I realized managing those operations and facilitating those crucial conversations was something I surprisingly enjoyed. Since then, I’ve always tried to align my positions to ensure I have some part in the overall operations, even if it meant taking a lower role to get my foot in the door. I have been extremely fortunate to have great mentors within the industry to focus my path along those lines; I definitely would not have achieved even half of what I’ve accomplished thus far without their support and guidance.” 

Tell us about a favorite project highlight.

“Being part of the design and buildout of Yext’s HQ (The Yext Building) in Chelsea is absolutely one of the most fascinating projects I’ve been part of. The design intent, built-in technology and amenities program put this building on par with any modern company and office. It’s also one of the first projects that I’ve had input on from the project/buildout side. It ranks as one of the most rewarding endeavors for me in my career thus far.”

What is your greatest success story?

“Without question, my greatest success story is seeing former direct reports who are now in managerial positions themselves and are mentoring and training the next wave of great industry leaders. You learn very quickly in our line of work that you can’t do it all on your own; you need skilled and motivated partners in order to succeed. When you see those individuals continually learning and growing to a point where they can now run their own workspace and manage a team – that is the best part of this job.”

Tell us about a challenge or obstacle that you face in the Real Estate/Facilities world.

“One of the biggest obstacles in this line of work is the lack of perceived value of the org across the business unit. Facilities has traditionally been viewed as an old-fashioned division whom you call upon to fix whatever is broken in the office. That perception, especially from a bottom-line point of view, makes it difficult to have input on corporate direction, even on the real estate side.

With many companies making the transition from antiquated facilities to the modern workplace, I’m much more encouraged about the prominence of the team and Facilities having more of a say within the greater business scheme. The continued adaptation of open floor plans with breakout lounge seating, white-glove hospitality and guest services, food & beverage, and much more have shifted the narrative to show how critical Real Estate and Facilities services truly are.”

What learning experience would you pass onto future FMs?

“Never stop learning. There are many components with Facilities Management specifically, but there are so many other spokes to the holistic life-cycle – Location Assessments, Lease Negotiations, Procurement, Budget Administration and everything in between. Make it your business to not only thrive in operations but to also be well versed in these other facets and understand how they intertwine. The stronger and earlier your impact can be felt on the project timeline the more you will consistently advance your seat higher and higher at the table throughout your career.

In addition, you’ll eventually have employees or sub-groups reporting to you as their manager. Adapting your management style to be in sync with their receptivity is paramount for both a productive and a peaceful work environment. Having the chance to help guide others is one of the most rewarding aspects of the job; don’t take it lightly.”