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Not Your Father’s Data Center

Not Your Father’s Data Center

Hosted by Compass Chief Customer Officer, Raymond Hawkins, Not Your Father’s Data Center doesn’t only talk about data centers, but anything and everything of interest in our industry..

Compass Datacenters

81 episodesEN

Show overview

Not Your Father’s Data Center has been publishing since 2020, and across the 6 years since has built a catalogue of 81 episodes. That works out to roughly 50 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a monthly cadence.

Episodes typically run thirty-five to sixty minutes — most land between 33 min and 43 min — and the run-time is fairly consistent across the catalogue. None of the episodes are flagged explicit by the publisher. It is catalogued as a EN-language Technology show.

The show is actively publishing — the most recent episode landed 5 days ago, with 5 episodes already out so far this year. The busiest year was 2021, with 18 episodes published. Published by Compass Datacenters.

Episodes
81
Running
2020–2026 · 6y
Median length
38 min
Cadence
Monthly

From the publisher

Hosted by Compass Chief Customer Officer, Raymond Hawkins, Not Your Father’s Data Center doesn’t only talk about data centers, but anything and everything of interest in our industry.

Latest Episodes

View all 81 episodes

Solar Power's Role in the Future of Digital and Energy Infrastructure

Jun 9, 202644 min

Ep 50Revolutionizing Data Centers with Nuclear Solutions

In this episode, Raymond Hawkins, Chief Revenue Officer at Compass Datacenters, sits down with Matt Loszak, co-founder and CEO of Aalo Atomics. Matt Loszak shares his personal journey from growing up with severe asthma in Ontario—an experience that inspired his fascination with nuclear energy after coal plant closures led to both cleaner air and the end of his symptoms. His career spans from nuclear engineering studies to successful tech entrepreneurship, and eventually back to his roots in the energy sector with Aalo Atomics.The discussion explores the current and future challenges of powering rapidly scaling data centers, focusing on the unprecedented demand for clean, scalable electricity. Topics include the limitations of the current grid, the viability of modular and “extra modular” reactor technologies, and the promise of vertically integrated nuclear solutions. Matt Loszak offers deep insights into Aalo’s business model, the economics of on-site power generation, and the transformative potential of fast, factory-built nuclear power for the data center industry.Timestamped Overview00:00 Intro & Matt’s Background03:55 From software to nuclear impact07:16 Engineering Leader in Nuclear Innovation11:16 Nuclear Power The Future Answer16:28 Revolutionizing SMRs Lessons from SpaceX17:19 Vertical integration to solve delays21:15 Smaller plants over gigawatt nuclear24:50 Configurable real-time power solutions28:50 Pipeline vs power grid infrastructure31:37 Energy challenges in industry operations35:27 Nuclear the big picture solution39:56 Optimal small nuclear innovation40:35 Aalo’s customer-focused design approach

Apr 8, 202643 min

Ep 49Decarbonizing Digital Infrastructure for Sustainable Data Centers

In this episode, host Raymond Hawkins, Chief Customer Officer at Compass Datacenters, sits down with Miranda Gardiner, leader of the iMasons Climate Accord. Miranda Gardiner brings a rich international background—having lived and worked across Iowa, Germany, San Francisco, Abu Dhabi, and more—with deep expertise in sustainability, architecture, and green building initiatives. Her journey includes significant work at the U.S. Green Building Council and hands-on involvement with sustainable projects worldwide.The conversation explores the rapidly evolving role of data centers in a world increasingly focused on power demand, decarbonization, and environmental responsibility. Topics span the exponential growth in data center energy needs, nuclear and renewable energy’s place in the power mix, and the critical importance of sustainable materials and supply chains. Raymond and Miranda discuss the collaborative structure of the Climate Accord—including governing bodies and working groups—addressing how the industry is innovating toward measurable climate goals, equipment standards, and new ways to balance digital growth with planetary stewardship.Timestamped Overview00:00 Sustainable Design and Global Impact06:20 Solo hike in Austria09:48 Capturing Energy from Lightning10:49 Fortuitous Career Transition Story13:52 Collaborative Leadership in Decarbonization17:55 Strategic Alliances for Clean Energy21:50 Powering Digital Interactions at Scale23:55 Energy challenges and perceptions29:10 Industry Leaders Drive Climate Action32:07 Building a Greener Future Together33:48 Equipment and Environmental Collaboration38:03 Responsible Digital Infrastructure Insights

Mar 11, 202638 min

Ep 48Dynamic Power Solutions for the Future of Energy Storage

In this episode, Raymond Hawkins, host of Not Your Father's Datacenter, sits down with Dr Sai Shivareddy, CEO and founder of Niable. Dr Shivareddy shares his fascinating journey from India, through his academic pursuits in physics and nanomaterials at Cambridge, to founding Niable with a focus on revolutionary battery technology.The discussion centers around the dramatic rise in power density within data centers, the historical shift from lead acid to lithium-ion batteries, and their respective challenges—especially in the face of rapidly spiking AI and GPU workloads. Sai explains Niable’s breakthrough material, enabling batteries to recharge in minutes while maintaining safety and high power density. The pair explore the urgent industry need for new solutions to manage dynamic, unpredictable power loads and introduce Niable’s dynamic response power systems as a novel bridge between supercapacitors and batteries. The episode offers practical insights on how innovative materials science can redefine power management in the next-generation data center.Timestamped Overview00:00 Intro & Dr Shivareddy’s background 04:51 From lab to real world06:38 Data centers growing power demand10:23 Energy Storage Capacitors vs Batteries15:22 UPS vs BBU power comparison17:27 Battery stress at full capacity20:13 GPU power surge trends25:33 Voltage conversion in power systems27:56 Dynamic Power Regulation System30:17 Power System Design and Optimization34:43 Optimizing GPU power efficiency36:06 Power solutions for dynamic workloads

Feb 17, 202637 min

Ep 47Live From PTC ’26 | Data Center Trends with datacenterHawk

The video is an episode of "Not Your Father's Data Center" hosted by Raymond Hawkins, who is joined by David Liot, CEO and founder of Data Center Hawk, and the company's global leadership team at the PTC conference in Hawaii. Data Center Hawk is a subscription-based platform providing data and analytics on supply, demand, pricing, and trends for over 115 global data center markets on a quarterly basis.The discussion focuses on the challenges and trends in the global data center business, particularly regarding power and the impact of the AI boom, with a regional breakdown provided by the Data Center Hawk team.Key Regional Insights on Power and Trends:APAC (Asia-Pacific), led by Daddy Escandar:Power situations are unevenly distributed.Tier one markets like Japan, Singapore, and Australia face similar issues to the US, with power delivery timelines extending to 8–10 years or as fast as 1–2 years.Grid quality is also unequal, leading to the use of non-traditional power sources in tier two markets like Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand, and India.A significant project is Google's announced 5-gigawatt data center in India, which requires massive grid upgrades in the Chennai region.AI is viewed differently across the region, and many new deployments (45-50%) are being designed as "AI ready," giving the region the luxury of time to prepare before the customers arrive.Nuclear energy is not yet popular, though SMR (Small Modular Reactor) technology is being assessed in Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia as a fast option for energy where grid quality is poor.Latin America (LATAM), led by Steve Sass:Brazil is the largest market, accounting for 40-45% of the region. It is well-set up for power, with growth spreading from São Paulo and Rio to tier two markets.The region benefits from submarine cable capacity and interconnection, which draws development to coastal areas.Mexico faces power constraints, specifically transmission issues, in areas like Querétaro, with some large data center companies unable to sell space due to expected power delays of one or two years.Transmission is the biggest constraint.Private companies may charge high interconnection fees ($800–$1,000 KVA) for connecting to a substation in an industrial park.Argentina may see investments due to the discovery of the second-largest natural gas reserve in the south, potentially mirroring the growth in West Texas.Most countries in LATAM (Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay) have 80-95% renewable energy, primarily from hydro (50-70%).LATAM is waiting for the AI "wave" to hit, as connectivity is needed first; Chinese cloud companies are growing capacity rapidly in the region.North America, led by Ed Soja:Power constraints are regional; Texas has exploded with projects in West Texas (Abilene, Amarillo) and South Dallas, due to the adoption of natural gas as a power source.Projects are moving to tertiary, non-traditional markets due to power availability, such as P Washington, Wisconsin, and Santa Teresa, New Mexico.Large-scale gigawatt developments are still occurring, but there's a return to 20–50 megawatt deployments following a hub-and-spoke model.Natural gas is currently used in the US as a "bridging power solution" to get projects running quickly in constrained markets until utility power is available. Its adoption is shaping development locations.There is a shift toward nuclear power, with hyperscalers acquiring and talking about building reactors. The host predicts significant nuclear data center projects in the US by 2030.EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa), led by David Saunders:The main challenge is finding available land and power in suitable locations.Data center operators are partnering with power companies to solve generation, transmission, and distribution challenges.Europe has a lot of planned capacity, but the timeline for power delivery is uncertain.The planning and regulatory framework is complex, and a shortage of skilled labor is also a factor.The legacy FLAP-D markets (Frankfurt, London, Amsterdam, Paris, Dublin) are slowing down, particularly Dublin due to a political moratorium. Emerging markets like Nordic and Southern Europe (Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece) are gaining momentum.The UK government has dedicated data centers as critical national infrastructure, which could speed up the regulatory process.The Irish government recently announced that large energy users can apply to develop gas power plants to support their businesses.The Middle East is an emerging market with exceptional growth. Saudi Arabia and UAE are the two major markets, with plans for multi-gigawatt campuses. The region aims to become the AI hub connecting Asia and Europe.Outlook on the AI Boom:.David Liot (CEO, Data Center Hawk) predicts a 3-to-5-year window for the current "straight up" AI boom, constrained by supply and alternative energy pathways.The key factors to track globally are: who has the power, who has the money (for billion-dollar projects),

Jan 22, 202648 min

Ep 46Beyond Generators – Building Energy Ecosystems for Tomorrow

In this episode, Raymond Hawkins, Chief Revenue Officer at Compass Datacenters, sits down with Brad Meissner, Director of Product Management at Generac and proud Milwaukee native. Brad shares his journey from growing up as a farm kid in southeast Wisconsin to earning a mechanical engineering degree from the Milwaukee School of Engineering, and ultimately leading Generac’s industrial stationary generator line.The discussion explores Generac’s bold entrance into the data center market with the recent launch of high-capacity (2.25–3.25 MW) generator sets—addressing pressing supply chain and lead time challenges within mission-critical power. Brad delves into Generac’s evolution from primarily consumer backup power solutions into a fully-fledged energy technology company, including strategic acquisitions in smart controls and microgrid systems. The conversation also highlights Generac’s agility in manufacturing, its commitment to local production in Wisconsin, advances in monitoring and managed services, and the growing role of sustainable fuels like HVO.Timestamped Overview00:00 Intro & Brad’s Generac Career Journey04:38 Celebrating Generact at Summer Fest07:58 Evolving into an Energy Tech Company10:42 Generac's Rapid Strategic Entry14:08 Streamlining Standby Power Lead Time18:35 UK's Leading Generator Control Supplier19:44 HVO: A Versatile Fuel Alternative23:20 Exciting North American Expansion Strategy

Nov 4, 202524 min

Ep 45NVIDIA's Role in AI, Energy, and the Data Center Evolution

In this episode, Raymond Hawkins, Chief Revenue Officer at Compass Datacenters, sits down with Mark Spieler, Senior Managing Director of Global Energy Industry at NVIDIA. Mark shares his unique background, from growing up in Minnesota and working at Cray Research and Silicon Graphics, to a 13-year tenure at Halliburton across commercial, finance, and mergers and acquisitions roles, before joining NVIDIA in 2019 to lead their global energy business.The conversation explores the rising impact of AI on energy consumption, positioning data centers as the new “AI factories”—manufacturing knowledge with data and electrons as raw materials. Mark discusses Nvidia’s evolution from gaming hardware to high-performance computing and AI platforms, unlocking efficiencies and new capabilities. Key topics include energy efficiency gains in AI workloads, the future of nuclear power and SMRs for data centers, grid optimization, and the transformative economic and social potential of AI. The episode offers deep insights into the intersection of technology, energy, and the data center industry’s future.Timestamped Overview00:00 Intro & Marc’s Background03:44 Corporate Transition to SGI08:26 Career Transition: Halliburton to NVIDIA12:04 From Gaming to AI Platform Leader16:03 AI Empowering Industries, Not Replacing17:47 AI Enhancing Legal Profession Tasks22:44 AI Cost Decline and Adoption Shift23:33 Data Center Consolidation and AI Efficiency27:53 NVIDIA’s Energy Solutions Collaboration30:36 Nuclear Energy: Safe and Underappreciated34:21 How NVIDIA is Innovating Energy Solutions

Oct 8, 202536 min

Ep 44The AI Boom, Power Crunch and the Rise of Data Ecosystems

In this episode, Raymond Hawkins welcomes back Bill (Vitaly) Kleyman—CEO and founder of Apolo, industry thought leader, and data center prognosticator extraordinaire. Bill shares his personal journey, from immigrating to the U.S. as a Ukrainian refugee fleeing the Soviet Union, to becoming a leading voice in tech innovation and AI. The conversation opens with reflections on Ukraine’s ongoing conflict and its impact on Bill’s family.The discussion pivots to the explosive growth and renaissance in the data center sector, driven by surging AI demand. Raymond and Bill cover topics such as power constraints, rack density, the rise of liquid cooling, and the shift toward AI-powered solutions for enterprise and public sector challenges. Bill also explores practical AI use cases Apollo is delivering, from improved municipal services and sentiment analysis to cutting-edge applications in agriculture and finance. The episode offers an energetic, forward-looking perspective on the future of data center infrastructure and AI.Note: This conversation was recorded in June; references to the Ukraine–Russia conflict reflect the situation at that time and may not fully reflect the present moment.Timestamped Overview00:00 Intro & Bill’s Background07:10 Ukraine/Russia: Defending Against Constant Assaults12:54 Honor Ukraine's Security Guarantees14:02 Ukraine Conflict Outcome Scenarios22:23 Military Concerns Over Peace Deal25:14 Untapped Potential of Generative AI26:38 Exploring AI's Practical Applications31:26 AI & Data Centers' Power Demand33:27 Powerful Shift in Data Centers36:45 Leveling the Corporate Tech Playing Field42:09 Reaching Next-Level Data Center Efficiency45:12 AI Usecases 54:55 Scalable, Meaningful Infrastructure Partnership56:21 Democratizing AI: Expanding Possibilities

Sep 9, 202559 min

Ep 43From Inertia to Innovation: What Data Centers Need to Know About Grid Health

In this episode, Raymond Hawkins, Chief Revenue Officer at Compass Datacenters, sits down with Marc Borrett, co-founder and CEO of Reactive Technologies. Marc brings a fascinating background spanning electronics innovation, telecom engineering, and the energy sector. Having launched technology ventures from battery chargers to Star Wars toys, Marc’s journey led him from semiconductors to tackling the evolving challenges of modern power grids.The conversation explores the global energy transition, focusing on how the shift from traditional, fossil-fuel-based generation to renewables has transformed grid dynamics. Marc explains the increasing complexity of grid management, the need for real-time data, and the importance of measuring and maintaining grid stability in a world of distributed, less predictable energy sources. The dialogue delves into Reactive’s unique approach—leveraging grid physics to both communicate with and monitor assets at the grid’s edge—and how understanding grid strength and stability can shape smarter investments, operational decisions, and data center siting in an energy-constrained world.Timestamped Overview00:00 Entrepreneurial Journey in Electronics03:46 Chip Innovation Sparks NFC Revolution09:55 Energy Management for Carrefour14:27 Grid Communication Challenges Explored18:53 Power Station Grid Stabilization Explained21:43 Grid Stability in Energy Transition25:58 Optimizing Grid Signal Integration28:44 Accurate Real-Time Grid Measurement33:08 Time-of-Use Tariffs & Demand Trends34:30 U.S. Energy Demand: Duck Curve

Jul 29, 202539 min

Ep 42Evolving Data Center Cooling for AI

Today we welcome Dave Rubcich, Global Vice President of Key Accounts at Vertiv to discuss the innovative partnership in cooling between Vertiv and Compass Datacenters©. Raymond and Dave explore the evolution of data center cooling technologies from the 1980s to the present, into the transition from traditional air cooling to modern liquid cooling methods while addressing the increasing thermal demands of AI-powered data centers. They highlight the innovative Cool Face Flex solution—formerly referred to as the DH400—a hybrid unit offering unmatched flexibility in accommodating both air and liquid cooling without altering data center designs.Throughout the episode, insights into data center energy efficiency, the technological journey from Liebert to Vertiv, and the significance of adaptable cooling solutions are offered, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of current data center cooling trends.Timestamped Overview00:00 Intro03:38 Pivot from Engineering to Sales06:54 Liebert's Early Talent Development Program11:06 Tech Advances in Room Temperature Efficiency14:42 Optimizing HVAC Efficiency and Control17:19 Emerson's Network Power Divestment23:28 Evolution of Cooling in Computing26:54 Pumped Refrigerant Breakthrough29:33 Outdoor DSE Pump Solution31:01 Flexible Chilled Water Unit Development

Apr 15, 202536 min

Ep 41Data Center Industry Trends: What's on the Horizon from PTC '25

Host Raymond Hawkins is live from the picturesque PTC 2025 in Honolulu, Hawaii, joined by three seasoned industry experts: Martin Antunez from LATAM Entry LLC, David Liggit from datacenterHawk, and Barro Luitjes from KevlinX.Martin, the founder and CEO of LATAM Entry LLC, provides insights into the Latin American data center ecosystem, focusing on subsea cables, land developers, and fiber providers. The discussion highlights the region's fast-growing market, the substantial investments in infrastructure, and the challenges like energy tariffs and government regulation.David Liggit, founder and CEO of datacenterHawk, offers a comprehensive view of the North American data center market. The conversation explores the unprecedented growth driven by AI, emerging secondary and tertiary markets, and the importance of holistic strategies for power and community relationships.Barro Luitjes, strategy head at KevlinX, discusses the European data center landscape, emphasizing the shift to underserved regions due to regulatory constraints in traditional markets. He also talks about the importance of educating stakeholders and partnering with power providers for sustainable growth.Timestamped Overview00:00 Intro & Driving Data Center Growth LATAM04:42 Bridging US and Latin America07:42 Streamlining Deal-Making Insights09:33 Navy Influence: From Law to Finance14:59 Colombia's AI Implementation Bill Insights16:56 AI-Driven Infrastructure Expansion21:21 Regulation-Driven Market Shifts24:22 European Employment Strategy Explained28:16 Power Partnerships in Industry29:36 Energy Strategy Development in Queretaro34:34 Data Center Benefits and Opportunities37:19 Optimizing Europe's Data Center Strategy

Jan 21, 202540 min

Ep 40Beyond the Cloud: Data Centers' Economic Impact vs. Policy & Sustainability

In this discussion, Raymond Hawkins, Chief Revenue Officer at Compass Datacenters, engages with Dr. Terry Clower, a distinguished professor of public policy at George Mason University, who also serves as the director of the Center for Regional Analysis and the Stephen Fuller Institute.The conversation delves into the strategic considerations for data center siting and land use, contrasting U.S. practices with European models. Dr. Clower provides insights on the essential role of data centers in the data economy and their impact on regional development.The dialogue touches upon critical issues like power consumption and sustainability, highlighting power planning, renewable energy sources, and the potential to revitalize nuclear infrastructure. The significance of data centers in modern economic development strategies is discussed, especially their influence on local tax bases and low infrastructure strain.Overall, the discussion offers valuable perspectives on how municipalities can integrate data centers into their economies, emphasizing long-term planning and the evolving landscape of utility and energy demands.Timestamped Overview:00:00 Intro00:52 Navigated unstable job market, transitioned to logistics.04:49 Recruited to lead Center for Regional Analysis.08:28 Varied localities' attitudes impact economic development approaches.12:20 Buddy Reiser navigates data center challenges locally.15:25 All data centers need careful land allocation.17:59 Renewables insufficient; old infrastructure revived due to demand.19:43 Data centers’ demand reshaping power industry dynamics.22:51 Exploring nuclear solutions to reduce waste.26:18 Data center proximity doesn't affect property value.30:28 Adapt to data economy or face constraints.35:27 Minor adjustments can help economies grow again.37:41 Northern Virginia's electrician apprenticeships thrive, creating jobs.

Dec 10, 202440 min

Ep 39Deepening Veteran Expertise for Data Center Excellence

In this engaging episode, Raymond Hawkins, Chief Revenue Officer at Compass Datacenters, interviews Kirk Offel, CEO, and founder of Overwatch.The conversation delves into Kirk’s illustrious military background, highlighting his tenure on the USS Memphis submarine, rigorous deployments, and transition to civilian life. Kirk recounts the challenging yet rewarding experiences at sea and the unique leadership and technical skills honed through military service.Topics include the military's role in fostering discipline and the significant technological advancements veterans bring to civilian industries. Kirk shares insights on his decision to leave a traditional career to establish Overwatch, emphasizing the value of veteran-owned businesses.The discussion explores the evolving tech landscape, veterans' adaptability, and the importance of continuous learning. Raymond and Kirk also reflect on honoring Vietnam veterans, the significance of supportive communities in veteran transitions, and the inspiration behind founding the Data Center Anti Conference (DCAC).Timestamped Overview00:00 Intro01:09 Kirk’s background04:13 Military service inspires veteran entrepreneurship and community.09:36 Gen Z surpassing Baby Boomers in workforce.10:44 Military offers advanced tech training without war risks.16:32 Navy offered broader options than SEER training.18:33 Submarine community: intellectual, rigorous, challenging, competitive.20:54 Real deployments with impactful military missions.25:35 Vietnam vets deserve respect and gratitude.29:33 Lead with empathy and adaptability during transitions.30:37 Community collaboration empowers veterans for meaningful careers.34:25 Empowering veterans through community, networking, and conferences.37:59 Helping veterans is my purpose-driven mission.40:36 Kirk's invite prompts fear of workout readiness.

Nov 11, 202442 min

Ep 38Data Centers and Energy: Addressing Growing Demand and Power Constraints

In this episode, Raymond Hawkins sits down with Ed Socia, North American Insight Director for datacenterHawk. With a background in community development and sustainability from the University of Vermont, Ed transitioned from managing renewable research platforms to working with top data center teams, including a pivotal role at CBRE.The conversation explores the transformative impact of the pandemic on the data industry, driving remote work and digital transformation. Ed discusses the increased demand for data centers, fueled by technologies like AI, and the resulting power constraints in emerging markets. The dialogue transitions into the complexities of power location planning, the potential of nuclear energy for data centers, and the hurdles posed by regulatory and community acceptance.Ed and Raymond highlight the roles of utilities and tech companies in addressing power demands, emphasizing transparent development and long lead times. They also touch on tracking competitor strategies and the importance of market intelligence.

Jul 16, 202426 min

Ep 37The Road Ahead for Digital Infrastructure

Today, host Raymond Hawkins chats with Mike Netzer, VP of Sales at datacenterHawk, a professional with a diverse background, from managing pension portfolios to diving deep into the data center industry. Originating from the Northeast with stints in Idaho, Connecticut, Florida, and Texas, Mike brings a rich mix of experiences and insights to the table.The dialogue meticulously covers a range of timely topics concerning the data center industry. Mike and Raymond delve into the increasing demands on power generation driven by growing data center capacities and touch upon the economic shifts brought on by large tech deals, specifically in the realms of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The significance of viewing data centers as critical infrastructure similar to roads and water treatment facilities is comprehensively analyzed, reflecting on their indispensable role in modern societies. The discussion further explores the impact of AI on technological advancements, the potential adaptability of nuclear energy in data centers, and the broader implications of energy pricing on the industry's economic viability.

Jun 18, 202439 min

Ep 36Veteran Stories and the Mission Critical Mindset with Garett Jaco and Wayne Watson

In this Memorial Day special episode, host Raymond Hawkins holds a profound conversation with seasoned data center experts Garett Jaco, a Marine Corps veteran with a strong background in nuclear weapons security and marine security, and Wayne Watson, vice president of North American operations at Compass Datacenters, with a past in the Navy as a nuclear electrician.The dialogue dives into the intersection of military experience and data center proficiency. Tapping into their naval and military backgrounds, Watson and Jaco discuss the transferable skills that veterans bring to the industry, focusing on meticulous attention to detail and the importance of procedure adherence in handling critical equipment.The episode also explores the personal army stories, illuminating the lighter side of their service, and the conversation turns toward the serious topic of mental wellness within the industry.Thoughts on Memorial Day close the conversation, honoring war fighters' sacrifices and advocating for support and de-stigmatization of mental illness post-combat. Overall, this exchange offers a unique perspective on the untapped talent of veterans in the data center sphere and the essential correlation between military service and industry excellence.

May 27, 202433 min

Ep 35The Foundations of Digital Infrastructure with George Rockett

In this engaging episode, Raymond Hawkins, the Chief Revenue Officer at Compass, is joined by George Rockett, the founder of DatacenterDynamics & Co-Founder of Yotta.George shares his journey from being a humble advertising salesperson to the inception of DatacenterDynamics magazine in 1998. Their conversation unfolds to cover the evolution of enterprise data centers, the burst of the .com bubble, and the concept of zero downtime. The historical context of data centers and the early days of technology are discussed, shedding light on the industry's development and perception over time.With some fantastic analogies, the episode delves into topics such as systems thinking, integrating polymaths to address industry challenges, and the urgency for quicker action due to vast opportunities. George presents his innovative endeavor, Yotta, and stresses the unification of language and communication within the digital infrastructure industry. George’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-rockett-b18a3b4/?originalSubdomain=uk

Feb 22, 202435 min

Ep 34Innovations in Data Center and Electrical Systems Management with Phanney Kim Brevard

In this discussion, Raymond Hawkins, Chief Revenue Officer at Compass Datacenters engages with Phanney Kim Brevard, Chief Strategy Officer and newly appointed Chief Information Officer, of ETAP-Operation Technology at Schneider Electric. The conversation delves into the complex world of data center management and electrical systems. ETAP, a hardware-agnostic software company acquired by Schneider, specializes in designing and simulating electrical systems for various industries, with a focus on energy optimization, compliance, and safety.The dialogue touches upon the significance of digital twins in modeling and simulating electrical systems, providing real-time insights and ensuring operational efficiency. The hardware-agnostic nature of Etap's solutions is emphasized, allowing connectivity with diverse power systems. The conversation also highlights the importance of a centralized platform for stakeholders in the data center value chain, ensuring a shared and accurate version of the truth. The episode concludes with a reflection on the evolving landscape of technology and the transformative impact of digital twins on electrical system management. Overall, the discussion offers valuable insights into the critical role of innovative software solutions in enhancing the safety, sustainability, and efficiency of data center operations.Phanney’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phanneykimbrevard/

Jan 23, 202432 min

Ep 33College Football Bowl Preview Picks

In this episode, Raymond dives back into the world of college football as the playoffs take center stage. Joined by esteemed guests Mike Baudendistel, Director of Sales for the Data Center sector at Bloom Energy, and Buddy Rizer, the Executive Director of Economic Development in Loudoun County, Virginia, the episode promises a lively discussion on the recent playoff selections.As the first week of December unfolds, we take a break from the tech talk to share insights on the college football landscape. From Michigan's anticipated presence to the controversies surrounding Florida State's exclusion, Raymond, Mike, and Buddy provide a unique blend of humor and expertise.Join the conversation as they break down the committee's decisions, discuss the surprises and snubs, and prophesize the outcomes of the season. Whether you're a die-hard football fan or just looking for a fun departure from the data center discussions, this episode promises some good old fashion sports banter.

Dec 11, 202351 min

Ep 32Powering the Future: Navigating Data Center Energy Consumption

In this episode, we dive into the world of data centers, and their energy consumption, with Govi Ramasamy, Executive Director & Power Generation for Data Centers at Cummins Inc. Govi is a distinguished authority in the realm of data center sustainability and energy efficiency, bringing over two decades of expertise to the table.With degrees in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering and an MBA from Northwestern University, Govi's career has been dedicated to unraveling the complex challenges posed by data center energy use. He has been at the forefront of developing innovative solutions to reduce environmental impacts while enhancing operational efficiency.Govi sheds light on the evolving landscape of data center technology. From advancements in cooling and power management to the latest trends in renewable energy integration, he discusses the dynamic strategies being employed to make data centers more sustainable.They then talk about the critical importance of optimizing data center energy consumption, particularly in the digital age. His extensive knowledge and forward-thinking ideas make this episode essential for those intrigued by the energy dynamics of data centers and their profound implications for our environment and technology-driven world.Govi’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/goviramasamy/

Nov 28, 202337 min