Nomad Futurist

This week Nabeel and Phillip had the pleasure of speaking with Grant Kirkwood, a serial entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience building and operating both networks and companies. Kirkwood currently serves as the CEO of Contrivian, a new Cloud Service Provider (CSP) focused on transforming the enterprise experience of finding and utilizing connectivity services. Kirkwood joined from north of San Francisco, California to discuss his experience that spans multiple startups, technology evolution, and much more. After seeing what technology was capable of for communication and learning in the early 1990’s, Kirkwood decided to join the industry himself. He shared that, though he came from a family of scholars, his learning came from real-life experiences and immersing himself in the booming industry of digital infrastructure. “Everything I've learned has been from running companies, working for companies, learning from people, no formal education at all.” Kirkwood continuously emphasizes the importance of prioritizing and appreciating the people in a business because at the end of the day, the people matter most. He believes that while technology is an important piece of the puzzle, having an amazing team is what allows a company to do amazing things. “Ultimately, it's people that matter. Yes, you have to solve technical challenges, but I spend most of my time thinking about how to enable a really high performing team to do great things.” Learning from within from the beginning of his career, Kirkwood discovered the value of listening to the smartest people in the room as opposed to trying to be the smartest person in the room. As a result, he acquired mentors, one of which taught him the importance of communication. “The biggest thing that I learned from him is to just communicate to people. These are the facts and you don't need to sugar coat things. You don't need to hide the hard things so that people don't worry.” Kirkwood gained experience with data centers and the technology space early on in life, learning from within the industry, and breaking things to understand how they work, allowing him to develop a unique perspective that he brings to the table today. While the digital infrastructure looks very different now than it did when Kirkwood started his first business in 1996, he is always thinking about people, the team, and how he can create the best culture possible in his business before technology.

In this episode of Nomad Futurist, hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence talk with Deidre’ (Dee) Smith, a leader in technology and sustainability. Smith brings deep expertise in problem-solving, risk advisory, and technology deployment, and has managed multi-million dollar P&Ls. Committed to sustainability, she promotes responsible AI development for a greener future. Recognized as a visionary, Smith has a proven track record in business growth, major restructuring, and operational enhancement through innovative leadership. Her extensive experience spans digital transformation, entrepreneurship, sales, and technical services, driving successful initiatives from company integrations to strategic partnerships. Dee joined Nabeel and Phillip from Northern Virginia to discuss her journey from South Africa to America, her entry into the data center industry many years ago, and her current initiatives. Initially a business analyst in financial services, she quickly transitioned to the technology sector, leading to roles in data centers and beyond. “Coming from Africa, the challenges are a little more complicated because of the power situation. It is difficult and so that was even more interesting for me because the challenges there are not the same necessarily as the challenges one would experience here or in Asia or even in Europe. And having worked on multiple continents, the approaches have some cultural differences.” Beginning her career in South Africa, Dee was in a constant state of inconsistent power and experienced power challenges such as outages lasting anywhere from 4 to 16 hours. This prevalent issue sparked inspiration that led to the creation of the organization, DS&A, an organization that provided strategic advisory to many companies around the world and in particular, data center education to the African continent. An entire industry was spawned through this training. It also was her inspiration for joining Powering Potential, a non-profit that provides education through technology, using solar power to run computers, in developing countries. “Powering Potential is an organization that provides laptops, computers, solar power, and we train teachers on how to teach the kids technology skills so that we create digital advocates for our industry going forward, but we also bring more people into the industry. And education is obviously key to building the future.” Through her work with Powering Potential and transforming companies by training them on diversity, inclusion, and more, Dee has helped shape the industry going forward for the next generation to come. Her introduction into the data industry was influenced by global projects that involved data centers as well as her curiosity for the knowledge people in the industry had to offer. “I think it's important just to listen to understand because you get so much input and so much information from people. And it was always just interesting to me. You just never run out of stuff to talk about. And it's a constantly changing environment with constant challenges.” In this episode, Dee Smith shared an abundance of inspirational, eye-opening, and thought-provoking information. Her influence in the industry has provided awareness and resources that are constantly creating change for the better. To learn more about the work she is doing currently, connect with Dee on LinkedIn and listen to the full episode.

In this engaging episode of Nomad Futurist, Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence are joined by Jaymie Scotto Cutaia, a leading figure in marketing for the telecom and data center industries worldwide. As CEO and founder of Jaymie Scotto & Associates (JSA), Scotto heads an award-winning firm specializing in public relations, marketing, and event planning, with a focus on the industry. At JSA, she is responsible for overseeing every aspect of the company’s operations, from finance and marketing to public relations, event management, advisory board coordination, and product execution. With extensive experience in both domestic and international markets, Scotto brings a unique journalistic perspective to strategic content creation for telecom, data center, and technology companies, whether public or private. Joining from Las Vegas, Nevada, Scotto shared more details about JSA, which will be celebrating 20 years of business in January 2025. The JSA staff is dedicated to supporting the digital infrastructure space as well as their clients who are doing big things within the space such as building out networks and connecting them to data centers. “We're all sort of guided by a core mission and core values to really build this network for global communications, empowering economies, governments, and communities to be better and perform better, but in a sustainable manner. We are committed to our industry, our JSA family, our clients, but also to the planet.”Scotto’s journey in the data infrastructure space began when she was interviewed by Telx, an interconnection company, early in her career and eventually became the head of marketing and PR for the company. With the option to join a wide variety of industries before striking out on her own and starting JSA, Scotto decided to enter the data infrastructure industry due to the inspiration she felt with the Telx story and people that work there. “I believe that our industry is about relationships. It's about growing together. I think you have to have a passion for it. You have to understand what it means, locally and globally… I'm glad that we can do this physically through connections of networks and data centers and businesses, but I'm also glad that we can do it spiritually and emotionally in our homes.” Fast forward to the COVID-19 pandemic, after giving birth to her daughter, Scotto realized that she wanted to do her part to give her daughter a sustainable earth. With her daughter in mind, Scotto created a sustainability project, Greener Data, that has led to a bestseller book, website, news platform, and more. Due to a growing need and the support from fellow digital infrastructures, Greener Data has grown into a reliable, informative resource on data centers for industry members from various perspectives. At the time, there was a really crazy prediction that I read that currently, the draw of data centers and data networks was 3 to 4 percent global energy consumption and that was a lot, a lot of emissions, and I felt very responsible. This was our industry. AI wasn't a thing when this prediction was made, and so I'm looking down at this baby and these numbers are going through my brain and I'm like, ‘I don't know how to solve it, but one thing I do know is [that] I know I have a network of very smart people, these technologists, who can really solve for this together if we can all work together.’” It is not uncommon for people to be hesitant about the idea of data centers being built which is why Scotto believes it is important for those in the data infrastructure community to support one another. With everyone...

In the latest episode of Nomad Futurist, hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence welcome Jeff Barber, the Vice President of Global Data Centers for Bloom Energy. In his role, he is dedicated to empowering data center developers, tenants, and operators to take control of all their data center power requirements with greener, more reliable, more resilient, and more predictable onsite power via fuel cells from Bloom Energy. Barber joined from Roseville, California, home to the ​100-megawatt Bloom Tower. Bloom has been around for a little over a decade and went public in 2018. Bloom has always dabbled in data centers, but a year ago, they decided to shift their focus to prioritize this industry solely. To this end, they hired Barber to build out a team of data center experts. Barber reflects: “It was a very interesting role because I was feeling the power crunch myself. We were not able to secure power in many, many places across the nation. [That] was about 18 months ago now, and it's only gotten worse.”Through the episode, Barber provides insights from his background across all data center industry verticals, including operations to sales to strategy and go-to-market and marketing, and everything in between. Barber says that his IT experience has by far been the most valuable for his current position: “If you understand what the workload is, [you understand what is needed]. Is your tenant a social media company, or are they relational databases using an Oracle back end, maybe with an SAP? You can understand where they need to go. Where should they build? Where should they lease? You can also understand where data centers are going [with AI workloads.] Will they be much more modular? Will they just go to where the power is cheap and available? It's going to make up a significant portion of the market.” When looking to the future, Barber thinks on-site power generation will become paramount. With companies like AWS investing in nuclear power, he believes there will be a trend toward this driven by developers not wishing to be tied to utility providers, where companies are seeing pushback to committed power. He expands: “I think we've reached the tipping point, or I know we have, where the developers are no longer relying on the utility. They're planning on them to not show up. And so that's good for on-site generation. It's the paradigm shift.” He says this does come with its own complications, mainly being that utilities are a Government-regulated industry in most cases. This can be a problem when trying to develop on-site power in certain areas like California and Virginia in particular. He also said there is the potential for the federal government to establish regulations down the line. But, he says there is hope: “It's something that Bloom has been navigating for over a decade, and there's a positive side. If you look at the Inflation Reduction Act and ITC tax credits in the case of Bloom, that's a 40 percent increase rebate to the developer because we're manufactured in the U.S. So, it's 30 percent plus 10 percent domestic content in some areas in the U.S. It's up to 50%. These [energy zones] are areas that have been impacted by the reduction in coal or other generation sources. So that's where the federal government is absolutely helping us tremendously.” Barber dives into the future of energy requirements for data center developers and operators, using his expansive background to explain the past of the industry and look forward. To learn more about Bloom Energy and stay up to date with their initiatives, follow Bloom on

In this episode of the Nomad Futurist, hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence welcome Daniel Pope, Chief Technology Officer of Submer, an immersion cooling technology company. Pope embarked on his journey in the web hosting business at just 16, transforming a single-bedroom server into a multi-million dollar data center. Boasting over 20 years of experience in data center design and operations, his expertise and vision are focused on enabling the transition toward sustainable and future-proofed digital infrastructure. As Pope starts to share his journey, he explains that Submer, the company he helped found, is revolutionizing the way the industry approaches cooling systems for high-density chips. Headquartered in Barcelona, it stands at the forefront of the industry and has attained global reach. “Our products and our technology are mostly focused on large-scale crypto mining operations and the data center industry, including anything from enterprise customers to hyperscale companies. So Google, Amazon, AWS, etc.”Pope goes on to describe his innate curiosity and penchant for experimenting that began in childhood. He describes himself as a “tinkerer,” and recounts a story of taking apart an expensive PC computer his parents had bought for him. Years later, at 16, he embarked on his first data center venture, which started with a humble server in his bedroom. “In a decade, we went from one server in my bedroom to 18,000 servers in a big data center.” From there, he transitioned into roles as a solution architect and later overseeing professional services teams. Through all this, Pope remained deeply connected to the data center industry. Finally, in 2015, he ventured into immersion cooling. “People [started] uncovering the amount of water that was being used in the data center industry, which has been this deep, dark little secret of the industry for a long time.” As he concluded the podcast, Pope left listeners with a resounding message: “Embrace the slime.” Daniel Pope’s episode unfolds as a journey through opportunities made from obstacles. Embracing a connection to the data center industry, he now stands as the Chief Technology Officer of Submer, where immersion cooling represents not just a technological breakthrough but a paradigm shift—an opportunity to embrace innovation and sustainability in equal measure. To continue this journey, connect with Pope on Linkedin and follow Submer on Linkedin for updated news and insights.

In this episode of the Nomad Futurist, hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence welcome Kevin Imboden, the Global Director of Market Research and Competitive Intelligence at EdgeConneX. With a strong research background in commercial real estate, Imboden’s work at EdgeConneX involves advising hyperscalers and investors in the data center industry and discovering trends in current and future markets across the world. During the episode, Imboden talks about the future markets of the data center industry, how to get communities on board with data center construction and expansion, and his personal feelings about tech being a positive force or a negative force on the world: “How do we create a level of understanding for an average person that [data centers] are not bad for society, for the community, and for the planet? We need to be more involved in communities, so we’re not this strange thing that shows up one day and builds an ugly building. It might sound like the most basic thing in the world — going up and talking to people at community meetings. But we don’t do it as an industry. Are we afraid to talk to people? Are we afraid to educate people? We shouldn’t be.”When asked if he was pessimistic or optimistic about the future of humanity, Imboden shared: “I’m trying to be optimistic, because I think technology is a force for good. For someone to use it for malign purposes is going to be extremely difficult, because there are so many positive forces through corporate business, government, and any number of community organizations who use this technology for positive ends. I think, ultimately, the positive outweighs the negative.” Imboden drew on his research background to illustrate how he keeps up with the constantly evolving world of tech: “When I used to hire researchers, one thing that made someone good is not technical skills. It’s not even knowledge. It’s honestly just being curious. More than anything, you have to want to know things. You have to want to get answers, be curious, and genuinely believe that.” During the episode, as Imoboden discusses his circuitous route to working in the data center industry and the need to educate young people through programs like Nomad Futurist about the importance of the industry, his desire to share the “humanization” of data centers is impossible to ignore.

In this community-minded episode of Nomad Futurist, hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence welcome Paul Hammer, the co-founder and host of Uptime Punks, a digital transformation-focused podcast that interviews tech experts from Europe and all over the world. With a background in tech events and marketing, Hammer leverages his skills in events with tech.STARS, an event series centered on building community in tech. During the episode, Hammer discusses the ground-up approach to changing tech events to reach through the generational gap and draw in younger tech enthusiasts: “If you have an event, which runs the same way for 10, 15, 20 years, you're not going to change it. You might change the packaging and the colors of it, but the inside is still the same, and this is something that can't be changed. You need to find somebody who gives you the backing and the support. I think this is worth a shot. Why don't we try to do something completely different?”.Hammer shares how he was inspired to innovate the setup of tech events: “I was always passionate about communities and bringing people together. There's nothing that brings you more than bringing people together and seeing people smile. For me, it's a reward when people make connections and take knowledge away from it.” Hammer’s passion lies in making space for the younger generations in tech and allowing them to innovate and lead the industry in new directions: “Let's put these young people on stage and let them express how they actually feel. I think this will be a jaw-dropping moment for a lot of executives in the tech industry. Let's empower them and put them on the stage and let them talk, and everybody should listen to them because they're the leaders of the future.” Hammer highlights throughout this episode how his background, surrounded by different cultures, ages, and classes of people, inspired him to center these differences in his event planning. By opening up the tech industry beyond the same people who have been involved in it for the past decades, everyone can benefit from the diversity of experiences that the tech industry can promote through centering different ages, backgrounds, and groups of people.

In this special series podcast episode spotlighting Ambassadors for the Nomad Futurist Foundation, host Nabeel Mahmood warmly introduces Lindsay McConville, a Senior Consulting Engineer based in Amsterdam at Northshore. McConville's expertise spans energy efficiency projects, asset validation, and data analytics across various client portfolios. Passionate about fostering connections and addressing sustainability challenges within the digital infrastructure sector, she thrives on interdisciplinary collaboration and data-driven insights. McConville stumbled into the data center industry by chance, yet her enthusiasm to engage young minds in this field is palpable. Honored with the 2022 Emerging Talent Award by Infrastructure Masons, Lindsay's dedication to the industry is evident. Beyond her professional endeavors, Lindsay actively engages in community-driven initiatives, including empowering girls in STEM education in The Gambia and supporting local youth programs like the Boys & Girls Club of America. For the past three years, McConville has returned to her high school engineering class to share her experiences in the data center industry, witnessing the evolving reactions of students firsthand: “I most recently did that a couple of weeks ago for the class, and it was a really great conversation with them. I was quite surprised by how much they knew about the data center industry before I even presented. So that was quite impressive to me.”McConville highlights the main topic that has been getting her excited to continue work in the data center space: “Looking at the differences I'm seeing between the U.S. and Europe is sort of one thing I've been thinking about a lot recently. And when I was working in the U.S., the data center industry was really driven by the hyperscalers. It's really driven by the larger companies, what they're doing. Whereas over in Europe, I'm seeing so much revolving around compliance and regulation." When asked what advice for her younger self, McConville emphasizes: “Stay motivated. Stay curious. Continue to ask really good questions. I think we don't do that enough. I think questions are really valuable.” This episode showcases Lindsay McConville’s journey into the data center industry and displays her passion for getting other young professionals into the space. Her story serves as an inspiration for those navigating their career paths in telecommunications. Connect with Lindsay McConville on LinkedIn to stay updated about her ongoing journey.

In this compelling episode of Nomad Futurist, hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence welcome Shannon Hulbert, the CEO of Opus Interactive and a member of the Yurok Tribe. With over twenty years of experience in data centers, cloud, utilities, and advocating for digital inclusion, Hulbert offers a unique blend of professional expertise and personal background. Raised in a rural village on the Yurok Tribe reservation in Northern California—a place largely untouched by modern conveniences like electricity, telephone, or internet—she brings a distinctive perspective to the tech industry. During the episode, Hulbert shares insightful reflections on her early industry experiences, particularly noting the absence of utility companies at data center conferences and the rampant energy consumption: “Coming from an energy efficiency company as a Native American who has grown up with sustainability at the core of who [I am], to coming into the data center industry, at some of those early conferences, it was like, where are the utility companies? Like we're burning through energy here and there's so much opportunity for efficiency.”Hulbert explains how conversations and her drive help her keep up with the constantly evolving technology sector: “I'm just really passionate about innovation. So nothing else in the history of mankind is happening as quickly as what we're building right now in data centers and the cloud, the introduction of AI is here and that's huge." One notable trend Hulbert highlights seeing in her career was the migration towards sustainable, efficient power solutions, which has consequently shifted focus towards IT: “Now, nothing happens at the business level unless IT is involved and so it becomes very important to make sure that we have sustainable IT. Because for companies that have corporate social responsibility initiatives, this becomes one of the only ways that they're now able to show that they're doing their best where there's no longer brick and mortar.” This episode not only showcases Hulbert's unique insights as a representative of the Native American community but also serves as an inspiration for those navigating their career paths in telecommunications. Connect with Shannon Hulbert on LinkedIn to stay updated about her ongoing journey. BONUS: As promised during the Podcast interview, you can listen to Shannon Hulbert's electronic music here.

Dive into the dynamic world of data center innovation with Karen Petersburg as she joins Jodie Lin in this engaging episode of the Academy Committee special series. With 17 years of expertise, Petersburg has navigated through complex projects and spearheaded major infrastructure renovations. As the Vice President of Data Center Development and Construction at PowerHouse, and with a rich background as the director of design at Digital Realty Trust, she is a driving force behind cutting-edge developments in the industry. Beyond her professional life, Petersburg actively contributes to the data center industry as the president of the local 7x24 DC Chapter, with board and committee positions for the Data Center Coalition and the Nomad Futurist Foundation. Furthermore, Petersburg is dedicated to exploring the philosophical and socio-economic dimensions of data, contemplating how it impacts our daily lives and shapes our globalized society's future. Petersburg discusses her strategic thought process behind initiating the Nomad Futurist Academy committee structure, emphasizing the necessary steps to integrate essential modules into the curriculum: “How can we get to the end result? Which is to get a module into the course. What are the steps that we need to take in order to do that? And so we came up with a program on what we thought made sense, and we're trying to streamline some of the activities for the folks who are trying to put the content together because one of the biggest hurdles to anything is, the amount of work that has to go in in order to make it reality.”Touching on the critical importance of data center education for younger generations, Petersburg states: “And having young children, it's so important at this young age to get them understanding that there is more out there… There's just so much misperception out there that we can fix by hitting the younger generation because then they'll learn it's, hey, it's not actually what you're thinking by just looking at the big box, right?” Petersburg further speaks about the issues the Nomad Futurist Academy is working to solve: “The Nomad Futurist solves a lot of great problems, right? Because it not only grabs the education and the experience from some of these more senior people and passes it along to the younger generations, we capture those lessons learned, but it also provides a way to educate the public." Karen Petersburg’s episode explores how the Nomad Futurist Academy is tackling industry challenges head-on, bridging the gap between generations and revolutionizing public education on digital infrastructure. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring trailblazer, this episode is your gateway to shaping the digital landscape of tomorrow. Tune in now and stay ahead of the curve with the Nomad Futurist Foundation on LinkedIn.

In this engaging episode of Nomad Futurist, Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence are joined by Melissa Reali-Elliott, the Content Marketing Manager for DC BLOX. With nearly two decades dedicated to marketing digital technologies, Melissa, a self-proclaimed data center enthusiast, is a consistent contributor to various industry publications. Notably, she authors the Data-Centered column for Mission Critical Magazine. Beyond her background in marketing and communications, Melissa has lent her voice as an advocate for diversity and sustainability initiatives. To these efforts, she contributed to the 2022 bestseller "Greener Data," a multi-author, visionary book that features the voices, stories, and perspectives of leading decision-makers in the data center and network infrastructure industry to share timely insights that inspire positive change towards sustainability. Melissa articulates how her passion for marketing, economics, and psychology harmoniously intersect: “[Marketing] has to always have its finger on the pulse of what the latest trend is and be tied in and be able to talk about it and make sure that their customers are getting the products represented that they need to learn about. It makes the entire industry better if we get the right product to the right people.”She then shares insightful perspectives on how the industry can purposefully structure diversity, emphasizing the need for more intentional efforts: “We don't do as much to talk about why women specifically fit into the framework and the unique skills that they bring. We kind of just say, ‘Hey, you pick your path and figure out where you can carve out your niche’. And that's great for those who are driven to do that, but if we need to attract more people into our space, we really need to do a lot more of that pairing and coaching and matching to align strengths with the job set." As the episode wraps up, Melissa shares where her personal and professional goals align into one overarching purpose: “My mission specifically and what I like to say what I want to do here is to build a world that is connected, sustainable, and equal… Diversity of skill set and diversity of approach are all going to matter. And just taking everything that we are learning and sharing it. I think that is the unique area here where I'm trying to fill.” Beyond a career overview, Melissa Reali-Elliott's episode highlights diversity and inclusion while fostering curiosity. This episode is a must-listen for those on their own personal growth and career journey in the real

In this captivating episode of the Academy Committee special series, Emma Grace Myers, Community Engagement Manager at iMiller Public Relations (iMPR), engages in an insightful discussion with Phillip Koblence, host of Nomad Futurist. Transitioning directly from college to the digital infrastructure world two years ago, Myers has been on a journey of growth. Alongside her role as a Board Member and Advisor for the Nomad Futurists, she holds a unique position as the head of the Audience Quality Assurance committee, actively contributing to shaping and promoting the curriculum of the Nomad Futurist Academy — a dedicated resource tailored for emerging data center professionals. When reflecting on her motivation while working with fellow committee heads, Myers expresses she is driven by collaborating with remarkable people: “It's inspiring to be around passionate people because that stirs up that passionate side in you.” Discussing the experience of building an academy from the ground up, Myers enthusiastically proclaims: “The freedom that's come with this blank slate has been the most surprising or thrilling part of it for me because when the information does come in or content is submitted, we get to decide how it's reviewed.” Myers remarks on what has made her passionate about propelling the industry forward and dedicating her time to the Academy: “The amount of conversations I have had with strangers around my age at coffee shops about the data center industry, who have no idea what it is… And then I just think wait until the Academy is launched. And there's one link that I'll get to provide them. It's comprehensive, there are no learning gaps, and it's all centralized in one free online platform to be." Emma Grace Myers’ episode expands upon how the Nomad Futurist Foundation is bringing its mission to fruition through the creation of the Academy. This insightful episode is a must-listen for anyone aspiring to make their mark in the world of digital infrastructure. Stay updated by connecting with the Nomad Futurist Foundation on LinkedIn.

In this captivating episode of Nomad Futurist, Phillip Koblence and Nabeel Mahmood are joined by Sean James, Senior Director of Datacenter Research at Microsoft. Sean, a visionary leader and innovator in the field of datacenter technology, has been instrumental in advancing groundbreaking projects. These include using hydrogen fuel cells to provide emission-free backup power at datacenters, redesigning datacenters for an advanced energy future with carbon-storing cement, and even testing underwater datacenters. With numerous patents and publications on datacenter energy efficiency and sustainability, Sean's passion for finding reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly ways to run datacenters stems from over two decades in the industry and his background in the Navy Submarine Service. During his time in the Navy Submarine fleet, Sean embraced a motto that has become ingrained in his philosophy: “Be useful. This theme is tattooed on my heart now, always be useful.” Reflecting on his training at a cable company, Sean drew parallels between datacenters and submarines: “Whatever system is in place, there’s a backup. That is a key mission-critical tenet in submarines and data centers it turns out. I love the mission: you have to keep things up at all times. In the submarines, it’s about national security, but in a data center it's about things that are potentially even more critical, there are life safety systems that are leaning on data centers." When prompted to discuss his core drivers of focus, Sean shifts the conversation to his people and the importance of learning from failure: “My focus is to have a team that is healthy from a production standpoint… The tech I work on is fascinating but my main focus is to build a very healthy team. Part of that, talking about a growth mindset, is learning how to deal with failure." Sean James has an inspiring narrative beyond just a career overview; his episode is a lesson in fearless courage and curiosity. This episode is a must-listen for those on their own personal growth and career journey in the realm of telecommunications. Connect with Sean James on LinkedIn to stay updated about his ongoing journey.

Mark Gusakov, Director of Client Resiliency for Uptime Institute, launches the Academy Committee series of special episodes with Phillip Koblence. With a two-decade career spanning automation, process control, and value-added consultation, Gusakov has dedicated himself to elevating client facilities and interests to world-class performance standards. Gusakov continues to pursue advocacy for clients in their overall performance and stresses the importance of data-driven accuracy for management and operational success. In addition to his role at Uptime Institute, Gusakov serves as a Board Member and Advisor for the Nomad Futurists. He is recognized for his expertise in building and promoting the curriculum of the Nomad Futurist Academy, a resource designed for up-and-coming data center professionals. Reflecting on a survey conducted by Uptime Institute last year, Gusakov highlights a crucial challenge that the Academy is working to overcome: “75% of this industry has 11 plus years of experience in this industry… At some point, those people are going to retire. And the other odd demographic is that the people who have one to five years experience in the industry make up 8% of the total demographic.” Drawing from his diverse background, Gusakov exemplifies how individuals from various fields can contribute to the data center industry: “We need to grab all the people in this industry who are smart, who have skill sets, and take the skills that they have and put them out there for everyone to experience as an example.” Once the content modules for the Academy come together, Gusakov remarks on one of the desired outcomes: “We start training people and teaching them and educating them about the industry, we will then be the centralized repository for people to come to us." Mark Gusakov’s episode lays the foundation for the Nomad Futurist Foundation’s mission to bridge the education and age gap in the data center industry. He outlines how the Academy is bringing ideas to fruition. This insightful episode is a must-listen for anyone aspiring to make their mark in the world of digital infrastructure. Stay updated by connecting with the Nomad Futurist Foundation on LinkedIn.

In this episode of Nomad Futurist, Phillip Koblence and Nabeel Mahmood are joined by Chris Crosby, the CEO and Founder of Compass Datacenters. Crosby is a visionary leader in the data center industry, renowned for his innovative approach and significant contributions to the field. Crosby’s leadership has been instrumental in Compass Datacenters’ rise to prominence, earning recognition as one of Inc. Magazine’s 5000 fastest-growing companies. As one of the few people in the data infrastructure space who went to college for computer science, Crosby has observed trends for a while, leading with the perspective of inevitable continued growth for the data center industry: “I've seen the pendulum swing from centralized computing to distributed computing, and it will swing again, at various points in time. The one thing we can be certain of in technology is it's never this or that, it's this and this. So we just keep growing on that front.”Regarding Crosby’s learning experience from networks to transitioning into data center real estate, Crosby reflects: “Every door that closes creates a new door that opens if you're willing to walk through it."Toward the end of the interview, Crosby highlights Compass’s focus on a diverse workforce motivated by a desire for diversity of thought: “It is really key to us that we are bringing women into the space, bringing vets into the space, bringing diversity, and bringing people that just want to express an interest to come into it."Beyond a career overview, Chris Crosby's episode is a lesson in entrepreneurship and encourages curiosity. This episode is a must-listen for those on their own personal growth and career journey in the realm of telecommunications. Connect with Chris Crosby on LinkedIn to stay updated on inspiring insights.

In this special year-end episode, Phillip Koblence and Nabeel Mahmood of the Nomad Futurist Foundation (NFF) reflect on the significant progress made over the past year. A highlight of their mission's success has been the support given to children, encompassing educational initiatives, provision of computing devices, and ultimately, guiding these young minds towards opportunities within the industry. Looking forward, the nomads are thrilled about launching an academy, enhancing scholarship funds, developing internship programs, and creating industry job opportunities. Nabeel encapsulates one of the Foundation's primary objectives: “We are set forth to pass the legacy on to the next generation and bring younger people and smarter people into the space.” The nomads also reflect on the origin of their non-profit journey: “This is about trying to lay the groundwork for something that lives beyond us and that takes on a life of its own. And I feel like this year, more than any other, we've really seen that crystallized and coming into focus with the ambassadors that we've been able to bring in and really the passion that they have brought out.” This episode comes to a close with an appeal to not merely sit on the sidelines: “We need your help. If you're in our industry, if you're interested in our industry, if you want to help, and if you believe in digital infrastructure in general, the growth of AI, and all of the elements that support it and surround it. The more help, the more involvement, and we've started launching different ways for people to get involved. Anyone can be involved.” For those inspired to learn more about getting involved or contributing, you can contact the NFF here. Phil and Nabeel eagerly anticipate the developments of 2024, aiming to further enhance the initiatives that the NFF team has set forth and launch the program to a broader audience. . https://nomadfuturist.org/sponsorship/ http://nomadfuturist.org/foundation/ made here

In this episode of Nomad Futurist, Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence sit down with Frank Rey, leader of Microsoft's Hyperscale Network Connectivity team. Frank's role is crucial in managing Microsoft’s global network infrastructure, a key element in supporting the company's vast array of online services. His involvement in significant projects like the MAREA subsea cable and the acquisition of Lumenisity, which brought Hollow Core Fiber technology into the spotlight, showcases his dedication to advancing network technology. As a respected member of the wholesale community and an advocate for diversity in telecom and tech, Rey’s insights promise to offer an enlightening perspective on the ever-evolving landscape of network technology and its impact on the digital world. As Frank Rey reflects on the trajectory of his career, the conversation unfolds around the profound importance of embracing mistakes and learning from them. His quote encapsulates this sentiment: “A lot of learning, not being afraid to make mistakes or take positions on things, and when they don't work, own up to them, apply those learnings going forward, and do it better the next time." Moving deeper into the discussion, Rey shares his philosophy on career choices and passion, emphasizing the critical need to align one’s work with personal interests: “It's true that if you do something you love, you won't work a day in your life. If you just do things for the sake of doing them and your heart and your head are not in them, you're never really going to be the best at whatever it is you're trying to do." Toward the end of the interview, Rey offers candid insights gleaned from his journey, highlighting the value of adhering to one’s principles: “If you truly believe in something and you truly believe that's the right thing to do for you, your business, whatever it is, stick to your principles... I try to operate with a lot of respect and integrity, and I think that's helped me." Frank Rey's episode is a compelling narrative that highlights the impact of resilience, passion, and integrity in shaping a successful career in the dynamic field of network technology. His insights serve as a powerful guide for professionals navigating the complexities of the tech industry and personal development. Follow Frank Rey on LinkedIn to stay updated with more inspiring stories and insights.

In this engaging episode of Nomad Futurist, Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence are delighted to have Craig Huffman, Co-Founder and CEO of Metro Edge Development Partners (MetroEdge), as our esteemed guest. A luminary in real estate private equity, Craig brings nearly two decades of rich experience, particularly in pioneering endeavors in metropolitan Chicago's real estate sector. His journey is marked by his instrumental role in Ascendance Partners, a firm committed to commercial real estate investments in Chicago's economically underserved communities. With a career spanning diverse sectors including entrepreneurship, education, non-profit, and politics, Craig's insights and leadership are shaped by a broad spectrum of experiences. His current venture at MetroEdge symbolizes a visionary approach to integrating technology with real estate, particularly in the realm of data centers. As the conversation with Craig unfolds, Nabeel and Phil are intrigued to know how Craig got involved in the tech sector: “Every business is in the tech business if they're of scale. Right? Even the government.” Further into the discussion, Craig opens up about the significance of mentorship in his life and career, after Nabeel expresses curiosity about Dr. Ann Watts: “Dr. Watts. She was an important woman in my life. She was my public speaking teacher during my senior year at Morehouse College. She saw things in me that I didn’t see in myself.” As the interview nears its conclusion, reflecting on Craig's extensive life experiences, including various challenges and witnessing considerable global changes, Nabeel and Phil are curious to know: with the wealth of knowledge he has now, what would Craig do differently if he had the chance: “I would go back and talk to a 20-something-year-old Craig who was in a hurry to get somewhere, didn't know where, and just say, enjoy the ride, man…this is a one-way trip…each day, we are taking a step closer to the end.”Craig Huffman's episode is a journey into the world of real estate private equity, emphasized by a strong focus on technology, mentorship, and personal growth. His story is a powerful narrative of how embracing change, pursuing continuous learning, and valuing personal relationships can shape a successful career. To stay updated on his journey and latest projects, connect with Craig Huffman on LinkedIn, follow him on X at @ckh9138, and see the latest from Metro Edge on their LinkedIn page, on X at @metroedgedev, and on Instagram at @metroedgedevelopment.

In the latest episode of the Nomad Futurist Podcast, Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence have the pleasure of welcoming Scott Brookshire, the innovative Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at OpenColo. With over two decades of experience in the data center realm, Scott is not only instrumental in crafting the technical vision at OpenColo but also plays a crucial role in steering the company toward its mission and objectives. His expertise is not just limited to technical strategy; Scott is actively involved in nurturing sustainable relationships with customers, vendors, and partners, always seeking mutually beneficial outcomes. His hands-on approach ensures that the leadership at OpenColo is well-equipped with the necessary tools and insights to thrive in the industry. In a candid reflection on the principles that define OpenColo's approach to customer service and operational transparency, Scott shares a powerful commitment to accountability: "If we make a mistake, we'll fall on our swords. We will tell you we made a mistake, and we will work to resolve it."Reflecting on the importance of simplicity in design and the value of asking fundamental questions, Scott shares an insightful approach to problem-solving and innovation: "The best way to learn something is to just ask why, like the little kid, why daddy, why, why, why?"As Scott shares his journey and the driving forces of his work, Nabeel is curious to know what is something Scott really enjoys doing in his role as CTO. Scott expresses his enthusiasm for the diverse aspects of technology and the strategic vision required in his position: "It’s being able to touch a lot of different technologies and look at the visions of where we are now, and where we want to be.” As the conversation draws to a close, Nabeel and Phil are eager to hear what wisdom Scott would impart to the listeners, particularly the younger generation entering the sector: "Don't give up, learn from the old guys, be patient with the old guys. Some of us are stuck in our ways. And if you want to learn something, ask great questions."This episode with Scott Brookshire is a testament to the power of curiosity, the pursuit of simplicity, and the strength of accountability in the tech industry. His insights serve as a guide for both seasoned professionals and newcomers alike, reminding us that at the heart of innovation lies the willingness to question, learn, and adapt. Scott's journey is a reminder that the future of technology is shaped by those who dare to ask "Why?”. Connect with Scott on LinkedIn to see where his questions lead him next.

In this episode, Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence chat with Rob Coyle, Community Technical Program Manager at Open Compute Project Foundation, who has a rich background in digital infrastructure. Starting in the aviation sector, Rob worked on updating aircraft systems, giving him a strong understanding of electronic and mechanical systems. However, it was the data center industry that truly captured his interest. Over the years, he's taken on various roles, from hands-on engineering to business development. Rob's involvement with the Open Compute Community stands out, especially his work on the OCP Modular Data Center project and the OCP-Ready program. Today, Rob is focused on promoting open-source solutions and sustainability in data centers. He's passionate about sharing his knowledge and helping others in the industry. With a background in hands-on learning, Rob is all about practical solutions and collaboration in the world of digital infrastructure. Nabeel and Phil begin their journey with Rob by going back in time to learn more about his start. As Rob shares that he comes from a family of carpenters Phil is interested to learn if Rob thought he would become a carpenter as well: “I think I always had the inkling that I was going to build something. I'm not a skilled carpenter. I would say, maybe it’s good I didn’t.” Phil digs a little deeper to find out how aviation came into the picture and Rob shares a story about his family’s first computer: “So, I had some old work machine that was a Commodore 64… and they said give it to the kid, let him figure it out. And I had the knack and from there, I've been playing with computers ever since. So then being in the aviation industry, eventually, these kinds of systems and passion for technology and this, I guess, born with the desire to build something pulled me into the data center industry.” Nabeel points out that Rob has had a very interesting career, and he is just starting out. He wants to know what is next for Rob: “It’s about learning more and being more resourceful to help people within our industry and take the advantages that I've been given over the last 10 years and this opportunity to participate and find an industry that I truly passionately love is what it's all about for me.” Rob Coyle's episode provides a unique perspective on transitioning from the aviation sector to the dynamic world of data centers. His journey, marked by adaptability and a genuine passion for technology, offers listeners a glimpse into the challenges and rewards of embracing change. For those navigating their own career paths or seeking inspiration in the tech industry, Rob's reflections serve as a testament to the power of perseverance and continuous learning. Stay connected with Rob Coyle on LinkedIn and Instagram for more insights from his vast experiences in the tech landscape.