In today’s conversation, host Kirk Offel sits down with Gauri Potdar, the dynamic co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer of GPC Infrastructure. Gauri shares her fascinating journey—from growing up in India to building a career at the intersection of energy, sustainability, and technology in Texas. Together, they dive into the intricacies of natural gas infrastructure for data centers, the evolving challenges and opportunities around energy and water in West Texas, and what it means to truly innovate in a rapidly shifting digital landscape.

For more about us: https://linktr.ee/overwatchmissioncritical

Today, Kirk Offel sits down with industry luminary Dean Nelson, founder of Infrastructure Masons, for an in-depth conversation that's all about the future of digital infrastructure, AI, and the power challenges shaping our industry. Whether you’re brand-new to the world of data centers or have decades of experience, this episode will open your eyes to the explosive growth we're witnessing right now—think doubling and tripling of capacity at speeds we've never seen before. Dean Nelson shares the inside story behind Infrastructure Masons, the creation of their groundbreaking industry report, and why building community and collaboration is more vital than ever. Follow Dean and iMasons: www.linkedin.com/in/deannelson/ [email protected] www.iMasons.org www.iMasons.org/publications socialaccord.org

In today’s episode of DCR, where we sit down with Bill Winsininski, the dynamic CEO of CWC Consulting and a proud Navy veteran. Hosted by Kirk Offel, with returning guest Mike Sarraille, this episode dives deep into the evolving landscape of the data center industry, exploring Bill’s fascinating journey from a Navy search and rescue to a champion for talent development and workforce training in the digital infrastructure space. For more about us: https://linktr.ee/overwatchmissioncritical

Today, host Kirk Offel sits down with Craig Pennington, CTO of Montera Infrastructure, and Joe Walsh, Montera’s Chief Delivery Officer, for an energetic, candid conversation about the future of data centers in the age of AI. With decades of combined experience across companies like PSINet, NTT, Equinix, Oracle, Digital Realty, and Facebook, Craig and Joe bring unique perspectives on how the industry has evolved — and where it’s heading next. For more about us: https://linktr.ee/overwatchmissioncritical

Today, host Kirk Offel is joined by Sean Hughes and Scott Yappen for a candid conversation that dives deep into the world of on-site power solutions, cutting-edge energy technology, and the evolving landscape of data center infrastructure. Wärtsilä, a powerhouse in the energy sector, steps into the spotlight as Sean and Scott share their journey of leading the charge for utility-scale natural gas engines that are reshaping the way data centers manage their energy needs. For more about us: https://linktr.ee/overwatchmissioncritical

Welcome back to DCR! In this episode, recorded live at the 10th annual DCAC in Austin, Texas, host Jesse Sargent sits down with Scott Cochran from Rosendin Electric and Joshua Bibb from Cumulus Digital Systems to dig into the future of data centers, the changing landscape of electrical contracting, and the innovations powering today’s hyper-scale builds. For more about us: https://linktr.ee/overwatchmissioncritical

Welcome to another episode of DCR! This time, we’re coming to you from the 10th annual DCAC conference, where host Kirk Offel sits down with Charles McCarthy, President of Mission Critical at Suffolk Construction. Charles brings nearly a decade of experience and offers a unique perspective on the evolving mission critical construction industry. For more about us: https://linktr.ee/overwatchmissioncritical

Welcome to a special episode of DCR, recorded live from the 10th annual Data Center Anti Conference in Austin, Texas! In this episode, host Jesse Sargent sits down with Daniel Aguirre, the Commercial Director at Nucor, to dive deep into the rapidly evolving data center industry and explore how Nucor—North America's largest steel producer—is helping drive unprecedented growth and innovation. For more about us: https://linktr.ee/overwatchmissioncritical

Welcome to a special episode of DCR, recorded live at the 10th annual DCAC conference. In this candid conversation, host Kirk Offel sits down with Chris Crosby, founder and CEO of Compass Data Centers for an unfiltered deep dive into what it really takes to build, scale, and lead in the data center industry. From tales of personal setbacks and the messy reality of leadership, to the lessons learned in failure and the power of building strong, accountable teams, Kirk and Chris open up about the challenges and triumphs that define the entrepreneurial journey.

For more about us: https://linktr.ee/overwatchmissioncritical

Today, we’re diving deep into the origins and evolution of the data center industry with two of its foundational leaders—Dave Ferdman, founder of CyrusOne, and Bill Stein, former CEO of Digital Realty, now both with Primary Digital Infrastructure. Hosted by Kirk Offel, this conversation isn’t just a stroll down memory lane; it’s a behind-the-scenes look at how two very different companies helped shape a multi-trillion-dollar global sector that powers the digital world.

For more about us: https://linktr.ee/overwatchmissioncritical

In this special edition episode of the Data Center Revolution, we’re catching up with Shae Persico, David Isaac, Marlee Bacon, and Michelle Ballesteros, who have all experienced incredible transformations in their careers over the past year. A lot has changed since the first Young Professionals roundtable—new faces have joined the team, roles have evolved, and the whole crew is now operating from an upgraded, brand-new office space. For more about us: https://linktr.ee/overwatchmissioncritical

On this episode of DCR, host Kirk Offel sits down with David Isaac, the president of the DCAC - Data Center Anti-Conference, for an in-depth conversation that peels back the curtain on one of the industry’s most disruptive and people-focused events. From David’s early days growing up in South Texas to his accidental entry into the data center world, listeners will hear how a college side gig at DCAC evolved into leading a conference that has changed countless lives—including his own.

For more about us: https://linktr.ee/overwatchmissioncritical

In today’s episode, host Kirk Offel sits down with Harry Beamish, founding partner of Pristine Energy, to dive deep into the fast-evolving intersection of energy and data centers. Harry shares his journey from the traditional power sector into the world of data centers and explains how Pristine Energy is bridging the gap by delivering low-carbon base-load power solutions powered by natural gas and carbon capture technology. For more about us: https://linktr.ee/overwatchmissioncritical

In this episode, host Kirk Offel sits down with Andy Davis for an insightful and candid conversation straight from the heart of the DCAC event in Ireland. Together, they pull back the curtain on the rapidly changing world of data centers—a sector Kirk compares to the new backbone of civilization, shaping everything from the way we stream our favorite shows to the meteoric rise of AI.

For more about us: https://linktr.ee/overwatchmissioncritical

In this inspiring episode, host Kirk Offel sits down with Jesse Sargent, President of Delivery at Overwatch, Army veteran, dad of four, and passionate builder of people and teams within the data center industry. Together, Kirk and Jesse explore the often-overlooked human side of the data center world—how our industry’s success depends not just on technology, but on the well-being and growth of its people. Jesse opens up about hitting rock bottom, the importance of accountability, and how small, consistent choices led to monumental changes in his life, career, and family. This episode isn’t just for those in data centers; it’s for anyone seeking motivation to reset, overcome setbacks, and become the best version of themselves. For more about us: https://linktr.ee/overwatchmissioncritical

Kirk Offel sits down with Daniel Thomas, CEO of GreenScale, one of Europe’s most ambitious new data center companies. In this candid conversation, Daniel shares his journey from a mechanical engineering student in London to leading large-scale data infrastructure projects across Europe. He dives into the meaningful vision behind GreenScale, exploring how their commitment to sustainability, renewable energy integration, and building a trusted team is helping them stand out in a rapidly evolving industry. For more about us: https://linktr.ee/overwatchmissioncritical

In today’s conversation, host Kirk Offel sits down with Ojonimi Bako, CEO and co-founder of Kaya AI, to dive deep into the intersection of technology, labor, and the rapidly-evolving construction and data center industries. Ojonimi shares his personal journey from Nigeria to the United States, building a unique perspective that blends tech innovation with hands-on construction experience.For more about us: https://linktr.ee/overwatchmissioncritical

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 needs

0:00 Introduction to Energy and Politics 3:24 State-Level Energy Challenges 7:34 The Complexities of Energy Opposition 12:33 Understanding Astroturfing in Energy 17:55 New Hampshire's Energy Landscape 26:01 Future of Renewable Energy in New Hampshire 33:41 Data Centers and Energy Demand 44:34 Balancing Energy Goals and Community Needs 54:42 New Hampshire's Energy Future and Exports 56:17 Data Centers and Energy Improvements 59:48 The Energy Demand Crisis 1:04:26 Local Development and Energy Projects 1:08:53 Energy Policy and National Security 1:12:57 The Engineer's Fallacy in Energy Projects 1:19:40 The Role of Community Engagement 1:23:15 Merging Data Centers and Energy 1:29:48 The Limits of Renewable Energy 1:39:10 Understanding Regulatory Structures 1:47:28 Skills for Future Opportunities in Energy For 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 Perrel https://www.linkedin.com/in/eamon-perrel-a8b8695/

Apex Clean Energy LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/apex-clean-energy/

Apex Clean Energy Website https://www.apexcleanenergy.com/

Goldman Sachs report on energy demand https://www.goldmansachs.com/pdfs/insights/pages/generational-growth-ai-data-centers-and-the-coming-us-power-surge/report.pdf

US Department of Energy https://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.com

Microsoft 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 Power 5:08 Power Generation Solutions 17:59 The Growing Demand for Data Centers 29:26 The Role of AI in Power Needs 37:53 Understanding Microgrids 50:51 The Future of Power and Microgrids 54:45 Microgrid Demand and Utility Dynamics 56:43 Reliability and Microgrid Solutions 59:26 Competing with Utility Providers 1:00:40 Temporary Power and Service Agreements 1:01:29 Microgrid vs. Traditional Power Solutions 1:04:55 The Role of UPS in Data Centers 1:07:31 Philosophical Perspectives on Microgrid Reliability 1:09:50 The Future of Microgrids in Data Centers 1:11:51 Fuel Supply and Market Dynamics 1:14:22 Addressing Demand Fluctuations 1:17:27 Navigating Regulatory Challenges 1:22:29 The Economics of Microgrid Operations 1:27:19 Ideal Customers and Geographical Considerations 1:31:11 Exploring Different Industry Applications 1:34:12 Microgrid Size and Scalability 1:39:05 The Future Landscape of Microgrids 1:43:45 Demystifying Microgrid Capabilities 1:48:36 Closing Thoughts and Industry Reflections

For 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