In the latest episode of the Nomad Futurist Podcast, Umaima Haider — Ambassador at the Nomad Futurist Foundation and Lecturer in Computer Science & Digital Technology at the University of East London — joins host Nabeel Mahmood to share her unconventional journey into the data center industry and her mission to close its growing talent gap. 

Umaima describes her entry into the field as “purely by accident,” highlighting how careers in digital infrastructure often go unnoticed by those outside the sector: 

“I fell into the data center industry... Before that, I wasn't — to be honest — very clear about how this industry works in a physical way.”  

A central theme of the conversation is Umaima’s deep commitment to student engagement. She previously led a cloud computing course for more than 700 students, aiming to equip the next generation with the skills the industry urgently needs: 

“I want to give the industry lots of talent that is coming up now. It’s about how the industry can come forward and pick this talent.” 

Through her dual roles as educator and ambassador, Umaima serves as a vital bridge between academia and industry — empowering students while facilitating the transfer of knowledge and opportunities. 

She also shares highlights from her outreach work, including a guest lecture at Kingsford Community School during British Science Week. The session drew over 300 Year 8 students, and she deliberately targeted this age group: 

“These students, typically between 12 and 14 years old, are at a stage where they’re choosing subjects that could shape their future careers... I felt this was the perfect time to introduce them to the data center industry.” 

The overwhelmingly positive response — particularly from female students — challenged stereotypes and affirmed the importance of early exposure to tech careers. 

Umaima concludes the conversation with a powerful call to action: a “holistic responsibility model” that unites academia, industry, and individuals to expand awareness and create entry points into the sector. She encourages data center operators to offer tours and hands-on experiences: 

“We need to make sure the next generation knows what’s out there and sees a place for themselves in this industry... It doesn’t take much time—but it can plant the seed.” 

To follow Umaima’s continued work at the intersection of education and digital infrastructure, connect with her on LinkedIn. 

This episode of the Nomad Futurist podcast, co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence welcome Jeff Moerdler, a powerhouse in digital infrastructure law and the head of Real Estate and Communications at Mintz. Known for his sharp insights, signature humor, and the legendary “Mintz Mince,” Jeff takes us on a journey that began with a single rooftop satellite deal for American Express and evolved into decades of shaping the legal backbone of the data center and telecom industries. 

A third-generation attorney and proud Bronx native, Jeff charted his own path by venturing into real estate law — only to find himself at the forefront of a rapidly emerging telecom landscape.

he shares — a mantra that’s guided him through industry shifts, tech booms, bankruptcies, and the rise of AI. 

Jeff recalls how his early experience writing roof rights and riser agreements evolved into building legal frameworks for everything from fiber and DAS to today’s AI compute needs. He reflects on the surge of powered land deals and the legal challenges around alternative energy sources:

Despite the complexity and constant change, Jeff remains optimisitc for digital infrastructure.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the legal foundations that keep the digital world running. 

 To stay connected with Jeff Moerdler, follow him on LinkedIn. 

In a special episode of the Nomad Futurist podcast, co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence sit down with Arnav Ahluwalia, Senior at New York University and Advocate for the Nomad Futurist Foundation, marking the show’s first interview with a student still entering the industry. Arnav shares his journey from New Delhi to New York, his family’s business background, and his growing passion for digital infrastructure, particularly in India’s rapidly expanding tech scene. 

Arnav's interest in digital infrastructure began unexpectedly during a Barclays internship, where he was tasked with researching NVIDIA. As he reviewed the company's financials, he discovered the data center industry’s massive profitability, which piqued his curiosity. 

Encouraged by his family and guided by the practical wisdom of his uncle, Arnav chose to study in the U.S., focusing on finance and technology — an intersection that has opened up new doors and perspectives. 

Later in the conversation, Arnav shares insights on the cultural transformation taking place in India, where younger generations are increasingly drawn to finance and entrepreneurship. He notes a shift in mindset—one that supports exploration beyond traditional career paths. 

Arnav’s story is a testament to the power of curiosity and global support in shaping the future of young professionals in digital infrastructure. As he steps into the digital infrastructure space, his perspective brings a refreshing lens to the future of the industry — and the next generation shaping it. 

Want to follow Arnav’s journey after graduation? Connect with him on LinkedIn.     

In this episode of the Nomad Futurist podcast, co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence welcome Scott Charter, Ambassador for the Nomad Futurist Foundation and Director of AI & Cloud Strategy at Oracle. Charter offers a refreshingly honest and human perspective on tech leadership, sharing the unconventional journey that took him from law school student to entrepreneur to AI strategist, with a few surprising detours along the way. 

Charter begins by recounting his unconventional entry into technology, driven by necessity while living out of his 1971 Volkswagen bus and attending law school: 

 “I got a job working in technology for no other reason than they needed someone that spoke Spanish... Because of that, I was able to get into an apartment, get out of my VW bus, finish up law school, and stay in tech.” 

From there, Charter went on to found WBS Connect, building the business from the ground up. Despite its success, he offers a candid look behind the scenes of entrepreneurship: 

“Entrepreneurship is not as cool as it looks from the outside. There's a lot of work on the inside, [for instance], on Christmas morning - when all of my staff around the world were opening presents with their family, I was taking Tier 1, Tier 2 support.”  

His appetite for adventure and risk-taking is clear from stories like impulsively moving to Amsterdam and launching a travel business in Costa Rica. Today, at Oracle, Charter’s focus has shifted to the rapidly evolving world of AI and cloud strategy, where continuous learning is a must: 

“I get to go around and talk about what's going on in AI and... spend more time than I even did in law school reading. I just can't believe how much time it takes to keep up with the AI trends that are going on.”  

From living in a VW bus to shaping the future of AI strategy, Charter’s journey is a powerful testament to adaptability, risk-taking, and a relentless drive for innovation.  

To follow Scott Charter on his next adventure, connect with him on LinkedIn.  

In the latest episode of the Nomad Futurist Podcast, co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence, sit down with Mike Nguyen, CEO and Founder of Inflect, for a compelling conversation that bridges personal history, entrepreneurial drive, and the future of digital infrastructure. 

Nguyen’s career took an unexpected turn when he discovered his passion for medicine was actually driven by a desire to run a business, not practice medicine. This realization led him to explore telecom sales during the dot-com boom, ultimately paving the way for his entrepreneurial ventures:  

At Inflect, Nguyen built a platform that simplifies global access to digital infrastructure, enabling organizations to easily connect with the resources they need. With a clear vision and a user-first approach, he and his team are redefining how businesses access critical digital tools:  

The conversation takes a personal turn as Nguyen reflects on his Vietnamese-American immigrant experience, sharing how his family’s escape from post-war Vietnam shaped his resilience and entrepreneurial spirit:  

Nguyen encountered significant setbacks throughout his career, including positions at companies that collapsed during the telecom bust. However, he turned these challenges into opportunities by launching his own ventures:  

His determination exemplifies the resilience needed to succeed in volatile industries, showcasing how personal history, adaptability, and entrepreneurial vision can come together to drive success. 

To stay connected with Mike Nguyen, follow him on LinkedIn.  

In this insightful Nomad Futurist episode, co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence engage in a thought-provoking conversation with tech industry veteran, Mark Thiele, most recently serving as CEO and Co-Founder of Edgevana. Together, they explore career growth, the evolving concept of retirement, and the invaluable wisdom he has gained throughout his journey. 

Thiele reflects on his decision to step away from the corporate grind, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing personal passions and meaningful connections. He candidly shares the sacrifices he made throughout his career and the realization that true fulfillment comes from dedicating time to the people and experiences that matter most: 

Sharing his unconventional entry into the tech world, Thiele highlights the industry’s vast opportunities for growth, reinforcing the idea that determination and hard work can pave the way to success:  

Thiele also stresses the importance of seeing the bigger picture, urging professionals to go beyond technical skills and understand how their work fits into the broader ecosystem: 

Thiele’s insights provide valuable guidance for professionals at all stages, emphasizing continuous learning, a broad perspective, and work-life balance in an ever-evolving industry. 

Stay connected with Mark Thiele on LinkedIn.

In the latest Nomad Futurist episode, co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence engage in an insightful conversation with Brian Moon, CEO of the Pacific Telecommunications Council (PTC). Moon shares his unique journey to the helm of PTC and highlights the critical role of digital infrastructure in the Pacific region. 

Moon's background diverges from the typical telecom executive path. With over 20 years of experience in consumer technology at CES in Las Vegas, he brings a fresh perspective to the digital infrastructure sector. He acknowledges his ongoing learning process: 

Highlighting the essential role of digital infrastructure, Moon underscores the vital impact of PTC’s work in sustaining modern society’s technological advancements: 

Moon's relocation to Honolulu to lead PTC represents a significant personal and professional milestone. Born in Guam and later moving to the US mainland, he views this opportunity as a "full circle moment:”  

Despite PTC's 47-year history and significant presence, Moon acknowledges that the organization remains relatively unknown within Hawaii. He expresses his commitment to changing this, explaining:  

To stay updated on Brian Moon's insights and PTC's initiatives, connect with him on LinkedIn.  

The latest Nomad Futurist podcast features Mike Sullivan, CEO and Co-Founder of Air2O, alongside co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence. From his roots in Manchester to pioneering sustainable cooling solutions, Mike Sullivan's career embodies a relentless pursuit of innovation in the technology industry. Drawing from his extensive experience, beginning with his family's business, Sullivan provides valuable insights for entrepreneurs.

Early on in his career, Sullivan started a business with his father providing mechanical and design solutions for existing industrial infrastructure. He credits his entrepreneurial spirit to early experiences and his parents' unwavering support, stressing the need to question established practices:

Showcasing his proactive approach to identifying and implementing sustainable technologies, Sullivan was inspired to build his own legacy, going on to found Air2O, a leading provider of innovative and energy-efficient HVAC solutions. He explains:

Emphasizing the enduring impact of family values and the continuation of an entrepreneurial tradition, Sullivan proudly shares how his family's legacy is being furthered in the HVAC sector through his son’s involvement with Air2O. He notes:

Mike Sullivan's story exemplifies how a willingness to think outside the box and embrace one’s roots can lead to impactful innovation within a dynamic industry.

Stay connected with Sullivan on LinkedIn to learn more.

In this Nomad Futurist episode, Yuval Bachar, CEO of EdgeCloudLink (ECL), joins co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence to explore ECL's innovative approach to sustainable and adaptable data centers, built to meet the unique demands of the AI era. Bachar shares insights into ECL's groundbreaking technology and vision for the future of digital infrastructure.

 ECL was founded with the goal of transforming traditional data centers — making them more accessible, efficient, and high-performing. Bachar explains:

 At the core of this vision is ECL’s off-grid, hydrogen-powered data center, eliminating the need for UPS systems and diesel generators. Bachar highlights the safety and reliability of hydrogen as an energy source, emphasizing ECL's direct pipeline connections and stringent safety protocols to mitigate risks:

 Bachar unveils ECL’s expansion plans with a one-gigawatt Texas site, designed to support both large AI models and smaller applications. Its modular, off-grid architecture enables rapid deployment and ensures it stays ahead of AI advancements: 

Stay connected with Yuval Bachar on LinkedIn for updates on how ECL is redefining data center infrastructure for a more sustainable and AI-driven future.

The latest Nomad Futurist podcast features Richard Lukaj, Co-Founder and Senior Managing Director at Bank Street, alongside co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence. From humble beginnings to becoming a leading figure in technology, media, and telecom investment banking, Lukaj’s journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and the transformative power of education.

Lukaj’s story begins in an Italian refugee camp, where his parents sought a better future. He reflects on the circumstances that led them to leave their homeland:

Despite growing up in a challenging environment, Lukaj saw education as his gateway to new opportunities. He shares how continuous learning broadened his perspective:

While he was initially drawn to engineering, Lukaj’s career took an unexpected turn after he attended a lecture that reshaped his ambitions. This pivotal moment led him to explore the intersection of finance and technology:

Through every challenge, Lukaj credits family support and optimism for helping him persevere. He reflects on the tenacity that adversity instilled in him:

This engaging conversation with Richard Lukaj offers listeners a compelling narrative of perseverance, the value of education, and the power of seizing opportunities in unexpected places.

Stay connected with Lukaj on LinkedIn to learn more.