Capstone Talent Talks

In this episode of Capstone’s Talent Talks Podcast, Sarah Davenport and Oli Coote speak to Libby Milne, Delivery Manager at Radiant and co-founder of the Forum for Women in Data Centres, about her career journey, delivering complex data centreprojects, and her work supporting women across the sector.

Libby shares her journey into construction project management and offers an inside look at what it takes to successfully deliver complex, mission-critical developments. We explore the importance of curiosity, communication and understanding the bigger picture, alongside the value of asking questions and actively shaping your own career development. Libby also discusses how the Forum for Women in Data Centres is creating a more inclusive industry through mentoring, networking and accessible events that help women build confidence and meaningful connections.

In this episode of Talent Talks, Sarah Davenport and Oli Coote sit down with Svein Atle Hagaseth, CEO and Co-Founder of Heim Data Centre and one of Europe’s leading voices in the data centre industry.Svein reflects on his journey from semi-professional ice hockey and commercial leadership to helping establish Green Mountain as a major hyperscale operator. He shares why he chose to start again with Heim, his vision for AI-ready and sustainable digital infrastructure, and how trust, collaboration and community value can shape the next generation of data centres. We also explore developing talent from outside the sector, building employee ownership into the business and why future leaders must be willing to challenge established ways of working.

In this episode of Talent Talks, Sarah Davenport and Oli Coote sit down with Venessa Moffat, Managing Director of the Data Centre Alliance, to explore the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of digital infrastructure. Drawing on more than 20 years of experience and her unique perspective as both an industry leader and local councillor, Venessa unpacks the critical role of power, planning, policy, and people in supporting the next wave of data centre growth. From AI-driven demand and hyperscale evolution to talent shortages, diversity, and the need for joined-up thinking, this is an insightful conversation about what it will take for the industry to thrive in the years ahead.

In this episode, Annabel Drew speaks to Jack Winfield, aUK-trained quantity surveyor who has made the move from the UK to the US to work on a major data centre project in Columbus, Ohio. Jack shares what that transition really looks like, the differences between the UK and US markets, and how taking that leap can accelerate your career.

In this episode of Talent Talks, Sarah Davenport and Oli Coote sit down with Lynsey Partlow, Service Director at AVK and one of the Top 100 Women in Data Centres for 2025.  Lynsey shares her fascinating journey from an 18-year tenure at a major corporate to leading the "speedboat" operations of a high-growth power solutions specialist. We dive deep into the heart of critical environments, exploring what it actually takes to keep data centres running and how AVK is solving global power constraints through innovative microgrids and battery storage.

In this episode, Sarah Davenport and Oli Coote speak to John Booth, Managing Director of Carbon3 IT and a leading authority on data centre sustainability and operations. John provides a candid look at the widening skills gap and the "bubble environment" currently being driven by the AI gold rush. We discuss the urgent need for a "3D" approach to training the next generation through the National Data Centre Academy, moving away from short-term talent poaching toward a multi-disciplined engineering framework, and more.

In this episode of Capstone’s Talent Talks Podcast, Managing Director Sarah Davenport and Mission Critical Sector Lead Oli Coote speak to Lottie Westerling, Head of Content for Datacloud Global Congress. Lottie shares insights into the evolution of the 21-year-old event, which has scaled to an anticipated 6,000 attendees this year, reflecting the exponential growth of the digital infrastructure industry.

In this episode of Capstone’s Talent Talks Podcast, Managing Director Sarah Davenport and Mission Critical Sector Lead Oli Coote speak to Elena Simonova, EMEA Datacenter Academy Lead at Microsoft. Elena shares her transition from a 21-year career in recruitment to leading a comprehensive community skilling program that creates accessible career pathways through education, simulation labs, and real-world exposure.

In this episode of Capstone's Talent Talks Podcast, ManagingDirector Sarah Davenport and Mission Critical Sector Lead Oli Coote sit down with Luisa Cardani, who leads the data centres program at techUK. Luisa shares her unique journey from a background in public policy and government relationsto navigating the "perfect storm" of geopolitical shifts, Brexit, and the AI revolution that has propelled data centres onto the international stage.

In this episode of Capstone’s Talent Talks Podcast, Managing Director Sarah Davenport and Mission Critical Sector Lead Oli Coote sit down with Kyla Small, an IBX Critical Facilities Apprentice at Equinix. Kyla shares her journey of securing one of only 11 apprenticeship places from 600 applicants, offering a fresh perspective on the power of hands-on learning andthe importance of inclusive cultures in attracting the next generation to the data centre sector.