Inside Commissioning

Cal Blair

Inside Commissioning is a podcast exploring the people, stories and forces shaping the data center and wider mission-critical commissioning world. Honest conversations with the engineers, project leads and commissioning authorities running the work: how the indsutry has evolved, where it's heading, and what it really takes to deliver the infrastructure the world runs on. Hosted by Cal Blair, Founder at Baseline. New episodes fortnightly.

Episodes

  1. 6d ago

    Adopt or Lose: AI, Tooling & the Future of Commissioning Teams with Thomas Jarloev

    In this episode of Inside Commissioning, host Cal Blair sits down with Thomas T. Jarloev, Founder and CEO of CX Planner, to discuss how AI, modern software, and digital workflows are transforming the commissioning industry. From starting his career as an electrician in Denmark to becoming a commissioning expert, author, and software founder, Thomas shares why the future of commissioning depends on embracing technology, not resisting it. Together, Cal and Thomas explore the rapid growth of mission-critical projects, the limitations of spreadsheets, and how AI is helping commissioning teams work faster, smarter, and with greater confidence. They also discuss what the next generation of commissioning professionals will need to succeed as technology continues to reshape the industry. They also discuss: How Thomas went from electrician to commissioning expert and software founderWhy he created CX Planner after years of managing projects with Excel and Microsoft ProjectHow commissioning has evolved from a niche discipline into a global standardWhy data centers are accelerating innovation across the commissioning industryThe biggest limitations of spreadsheets on large mission-critical projectsHow AI is reducing repetitive work and improving project efficiencyWhy commissioning teams must embrace new technology or risk falling behindHow AI can automate documentation, testing, and asset management without replacing engineersThe importance of experienced commissioning professionals in an AI-powered futureWhy standardized commissioning processes are still missing across many data center operatorsHow commissioning software is helping owners, contractors, and suppliers collaborate more effectivelyWhat commissioning teams may look like over the next five years as AI becomes part of everyday project delivery Thomas also shares his vision for the future of commissioning, why technology should enhance rather than replace engineering expertise, and why the firms that adopt AI today will be the ones leading the industry tomorrow. Connect with Thomas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomastoftgaardjarloev/ CXPlanner: https://cxplanner.com/ Links and Resources Website: ⁠www.baselinecx.com⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/cal-blair-talent

  2. Jun 25

    The Other Side of Mission Critical with Tim Shukri

    In this episode of Inside Commissioning, host Cal Blair sits down with Tim Shukri, General Manager of Cornerstone Commissioning, to explore his journey from mechanical engineering graduate and commissioning intern to leading the organization. Tim shares how he accidentally discovered commissioning, why he nearly walked away from the industry during his first few months, and the moment he realized the impact commissioning professionals have on owners, contractors, and mission-critical facilities. Together, Cal and Tim discuss the evolution of Cornerstone Commissioning, the unique demands of life science and biocontainment projects, and the lessons that data center commissioning teams can learn from other mission-critical industries. They also discuss: How Tim went from commissioning intern to leading Cornerstone CommissioningThe early project experiences that shaped his confidence and career growthHow Cornerstone was founded after 9/11 to support critical biocontainment facilitiesThe impact of COVID-19 on life science construction and BSL lab developmentWhy mission-critical environments require a different commissioning mindsetThe similarities and differences between life science and data center commissioningHow commissioning processes vary across industries and project typesWhy direct involvement during pre-functional checks creates stronger project outcomesHow technology, commissioning software, and AI are improving efficiencyThe role of AI in generating test protocols and supporting project deliveryWhy Cornerstone focuses on hiring and developing junior engineering talentThe importance of communication, humility, and soft skills for commissioning professionalsHow company culture helps retain talent in a competitive industryWhy building long-term client relationships is essential for future growthTim also shares his thoughts on the future of commissioning, the potential expansion into data centers, and why the best commissioning professionals combine technical expertise with curiosity, teamwork, and the willingness to keep learning. Connect with Tim:https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothy-shukri-pe-ccp-b434256a/ Links and Resources Website: www.baselinecx.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cal-blair-talent

  3. Jun 3

    Commissioning From Every Side of The Table with Priya Velamakanni

    In this episode of Inside Commissioning, host Cal Blair sits down with Priya Velamakanni, Vice President of Commissioning and Construction Services at CPG, to explore her 20+ year journey through the mission-critical and data center industry. Priya shares how she accidentally discovered commissioning after graduating as a mechanical engineer and stepping into the world of data centers without even knowing what they were. From her early days as a project coordinator to leading large-scale commissioning teams, she reflects on how the industry has evolved from small megawatt facilities to today’s massive hyperscale developments. Together, Cal and Priya discuss the changing role of commissioning, the increasing complexity of data center projects, and why commissioning professionals are now becoming a critical voice earlier in the construction process. They also discuss: How Priya unexpectedly entered the mission-critical industry and built a long-term commissioning career What commissioning really involves and why testing, validation, and attention to detail matter How data center projects have evolved from megawatts to gigawatt-scale developments Why commissioning has moved from an afterthought to a key driver of project success The biggest challenges that cause commissioning issues on site What makes a great commissioning professional and the transferable skills from other industries The growing talent shortage and how companies can build stronger commissioning teams Why flexibility and adaptability are essential for engineers entering the industry How modular construction and factory-based testing could shape the future of commissioning The importance of maintaining culture, teamwork, and connection while scaling globally How the industry can become more collaborative as demand continues to accelerate The rise of women in mission-critical environments and how the industry is changing Priya also shares lessons from challenging projects, her approach to leadership, and why the best part of commissioning is that no two days or problems are ever the same. Connect with Priya Velamakanni: https://www.linkedin.com/in/priya-velamakanni-40a7453 Links and Resources Website: www.baselinecx.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cal-blair-talent -

    Commissioning From Every Side of The Table with Priya Velamakanni

  4. May 12

    From Construction to Commissioning: Jeremy Curtis on Building a Global Career in Data Centers

    In the very first episode of Inside Commissioning, host Cal Blair sits down with Jeremy Curtis — commissioning leader, industry educator, and founder of ConstructandCommission.com for a deep dive into the world of commissioning and the rapidly evolving data center industry. Jeremy shares his journey from working as a mechanical engineer in the UK to building a successful commissioning career across Hong Kong and the APAC region. Along the way, the conversation explores the realities of modern commissioning, leadership, training the next generation of engineers, and how AI and automation could reshape the industry over the next decade. They also discuss: How Jeremy accidentally discovered commissioning through a conversation over lunchThe transition from construction into mission-critical data center projectsWhy data centers are putting more focus on commissioning than ever beforeThe inspiration behind ConstructandCommission.com and how it became a global resource for engineersThe growing talent shortage in commissioning and why experienced engineers are becoming harder to findThe importance of mentorship, self-learning, and soft skills for young engineersHow AI and automation may improve project delivery — and the risks of overreliance on AI-generated workWhy smaller firms have a huge opportunity to innovate and scale using technologyAdvice for engineers looking to build a long-term career in commissioningJeremy also shares personal stories from his early career, lessons learned from difficult projects, and his perspective on what truly makes a great commissioning professional.

    From Construction to Commissioning: Jeremy Curtis on Building a Global Career in Data Centers
  • 4 Episodes

About

Inside Commissioning is a podcast exploring the people, stories and forces shaping the data center and wider mission-critical commissioning world. Honest conversations with the engineers, project leads and commissioning authorities running the work: how the indsutry has evolved, where it's heading, and what it really takes to deliver the infrastructure the world runs on. Hosted by Cal Blair, Founder at Baseline. New episodes fortnightly.

Information

  • Creator
    Cal Blair
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    4
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Cal Blair
  • Show Website
    Inside Commissioning