Inside Data Centre Podcast

Send us a textIn this weeks episode I am joined by Cathal Quinn, Group Commercial Director at Moy Materials. We discuss how a chance meeting in a bar resulted in Cathal choosing a career in sales and how he has progressed to his current role with Moy Materials.We then discuss the importance of the roof to the overall data centre and how it is not simply a ‘lid on a shed’..  We also cover the changing demands from customers, the importance of relationships, supply chain challenges, and the future of the sector.Cathal gives a great insight into a critical aspect of the overall data centre structure. Support the showThe 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 a textIn this episode I am joined by Rees Westley, Head of Utilities at Business Critical Solutions. We discuss Rees' career and the importance of utilities within the data centre sector.Rees worked in a variety of sectors before he made the move in to data centres. We discuss how he developed his career and how he found the transition to the data centre sector.We then discuss all things utilities. We talk about the importance of utilities to the location of a data centre, the ever growing power demand, how geography impacts the availability of utilities, and how working with experts like Rees can offer various opportunities to data centre developers.Rees provides a great insight to the importance of utilities when developing data centres. Support the showThe 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 a textIn this episode I am joined by Ashley Buckland, Managing Director of JB Associates. We discuss Ashley's career and the changing role of a project management consultancy within the data centre sector. Ashley started his career within a major contractor and carried on his education while working in the industry. We discuss the benefits of studying while working and how having exposure to a number of roles can benefit your long term career.We then discuss JB Associates and the work they are doing within the data centre sector. We cover the changing role of a project management consultancy, the importance of client relationships, and the main challenges currently faced by developers.Finally we cover a number of key topics, including sustainability in the construction process, the design of facilities, risk management, and the importance of developing the next generation of talent. Support the showThe 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 a textIn this episode I am joined by Paul Haley, Chapter Lead - Critical Environments Operations at Spark in Auckland, New Zealand. We discuss Paul's career in the data centre sector and his recent article about the ongoing talent challenge.Paul has been working in the data centre sector for a number of years and he has great exposure to the operational aspect of the sector. We discuss how he started in the industry, how his role differs depending on the facility,  and how his career has developed.We then discuss Paul's article - 'The Skills shortage storm cloud looms'. We cover a number of topics discussed in the article;  including the exposure of the sector, retention, how to attract new talent to the sector, and the importance of diversity.We also touch on the New Zealand data centre market and how they are entering a period of significant growth.Paul is passionate about the sector and attracting new talent to join us in the world of data centres. Support the showThe 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 a textIn this weeks episode I am joined by Gary Tinkler, VP Sales & Marketing at USystems. We discuss Gary's career within the data centre sector and also how the industry needs to adapt to deliver improvements in efficiency and sustainability.Gary has spent 24 years working in the data centre sector and he has worked his way from an engineer to a VP of sales. We discuss Gary's journey and the lessons he has learnt along the way.We then discuss a number of the key challenges in the sector, including water usage, power demand, energy efficiency and the sustainability of the sector. We also touch on the talent challenge and what we need to do to attract more people to the sector.Gary is very passionate about the data center sector and he provides some excellent advice on how we all need to adapt to ensure long term sustainable growth.Support the showThe 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 a textIn this weeks episode I am joined by Frank O'Sullivan, Director at Linesight based in the US. We discuss Frank's career in the data center sector and the importance of developing talent to keep up with the ever increasing demand.Frank followed in his families footsteps into the construction industry and studied Construction economics and quantity surveying at University. Upon graduation Frank joined the Linesight graduate scheme.Linesight have provided the opportunity for Frank to work in various regions and he is now settled in Seattle, US and specializing within the data center sector.We also discuss what Linesight offer clients in the US and why they are an important part of the data centre sector, the key changes in the sector over the last 18 months,  and what we all need to do to increase the talent entering the data centre sector. Frank is clearly passionate about developing new talent and he provides a great insight to the career opportunities available within the sector.Support the showThe 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 a textIn this episode I am joined by Ciaran Flangan, Director at ISG Engineering Services. We discuss Ciaran's career in the data center sector and some of the key topics in the industry today.Ciaran studied Computer Science at University and started his career in an IT focussed position. We discuss how his career has progressed into the engineering and construction element of the sector and how his career has benefited by working in a number of regions.We then discuss some of the key topics in the industry, including energy consumption, water usage, the importance of improving the exposure of the industry, and the ever growing talent shortage.Ciaran has a great view of the industry and the ever changing demands of customers. He offers some excellent advice on how to develop a career in the sector and what we can all do to help the sector continue to move forward.Support the showThe 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 a textIn this weeks episode I am joined by Phill Lawson-Shanks, Chief Innovation Officer at Aligned. We discuss Aligned' new data center development in Chicago and the importance of innovation within the data centre sector.First we discuss Phill's career within the data centre sector, how he made the move from the UK to the US, and why he made the decision to join Aligned. Phill outlines the importance of innovation within the sector and how he keeps up to date with the latest technological developments.We then discuss Aligned' new 48MW data center campus development in Chicago. We discuss why Aligned made the decision to enter the Chicago region, the challenges of building hyperscale projects, and why now was the right time for Aligned to develop this facility.Finally we cover Aligned' Utah data center and discuss how the future looks for Aligned as an organisation: they are not stopping now!Support the showThe 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 a textIn this weeks episode I am joined by David Hirst, Group Executive of Macquarie Data Centers in Australia. We discuss Macquarie Data Centers as an organisation and the rapidly changing Australian data center region.David has developed a highly successful career within media and telecommunications and he is now the leader of Macquarie's major data center business.We discuss the development of Macquarie data centers and the importance of their strategically located data centers in Sydney and Canberra. David explains how they managed to continue expanding during the pandemic and how the future looks for the organisation.We then look at some of the key points of focus within the Australian market. David explains the importance of Australia as a location within the APAC region, how they are adapting to meet environmental and sustainability challenges, the geographical spread of data centers in Australia, and how they are managing the ongoing skills shortage.David is a passionate leader of what is clearly a people focused business. He provides a great insight into the Australian region and also how to be successful within the data centre sector.Support the showThe 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 a textIn this episode of the Hot Topics series I am joined by Nancy Lamb, Ed Cooke and Sarah Fox. We bring together the industry experts to discuss a solution to data centre procurement and commercial contracts.Nancy outlines the current challenges within the industry and her experience working closely with contractors and clients during the construction of major data centre facilities.  Nancy outlines the findings from a recent survey and the views of those working in the industry. Finally we discuss some solutions of how the industry can improve.Ed discusses the current contracts used within the industry with a particular focus on the benefits of using the alliancing model and why this would be a good model for the data centre industry to utilise going forward.Sarah demonstrates the benefits of using digital contracts and why the data centre industry needs to embrace this way of working. Sarah shatters the myth that digital contracts are simply an online form and outlines the significant benefits of using this technology.Finally we come up with a solution for how the industry can become a leader in the use of collaborative, streamlined, digital construction contracts. Support the showThe 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