Data Center Revolution

Today, we're diving deep with Brigadier General (Ret.) Blaine Holt, also known as “Blaino,” for a no-holds-barred conversation that unpacks the intersection of national security, technology, and the future of AI. Whether you're an industry veteran, aspiring leader, or just curious about what's next for AI, national security, and technology, you'll find major insights—and plenty of food for thought—in this episode.For more about us: https://linktr.ee/overwatchmissioncritical

Dr. Derek Gaston is the Chief Computational Scientist for the Nuclear Science & Technology Directorate at Idaho National Laboratory (INL). He earned his Ph.D. in computational nuclear engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 2020, studying under advisors Dr. Benoit Forget and Dr. Kord Smith. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a data center insider, or just someone who cares about the future of energy and technology, get ready for a thoughtful, accessible, and powerful conversation that will change the way you think about nuclear energy and its role in the world to come.For more about us: https://linktr.ee/overwatchmissioncritical

Jennifer Reininger, Director of Acquisitions for CleanArc Data Centers, returns to the DCR Podcast to sit down with Kirk and discusses how after she felt stuck in her career, embarked on a journey of self-improvement and growth. By seeking inspiration and guidance from her peers, she revitalized her path, focusing on continuous learning and personal development.For more about us: https://linktr.ee/overwatchmissioncritical

Drew Biemer, Agency Director for Energy Facility Siting and Permitting for the State of New Hampshire, sits down with Kirk to talk about the pressing need for adaptations in the state's energy landscape amid rising demands and transitioning from coal to renewables, the challenges of "astroturfing," and the impact of data centers on energy needs0:00 Introduction to Energy and Politics3:24 State-Level Energy Challenges7:34 The Complexities of Energy Opposition12:33 Understanding Astroturfing in Energy17:55 New Hampshire's Energy Landscape26:01 Future of Renewable Energy in New Hampshire33:41 Data Centers and Energy Demand44:34 Balancing Energy Goals and Community Needs54:42 New Hampshire's Energy Future and Exports56:17 Data Centers and Energy Improvements59:48 The Energy Demand Crisis1:04:26 Local Development and Energy Projects1:08:53 Energy Policy and National Security1:12:57 The Engineer's Fallacy in Energy Projects1:19:40 The Role of Community Engagement1:23:15 Merging Data Centers and Energy1:29:48 The Limits of Renewable Energy1:39:10 Understanding Regulatory Structures1:47:28 Skills for Future Opportunities in EnergyFor more about us: https://linktr.ee/overwatchmissioncritical

The surging energy demands of data centers are transforming how power is sourced, managed, and delivered.We sit down with Eamon Perrel, Executive Vice President of Apex Clean Energy, to discuss power solutions for hyperscalers and data center operators. Eamon shares insights into the increasing role of wind and solar energy, the complexities of energy procurement, and the challenges of integrating renewables into the grid. We also explore the impact of regulatory hurdles, the emergence of microgrids, and how energy teams and data center teams are beginning to collaborate more closely than ever before.Key Takeaways:(06:12) Apex Clean Energy's transition from utilities to serving tech companies.(21:23) The role of virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs) in energy sourcing.(35:16) Hyperscalers and data center operators' approach to power procurement.(43:13) The potential of microgrids for more sustainable energy solutions.(55:47) The impact of regulatory barriers and misinformation on renewable energy adoption.(01:15:37) The rise of self-generation as a viable option for data centers.(01:27:48) Land acquisition and permitting challenges that slow renewable projects.(01:51:19) Future trends in energy procurement and evolving market structures.Resources Mentioned:Eamon Perrelhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/eamon-perrel-a8b8695/Apex Clean Energy LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/apex-clean-energy/Apex Clean Energy Websitehttps://www.apexcleanenergy.com/Goldman Sachs report on energy demandhttps://www.goldmansachs.com/pdfs/insights/pages/generational-growth-ai-data-centers-and-the-coming-us-power-surge/report.pdfUS Department of Energyhttps://www.energy.gov/Thank you for listening to “Data Center Revolution.” Don't forget to leave us a review and subscribe so you don't miss an episode. To learn more about Overwatch, visit us at https://linktr.ee/overwatchmissioncritical #DataCenterIndustry #NuclearEnergy #FutureOfDataCenters #AI

The rapid expansion of data centers is reshaping the industry, requiring new approaches to design, safety, and leadership. We're excited to have Doug Mouton, former Senior Eng Lead, Datacenter Design Engineering and Construction at Meta, as a guest on this latest episode of the “Data Center Revolution” podcast. Doug joins us with key insights into leadership, adaptability, and the evolution of hyperscale data-center construction. He also shares his journey from military service to leading large-scale infrastructure projects in the data center industry, highlighting key transferable skills along the way. Key Takeaways:(07:54) Military mindset builds strong leaders.(14:25) Veterans thrive in high-pressure environments.(25:32) Katrina exposed disaster preparedness gaps.(35:16) Microsoft shifted to cost-effective data center designs.(43:56) Data centers face growing energy challenges.(54:26) Safety-first culture boosts efficiency and morale.(01:21:43) Data centers must transition to hybrid cooling solutions.(01:42:09) AI needs ethical guardrails.Resources Mentioned:Fidelis New Energy | Website -https://www.fidelisinfra.comMicrosoft Azure -https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/Meta -https://about.meta.com/Jacobs -https://www.jacobs.com/National Guard -https://nationalguard.com/Jones Lang LaSalle -https://www.us.jll.com/Thank you for listening to “Data Center Revolution.” Don't forget to leave us a review and subscribe so you don't miss an episode. To learn more about Overwatch, visit us at https://linktr.ee/overwatchmissioncritical #DataCenterIndustry #NuclearEnergy #FutureOfDataCenters #AI

Kirk is joined by Pooya Kabiri, CEO of METIS Power, to discuss the increasing demand for efficient energy solutions in data centers, AI, microgrids, and the importance of collaboration.0:00 Introduction to METIS Power5:08 Power Generation Solutions17:59 The Growing Demand for Data Centers29:26 The Role of AI in Power Needs37:53 Understanding Microgrids50:51 The Future of Power and Microgrids54:45 Microgrid Demand and Utility Dynamics56:43 Reliability and Microgrid Solutions59:26 Competing with Utility Providers1:00:40 Temporary Power and Service Agreements1:01:29 Microgrid vs. Traditional Power Solutions1:04:55 The Role of UPS in Data Centers1:07:31 Philosophical Perspectives on Microgrid Reliability1:09:50 The Future of Microgrids in Data Centers1:11:51 Fuel Supply and Market Dynamics1:14:22 Addressing Demand Fluctuations1:17:27 Navigating Regulatory Challenges1:22:29 The Economics of Microgrid Operations1:27:19 Ideal Customers and Geographical Considerations1:31:11 Exploring Different Industry Applications1:34:12 Microgrid Size and Scalability1:39:05 The Future Landscape of Microgrids1:43:45 Demystifying Microgrid Capabilities1:48:36 Closing Thoughts and Industry ReflectionsFor more about us: https://linktr.ee/overwatchmissioncritical

Kirk sits down with Scotty Neil, president and co-founder of Horse Soldier Bourbon, to discuss his transition from a 17-year military career in Special Forces to entrepreneurship in distilling, how military training fosters teamwork and leadership in business, and the valuable contributions of veterans in entrepreneurship.0:00 Intro to the Journey 2:36 The Man Behind the Mic 5:10 Scotty's Military Background 8:17 Transitioning to Civilian Life 9:23 The Birth of Horse Soldier Bourbon 9:52 The Journey of Entrepreneurship 11:14 Understanding the Roots of Bourbon 13:14 The History of Whiskey Taxation 15:20 Lessons Learned in Special Operations 16:49 The Importance of Training Fundamentals 23:21 Bonds Forged in Service 25:16 Family Legacy and Military Heritage 29:03 The Impact of 9/11 55:45 Realities of the War on Terror 58:04 Proposals for Military Action 58:11 The Plan Against the Taliban 1:00:21 Hollywood and the Reality 1:05:15 The Script Dispute 1:07:21 Skills from Military Training 1:11:34 Creating a Nonprofit for Veterans 1:19:53 The Journey to the Distillery 1:24:55 Discovering Opportunities in Distillation 1:28:55 Crafting the Perfect Bourbon Bottle 1:43:24 Celebrating Brotherhood and Purpose 1:52:08 Reflections on the Army-Navy Game For more about us: https://linktr.ee/overwatchmissioncritical

Recorded with DCAC 2024, Kirk talks with Andy Kirby, DPR Construction, on the future of the construction industry. For more about us: https://linktr.ee/overwatchmissioncritical

Kirk is joined once again by Mike Sarraille, CEO and Founder of Talent War Group (recently acquired by Overwatch) to discuss his transition to the data center industry, the critical need for effective leadership training, particularly in the face of national security threats brought on by AI and technological demands, and the necessity of innovative approaches to leadership training to prepare the next generation of leaders. 0:00 Welcome to the Data Center World 2:12 The Excitement of Transition 6:00 Evolved Leadership in the Data Center 8:51 The Need for Leadership Training 14:07 The Role of Veterans in Industry 17:04 Understanding the Data Center's Impact 19:10 The Future of AI and Data Centers 22:07 National Security and Industry Growth 35:37 The Conversation Shifts to Nuclear Energy 43:27 China's Nuclear Advancements and Global Impact 51:49 The Long-term View of Global Relations 53:47 Preparing the Next Generation for Change 56:57 Technology's Unintended Consequences 59:52 The New Age of Warfare 1:00:06 The Evolution of Education 1:03:38 The Fifth Industrial Revolution 1:06:13 The Chinese Education System 1:13:07 Ethics in Warfare 1:14:42 The Impact of Social Media 1:22:00 AI and Job Opportunities 1:25:32 The Future of Leadership 1:30:13 The Military's Role in Society 1:32:57 The Need for Adaptability 1:44:49 The Generational Shift 1:51:30 Data Centers and National Security For more about us: https://linktr.ee/overwatchmissioncritical

Recorded with DCAC 2024, Kirk chats with Zachary Zawilla & David Velosa, Distributed Power Solutions, on building trust through reputation. For more about us: https://linktr.ee/overwatchmissioncritical

Dan Crosby, CEO and Founder of Legend Energy Advisors, joins Kirk once again to discuss the challenges at the intersection of energy demands and the data center industry, the rise of cloud computing and AI, and the importance of national security in energy independence. For more about us: https://linktr.ee/overwatchmissioncritical

Looking back at the most insightful and engaging moments from 2023. From reflections on the growth of the industry to a roundtable look at the future, take a trip down memory lane with Kirk and his guests. For more about us: https://linktr.ee/overwatchmissioncritical

Kirk sits down with Cinthia Kim, Program Manager at Google, top discuss her journey into the industry, her nonprofit, Patina Network, aimed at empowering Asian American women and minorities in tech through mentorship and support, and the importance of allyship and fostering inclusivity. 0:00 Introduction and Background 1:31 The Purpose of the Podcast 3:06 Meeting at DCAC 8:21 Growing Up in Queens 12:02 Traveling and Life Experiences 15:09 Expectations and Pressure 17:04 Choosing a Career Path 18:38 College Journey and Discoveries 24:43 Early Career and Claims Consulting 27:51 The Impact of AI on the Future 31:35 The Importance of Networking 34:59 The Evolution of the Data Center Industry 41:14 College vs. Real-World Experience 44:27 Transitioning to the Data Center World 46:46 Mentoring and Community Building 52:40 Honorary Membership 55:25 COVID and Community 56:23 Celebrating Heritage 58:55 Mentorship and Inspiration 1:06:02 The Purpose of Patina Network 1:13:32 Building a Strong Community 1:15:43 Scaling and Rich Experiences 1:24:55 The Impact of Technology 1:31:14 Entering the Industry 1:34:56 Allyship and Inclusion 1:39:31 Building a Supportive Network For more about us: https://linktr.ee/overwatchmissioncritical

David McCall, VP of Innovation at QTS Data Centers, joins Kirk on the show and reflects on his nearly 30-year career in IT, discussing the industry's evolution to cloud computing, highlighting the importance of agility and service-oriented approaches, and the need for organizations to foster belonging and empowerment among employees. For more about us: https://linktr.ee/overwatchmissioncritical

Kirk sits down in the studio with KC Mares, MegaWatt Consulting, as they discuss the evolution of power solutions, the current energy challenges facing operators, and the role of on-site generation and natural gas as cleaner alternatives. For more about us: https://linktr.ee/overwatchmissioncritical

Kirk is joined in the studio by Ken Moreano, CEO & President of Scott Data Center, and Bill Kleyman, CEO of Apolo, to chat about the evolving role of AI in data centers, the importance of education in adopting new technologies, real-world examples of AI applications, and the financial aspects of AI services. For more about us: https://linktr.ee/overwatchmissioncritical

Recorded LIVE from DCAC 2024, Jesse Sargent is joined in a roundtable with Charles McCarthy (National COO of Mission Critical, Suffolk), Brandon Gries (Director of Partnership at Cupertino Electric), George Banos (Head of Sales at Rugged Robotics), & Spot Dog. For more about us: https://linktr.ee/overwatchmissioncritical

Recorded LIVE from DCAC 2024, Jesse Sargent of Overwatch sits down with Trent Vaden, Director of Client Engagement at CAI For more about us: https://linktr.ee/overwatchmissioncritical

Recorded LIVE from DCAC 2024, Kirk sits down with Tobias Quaranta, Sr. Solutions Architect at Submer! For more about us: https://linktr.ee/overwatchmissioncritical

Recorded LIVE from DCAC 2024, Kirk talks with Dave Mitchell, Founder & CEO, XYZ Reality For more about us: https://linktr.ee/overwatchmissioncritical

Recorded LIVE from DCAC 2024, Joseph Pinzon of Overwatch chats with Saurabh Ladha, CEO at DOXEL For more about us: https://linktr.ee/overwatchmissioncritical

Recorded LIVE from DCAC 2024, Kirk is joined by Carsten Schrick (Managing Director, Innio Jenbacher North America) & Thomas Seeber (Director, Global Accounts & Technical Sales) from INNIO For more about us: https://linktr.ee/overwatchmissioncritical

Recorded LIVE from DCAC 2024, Kirk chats with David Bell, Vice President of Utility & Micro Grid Development, Voltagrid. For more about us: https://linktr.ee/overwatchmissioncritical

Recorded LIVE from DCAC 20234, Karli Waldon (COO at Overwatch) chats with Mark Gusakov (CCO, International Data Center Authority Advisory Board Governance Chairman, Nomad Futurist) and Freddy Padilla (Principal at Waterloo/MEP Engineering). For more about us: https://linktr.ee/overwatchmissioncritical

Join Kirk and Wes as they delve into the remarkable journey of Wes Cummins, the visionary founder and CEO of Applied Digital. Wes recounts his evolution from a childhood spent on a family potato farm in Southern Idaho to spearheading innovations in next-generation digital infrastructure. He discusses his early fascination with technology, which guided him from academics and athletics to a career in finance and tech. The conversation highlights Wes's pivot from Bitcoin mining to building high-performance data centers for AI workloads, especially in North America. Wes emphasizes the advantages of operating in smaller towns, like those in North Dakota, where Applied Digital contributes to local economies and creates high-paying jobs. As they explore the critical role of infrastructure in the evolving tech landscape, Wes paints a picture of a future where Applied Digital plays a key role in the global AI race, underscoring the importance of sustainable, community-focused innovation. Join Kirk and Wes as they delve into the remarkable journey of Wes Cummins, the visionary founder and CEO of Applied Digital. Wes recounts his evolution from a childhood spent on a family potato farm in Southern Idaho to spearheading innovations in next-generation digital infrastructure. He discusses his early fascination with technology, which guided him from academics and athletics to a career in finance and tech. The conversation highlights Wes's pivot from Bitcoin mining to building high-performance data centers for AI workloads, especially in North America. Wes emphasizes the advantages of operating in smaller towns, like those in North Dakota, where Applied Digital contributes to local economies and creates high-paying jobs. As they explore the critical role of infrastructure in the evolving tech landscape, Wes paints a picture of a future where Applied Digital plays a key role in the global AI race, underscoring the importance of sustainable, community-focused innovation. For more about us: https://linktr.ee/overwatchmissioncritical

Join Kirk and Wes as they delve into the remarkable journey of Wes Cummins, the visionary founder and CEO of Applied Digital. Wes recounts his evolution from a childhood spent on a family potato farm in Southern Idaho to spearheading innovations in next-generation digital infrastructure. He discusses his early fascination with technology, which guided him from academics and athletics to a career in finance and tech. The conversation highlights Wes's pivot from Bitcoin mining to building high-performance data centers for AI workloads, especially in North America. Wes emphasizes the advantages of operating in smaller towns, like those in North Dakota, where Applied Digital contributes to local economies and creates high-paying jobs. As they explore the critical role of infrastructure in the evolving tech landscape, Wes paints a picture of a future where Applied Digital plays a key role in the global AI race, underscoring the importance of sustainable, community-focused innovation. Join Kirk and Wes as they delve into the remarkable journey of Wes Cummins, the visionary founder and CEO of Applied Digital. Wes recounts his evolution from a childhood spent on a family potato farm in Southern Idaho to spearheading innovations in next-generation digital infrastructure. He discusses his early fascination with technology, which guided him from academics and athletics to a career in finance and tech. The conversation highlights Wes's pivot from Bitcoin mining to building high-performance data centers for AI workloads, especially in North America. Wes emphasizes the advantages of operating in smaller towns, like those in North Dakota, where Applied Digital contributes to local economies and creates high-paying jobs. As they explore the critical role of infrastructure in the evolving tech landscape, Wes paints a picture of a future where Applied Digital plays a key role in the global AI race, underscoring the importance of sustainable, community-focused innovation. For more about us: https://linktr.ee/overwatchmissioncritical

Join Kirk and Kevin as they delve into the intricate world of modern technology, exploring its impact on our daily lives and the future of innovation. They discuss the latest advancements in artificial intelligence, how it's shaping industries and the ethical considerations that come with it. Additionally, they explore the dynamic intersection of technology and human behavior, examining how digital tools are transforming communication, work, and leisure. Their conversation also touches on emerging trends in tech and what they mean for both businesses and individuals, offering insightful perspectives on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. For more about us: https://linktr.ee/overwatchmissioncritical

Join Kirk and Scott as they delve into a fascinating discussion with Scott, CEO of Caddis Cloud Solutions, exploring his journey from military service to leading the data center industry. Scott shares his background from a military family, his transition from the Marine Corps to corporate project management, and his insights into the evolving data center landscape. We discuss the industry's shift toward higher density systems, the rise of renewable and nuclear energy solutions, and the increasing demand for data-driven infrastructure. Scott highlights his company's role in bridging gaps between landowners and tech operators, emphasizes the need for innovative power solutions, and addresses the impact of emerging technologies like AI on the workforce. His vision for the future includes collaboration, sustainability, and advancing the tech sector with a focus on both innovation and societal responsibility. For more about us: https://linktr.ee/overwatchmissioncritical

Join Kirk and Emil Sayegh as they discuss Emil's remarkable journey from an immigrant from Lebanon to proudly becoming a U.S. citizen and serving the country through his leadership in the tech industry. Emil shares his path from mechanical engineering to product management, ultimately leading three Data Center and Managed Services companies as CEO. The conversation delves into the evolution and challenges of the data center industry, highlighting the critical need for sustainable energy solutions to address power consumption and efficiency issues. They explore the importance of smart algorithms, the evolution of managed services, and customer-centric approaches, with insights from Emil's experience at Rackspace. Key topics include capital management, talent acquisition, cloud services, AI integration, and robust security practices, along with reflections on software glitches and outdated systems. The discussion underscores the balance between technological progress and ethical governance, emphasizing the role of human values and optimism in addressing global challenges through technology.

Join Marlee, Shae, David, and Isaac as they share their journeys entering the data center industry, emphasizing adaptability and interpersonal skills. The conversation highlights the industry's evolving values, stressing the importance of openness, learning, and inclusivity as well as the critical need for younger talent to help drive innovation and growth. Speakers advocate for embracing challenges, continuous growth, and a supportive community that values diversity and personal development within the data center sector.

In this DCAC Europe Special Episode, Kirk and Cathal reveal the story behind their transatlantic partnership, the exciting journey of DCAC Europe's inception, the reason behind bringing it to Dublin, Ireland, and their motivations and challenges faced in organizing an industry leading conference in a new country. For more information visit- https://europe.dcac-live.com. For sponsorship inquires email marlee@dcac-live.com Thank you to our Title Sponsor MCIS - Mission Critical Interior Solutions, Inc. provides interior architectural solutions for data, cloud, and mission critical centers across North America. We offer everything from polished, epoxy, and sealed concrete to raised flooring, hot/cold aisle containment, and high-density ceiling grid. We also install raised access flooring in office spaces and provide underfloor air distribution testing to commission spaces - https://mcis-inc.com For more about us: https://linktr.ee/overwatchmissioncritical

Join Kirk And Cathal Quinn, as they share deeply personal stories and experiences. They emphasize the value of educational podcasts aiming to inspire and inform their audience about complex subjects within data centers and industry advancements. Cathal reflects on his upbringing, which shaped his strong work ethic and resilience, highlighting its impact on his perspective and advocacy for mental health and veteran support. Kirk shares his journey in the data center sector, stressing the role of individuals in driving innovation. They explore personal struggles such as addiction and mental health challenges. They stress the importance of balance, self-care, and open communication in leadership and personal life, underscoring the power of storytelling in fostering empathy and understanding. Thank you to our Title Sponsor MCIS - Mission Critical Interior Solutions, Inc. provides interior architectural solutions for data, cloud, and mission critical centers across North America. We offer everything from polished, epoxy, and sealed concrete to raised flooring, hot/cold aisle containment, and high-density ceiling grid. We also install raised access flooring in office spaces and provide underfloor air distribution testing to commission spaces - https://mcis-inc.com For more about us: https://linktr.ee/overwatchmissioncritical

Join Kirk and Joe, as they Detail Joe's journey from a farm in Michigan, to leading a data center company in Dallas. Transitioning from tech roles at Disney and Amazon to spearheading AWS's expansion into Asia and how it changed his decision-making approach. They also speak on optimizing data center locations for connectivity and efficiency and explore the data center industry's evolution. They emphasize the fusion of cloud computing and AI and the growing demand for skilled professionals in companies like Digital Bridge and Databank. They also discuss the societal impact of technology in education and healthcare, envisioning AI's role in revolutionizing service delivery through energy solutions like hydrogen and geothermal sources. Wrapping up they discuss its impact on industries like weather prediction and drug development, emphasizing the need for employee investment and growth-centric cultures. Thank you to our Title Sponsor MCIS - Mission Critical Interior Solutions, Inc. provides interior architectural solutions for data, cloud, and mission critical centers across North America. We offer everything from polished, epoxy, and sealed concrete to raised flooring, hot/cold aisle containment, and high-density ceiling grid. We also install raised access flooring in office spaces and provide underfloor air distribution testing to commission spaces - https://mcis-inc.com For more about us: https://linktr.ee/overwatchmissioncritical

Join Kirk, Sydney, and Jenny as they discuss self-care through the 30-30-4-30 walking challenge, emphasizing its transformative benefits. They highlight setting boundaries, resilience, and the importance of community support. The conversation extends to military to civilian life transitions, healthy workplace cultures, and mentorship in the data center industry.

Join Kirk and Mason Ward, President at 6Fathoms Consulting, for DCR's 100th Episode! In this episode they dive into the importance of adaptability and individual strengths, transitioning to the data center industry, and the demand for skilled professionals and advocate for education to meet industry needs. Highlighting AI's impact, Kirk and Mason emphasize foundational trades as pathways to leadership. Addressing nuclear power perceptions, they stress bold decision-making and team loyalty for sustainable growth. Thank you to our Title Sponsor MCIS - Mission Critical Interior Solutions, Inc. provides interior architectural solutions for data, cloud, and mission critical centers across North America. We offer everything from polished, epoxy, and sealed concrete to raised flooring, hot/cold aisle containment, and high-density ceiling grid. We also install raised access flooring in office spaces and provide underfloor air distribution testing to commission spaces - https://mcis-inc.com For more about us: https://linktr.ee/overwatchmissioncritical

Join Kirk and Mason Ward, President at 6Fathoms Consulting, for DCR's 100th Episode! In this episode, they discuss Mason's journey from being an undisciplined student to excelling in the Navy's nuclear program. highlighting the benefits of military training and the valuable skills it instills in you. They explore diverse career paths and commend Mason's innovative approach to success. Thank you to our Title Sponsor MCIS - Mission Critical Interior Solutions, Inc. provides interior architectural solutions for data, cloud, and mission critical centers across North America. We offer everything from polished, epoxy, and sealed concrete to raised flooring, hot/cold aisle containment, and high-density ceiling grid. We also install raised access flooring in office spaces and provide underfloor air distribution testing to commission spaces - https://mcis-inc.com For more about us: https://linktr.ee/overwatchmissioncritical

Kirk and Jim explore the profound impact of artificial intelligence on various industries and processes, enhancing efficiency and accuracy. They discuss the ethical considerations surrounding AI's decision-making capabilities, emphasizing the necessity of developing responsible and unbiased AI systems. For more about us: https://linktr.ee/overwatchmissioncritical Thank you to our Title Sponsor MCIS - Mission Critical Interior Solutions, Inc. provides interior architectural solutions for data, cloud, and mission critical centers across North America. We offer everything from polished, epoxy, and sealed concrete to raised flooring, hot/cold aisle containment, and high-density ceiling grid. We also install raised access flooring in office spaces and provide underfloor air distribution testing to commission spaces - https://mcis-inc.com

Kirk and Jim discuss the importance of building a talented team for personal and professional growth. They reflect on leadership evolution, highlight exceptional team members, and explore Cyrus One's industry journey. Touching on energy demands and technology advancements. For more about us: https://linktr.ee/overwatchmissioncritical Thank you to our Title Sponsor MCIS - Mission Critical Interior Solutions, Inc. provides interior architectural solutions for data, cloud, and mission critical centers across North America. We offer everything from polished, epoxy, and sealed concrete to raised flooring, hot/cold aisle containment, and high-density ceiling grid. We also install raised access flooring in office spaces and provide underfloor air distribution testing to commission spaces - https://mcis-inc.com

Kirk and Adam discuss the impact of regulations on the data center industry, emphasizing the transformative capacity of data centers and the importance of education to attract a skilled workforce. Highlighting the industry's positive narrative to inspire future generations and exploring the significance of having a "plan A" in life and promoting data centers as a viable career choice.

Kirk is joined by Adam Black as we follow his journey from working with companies like Facebook and Google, to his Current position as Senior VP of design and construction at TA Realty. In this episode they touch on learning from your mistakes, how to build a good company culture, and how ai is changing the landscape for data centers going forward.

Dan Lombardo, Sr. MEP Preconstruction Manager at The Beck Group, and guest host Anthony Garcia, President of Overwatch Hyperscale, continue their conversation about mental health, mentorship, and how Dan got into the industry. Discussions on recognizing destructive patterns, seeking help when needed, and finding purpose as essential steps towards mental well-being. For more about us: https://linktr.ee/overwatchmissioncritical

Dan Lombardo, Sr. MEP Preconstruction Manager at The Beck Group, and guest host Anthony Garcia, President of Overwatch Hyperscale, shared insights on addressing mental health, particularly in the construction industry, where high suicide rates are prevalent. They stress the need for proactive mental health support programs, such as the ASK program implemented by Beck Construction, focusing on awareness and support. Destigmatizing mental health issues, effective communication in counseling, and the significance of proper diagnosis and treatment. See Dan's slides here: https://archive.org/details/mental-heath-stats--dcr For more about us: https://linktr.ee/overwatchmissioncritical

Kirk continues the conversation with Daniel Crosby, founder and CEO of Legend Energy Advisors, as they highlight the challenges and opportunities in infrastructure projects, power generation, and data centers, and stress the need for a deep understanding of the energy ecosystem. Their discussion delves into the role of data centers in driving change in power consumption, emphasizing the importance of educating consumers on energy usage and transparent pricing signals. With the importance of understanding gas dynamics, leveraging real-time data, and upcoming industry shifts due to AI and cloud adoption, they underscore the interconnected nature of industries. For more about us: https://linktr.ee/overwatchmissioncritical

Kirk is joined with Daniel Crosby, founder and CEO of Legend Energy Advisors, to unravel the complexities of power metrics, natural gas usage, and the evolution of energy consumption, shedding light on key industry insights. Diving into repurposing existing infrastructures for data centers and navigating market dynamics, they discuss scenarios during extreme weather events and the impact on gas and power systems. For more about us: https://linktr.ee/overwatchmissioncritical

Kirk is back with Rhea Williams, Chief Commercial Officer for E3 Platforms, to discuss the impact of technology's industrial revolution compared to revolutions of the past. Shedding light on the expanding infrastructure projects by major companies, the challenges in building power plants and interconnected microgrids, and the initiatives promoting diversity and inclusion in the industry. They also highlight the necessity for creating more leadership opportunities for women, promoting confidence, and empowerment through practice and representation in male-dominated industries, encouraging women to speak up and be heard.For more about us: https://linktr.ee/overwatchmissioncritical

Rhea Williams, Chief Commercial Officer for E3 Platforms, joins Kirk to discuss Rhea's transitions from fashion and real estate into the data center industry. They speculate on the future of the industry, underlining the significance of innovation, community involvement, and strategic planning in adapting to the rapidly changing technological environment.  For more about us: https://linktr.ee/overwatchmissioncritical

Kirk is back with Tammy Yang, EVP of Delivery at Compass Datacenters, to discuss the transition from military to civilian life and the importance of supportive company environments. They also emphasize creating veteran training programs, continuous improvement, and the value of diverse backgrounds in the construction industry. For more about us: https://linktr.ee/overwatchmissioncritical

Kirk sits down with Tammy Yang, EVP of Delivery at Compass Datacenters, who discusses her journey from a small town in New York to the Navy, shaped by diverse experiences--including encounters with General Colin Powell. They discuss the military's role in developing leadership and resilience through challenges and deployments. For more about us: https://linktr.ee/overwatchmissioncritical

In part 2 of Kirk's interview with Cathal Quinn, Group Managing Director at Moy Materials, they delve into the importance of mental health in the workplace and the need for a more holistic approach to managing employees. For more about us: https://linktr.ee/overwatchmissioncritical

Cathal Quinn, Group Managing Director at Moy Materials, joins Kirk to share his insights on transitioning from business-to-consumer sales to business-to-business channel sales, emphasizing the importance of respect, trust, and loyalty in building strong client relationships. For more about us: https://linktr.ee/overwatchmissioncritical