Meet Red Thread President Fabio Malagisi and explore his experience, leadership style and vision for the company’s next chapter.
After 10 years at Red Thread, Fabio Malagisi is stepping into the role of President with a deep understanding of the business and plenty of perspective on where it can go next. But his story extends beyond strategy, data and a new title. In this candid conversation, Fabio reflects on the experiences that shaped him, the way he approaches leadership and what he hopes people feel when they work with him. He also shares the workplace trends capturing his attention and the opportunities he sees ahead for Red Thread, its people and its customers.
In this conversation, Fabio shares his perspective on:
- His 10-year journey at Red Thread
- His leadership style and priorities as President
- The culture he wants to carry forward
- Workplace trends and the growing role of data
- His vision for Red Thread’s next chapter
Congratulations on your new role! What does becoming President of Red Thread mean to you?
Becoming President of Red Thread is both an incredible honor and a responsibility that I do not take lightly. Having spent the last decade here, Red Thread has become a very meaningful part of my life, and many of the people I work with have become much more than colleagues. I am deeply grateful for the trust placed in me and proud to lead an organization with such a strong legacy, talented people, and unwavering commitment to our clients.
“For me, leadership is about service. My role is to support our team and help create an environment where people can do their best work.”
I am excited to continue building on the foundation that has made Red Thread so successful in the past, while also continuing to help our clients envision and prepare for what lies ahead in the future of space.
Can you share your own experience working with Red Thread for the last 10 years?
Over the past decade, it has been incredibly rewarding to be part of the Red Thread team. I have had the opportunity to work alongside exceptional people who are not only experts in their field, but genuine people. Together, we have helped our clients and partners reimagine and transform their spaces.
“Our organization’s passion for driving culture and performance supported by space, paired with our committed customers, have been a significant enabler of positive change for the people and businesses that we serve.”
One specific experience that I think summarizes how proud I am to work at Red Thread was when I visited a large biotech client’s new R&D space. Seeing teams collaborate in an environment we helped create reminded me that our work goes far beyond workspace products. Through our work and alongside many great partners, we help enable the connections and ideas that drive innovation. Seeing that impact firsthand filled me with pride and reinforced why the work we do matters.
How would you describe your leadership style? What do you hope people experience when they work with you?
I hope people experience someone who is authentic, transparent, and grounded in integrity. I believe leadership starts with listening and understanding, with the goal of adding value and helping others succeed. I strive to be a source of solutions, someone who gives more than he takes and approaches every challenge with humility and hard work. My values are rooted in accountability, respect, and a belief that relationships and trust are earned through consistent actions over time.
As you step into this role, what aspects of Red Thread’s culture and values are most important for you to carry forward?
Red Thread is a special place because of the culture we have built together. The values I am most committed to carrying forward are collaboration, trusted partnership and a commitment to strong execution. We put relationships first, work closely with our customers to understand and advise, and follow through with operational excellence. Those values, combined with our integrated approach across furniture, architecture and technology, will continue to guide us as our industry evolves.
What are the top trends you’re seeing in workplace evolution?
Two of the most significant forces shaping the workplace today are the rise of AI and the continued evolution of hybrid work. Interestingly, both trends are reinforcing the importance of human connection. Organizations are designing workplaces that help people do what technology cannot, such as build trust, collaborate on complex challenges and mentor future leaders.
“The most successful workplaces of the future will be flexible, technology enabled, and human centered.”
How has data analytics impacted the way we manage and go to market, and how do you see that evolving in the future?
Several years ago, Red Thread made a strategic investment to build what we believe is one of the most advanced business intelligence platforms in our industry. I am incredibly proud of what our team has accomplished. In today’s environment, data is a true competitive advantage. It enables us to make better decisions, identify trends more quickly, and provide valuable insights that help our clients make informed choices. Looking ahead, I believe data will become even more critical, helping organizations navigate change with greater confidence, agility, and precision.
What opportunities are you most excited about for Red Thread over the next few years?
I’m excited about the opportunities that come with change, because where there is change, there is always opportunity for us to contribute to the future. The workplace continues to evolve, and organizations are rethinking how their environments support culture and drive performance.
“More than ever, companies recognize that space is not just a cost of doing business, it’s a strategic asset that can influences business outcomes.”
I know that we have a unique opportunity to help clients navigate that change, by creating workplaces that solve real business challenges and bring people together in meaningful ways.
What do you hope this chapter for Red Thread will mean as it’s reflected on years from now?
I believe we are at a true inflection point in how work happens and how organizations use space to support their people. Years from now, I hope this chapter is remembered as a period when Red Thread helped shape the future of work alongside our clients. I believe our vision of integrated space will continue to prove its value. Most importantly, I hope we are recognized for expanding our capabilities, deepening our client partnerships, and helping organizations build their spaces to be used as powerful business assets to promote culture, collaboration, and innovation.
The Next Thread: What Fabio Hopes to Build
Fabio steps into this role with respect for everything Red Thread has built and a clear sense of possibility for what comes next. His focus remains grounded in the people behind the business: the employees who shape the customer experience, the partners who help bring ideas to life and the organizations navigating meaningful change in the workplace.
As this new chapter unfolds, stay connected with Red Thread on LinkedIn for more perspectives, ideas and conversations about the forces shaping today’s workplace.
