Nomad Futurist podcast

#Tech #Business #Podcasting Education #Nomad Futurist

22:08

Host Francesca Amiker sits down with directors Joe and Anthony Russo, producer Angela Russo-Otstot, stars Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt, and more to uncover how family was the key to building the emotional core of The Electric State . From the Russos’ own experiences growing up in a large Italian family to the film’s central relationship between Michelle and her robot brother Kid Cosmo, family relationships both on and off of the set were the key to bringing The Electric State to life. Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts . State Secrets: Inside the Making of The Electric State is produced by Netflix and Treefort Media.…

Nomad Futurist

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The nomads put a new spin on the tech genre by shining a light not only on technology but also on the human side of the digital age. Tune in if you find yourself thinking about how to integrate into the digital landscape and be a part of the evolving industry. For over two decades, Phil and Nabeel have provided a powerful catalyst for organizations to create a vision of the future and the will to innovate. As futurists, they deliver a dynamic and entertaining vision of change, blending technology, economics, demographics, culture, and human nature. With real business experience and a deep understanding of technology, the two nomads know the difference between science fiction and useful forecasting. Rather than focusing on the distant future, they devote themselves to scanning the horizon for emerging technologies and disruptive shifts in human behavior, thereby sharing a compelling vision of tomorrow’s opportunities.

136 episoade

Nomad Futurist

updated acum 5 zile

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136 episoade

#Tech #Business #Podcasting Education #Nomad Futurist

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Nomad Futurist

1
Brian Moon on Hawaii’s Best Kept Tech Secret Revealed 50:07

acum 5 zile50:07

50:07

In the latest Nomad Futurist episode, co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence engage in an insightful conversation with Brian Moon , CEO of the Pacific Telecommunications Council (PTC). Moon shares his unique journey to the helm of PTC and highlights the critical role of digital infrastructure in the Pacific region. Moon's background diverges from the typical telecom executive path. With over 20 years of experience in consumer technology at CES in Las Vegas, he brings a fresh perspective to the digital infrastructure sector. He acknowledges his ongoing learning process: "Although I've been in the tech industry for many years, I still consider myself as much of a newbie as possible to digital infrastructure in our industry now, because now I'm learning a lot more so on what happens on the backend." Highlighting the essential role of digital infrastructure, Moon underscores the vital impact of PTC’s work in sustaining modern society’s technological advancements: "None of our cool kids' stuff – television, technology, healthcare - none of it works without what our industry does.” Moon's relocation to Honolulu to lead PTC represents a significant personal and professional milestone. Born in Guam and later moving to the US mainland, he views this opportunity as a "full circle moment:” "I can't believe I'm here now, and I'm working, it's unbelievable." Despite PTC's 47-year history and significant presence, Moon acknowledges that the organization remains relatively unknown within Hawaii. He expresses his commitment to changing this, explaining: "[PTC is the] best kept secret in the Pacific and we're slowly unwrapping that, and we're going to get bigger and better." To stay updated on Brian Moon's insights and PTC's initiatives, connect with him on LinkedIn .…

Nomad Futurist

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Mike Sullivan on Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Cooling 50:53

acum 19 zile50:53

50:53

The latest Nomad Futurist podcast features Mike Sullivan , CEO and Co-Founder of Air2O , alongside co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence . From his roots in Manchester to pioneering sustainable cooling solutions, Mike Sullivan's career embodies a relentless pursuit of innovation in the technology industry. Drawing from his extensive experience, beginning with his family's business, Sullivan provides valuable insights for entrepreneurs. Early on in his career, Sullivan started a business with his father providing mechanical and design solutions for existing industrial infrastructure. He credits his entrepreneurial spirit to early experiences and his parents' unwavering support, stressing the need to question established practices: "The one sentence, which I really hate is, we've always done it this way. Just because we've done something one way for a hundred years doesn't mean there's not an alternative." Showcasing his proactive approach to identifying and implementing sustainable technologies, Sullivan was inspired to build his own legacy, going on to found Air2O, a leading provider of innovative and energy-efficient HVAC solutions. He explains: “What I wanted to do was really start a company, which from the ground up allowed us to effectively provide engineered solutions in a competitive manner. So the idea of Air2O was permeating for quite a few years.” Emphasizing the enduring impact of family values and the continuation of an entrepreneurial tradition, Sullivan proudly shares how his family's legacy is being furthered in the HVAC sector through his son’s involvement with Air2O. He notes: "Tom, my eldest son, left the military when we started Air2O. And was essentially a co-founder within Air2O. He joined us here in Arizona and he's certainly carrying that torch." Mike Sullivan's story exemplifies how a willingness to think outside the box and embrace one’s roots can lead to impactful innovation within a dynamic industry. Stay connected with Sullivan on LinkedIn to learn more.…

Nomad Futurist

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Yuval Bachar on Hydrogen-Powered Data Centers Emerge 41:58

acum 5 weeks41:58

41:58

In this Nomad Futurist episode, Yuval Bachar , CEO of EdgeCloudLink (ECL), joins co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence to explore ECL's innovative approach to sustainable and adaptable data centers, built to meet the unique demands of the AI era. Bachar shares insights into ECL's groundbreaking technology and vision for the future of digital infrastructure. ECL was founded with the goal of transforming traditional data centers — making them more accessible, efficient, and high-performing. Bachar explains: "We started to create and deliver an alternative data center solution in the market, and it was pre-AI. We had a vision to actually be able to create an alternative to the core locations that are accessible to everybody.” At the core of this vision is ECL’s off-grid, hydrogen-powered data center, eliminating the need for UPS systems and diesel generators. Bachar highlights the safety and reliability of hydrogen as an energy source, emphasizing ECL's direct pipeline connections and stringent safety protocols to mitigate risks: "So the refineries in the area of Houston are heavy, heavy users of hydrogen, and they use it in their process for refining oil into gasoline... Imagine that they're operating this as part of a petrochemical process, right? So if it was dangerous and not manageable, they would not use it." Bachar unveils ECL’s expansion plans with a one-gigawatt Texas site, designed to support both large AI models and smaller applications. Its modular, off-grid architecture enables rapid deployment and ensures it stays ahead of AI advancements: "We are looking for a solution right now, and it's coexisting [with] what's called, ‘over the fence,’ with those sites and actually taking from them the energy directly... transitioning it into a data center quality power with on-site storage." Stay connected with Yuval Bachar on LinkedIn for updates on how ECL is redefining data center infrastructure for a more sustainable and AI-driven future.…

Nomad Futurist

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Richard Lukaj on Finance, Technology, and Unwavering Perseverance 37:47

acum 7 weeks37:47

37:47

The latest Nomad Futurist podcast features Richard Lukaj , Co-Founder and Senior Managing Director at Bank Street, alongside co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence . From humble beginnings to becoming a leading figure in technology, media, and telecom investment banking, Lukaj’s journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and the transformative power of education. Lukaj’s story begins in an Italian refugee camp, where his parents sought a better future. He reflects on the circumstances that led them to leave their homeland: "The thing that caused my parents to leave their homeland was seeking employment. They lived in an environment where employment wasn't possible for them due to discrimination and apartheid regime at the time in former Yugoslavia.” Despite growing up in a challenging environment, Lukaj saw education as his gateway to new opportunities. He shares how continuous learning broadened his perspective: "I found my academic pursuits in large measure – kept opening up new horizons, new perspectives, new opportunities – over time … I knew of nothing else that could open up those kinds of pathways.” While he was initially drawn to engineering, Lukaj’s career took an unexpected turn after he attended a lecture that reshaped his ambitions. This pivotal moment led him to explore the intersection of finance and technology: "I happened to hear a speaker talk about the coalescence of finance and engineering as being something that my generation is going to see a lot more of. And I felt like I had been investing pretty heavily on more of my technical education, but hadn't really thought about finance or economics.” Through every challenge, Lukaj credits family support and optimism for helping him persevere. He reflects on the tenacity that adversity instilled in him: "We had trials and tribulations, but I think in many cases it built a family of great resilience and in some respects an optimism that had to overcome all of the drudgery that was around us on an average day.” This engaging conversation with Richard Lukaj offers listeners a compelling narrative of perseverance, the value of education, and the power of seizing opportunities in unexpected places. Stay connected with Lukaj on LinkedIn to learn more.…

Nomad Futurist

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Father-Son Duo Redefining Sustainability 43:32

acum 9 weeks43:32

43:32

The latest Nomad Futurist podcast, hosted by Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence , features the inspiring father-son duo of Phill Lawson-Shanks , Chief Innovation Officer at Aligned Data Centers, and Rob Lawson-Shanks , Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Molg. Together, they explore the fascinating intersections of technology, sustainability, and intergenerational knowledge transfer within the data center industry. Phil, a seasoned expert in the data center sector, introduced Rob to the industry at an early age, fostering his natural curiosity and entrepreneurial spirit: "He's always been curious and interested, and I always encourage that. So from early, early on he had a real interest in videography – so we fostered that.” This nurturing approach extended beyond simple exposure to technology. Phil involved Rob in practical, hands-on projects that combined technical expertise with entrepreneurship. These early experiences profoundly shaped Rob’s career, fueling his commitment to sustainability and circularity in the tech industry. Rob’s work with Molg today exemplifies this passion: "We work on creating circularity in the world of electronics. We do that in two ways. We build robotic systems — what we call 'micro factories' — that disassemble end-of-life servers, laptops, and industrial electronics, redeploying critical assets into second, third, fourth, and fifth life applications." Together, Phil and Rob stress the importance of understanding the tangible aspects of digital infrastructure, a perspective they attribute to firsthand experience. Rob’s dedication to sustainability has sparked innovative approaches to addressing the environmental challenges facing the tech industry. He encapsulates this forward-thinking vision: "If we're only thinking in this linear 'take, make, waste' kind of process, we cannot build the infrastructure that we need to sustain the next level of compute without reusing more of what we have — and doing that without compromise. So, how do we bring the latest and greatest technology to be able to do that?” This episode of Nomad Futurist highlights the incredible impact of experiential learning and intergenerational collaboration. By fostering curiosity and offering hands-on opportunities to the next generation, it demonstrates how innovation can be applied to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing the technology industry today. Connect with Phill and Rob Lawson-Shanks on LinkedIn to learn more.…

Nomad Futurist

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A Sports Writer’s Transition to the Game of Technology 46:53

acum 11 weeks46:53

46:53

Rich Miller, founder of the leading digital infrastructure publications Data Center Knowledge and Data Center Frontier, shares his unique career journey in a recent episode of the Nomad Futurist Podcast with co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence . His journalistic focus evolved over the decades of his career, highlighting the importance of adapting readily to new circumstances and following one’s passions. Miller got his journalism start in high school, where he started writing about sports for the school newspaper. This early experience led him to pursue journalism at Rutgers University, where he honed his skills at the student newspaper, The Daily Targum: "Covering sports on deadline ... was one of the best training exercises you could have for a career in journalism. You really learned everything that you need to know to succeed." After years of covering sports, Miller decided to pursue a change of pace, making a strategic shift to business journalism. In a surprising turn of events, his first day coincided with a significant event in financial history: "My first day on the business desk was October 19th, 1987, which was the day that the DOW fell 22%. So I got to jump right into a major story happening in my first day on business." Feeling pulled to a new direction after spending some time in the business world, Miller found himself drawn to technology reporting as the internet began to emerge as a transformative force. His years in the journalism industry allowed him to see the internet's potential as a publishing medium early on: "The first time I logged onto America Online, it was a revelation. It was like, oh, this isn't just about reading stuff. This is a publishing medium that immediately took all of the cost out of the equation." His fascination with technology already budding, Miller's entry into the world of data centers came through a chance encounter when he was told to walk through a data center. After being introduced to the concept of carrier hotels and data centers, he had a pivotal experience: "You walk into the data center and this entire world reveals itself ... I'm just looking everywhere at this world and it made that connection, the light bulb went off over my head." This experience led Miller to recognize the growing importance of data center infrastructure in the digital age, igniting a new passion and setting the stage for his future career focus. His journey from sports writing to technology journalism is a testament to how being versatile and eager to explore new areas of interest can create opportunity. To learn more about Rich Miller, connect with him on LinkedIn.…

Nomad Futurist

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Empowering the Next Generation of Digital Professionals 24:13

acum 13 weeks24:13

24:13

Nomad Futurist Foundation Celebrates Groundbreaking Milestones in Data Infrastructure Advocacy The Nomad Futurist Foundation continues to break new ground as a global advocate for the data infrastructure sector. Established with a mission to bridge the growing gap between the rapidly evolving technology sector and untapped talent, the Foundation has achieved monumental milestones in its quest to inspire and educate the next generation of leaders. One of its standout successes has been the launch of innovative internship programs, designed to provide life-changing opportunities for young talent to engage with the world of digital infrastructure. These programs enable students to gain critical hands-on experience, preparing them to tackle the challenges and demands of this dynamic industry. “From just this year, we’ve had roughly a dozen students participate in internships on a national scale,” shared Nabeel Mahmood , co-founder of Nomad Futurist. His sentiment was echoed by fellow co-founder Phillip Koblence , who added, “Two years into this foundation, we’ve successfully placed individuals who otherwise would never have known about our industry into opportunities that have the potential to shape their career journeys. This progress is truly monumental.” Beyond the internship programs, the Foundation continues to solidify its presence with influential conferences and events, acting as a critical nexus for key industry stakeholders while inspiring meaningful discussions and collaborations. These forums foster innovation, address pressing challenges, and create actionable strategies that drive the industry forward. By engaging leaders, educators, and innovators from diverse backgrounds, the Foundation promotes a culture of inclusivity and forward-thinking. The platform has quickly become an essential resource for industry professionals, students, and educators, as the Foundation reinforces its reputation as an industry pioneer spearheading transformative initiatives. Through its extensive efforts, the organization is not just enabling career readiness but is shaping the industry narrative with a focus on sustainability, technological advancement, and societal impact. Its initiatives, which extend from mentorship programs to advocacy for digital infrastructure's role in global development, reflect a commitment to long-term growth and transformation. Stay connected with the latest updates from the Nomad Futurist Foundation by following Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence . Their contributions underscore the mission's broader objective to create opportunities that empower individuals and inspire collective progress. By joining their efforts, you become part of a movement striving to create sustainable digital ecosystems, build resilient infrastructure, and foster fresh, innovative perspectives within the industry. For inquiries and partnership opportunities, visit www.nomadfuturist.org .…

Nomad Futurist

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Resilience and the American Dream 49:12

acum 14 weeks49:12

49:12

Ojonimi Bako , Co-Founder of Kaya AI, shares his inspiring journey from Nigeria to the United States in a recent Nomad Futurist Podcast episode with co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence . His story exemplifies the immigrant experience, highlighting themes of resilience, adaptability, and the pursuit of the American dream. With over 20 years of experience as a seasoned entrepreneur and former technology executive, Bako's journey is not just about personal triumph but also about driving innovation across various industries. At the age of twelve, Bako immigrated to the United States from a small Nigerian town. His father, a pastor, was sponsored by missionaries to study at Ashland Theological Seminary in Ohio. The family's immigration process was fraught with difficult decisions, as Bako recounts: "My mom was given a visa when I was ten years old ... she had thirty minutes to decide which of the two of the four kids she was going to give the visa to because the embassy only approved two of the four visas for the kids." This decision marked a significant turning point in Bako's life, highlighting the sacrifices and difficult choices faced by migrating families. Upon his arrival in America, Bako encountered the challenge of adapting to a new culture and language. His multilingual background proved advantageous in navigating this transition. Bako emphasizes how these early experiences shaped his worldview: "Perspective in so many regards is the definition of my experience in life ... I've had so many instances where I was able to reflect on the fact that I didn't grow up here ... it grounded my ability to have composure in circumstances where I naturally otherwise would not." Bako's upbringing instilled a strong work ethic and a focus on education. He notes that his parents prioritized academic success over material possessions, further fueling his ambitions: “We didn't grow up watching TV ... Our parents valued education so much ... [My parents] made it very clear that you are a function of how hard you can work in spite of the circumstances." Bako's story illustrates his resilience and unique perspective as well as the transformative power of education, particularly within immigrant communities. His success demonstrates the power of dedication and groundedness in achieving one’s dreams. To learn more about Ojonimi Bako, connect with him on LinkedIn .…

Nomad Futurist

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Trusting Instincts, Driving Innovation 42:19

acum 16 weeks42:19

42:19

In the latest episode of the Nomad Futurist podcast, Alessandro Lombardi, President of Elea Data Centers, shares his compelling journey and valuable insights into the digital infrastructure landscape in Brazil. Co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence guided the conversation, exploring Lombardi's transition from Italy to Brazil and his evolution in the tech industry. Lombardi's career trajectory exemplifies the power of embracing change and following one's passion. His unique background, combining majors in philosophy and economics with an early fascination for technology, set the stage for a diverse career path. This journey began with web editing during the internet boom and culminated in his current leadership role in the data center industry: "My beginning in technology was named Atari and then Commodore. So, it was gaming. And I think I am proud of it … I recognize that since we all started with that, we are in a generation that maybe understands a little bit more what's happening." This early engagement with technology proved instrumental in shaping Lombardi's future career choices and his ability to navigate the rapidly evolving tech landscape. A pivotal moment in Lombardi's career came with his move to Brazil. What began as a short-term assignment with PwC transformed into a permanent relocation after meeting his future wife. This decision marked a significant turning point in both his personal and professional life. Lombardi emphasizes the importance of following one's instincts when making such life-altering decisions: "I understand because it's not easy to do [these] kind[s] of steps. You really need to follow your instinct – like your true passion – because she now is the mother of my three kids and I'm so happy." Throughout the podcast, Lombardi provides insightful comparisons between the work cultures in Italy and Brazil. His observations shed light on the contrasting approaches to innovation he encountered in the two countries: "Northern Europe or Northern Italy, it's a tough place to live in. Like people, they work a lot... If you want to do something new, they say, ‘Alessandro, if it was good, somebody already would have done it. Forget about doing something new. Just stay where you are.’ That's kind of typical. And on the contrary, Brazil is an emerging market. So people, when you come with something new, they are happy. They embrace it." Lombardi’s journey serves as a powerful reminder of the value in trusting your instincts and embracing new experiences. His story illustrates how a diverse background can lead to unique opportunities and innovative paths in the ever-changing tech landscape. Stay connected with Alessandro Lombardi on LinkedIn .…

Nomad Futurist

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The Human Side of Hiring 37:52

acum 18 weeks37:52

37:52

in the telecommunications and digital infrastructure sectors on the Nomad Futurist podcast with co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence . With over 16 years of experience in the industry, DeMartino offered a nuanced perspective on talent acquisition that goes far beyond traditional hiring practices. DeMartino’s journey into recruitment began with his father's decision to start a recruiting firm after leaving MCI. He joined the family business in 2009 bringing a unique blend of professional backgrounds, including experience in politics and military service, to the table. DeMartino described the dynamic of working in a family business: "The beautiful part about working for family is you scream, you yell, you fight, you have lunch, and you kind of rinse and repeat. And then you go home and it starts the normal family type of dynamic after that. To do it for this many years – it's actually a treat." DeMartino discussed how the company has grown and expanded its focus over the years: "We've grown the business pretty significantly from working on voice-related positions in the early 2000s to high level data center operations roles, Chief Revenue Officers, Chief Financial Officer positions – I mean, we've pretty much gone up the stack." One of the key points DeMartino emphasized was the importance of the human aspect in recruitment, especially in an age of AI and automated hiring processes. He further highlighted the significance of building relationships and truly understanding clients' needs to be successful in recruitment: "For years I never realized how important [it] was to go to conferences… In the last couple of years, [these conferences have been] focusing on understanding the client's needs and understanding the client in general. That's what ultimately leads to a long-term relationship and partnership." DeMartino offered essential insights into the recruitment industry, highlighting the significance of personal connections, company culture and the human touch in aligning candidates with the right roles. Stay connected with Matt DeMartino on LinkedIn .…

Nomad Futurist

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Female Empowerment in Tech 35:35

acum 19 weeks35:35

35:35

In the latest episode of the NomadFuturist podcast, hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence welcome Vanessa"Vee" Richardson, a trailblazer in talent acquisition and a passionate advocate for women in technology. Richardson's journey from politics to tech offers valuable insights into career transitions and female empowerment in male-dominated industries. Richardson's career took an unexpected turn when she transitioned from aspiring congressional lobbyist to talent acquisition leader at STACK North America: “I was supposed to be a congressional lobbyist ... and then [Congressman Dick Durbin] came out one day and he said, ‘Hey, I just bought this new system and nobody knows how to use it. Who wants to help’ and, of course, I'm a computer geek, so I raised my hand.” Discussing her current role in hiring critical operations technicians, Richardson highlights the intersection of technology and human resources, and further reveals how vital skilled professionals are to the infrastructure sector: “What Ido on a daily basis is that I hire what we call critical operations technicians… I find and hire these people every single day. They are the foundation of the industry.” Richardson expresses a desire to “marry politics and tech,” indicating her commitment to bridging gaps in these fields and creating pathways for women to succeed. Her experiences serve as an inspiration for those looking to navigate similar challenges. She highlights the essential nature of confidence for women in the workplace, asserting that her self-assurance stems from a focus on her own path rather than comparing herself to others: “I never paid attention to what other people were doing around me. When I created my first women’s network in 2009, apparently there were several others just like mine. But I didn’t know because I didn’t look on Google.” Richardson's journey from Capitol Hill to tech leadership exemplifies the power of adaptability, confidence, and a willingness to embrace new opportunities. Her insights offer valuable lessons for professionals navigating career transitions and underscore the importance of empowering women in technology and politics. Stay connected with Vee Richardson on LinkedIn .…

Nomad Futurist

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Stuart Lawrence on Building Sustainable Data Centers 43:48

acum 20 weeks43:48

43:48

ourney and insights on the Nomad Futurist podcast with co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence . With a strong foundation in mechanical engineering and over two decades of experience in the data center industry, Lawrence offers a distinctive perspective on the rapidly evolving landscape of digital infrastructure. Lawrence's career path exemplifies the diverse opportunities within the data center sector. He transitioned from manufacturing to end-user roles, gaining a comprehensive understanding of data center operations: “I was going from just a very small niche part of mechanical engineering, economizing and things to understanding the whole scope of a data center in terms of power and distribution … So that was probably the real sort of rocket, if you want to call it, of me going from manufacturing, to sort of, being involved in the data center, and then talking to clients.” He further emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of careers in the data center industry, highlighting the importance of understanding how various systems within a data center work together to function: "As the data centers have grown, and the scale of the problem has become so much bigger, the interrelationship has become much more focused." Lawrence's career trajectory focuses on the importance of adaptability and continuous learning within the industry. The interconnectivity of data center systems creates opportunities for professionals to expand their expertise beyond their initial specializations: "I could never have dreamed that I would've been doing those types of things, but it's amazing how you can leverage different skill sets to build on and help support different, other parts of the business." This adaptability has allowed Lawrence to take on diverse responsibilities, from designing sustainability programs to working on ESG initiatives and energy procurement. He also touches on the importance of curiosity in professional growth: "Stay inquisitive. Be curious. Continue to try and learn a little bit about [the] subject matter, and in this industry, the likelihood is – you're going to get that exposure." Stuart Lawrence's insights offer valuable perspectives for professionals in or considering a career in the data center industry. His journey illustrates the dynamic nature of the field and the opportunities for growth and innovation that exist within it. Stay connected with Stuart on LinkedIn .…

Nomad Futurist

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Engineering Challenges and Tech Breakthroughs 34:45

acum 22 weeks34:45

34:45

Greg Ratcliff, Chief Innovation Officer at Vertiv, shares his insights and experiences on the Nomad Futurist podcast with co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence . With over three decades of industry experience, Ratcliff leads Vertiv's global innovation initiatives, focusing on identifying and leveraging cutting-edge technologies for product development: “One of the things I do [that’s] so rewarding is gather[ing] technology from startups, from universities, from other businesses, from even the most sophisticated customers and clients. [I] package it up and allow our internal technology teams to leverage that for new products and designs. It's probably the coolest job in the world, and it's definitely the coolest job I've ever had." This unique position enables Ratcliff to act as a conduit between emerging technologies and their practical applications within Vertiv, fostering innovation across the company. Ratcliff attributes his early interest in technology to his "odd uncle," who introduced him to electronics and ham radio. This personal experience shaped Ratcliff's approach to innovation and his commitment to nurturing new talent in the field. Ratcliff’s journey into engineering wasn't without obstacles. He recounts a pivotal moment from his time at Ohio State University: "The Assistant Dean sat down with me and said ‘Greg, we don't feel you're cut out for engineering. Maybe you should move to mathematics.’ And I did, and about 6 months later, that same dean… decided to go out on his own and start a company to do microprocessor development." This experience led Ratcliff to join a startup that eventually found success, demonstrating his resilience and passion for technology despite initial discouragement. He further discusses the development of data center monitoring and management systems, highlighting the critical nature of real-time data: "From a data perspective, I think the big thing to keep in mind is that time matters. So as the power systems became more and more critical to the operation, you needed to have an immediate alert.” This insight underscores the vital role of real-time monitoring in modern data centers, where even brief power interruptions can have significant consequences. Ratcliff continues to drive Vertiv's technological advancements, bridging the gap between emerging technologies and practical applications in the data center industry. Stay connected with Greg Ratcliff and follow his journey on LinkedIn .…

Nomad Futurist

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Innovating in Data Centers and Telecom 40:07

acum 24 weeks40:07

40:07

Tony Rossabi , Founder and Managing Member of OCOLO , recently appeared on the Nomad Futurist podcast, sharing insights from his extensive 26-year career in the telecom and data center industry with hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence . Rossabi grew up on the Upper West Side of New York City, where his professor parents instilled in him a love for learning. This academic background inspired Rossabi to pursue a law degree and briefly work as a district attorney in the U.S. Attorney's office in New York City. In 1998, Rossabi shifted his career path and joined a telecom startup, Justice Telecom. He recalls: "My best friend from growing up’s college roommate started this company and they're like, 'Hey, you seem like an aggressive guy, come out here and let's have you run network services and procurement.'" This move marked the beginning of Rossabi's long career in the telecom and data center industry. Reflecting on the early days of the industry, Rossabi paints a vivid picture of the bustling conference scene and the excitement that surrounded this rapidly evolving field: “That’s kind of how you meet people, and the conferences were much more abundant back then, and they were insane… This is when the heyday of telecom money was out of control.” Now leading OCOLO, an online marketplace for data centers, Rossabi remains deeply involved in the industry and further highlights the importance of community support within tech: "I think we talk a lot about making money, but not about helping others grow within the space, and I think that’s critically important.” Rossabi's passion for the industry and appreciation for his learning experiences throughout the journey are evident. His path from law to telecom to data centers illustrates the dynamic nature of the tech industry and the opportunities it presents for career growth and evolution. Stay connected with Rossabi on LinkedIn to be part of his story as he navigates and shapes the ever-evolving landscape of the dynamic industry.…

Nomad Futurist

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Taking Action in Digital Infrastructure 36:37

acum 26 weeks36:37