In this episode of Let's Get Digital, Carrie Charles interviews Yazz Krdzalic , Vice President of Market Development at Equus Compute Solutions (ECS) . Yazz shares how ECS is transforming digital infrastructure with immersion cooling systems that maximize compute power and private 5G networks enabling seamless connectivity in remote areas. He highlights the importance of strategic partnerships in driving growth and solving complex customer challenges. Yazz also explores emerging trends like comp...
Feb 26, 2025•37 min
In this episode of Let’s Get Digital with Carrie Charles, we sit down with Dan Caruso , a powerhouse in telecommunications and digital infrastructure. Known as "The Bear" for his tenacity and drive, Dan is the visionary founder and former CEO of Zayo Group, where he led the company to a $14.3 billion exit. His unmatched track record includes co-founding Level 3 Communications, leadership at Metropolitan Fiber Systems (MFS), and now serving as the founder of Caruso Ventures . Dan shares the insid...
Feb 14, 2025•1 hr 31 min
In the premiere episode of Let’s Get Digital with Carrie Charles, we dive deep into the future of digital infrastructure with industry icon Hunter Newby of Newby Ventures . As a pioneer in carrier-neutral Meet-Me-Rooms, data centers, and network interconnection, Hunter shares his insights on the evolution of rural broadband, the BEAD funding impact, and the urgent need for neutral interconnection points across the U.S. We also tackle the power crisis in AI-driven data centers, the role of AI in ...
Feb 07, 2025•56 min
In this episode of 5G Talent Talk, Carrie Charles speaks with Dennis McColl, founder of PracticalRF. Dennis shares his career journey, starting with his early fascination with wireless technology and his three-decade tenure at Verizon, where he transitioned from hands-on market-level roles to corporate policy development. He discusses his leap into entrepreneurship, driven by a desire to solve complex industry problems on his terms. Dennis outlines critical challenges in the wireless industry, i...
Jan 08, 2025•28 min
In this episode of 5G Talent Talk, Carrie Charles interviews Leighton Carroll, CEO of Baylin Technologies, about his leadership philosophy, experiences in turnarounds and integrations, and insights into building exceptional company culture. Leighton details his career journey, focusing on his time at AT&T, where he managed complex integrations and acquisitions. He emphasizes the importance of clear frameworks, structured communication, and transparency to align teams and mitigate challenges ...
Dec 04, 2024•41 min
In this episode of 5G Talent Talk, Carrie Charles interviews Serghei Busmachiu, CEO of Utilities One, about his inspiring journey and the rapid growth of his company. Originally from Moldova, Serghei immigrated to the U.S. in 2013 and began his career in various jobs, eventually finding a role as a cable technician for Comcast. This experience motivated him to start Utilities One in 2016, a company that initially focused on last-mile telecom installations but soon expanded into telecom construct...
Nov 20, 2024•31 min
In this episode of 5G Talent Talk, Carrie Charles interviews Emir Aboulhosn , CEO of NetLync , about the evolving landscape of device technology and the challenges of fostering a successful remote culture. Aboulhosn highlights the vital role advanced devices play in boosting sales for carriers like T-Mobile and AT&T while enhancing user experience and reducing churn. Since NetLync was founded during the COVID-19 pandemic, he emphasizes the importance of balance and hiring experienced individ...
Nov 13, 2024•44 min
In this episode of 5G Talent Talk, Carrie Charles talks with Angus Ward, CEO of Beyond Now about the intersection of AI and Communication Service Providers (CSPs), exploring how AI can transform the telecom industry. He reveals that only 15% of companies currently derive significant value from AI, mainly due to fragmented experimentation across business units. To address this, Ward suggests prioritizing major business challenges and implementing a more structured approach to AI adoption, which c...
Oct 30, 2024•27 min
In this episode, Carrie Charles speaks with Rich Berliner , CEO of Fifth Gen Media , to talk about the evolving opportunities in telecom and related sectors like EV charging. They discuss the transferability of skills from the wireless industry to new fields such as EV infrastructure and satellite communications, emphasizing the strong relationship between wireless connectivity and EV charging. Rich highlights how many roles, from project management to supply chain, can transition smoothly into ...
Oct 23, 2024•34 min
In this episode of 5G Talent Talk, Carrie Charles welcomes Ruby Koleski , CEO of Joyous , to discuss her inspiring professional career and the innovative work of Joyous. Ruby shares her journey from growing up in South Africa with dreams of becoming a comedian, to becoming a software engineer. After excelling in engineering and gaining international experience, Ruby joined Joyous, a company founded by brothers Mike and Phil Carden, aimed at revolutionizing employee feedback. Ruby details how Joy...
Oct 16, 2024•32 min
In today's episode of 5G Talent Talk, Carrie Charles is joined by Raghav Sahgal , President of Cloud and Network Services at Nokia . Raghav shares his journey from software developer in India to global business leader, highlighting his focus on translating technology into real-world impact. Raghav dives into the current state of 5G, now deployed by over 260 operators in more than 100 countries. He notes that while 5G holds immense potential, market expectations are high, and monetizing this tech...
Oct 02, 2024•23 min
In this episode of 5G Talent Talk, Carrie Charles interviews Seth Buechley, owner of Cathedral Consulting. Seth shares his journey in telecom, which began in the late 1980s when his father built cell sites, and later evolved into owning spectrum and focusing on public safety communications in buildings. He co-founded the Safer Buildings Coalition to improve communication systems for first responders inside buildings during emergencies. Seth also discusses his involvement with Cathedral Consultin...
Sep 11, 2024•37 min
In this episode of 5G Talent Talk, Carries Charles speaks with Michelle Boexley , Chief Growth Officer of Pilot Global Technologies . Michelle shares her journey into the telecommunications industry, which began unexpectedly in IT sales during the Y2K era. Despite initially lacking a tech background, she launched Von Technologies in 2006 after becoming frustrated with corporate life. Her company grew to focus on network infrastructure, especially wireless solutions, and recently merged with two ...
Sep 04, 2024•23 min
In this episode of 5G Talent Talk, Carrie Charles sits down with Brian Stading , CEO of Lumos Fiber , to discuss his journey and the story of Lumos Fiber. From his start as a telecom technician, Brian shares how taking calculated risks has shaped his career path and influenced his leadership philosophy. He also discusses the history of Lumos Fiber, formed as the combination of two legacy telephone companies, and shares how it has quickly grown into a strong brand known for its exceptional custom...
Aug 28, 2024•25 min
In this episode of "5G Talent Talk," host Carrie Charles interviews Kimberly McKinley , the Chief Marketing Officer of Utopia Fiber . Kimberly shares her unique career path, starting in healthcare accounting and moving through various marketing roles before joining Utopia Fiber in 2010. Utopia Fiber, founded in 2004 by 11 cities in Utah, is now the largest and most successful open access network in the U.S. This model allows multiple private ISPs to operate on a publicly-owned fiber infrastructu...
Aug 07, 2024•27 min
In this episode of 5G Talent Talk with Carrie Charles, we explore the industry journey and leadership principles of Gary Ervin , founder and executive chairman of Ervin Cable Construction . Founded in 1980 as a small cable TV business, Ervin Cable Construction (ECC) has expanded into one of the leading telecommunication service providers in the nation. Today, over 40 years later, the ECC founding members continue to manage and lead the business of more than 2,500 employees. Driven by curiosity a...
Jul 24, 2024•38 min
In this episode of 5G Talent Talk, Carrie Charles interviews Scott Woods , President of Public Private Partnerships at Ready.net. They discuss Scott’s transition from a private practice attorney to a key figure in telecommunications, emphasizing his work at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). Scott explains the NTIA’s role in managing the Broadband Equity and Access Deployment (BEAD) program, a $50 billion initiative aimed at bridging the digital divide in unde...
Jul 17, 2024•26 min
In this special episode of 5G Talent Talk, Carrie Charles welcomes industry experts Cesar Ruiz , President & CEO of Learning Alliance Corporation ; Deb Bennett , VP of Apprenticeship for the Wireless Infrastructure Association ; and Deborah Kish , VP of Research & Workforce Development for the Fiber Broadband Association , to explore innovative strategies and initiatives for developing the broadband workforce. The conversation centers around key industry challenges and opportunities, emp...
Jul 10, 2024•39 min
In this episode of "5G Talent Talk," Carrie Charles interviews Chad Tuttle , CEO of B+T Group. Chad shares his journey in the telecom industry, which began with his grandfather’s construction company in the 1950s, building radio and early AT&T towers. This influenced Chad to pursue engineering. He co-founded B&T Group in 2000, initially focusing on structural engineering. The company has since expanded into full turnkey solutions, including small cell towers, fiber, software development,...
Jun 26, 2024•29 min
In this episode of 5G Talent Talk, Carrie Charles speaks with Ken Schmidt, President of Steel in the Air, Inc. Steel in the Air provides guidance to thousands of clients across the United States on cell tower and cell site leases. Ken’s many years of experience has led him to become a pivotal thought leader in the industry, using his knowledge to guide hundreds of municipalities through the complexities of cell tower lease issues. His expertise also extends to assisting private and public landow...
Jun 19, 2024•31 min
In this episode of 5G Talent Talk, Carrie Charles welcomes Jim Tracy , co-founder of Legacy Telecommunications , author, speaker, and host of " The Grampion " podcast. Jim shares his incredible journey from a small-town welder in rural Minnesota to a prominent figure in the telecommunications industry. Jim shares the ups and downs of growing Legacy Telecommunications, emphasizing the importance of old-fashioned hard work and perseverance. They also dive into Jim's role as founding president of t...
Jun 12, 2024•28 min
In this episode of 5G Talent Talk with Carrie Charles, we explore the remarkable journey and company culture of Great Plains Communications (GPC) with Joe Pellegrini, President and COO. With a 113-year legacy, GPC leads the telecom industry by providing essential services to underserved communities. Joe shares insights into GPC's diverse business model, which includes six business units for a resilient approach to the evolving telecom landscape. This interview highlights GPC's active participati...
May 29, 2024•26 min
In this episode of 5G Talent Talk, host Carrie Charles chats with Tonya Stopke, Senior Vice President at World Wide Technology (WWT). Tonya shares her inspiring journey from humble beginnings to a leadership role, emphasizing perseverance, authenticity, and community support. Tonya discusses WWT's evolution into a global tech leader, their pioneering work in AI, and their significant investments in staying at the forefront of innovation. She highlights the shift from 5G to AI focus at the recent...
May 22, 2024•35 min
Explore the world of telecom leadership with Carrie Charles on the latest episode of 5G Talent Talk. Joining her is Lynn Whitcher, the President of the Women's Wireless Leadership Forum (WWLF) and General Counsel for MD7. Lynn shares her remarkable journey from litigator to telecom industry leader, offering insights into the evolving landscape of wireless infrastructure and the crucial role of women within it. In this episode, Lynn emphasizes the significance of networking and relationship-build...
Apr 30, 2024•35 min
Step into the dynamic world of wireless infrastructure with Carrie Charles on 5G Talent Talk as she sits down with Patrick Halley , the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA) . Discover Patrick's unexpected journey into telecommunications and his pivotal role in shaping connectivity for all. Patrick shares insights into WIA's mission to advocate for widespread wireless infrastructure deployment, ensuring connectivity everywhere. Get an exclusive sn...
Apr 19, 2024•29 min
Join Carrie Charles on this episode of 5G Talent Talk as she engages in an insightful conversation with Donna Johnson, the Chief Marketing Officer of Cradlepoint. Donna shares her remarkable journey to the C-suite, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and adaptability in career growth. As an expert storyteller, Donna eloquently narrates Cradlepoint's evolution from revolutionizing cellular connectivity to shaping the future of 5G enterprise solutions. Donna sheds light on emerging trends such...
Mar 13, 2024•30 min
Join us as host Carrie Charles sit down with Christos Karmis, the visionary US CEO of Boldyn Networks, for an exclusive peek into the world of cutting-edge network connectivity solutions. From combining six global companies to leading the charge in various market segments, Karmis unpacks Boldyn's journey and unveils the company's strategies for staying ahead of the curve. Discover why 5G private networks are the next big thing and how Boldyn is at the forefront of this transformative trend. But ...
Feb 14, 2024•44 min
In this episode, Trent Edwards, the President of Mears Broadband, discusses his journey in the telecom industry and highlights the unique approach of Mears as a contractor. He emphasizes the importance of building partnerships and trust with customers, and the value of a diverse and empowered workforce. Trent also shares his thoughts on the opportunities and challenges facing the industry, the need for workforce development, and his vision for Mears' future. Check out the full conversation and l...
Feb 08, 2024•34 min
Stacey Thompson, the current Chief Operating Officer of ADB Companies, joins us today to share her journey and insights on women in leadership, work-life balance, and the future of the telecommunications industry. ADB Companies is a turnkey provider in the telecommunications industry, with a focus on customer-centricity and the growth, safety, and well-being of team members. This episode dives into the company culture of ADB, Stacey's approach to effective leadership, and the exciting announceme...
Jan 23, 2024•29 min
Step into the future of AI with Ajay Malik , CEO of secomind.ai , in today's episode of 5G Talent Talk with Carrie Charles. Ajay shares his passion for AI, drawing on his extensive 30-year career, which includes stints at major tech players like Motorola, Google, and Cisco. Secomind.ai, focused exclusively on AI for five years, empowers businesses in three key areas: enhancing products, providing exceptional customer support, and optimizing internal workflows. The conversation delves into the tr...
Jan 16, 2024•29 min
