Nomad Futurist

Santiago Suinaga, CEO of Infrastructure Masons (iMasons), shares his compelling journey into the digital infrastructure sector during his recent appearance on the Nomad Futurist podcast with hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence. This episode takes on added significance in light of the newly announced partnership between iMasons and Nomad Futurist, two organizations dedicated to shaping the future of digital infrastructure.

Suinaga’s early fascination with technology, influenced by his father's passion, set the stage for his future career. Growing up in Mexico City, he was among the first kids to have a computer at home, an experience that laid the groundwork for his future in the field.

His entry into the data center industry was an unexpected turn during his business studies. He landed an internship at KIO Networks, Mexico's leading data center operator, initially in marketing and sales:

This blend of business acumen and technical curiosity set Suinaga apart, leading to increased responsibilities. He shares his commitment to learning, and pursuing certifications in data center design and management. Suinaga further emphasizes the importance of putting technical concepts into applicable terms for stakeholders:

The conversation turns to Suinaga’s involvement with Infrastructure Masons in 2018, inspired by Dean Nelson's founding of the association. Particularly motivated by the Climate Accord initiative, which aims to unify industry efforts toward achieving net-zero goals, Suinaga reflects:

Suinaga's current leadership position at iMasons stems from a profound realization about his role in the industry. Reflecting on his two decades of experience, he shares a pivotal moment of self-awareness:

Suinaga's journey emphasizes the value of lifelong learning and adaptability. The collaboration between iMasons and Nomad Futurist enhances this mission in developing the next-generation workforce in the field.

Connect with Santiago on LinkedIn and stay updated on his journey with iMasons.

Nomad Futurist and Infrastructure Masons (IMasons) are aligning for something truly transformative. We can’t reveal all the details just yet, but let’s just say… the future of our industry is about to get even more exciting! Stay tuned for what’s next.

Anna Claiborne, SVP of Network Tooling and Automation at Zayo, shares her journey and insights on the Nomad Futurist podcast with co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence. Her career path has been shaped by her love for tackling complex issues and her experiences in both startups and corporate America.

Claiborne's interest in technology was sparked by early experiences with video games and computer hardware. Her academic path took a surprising turn when she pursued a bachelor's degree in genetics with a minor in computer science. This distinctive combination was inspired by an article about sequencing the human genome, which she read in sixth grade. She recalls thinking even then,

Claiborne's career has spanned both startup and corporate environments, with a focus on software and infrastructure. She worked for a bank in the IT department as well as being part of the team that built Tower Records. Notably, she mentions,

This experience provided valuable insights into how technology can disrupt established industries. Claiborne reflects on the challenges faced by traditional businesses in adapting to digital changes, particularly in the music industry.

Claiborne specifically emphasizes her love for problem-solving, highlighting this interest as a core aspect of her personal and professional identity:

This fundamental aspect of her personality has not only influenced her professional choices but has also been a guiding force in her approach to technology and innovation. Throughout her journey, Claiborne has consistently sought out opportunities that allow her to engage with challenging issues and develop creative solutions, particularly in startups:

Anna Claiborne's journey showcases the evolving nature of technology and the importance of adaptability in the face of industry disruptions. Her unique blend of genetics and computer science knowledge, coupled with her problem-solving approach, has positioned her at the forefront of technological innovation.

Stay connected with Claiborne on LinkedIn.

In a special episode of Nomad Futurist, host Nabeel Mahmood interviews Indigo Pinto – Nomad Futurist Ambassador and QA/QC Committee Chair, and Program Director of BVPI (Bureau Veritas Group Primary Integration) – who offers a unique perspective on her transition from mechanical engineering to the data center sector, reflecting her dedication to innovation and growth.

Pinto’s initial passion for mechanical engineering, inspired by a childhood fascination with cars, led her to internships at Chrysler and Harley Davidson. Despite these experiences pointing towards a career in automotive engineering, Pinto found herself drawn to the data center industry after a recruiter recognized her skills and potential. This shift allowed her to explore new challenges and contribute to a field she now finds exhilarating.

At BVPI, Pinto embraces the role of an “Emerger,” focusing on cultivating emerging projects and clients. Her role is pivotal in providing the necessary support to project managers and laying a solid foundation for projects that show potential. Her innovative approach reflects her commitment to nurturing growth and helping shape future industry leaders.

Pinto is passionate about the continuous learning opportunities within the data center sector. She finds the industry’s rapid evolution both challenging and rewarding, offering new insights and personal growth. Pinto’s enthusiasm for sharing her knowledge with the next generation underscores her belief in the sector’s transformative potential and her dedication to fostering innovation.

Towards the end of the podcast, Pinto addresses professional assumptions and stereotypes, highlighting her “I am Mr. Pinto” campaign emphasizing her commitment to earning respect and promoting a positive professional environment.

Pinto's journey from mechanical engineering to the dynamic world of data centers illustrates the power of embracing new opportunities and continually seeking personal and professional growth. Her experiences serve as an inspiring reminder of how passion and adaptability can open doors to exciting and rewarding career paths.

Stay connected with Pinto on LinkedIn.

In a recent Nomad Futurist podcast, hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence explore the challenges women face in the data center industry – particularly around attracting, retaining, and advancing female talent – with Melissa Olson, Data Center Solutions Leader at Belimo Americas. Leveraging over two decades of expertise in mechanical and control systems, Olson highlights the need for better support and clear career pathways, especially for women balancing motherhood with their careers.

Olson shares concerning accounts, such as instances where job offers were rescinded due to pregnancy, highlighting the urgent need for the industry to foster a more accommodating and supportive environment.

Mentorship and company culture were identified as critical factors in retaining women in the industry. Despite holding high positions, Olson describes many women feeling a lack of clear advancement opportunities, often due to the absence of visible mentors. She underscores the necessity for companies to beyond rhetoric and actively support women through flexible work arrangements and empathetic leadership, enabling them to balance personal and professional responsibilities.

The episode concludes with a call for cultural change and early engagement with younger generations to introduce them to the industry. Olson emphasizes the importance of moving towards a more performance-based evaluation system, where employees are judged by their output rather than physical presence, and the need to inspire future talent to pursue careers in this vital sector.

Olson calls for a paradigm shift in how the data center industry supports and advances women. She highlights the critical need for a culture that values empathy, trust, and flexibility, ensuring that women, particularly those balancing motherhood, can thrive in their careers.

Connect with Olson and stay updated on her ongoing efforts to drive positive change in the industry.

Nancy Novak, Chief Innovation Officer at Compass Datacenters, joins Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence at Nomad Futurist Podcast to share her extensive experience and perspectives on the importance of diversity and inclusion in the tech and construction industries. As a champion of gender diversity in these traditionally male-dominated fields, Novak offers valuable insights into the practical steps companies can take to foster a more inclusive workforce.

After a three-and-a-half-year retirement hiatus, Novak reentered the field with a focus on challenging the status quo, attending influential conferences – like Wall Street Journal's Women in the Economy and FORTUNE Most Powerful Women events – providing her with fresh insights and strategies for cultivating diversity and driving meaningful change across multiple industries:

“I struggled with the whole lack of diversity and I was really trying to learn ‘what is it?’ Because I just blamed our industry… [but] I started seeing these common threads… outside of my industry… And I started to empower myself with some more firsthand knowledge.”

From these global interactions at conferences and various experiences, Novak learned that the challenges related to diversity in her industry were not unique but part of a broader systemic issue. She further explains that simply attributing the lack of diversity to the industry's inherent difficulties was insufficient and instead, she suggests actively seeking ways to attract more diverse talent and implementing strategies to disrupt the existing norms:

“If we just have a more diverse perspective – because we’re not all thinking the same and experiencing life in the same way – can we be more innovative and can we solve more problems? And I think now it’s more acceptable, that’s absolutely the case.”

Later in the episode, Novak critiques the Olympic, “Thank You Mom” commercials for failing to represent working mothers, suggesting to viewers that mothers must choose between having a career or raising an Olympic athlete:

“I’ve armed myself with some knowledge and I said… [the commercial] is kind of restrictive on one individual. I mean, the Olympic athletes are great… but you should represent more of the real society.”

Novak's continues to underscore the critical role of diversity and inclusion in transforming the tech and construction sectors. Novak calls for a collective effort to challenge existing norms and embrace diverse perspectives, ultimately driving innovation and encouraging a more inclusive industry landscape.

Stay connected with Nancy Novak on LinkedIn, and discover more insights on her “Extending the Ladder” podcast, bringing female leaders together to offer advice and inspiration to other professionals.

In this engaging episode of Nomad Futurist, hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence sit down with Ray Sidler, the Chief Executive Officer at DataVerge. With over two decades of experience in data center operations and management, Ray Sidler brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep understanding of the evolving landscape of digital infrastructure.

Sidler discusses his early beginnings in web hosting from a small office in Brooklyn to scaling up to a significant data center facility. He highlights challenges, including power issues and growth pains, as well as humorous anecdotes about their former company name, ColoGuard, which led to unexpected challenges with a similarly named medical product.

Sidler recounts pivotal moments in his career, notably the challenges faced during power outages and infrastructure failures. These critical incidents forced Sidler and his team to innovate and adapt to further evolve their company, which later included rebranding and strategic partnerships that fueled growth amidst industry challenges.

Throughout the episode, Sidler puts a strong emphasis on building long-term client relationships based on trust and reliability. His personal commitment to customer service and responsiveness set a high standard in the industry.

Sidler’s journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of resilience, strategic decision-making, and unwavering commitment to client satisfaction in the data center industry. As the digital infrastructure landscape continues to evolve, these insights are invaluable for professionals and businesses navigating the complexities of the sector. Stay connected with Ray Sidler on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

In the latest episode of Nomad Futurist, Founder and Managing Director of Structure Research, Philbert Shih, shares with Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence a wealth of insights and reflections spanning his extensive career in the data center sector. From entrepreneurial beginnings to navigating industry shifts and embracing digital transformation, Shih’s journey offers invaluable lessons for professionals in the tech industry.

Reflecting on his early days in the dot-com era, Shih highlighted the pivotal moments that shaped his career trajectory:

Shih elaborates on the evolution of the data center landscape, emphasizing the impact of major events and technological advancements:

Later addressing the sector’s response to the global pandemic, Shih underscores the acceleration of digital transformation and its implications for future trends:

Phil Shih’s journey from entrepreneurial beginnings to industry leadership offers a compelling narrative of resilience, adaptation, and innovation within the data center industry. His reflections on past experiences, current challenges, and future trends provide invaluable insights for industry professionals navigating an increasingly complex and dynamic landscape. As the sector continues to evolve, Shih’s vision for the future underscores the critical role of technology, infrastructure, and human connections in shaping the digital economy of tomorrow.

Connect with Phil Shih on LinkedIn to stay up to date on Structure Research and infra/STRUCTURE Summit 2024, taking place at the Wynn Las Vegas.

In this insightful episode of Nomad Futurist, hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence meet with John Bonczek, a seasoned professional with a rich background in sales and data centers, currently at fifteenfortyseven Critical Systems Realty (1547). Bonczek's journey, marked by his sales prowess and his experiences navigating the evolving data center landscape, offers valuable lessons for those in the tech industry.

Reflecting on his early career, Bonczek recounts how he leveraged his sales expertise from the telecom industry to carve a niche in data centers. His ability to create opportunities and build lasting relationships was a significant factor in his success:

Bonczek also shares his observations on the critical role of partnerships and ecosystems in driving growth and innovation in the data center industry. Moreover, he elaborates on improving the dynamics between internal teams throughout this digital era, via team-building exercises and bonding activities:

Bonczek later discusses the pivotal trend of increasing importance of edge computing and its implications for data center operations:

This episode highlights Bonczek's deep understanding of the data center industry's dynamics and his forward-thinking approach. His experiences serve as a testament to the importance of adaptability and collaboration in the fast-paced world of technology. Connect with John Bonczek on LinkedIn to stay updated on his latest insights and endeavors.

Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence sat down with Doris Li Yeh, CEO and Founder of Mirapath, a Data Center Critical Infrastructure Total Solution Provider, to discuss her education, travels, how she started her career, and much more. At Mirapath, Doris drives growth strategy for the company with a focus on nurturing relationships, committing to excellence, being driven by results, and striving for innovation and excellence – while having fun and enjoying the journey together.

Yeh is passionate about leadership development, women empowerment, and cutting-edge technology related to platform development in the data center and IoT space. As a founding member and co-chair of the minority women initiative USPAACC-WISE, Yeh channels her passion for empowerment by helping match corporations with minority businesses and helping women own their space and their voice.

Before becoming the powerhouse saleswoman, business owner, and leader, she had a long journey to get to where she is today. As someone who has been in sales for many years in their career, Yeh understands the importance of building positive relationships, having motivation, and how that can impact a customer's perception of the organization.

Growing up in various different countries, with different cultures and ways of viewing one another, Yeh has developed a deep appreciation for being comfortable with your environment, the people in it, and what that can do for success. As a result, she is a strong believer in finding “your tribe” to thrive.

Through many different experiences, obstacles, and big decisions, Yeh is a thriving example of what can come from having a goal, setting expectations, and following through. For more information on Yeh’s amazing journey to get to where she is today, follow her on LinkedIn and listen to this engaging conversation. The story of how Yeh went from Brazil, to America, to creating the successful business she has today is one you won’t want to miss.

This week Nabeel and Phillip had the pleasure of speaking with Grant Kirkwood, a serial entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience building and operating both networks and companies. Kirkwood currently serves as the CEO of Contrivian, a new Cloud Service Provider (CSP) focused on transforming the enterprise experience of finding and utilizing connectivity services. Kirkwood joined from north of San Francisco, California to discuss his experience that spans multiple startups, technology evolution, and much more.

After seeing what technology was capable of for communication and learning in the early 1990’s, Kirkwood decided to join the industry himself. He shared that, though he came from a family of scholars, his learning came from real-life experiences and immersing himself in the booming industry of digital infrastructure.

Kirkwood continuously emphasizes the importance of prioritizing and appreciating the people in a business because at the end of the day, the people matter most. He believes that while technology is an important piece of the puzzle, having an amazing team is what allows a company to do amazing things.

Learning from within from the beginning of his career, Kirkwood discovered the value of listening to the smartest people in the room as opposed to trying to be the smartest person in the room. As a result, he acquired mentors, one of which taught him the importance of communication.

Kirkwood gained experience with data centers and the technology space early on in life, learning from within the industry, and breaking things to understand how they work, allowing him to develop a unique perspective that he brings to the table today. While the digital infrastructure looks very different now than it did when Kirkwood started his first business in 1996, he is always thinking about people, the team, and how he can create the best culture possible in his business before technology.