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

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

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 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

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 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

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

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

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

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 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 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

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 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.

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

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

Join Kirk and Mike Sarraille, CEO of Talent War Group, for part two of their discussion. They reflect on self-improvement, mental endurance, and the collective growth in navigating the complexities of the modern world. Delving into the implications of AI integration and technology in healthcare, they stress the need for a harmonious relationship between humanity and technology for future generations. Emphasizing the value of learning from failure, resilience, and effective leadership in fostering engagement and retention within organizations.

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

Kirk talks with Peter Gross, Managing Partner at PMG Associates, about how important power is for data centers, especially with all the energy needed for AI. They observe how the electrical grid is getting old and discuss the need to switch to more sustainable energy sources. Peter emphasizes the need for building eco-friendly data centers that don't produce carbon emissions, because of environmental impact concerns.

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