The latest episode of the Nomad Futurist podcast features Chris Moon , Managing Director at DigitalBridge, offering a thoughtful exploration of the evolving landscape of digital infrastructure finance alongside the personal journey that brought him to the forefront of this dynamic sector. Chris opens the conversation with a clear mission, one shared by co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence : to inspire the next generation by demystifying the path into digital infrastructure. Chris’ story ...
Jul 07, 2025•29 min•Season 6Ep. 15
In this dynamic two-part episode of the Nomad Futurist podcast, co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence sit down with Charnocks brothers, Sean (Founder of Cloud Pioneer at Softlayer Technologies) and Will (Head of Infrastructure and Cloud Operations at Thales CPL) f or an in-depth conversation exploring their unexpectedly parallel journeys into digital infrastructure and the lessons learned along the way. Though each brother carved a distinct path, both attribute their success to a combinat...
Jun 23, 2025•1 hr 27 min•Season 6Ep. 14
In the latest episode of the Nomad Futurist Podcast, Umaima Haider — Ambassador at the Nomad Futurist Foundation and Lecturer in Computer Science & Digital Technology at the University of East London — joins host Nabeel Mahmood to share her unconventional journey into the data center industry and her mission to close its growing talent gap. Umaima describes her entry into the field as “purely by accident,” highlighting how careers in digital infrastructure often go unnoticed by those outside...
Jun 09, 2025•17 min•Season 6Ep. 13
This episode of the Nomad Futurist podcast, co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence welcome Jeff Moerdler , a powerhouse in digital infrastructure law and the head of Real Estate and Communications at Mintz. Known for his sharp insights, signature humor, and the legendary “Mintz Mince,” Jeff takes us on a journey that began with a single rooftop satellite deal for American Express and evolved into decades of shaping the legal backbone of the data center and telecom industries. A third-gener...
May 27, 2025•45 min•Season 6Ep. 12
In a special episode of the Nomad Futurist podcast, co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence sit down with Arnav Ahluwalia , Senior at New York University and Advocate for the Nomad Futurist Foundation , marking the show’s first interview with a student still entering the industry. Arnav shares his journey from New Delhi to New York, his family’s business background, and his growing passion for digital infrastructure, particularly in India’s rapidly expanding tech scene. Arnav's interest in ...
May 12, 2025•30 min•Season 6Ep. 11
In this episode of the Nomad Futurist podcast, co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence welcome Scott Charter , Ambassador for the Nomad Futurist Foundation and Director of AI & Cloud Strategy at Oracle. Charter offers a refreshingly honest and human perspective on tech leadership, sharing the unconventional journey that took him from law school student to entrepreneur to AI strategist, with a few surprising detours along the way. Charter begins by recounting his unconventional entry int...
Apr 28, 2025•37 min•Season 6Ep. 10
In the latest episode of the Nomad Futurist Podcast, co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence, sit down with Mike Nguyen , CEO and Founder of Inflect, for a compelling conversation that bridges personal history, entrepreneurial drive, and the future of digital infrastructure. Nguyen’s career took an unexpected turn when he discovered his passion for medicine was actually driven by a desire to run a business, not practice medicine. This realization led him to explore telecom sales during the ...
Apr 14, 2025•40 min•Season 6Ep. 9
In this insightful Nomad Futurist episode, co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence engage in a thought-provoking conversation with tech industry veteran, Mark Thiele, most recently serving as CEO and Co-Founder of Edgevana. Together, they explore career growth, the evolving concept of retirement, and the invaluable wisdom he has gained throughout his journey. Thiele reflects on his decision to step away from the corporate grind, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing personal passions a...
Mar 31, 2025•41 min•Season 6Ep. 7
In the latest Nomad Futurist episode, co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence engage in an insightful conversation with Brian Moon , CEO of the Pacific Telecommunications Council (PTC). Moon shares his unique journey to the helm of PTC and highlights the critical role of digital infrastructure in the Pacific region. Moon's background diverges from the typical telecom executive path. With over 20 years of experience in consumer technology at CES in Las Vegas, he brings a fresh perspective to...
Mar 17, 2025•50 min•Season 6Ep. 6
The latest Nomad Futurist podcast features Mike Sullivan , CEO and Co-Founder of Air2O , alongside co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence . From his roots in Manchester to pioneering sustainable cooling solutions, Mike Sullivan's career embodies a relentless pursuit of innovation in the technology industry. Drawing from his extensive experience, beginning with his family's business, Sullivan provides valuable insights for entrepreneurs. Early on in his career, Sullivan started a business w...
Mar 03, 2025•51 min•Season 6Ep. 5
In this Nomad Futurist episode, Yuval Bachar , CEO of EdgeCloudLink (ECL), joins co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence to explore ECL's innovative approach to sustainable and adaptable data centers, built to meet the unique demands of the AI era. Bachar shares insights into ECL's groundbreaking technology and vision for the future of digital infrastructure. ECL was founded with the goal of transforming traditional data centers — making them more accessible, efficient, and high-performing....
Feb 17, 2025•42 min•Season 6Ep. 4
The latest Nomad Futurist podcast features Richard Lukaj , Co-Founder and Senior Managing Director at Bank Street, alongside co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence . From humble beginnings to becoming a leading figure in technology, media, and telecom investment banking, Lukaj’s journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and the transformative power of education. Lukaj’s story begins in an Italian refugee camp, where his parents sought a better future. He reflects on the circumst...
Feb 03, 2025•38 min•Season 6Ep. 3
The latest Nomad Futurist podcast, hosted by Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence , features the inspiring father-son duo of Phill Lawson-Shanks , Chief Innovation Officer at Aligned Data Centers, and Rob Lawson-Shanks , Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Molg. Together, they explore the fascinating intersections of technology, sustainability, and intergenerational knowledge transfer within the data center industry. Phil, a seasoned expert in the data center sector, introduced Rob to the i...
Jan 20, 2025•44 min•Season 6Ep. 2
Rich Miller, founder of the leading digital infrastructure publications Data Center Knowledge and Data Center Frontier, shares his unique career journey in a recent episode of the Nomad Futurist Podcast with co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence . His journalistic focus evolved over the decades of his career, highlighting the importance of adapting readily to new circumstances and following one’s passions. Miller got his journalism start in high school, where he started writing about spor...
Jan 06, 2025•47 min•Season 6Ep. 1
Nomad Futurist Foundation Celebrates Groundbreaking Milestones in Data Infrastructure Advocacy The Nomad Futurist Foundation continues to break new ground as a global advocate for the data infrastructure sector. Established with a mission to bridge the growing gap between the rapidly evolving technology sector and untapped talent, the Foundation has achieved monumental milestones in its quest to inspire and educate the next generation of leaders. One of its standout successes has been the launch...
Dec 23, 2024•24 min•Season 5Ep. 32
Ojonimi Bako , Co-Founder of Kaya AI, shares his inspiring journey from Nigeria to the United States in a recent Nomad Futurist Podcast episode with co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence . His story exemplifies the immigrant experience, highlighting themes of resilience, adaptability, and the pursuit of the American dream. With over 20 years of experience as a seasoned entrepreneur and former technology executive, Bako's journey is not just about personal triumph but also about driving in...
Dec 16, 2024•49 min•Season 5Ep. 31
In the latest episode of the Nomad Futurist podcast, Alessandro Lombardi, President of Elea Data Centers, shares his compelling journey and valuable insights into the digital infrastructure landscape in Brazil. Co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence guided the conversation, exploring Lombardi's transition from Italy to Brazil and his evolution in the tech industry. Lombardi's career trajectory exemplifies the power of embracing change and following one's passion. His unique background, com...
Dec 02, 2024•42 min•Season 5Ep. 30
in the telecommunications and digital infrastructure sectors on the Nomad Futurist podcast with co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence . With over 16 years of experience in the industry, DeMartino offered a nuanced perspective on talent acquisition that goes far beyond traditional hiring practices. DeMartino’s journey into recruitment began with his father's decision to start a recruiting firm after leaving MCI. He joined the family business in 2009 bringing a unique blend of professional ...
Nov 18, 2024•38 min•Season 5Ep. 29
In the latest episode of the NomadFuturist podcast, hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence welcome Vanessa"Vee" Richardson, a trailblazer in talent acquisition and a passionate advocate for women in technology. Richardson's journey from politics to tech offers valuable insights into career transitions and female empowerment in male-dominated industries. Richardson's career took an unexpected turn when she transitioned from aspiring congressional lobbyist to talent acquisition leader at STACK ...
Nov 12, 2024•36 min•Season 5Ep. 28
ourney and insights on the Nomad Futurist podcast with co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence . With a strong foundation in mechanical engineering and over two decades of experience in the data center industry, Lawrence offers a distinctive perspective on the rapidly evolving landscape of digital infrastructure. Lawrence's career path exemplifies the diverse opportunities within the data center sector. He transitioned from manufacturing to end-user roles, gaining a comprehensive understand...
Nov 04, 2024•44 min•Season 5Ep. 27
Greg Ratcliff, Chief Innovation Officer at Vertiv, shares his insights and experiences on the Nomad Futurist podcast with co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence . With over three decades of industry experience, Ratcliff leads Vertiv's global innovation initiatives, focusing on identifying and leveraging cutting-edge technologies for product development: “One of the things I do [that’s] so rewarding is gather[ing] technology from startups, from universities, from other businesses, from even...
Oct 21, 2024•35 min•Season 5Ep. 26
Tony Rossabi , Founder and Managing Member of OCOLO , recently appeared on the Nomad Futurist podcast, sharing insights from his extensive 26-year career in the telecom and data center industry with hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence . Rossabi grew up on the Upper West Side of New York City, where his professor parents instilled in him a love for learning. This academic background inspired Rossabi to pursue a law degree and briefly work as a district attorney in the U.S. Attorney's office...
Oct 07, 2024•40 min•Season 5Ep. 25
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 fat...
Sep 23, 2024•37 min•Season 5Ep. 24
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 ...
Sep 03, 2024•50 min•Season 5Ep. 23
In a special episode of Nomad Futurist , host Nabeel Mah mood 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 Ch...
Aug 26, 2024•13 min•Season 5Ep. 22
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. Olso...
Aug 19, 2024•39 min•Season 5Ep. 21
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 retireme...
Aug 05, 2024•40 min•Season 5Ep. 20
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 highli...
Jul 22, 2024•49 min•Season 5Ep. 19
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...
Jul 08, 2024•48 min•Season 5Ep. 18
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 exp...
Jun 24, 2024•51 min•Season 5Ep. 17
