The QTS Experience

Episode 209: Scott Bergs; Dark Fiber, Innovation, and Riding Pigs on the Prairie

Scott Bergs joins the QTS Experience to demystify the world of dark fiber and communications infrastructure. Scott is CEO of Dark Fiber and Infrastructure (DF&I), a private builder, owner, operator of secure dark fiber and conduit infrastructure. From Midwest hog farms to the race for data, Scott shares insights on the urgent need for scalable power, connectivity, and the evolving architecture that underpins AI and machine learning. He and Dave McCall explore the challenging infrastructure demands in today’s digital ecosystem, debating how to manage real impacts on communities and dispel “false claims” about data center development. Scott also reveals his journey from technology lawyer to telecom innovator—and even a bit of family lore on Scandinavian vs. German last names. And for anyone who thought dark fiber sounded mysterious, prepare to learn why Scott might have just as easily named his company the “Plumbers of the Internet.”

Episode 208: Ciaran Flanagan– Digital Twins, AI, & the Energy Trilemma: Molding Data Centers for Tomorrow

In this episode, I sit down with Ciaran Flanagan, VP & Global Head of Data Center Solutions & Services at Siemens, to discuss the future of data centers amidst the challenges of the "Energy Trilemma"—balancing cost, reliability, and decarbonization. Ciaran shares his insights into how Siemens leverages digital twins to enhance data center design, real-time operations, and risk management. We explore the heightened energy demands brought by AI and the importance of collaboration with utilities to ensure sustainable growth. With his vast industry experience, Ciaran offers a fresh look at how regulation, innovation, and digital transformation are reshaping the data center landscape.

Ciaran Flanagan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ciaranflanagan/

Siemens: https://www.linkedin.com/company/siemens/ 

Ciaran Flanagan. Is Group Vice President & Head of Global Datacenter Solutions, Siemens.

He is tasked with the continued development of Siemens as a technology provider to the global datacenter industry and growing Siemens presence in this exciting market. Prior to Siemens Ciaran held several leadership positions in the datacenter industry, most recently as Managing Director with ISG Ltd and previously as Vice President at ABB. Ciaran was Head of Datacenter Strategy at Nokia/Microsoft & previously held Consulting and Business leadership roles at Cirrascale Cloud Services & Intel Corporation. Ciaran has consulted with several Fortune 100 companies in the area of Datacenter operations, technical architecture, energy efficiency, procurement strategy and financial planning. He was a Founding Contributor to the EU Datacenter Code of Conduct and a Contributing Member of The Green Grid and the Open Datacenter Alliance. Ciaran has served as a Judge for Uptime Institute's Green Enterprise IT Awards and is a regular speaker and contributor to various industry bodies. Ciaran lives in Dublin, Ireland & graduated from Trinity College Dublin with BSc. in Computer Science and holds a postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration from Henley Management College and a diploma in executive leadership from IMD, Lausanne. Additionally, Ciaran holds an undergraduate Diploma in Electrical & Electronic Engineering & a post graduate Diploma in Sustainability Leadership in Business.

Episode 207: Buddy Rizer; Rewriting the Data Center Playbook: Innovation, Sushi & Community Tango

Buddy Rizer: LinkedIn

Loudon County Economic Development Authority

Buddy Rizer is the Executive Director of the Loudoun County Department of Economic Development, the 2021 Economic Development Organization of the Year. During his tenure, Rizer and his team have attracted more than $50 billion in new commercial investment and more than 50 thousand new jobs. During this time, the growth in the commercial base has help lower the tax rate in Loudoun by more than 41 cents on the dollar, saving residents thousands of dollars annually on their tax bill. 

Mr. Rizer has been named a Tech Titan 7 times by Washingtonian Magazine, has been named one of the 50 most influential Virginians 6 times by Virginia Business Magazine, is a 4-time member of Virginia’s Power 500, and was three times named to the Washington Business Journal’s Power 100 as one of the most influential businesspeople in Washington, DC. 

Mr. Rizer is a Certified Economic Developer, a certified Entrepreneurship Development Professional, and a graduate of Virginia Tech's Local Government Management Graduate Certificate Program.

Episode 206: Bill Kleyman; AI Powerhouses, Data Center Evolution, and Bravery in a Shifting Industry

In this episode, I sit down with Bill Kleyman, CEO of Apolo, to discuss the rapid evolution of the data center industry and the impact of AI on design and operations. We explore how AI-driven platforms are changing the game with higher-density racks, liquid cooling, and managed services for enterprise customers. Bill shares insights on the market's "micro shifts," why bravery is essential in this fast-paced era, and how Apolo is enabling data centers to stay ahead by offering AI services at scale. Tune in to learn about the future of AI workloads, the role of innovation in a rapidly evolving landscape, and what it takes to thrive as a data center operator in today’s AI-driven world. Don't miss this conversation on navigating risk and seizing new opportunities!

 

Bill Kleyman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billkleyman/

Apolo.us: https://www.apolo.us/

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Episode 205; Jon Trout, AI, Bridging Willing to Able, Building Peanut Butter Sandwiches

In this episode of The QTS Experience, David McCall is joined by Jon Trout, CEO of Chekhub and an expert in data center operations and workflow. They delve into the transformative potential of AI for workforce enablement, exploring how AI can be used to build efficient processes and procedures, convert raw data into actionable insights, and ultimately enhance operational efficiency. Jon also shares his insights on the importance of data privacy, avoiding AI hallucinations, and connecting to a higher purpose in the data center industry. Join us for this insightful conversation on the next QTS Experience.

Episode 204: Mark Gusakov; The Human Side of Data Centers; Building Community, Fostering Wellness:

In this episode of The QTS Experience, David McCall sits down with Mark Gusakov, Chief Certification Officer at the International Data Center Authority (IDCA), to discuss the challenges and opportunities in attracting and retaining talent in the data center industry. They explore Mark’s journey, the importance of mental health and wellness in the workplace, and how storytelling and community-building play vital roles in the industry. Join us for the conversation on the next QTS Experience

Episode 203; Brian Jabeck; The Power Dilemma, Workforce Enablement, Community, Nuclear Energy

Bridging the Gap: This week Brian Jabeck joins me to discuss the critical energy challenges facing data centers and the power grid. They explore the transition from traditional energy to nuclear, the 500-hour peak load dilemma, onsite power generation, and whether too much technology poses risks. They also discuss the future of legacy data centers, the importance of community, and how workforce enablement will play a vital role in meeting growing energy demands. Join us for the conversation on the next QTS Experience.

Episode 202; David Liggitt, Datacenter Hawk, Emerging Datacenter Markets, Self Generation, Changing Datacenter Landscape

Datacenter Hawk on Data Centers: Lately, most conversations about Data Center construction have centered around AI Data Centers.  David Liggitt, CEO of Datacenter Haw, says Enterprise and traditional Hyperscale growth is tremendous too. David joins me this week to discuss this and other key topics public utility growth and investment, emerging data center market expansion, and the growing discussion of self-generated energy. Join us for the conversation on the next QTS Experience.

David Liggitt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidliggitt/

Data Center Hawk: https://datacenterhawk.com/

Data Center Hawk 2024 Predictions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRZ81B0y5WI

Episode 201; Geoff Bland, Lifecycle Power, Microgrids, Dispatchable Power, AI Workloads, Data Centers

Powering the AI Industrial Revolution: Geoff Bland, an industry veteran from Lifecycle Power, shares his unique insights on the evolving energy landscape, from navigating the turbulent waters of investment and regulation to harnessing AI's potential. We'll explore the challenges and opportunities in a world where Self Generation, dispatchable power, and microgrids are taking center stage. Don't miss this enlightening conversation on the future of energy! Join us for the Conversation on The QTS Experience

Episode 200; Gautham Gnanajothi, Frost & Sullivan, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Centers, Sustainability, Infrastructure, Optimization

The AI-Powered Data Center: How Artificial Intelligence is Transforming the Digital World. oday, we're delving into the fascinating world of AI and its impact on the data center industry with Gautham Gnanajothi, a senior industry analyst at Frost & Sullivan. We'll discuss the staggering growth of the data center market, the increasing influence of AI, and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Join us for the conversation on The QTS Experience