Nomad Futurist

Nomad Futurist
Nomad Futurist Podcast

The nomads put a new spin on the tech genre by shining a light not only on technology but also on the human side of the digital age. Tune in if you find yourself thinking about how to integrate into the digital landscape and be a part of the evolving industry. For over two decades, Phil and Nabeel have provided a powerful catalyst for organizations to create a vision of the future and the will to innovate. As futurists, they deliver a dynamic and entertaining vision of change, blending technology, economics, demographics, culture, and human nature. With real business experience and a deep understanding of technology, the two nomads know the difference between science fiction and useful forecasting. Rather than focusing on the distant future, they devote themselves to scanning the horizon for emerging technologies and disruptive shifts in human behavior, thereby sharing a compelling vision of tomorrow’s opportunities.

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    Taking Action in Digital Infrastructure

    Santiago Suinaga, CEO of Infrastructure Masons (iMasons), shares his compelling journey into the digital infrastructure sector during his recent appearance on the Nomad Futurist podcast with hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence. This episode takes on added significance in light of the newly announced partnership between iMasons and Nomad Futurist, two organizations dedicated to shaping the future of digital infrastructure. Suinaga’s early fascination with technology, influenced by his father's passion, set the stage for his future career. Growing up in Mexico City, he was among the first kids to have a computer at home, an experience that laid the groundwork for his future in the field. His entry into the data center industry was an unexpected turn during his business studies. He landed an internship at KIO Networks, Mexico's leading data center operator, initially in marketing and sales: "I started as an intern, basically on the marketing and sales side of things… I was like the interim role supervising operations and nonetheless, my background wasn't technical.”This blend of business acumen and technical curiosity set Suinaga apart, leading to increased responsibilities. He shares his commitment to learning, and pursuing certifications in data center design and management. Suinaga further emphasizes the importance of putting technical concepts into applicable terms for stakeholders: "You need to translate to their financial language, to their business strategy language." The conversation turns to Suinaga’s involvement with Infrastructure Masons in 2018, inspired by Dean Nelson's founding of the association. Particularly motivated by the Climate Accord initiative, which aims to unify industry efforts toward achieving net-zero goals, Suinaga reflects: “I was one of the lucky ones that were present when the Climate Accord was born. And I remember that was a game-changing moment in my mindset because I remember I thought it was going to be another AC meeting.” Suinaga's current leadership position at iMasons stems from a profound realization about his role in the industry. Reflecting on his two decades of experience, he shares a pivotal moment of self-awareness: "For almost twenty years, [I’ve been| sitting here waiting for somebody else to figure it out and solve some of the challenges we have in our industry. Let somebody else figure it out… But I said, well no, let’s play a more active role and… give back to the industry.”  Suinaga's journey emphasizes the value of lifelong learning and adaptability. The collaboration between iMasons and Nomad Futurist enhances this mission in developing the next-generation workforce in the field. Connect with Santiago on LinkedIn and stay updated on his journey with iMasons. Nomad Futurist and Infrastructure...

    37 min
  2. 3 SEPT

    Solving Problems, Shaping Futures

    Anna Claiborne, SVP of Network Tooling and Automation at Zayo, shares her journey and insights on the Nomad Futurist podcast with co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence. Her career path has been shaped by her love for tackling complex issues and her experiences in both startups and corporate America. Claiborne's interest in technology was sparked by early experiences with video games and computer hardware. Her academic path took a surprising turn when she pursued a bachelor's degree in genetics with a minor in computer science. This distinctive combination was inspired by an article about sequencing the human genome, which she read in sixth grade. She recalls thinking even then, "If you could build humans from code, essentially, or anything, any life, all life we have on this planet is built from DNA, which is essentially a language, like a computer language. If you could master that, you could build life."Claiborne's career has spanned both startup and corporate environments, with a focus on software and infrastructure. She worked for a bank in the IT department as well as being part of the team that built Tower Records. Notably, she mentions, "At the time, towerrecords.com was bigger than Amazon for selling music." This experience provided valuable insights into how technology can disrupt established industries. Claiborne reflects on the challenges faced by traditional businesses in adapting to digital changes, particularly in the music industry. Claiborne specifically emphasizes her love for problem-solving, highlighting this interest as a core aspect of her personal and professional identity: "I really am a problem solver. And I think you'll hear a lot of engineers say that. It's a very common theme with engineers. But when I was really forced to think about it, I enjoy problems and I enjoy, like taking them apart, looking at them from different angles and then figuring out not just a solution, but all possible solutions.” This fundamental aspect of her personality has not only influenced her professional choices but has also been a guiding force in her approach to technology and innovation. Throughout her journey, Claiborne has consistently sought out opportunities that allow her to engage with challenging issues and develop creative solutions, particularly in startups: "I've done a lot of startups as part of that – because startups are the best space that we have in this capitalistic society to explore problems and be able to pick them apart, and do all these things and still make a good living and support yourself and your family.” Anna Claiborne's journey showcases the evolving nature of technology and the importance of adaptability in the face of industry disruptions. Her unique blend of genetics and computer science knowledge, coupled with her problem-solving approach, has positioned her at the forefront of technological innovation. Stay connected with Claiborne on LinkedIn.

    50 min
  3. 26 AUG

    Transforming Careers in Data Centers

    In a special episode of Nomad Futurist, host Nabeel Mahmood interviews Indigo Pinto – Nomad Futurist Ambassador and QA/QC Committee Chair, and Program Director of BVPI (Bureau Veritas Group Primary Integration) – who offers a unique perspective on her transition from mechanical engineering to the data center sector, reflecting her dedication to innovation and growth. Pinto’s initial passion for mechanical engineering, inspired by a childhood fascination with cars, led her to internships at Chrysler and Harley Davidson. Despite these experiences pointing towards a career in automotive engineering, Pinto found herself drawn to the data center industry after a recruiter recognized her skills and potential. This shift allowed her to explore new challenges and contribute to a field she now finds exhilarating. “I honestly thought that I wasn't smart enough to be in data centers. I always thought it was just a big white building with no windows, and who knows what goes on in there? It's like the World of Oz.”At BVPI, Pinto embraces the role of an “Emerger,” focusing on cultivating emerging projects and clients. Her role is pivotal in providing the necessary support to project managers and laying a solid foundation for projects that show potential. Her innovative approach reflects her commitment to nurturing growth and helping shape future industry leaders. “And that is what my job is, to help give [my clients] the legs [to stand on] and give the support to our project managers as needed.” Pinto is passionate about the continuous learning opportunities within the data center sector. She finds the industry’s rapid evolution both challenging and rewarding, offering new insights and personal growth. Pinto’s enthusiasm for sharing her knowledge with the next generation underscores her belief in the sector’s transformative potential and her dedication to fostering innovation. “Every day I have learned something new. Either it is about the industry itself, about me and my career, how to develop myself as a leader, how to effectively communicate – every day I've learned something new. So that kind of excites me and I can share that excitement, hopefully, with the next generation.” Towards the end of the podcast, Pinto addresses professional assumptions and stereotypes, highlighting her “I am Mr. Pinto” campaign emphasizing her commitment to

    13 min
  4. 19 AUG

    Advancing Women in Tech

    In a recent Nomad Futurist podcast, hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence explore the challenges women face in the data center industry – particularly around attracting, retaining, and advancing female talent – with Melissa Olson, Data Center Solutions Leader at Belimo Americas. Leveraging over two decades of expertise in mechanical and control systems, Olson highlights the need for better support and clear career pathways, especially for women balancing motherhood with their careers. Olson shares concerning accounts, such as instances where job offers were rescinded due to pregnancy, highlighting the urgent need for the industry to foster a more accommodating and supportive environment. “Women [need to] know that there is a path for them if they want to be a mother, as well to be a mother and be in the data center space.”Mentorship and company culture were identified as critical factors in retaining women in the industry. Despite holding high positions, Olson describes many women feeling a lack of clear advancement opportunities, often due to the absence of visible mentors. She underscores the necessity for companies to beyond rhetoric and actively support women through flexible work arrangements and empathetic leadership, enabling them to balance personal and professional responsibilities. “Our focus is really helping women in the data center space, helping them grow, helping them find mentorship, helping them find the path for them to not only stay in the data center space but thrive in the data center space.” The episode concludes with a call for cultural change and early engagement with younger generations to introduce them to the industry. Olson emphasizes the importance of moving towards a more performance-based evaluation system, where employees are judged by their output rather than physical presence, and the need to inspire future talent to pursue careers in this vital sector. “The older generation I used to say that they used to measure their success by the number of cars in the parking lot or the number of…. seats in the offices. That's certainly started to change quite a bit and particularly in our sector… At the end of the day, the most important thing… It's culture. And it's respect and being empathetic, right? And trusting people, that's the most important thing.” Olson calls for a paradigm shift in how the data center industry supports and advances women. She highlights the critical need for a culture that values empathy, trust, and flexibility, ensuring that women, particularly those balancing motherhood, can thrive in their careers. Connect with Olson and stay updated on her ongoing efforts to drive positive change in the industry.

    39 min
  5. 5 AUG

    Pioneering Inclusive Workplaces

    Nancy Novak, Chief Innovation Officer at Compass Datacenters, joins Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence at Nomad Futurist Podcast to share her extensive experience and perspectives on the importance of diversity and inclusion in the tech and construction industries. As a champion of gender diversity in these traditionally male-dominated fields, Novak offers valuable insights into the practical steps companies can take to foster a more inclusive workforce. After a three-and-a-half-year retirement hiatus, Novak reentered the field with a focus on challenging the status quo, attending influential conferences – like Wall Street Journal's Women in the Economy and FORTUNE Most Powerful Women events – providing her with fresh insights and strategies for cultivating diversity and driving meaningful change across multiple industries: “I struggled with the whole lack of diversity and I was really trying to learn ‘what is it?’ Because I just blamed our industry… [but] I started seeing these common threads… outside of my industry… And I started to empower myself with some more firsthand knowledge.” From these global interactions at conferences and various experiences, Novak learned that the challenges related to diversity in her industry were not unique but part of a broader systemic issue. She further explains that simply attributing the lack of diversity to the industry's inherent difficulties was insufficient and instead, she suggests actively seeking ways to attract more diverse talent and implementing strategies to disrupt the existing norms: “If we just have a more diverse perspective – because we’re not all thinking the same and experiencing life in the same way – can we be more innovative and can we solve more problems? And I think now it’s more acceptable, that’s absolutely the case.” Later in the episode, Novak critiques the Olympic, “Thank You Mom” commercials for failing to represent working mothers, suggesting to viewers that mothers must choose between having a career or raising an Olympic athlete: “I’ve armed myself with some knowledge and I said… [the commercial] is kind of restrictive on one individual. I mean, the Olympic athletes are great… but you should represent more of the real society.” Novak's continues to underscore the critical role of diversity and inclusion in transforming the tech and construction sectors. Novak calls for a collective effort to challenge existing norms and embrace diverse perspectives, ultimately driving innovation and encouraging a more inclusive industry landscape. Stay connected with Nancy Novak on LinkedIn, and discover more insights on her “Extending the Ladder” podcast, bringing female leaders together to offer advice and inspiration to other professionals.

    40 min
  6. 22 JUL

    Adapting and Thriving in the Digital Infrastructure World

    In this engaging episode of Nomad Futurist, hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence sit down with Ray Sidler, the Chief Executive Officer at DataVerge. With over two decades of experience in data center operations and management, Ray Sidler brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep understanding of the evolving landscape of digital infrastructure. Sidler discusses his early beginnings in web hosting from a small office in Brooklyn to scaling up to a significant data center facility. He highlights challenges, including power issues and growth pains, as well as humorous anecdotes about their former company name, ColoGuard, which led to unexpected challenges with a similarly named medical product. “We changed our name, and I guess our marketing got better, our image got better. This was also the same time when Jamestown and Belvedere Capital came into our complex and completely revamped our six million square foot of space.” Sidler recounts pivotal moments in his career, notably the challenges faced during power outages and infrastructure failures. These critical incidents forced Sidler and his team to innovate and adapt to further evolve their company, which later included rebranding and strategic partnerships that fueled growth amidst industry challenges. “There hasn't been any outages in quite some time, and the complex has just flourished, and there are thousands of people here, and the ecosystem grew.” Throughout the episode, Sidler puts a strong emphasis on building long-term client relationships based on trust and reliability. His personal commitment to customer service and responsiveness set a high standard in the industry. “People can call me at two o’clock in the morning and they know that I will pick up the phone. And the same thing with Ruben (Ruben Magurdumov, COO and Co-Founder of DataVerge). And they’ll email me and I’ll respond to their emails right away. And that's the trust that we've built with the customers and the long-lasting relationships that we have.” Sidler’s journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of resilience, strategic decision-making, and unwavering commitment to client satisfaction in the data center industry. As the digital infrastructure landscape continues to evolve, these insights are invaluable for professionals and businesses navigating the complexities of the sector. Stay connected with Ray Sidler on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

    49 min
  7. 8 JUL

    From Dot-Com Boom to AI

    In the latest episode of Nomad Futurist, Founder and Managing Director of Structure Research, Philbert Shih, shares with Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence a wealth of insights and reflections spanning his extensive career in the data center sector. From entrepreneurial beginnings to navigating industry shifts and embracing digital transformation, Shih’s journey offers invaluable lessons for professionals in the tech industry. Reflecting on his early days in the dot-com era, Shih highlighted the pivotal moments that shaped his career trajectory: “Tech journalism, or stories and articles about this burgeoning, emerging, new, exciting technology platform called the internet that is the next industrial revolution. And I thought, wow, okay, that resonates. That makes sense in terms of opportunity and career path.”Shih elaborates on the evolution of the data center landscape, emphasizing the impact of major events and technological advancements: “The first phase – the dot com, kind of, empty data centers – gave rise to a lot of smart people and fortunate people to get into the sector… Get assets with pennies on the dollars, build those assets over time, monetize them, and continue to help drive sectors, growth, [etc.].” Later addressing the sector’s response to the global pandemic, Shih underscores the acceleration of digital transformation and its implications for future trends: “The global pandemic gave rise very quickly to the accelerated adoption of computing… That’s why our branding is all about – our event is called – infra/STRUCTURE. It’s called Structure Research because the physical infrastructure is always going to need to be there.” Phil Shih’s journey from entrepreneurial beginnings to industry leadership offers a compelling narrative of resilience, adaptation, and innovation within the data center industry. His reflections on past experiences, current challenges, and future trends provide invaluable insights for industry professionals navigating an increasingly complex and dynamic landscape. As the sector continues to evolve, Shih’s vision for the future underscores the critical role of technology, infrastructure, and human connections in shaping the digital economy of tomorrow. Connect with Phil Shih on LinkedIn to stay up to date on Structure Research and infra/STRUCTURE Summit 2024, taking place at the Wynn Las Vegas.

    48 min
  8. 24 JUN

    The Dynamic Role of Relationships

    In this insightful episode of Nomad Futurist, hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence meet with John Bonczek, a seasoned professional with a rich background in sales and data centers, currently at fifteenfortyseven Critical Systems Realty (1547). Bonczek's journey, marked by his sales prowess and his experiences navigating the evolving data center landscape, offers valuable lessons for those in the tech industry. Reflecting on his early career, Bonczek recounts how he leveraged his sales expertise from the telecom industry to carve a niche in data centers. His ability to create opportunities and build lasting relationships was a significant factor in his success: "I’ve developed friendships in places like that – dinners, lunches, socials – or just getting out and meeting them at their office and just in person shaking hands. There is absolutely no substitute.”Bonczek also shares his observations on the critical role of partnerships and ecosystems in driving growth and innovation in the data center industry. Moreover, he elaborates on improving the dynamics between internal teams throughout this digital era, via team-building exercises and bonding activities: “I worked with one of my best friends who was in operations at Telx for a number of years, I was in sales, and we always had healthy tension in the office. We could always laugh it off and have a drink after work.” Bonczek later discusses the pivotal trend of increasing importance of edge computing and its implications for data center operations: “It’s going to be tremendously important for the type of tenants that we have there – it’s more of an edge data center. There’s trading applications, financial applications happening in that building.” This episode highlights Bonczek's deep understanding of the data center industry's dynamics and his forward-thinking approach. His experiences serve as a testament to the importance of adaptability and collaboration in the fast-paced world of technology. Connect with John Bonczek on LinkedIn to stay updated on his latest insights and endeavors.

    51 min

About

The nomads put a new spin on the tech genre by shining a light not only on technology but also on the human side of the digital age. Tune in if you find yourself thinking about how to integrate into the digital landscape and be a part of the evolving industry. For over two decades, Phil and Nabeel have provided a powerful catalyst for organizations to create a vision of the future and the will to innovate. As futurists, they deliver a dynamic and entertaining vision of change, blending technology, economics, demographics, culture, and human nature. With real business experience and a deep understanding of technology, the two nomads know the difference between science fiction and useful forecasting. Rather than focusing on the distant future, they devote themselves to scanning the horizon for emerging technologies and disruptive shifts in human behavior, thereby sharing a compelling vision of tomorrow’s opportunities.

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes and get the latest updates.

Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada