A Marriage of Education, Community, and Digital Infrastructure

In this special episode of Nomad Futurist, co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence welcome Brittani Clarke Clayman and Jason Clayman — the first husband-and-wife duo to appear on the podcast. Together, they bring two complementary perspectives to one of the industry's most important challenges: preparing the next generation for the future of digital infrastructure while building stronger connections between technology and the communities it serves. Brittani, Director of Marketing and Sustainability at ESI Total Fuel Management, has become a passionate advocate for community engagement, workforce development, and helping people better understand the role digital infrastructure plays in their everyday lives. Jason, an educator and curriculum leader at Dobyns-Bennett High School, offers valuable insight into how students discover career opportunities, develop critical skills, and prepare for an increasingly digital future. Throughout the conversation, the pair explore the power of education, communication, and exposure, arguing that awareness must start early if the industry hopes to inspire future talent and address misconceptions about data centers and emerging technologies. For Brittani, meaningful engagement begins with making complex topics accessible: "I could speak at you, but if you're not understanding what I'm saying, then we're not communicating. I'm just throwing information at you." The discussion examines why the industry must move beyond simply sharing information and instead focus on listening, understanding concerns, and creating authentic connections with the communities where digital infrastructure is growing. Jason highlights the critical role educators play in introducing students to opportunities they may never otherwise encounter: "If we do start at the younger and earlier levels of education, just getting them comfortable with it and kind of understanding what it is, not only does it help them, but it helps their families." Together, they share practical ideas for how industry leaders, schools, and organizations like the Nomad Futurist Foundation — where they are both active members — can work together to expand awareness, create pathways into the industry, and help students see themselves in future technology careers. Throughout the episode, Brittani and Jason stress the importance of creating opportunities for future generations, arguing that industry leaders have a responsibility to listen to the students and communities they hope to serve: “I'm here because of you. We're here to serve you, so we need to know what it is that you need from us." Together, Brittani and Jason remind us that the future of digital infrastructure depends not only on innovation, but on education, engagement, and investing in the next generation. Connect with Brittani Clarke Clayman and Jason Clayman on LinkedIn to continue the conversation.