Inside Data Centre Podcast

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In the seventh and final episode of our special series recorded live at Datacloud Global Congress 2026 in Cannes, Inside Data Centre brings you a special recording of a Data Centre Marketing Club panel. 

Hosted by Rory Flashman, Managing Director of Spa Communications and co-founder of the Data Centre Marketing Club, the discussion brings together marketing and communications leaders from across the data centre industry to explore how the sector can tell its story more clearly, engage communities more effectively and build stronger brands. 

Joining the conversation: 

Anne Katrine Vestergaard Jensen, VP of Marketing, Vern 

Andy Davis, Co-Founder, Data Centre Marketing Club 

Nicola Allen, Marketing Director, Techoraco 

Agnese Barazza, Senior Marketing and Communications Manager, GARBE Data Centers 

Together, the panel discusses why community engagement has become one of the most important topics in the data centre industry, and why operators, developers, suppliers and communications teams need to work together to improve public understanding of the sector. 

The conversation explores how the industry can move beyond talking to itself, listen more closely to local communities and explain the value of data centres in a clearer, more human way. The panel also looks at the importance of brand differentiation, employer branding, talent attraction and the role of events such as Datacloud in bringing the right people together to share best practice. 

From tackling misinformation and improving media engagement to moving away from defensive messaging and telling more honest, accessible stories, this episode highlights the important role marketers and communicators will play in shaping the future reputation of the data centre industry. 

Recorded live at Datacloud Global Congress 2026 in Cannes. 

Key Topics: 

Why community engagement has become a critical issue for data centre development 

How the industry can work together to tell a more joined-up story 

Why data centres need to stop talking only to themselves 

The role of listening in building trust with local communities 

How events can bring marketers, operators, investors, policymakers and suppliers together 

Why brand differentiation matters in a fast-growing and increasingly crowded market 

How Vern approached its rebrand around natural intelligence and renewable power 

How GARBE Data Centers is evolving its story for AI inference and urban data centre development 

Why employer branding needs to be treated as its own strategic priority 

How personal branding can help attract talent and build trust 

Why Datacloud’s talent programme is helping bring new people into the industry 

How the sector can improve its reputation by being more open, honest and less defensive 

Why marketers should be curious, collaborate more and take the industry story outside the data centre community 

Tune in for a thoughtful final conversation from Cannes on how the data centre industry can improve its storytelling, build stronger trust with communities and help more people understand the critical role digital infrastructure plays in modern life. 

Support the show

The Inside Data Centre Podcast is recorded in partnership with DataX Connect, a specialist data centre recruitment company based in the UK. They operate on a global scale to place passionate individuals at the heart of leading data centre companies.

To learn more about Andy Davis and the rest of the DataX team, click here: DataX Connect

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In the sixth episode of our series recorded live at Datacloud Global Congress 2026 in Cannes, Andy Davis is once again joined by co-host Rory Flashman from Spa Communications for a special episode reflecting on the event itself. 

Joining the conversation: 

Annabel Helm, Managing Director, Datacloud 

Leanne Starace, Senior Vice President, Equinix 

Together, they discuss the scale, impact and continued growth of Datacloud Global Congress, which welcomed 6,500 attendees, 7,000 registrations and almost 3,000 CEOs on site in 2026. 

The conversation explores how the event has evolved into one of the most influential meeting points for the global data centre industry, bringing together operators, investors, developers, hyperscalers, suppliers, policymakers, finance leaders and new stakeholders from across the digital infrastructure ecosystem. 

Annabel shares how Datacloud has grown while maintaining its focus on influence, impact and high-quality networking, with new companies, new sectors and new decision-makers joining the conversation. Leanne also discusses the value of the event from an operator perspective, highlighting the importance of collaboration, transparent dialogue, innovation and deal-making across the industry. 

The episode also looks at the biggest themes from the show, including power, investment, nuclear, talent, community, AI, liquid cooling and the increasing importance of education as new sectors and stakeholders engage with the data centre market. 

Recorded live at Datacloud Global Congress 2026 in Cannes. 

Key Topics: 

• The scale of Datacloud Global Congress 2026 and its continued growth. 
• Why the event is focused on influence and impact, not just size.
• How the show brings together the full data centre ecosystem. 
• The importance of transparent conversations around power, talent, investment and community. 
• Why new stakeholders, including nuclear and finance leaders, are now part of the data centre conversation. 
• How events like Datacloud help educate emerging sectors on digital infrastructure.
• The value of networking, collaboration and deal-making on the show floor. 
• Equinix’s perspective on global growth, customer engagement and AI-ready infrastructure. 
• Why talent development and early-career engagement remain critical to the industry’s future. 
• How Datacloud is evolving for 2027, including expanded stages, new formats and more speakers. 
• Why the data centre industry is no longer “the best industry nobody has heard of”. 

Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at Datacloud Global Congress 2026, why the event has become such an important platform for the global data centre industry, and what its growth says about the future of digital infrastructure. 

Support the show

The Inside Data Centre Podcast is recorded in partnership with DataX Connect, a specialist data centre recruitment company based in the UK. They operate on a global scale to place passionate individuals at the heart of leading data centre companies.

To learn more about Andy Davis and the rest of the DataX team, click here: DataX Connect

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In the fifth episode of our series recorded live at Datacloud Global Congress 2026 in Cannes, Andy Davis is once again joined by co-host Rory Flashman from Spa Communications to explore one of the biggest themes running through this year’s event: community. 

Joining the conversation: 

Ilker Essener, Bulk Infrastructure 

Wes Cummins, Applied Digital 

Together, they discuss why community engagement has become a central part of data centre development, and why the industry can no longer afford to treat it as an afterthought. 

The conversation explores how data centre operators can create long-term value in the regions where they build, from jobs and skills to tax revenue, infrastructure investment, apprenticeships and local supply chain opportunities. 

Wes shares Applied Digital’s experience of developing large-scale infrastructure in smaller US communities, including how data centres can support local economies, create high-quality technical careers, strengthen public services and help bring people back to rural towns. 

Ilker also discusses Bulk Infrastructure’s approach in Europe, highlighting the importance of local engagement, circular economy thinking, skills development and creating meaningful opportunities for communities throughout the development and operational lifecycle. 

The episode also looks at the importance of legacy, why listening to local communities matters, and how the industry can support education, vocational training and new career pathways as demand for data centre talent continues to grow. 

Recorded live at Datacloud Global Congress 2026 in Cannes. 

Key Topics: 

• Why community engagement is now central to data centre development 
• How operators can create lasting value in the regions where they build 
• The role of data centres in supporting rural and smaller communities 
• How large-scale infrastructure can improve local tax bases, utilities, roads and schools 
• Why technical jobs and career pathways matter for long-term local impact 
• How Applied Digital is working with communities in North Dakota and Louisiana 
• Bulk Infrastructure’s perspective on community value creation in Europe 
• Why listening to local priorities is critical before development begins 
• How operators can support apprenticeships, internships and vocational training 
• The importance of shaping education and curriculum around future industry needs 
• How offsite manufacturing and prefab models can still create local opportunity 
• Why legacy should be part of every data centre development strategy 

Support the show

The Inside Data Centre Podcast is recorded in partnership with DataX Connect, a specialist data centre recruitment company based in the UK. They operate on a global scale to place passionate individuals at the heart of leading data centre companies.

To learn more about Andy Davis and the rest of the DataX team, click here: DataX Connect

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In the fourth episode of our series recorded live at Datacloud Global Congress 2026 in Cannes, Andy Davis is once again joined by co-host Rory Flashman from Spa Communications to explore the rapid growth of the Gulf region as a major data centre market. 

Joining the conversation: 

Simon Young, Google 

Stephen Beard, Knight Frank 

Together, they discuss why the Middle East has become one of the most talked-about regions in digital infrastructure, and how government ambition, sovereign wealth, power availability and AI demand are helping to accelerate growth across the market. 

The conversation explores the role of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Qatar, Kuwait and Oman in the region’s data centre development, as well as the opportunities and challenges that come with building at scale in a fast-moving market. 

Simon and Stephen also discuss the importance of leadership and long-term vision across the GCC, the impact of major AI initiatives, and why the region could become an increasingly important bridge between Europe, Asia and Africa. 

The episode also looks at how international operators and Middle Eastern developers are approaching expansion, the role of sovereign wealth funds, and what other markets, including the UK, could learn from the region’s ability to move quickly and reduce barriers to development. 

Recorded live at Datacloud Global Congress 2026 in Cannes. 

Key Topics: 

Why the Gulf region has become a major data centre growth market 

How government leadership and national AI strategies are driving investment 

The role of the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Israel as leading regional hubs 

Why power cost and availability are central to the region’s opportunity 

The potential for AI infrastructure growth in Kuwait, Oman and other emerging Gulf markets 

Why fibre connectivity and international transit remain important challenges 

How data centre design in the Middle East compares with Europe 

The impact of geopolitical uncertainty on investment decisions 

Why international operators are looking more closely at the region 

How Middle Eastern developers and sovereign wealth funds are expanding globally 

What the UK and other mature markets could learn from the Gulf’s speed of execution 

Why talent development and local workforce initiatives will be critical to long-term growth 

How AI adoption is changing the wider data centre and digital infrastructure conversation 

Tune in for an insightful conversation on how the Gulf region is positioning itself at the centre of the next wave of data centre and AI infrastructure growth, and why speed, capital, power and policy will all play a major role in shaping its future. 

Support the show

The Inside Data Centre Podcast is recorded in partnership with DataX Connect, a specialist data centre recruitment company based in the UK. They operate on a global scale to place passionate individuals at the heart of leading data centre companies.

To learn more about Andy Davis and the rest of the DataX team, click here: DataX Connect

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In this episode of the Inside Data Centre Podcast, Andy Davis is joined by Tom Babbington, Founder and CEO of Adaptive MDC. With a career spanning 42 countries, including delivering hyperscale in Finland, Tom explains how his approach to modular data centre design was shaped by solving problems on the ground, and why execution, not innovation, is now the industry's biggest bottleneck. 

Key Topics: 

• How a career across 42 countries shaped Tom's approach to modular delivery 
• Why modular doesn't mean small: reference designs now scale past 100MW 
• Execution, not ideas, is the industry's real barrier to faster delivery 
• Cross-vendor collaboration could unlock timelines vendors say are fixed 
• Public perception of data centres is shifting from ignored to scrutinised 
• Tom's advice for newcomers: stay curious, don't fear not knowing 

Tune in for a grounded take on where modular data centres are headed, and what it will actually take to keep pace with demand. 

Support the show

The Inside Data Centre Podcast is recorded in partnership with DataX Connect, a specialist data centre recruitment company based in the UK. They operate on a global scale to place passionate individuals at the heart of leading data centre companies.

To learn more about Andy Davis and the rest of the DataX team, click here: DataX Connect

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In the third episode of our series recorded live at Datacloud Global Congress 2026 in Cannes, Andy Davis is once again joined by co-host Rory Flashman from Spa Communications to explore one of the biggest challenges facing the data centre industry: power. 

Joining the conversation: 

Chris Pennington, Director, Energy and Sustainability, Iron Mountain 

Afonso Salema, CEO, Exus Digital 

Together, they discuss whether the industry is really at power capacity, or whether data centres need to become smarter, more flexible and more responsive to the grids they depend on. 

The conversation looks at how the industry can unlock stranded grid capacity, the role of energy storage and flexible load, and why the traditional approach of simply asking the grid for constant supply may no longer be enough. 

Chris and Afonso also explore behind-the-meter power, the differences between the US and European markets, and whether on-site generation is a short-term bridge to grid connection or a longer-term part of the data centre power mix. 

The episode also tackles the debate around nuclear, microgrids, renewable energy, affordability, total cost of ownership and the need for data centres to work more closely with TSOs, regulators and local communities. 

Recorded live at Datacloud Global Congress 2026 in Cannes. 

Key Topics: 

• Why access to power has become one of the industry’s biggest challenges 
• How data centres can use flexible load and storage to unlock grid capacity 
• The role of behind-the-meter power as a bridge to grid connection 
• Why power affordability is becoming central to AI infrastructure growth 
• The differences between US and European power strategies 
• Whether gas can play a viable role in European data centre power 
• The future of nuclear, SMRs and grid-connected clean energy 
• Why there is no one-size-fits-all solution to power constraints 
• How peak shaving and smarter energy use can reduce costs 
• The importance of community engagement and listening to local priorities 
• Why the industry needs to do more to challenge myths around power, water and local impact 

Tune in for a timely conversation on how power is shaping the future of data centre development, why flexibility and affordability matter, and how the industry can work more closely with grids and communities to support sustainable growth.

Support the show

The Inside Data Centre Podcast is recorded in partnership with DataX Connect, a specialist data centre recruitment company based in the UK. They operate on a global scale to place passionate individuals at the heart of leading data centre companies.

To learn more about Andy Davis and the rest of the DataX team, click here: DataX Connect

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In the second episode of our series recorded live at Datacloud Global Congress 2026 in Cannes, Andy Davis is once again joined by co-host Rory Flashman from Spa Communications to explore why the Nordics have become one of the most talked-about regions in the European data centre market.

Joining the conversation:

Tor Kristian Gyland, Heim Data Center

Svein Atle Hagaseth, Heim Data Center

Fresh from launching their new venture, Heim Data Center, Tor and Svein discuss why Sweden, Finland and the wider Nordic region are attracting growing interest from data centre operators, investors and customers.

The conversation explores how power availability, renewable energy, cooling efficiency, regulatory stability and strong fibre connectivity are helping position the Nordics as a major destination for future data centre growth. The discussion also looks at why the region is no longer just seen as a location for AI training, but increasingly as a viable hub for cloud, inference and wider digital infrastructure workloads.

Tor and Svein also discuss the differences between Nordic markets, including Finland’s predictability, Sweden’s emerging regional opportunities and Norway’s more complex power and community narrative. They explain why local engagement, early dialogue with municipalities and long-term contribution to communities will be critical as the industry scales.

Recorded live at Datacloud Global Congress 2026 in Cannes.

Tune in for a timely conversation on why the Nordics are moving from the edge of Europe’s data centre map to the centre of its next growth story, and how power, sustainability, connectivity and community engagement will shape the region’s future.

Support the show

The Inside Data Centre Podcast is recorded in partnership with DataX Connect, a specialist data centre recruitment company based in the UK. They operate on a global scale to place passionate individuals at the heart of leading data centre companies.

To learn more about Andy Davis and the rest of the DataX team, click here: DataX Connect

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In the first episode of our internal 'Powered by People' series', Andy Davis is joined by Josie Hughes, Director of Marketing at DataX Connect, for the first in a new internal mini-series. 

Together, they explore the people behind the industry's rapid growth, discussing the talent trends, workforce challenges, and career opportunities shaping the data centre sector today. 

Key topics: 

• Where today's data centre talent is coming from 
• Why career development matters just as much as salary 
• What really influences people to change jobs 
• The growing impact of relocation and international mobility 
• How regional differences are shaping hiring strategies 
• What employers need to do to attract and retain the best people 

Tune in for an insightful conversation on the trends influencing the future of data centre talent and what they mean for professionals and employers alike. 

Take part in the 2026 Data Centre Salary Survey  - Closes 20th July 2026.

Support the show

The Inside Data Centre Podcast is recorded in partnership with DataX Connect, a specialist data centre recruitment company based in the UK. They operate on a global scale to place passionate individuals at the heart of leading data centre companies.

To learn more about Andy Davis and the rest of the DataX team, click here: DataX Connect

Send us Fan Mail

In the first episode of a new series recorded live at Datacloud Global Congress 2026 in Cannes, Andy Davis is joined by co-host Rory Flashman from Spa Communications to explore one of the biggest talking points in the data centre industry: neo clouds, AI infrastructure and the next phase of digital infrastructure growth. 

Joining the conversation: 

David Bloom, Kao Data 

Pete Hill, CUDO Compute 

Together, they unpack what neo cloud actually means, how GPU-driven infrastructure is reshaping the market, and why the relationship between hyperscalers, cloud providers and emerging AI infrastructure companies is more complementary than many people assume. 

The discussion also looks at how AI workloads are changing data centre design, from density and cooling to power, floor loading and long-term flexibility. With technology moving quickly and facilities expected to operate for decades, the conversation highlights the engineering challenge of building infrastructure that can support both today’s demand and tomorrow’s unknowns. 

Recorded live at Datacloud Global Congress 2026 in Cannes. 

Key Topics: 

• What neo cloud means and why the term has become central to AI infrastructure 
• How GPU-led AI workloads differ from traditional cloud infrastructure 
• Whether neo clouds are disrupting hyperscalers or complementing them 
• The impact of AI on data centre design, density, cooling and power requirements 
• Why the UK can remain competitive in the AI infrastructure market 
• The difference between training and inference workloads, and where the UK may have an advantage 
• Why power availability, energy cost and grid capacity remain major constraints 
• How local engagement and community benefit can improve public understanding of data centre development 
• The growing capital requirements behind AI data centre projects 
• Why delivery, reliability and consistency still matter more than headline-grabbing announcements 

Tune in for a lively conversation on how AI is reshaping the data centre market, what neo clouds mean for the wider industry, and why the next phase of growth will depend on power, partnerships, local engagement and the ability to deliver. 

Support the show

The Inside Data Centre Podcast is recorded in partnership with DataX Connect, a specialist data centre recruitment company based in the UK. They operate on a global scale to place passionate individuals at the heart of leading data centre companies.

To learn more about Andy Davis and the rest of the DataX team, click here: DataX Connect

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In this episode of the Inside Data Centre Podcast, Andy Davis is joined by Jim Hart, Co-Founder and CEO of BCS, for his fifth appearance on the show. They dig into the findings of BCS's latest report, Data Center Truths 2026, exploring the growing gap between demand and the industry's capacity to deliver, from a projected 600,000 FTE workforce shortfall to power timelines stretching 8–12 years in parts of Europe. 

Key Topics: 

• Why data centres must be treated as critical infrastructure, not just tech assets 
• The 600,000 worker deficit threatening the global delivery pipeline 
• How supply chain control is becoming a key competitive differentiator 
• Tier-two markets and Africa emerging as the next growth frontiers 
• The PR problem: why the industry needs to lead with benefits, not billions 
• Rethinking delivery models through prefabrication, automation, and collaboration 

Tune in for a candid, data-driven conversation on what it will really take to keep pace with demand. 

Download the report here - Data Centre Truths 2026 | What It Takes to Deliver in 2026

Support the show

The Inside Data Centre Podcast is recorded in partnership with DataX Connect, a specialist data centre recruitment company based in the UK. They operate on a global scale to place passionate individuals at the heart of leading data centre companies.

To learn more about Andy Davis and the rest of the DataX team, click here: DataX Connect