Recorded in front of a live audience at CBRE's Southwark Street office, this episode of Critical Careers brings together three senior leaders in the data centre industry: Eve Mcilvaney (Yondr Group), Lisa Duignan (Turner & Townsend), and Caroline Manzor (CBRE). Together, they explore what it truly means to lead high-performing teams in a fast-paced, mission-critical industry. The conversation delves into belonging, trust, and authenticity in leadership, as well as the realities of managing pressure, chaos, and constant change. Drawing on personal career experiences, the panel reflects on how inclusive cultures are built—and why calm, empathy, and clear communication are essential in environments where everything feels urgent. The panellists also discuss the challenges women continue to navigate in leadership roles, from unconscious bias to burnout, and why mental wellness, empowerment, and work-life balance must be prioritised for the next generation. Mentorship, allyship, and leading by example emerge as critical drivers of sustainable change within the industry. “Belonging means everything. It means I can be myself, speak up, and feel safe—and everybody deserves that in their career.” - Eve Mcilvaney, Yondr Group ----- Key Takeaways - A strong sense of belonging is foundational to high-performing teams. - Effective leadership in data centres requires calm, consistency, and emotional intelligence. - Managing chaos is a core skill in fast-paced, mission-critical environments. - Trust is built through honesty, visibility, and leading by example. - Empowering teams means stepping back and allowing others to lead. - Listening is one of the most underrated and impactful leadership skills. - Women continue to face conscious and unconscious bias in the workplace. - Mental wellness and burnout prevention need greater focus across the industry. - Switching off and respecting boundaries improves long-term performance. -Mentorship, allyship, and authenticity are key to supporting the next generation of leaders. -----To learn more about Critical Careers, or to get in touch, head to our website: www.critical-careers.kaodata.com, or search "Critical Careers".Learn more about our series sponsor, CBRE, at www.cbre.com

This episode of Critical Careers brings together three women steering digital infrastructure at the highest level: Elvira van Bruggen (Microsoft), Kirsty Harrower (Norton Rose Fulbright), and Deborah Shaw (Apatura).

Together, they explore the diverse paths that led them into the sector, the challenge of building for an uncertain and fast-moving future, and the realities of power, regulation, and rapid AI-driven growth. They also discuss why storytelling, public understanding, and clear communication are essential to earning societal trust. 

The panelists emphasise the need for more women in the industry and the unique qualities they bring, advocating for mentorship and support for the next generation. 

"It doesn't matter what you do, what your background is, there's always something that you can do [...] if you're willing to keep learning and keep growing" - Elvira van Bruggen, Microsoft.

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Key Takeaways

- Diverse backgrounds contribute to the richness of the data center industry.

- The industry is fast-paced and requires constant adaptation.

- Legal frameworks often lag behind technological advancements.

- Community engagement is crucial for successful data centre projects.

- Power availability is a significant challenge for data centres.

- Data centres are essential for modern life and infrastructure.

- Education is key to dispelling myths about data centres.

- Empathy and creativity are valuable traits women bring to leadership.

- Mentorship and support for women in the industry are vital for growth.

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To learn more about Critical Careers, or to get in touch, head to our website: www.critical-careers.kaodata.com, or search "Critical Careers".

Learn more about our series sponsor, CBRE, at www.cbre.com

In this episode, Joyce Wady welcomes Andrea Stosic (NTT Global Data Centres) and Dame Dawn Childs (Pure Data Centres) onto the podcast to discuss their work in engineering.

The conversation explores the common misconceptions surrounding engineering, emphasising the diverse roles within the field that go beyond traditional hands-on or design work.

It highlights the importance of understanding the various pathways in engineering careers and the opportunities available for different skill sets.

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Key Takeaways

People often misunderstand what engineering truly encompasses.

Engineering is not just about hands-on work or design.

Management and process navigation are crucial aspects of engineering.

Opportunities in engineering can suit a wide range of personalities and skills.

The perception of engineering is often limited to stereotypes.

Understanding the breadth of engineering roles can attract more talent.

Engineers can work in various capacities beyond fixing or designing.

The engineering field is diverse and inclusive of different skill sets.

Encouraging a broader view of engineering can help in career choices.

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To learn more about Critical Careers, or to get in touch, head to our website: www.critical-careers.kaodata.com, or search "Critical Careers".

Learn more about our series sponsor, CBRE, at www.cbre.com

In this episode, Joyce Wady and Jennifer Olafenwa (Brilliant AI Technologies) explore how innovation flourishes when people from different backgrounds bring their ideas to the table.

Jennifer shares her story of how she came to build an AI company after starting her career in law and being inspired by ChatGPT.

They also discuss how AI can become a tool not just for progress, but for greater access, opportunity, and inclusion. 

"AI, for me, is not just another technology. I think it is the ultimate enabler" - Jennifer Olafenwa, Brilliant AI Technologies.

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Key Takeaways

- Jennifer studied law for five years before transitioning to tech. 

- She began programming in 2020 as a side project. 

- The release of ChatGPT was a pivotal moment for her. 

- Her journey reflects a growing trend of career changes into tech. 

- Innovation in AI can be a revolutionary force. 

- Jennifer's passion for tech drives her career aspirations. 

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To learn more about Critical Careers, or to get in touch, head to our website: www.critical-careers.kaodata.com, or search "Critical Careers".

Learn more about our series sponsor, CBRE, at www.cbre.com

In this episode of the Critical Careers Podcast, Joyce Wady speaks with Melanie Kiely (Oracle).Melanie shares her journey through the digital infrastructure industry, discussing the unique challenges women face in leadership roles and the importance of mentorship and networking. She emphasises the need for women to build their confidence, develop their personal brand, and be intentional about their career development.The conversation also touches on the evolving challenges for women in tech and the excitement surrounding innovation in the industry."I think mentorship is really critical, [...] I've had so many wonderful mentors, that I want to give back" - Melanie Kiely, Oracle.-----Key Takeaways- Building a network early in one's career is crucial for success.- Women often face unconscious biases that can hinder their advancement.- Confidence can be built through networking and mentorship.- Intentional career development is necessary for achieving professional goals.- Personal branding is essential in today's competitive job market.- Women should advocate for themselves and seek opportunities.- Resilience is key in overcoming setbacks and pursuing career growth.- The digital infrastructure industry is rapidly evolving and full of opportunities.-----To learn more about Critical Careers, or to get in touch, head to our website: www.critical-careers.kaodata.com, or search "Critical Careers".Learn more about our series sponsor, CBRE, at www.cbre.com

In the latest episode of the Critical Careers Podcast, Joyce Wady interviews Lauren Wendon from CBRE, discussing the critical role of health and safety in data centre operations.

Lauren shares her unexpected journey into the data centre industry, emphasising the importance of human factors in risk management and the need for workplace flexibility.

The conversation also touches on mental health awareness, innovative safety practices, and the significance of collaboration in shaping the future of the industry. 

"There really is nothing more important than making sure our people, when they finish their shifts, go home safe and well to their families" - Lauren Wendon, CBRE.

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Key Takeaways

- Health and safety are crucial in data centre operations.

- Confidence is key; women should not hesitate to apply for roles they feel underqualified for.

- Creating a culture of safety requires empowering employees to speak up.

- Balancing work and family responsibilities is a common challenge for working parents.

- Flexibility in the workplace can greatly enhance employee well-being.

- Mental health awareness is becoming a priority in the industry.

- Innovative training methods, such as AI, can improve safety education.

- Collaboration among professionals is essential for advancing safety standards. 

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To learn more about Critical Careers, or to get in touch, head to our website: www.critical-careers.kaodata.com, or search "Critical Careers".

Learn more about our series sponsor, CBRE, at www.cbre.com

In this episode of the Critical Careers Podcast, Joyce Wady speaks with Libby Milne (Buro Four) about the importance of building community within the data centre industry, particularly for women.

They discuss the collaborative culture emerging in the industry, the role of the Forum for Women in Data Centres, and the significance of networking and mentorship.

Libby shares her experiences and insights on how women can support each other, the changing dynamics of professional conversations, and the importance of being vocal about career aspirations.

The conversation highlights the value of shared experiences in creating a supportive environment for women in digital infrastructure.

"Making that connection builds a bit of confidence and being there is the most important thing" - Libby Milne, Buro Four.

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Key Takeaways

- The data centre industry encourages a collaborative culture.

- Women in the industry feel a strong sense of community and support.

- Networking events have evolved into mentoring opportunities.

- Newcomers should leverage existing networks for guidance.

- Being vocal about career goals can open up opportunities.

- Shared interests can facilitate networking and connections.

- Senior women in the industry are willing to mentor and support newcomers.

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To learn more about Critical Careers, or to get in touch, head to our website: www.critical-careers.kaodata.com, or search "Critical Careers".

Learn more about our series sponsor, CBRE, at www.cbre.com

In this episode of the Critical Careers podcast, host Joyce Wady engages with Catriona Shearer (JLL) and Michelle Wallace (Digital Infrastructure Ireland, A Better Work) to discuss the challenges and their methods on creating change within the workplace.

They explore the importance of networking for women, the need to break traditional workplace norms, and the significance of creating a human-centred work environment.

The conversation also highlights initiatives aimed at empowering emerging leaders and workplace training to give women the confidence they need to take centre stage.

"We need to bring in more voices" - Catriona Shearer, JLL.

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Key Takeaways 

 - Women feel supported in the digital infrastructure industry. 

- Networking is crucial for women in leadership roles. 

- Breaking tradition can lead to innovative solutions. 

- A human-centred design is essential for workplace success. 

- Inclusive strategies are vital for organisational change. 

- Asking the right questions can lead to better solutions. 

- Empowering women leads to positive outcomes for everyone. 

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To learn more about Critical Careers, or to get in touch, head to our website: www.critical-careers.kaodata.com, or search "Critical Careers".

Learn more about our series sponsor, CBRE, at www.cbre.com

In the second episode of the series, Joyce Wady welcomes Anna Rantala (BCS), Holly Fenner (GeN+1), and Luisa Cardani (TechUK) to the studio to discuss starting fresh in the industry.

This episode explores the diverse paths individuals take to enter the data centre industry, highlighting the importance of inclusivity and the need for a shift in public perception.

The speakers discuss their unique backgrounds, the critical role of community initiatives like GeN+1, and the industry's urgent need for talent. They emphasize the importance of diversity in skills and perspectives, and the necessity of educating the public about the industry's significance and sustainability efforts. 

"You're having the time of your life. It's a very welcoming sector" - Luisa Cardani, TechUK.

Key Takeaways 

- The data centre industry is growing rapidly and needs diverse talent. 

- Many professionals in the industry come from non-traditional backgrounds. 

- Diversity in skills and perspectives enhances problem-solving in the industry. 

- Changing public perception is essential for attracting new talent. 

- The industry is not just about technical roles; it requires various skill sets. 

- Networking and community building are vital for career development. 

- Education about the industry's impact on sustainability is necessary. 

- The narrative around data centres needs to shift to highlight their importance. 

- Young people should feel empowered to explore various career paths in the industry. 

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To learn more about Critical Careers, or to get in touch, head to our website: www.critical-careers.kaodata.com, or search "Critical Careers"

Learn more about our series sponsor, CBRE, at www.cbre.com

In the first episode of the Critical Careers podcast, Joyce Wady sits down with Lizzy McDowell, Director of Marketing at Kao Data.

They discuss the significance of data centres in our day to day lives, why women are making such a difference in this industry, and the personal journeys that led them to their current roles.

The conversation highlights why women feel so welcome in digital infrastructure, the challenges of the talent pipeline, and why community engagement is necessary to inspire future generations to consider careers in digital infrastructure. 

“What I really want from the Critical Careers initiative is just to spark that little bit of curiosity about data centres” - Lizzy McDowell, Kao Data.

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Key Takeaways 

- Data centres are crucial for everyday digital interactions. 

- The narrative around data centres needs to be reframed positively. 

- There are diverse career opportunities within the data centre sector beyond technical roles. 

- The industry is facing a significant talent shortage that needs to be addressed. 

- Community engagement is essential for inspiring future talent in the industry. 

- Personal stories can inspire others to explore careers in digital infrastructure. 

- Bringing more diverse perspectives to the workforce leads to better problem-solving and innovation.  

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To learn more about Critical Careers, or to get in touch, head to our website: www.critical-careers.kaodata.com, or search "Critical Careers".

Learn more about our series sponsor, CBRE, at www.cbre.com