Great Business Minds

At the 20th DataCloud Global Congress in the South of France, industry veteran and digital infrastructure entrepreneur Michael Tobin OBE shares unfiltered insights into the growth and growing pains of the data centre and AI sectors. From power shortages and misguided politics to the urgent need for nuclear solutions and better public education on digital infrastructure, Tobin unpacks it all. He also touches on the politicisation of data centres, the looming environmental impact of AI, and the looming M&A rebound. He offers a brutally honest take on where the digital economy is heading.

At the Datacloud Global Congress 2025 in Cannes, Olivier Micheli, President and CEO of privately held Data4, discussed the group’s €21.5 billion (US$24.5 billion) investment pipeline, Europe’s digital infrastructure outlook, and the company’s positioning amid rising global competition. Micheli acknowledged the geopolitical and macroeconomic uncertainties that have shaped the industry in early 2025 but emphasised that fundamental demand drivers remain strong. “In the last five or six months, the world has changed a lot. It creates uncertainty. Customers sign 10–15-year contracts, and they need certainty,” Micheli said. “However, data volumes continue to double every three years, business cloud is growing, and generative AI is still a strong driver. So, overall, the demand for data centres remains very robust.” Micheli confirmed that Data4’s current development programme is backed by a committed €21.5 billion (US$24.5 billion) capital plan, one of the largest among European operators. Roughly €15 billion (US$17.1 billion) of that amount will be invested in France, with the remainder allocated across existing markets including Spain, Italy, Poland, and Greece. “France offers significant competitive advantages. It has available power, low carbon emissions due to nuclear generation, and lower electricity costs compared to Germany or Italy,” Micheli said. “We are focusing our capital on existing markets and building both capacity and resilience.” The company’s current rollout includes a 500MW digital hub in the southern Paris region. This comprises the established Paris 1 campus (250MW) and a new Paris 3 site (250MW), forming one of the largest digital clusters in Europe. A separate gigawatt-scale project in northern France is also underway, with construction planned through to the 2030s. Additionally, Micheli addressed the challenges Europe faces in attracting and supporting AI infrastructure, particularly in comparison to North America. “For the training part of generative AI, you need access to cheap and available power. In the US, you get that in one to three years. In many parts of Europe, it takes five to ten years,” he said. “So the AI workloads are going to the US. But Europe still needs infrastructure to support its 500 million citizens.” While AI training workloads may remain in North America, Micheli argued that inference workloads and broader cloud services must reside in Europe to serve local user bases and ensure data compliance. Micheli was cautious about data centres being officially recognised as an “electricity-intensive industry,” which could lead to increased regulation. “The sector is growing faster than others and will be one of the top consumers of power globally,” he said. “We must be careful. If the industry is classified as a utility, it could face heavy regulation — and regulation often limits innovation.” Sustainability remains one of the core pillars of Data4’s corporate strategy. Micheli described several initiatives underway to reduce the environmental footprint of the company’s operations. A notable innovation is the use of algae farms to absorb CO₂ and reuse waste heat from data centres. Elsewhere, data sovereignty is emerging as a central issue in Europe’s digital agenda. Micheli underlined that a distributed and competitive infrastructure network is essential to support the continent’s ambition for digital independence. “Europe must have the best infrastructure across all its markets — not just in one location,” he said. “It’s a critical component of sovereignty.” He also noted that as regulatory requirements for data localisation increase, the demand for local infrastructure will only grow — both from public institutions and private sector clients. Asked whether an initial public offering (IPO) was on the horizon, Micheli said Data4 is not currently considering a listing but acknowledged that it could be a longer-term possibility. “At the moment, no — we’re in a high-growth phase...

Welcome to another episode of the Great Business Minds podcast, the definitive show for the business of digital infrastructure. GBM is brought to you by Preiskel & Co, a leading award-winning City of London law firm, internationally recognised for its expertise in the digital infrastructure industry and the telecoms and tech sector work more broadly. Wherever your legal or regulatory needs are (including outer space) Preiskel & Co LLP can support you, so do feel free to reach out to them at www.preiskel.com. This week, Douglas Loewe, CEO of Kao Data, offers insights into the rapidly evolving landscape of data centre real estate and expansion, with a particular focus on the burgeoning artificial intelligence (AI) sector. As Loewe approaches his first anniversary at the helm of Kao Data, he reflects on the key milestones achieved in the company's roadmap. These achievements are set against the backdrop of an industry undergoing significant transformation, driven by the global AI arms race and the increasing demand for data centres engineered specifically for AI applications. The interview delves into Kao Data's strategic positioning within this competitive landscape. Loewe elucidates how the company is adapting its operations and future plans to meet the surge in demand for AI-capable infrastructure while simultaneously addressing critical issues of energy efficiency and sustainability. A significant portion of the discussion centres on the United Kingdom's role in the global AI ecosystem. Loewe offers his perspective on the unique advantages the country presents for data centre operators like Kao Data, highlighting the potential for growth and innovation within this dynamic market. The conversation also touches upon the economic climate and its impact on AI-related investments. Loewe provides insights into how Kao Data's strategy for attracting and allocating capital has evolved over the past year, reflecting the company's agility in responding to market trends and investor expectations. Looking towards the future, Loewe shares his vision for Kao Data over the next three to five years. He outlines what he perceives as the most significant challenges and opportunities facing the company, particularly in relation to the ongoing AI revolution and its implications for the data centre industry. Here at the GBM podcast, we hope you enjoy this episode and do leave us a review and share it with your contacts. We invite you back again for the next episode with another big name in the digital infrastructure space. If you want to get more from the definitive podcast for the business of digital infrastructure, make sure you subscribe to Great Business Minds. See you soon! /////////////////////// This episode features our commercial partner Preiskel & Co, a leading award-winning City of London law firm, internationally recognised for its expertise in the digital infrastructure industry as well as the telecoms and tech sector work more broadly. Visit www.preiskel.com for more information. /////////////////////// Get more from the GBM Podcast on: Official Website LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube

Welcome to another episode of the Great Business Minds podcast, the definitive show for the business of digital infrastructure. GBM is brought to you by Preiskel & Co, a leading award-winning City of London law firm, internationally recognised for its expertise in the digital infrastructure industry and the telecoms and tech sector work more broadly. Wherever your legal or regulatory needs are (including outer space) Preiskel & Co LLP can support you, so do feel free to reach out to them at www.preiskel.com. On this week’s episode, we’re doing things slightly differently. For the first time, we have a guest host who takes to the driver’s seat for this week’s conversation. Our host is Dan Kesler, the co-founder of Digital Garden Tokyo, a new platform fostering collaboration among key stakeholders in digital infrastructure in Japan, focusing on driving transactions and cementing Japan's role as APAC's digital infrastructure leader. Digital Garden Tokyo is hosting its first conference in the Japanese capital on March 17-18, and we look forward to seeing the industry at the Tora-nomon Hills Forum in Central Tokyo. In this conversation, Dan interview William Schrader, who is responsible for paving the way for widespread Internet use by co-founding the first statewide Internet-based network in America. With entrepreneurial zeal, negotiation prowess, and technology know-how, Schrader has been instrumental in growing a global system that connects humans and commerce all over the world. Here at the GBM podcast, we hope you enjoy this episode and do leave us a review and share it with your contacts. We invite you back again for the next episode with another big name in the digital infrastructure space. If you want to get more from the definitive podcast for the business of digital infrastructure, make sure you subscribe to Great Business Minds. See you soon! /////////////////////// This episode features our commercial partner Preiskel & Co, a leading award-winning City of London law firm, internationally recognised for its expertise in the digital infrastructure industry as well as the telecoms and tech sector work more broadly. Visit www.preiskel.com for more information. /////////////////////// Get more from the GBM Podcast on: Official Website LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube

Welcome to another episode of the Great Business Minds podcast, the definitive show for the business of digital infrastructure. GBM is brought to you by Preiskel & Co, a leading award-winning City of London law firm, internationally recognised for its expertise in the digital infrastructure industry and the telecoms and tech sector work more broadly. Wherever your legal or regulatory needs are (including outer space) Preiskel & Co LLP can support you, so do feel free to reach out to them at www.preiskel.com. Recorded live at The Tech Capital's APAC Finance Forum in Jakarta, Indonesia, this episode features the fireside chat with Otto Toto Sugiri, one of Asia's digital infrastructure masterminds of the 21st century.. Pak Toto is DCI’s founder and CEO, he is responsible for the overall business and the main point of communication with key stakeholders, including investors, partners, customers and public. Educated in Germany, he is an accomplished IT veteran who began his career in a software company before founding Sigma in 1989. He also founded Indonesia’s first Internet Service Provider, Indonet in 1994, and holds an advisory role for Bursa Efek Indonesia. Here at the GBM podcast, we hope you enjoy this episode and do leave us a review and share it with your contacts. We invite you back again for the next episode with another big name in the digital infrastructure space. If you want to get more from the definitive podcast for the business of digital infrastructure, make sure you subscribe to Great Business Minds. See you soon! /////////////////////// This episode features our commercial partner Preiskel & Co, a leading award-winning City of London law firm, internationally recognised for its expertise in the digital infrastructure industry as well as the telecoms and tech sector work more broadly. Visit www.preiskel.com for more information. /////////////////////// Get more from the GBM Podcast on: Official Website LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube

Welcome to another episode of the Great Business Minds podcast, the definitive show for the business of digital infrastructure. GBM is brought to you by Preiskel & Co, a leading award-winning City of London law firm, internationally recognised for its expertise in the digital infrastructure industry and the telecoms and tech sector work more broadly. Wherever your legal or regulatory needs are (including outer space) Preiskel & Co LLP can support you, so do feel free to reach out to them at www.preiskel.com. Dive into the extraordinary world of hyperscale data centers with our latest episode, recorded live at The Tech Capital's APAC Finance Forum in Jakarta, Indonesia. This episode features the fireside chat with Robin Khuda, the founder and CEO of AirTrunk. This special edition podcast offers an unprecedented look into the journey of a true industry pioneer. Khuda's story is one of remarkable transformation - from an 18-year-old Bangladeshi immigrant in Australia to the architect of a data center empire valued at a staggering A$24 billion. Key highlights of this must-listen episode include: Market Disruption: Discover how Khuda identified a critical gap in the hyperscale data center market and boldly founded AirTrunk to fill it. Resilience in Action: Learn about AirTrunk's brush with bankruptcy and its phoenix-like rise from the ashes, a testament to Khuda's indomitable spirit and strategic acumen. Leadership Insights: Gain invaluable lessons in decision-making and resilience, straight from the experiences of this data center maverick. Industry Milestone: Delve into the details of the recent US$16 billion acquisition by Blackstone and CPP Investments - a record-breaking deal that's reshaping the data center landscape. This episode is not just a story of personal triumph; it's a masterclass in identifying opportunities, navigating challenges, and driving innovation in the fast-paced world of digital infrastructure. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, an aspiring entrepreneur, or a seasoned industry professional, Khuda's insights offer a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. Here at the GBM podcast, we hope you enjoy this episode and do leave us a review and share it with your contacts. We invite you back again for the next episode with another big name in the digital infrastructure space. If you want to get more from the definitive podcast for the business of digital infrastructure, make sure you subscribe to Great Business Minds. See you soon! /////////////////////// This episode features our commercial partner Preiskel & Co, a leading award-winning City of London law firm, internationally recognised for its expertise in the digital infrastructure industry as well as the telecoms and tech sector work more broadly. Visit www.preiskel.com for more information. /////////////////////// Get more from the GBM Podcast on: Official Website LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube

Welcome to another episode of the Great Business Minds podcast, the definitive show for the business of digital infrastructure. GBM is brought to you by Preiskel & Co, a leading award-winning City of London law firm, internationally recognised for its expertise in the digital infrastructure industry and the telecoms and tech sector work more broadly. Wherever your legal or regulatory needs are (including outer space) Preiskel & Co LLP can support you, so do feel free to reach out to them at www.preiskel.com. This week, we're in for a treat as we dive into the world of international business, cultural diversity, and leadership with an exceptional guest. We'll be speaking with Natalya Makarochkina, the Senior Vice President of the Secure Power Division at Schneider Electric. Fresh off her recent recognition as Outstanding Woman in Tech at the Intelligent ICT Middle East Awards 2024, Natalya brings a wealth of experience in leading dynamic, multicultural teams. In this episode, we'll explore the power of diverse teams in the global business landscape. We'll discuss the challenges and benefits of fostering multicultural environments, the critical leadership skills required in today's international business world, and how culture shapes organizational success. From the importance of cultural understanding in business strategy to the future of diverse workforces, Natalya will share her insights on navigating the complex terrain of global leadership. We'll also touch on practical steps businesses can take to promote multiculturalism and diversity within their organizations. Here at the GBM podcast, we hope you enjoy this episode and do leave us a review and share it with your contacts. We invite you back again for the next episode with another big name in the digital infrastructure space. If you want to get more from the definitive podcast for the business of digital infrastructure, make sure you subscribe to Great Business Minds. See you soon! /////////////////////// This episode features our commercial partner Preiskel & Co, a leading award-winning City of London law firm, internationally recognised for its expertise in the digital infrastructure industry as well as the telecoms and tech sector work more broadly. Visit www.preiskel.com for more information. /////////////////////// Get more from the GBM Podcast on: Official Website LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube

Join host Joao Marques Lima as he takes you on an exciting journey through the cutting edge of technology and business in the Great Business Minds podcast! In each episode, Joao engages with industry leaders, diving deep into the latest trends and innovations that are shaping our world today. In this particular episode, we are thrilled to welcome Natalya Makarochkina, who serves as the Senior Vice President of the Secure Power Division at Schneider Electric. Natalya brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective on the rapid transformation occurring in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and how this transformation is influencing global technology and business landscapes. Key topics discussed in this episode include: Tune in for an enlightening discussion that highlights how the UAE is not only reshaping its own digital infrastructure but also extending its influence far beyond its borders, impacting countries and industries worldwide. This episode is proudly sponsored by Preiskel & Co, the award-winning London law firm that specializes in digital infrastructure, telecommunications, and technology sectors.

Welcome to another episode of the Great Business Minds podcast, the definitive show for the business of digital infrastructure. GBM is brought to you by Preiskel & Co, a leading award-winning City of London law firm, internationally recognised for its expertise in the digital infrastructure industry and the telecoms and tech sector work more broadly. Wherever your legal or regulatory needs are (including outer space) Preiskel & Co LLP can support you, so do feel free to reach out to them at www.preiskel.com. Today, we're diving deep into the world of technology leadership with an extraordinary guest who's at the forefront of innovation and global team management. In this episode, we'll embark on a journey through her career, exploring the key milestones that shaped her leadership style and the magnetic pull that drew her into the ever-evolving realm of technology. We'll uncover the influences that molded her professional ethos and the non-negotiable principles that guide business decisions. Natalya Makarochkina is the Senior Vice President of the Secure Power Division at Schneider Electric, where she oversees a diverse and international team of over 700 professionals. Our conversation will span continents, cultures, and cutting-edge technologies. We'll delve into the critical roles of coaching and mentoring in professional development, and explore how these practices can address the concerns surrounding AI and its impact on the workforce. As we navigate through career paths, industry trends, and personal growth, we'll uncover pearls of wisdom that Natalya has gathered along her journey. Here at the GBM podcast, we hope you enjoy this episode and do leave us a review and share it with your contacts. We invite you back again for the next episode with another big name in the digital infrastructure space. If you want to get more from the definitive podcast for the business of digital infrastructure, make sure you subscribe to Great Business Minds. See you soon! /////////////////////// This episode features our commercial partner Preiskel & Co, a leading award-winning City of London law firm, internationally recognised for its expertise in the digital infrastructure industry as well as the telecoms and tech sector work more broadly. Visit www.preiskel.com for more information. /////////////////////// Get more from the GBM Podcast on: Official Website LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube

Welcome to another episode of the Great Business Minds podcast, the definitive show for the business of digital infrastructure. GBM is brought to you by Preiskel & Co, a leading award-winning City of London law firm, internationally recognised for its expertise in the digital infrastructure industry and the telecoms and tech sector work more broadly. Wherever your legal or regulatory needs are (including outer space) Preiskel & Co LLP can support you, so do feel free to reach out to them at www.preiskel.com. This week, we are exploring the world of technology leadership with an exceptional guest who is leading innovation and global team management. Our guest is Natalya Makarochkina, the Senior Vice President of the Secure Power Division at Schneider Electric. In her role, she oversees an international team of over 700 professionals, bringing a wealth of experience in navigating diverse cultures and cutting-edge technologies. In this episode, we will trace Natalya's career path, examining the key moments that shaped her leadership approach and drew her into the dynamic field of technology. We will discuss the influences that formed her professional ethics and the core principles guiding her business decisions. Our conversation will cover the importance of coaching and mentoring in professional development, especially in addressing concerns about AI's impact on the workforce. We will also explore how these practices contribute to personal and team growth in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. As we discuss career trajectories, industry trends, and personal development, Natalya will share valuable insights from her extensive experience. This episode promises to offer practical wisdom for navigating leadership challenges in the tech industry and beyond. Here at the GBM podcast, we hope you enjoy this episode and do leave us a review and share it with your contacts. We invite you back again for the next episode with another big name in the digital infrastructure space. If you want to get more from the definitive podcast for the business of digital infrastructure, make sure you subscribe to Great Business Minds. See you soon! /////////////////////// This episode features our commercial partner Preiskel & Co, a leading award-winning City of London law firm, internationally recognised for its expertise in the digital infrastructure industry as well as the telecoms and tech sector work more broadly. Visit www.preiskel.com for more information. /////////////////////// Get more from the GBM Podcast on: Official Website LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube

Welcome to another episode of the Great Business Minds podcast, the definitive show for the business of digital infrastructure. GBM is brought to you by Preiskel & Co, a leading award-winning City of London law firm, internationally recognised for its expertise in the digital infrastructure industry and the telecoms and tech sector work more broadly. Wherever your legal or regulatory needs are (including outer space) Preiskel & Co LLP can support you, so do feel free to reach out to them at www.preiskel.com. This week, GBM sat down with Douglas Loewe, the CEO of Kao Data, for an exclusive interview where the executive delves into the future expansion plans and investment landscape of Kao Data across the UK and Europe, shedding light on the increasing demand for AI and intensive computing, as well as the potential opportunities and challenges in the data centre industry. Loewe was asked about his initial experience as the CEO of Kao Data, being roughly 2 months into the role. He shared his insights on the progress and challenges he has encountered, providing a glimpse into his early tenure and the strategic direction he envisions for Kao Data. The discussion then shifted to Kao Data’s vision for future expansion across the UK and Europe, particularly in meeting the escalating demand for AI and intensive computing. Loewe elaborated on the company’s ambitious plans and strategies to cater to this growing need, outlining their vision for expansion and technological advancement. Given Loewe’s background at Macquarie Group, GBM inquired about the current investor sentiment in Europe regarding data centre investments. The conversation then delved into the chief executive’s perception of the investment landscape in Europe, accompanied by an analysis of potential opportunities and challenges foreseen for the data centre industry. The interview further explored Kao Data’s expansion into “next tier markets” such as Manchester, unraveling the opportunities these markets present for the group’s scaling into mainland Europe. Lastly, the conversation touched upon the growth opportunities anticipated for data centers surrounding the Mediterranean mesh, particularly in relation to subsea cable termination points. Here at the GBM podcast, we hope you enjoy this episode and do leave us a review and share it with your contacts. We invite you back again for the next episode with another big name in the digital infrastructure space. If you want to get more from the definitive podcast for the business of digital infrastructure, make sure you subscribe to Great Business Minds. See you soon! /////////////////////// This episode features our commercial partner Preiskel & Co, a leading award-winning City of London law firm, internationally recognised for its expertise in the digital infrastructure industry as well as the telecoms and tech sector work more broadly. Visit www.preiskel.com for more information. /////////////////////// Get more from the GBM Podcast on: Official Website LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube

Welcome to another episode of the Great Business Minds podcast, the definitive show for the business of digital infrastructure. GBM is brought to you by Preiskel & Co, a leading award-winning City of London law firm, internationally recognised for its expertise in the digital infrastructure industry and the telecoms and tech sector work more broadly. Wherever your legal or regulatory needs are (including outer space) Preiskel & Co LLP can support you, so do feel free to reach out to them at www.preiskel.com. On this week’s episode, we’re joined by a global energy expert who is driving sustainable digitalisation across the data centre world. Natalya Makarochkina is the Senior Vice President of the Secure Power Division at Schneider Electric. Leading a team of around 700, she plays a key part in supporting Schneider Electric’s customers and partners on their digital transformation journeys, across diverse zones such as MEA, East Asia, Pacific, Japan and South America. Natalya has been with Schneider for over eight years. Prior to joining Schneider, Natalya held several senior management and sales positions at major international technology companies, including HPE, Philips, Oracle and Red Data. She holds an Executive MBA from the University of Antwerp and a Master’s degree from the Higher School of Economics. Here at the GBM podcast, we hope you enjoy this episode and do leave us a review and share it with your contacts. We invite you back again for the next episode with another big name in the digital infrastructure space. If you want to get more from the definitive podcast for the business of digital infrastructure, make sure you subscribe to Great Business Minds. See you soon! /////////////////////// This episode features our commercial partner Preiskel & Co, a leading award-winning City of London law firm, internationally recognised for its expertise in the digital infrastructure industry as well as the telecoms and tech sector work more broadly. Visit www.preiskel.com for more information. /////////////////////// Get more from the GBM Podcast on: Official Website LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube

Welcome to another episode of the Great Business Minds podcast, the definitive show for the business of digital infrastructure. GBM is brought to you by Preiskel & Co, a leading award-winning City of London law firm, internationally recognised for its expertise in the digital infrastructure industry and the telecoms and tech sector work more broadly. Wherever your legal or regulatory needs are (including outer space) Preiskel & Co LLP can support you, so do feel free to reach out to them at www.preiskel.com. On this week’s episode, we’re joined by a global data centre senior executive with over 20 years of experience in real estate, corporate finance, and operations. Kok Chye Ong joined real estate private equity fund management firm Gaw Capital in 2021 as Managing Director – Head of IDC Platform, Asia (Ex-China). He spearheads Internet Data Centre (IDC) platform investments for Gaw Capital Partners outside of the China region. Prior to joining Gaw Capital Partners, Kok Chye worked in the Keppel Group of companies for 10 years in a number of roles including being a Senior Vice President and since 2014, as the Head of Strategy and Global Investments at Keppel Data Centres, a regional data centre owner and operator with over 25 data centres spread across the APAC and European regions. He has international experience in data centres, telecom and submarine cable development projects. He has strong track record in fundraising, growing data centre businesses in key markets in Asia and Europe, and leading investment teams to acquire data centres in Australia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Germany and in the Netherlands. Kok Chye received his Bachelor of Accounting degree from the Nanyang Technological University in Singapore and graduated from the Sloan Fellows Program at Stanford University with a Master of Science in Management from the Graduate School of Business in 2007. He is a Chartered Accountant (CA) in Singapore and Fellow of CPA Australia (FCPA) and a member of the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accounts (ISCA) and CPA Australia. Here at the GBM podcast, we hope you enjoy this episode and do leave us a review and share it with your contacts. We invite you back again for the next episode with another big name in the digital infrastructure space. If you want to get more from the definitive podcast for the business of digital infrastructure, make sure you subscribe to Great Business Minds. See you soon! /////////////////////// This episode features our commercial partner Preiskel & Co, a leading award-winning City of London law firm, internationally recognised for its expertise in the digital infrastructure industry as well as the telecoms and tech sector work more broadly. Visit www.preiskel.com for more information. /////////////////////// Get more from the GBM Podcast on: Official Website LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube

Welcome to another episode of the Great Business Minds podcast, the definitive show for the business of digital infrastructure. GBM is brought to you by Preiskel & Co, a leading award-winning City of London law firm, internationally recognised for its expertise in the digital infrastructure industry and the telecoms and tech sector work more broadly. Wherever your legal or regulatory needs are (including outer space) Preiskel & Co LLP can support you, so do feel free to reach out to them at www.preiskel.com. This week, we are joined by an entrepreneurial and competitive international leader focused on energetically growing business and building diverse high-performing teams. Mark Smith co-founded and serves as the Executive Chairman for Qarbon Technologies since June 2022. Prior to this, he served as the Managing Director - Asia Pacific for Digital Realty from 2018 to 2022. And before that he held the position of Managing Director - Asia at Zettagrid. Before these roles, Mark was the Managing Director - Cloud Services - Asia Pacific at VMware and he also held the position of Managing Director - Asia Pacific for CenturyLink (Formerly Savvis Inc.). Mark’s earlier work experience includes serving as the President & Senior Company Officer - Japan at Thomson Reuters from 2007 to 2010, and as the Head of Sales - Asia Pacific from 2002 to 2007. He was the Global Head of Sales at eBridge from early 1999 to 2002. Prior to these roles, Mark held the position of General Manager at Bridge Information Systems and served as the Head of Sales - Asia at SunGard from 1995 to 1997, and as a Major Account Manager at Knight Ridder Financial from 1991 to 1995. He attended the University of Puget Sound, where he obtained a Bachelor's Degree. In 1987, he also briefly studied Mandarin at Tunghai University. Additionally, in 1988 to 1989, Mark Smith studied Mandarin at Beijing Normal University. He joins us now from Tokyo where he lives with his family. Here at the GBM podcast, we hope you enjoy this episode and do leave us a review and share it with your contacts. We invite you back again for the next episode with another big name in the digital infrastructure space. If you want to get more from the definitive podcast for the business of digital infrastructure, make sure you subscribe to Great Business Minds. See you soon! /////////////////////// This episode features our commercial partner Preiskel & Co, a leading award-winning City of London law firm, internationally recognised for its expertise in the digital infrastructure industry as well as the telecoms and tech sector work more broadly. Visit www.preiskel.com for more information. /////////////////////// Get more from the GBM Podcast on: Official Website LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube

Welcome to another episode of the Great Business Minds podcast, the definitive show for the business of digital infrastructure. GBM is brought to you by Preiskel & Co, a leading award-winning City of London law firm, internationally recognised for its expertise in the digital infrastructure industry and the telecoms and tech sector work more broadly. Wherever your legal or regulatory needs are (including outer space) Preiskel & Co LLP can support you, so do feel free to reach out to them at www.preiskel.com In this episode, we are joined by someone whose focus will change data centre construction and how mega projects are built. A Fellow of Keble College, Dr Atif Ansar is a Senior Teaching Fellow on the Master of Sciences in Major Programme Management and the Australian Major Projects Leadership Academy (AMPLA). He is the Founding Director of the Oxford Programme on the Sustainable Future of Capital-Intensive Industries, Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment. Atif is also the Executive Chairman of Foresight Works – an Oxford based technology firm building next-gen software for the world’s megaprojects. He has been at the University of Oxford since 2006 and until 2010, he undertook his DPhil (PhD), at Brasenose College, with the prestigious Clarendon Scholarship from Oxford University Press. Atif was a post-doctoral research fellow at the BT Centre for Major Programme Management at Saïd Business School from 2010. From 2015 until 2020, Atif was Programme Director of the MSc in Major Programme Management and continues to be one of the senior teaching fellows on the course’s faculty. Atif also teaches on the UK and Australian Governments Major Projects Leadership Academy. In 2018, Atif began an appointment as a visiting scholar at Stanford University’s Global Projects Center and a Visiting Professorship at Tsinghua University. He previously undertook his bachelor’s degree at the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University, where he majored in philosophy, politics, and economics. Here at the GBM podcast, we hope you enjoy this episode and do leave us a review and share it with your contacts. We invite you back again for the next episode with another big name in the digital infrastructure space. If you want to get more from the definitive podcast for the business of digital infrastructure, make sure you subscribe to Great Business Minds. See you soon! /////////////////////// This episode features our commercial partner Preiskel & Co, a leading award-winning City of London law firm, internationally recognised for its expertise in the digital infrastructure industry as well as the telecoms and tech sector work more broadly. Visit www.preiskel.com for more information. /////////////////////// Get more from the GBM Podcast on: Official Website LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube

Welcome to another episode of the Great Business Minds podcast, the definitive show for the business of digital infrastructure. GBM is brought to you by Preiskel & Co, a leading award-winning City of London law firm, internationally recognised for its expertise in the digital infrastructure industry and the telecoms and tech sector work more broadly. Wherever your legal or regulatory needs are (including outer space) Preiskel & Co LLP can support you, so do feel free to reach out to them here. Our guest this week has had an inspiring growth journey over the years with key leadership lessons along the way. Sam Prudhomme is the president of Accelevation’s data centre business unit. Prior to joining Accelevation, Sam was the president of Instor solutions and was responsible for the overall strategy and execution for the company. Sam is a dynamic leader with a reputation of assembling and directing sales and operations teams, increasing profitability, creating customer-centric go-to-market strategies, cultivating cohesive workforces, and growing global brands. He started his career in commercial construction and moved to the telecom industry where he held a field operations role during the 4G evolution. He then transitioned to the data centre industry in 2010 where he held senior sales roles designing and implementing data centre power systems and supporting critical facility infrastructure. After more than half a decade designing, selling and constructing critical facility infrastructure he joined the Subzero Engineering, where he would become the VP of sales and marketing. He helped build Subzero’s global sales team and launched multiple product families to help the brand respond to the massive demand increase and evolving use of data centre containment. During his tenure Sam curated Subzero’s initiative to correlate the use of its products to the industry’s drive towards carbon-neutral operations. A concept now considered common place. Here at the GBM podcast, we hope you enjoy this episode and do leave us a review and share it with your contacts. We invite you back again for the next episode with another big name in the digital infrastructure space. If you want to get more from the definitive podcast for the business of digital infrastructure, make sure you subscribe to Great Business Minds. See you soon! /////////////////////// This episode features our commercial partner Preiskel & Co, a leading award-winning City of London law firm, internationally recognised for its expertise in the digital infrastructure industry as well as the telecoms and tech sector work more broadly. Visit www.preiskel.com for more information. /////////////////////// Get more from the GBM Podcast on: Official Website LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube

Welcome to another episode of the Great Business Minds podcast, the definitive show for the business of digital infrastructure. GBM is brought to you by Preiskel & Co, a leading award-winning City of London law firm, internationally recognised for its expertise in the digital infrastructure industry as well as the telecoms and tech sector work more broadly. Wherever your legal or regulatory needs are (including outer space) Preiskel & Co LLP can support you, so do feel free to reach out to them here. This week we are joined by one of the first people taking artificial intelligence into the boardroom of a multi-billion-dollar Asian giant. Nguyen Xuan Phong is FPT Software’s Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer and an influential leader with vast managerial and technical experience. From 2013 to 2021, Phong served as an AI researcher at Hitachi Central Research Laboratory, where he obtained 8 patents and was named among Top 50 young inventors. He has also spent two years as Director of Data Science and AI Division at Tokyo Techies, two years as Hitachi’s representative, and four years as Visiting Researcher at the world’s largest AI research institute Mila (in Canada). In 2018, Phong returned to Vietnam following the government’s Innovation Network program where He played an important role in the strategic partnership between FPT and Mila, with an aspiration to build a major AI hub in Vietnam. Phong holds a Ph.D. from the University of Tokyo and a Master's degree from Carnegie Mellon University, two top-tier universities in the US and Japan. Here at the GBM podcast, we hope you enjoy this episode and do leave us a review and share it with your contacts. We invite you back again for the next episode with another big name in the digital infrastructure space. If you want to get more from the definitive podcast for the business of digital infrastructure, make sure you subscribe to Great Business Minds. See you soon! /////////////////////// This episode features our commercial partner Preiskel & Co, a leading award-winning City of London law firm, internationally recognised for its expertise in the digital infrastructure industry as well as the telecoms and tech sector work more broadly. Visit www.preiskel.com for more information. /////////////////////// Get more from the GBM Podcast on: Official Website LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube

Welcome to another episode of the Great Business Minds podcast, the definitive show for the business of digital infrastructure. GBM is brought to you by Preiskel & Co, a leading award-winning City of London law firm, internationally recognised for its expertise in the digital infrastructure industry as well as the telecoms and tech sector work more broadly. Wherever your legal or regulatory needs are (including outer space) Preiskel & Co LLP can support you, so do feel free to reach out to them here. In this episode, we chat to an accomplished founder within the digital infrastructure landscape. Philbert Shih is the Founder and Managing Director of Structure Research, an independent Toronto and Singapore-based research and consulting firm devoted to the cloud and data centre infrastructure services markets with a specialization in the hyperscale value chain. He has covered the infrastructure services space for over 20 years. He is also the conference chair for the annual infra / STRUCTURE summit and heads up the Structure Research consulting practice, which has advised and provided subject matter expertise for transactions across data centre, cloud and managed hosting, with over $3 billion US dollars in value. Prior to founding Structure Research, Philbert was the first hosting infrastructure analyst hired after Tier1 Research was sold to The 451 Group (2005) and spent six years as Senior Analyst for managed hosting and cloud. Prior to joining Tier1 Research, he spent more than four years covering the web hosting industry – three of them as Senior Staff Writer for The Web Host Industry Review’s online and print publications. Philbert holds an MA in Political Science from the University of British Columbia with a specialization in political economic development, and he joins GBM now from Canada’s largest city, Toronto. Here at the GBM podcast, we hope you enjoy this episode and do leave us a review and share it with your contacts. We invite you back again for the next episode with another big name in the digital infrastructure space. If you want to get more from the definitive podcast for the business of digital infrastructure, make sure you subscribe to Great Business Minds. See you soon! /////////////////////// This episode features our commercial partner Preiskel & Co, a leading award-winning City of London law firm, internationally recognised for its expertise in the digital infrastructure industry as well as the telecoms and tech sector work more broadly. Visit www.preiskel.com for more information. /////////////////////// Get more from the GBM Podcast on: Official Website LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube

Welcome to another episode of the Great Business Minds podcast, the definitive show for the business of digital infrastructure. GBM is brought to you by Preiskel & Co, a leading award-winning City of London law firm, internationally recognised for its expertise in the digital infrastructure industry as well as the telecoms and tech sector work more broadly. Wherever your legal or regulatory needs are (including outer space) Preiskel & Co LLP can support you, so do feel free to reach out to them here. In this episode we speak with Rachel Turner, a transformative leadership advisor and coach with over twenty years of experience as a founder whisperer. Rachel is the co-founder of VC Talent Lab and coaches founders of VC-backed businesses, from blitzscaling tech companies to global consumer brands and professional services organizations. In this episode, Rachel talks about her life journey, the experiences and people who have influenced her, and what motivates her in life. She also shares her thought process for generating new ideas and what she considers non-negotiable in business. Rachel also sheds light on the characteristics and skills VC investors should look for in promising founders and business leaders. She explains why founder leadership skills are crucial to the long-term success of any business and shares specific challenges and struggles founders may face in the digital infrastructure industry, along with tips on how to survive the founder 'marathon' in the digital infrastructure sector. Here at the GBM podcast, we hope you enjoy this episode and do leave us a review and share it with your contacts. We invite you back again for the next episode with another big name in the digital infrastructure space. If you want to get more from the definitive podcast for the business of digital infrastructure, make sure you subscribe to Great Business Minds. See you soon! /////////////////////// This episode features our commercial partner Preiskel & Co, a leading award-winning City of London law firm, internationally recognised for its expertise in the digital infrastructure industry as well as the telecoms and tech sector work more broadly. Visit www.preiskel.com for more information. /////////////////////// Get more from the GBM Podcast on: Official Website LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube

Welcome to another episode of the Great Business Minds podcast, the definitive show for the business of digital infrastructure. At Great Business Minds we would like to welcome our new sponsor for this year. GBM is now brought to you by Preiskel & Co, a leading award-winning City of London law firm, internationally recognised for its expertise in the digital infrastructure industry as well as the telecoms and tech sector work more broadly. Wherever your legal or regulatory needs are (including outer space) Preiskel & Co LLP can support you, so do feel free to reach out to them here. In this episode we get to talk to someone who is driving pure play investment into digital infrastructure across the board. Richard Sem is a Partner and Head of Europe at global infrastructure fund Pantheon Infrastructure where he spearheads the Global Infrastructure and Real Assets Investment Team leading its European investment activity. Founded in 1982, Pantheon has total assets under management and advice of $89 billion. Since 2009, the firm has completed more than 160 infrastructure investments alongside more than 50 asset sourcing partners. The global infrastructure investment team where our guest sits operates just south of $20 billion in assets. Richard has 25 years of experience in infrastructure private equity, corporate finance and project finance at leading institutions including InfraRed Capital Partners, HSBC, ABN AMRO, and BNP Paribas. Richard’s experience spans investing in primary, secondary, co-investments and direct investments across all infrastructure subsectors and global OECD markets. He holds a Bachelor of Science and MBA from Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, and joins us from London. Here at the GBM podcast, we hope you enjoy this episode and do leave us a review and share it with your contacts. We invite you back again for the next episode with another big name in the digital infrastructure space. If you want to get more from the definitive podcast for the business of digital infrastructure, make sure you subscribe to Great Business Minds. See you soon! /////////////////////// This episode features our commercial partner Preiskel & Co, a leading award-winning City of London law firm, internationally recognised for its expertise in the digital infrastructure industry as well as the telecoms and tech sector work more broadly. Visit www.preiskel.com for more information. /////////////////////// Get more from the GBM Podcast on: Official Website LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube