Rich Miller, founder of the leading digital infrastructure publications Data Center Knowledge and Data Center Frontier, shares his unique career journey in a recent episode of the Nomad Futurist Podcast with co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence. His journalistic focus evolved over the decades of his career, highlighting the importance of adapting readily to new circumstances and following one’s passions.

Miller got his journalism start in high school, where he started writing about sports for the school newspaper. This early experience led him to pursue journalism at Rutgers University, where he honed his skills at the student newspaper, The Daily Targum:

After years of covering sports, Miller decided to pursue a change of pace, making a strategic shift to business journalism. In a surprising turn of events, his first day coincided with a significant event in financial history:

Feeling pulled to a new direction after spending some time in the business world, Miller found himself drawn to technology reporting as the internet began to emerge as a transformative force. His years in the journalism industry allowed him to see the internet's potential as a publishing medium early on:

His fascination with technology already budding, Miller's entry into the world of data centers came through a chance encounter when he was told to walk through a data center. After being introduced to the concept of carrier hotels and data centers, he had a pivotal experience:

This experience led Miller to recognize the growing importance of data center infrastructure in the digital age, igniting a new passion and setting the stage for his future career focus. His journey from sports writing to technology journalism is a testament to how being versatile and eager to explore new areas of interest can create opportunity.

To learn more about Rich Miller, connect with him on LinkedIn.

Nomad Futurist Foundation Celebrates Groundbreaking Milestones in Data Infrastructure Advocacy

The Nomad Futurist Foundation continues to break new ground as a global advocate for the data infrastructure sector. Established with a mission to bridge the growing gap between the rapidly evolving technology sector and untapped talent, the Foundation has achieved monumental milestones in its quest to inspire and educate the next generation of leaders.

One of its standout successes has been the launch of innovative internship programs, designed to provide life-changing opportunities for young talent to engage with the world of digital infrastructure. These programs enable students to gain critical hands-on experience, preparing them to tackle the challenges and demands of this dynamic industry.

Beyond the internship programs, the Foundation continues to solidify its presence with influential conferences and events, acting as a critical nexus for key industry stakeholders while inspiring meaningful discussions and collaborations. These forums foster innovation, address pressing challenges, and create actionable strategies that drive the industry forward. By engaging leaders, educators, and innovators from diverse backgrounds, the Foundation promotes a culture of inclusivity and forward-thinking.

The platform has quickly become an essential resource for industry professionals, students, and educators, as the Foundation reinforces its reputation as an industry pioneer spearheading transformative initiatives. Through its extensive efforts, the organization is not just enabling career readiness but is shaping the industry narrative with a focus on sustainability, technological advancement, and societal impact. Its initiatives, which extend from mentorship programs to advocacy for digital infrastructure's role in global development, reflect a commitment to long-term growth and transformation.

Stay connected with the latest updates from the Nomad Futurist Foundation by following Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence. Their contributions underscore the mission's broader objective to create opportunities that empower individuals and inspire collective progress. By joining their efforts, you become part of a movement striving to create sustainable digital ecosystems, build resilient infrastructure, and foster fresh, innovative perspectives within the industry.

Ojonimi Bako, Co-Founder of Kaya AI, shares his inspiring journey from Nigeria to the United States in a recent Nomad Futurist Podcast episode with co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence. His story exemplifies the immigrant experience, highlighting themes of resilience, adaptability, and the pursuit of the American dream. With over 20 years of experience as a seasoned entrepreneur and former technology executive, Bako's journey is not just about personal triumph but also about driving innovation across various industries.

At the age of twelve, Bako immigrated to the United States from a small Nigerian town. His father, a pastor, was sponsored by missionaries to study at Ashland Theological Seminary in Ohio. The family's immigration process was fraught with difficult decisions, as Bako recounts:

This decision marked a significant turning point in Bako's life, highlighting the sacrifices and difficult choices faced by migrating families.

Upon his arrival in America, Bako encountered the challenge of adapting to a new culture and language. His multilingual background proved advantageous in navigating this transition. Bako emphasizes how these early experiences shaped his worldview:

Bako's upbringing instilled a strong work ethic and a focus on education. He notes that his parents prioritized academic success over material possessions, further fueling his ambitions:

Bako's story illustrates his resilience and unique perspective as well as the transformative power of education, particularly within immigrant communities. His success demonstrates the power of dedication and groundedness in achieving one’s dreams.

To learn more about Ojonimi Bako, connect with him on LinkedIn.

In the latest episode of the Nomad Futurist podcast, Alessandro Lombardi, President of Elea Data Centers, shares his compelling journey and valuable insights into the digital infrastructure landscape in Brazil. Co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence guided the conversation, exploring Lombardi's transition from Italy to Brazil and his evolution in the tech industry.

Lombardi's career trajectory exemplifies the power of embracing change and following one's passion. His unique background, combining majors in philosophy and economics with an early fascination for technology, set the stage for a diverse career path. This journey began with web editing during the internet boom and culminated in his current leadership role in the data center industry:

This early engagement with technology proved instrumental in shaping Lombardi's future career choices and his ability to navigate the rapidly evolving tech landscape.

A pivotal moment in Lombardi's career came with his move to Brazil. What began as a short-term assignment with PwC transformed into a permanent relocation after meeting his future wife. This decision marked a significant turning point in both his personal and professional life. Lombardi emphasizes the importance of following one's instincts when making such life-altering decisions:

Throughout the podcast, Lombardi provides insightful comparisons between the work cultures in Italy and Brazil. His observations shed light on the contrasting approaches to innovation he encountered in the two countries:

Lombardi’s journey serves as a powerful reminder of the value in trusting your instincts and embracing new experiences. His story illustrates how a diverse background can lead to unique opportunities and innovative paths in the ever-changing tech landscape.

Stay connected with Alessandro Lombardi on LinkedIn.

in the telecommunications and digital infrastructure sectors on the Nomad Futurist podcast with co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence. With over 16 years of experience in the industry, DeMartino offered a nuanced perspective on talent acquisition that goes far beyond traditional hiring practices.

DeMartino’s journey into recruitment began with his father's decision to start a recruiting firm after leaving MCI. He joined the family business in 2009 bringing a unique blend of professional backgrounds, including experience in politics and military service, to the table. DeMartino described the dynamic of working in a family business:

DeMartino discussed how the company has grown and expanded its focus over the years:

One of the key points DeMartino emphasized was the importance of the human aspect in recruitment, especially in an age of AI and automated hiring processes. He further highlighted the significance of building relationships and truly understanding clients' needs to be successful in recruitment:

DeMartino offered essential insights into the recruitment industry, highlighting the significance of personal connections, company culture and the human touch in aligning candidates with the right roles.

Stay connected with Matt DeMartino on LinkedIn.

In the latest episode of the NomadFuturist podcast, hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence welcome Vanessa"Vee" Richardson, a trailblazer in talent acquisition and a passionate advocate for women in technology. Richardson's journey from politics to tech offers valuable insights into career transitions and female empowerment in male-dominated industries.

Richardson's career took an unexpected turn when she transitioned from aspiring congressional lobbyist to talent acquisition leader at STACK North America:

Discussing her current role in hiring critical operations technicians, Richardson highlights the intersection of technology and human resources, and further reveals how vital skilled professionals are to the infrastructure sector:

Richardson expresses a desire to “marry politics and tech,” indicating her commitment to bridging gaps in these fields and creating pathways for women to succeed. Her experiences serve as an inspiration for those looking to navigate similar challenges.

She highlights the essential nature of confidence for women in the workplace, asserting that her self-assurance stems from a focus on her own path rather than comparing herself to others:

Richardson's journey from Capitol Hill to tech leadership exemplifies the power of adaptability, confidence, and a willingness to embrace new opportunities. Her insights offer valuable lessons for professionals navigating career transitions and underscore the importance of empowering women in technology and politics.

Stay connected with Vee Richardson on LinkedIn.

ourney and insights on the Nomad Futurist podcast with co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence. With a strong foundation in mechanical engineering and over two decades of experience in the data center industry, Lawrence offers a distinctive perspective on the rapidly evolving landscape of digital infrastructure.

Lawrence's career path exemplifies the diverse opportunities within the data center sector. He transitioned from manufacturing to end-user roles, gaining a comprehensive understanding of data center operations:

He further emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of careers in the data center industry, highlighting the importance of understanding how various systems within a data center work together to function:

Lawrence's career trajectory focuses on the importance of adaptability and continuous learning within the industry. The interconnectivity of data center systems creates opportunities for professionals to expand their expertise beyond their initial specializations:

This adaptability has allowed Lawrence to take on diverse responsibilities, from designing sustainability programs to working on ESG initiatives and energy procurement. He also touches on the importance of curiosity in professional growth:

Stuart Lawrence's insights offer valuable perspectives for professionals in or considering a career in the data center industry. His journey illustrates the dynamic nature of the field and the opportunities for growth and innovation that exist within it.

Stay connected with Stuart on LinkedIn.

Greg Ratcliff, Chief Innovation Officer at Vertiv, shares his insights and experiences on the Nomad Futurist podcast with co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence. With over three decades of industry experience, Ratcliff leads Vertiv's global innovation initiatives, focusing on identifying and leveraging cutting-edge technologies for product development:

This unique position enables Ratcliff to act as a conduit between emerging technologies and their practical applications within Vertiv, fostering innovation across the company.

Ratcliff attributes his early interest in technology to his "odd uncle," who introduced him to electronics and ham radio. This personal experience shaped Ratcliff's approach to innovation and his commitment to nurturing new talent in the field.

Ratcliff’s journey into engineering wasn't without obstacles. He recounts a pivotal moment from his time at Ohio State University:

This experience led Ratcliff to join a startup that eventually found success, demonstrating his resilience and passion for technology despite initial discouragement. He further discusses the development of data center monitoring and management systems, highlighting the critical nature of real-time data:

This insight underscores the vital role of real-time monitoring in modern data centers, where even brief power interruptions can have significant consequences.

Ratcliff continues to drive Vertiv's technological advancements, bridging the gap between emerging technologies and practical applications in the data center industry. Stay connected with Greg Ratcliff and follow his journey on LinkedIn.

Tony Rossabi, Founder and Managing Member of OCOLO, recently appeared on the Nomad Futurist podcast, sharing insights from his extensive 26-year career in the telecom and data center industry with hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence.

Rossabi grew up on the Upper West Side of New York City, where his professor parents instilled in him a love for learning. This academic background inspired Rossabi to pursue a law degree and briefly work as a district attorney in the U.S. Attorney's office in New York City. In 1998, Rossabi shifted his career path and joined a telecom startup, Justice Telecom. He recalls:

This move marked the beginning of Rossabi's long career in the telecom and data center industry.

Reflecting on the early days of the industry, Rossabi paints a vivid picture of the bustling conference scene and the excitement that surrounded this rapidly evolving field:

Now leading OCOLO, an online marketplace for data centers, Rossabi remains deeply involved in the industry and further highlights the importance of community support within tech:

Rossabi's passion for the industry and appreciation for his learning experiences throughout the journey are evident. His path from law to telecom to data centers illustrates the dynamic nature of the tech industry and the opportunities it presents for career growth and evolution.

Stay connected with Rossabi on LinkedIn to be part of his story as he navigates and shapes the ever-evolving landscape of the dynamic industry.

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.