Ones To Watch: Innovators in CRE - Fabio Malagisi, President at Red Thread

As President of Red Thread, Fabio Malagisi leads with a customer-first, collaborative approach to creating workplaces where people and organizations thrive. With more than a decade shaping the company’s strategy and growth, he is focused on strengthening partnerships, investing in people, and delivering exceptional customer experiences.

What innovation or accomplishment are you most proud of?
I had the privilege of leading our data analytics initiative, helping transform how we leverage data across the organization. Through significant investments, we built an industry-leading platform that provides real-time visibility into our operations, enables more informed decision-making, and helps ensure we consistently deliver on our commitments to customers. This work has positioned us at the forefront of our industry, creating a competitive advantage through data-driven insights and operational excellence.

Where do you see the biggest opportunities for innovation in commercial real estate or your area of expertise?
The rise of hybrid work and AI is creating a unique opportunity to reimagine the workplace. Space is now recognized as a strategic asset that enables innovation. Work environments of the future are changing and they are optimized for technology, adapting to change, creating connections and driving purpose. I believe the greatest opportunity is integrating furniture, technology, and architectural products to create the environments that foster innovation. This transformation is exciting.

How is innovation changing the way you approach your work?
I’ve recognized collaboration is crucial for innovation. I spend more time connecting people, building partnerships, and creating opportunities for diverse perspectives to come together, because I’ve found that the best ideas are the result of collective thinking rather than individual insight. Innovation, at its core, is about bringing people together to solve problems in new ways. By fostering collaboration across our teams, partners, and customers, we can create more meaningful solutions and drive better outcomes.

What excites you most about the future of commercial real estate?
Where there is change, there is opportunity. As organizations rethink their real estate investments, they’re also redefining the role of the workplace. Today’s environments need to support employees wherever they work while fostering collaboration, strengthening culture, and enabling better business outcomes. I believe the future belongs to organizations using data and technology to do just that. Helping clients unlock the full potential of their workplace as a strategic asset excites me the most.

YEARS IN COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE:
10

CURRENT ROLE:
President

INNOVATION FOCUS:
Workplace Strategy, Integrated Interiors

BEST CAREER ADVICE:
I’ve always believed success comes from consistently exceeding expectations.