

Inside Data Centre Podcast
Andy Davis
My name is Andy Davis and I am the host of the Inside Data Centre Podcast. On this podcast I will interview the people working in the data centre sector across the globe and tell their stories.. How did they first enter the sector? How have they developed their career? What are the challenges faced by the industry as it rapidly expands? What advice can they give others looking to work in the sector? If you work in the data centre sector, or you want to work in the sector, then this is the podcast for you.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 17, 2021 • 38min
Jeffrey Tay, SpaceDC: The growing importance of ESG.
Send us a textIn this episode I am joined by Jeffrey Tay, Executive Vice President at Space DC based in Singapore. Jeffrey provides a great insight to the APAC region and the drive to improve sustainability and ESG (Environmental, social, and governance).Firstly we discuss how Jeffrey started his career as an engineer and entered the data centre sector. He quickly moved into a sales role and he has developed a highly successful career within strategy and development.We then discuss SpaceDC and their growth plans within the APAC region. Jeffrey outlines the challenges around developing in emerging markets and how the region is witnessing a significant increase in activity.Finally we discuss ESG and the impact it will have on the future of data centre development. Jeffrey is very passionate about the industry working together to ensure ESG targets are met. This is a great listen and it provides an excellent insight to the APAC data centre region.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

Sep 3, 2021 • 40min
Steve Hayward, Cyrus One: We need to 'pull back the curtains'.
Send us a textIn this weeks episode I am joined by Steve Hayward, Senior Director European Operations at CyrusOne. Steve shares his insights to the the operational side of data centres and his views on how the sector can move forward in the coming years.Steve started his career with an apprenticeship in the aviation engineering sector prior to developing a successful career in the data centre sector. Steve shares his advice on how you can transition from another sector to data centres and why the skills you gain in other sectors can be very beneficial in the world of data centres.We also discuss the impact of covid on the operational side of the sector, the amazing job the engineers have done during this period, and what positives we can take from the effects of the pandemic.Finally we cover the ongoing talent challenge and discuss how we can attract more people to the sector. It is time to pull back the curtains!Steve offers some great advice on how you can develop a career in data centres and what the sector needs to do to ensure it can keep up with the 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

Aug 27, 2021 • 38min
Eric Bell, Baxtel.com: Creating a data centre community
Send us a textIn this weeks episode I am joined by Eric Bell, CEO and Founder of data center information platform Baxtel.com. Eric has created a data center community platform that provides insight and information to the data centre sector. We discuss how Eric started his career in the sector and why he decided to establish Baxtel. Eric outlines how he took the concept from an idea to a reality. We then discuss a number of trends within the sector and how Baxtel.com can help customers make a more educated decision. Eric gives an insight into the trends he is currently seeing in the sector and how these trends will impact the long term growth. We also touch on which geographies are seeing the investment and why demand is moving away from the standard tier one regions. Eric is very passionate about data centres and he has created an amazing platform. This episode gives an excellent insight into the data centre sector.Make sure you check out Baxtel.com - https://baxtel.com/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

Aug 20, 2021 • 38min
David Liggitt, DataCenter Hawk: An inside view of the Data Center sector
Send us a textIn this episode I am joined by David Liggitt, CEO & Founder of DataCenter Hawk. David offers a great insight into the current trends of the sector and what he is hearing from his own conversations with leaders in the industry. We discuss how David started his career in the data centre sector and how he took DataCenter Hawk from an idea to a reality.We then cover what DataCenter Hawk offers to the industry and why data is so important when making high value decisions. We also talk about the importance of content to the company and how they have become a leader in the data centre content space.Finally we talk about the key trends in the sector, the changing geography of developments, and the future of the industry as a whole.Not many people have such a holistic insight into the sector and David gives some amazing detail on exactly where the industry is today and what we can expect in the future.Check out DataCenter Hawk here - https://www.datacenterhawk.com/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

Aug 13, 2021 • 36min
Cathal Quinn, Moy Materials: The first line of defence of the building.
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

Aug 6, 2021 • 37min
Rees Westley, Business Critical Solutions: Utilities in Data Centres
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

Jul 30, 2021 • 43min
Ashley Buckland, JB Associates: You are only as good as your last job
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

Jul 23, 2021 • 38min
Paul Haley - Spark New Zealand: The skills shortage storm cloud looms..
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

Jul 16, 2021 • 44min
Gary Tinkler - USystems: Delivering improvement in efficiency and sustainability
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

Jul 2, 2021 • 38min
Frank O'Sullivan - Linesight in the US: Managing the talent challenge
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


