Inside Data Centre Podcast

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In this weeks episode I am joined by Mike Tobin OBE.  This episode includes swimming with sharks, boardroom bust-ups, getting shot at in South Africa, many important life lessons, and how you take a business from making a significant loss to a highly profitable multi billion pound data centre company! 

We discuss Mike's highly successful career which he has put down on paper in his book 'Lifting the Floor', how he achieved his success, and his views on the data centre industry.

Mike had an eventful start to life which included being shot at in South Africa and living in a squat with his family in London. At the age of 16 Mike was accepted onto an apprenticeship scheme which was the start of a highly successful career in engineering and eventually within the data centre sector.

We discuss how Mike became CEO of Redbus at a time when the company was in financial difficulty. Following some good fortune, many boardroom bust-ups and a lot of hard work Redbus became TeleCity and Mike took the business to a £2bn+ turnover company.  

We also talk about luck, what makes a great leader, and the importance of building great teams and surrounding yourself with the best people. 

Mike is now involved in a non-exec capacity for many businesses across the world and he has an excellent view of the global data centre industry.  

And if you make it to the end you will receive some excellent advice!

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 the Hot Topics series I speak with Jim Hart from Business Critical Solutions about the impact of Covid on the data centre industry.

First we look back to a report conducted by Business Critical Solutions (BCS) at the start of the pandemic - 'New Normal, New Thinking'. We talk about what developers and service providers were thinking at this stage and how it was impacting on the growth plans of the sector.

We then look at the latest report released by BCS - 'Covid, the lasting legacy'. We discuss how the pandemic has dramatically changed the landscape of the data centre industry and how it has resulted in a period of change and rapid growth. We also discuss how the industry has adapted and what lessons we have all learnt during the last 12 months.

This is a whistle stop review of the last 12 months in the data centre industry! 

Check out the BCS report on this link - https://www.bcs.uk.com/data-centre-survey-covid-19-the-lasting-legacy/

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 I am joined by Matt Hawkins, Global Account Director at CNet Training. Matt provides an excellent insight into the education pathways available in the data centre industry. 

We start by discussing how Matt first fell into data centres 16 years ago and how he has continued to develop his career in the sector.

We then discuss the various education pathways available in the industry...

First up is the availability of education at entry level and the pathways into the industry. 

We then look at cross sector training and the education opportunities available for those in other sectors that want to transfer to data centres. 

Finally we discuss upskilling and the various education options available for those in the industry looking for further development.

This is a must listen for anyone looking for education pathways in the data centre industry!

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 I am joined by Amber Villegas-Williamson, Technical Consultant at Uptime Institute. Amber is an experienced data centre engineer who has an excellent insight into the industry and some great ideas on how we can attract new talent to join us in the data centre sector.

We discuss how Amber developed her interest in engineering during school and how a teacher suggested to head down the engineering route in further education. Amber studied electrical engineering at college and university and has now developed a successful career in data centres.

We then discuss what Uptime Institute is and the importance of the organisation within the data centre sector.

Finally we discuss the various challenges around attracting new talent and how events like 'I'm an engineer get me out of here' can positively impact the sector. Amber shares insights on  how we can look to other sectors for ideas around diversity and attraction, the importance of collaboration, and her work as a STEM mentor.

Amber has some excellent views on the industry and this episode is a must listen for anyone looking at implementing new talent strategies.

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 I am joined by Gil Santaliz - CEO and Founder of NJFX based in New Jersey, US. Gil is a highly successful entrepreneur who is now leading and developing NJFX, a carrier neutral landing station campus. 

We discuss how Gil first started his career in the telecommunications sector and how he was first introduced to data centers. Gil talks about how necessity forced him to establish 4connections in 2001 which he took to a successful sale after only 7 years. He then spent some time on the golf course which is where the concept of NJFX was first established. 

We then discuss NJFX and the importance of the sub-sea sector within data centres. Gil gives his insight into the impact of hyperscalers on the sub-sea sector and whether we will see more facilities constructed at landing points in the future.

Finally we discuss the importance of mentors and how Gil is highly motivated to do all he can to help the next generation develop highly successful careers.

Gil is very passionate about the industry and provides some valuable insights into the importance of the sub-sea sector and life as a successful entrepreneur.

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 this weeks episode I am joined by Andrew Schaap, CEO at Aligned. Andrew has had a highly successful career in the data center industry and he is now the leader of one of the most exciting and cutting edge infrastructure technology organisations in the US.

We discuss how Andrew started his career in real estate and how a hiring freeze resulted in him starting his own software company. We then discuss how Andrew entered the data center industry and how he developed a highly successful career within Digital Realty before making the move to Aligned.

Finally we discuss Aligned and the great work they are doing in the industry. We discuss the technology solutions they have introduced, the focus on scalability and sustainability, the Aligned DNA, and how people are at the centre of everything they do.  

We also touch on Andrew's role as a STEM mentor and the importance of sharing our knowledge to develop the next generation of talent within the data centre industry.

Andrew is an engaging leader who is passionate about the data center industry. It is a great listen!

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 this weeks episode I am joined by Matt Pullen,  EVP Managing Director for CyrusOne Europe.  After initially training as a pilot Matt has developed a highly successful career in the data center industry and has an excellent view of the European data centre region.
 
 We discuss how Matt first trained as a pilot before re-training in real estate prior to starting his career in data centres with CBRE. Following over twenty years within CBRE Matt joined Zenium who went on to be acquired by CyrusOne. We then discuss how Matt began his role within CyrusOne and what it has been like being a leader of a major business unit within the last 12 months.
 
 We then discuss CyrusOne's operations in Europe taking a look at London and the FLAP(D) markets. We also discuss the emerging markets in Europe and the future plans for CyrusOne in the region. 
 
 Matt offers a great insight into the European market and the future plans of data centre development in the region. 

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 this episode I am joined by Marc Roberts, Operations Director at Lean Construction International. Marc has experience within a number of sectors and is now utilising his knowledge to enhance construction methodology in the data centre industry.

We discuss how Marc first started his career and the experience he has gained from working within various different sectors. We then discuss how he has implemented LEAN methodology to improve performance and the importance of process. 

Finally we discuss how Marc is now implementing his experience to improve the construction process within data centres and how important it is to have a clear plan from the onset of the project. We talk about the benefits of process, the importance of the acid test, Marc's top tips on implementing process change,  and how the data centre industry is adapting to the challenges of rapid growth. 

Marc provides some excellent advice on how the industry can improve processes and he also throws in some Bruce Lee quotes! 

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 this episode I am joined by Theresa O'Brien, Global Talent Resourcing Leader within CBRE Data Centre Solutions. Theresa provides an excellent insight into the challenges around talent attraction within a global organisation and the solutions being developed to overcome the challenges we all face.

We discuss how Theresa started her career in recruitment and how she first gained exposure to the data centre industry. We then discuss Theresa's career within CBRE and her current role as a global talent leader.

We also discuss the challenges faced today within the data centre talent space, including diversity, attracting the next generation of talent, retention, global trends, and brand awareness. Theresa provides a great insight how CBRE and the sector as a whole is working together to manage the challenges and develop solutions to help the long term growth of the sector. 

This is an excellent insight into the day to day reality of the talent challenges faced within the data centre sector. 

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 this episode I am joined by Ed Galvin, CEO of DC Byte. Ed has a background in data centre real estate and a gap in the market resulted in Ed creating the Data Centre Analytical platform, DC Byte.

We discuss how Ed was once planning on training as a chef but opted for studying theology at university and then an MA in property at Cass Business School. After starting his career in the commercial property market Ed then made the move to CBRE and entered the world of data centres. After seeing a gap in the market for a more consultative approve Ed established an advisory consultancy and then went on to create and launch the analytics platform DC Byte.

We then discuss DC Byte and how the platform has changed the face of data centre research and analytics. We discuss the trends in the market, such as the geography of new developments, FLAP or FLAD, sustainability and power demand.

We even touch on Starlink and how advances in technology will influence the data centre market in the future.

Ed has a great holistic view of the industry and is clearly passionate about the sector. It is great listen! 

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