066: Mission Control: Demystifying Data Centers with Carrie Goetz

In this episode of Forward Thinking Experts, host Sher Downing, PhD sits down with Carrie Goetz—Principal, CTO, Amazon bestselling author, and global data center leader—to explore the fascinating world of data centers and the career opportunities they unlock.Carrie shares her unique journey from architecture and teaching to building networking divisions, commissioning and decommissioning data centers, and traveling millions of miles worldwide to support IT infrastructure. She breaks down what data centers really are (hint: think mission control), why they matter to everyone—even if you don’t know they exist—and how careers in this hidden industry are more diverse and accessible than ever before.Together, Sher and Carrie dive into:Why data centers are everywhere (but often invisible).The importance of diversity of thought in tech careers.Career pathways for women, trades, and veterans in data centers.How the Educator’s Reference Guide is filling a massive curriculum gap.The 300+ jobs in data centers—from electricians to marketing pros—and why many don’t require a degree.How AI is reshaping hiring, resumes, and the future of tech work.Whether you’re an educator, a student, a trades professional, or just someone curious about the backbone of the digital world—you’ll walk away with fresh insight into an industry that powers our everyday lives.Data centers = mission control for the modern world.Diversity in experience drives stronger innovation and solutions.Certifications (not always degrees) can be life-changing career moves.AI is rapidly transforming both the industry and how we approach careers.Carrie GoetzAmazon bestselling author: Jumpstart Your Career in Data CentersCreator of Educator’s Reference Guide for Data Center CurriculumAdvocate for inclusivity and nontraditional pathways in techLearn more and connect with Carrie here:⁠ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564459576330https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-goetzhttps://www.instagram.com/carriejgoetz/https://www.instagram.com/strategitcom/https://www.carriegoetz.com https://www.strategitcom.com#womenintech #womenindatacenters #tradesintech #tradesindatacenters #vetsintech #vetsindatacenters #ForwardThinkingPodcast #DataCenters #FutureOfWork #WomenInTech #VeteransInTech #TradesInTech #TechCareers #AIandCareers #DigitalInfrastructure