Hands-On Heroes with Valerie Crafton

The future of construction starts here at the advancing data center construction conference on Ep 15 of Hands-On Heroes. Learn more about Hands-On Heroes and their mission: https://handsonheroes.net/In this special multi-guest episode of Hands On Heroes, we’re live from Advancing Data Center Construction West, diving into the future of data centers, skilled trades, AI infrastructure, and the women helping lead the industry forward. From workforce challenges to the rapid growth of AI and technology, these conversations explore what it really takes to build the infrastructure powering the modern world. Guests share their experiences in construction, leadership, and the evolving culture of the trades while discussing why diversity, innovation, and opportunity matter now more than ever. If you’ve ever wondered how data centers are built, who’s building them, and where the future of construction is headed, this episode gives you an inside look at one of the industry’s biggest conversations.Featured in this episode:👤 Darren Fouts — Smart PM Technologies👤 Alan Brumley— Industrial Tent Systems👤 Matthew Holt— Founder, MJH Personnel Associates👤 Steve Causseaux — Cla-Val👤 Jeff W Leeper — President, WWPS👤 Gordon Baier — CEO, Gigawatt Land👤 Matthew Holt — Director of BDHands-On Heroes assembles the most powerful voices across construction, mission critical infrastructure, power, and design – from general contractors and civil engineers to hyperscale developers, edge and modular data center operators, semiconductor facility builders, AI factory pioneers, MEP specialists, architects, and infrastructure leaders. Hands-On Heroes is a certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to empowering children through early exposure to careers in the skilled trades. Our mission is to break stereotypes, promote representation, and introduce kids to the powerful and creative careers that keep our world moving from electricians and heavy equipment operators to carpenters, welders, and beyond. Visit https://handsonheroes.net/ to learn moreThank you Mod42 for being our Title Sponsor!

Have you ever watched a giant machine move mountains and wondered — who's behind the controls?In Episode 2 of the Hands-On Heroes Day In The Life Series, we go inside the world of Heavy Equipment Operation — a career that literally shapes the ground beneath our feet. We get to meet a real woman working in the field as a Heavy Equipment Operator, and follow along on an adventure that is equal parts inspiring, educational, and just plain fun.This episode has something for everyone. Little ones will be captivated by B-Boop — our adorable animated guide who breaks down exactly how heavy machines work in a way that makes even the biggest equipment feel like something a kid could dream of operating one day. And the grown-ups? You'll walk away reminded of something important too.Because at the heart of this episode is a message that applies to all of us:"No job is too big if you believe in yourself."The Hands-On Heroes Day In The Life Series was created for families — to pull back the curtain on the careers that keep our world moving, and to make sure every child grows up knowing that the people who do this incredible work are heroes worth looking up to.Clear the couch, gather the crew, and press play. This one is for the whole family.Along the way, kids will learn about teamwork, problem-solving, STEM skills, and careers in construction through fun, hands-on experiences.Perfect for kids who love trucks, diggers, construction vehicles, engineering, and learning how things work! Learn more about Hands-On Heroes and their mission: https://handsonheroes.net/

What does it mean to be more than what people expect you to be?In this episode, host Valerie Crafton sits down with Grace Vanderhei — Nuclear Fuels Engineer and Clean Energy Advocate at Constellation, Miss America 2023, Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, and one of four women named by CNET as leading America's energy transition — for a conversation that is equal parts inspiring, grounding, and refreshingly real.Grace's story defies easy labels.She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison during her year as Miss America. She now works in Pressurized Water Reactor Core Design, travels the world educating people about energy, and is currently pursuing her MBA at Arizona State University — all while writing a book.But this conversation goes far deeper than a résumé.Valerie and Grace explore what it truly means to show up as a whole person — not just a title, not just a crown, not just a career. They talk about how you can be deeply feminine and deeply passionate about engineering at the same time, and why the world is better when people stop choosing between who they are and what they do.They also dig into the power of optimism — why Grace believes we shouldn't be afraid to strive for the best possible outcomes, even when that means embracing change, challenging assumptions, and imagining a future that doesn't exist yet.And Grace shares something she hasn't talked much about publicly: the inspiration behind the book she's currently writing.At the end of the day, Grace reminds us, we're all just people. Whole, complex, multidimensional people — and that's exactly what makes us powerful.🎙️ Guest: Grace Vanderhei, Nuclear Fuels Engineer & Clean Energy Advocate, Constellation | Miss America 2023 | Forbes 30 Under 30Thank you to our title sponsor MOD 42Join the mission at: https://handsonheroes.net/

What’s behind the workforce shortage and when should we start talking about it? Thank you to 7x24 for having a golf scramble that Hands-On Heroes benefited from!In this episode of Hands On Heroes, we took the conversation somewhere unexpected… the golf course. We asked everyday people what they think is really causing the workforce shortage, and their answers might surprise you.From shifting priorities to lack of awareness about career paths, this video highlights real perspectives on a growing issue that impacts businesses, communities, and future generations.In this video:• What people think is causing the workforce shortage• When the conversation about careers should really begin• Why early exposure to different career paths matters• How we can better prepare the next generationThe workforce conversation isn’t just for adults—it starts earlier than you think.Hands-On Heroes assembles the most powerful voices across construction, mission critical infrastructure, power, and design – from general contractors and civil engineers to hyperscale developers, edge and modular data center operators, semiconductor facility builders, AI factory pioneers, MEP specialists, architects, and infrastructure leaders.

In this special multi-guest episode of Hands-On Heroes, we explore engineering and data center careers through conversations with both students and instructors across the Valley. Filmed at Mesa Community College, Estrella Mountain Community College, and West-MEC, this episode brings together a range of perspectives from the classroom to the field. Hear directly from students pursuing technical paths and the teachers guiding them, as they break down what it’s like to train for careers in engineering and data centers. Topics include hands-on learning experiences, certifications, career pathways, and the real skills needed to succeed in today’s tech-driven workforce. By combining insights from both learners and educators, this episode gives a well-rounded look at how these programs prepare the next generation of engineers and technicians, and what it takes to succeed in the industry today.Hands-On Heroes assembles the most powerful voices across construction, mission critical infrastructure, power, and design – from general contractors and civil engineers to hyperscale developers, edge and modular data center operators, semiconductor facility builders, AI factory pioneers, MEP specialists, architects, and infrastructure leaders. Hands-On Heroes is a certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to empowering children through early exposure to careers in the skilled trades. Our mission is to break stereotypes, promote representation, and introduce kids to the powerful and creative careers that keep our world moving, from electricians and heavy equipment operators to carpenters, welders, and beyond. Learn more and join the mission: https://handsonheroes.net/

What does it take to turn a complex clean energy idea into something that actually gets built? In this episode, host Valerie Crafton sits down with Julia Weigel — Founder and Principal of Plexura Advisory to find out.Julia is a clean energy strategist and climate policy navigator with a background in engineering. She's spent her career doing the rare and difficult work of translating between worlds: technical and non-technical, policy and product, big-picture vision and on-the-ground execution. Whether she's building decarbonization frameworks from scratch or helping organizations move past the "infinite planning loop," Julia brings both rigor and creativity to the clean energy transition.In this conversation, Valerie and Julia dig into some of the most pressing questions shaping the field right now: How do we harness innovative clean tech in an era of AI-driven energy consumption? How do we build products and policies that accelerate progress rather than slow it down? And how do you lead across teams when everyone speaks a different language?If you've ever wondered what it looks like to be the person who makes the complex stuff actually happen — this one's for you.

In this episode of Hands On Heroes, Valerie sits down with Donya Ziraksari, a mechanical engineer and senior technical program manager at Microsoft, whose life story is anything but ordinary. Donya shares her remarkable journey from arriving in the United States as a refugee from Iran in 2007 to building a thriving career in data center construction and engineering leadership — a path shaped by resilience, curiosity, and an unwavering commitment to human connection.Donya opens up about her two books — her published memoir Tehran to Miami, which traces her family's history and cultural roots, and her upcoming release Random Beings, which explores women's vulnerability and self-doubt. She also previews her next project, How to Be a Woman, a collection of stories about the challenges and expectations women face across all areas of life. Donya shares the behind-the-scenes reality of self-publishing, including the lessons learned from navigating the editing process largely on her own after a difficult experience with an outside editor.Beyond her career and writing, Donya discusses her deeply personal work as a human rights activist — including her role as a spokesperson for the Iranian-American community in Texas, her advocacy around trafficking and sexual harassment awareness, and her involvement in a short film documenting religious minority persecution in Iran. She makes a compelling case for embedding human rights values into technology and engineering design from the very beginning, rather than treating them as afterthoughts or compliance checkboxes. For Donya, building ethical technology isn't a side conversation — it's a core responsibility of anyone working in engineering and program management.The conversation also digs into the value of diversity in the workplace, with Donya reflecting on how her background as a refugee gave her a unique lens on project management, team dynamics, and problem solving. She and Valerie explore how diverse thought — drawn from different cultures, life experiences, and perspectives — builds stronger, more adaptable teams, and why allies play a critical role in making that diversity sustainable over time.From there, the discussion turns to practical workplace wisdom: how to build genuine human connections with colleagues rather than relating to them purely through titles and credentials, how to understand different appreciation languages, and how to adapt communication styles to foster real collaboration. Donya shares specific examples of how she carves out intentional time to connect with teammates on a personal level, and why she believes knowing someone as a whole person — not just a professional — leads to better outcomes for everyone.Valerie and Donya also tackle the challenge of managing competing priorities with honesty and clarity, supporting colleagues through personal hardship, and creating a work culture where women feel encouraged rather than judged for pursuing balance. They reflect on their own experiences navigating career ambition alongside personal commitments, including the very real weight of mom guilt, and share their philosophies on setting clear goals, protecting personal time, and staying intentional about how energy is spent — both at work and beyond.Be a part of the mission: https://handsonheroes.net/

What does it take to build a better future for children in foster care — and what role can the skilled trades play in getting them there?In this episode of Hands-On Heroes, host Valerie Crafton welcomes Bronwyn Beabeau and Maureen Noe, President & CEO of The Foster Alliance — one of the largest foster care organizations in Arizona and New Mexico, supporting more than 8,000 children each year through programs like safe sleep, birthday dreams, basic needs, and foster care licensing.Together, they explore why awareness and community support are so critical for children navigating the foster care system, and why stable, meaningful career pathways can be life-changing for young people growing up in challenging circumstances. Valerie shares her vision for introducing foster youth to careers in the skilled trades — fields that offer not just a paycheck, but purpose, pride, and long-term opportunity.This conversation is a powerful reminder that it takes a community — organizations, mentors, and industry leaders alike — to open doors and build brighter futures for the next generation.🔗 Learn more about The Foster Alliance: https://thefosteralliance.org/Key Topics Covered:The mission and programs of The Foster AllianceWhy awareness matters for children in the foster care systemCreating stable career pathways for foster youthHow the skilled trades can offer purpose and long-term opportunityThe role of community, mentors, and industry leaders in changing livesHands-On Heroes is a certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to empowering children through early exposure to careers in the skilled trades — breaking stereotypes, promoting representation, and showing kids the powerful, creative careers that keep our world moving.Support the mission: https://handsonheroes.net/Thank you Mod42 for being our Title Sponsor!

In this episode of Hands-On Heroes, A Day In The Life Of An Electrician, creator and host Valerie Crafton introduces kids to the exciting world of skilled trades and STEM through storytelling, animation, and real-world exploration. The episode begins with a storybook reading from That Construction Worker is My Mom – The Electrician, showing young viewers that women can thrive in careers like electrical work and that anyone can become a builder, maker, or problem solver.Next, the lovable robot mascot B-Boop guides kids through a fun STEM kit project in an animated segment that teaches basic problem-solving and curiosity about how things work. The learning continues in a hands-on segment where Val and her children build the same project together, showing viewers how STEM ideas come to life at home.The episode concludes with an on-site interview with electrician Tara Stevenson, giving kids a real look at what it’s like to work in the trades and how careers in construction and electrical work help build the world around us.Through storytelling, creativity, and real-world role models, Hands-On Heroes encourages the next generation to explore STEM, believe in their abilities, and discover that heroes sometimes wear tool belts instead of capes.Hands-On Heroes assembles the most powerful voices across construction, mission-critical infrastructure, power, and design – from general contractors and civil engineers to hyperscale developers, edge and modular data center operators, semiconductor facility builders, AI factory pioneers, MEP specialists, architects, and infrastructure leaders. Hands-On Heroes is a certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to empowering children through early exposure to careers in the skilled trades. Our mission is to break stereotypes, promote representation, and introduce kids to the powerful and creative careers that keep our world moving, from electricians and heavy equipment operators to carpenters, welders, and beyond. Through Val’s 21+ years of industry experience, her Hands-On Heroes nonprofit, and her storytelling platforms, Val bridges the gap between boardrooms and jobsites, showing that the future of infrastructure isn’t just powered by data, it’s built by people.This is where construction meets technology. Where blueprints become reality. Where every megawatt delivered, every rack energized, every facility commissioned, and every community engaged represents the heroic work of the Hands-On Heroes building our tomorrow.Do you want to be a part of the mission? Visit https://handsonheroes.net/ to learn moreThank you Mod42 for being our Title Sponsor!

Renae Sams has built her career on the foundations of hard work, integrity, and vision. With experience spanning every phase of construction, she’s supported design teams through complex deliverables, led field operations under general contracting environments, and delivered high-impact projects across the country and abroad. Her portfolio includes infrastructure and transportation work in Southern California, federal mission-critical facilities in Hawaii and Guam, and large-scale data center campuses in Phoenix, Arizona, where she served as Senior Program Manager overseeing program delivery and optimizing coordination between teams to drive results.Known for her ability to lead with clarity, collaboration, and composure under pressure, Renae brings both strategic vision and grounded execution to every project she touches. She understands that success in construction isn’t just about what gets built—it’s about how people are led, heard, and supported along the way.As the Founder and Executive Director of Build-Her.org and Author of Build-Her, Be Heard, Renae is redefining what leadership looks like in construction and the skilled trades. Her mission is to increase visibility, representation, and growth for women in every stage of their careers—empowering them to build with confidence, lead with purpose, and lift others as they rise.Renae’s leadership continues to inspire a new generation of builders to believe that progress doesn’t just happen—it’s constructed, one bold voice at a time.

From Juvenile Detention to Data Center Leadership: A Story of Redemption and Resilience 💪The construction and technology industries are filled with unconventional success stories, but few are as powerful as Mike Hastings' journey.At 15, Mike found himself in the juvenile detention system—far from the traditional path to success. But his story didn't end there. It was just beginning.In the latest episode of Hands On Heroes, host Valerie Crafton sits down with Mike to explore his remarkable transformation from a warehouse worker at StorageTek to a sales leader at IES Communications, specializing in data center infrastructure.Mike's journey teaches us:Success doesn't require a perfect start—just persistence and a willingness to learnSeeking out mentors and volunteering your time can open doors you never imaginedGetting knocked down is inevitable; getting back up is what defines youTrue gratification comes from seeing the tangible impact of your work—and helping others find their pathMike navigated company acquisitions, earned his degree while working full-time, survived a layoff during COVID, and found his calling in an industry where you can literally point to the infrastructure you built and say, "I did that."Today, Mike is dedicated to giving back—mentoring the next generation and helping others discover the same opportunities he found in the construction and technology fields.

Thinking about a career in crane operation? Professional Crane Operator, Tiffany Eckard shares why starting as an oiler apprentice might be your best move.An oiler apprenticeship isn't just an entry point—it's a strategic foundation for a long-term career in heavy equipment operation. While you're maintaining and servicing cranes, you're actually getting paid to learn from experienced operators, understanding the machinery from the ground up.What makes the oiler role so valuable:You gain hands-on knowledge of crane mechanics, hydraulics, and safety systems before you ever touch the controls. You build relationships with experienced operators who become mentors. You develop the situational awareness and safety mindset that's critical in this field. You're earning while you're learning, with a clear path to operator certification.Many of today's master crane operators started exactly here—greasing cables, checking fluid levels, and asking questions. They understood that you can't safely operate what you don't understand.If you're looking for a skilled trade with strong earning potential and job security, the crane industry is hiring. And the apprenticeship path remains one of the most reliable ways to build a successful career.With host Valerie Crafton, she also shares what she loves most about being a crane operator.At Hands-On Heroes, we are dedicated to inspiring the next generation of builders, makers, and doers. Through storytelling and STEM education, we promote the skilled trades and empower children to explore their potential.Thank you Mod42 for being our title sponsor! Learn more about Hands-On Heroes: https://handsonheroes.net/

iMasons Climate Accord is a coalition of companies united on carbon reductions in digital infrastructure.Host Valerie Crafton of Hands On Heroes had the pleasure to interview attendees from the most recent iMasons Climate Accord Summit. This episode connects with leaders in the industry. People you'll hear from in this episode include: Alison Tyndall, Director of Industrial Innovations at ClimeCoAmir Ehsasei, Principle at Zamin Consulting LLCSarah Welton, Director at GRESB FoundationPatricia Leyva, Sustainability Enablement and Engagement at Equinix KC Mares, President and Chief Energy Officer at MegaWatt Consulting Inc. Eric Gertsman, Director of Tech Sustainability Louis Liu, Senior Sustainability Project Engineer at Rehlko Allan Bedwell, Principal at Net Zero Solutions Roland Ruprecht, Director and Commercial Lead at Teknor Apex CompanyMiranda G Gardiner, Executive Director at iMason Climate Accord.

On this episode of Hands-On Heroes, special guest Hiba Agha discusses her role in iMasons and her career in nonprofit organizations.Infrastructure Masons (iMasons) is a global, nonprofit, professional association of individuals connected and empowered to build a greater digital future for all.Hiba shares how her role is focused on building awareness, education, and workforce development by connecting industry, educators, policy makers, and underrepresented talent like veterans, women, and foster youth. They dig into the challenges of scaling initiatives, creating stackable credentials, mentorship opportunities, and the iMasons job matching platform that helps students and professionals find relevant jobs and internships. Hiba explains how aligning stakeholders and standardizing resources across regions can strengthen the talent pipeline and foster real change. Whether you’re entering the tech workforce, hiring talent, or looking for ways to get involved, this episode offers practical strategies and inspiration to help shape the future of the digital infrastructure industry through partnership, education, and community engagement.Hands-On Heroes assembles the most powerful voices across construction, mission critical infrastructure, power, and design – from general contractors and civil engineers to hyperscale developers, edge and modular data center operators, semiconductor facility builders, AI factory pioneers, MEP specialists, architects, and infrastructure leaders. Hands-On Heroes is a certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to empowering children through early exposure to careers in the skilled trades. Our mission is to break stereotypes, promote representation, and introduce kids to the powerful and creative careers that keep our world moving from electricians and heavy equipment operators to carpenters, welders, and beyond.Visit https://handsonheroes.net/ to learn moreThank you Mod42 for being our Title Sponsor!

Shannon Tymosko is a 4th year Electrical Apprentice and proud sister of the IBEW Local 105, Hamilton. She is also a Skilled Trades Ambassador, Speaker, and an Advocate. She originally completed a Child and Youth work diploma and upon completion she worked at a homeless shelter for youth. Here she found compassion, empathy, hope and a better understanding of people and the challenges life can for Mental Health. Sadly, this job was not one that an individual could thrive on in the GTA and she needed to maintain her college job. This turned into a 10-year unplanned career, as she worked her way up through different positions. It wasn’t until the age of 29 that she discovered she liked working with her hands. As an ambassador for the trades this has allowed Shannon to combine her passion for people with her new love for the trades. She uses her voice, story, and platform to educate, motivate and inspire change in the industry and the minds of all.In this episode of Hands-On Heroes, Shannon discussed the challenges of accessing apprenticeships in Canada, noting that most participants are in their late 20s or early 30s, making it difficult for younger people to pursue them as a first career. She emphasized the importance of providing young people with opportunities to gain transferable skills, financial stability, and the chance to explore different career paths. Valerie highlighted the financial burdens of balancing work, education, and childcare, and suggested that apprenticeships could offer a solution by allowing learning during the day while children are in school. They also discussed the benefits of apprenticeships, including the development of critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and a sense of community. Shannon explained the steps involved in becoming an apprentice, including the difficulty of finding an apprenticeship position, which is often due to the requirement for employers to take on educational responsibilities.

Kate Glantz co-founder and CEO of Move Over Bob shares how, as a woman, you can dominate in a male dominated field. Her and host Valerie Crafton discuss what "Allyship in Action" really looks like. Kate is a social entrepreneur and brand builder on a mission to reshape what’s possible for women in the trades. She is the co-founder of Move Over Bob, a media and lifestyle company positioning construction as an aspirational career path for women and girls through multimedia storytelling, industry collaborations, and events. Prior to Move Over Bob, Kate’s career spanned social impact, marketing, and economic inclusion across the public and private sectors. She led civic participation campaigns at Luma Pictures, directed economic empowerment programs at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, and created transportation access initiatives at Lyft. Kate has also founded multiple ventures focused on connection and cultural storytelling, including a charitable wedding registry, a social trading card company, and a street food tour in Zanzibar. Early in her career, Kate managed global health communications portfolios for the U.S. State Department and the Centers for Disease Control, and served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Tanzania and Senegal. Kate holds a B.A. from the University of Michigan and completed a carpentry pre-apprenticeship and welding course at Mesa Community College. She is an avid bowler, adventure traveler, and amateur glassblower.At Hands on Heroes we are dedicated to inspiring the next generation of builders, makers, and doers. Through storytelling and STEM education, we promote the skilled trades and empower children to explore their potential.

Discover how to get more women involved in engineering, tech and construction by giving them exposure early and often. Learn more on this episode of Hands-On Heroes - Ep2 AIDC25. Learn more about Hands-On Heroes: https://handsonheroes.net/Discover powerful insights on breaking gender barriers in STEM! In this episode of Hands-On Heroes from AIDC25 (Arizona Infrastructure & Data Center Summit 2025), we explore practical strategies for increasing women's participation in engineering, technology, and construction careers.🎯 Featured in This Episode:*Exclusive interview with Kirk Busch, CEO & Chairman of BigData Southwest and founder of AZ4Solar.org*Inspiring father-daughter story: How early exposure to tech events shaped an 8-year career journey (from age 10 to 18)*On-site interviews with industry leaders at AIDC25*Real-world insights on workforce development in the data center industry*Actionable advice for parents, educators, and industry professionalsHands-On Heroes assembles the most powerful voices across construction, mission critical infrastructure, power, and design – from general contractors and civil engineers to hyperscale developers, edge and modular data center operators, semiconductor facility builders, AI factory pioneers, MEP specialists, architects, and infrastructure leaders. Hands-On Heroes is a certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to empowering children through early exposure to careers in the skilled trades. Our mission is to break stereotypes, promote representation, and introduce kids to the powerful and creative careers that keep our world moving from electricians and heavy equipment operators to carpenters, welders, and beyond. Through Val’s 21+ years of industry experience, her Hands-On Heroes nonprofit, and her storytelling platforms, Val bridges the gap between boardrooms and jobsites, showing that the future of infrastructure isn’t just powered by data, it’s built by people.This is where construction meets technology. Where blueprints become reality. Where every megawatt delivered, every rack energized, every facility commissioned, and every community engaged represents the heroic work of the Hands-On Heroes building our tomorrow.

Hands-On Heroes with Robert Sty focuses on how to hire for the future; AI's impact on engineering talent. To learn more about the Hands-On Heroes mission & support visit: https://handsonheroes.net/Episode one had special guest Robert Sty. As Vice President and Semiconductor & Data Center Practice Lead at HDR Engineering, Inc., Robert spearheads innovation and strategic expansion across advanced manufacturing and mission-critical infrastructure. He brings deep expertise in developing transformative programs and leading the design of next-generation data center, semiconductor, and advanced technology facilities—driving performance, resilience, and scalability for clients operating at the forefront of technological advancement.He is a Registered Professional Mechanical Engineer (AZ) with a BSME from the University of Illinois-Chicago and a Graduate Certificate in Engineering Management from Stanford University. Robert's insights have been featured in industry publications such as the ASHRAE Journal and Consulting Specifying Engineering Magazine. Hands-On Heroes assembles the most powerful voices across construction, mission critical infrastructure, power, and design – from general contractors and civil engineers to hyperscale developers, edge and modular data center operators, semiconductor facility builders, AI factory pioneers, MEP specialists, architects, and infrastructure leaders. Hands-On Heroes is a certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to empowering children through early exposure to careers in the skilled trades. Our mission is to break stereotypes, promote representation, and introduce kids to the powerful and creative careers that keep our world moving from electricians and heavy equipment operators to carpenters, welders, and beyond. Through Val’s 21+ years of industry experience, her Hands-On Heroes nonprofit, and her storytelling platforms, Val bridges the gap between boardrooms and jobsites, showing that the future of infrastructure isn’t just powered by data, it’s built by people. This is where construction meets technology. Where blueprints become reality. Where every megawatt delivered, every rack energized, every facility commissioned, and every community engaged represents the heroic work of the Hands-On Heroes building our tomorrow.Thank you Mod42 for being our Title Sponsor!

Welcome to Hands-On Heroes - a certified  501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to empowering children through early exposure to careers in the skilled trades.As the Voice for the people who build, innovate, and sustain mission-critical infrastructure, Hands-On Heroes introduces the Podcast Host, Val Crafton who is The Voice of Grit — a trailblazer at the intersection of technology, trades, and transformation. With over two decades in mission-critical construction, she’s made it her purpose to amplify the people behind the progress — the builders, engineers, and innovators shaping our digital world.Through Val’s 21+ years of industry experience, her Hands-On Heroes nonprofit, and her storytelling platforms, Val bridges the gap between boardrooms and jobsites, showing that the future of infrastructure isn’t just powered by data, it’s built by people.The Hands-On Heroes podcast assembles the most powerful voices across construction, mission critical infrastructure, power, and design – from general contractors and civil engineers to hyperscale developers, edge and modular data center operators, semiconductor facility builders, AI factory pioneers, MEP specialists, architects, and infrastructure leaders. These are the leaders building the backbone of our connected world – the power grids, data halls, chip fabs, and mission critical facilities that make modern life possible.

This is it. The final episode of Beyond the Megawatt—but not the end of the mission. Since launching in May, Mara and Valerie set out to amplify the voices that weren't being heard at conferences, to dig into the issues that were being talked about but not truly addressed. And over 25 episodes, one theme kept surfacing no matter who they spoke with: the workforce crisis. It became impossible to ignore—and even more impossible to accept inaction as a response. In this bittersweet episode, Valerie and Mara announce the evolution of the podcast into something bigger than either of them: Hands-On Heroes, a mission-driven initiative focused on planting the seeds we failed to plant a generation ago. It's about putting books, STEM kits, and real career pathways in front of children—especially in the trades—so that when they dream about their future, they know these jobs exist. And they know they belong in them, regardless of background, gender, or zip code. This isn't goodbye. It's a pivot toward action. The platform isn't going away—it's rebranding. But the focus is shifting from conversation to impact, from awareness to accessibility, from talk to tools that teachers, parents, and communities can actually use. What You'll Hear: Why workforce development became the unavoidable throughline of every Beyond the Megawatt conversation—and why awareness alone isn't enough The story behind Hands-On Heroes: how it started in a classroom, what it's building toward, and why Valerie believes this is the root cause work that can actually move the needle How the initiative will provide free educational content—books, videos, and STEM kits—to help children see themselves in the trades and understand the jobs that power our world Why killing unconscious bias early matters just as much as filling the pipeline—and how representation in children's content shapes who believes they belong What's next: how the community can get involved, bring Hands-On Heroes into their schools and neighborhoods, and be part of solving the crisis one seed at a time A Heartfelt Thank You: To every guest who trusted us with their story. To our sponsors—BCS Switchgear, Black Hydrovac, Mod42, and Ironbox—who kept our mics hot. And to the listeners who made this more than a podcast. You made it a movement. You made us the Data Center Darlings. And we're not done yet. Stay Connected: The channels aren't going away—just rebranding. Keep following on LinkedIn, YouTube, and Spotify. You'll see the evolution in real time. Want to bring Hands-On Heroes into your community, school, or organization? Reach out to Valerie. This mission is designed to scale—and it needs all of us. Connect with Mara: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.marajadeconsulting.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/datacenterchic/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Val: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-crafton-mba-0362b816/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://valconsultants.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Luke Kipfer's career path reads like a blueprint for the future of infrastructure leadership—starting at 18 cleaning condenser coils on Liebert units, pivoting through operations, retail colo, and hyperscale development, and now shaping strategy in one of the industry's fastest-growing platforms. His story isn't just about climbing the ladder. It's about understanding every rung—and knowing when to step off and build something better. In this conversation, Luke opens up about the power of non-traditional pathways, the underrated skill of grit, and why the biggest constraint facing the industry today—workforce development—might actually be the thing that forces us to get smarter, faster, and more sustainable. From building diverse teams to navigating the unknowns of nuclear-powered sites and megawatt-scale racks, this episode digs into what it really takes to lead through constant change. Key Themes: Why going into the trades after high school was the best decision Luke ever made—and how taking care of the basics (sleep, exercise, mental health) sets you up to show up fully at work The myth of the "secret formula" in hyperscale development—and why total transparency across projects could revolutionize how the industry learns and scales How building teams with diverse backgrounds (from hyperscalers, developers, contractors, and operators) creates the "secret sauce" for innovation Why culture isn't a perk—it's a retention strategy, and in a hiring market where everyone is looking for talent, it's the deciding factor The radical shifts happening in site selection, power strategies, and community engagement as data centers move into rural markets that have never seen this kind of infrastructure before Connect with Luke Kipfer: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukekipfer/ This episode is powered by Black Hydrovac, experts in non-destructive digging and utility protection for mission-critical sites. Learn more at blackhydrovac.com. Powered by Mod42, Modular, efficient, and rapidly deployable data center buildings designed for the modern enterprise Apply to be a Guest or Sponsor and follow along: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://beyondthemegawatt.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-the-megawatt-podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Mara: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.marajadeconsulting.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/datacenterchic/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Val: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-crafton-mba-0362b816/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://valconsultants.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Beyond the Megawatt took over DataCloud USA 2025, capturing the energy, innovation, and bold conversations happening on the show floor and behind the scenes. This episode is a highlight reel featuring rapid-fire insights from industry leaders solving some of the biggest challenges in mission-critical infrastructure—from behind-the-meter power solutions and fiber connectivity to sustainable energy and workforce development. We also sit down with Lottie and Joe from the DataCloud team to talk about what makes this event essential, how the industry is evolving, and what themes they're forecasting for 2026. Spoiler: investment strategies, quantum computing, energy innovation, and yes—data centers in space. If you're curious about how ecosystems are converging, how professionals are breaking into this fast-moving industry, or what's on the horizon for digital infrastructure, this episode gives you a front-row seat. Learn more about DataCloud USA: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broadgroup/posts/?feedView=all This episode is powered by Black Hydrovac, experts in non-destructive digging and utility protection for mission-critical sites. Learn more at blackhydrovac.com. Powered by Mod42, Modular, efficient, and rapidly deployable data center buildings designed for the modern enterprise Apply to be a Guest or Sponsor and follow along: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://beyondthemegawatt.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-the-megawatt-podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Mara: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.marajadeconsulting.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/datacenterchic/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Val: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-crafton-mba-0362b816/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://valconsultants.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The data center industry is racing against the clock, and traditional construction timelines can't keep up. Enter modular data centers: purpose-built, repeatable, and designed to deploy infrastructure at a speed that would make legacy builds look outdated. Chris Abramo and Meg Tock from Mod42 join Mara and Val to myth-bust the misconceptions around modular construction, explain how they're deploying 400-megawatt sites faster than anyone thought possible, and challenge engineers to rethink what "over-engineering" is really costing the industry. Chris, a licensed engineer with 20 years of experience—eight of those in modular builds—didn't just shrink a traditional data center and call it modular. He started from scratch, designing with modularity, repeatability, and speed in mind. Meg joined the team a few months ago, drawn by the promise of purposeful work that's both sustainable and economical. Together, they're proving that modular isn't just for edge cases anymore. It's scalable, cost-effective, and built to handle hyperscale deployments—all while using 40% less capital and getting clients to revenue in half the time. In this episode, we explore: What modular actually means and why it's not shipping containers or temporary structures How Mod42 achieves 40% cost savings and 50% faster timelines compared to traditional builds Why repeatability and factory-controlled quality give modular builds a consistency advantage The phased deployment model that lets owners start generating revenue before the full site is complete How modular solves real-world problems: constrained land, adaptive reuse, and supply chain bottlenecks Why engineers need to stop designing around 52-week lead times and massive single-point infrastructure The trust factor: how hyperscalers hand over the reins and why relationships and transparency are everything Chris's audacious challenge to fellow engineers: What are we over-engineering, and how is it slowing us all down? This episode is for developers, engineers, hyperscalers, and anyone tired of waiting years for infrastructure to come online. If you've ever wondered whether modular is ready for prime time, or if you're stuck in a legacy build wishing there was a better way, this conversation will change how you think about deployment strategy. Connect with our guests: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-abramo-cca1208/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/mod42-llc/posts/?feedView=all https://www.mod42llc.com/ This episode is powered by Black Hydrovac, experts in non-destructive digging and utility protection for mission-critical sites. Learn more at blackhydrovac.com. Powered by Mod42, Modular, efficient, and rapidly deployable data center buildings designed for the modern enterprise Apply to be a Guest or Sponsor and follow along: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://beyondthemegawatt.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-the-megawatt-podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Mara: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.marajadeconsulting.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/datacenterchic/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Val: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-crafton-mba-0362b816/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://valconsultants.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Starting a construction business with zero industry experience? Kristy Black did exactly that—and built Black Hydrovac into a critical player in mission-critical infrastructure. But this isn't just a startup story. It's about partnership, risk, resilience, and redefining what it means to support each other in a fast-paced industry. Kristy spent nearly 20 years in education before COVID shifted everything. When that door closed, she didn't wait for another to open—she kicked her way through. With encouragement from her husband Adam (a data center construction veteran) and mentorship from someone who believed in her vision, Kristy launched Black Hydrovac with two trucks and a willingness to learn an emerging technology from the ground up. Today, her company protects underground infrastructure on some of the most critical sites in the country—from hyperscale data centers to the White House. And she's doing it while challenging outdated industry norms and building a culture centered on professional development for skilled tradespeople. Adam and Kristy don't just work in the same industry—they've built their careers side by side, taking turns leading and supporting as life demanded. Their conversation reveals what real partnership looks like when ambition, family, and construction timelines collide. In this episode, we explore: How Kristy transitioned from education to construction entrepreneurship during one of the hardest seasons of her life What HydroVac is, why it's essential in mission-critical construction, and why municipalities still don't understand its value The mentor who said "I'm going to help you" after a four-and-a-half-hour dinner—and meant it Why leadership is a learnable skill, and how Kristy and Adam use it to build both businesses and relationships The male ally perspective: what it actually looks like to support a woman's career without stepping on it Career growth for women in construction—and why taking a season to step back doesn't mean you're stepping out The "it's not about you, but it's all on you" leadership principle that transformed how they work How they balance two demanding careers, raise kids, and still prioritize their relationship This episode is for anyone navigating career pivots, partnerships, or the challenge of building something bold in a traditional industry. Whether you're an owner, operator, tradesperson, or someone wondering if it's too late to start over—this one's for you. Connect with our guests: Adam Black – Senior Vice President of Design and Construction, TA Digital Grouphttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinablack/ Kristy Black – Founder & CEO, Black Hydrovachttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kristy-black-ab605538/ This episode is powered by Black Hydrovac, experts in non-destructive digging and utility protection for mission-critical sites. Learn more at blackhydrovac.com. Powered by Mod42, Modular, efficient, and rapidly deployable data center buildings designed for the modern enterprise Apply to be a Guest or Sponsor and follow along: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://beyondthemegawatt.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-the-megawatt-podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Mara: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.marajadeconsulting.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/datacenterchic/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Val: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-crafton-mba-0362b816/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://valconsultants.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

What happens when two self-proclaimed sustainability "experts" sit down to challenge everything we think we know about greenwashing, carbon accounting, and the future of sustainable construction? This conversation cuts through the noise to reveal why sustainability has finally grown up—and why that's the most exciting thing happening in infrastructure right now. Charlie and Catherine bring decades of hard-won experience from both inside and outside the corporate sustainability machine. They're not here to shame anyone or preach perfection. Instead, they're making the case for why imperfect progress beats paralyzed perfectionism every single time. Key Themes Explored: • Why sustainability finally "grew up" - How standardized metrics and corporate commitments in the 2020s transformed sustainability from activist passion project to scalable business program • The scope revolution - How Scope 3 emissions accounting changed everything by forcing companies to look deep into their supply chains and rethink total cost of ownership • Data as the new frontier - Why environmental product declarations (EPDs) and lifecycle assessments are becoming as critical as financial accounting for making smart design decisions • Partnership over transactions - How the construction industry's "three bids and a buy" mentality is holding back the true potential of industrialized construction and sustainable innovation • Maximizing impact vs. minimizing footprint - The mindset shift from "doing less bad" to "doing more good" that's unlocking real value creation • The audacious question: How do we stop weaponizing greenwashing? - Their bold take on why every sustainability effort, however imperfect, deserves celebration rather than criticism This episode isn't just about sustainability, it's about how to drive meaningful change in complex systems without burning out or burning bridges. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just getting started, Charlie and Catherine offer a refreshing perspective on how to make sustainability work in the real world. Connect with our guests: Charlie Sellars: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charliesellars/ Book: "What We Can Do: A Climate Optimist's Guide to Sustainable Living" Catherine Donnelly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catdonnelly/ Proudly sponsored by BCS Switchgear, Inc. WE ARE NOW AN OEM SWITCHBOARD MANUFACTURER UL-891 Powered by Mod42, Modular, efficient, and rapidly deployable data center buildings designed for the modern enterprise Apply to be a Guest or Sponsor and follow along: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://beyondthemegawatt.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-the-megawatt-podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Mara: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.marajadeconsulting.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/datacenterchic/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Val: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-crafton-mba-0362b816/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://valconsultants.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This episode captures the raw energy and honest conversations from the event floor, featuring voices from across the data center, energy, and infrastructure communities. From modular data center builders to energy innovators, from seasoned industry veterans to newcomers finding their footing, everyone had something to say about whether YOTTA succeeded in bridging the tribes of digital infrastructure. In the second half, we sit down with George Rockett, the visionary behind YOTTA, for an unfiltered conversation about the challenges of scaling an industry event, the anthropological nature of industry silos, and why bringing manufacturing mindsets to data centers might be the key to our future. Key themes explored: The real challenge of breaking down industry silos and fostering genuine collaboration across traditionally separate sectors How the data center industry compares to aviation in terms of scale, manufacturing precision, and vertical integration The urgent need for policy education and community engagement as the industry expands into new territories Why sustainability conversations must go deeper than surface-level metrics to examine entire lifecycle impacts The shift from traditional competitive bidding to partnership-driven approaches in mission-critical infrastructure Bold insights from the event floor: Partnership over competition is becoming essential for industry survival The gap between policy makers and technical realities needs immediate attention Manufacturing approaches from other industries could revolutionize data center construction Trust-building and relationship development are becoming as critical as technical expertise George Rockett shares his vision for next year's event, including plans to double attendance to 7,000 people and expand into Caesar's Forum, while maintaining the focus on bringing together previously disconnected industry tribes. Connect with Yotta & George: https://www.linkedin.com/company/yotta-events/posts/?feedView=all https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-rockett-b18a3b4/ Proudly sponsored by BCS Switchgear, Inc. WE ARE NOW AN OEM SWITCHBOARD MANUFACTURER UL-891 Powered by Mod42, Modular, efficient, and rapidly deployable data center buildings designed for the modern enterprise Apply to be a Guest or Sponsor and follow along: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://beyondthemegawatt.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-the-megawatt-podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Mara: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.marajadeconsulting.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/datacenterchic/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Val: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-crafton-mba-0362b816/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://valconsultants.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The data center industry desperately needs more diverse voices on stage, but too often, women are backing down from speaking opportunities at the last minute. Why are qualified professionals declining panels and presentations? And more importantly, how do we change that? In this conversation, we dig into the real barriers keeping women from stepping up to the microphone, from imposter syndrome to perfectionism to the fear of being judged. Our guests share hard-won wisdom about finding your authentic voice, preparing powerful stories, and using vulnerability as a strength rather than a weakness. Key Insights: • Preparation beats perfection. The root of most speaking anxiety isn't lack of ability—it's lack of confidence that comes from feeling unprepared. Know your audience, understand your purpose, and craft stories with clear takeaways. • Your experience is your expertise. You don't need decades in the field to offer valuable perspectives. Even three years of hands-on experience gives you insights worth sharing, especially when delivered authentically. • Vulnerability creates connection. The moments that make you feel most exposed—sharing a challenge you've overcome or admitting when something didn't go as planned—are often what audiences remember most. • Moderation is leadership. Leading a panel teaches you as much as being on one. It's an excellent way to build confidence while learning from industry experts. • Stories matter more than slides. A compelling personal experience will resonate longer than any PowerPoint deck. Focus on the beginning, middle, and end of your story, and always tie it back to what the audience can take away. Connect with Dr. Sharon Lamm Hartman https://www.linkedin.com/in/drsharonlammhartman/ Connect with Chrissy Olsen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissy-olsen/ Proudly sponsored by BCS Switchgear, Inc. WE ARE NOW AN OEM SWITCHBOARD MANUFACTURER UL-891 Powered by Mod42, Modular, efficient, and rapidly deployable data center buildings designed for the modern enterprise Apply to be a Guest or Sponsor and follow along: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://beyondthemegawatt.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-the-megawatt-podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Mara: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.marajadeconsulting.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/datacenterchic/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Val: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-crafton-mba-0362b816/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://valconsultants.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this powerful episode, we sit down with trailblazer Carrie Goetz — author, educator, and industry pioneer. We’ll explore her human story: how she broke into the industry, the challenges she’s overcome, and how she’s helped shape the evolution of the digital infrastructure space. From sparking curiosity in young minds to educating adults across the globe, Carrie’s impact spans generations. Now, as she begins to pass the torch, her legacy continues to inspire the next wave of leaders. Don’t miss this conversation with a true industry icon. Connect with our guest:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-goetz/ Proudly sponsored by BCS Switchgear, Inc. WE ARE NOW AN OEM SWITCHBOARD MANUFACTURER UL-891 Powered by Mod42, Modular, efficient, and rapidly deployable data center buildings designed for the modern enterprise Apply to be a Guest or Sponsor and follow along: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://beyondthemegawatt.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-the-megawatt-podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Mara: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.marajadeconsulting.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/datacenterchic/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Val: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-crafton-mba-0362b816/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://valconsultants.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The data center industry is shifting from fiber-first to power-first strategy, and DataCloud USA is bringing all the right players to the table. Joe Howarth and Lottie Westerling share what makes their Austin event different—from quantum computing keynotes to bold predictions about infrastructure's next frontier. Key Themes:  • Power-first strategy replacing traditional fiber-first thinking  • Quantum computing's impact on data center design requirements • Industry talent pipeline challenges and solutions  • Cross-industry collaboration between power, fiber, and investment  • Workforce development through direct C-suite connections  • The audacious possibility of space-based data centers  • Women's leadership initiatives in digital infrastructure This conversation challenges conventional infrastructure planning and offers practical insights for operators, developers, and investors navigating rapidly changing industry dynamics. Connect with our guests:  • Joe Howarth - Commercial Lead, DataCloud USA: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-howarth/ • Lottie Westerling - Content Lead, DataCloud USA: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lottie-westerling-289205172/ • DataCloud USA Austin Event: https://www.datacloud-usa.com/  Use code BTM10 for 10% off tickets to Datacloud USA Proudly sponsored by BCS Switchgear, Inc. WE ARE NOW AN OEM SWITCHBOARD MANUFACTURER UL-891 Powered by Mod42, Modular, efficient, and rapidly deployable data center buildings designed for the modern enterprise Apply to be a Guest or Sponsor and follow along: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://beyondthemegawatt.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-the-megawatt-podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Mara: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.marajadeconsulting.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/datacenterchic/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Val: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-crafton-mba-0362b816/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://valconsultants.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

When you flip a light switch, there's no David Copperfield hiding behind the sheetrock. That's science at work, not magic. But what happens when we can't find the people who understand that science? Greg Crumpton, a 30-year veteran of the mechanical contracting industry, calls it what it is: a national emergency. In this unfiltered conversation, Greg pulls zero punches about SMEs who hoard knowledge, the generational divide that's costing us innovation, and why AI is a tool, not a threat. From liquid cooling in 1988 IBM mainframes to today's data center boom, this episode tackles the workforce pipeline crisis head-on with solutions that require courage, not comfort. Key Insights: • The "dog bone" workforce pipeline - why we have plenty of people entering and exiting but a dangerous gap in between where trade education disappeared • Why SMEs complaining about labor shortages while refusing to mentor are "being lazy and selfish" - and what walking your talk actually looks like • How the apprenticeship model must evolve from "show up, shut up, and listen" to showing clear career trajectories and growth paths • The humility factor that separates industry leaders from those who get left behind - embracing fresh perspectives vs. dismissing new approaches • AI as an efficiency multiplier for skilled trades - from QR code equipment histories to GPS-guided troubleshooting - without replacing human judgment • Why excluding women from trades programs wastes half the available talent pool and how simple tools solve strength concerns • The connection-making approach that changes careers - introductions matter more than resumes, and good people are everywhere if you're watching This episode will challenge how you think about workforce development, mentoring responsibility, and the future of skilled trades in an AI-enhanced world. Proudly sponsored by BCS Switchgear, Inc. WE ARE NOW AN OEM SWITCHBOARD MANUFACTURER UL-891 Powered by Mod42, Modular, efficient, and rapidly deployable data center buildings designed for the modern enterprise Connect with Greg and get the book: https://www.gregcrumpton.com/blog/home/ Apply to be a Guest or Sponsor and follow along: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://beyondthemegawatt.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-the-megawatt-podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Mara: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.marajadeconsulting.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/datacenterchic/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Val: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-crafton-mba-0362b816/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://valconsultants.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This isn't just another industry event—it's a movement. 🚀 In this episode of Beyond the Megawatt, George Rockett shares how his vision to unite the "tribes" of digital infrastructure is transforming the way our industry collaborates, innovates, and tackles its toughest challenges. From energy as the new front line to partnerships over competition, discover why the second year of this event is set to double in size and change the game for data centers worldwide. 🎙️ Plus—hear what's coming in the Innovate Arena and why George says we're in a "jet engine moment" for digital infrastructure. Key Takeaways • Breaking down industry tribes - Moving beyond silos where data center, network, and IT professionals speak different languages and attend separate conferences • The "jet engine moment" for digital infrastructure - We're creating GPU "engines" without planning the infrastructure "airports" to support them • From competition to collaboration - Russian doll partnerships where companies like OpenAI involve Microsoft, Oracle, Crusoe, and Google working together • Energy becomes the front line - Learning from "crypto pivoters" who mastered energy arbitrage and flexible load management • YOTTA 2025 doubles down - Over 3,000 attendees, nearly double the exhibitors, with diverse speakers from across the digital ecosystem • Innovate Arena returns - Shark Tank-style showcase featuring 20 companies attacking industry challenges in new ways • Synergistic problem solving - Moving from traditional tracks to cross-disciplinary sessions on densification, efficiency, and risk The transformation isn't just about bigger data centers—it's about fundamentally rethinking how we collaborate across previously separate industries to build the digital economy's infrastructure. Proudly sponsored by BCS Switchgear, Inc. WE ARE NOW AN OEM SWITCHBOARD MANUFACTURER UL-891 Powered by Mod42, Modular, efficient, and rapidly deployable data center buildings designed for the modern enterprise Connect with George and YOTTA ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/yotta-events/posts/?feedView=all⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-rockett-b18a3b4/⁠⁠https://www.yotta-event.com/⁠ Apply to be a Guest or Sponsor and follow along: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://beyondthemegawatt.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-the-megawatt-podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Mara: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.marajadeconsulting.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/datacenterchic/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Val: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-crafton-mba-0362b816/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://valconsultants.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

What if the workforce crisis isn't about lazy kids or entitled generations—but about a complete failure to show young people the pathways that actually exist? Michael Wilson from GenTech is proving that early exposure changes everything, from elementary students programming Amazon warehouse robots to former farm workers' kids seeing automation as opportunity instead of threat. This conversation cuts through the usual workforce development rhetoric to reveal what's actually working: turnkey programs that bring expertise directly to underserved schools, real-world projects that make learning relevant, and pathways that don't require families to go into debt to maybe figure out what their kids want to do. Key insights you'll discover: • Why computer science should be required in K-12 (and the simple reason it isn't) • How to reframe automation from job-killer to career creator for skeptical students • The turnkey approach that removes barriers for under-resourced schools • Why construction workers are the ultimate neighborhood heroes hiding in plain sight • What happens when less than 1% of high school seniors know their post-graduation plans • The economic reality: trade workers buying houses while college grads pay off debt • How early exposure creates full-circle impact when students become instructors Whether you're in workforce development, education, or infrastructure leadership, this episode reveals practical strategies for building the talent pipeline we desperately need—without waiting for systemic change that may never come. The future workforce isn't something we're preparing for. It's something we're building right now, one classroom at a time. Connect with Michael Wilson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gtmichael/ https://gentechsupport.com/ Connect with Valerie's non-profit, Hands-On Heroes https://handsonheroes.net/ Proudly sponsored by BCS Switchgear, Inc. WE ARE NOW AN OEM SWITCHBOARD MANUFACTURER UL-891 Powered by Mod42, Modular, efficient, and rapidly deployable data center buildings designed for the modern enterprise Apply to be a Guest or Sponsor and follow along: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://beyondthemegawatt.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-the-megawatt-podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Mara: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.marajadeconsulting.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/datacenterchic/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Val: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-crafton-mba-0362b816/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://valconsultants.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

What happens when you really listen to the conversations happening in the margins? Four years ago, Jackie Pasierbowicz overheard women talking about professional isolation right after a networking event designed to support them. That moment of recognition sparked the 7x24 Exchange WiMCO Tech Summit – now a sold-out annual gathering that's redefining how we think about professional development in mission-critical industries. This episode takes you behind the scenes of building something the industry said it didn't need, why "love farming" (recruiting without adjusting culture) sets everyone up to fail, and how balancing technical excellence with emotional intelligence creates authentic professional growth. Key Insights from This Episode • The power of marginal conversations – The most important feedback often happens after official events end, in parking lots and side conversations where people feel safe to be honest • Why existing support systems fail – Happy hours and assigned mentorship programs create surface-level connections but don't address deeper professional development needs • The "love farming" problem – Recruiting diverse talent without adjusting organizational culture creates retention problems, not solutions • Technical + human = complete solutions – The most complex infrastructure challenges require both technical mastery and strong interpersonal leadership skills • Strategic discomfort drives growth – Pushing people outside comfort zones through activities like poker and golf helps them practice risk-taking in professional contexts • Building authentic community takes intention – Real professional relationships require deeper, more purposeful interaction than traditional networking provides • Mid-career recharging is essential – Strategic timing for professional development can help prevent burnout and sustain long-term career growth Sometimes the most important innovations come from having the courage to build something different when existing approaches clearly aren't working. This conversation challenges every leader to listen more carefully to what's not being said in official spaces and to create conditions where talent can actually thrive. Proudly sponsored by BCS Switchgear, Inc. WE ARE NOW AN OEM SWITCHBOARD MANUFACTURER UL-891 Connect with Our Guests Jackie Pasierbowicz https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackie-pasierbowicz-21b31820/ 7x24 Exchange WiMCO Tech Summit: https://wts2025.zohobackstage.com/7x24ExchangeRegionalWiMCOTechSummit2025#/?lang=en https://www.7x24exchange.org/wimco/ Lillian Rivera https://www.linkedin.com/in/lillian-rivera-4821a28/ Apply to be a Guest or Sponsor and follow along: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://beyondthemegawatt.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-the-megawatt-podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Mara: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.marajadeconsulting.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/datacenterchic/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Val: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-crafton-mba-0362b816/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://valconsultants.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

What happens when a Navy submarine veteran challenges everything the data center industry thinks it knows? You get a conversation that's equal parts uncomfortable and essential. Tony Grayson doesn't just question industry assumptions, he dismantles them with the precision of someone who's managed 14-megawatt floating data centers under conditions most of us can't imagine. Key Insights:  • Why veterans managing submarine IT infrastructure are the data center operators we desperately need but consistently overlook  • The uncomfortable truth about SMR timelines and why most nuclear promises won't deliver until it's too late  • How China's chip constraints forced innovation that outperformed OpenAI at a fraction of the cost and what that means for U.S. infrastructure  • Why we don't have a power problem, we have a distribution problem (and why that changes everything)  • The $300 billion distributed computing market that nobody's preparing for  • Why constraint-driven innovation beats throwing money at problems every time  • What happens when AI hardware cycles every 12 months but infrastructure planning spans decades This isn't your typical industry conversation. Tony's background gives him permission to ask the audacious questions that make executives squirm: What's the actual ROI on massive AI campuses? Can we really manage 100,000 distributed sites? And why are we ignoring the workforce that's already proven they can handle complex technical systems under pressure? By the end of this episode, you'll question whether the industry is building for the right future... or just the most expensive one. Proudly sponsored by BCS Switchgear, Inc. WE ARE NOW AN OEM SWITCHBOARD MANUFACTURER UL-891 Connect with Tony Grayson: [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonygraysonvet/ Apply to be a Guest or Sponsor and follow along: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://beyondthemegawatt.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-the-megawatt-podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Mara: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.marajadeconsulting.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/datacenterchic/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Val: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-crafton-mba-0362b816/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://valconsultants.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The energy conversation in data centers just got real. In this episode, we dive deep with Alison Krager Hahn from the Department of Energy and Rhea Williams from E3 Energy Partners on the hybrid strategies reshaping how we power digital infrastructure. From nuclear timelines that will surprise you to the natural gas bridges we need today, this conversation cuts through the noise to deliver the hard truths about America's power crisis. Key Insights from This Episode: • Nuclear deployment is accelerating faster than expected - with concrete 2026 timelines and construction already underway for commercial advanced reactors • Natural gas represents the critical bridge solution - but requires understanding molecular markets, capacity agreements, and complex integration challenges most people don't grasp • This isn't just a data center problem - we're facing a national infrastructure crisis with legacy transmission systems that haven't been updated in decades • Community engagement is non-negotiable for nuclear success - transparent education and local outreach will determine which projects move forward • Sustainability conversations are full of dangerous misconceptions - especially around grid power composition and the reality of renewable energy as prime power • Very few people in the industry actually know what they're doing - we're making reactive decisions instead of strategic, methodical planning • Data center capital can reshape America's energy infrastructure - but only if we think beyond just meeting our own power needs This episode isn't just about energy solutions—it's about the opportunity and responsibility the data center industry has to lead America's infrastructure transformation. The capital is there. The technology is advancing. The question is whether we'll step up strategically or continue acting like our pants are on fire. Proudly sponsored by BCS Switchgear, Inc. WE ARE NOW AN OEM SWITCHBOARD MANUFACTURER UL-891 Guest Information: Alison Krager Hahn - Office of Nuclear Energy, Department of Energy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-krager-hahn-9342b5275/ Rhea Williams - E3 Energy Partners LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rheawilliams/ Apply to be a Guest or Sponsor and follow along: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://beyondthemegawatt.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-the-megawatt-podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Mara: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.marajadeconsulting.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/datacenterchic/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Val: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-crafton-mba-0362b816/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://valconsultants.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Eight weeks into Beyond the Megawatt, Mara and Val pause to reflect on what they've learned about starting a podcast, challenging industry norms, and amplifying voices that typically don't get heard. This honest conversation reveals the real motivations behind their platform and why non-traditional career paths might be exactly what the data center industry needs. Key Insights: • The shame of non-traditional paths - Why many successful professionals hide their unconventional routes into infrastructure and construction • Breaking conference barriers - How arbitrary rules keep fresh voices off industry panels and what needs to change • Strategic networking - Practical tips for making genuine connections at industry events instead of collecting business cards • The power of preparation - Why women-focused networking events create stronger industry participation, not separation • Redefining success metrics - Moving beyond traditional credentials to recognize diverse forms of expertise and intelligence • Taking the show on the road - Upcoming live appearances and the mission to interview voices behind the scenes This episode challenges listeners to examine their own assumptions about who belongs in mission-critical industries and whose perspectives deserve platforms. Mara and Val demonstrate that the most powerful conversations happen when you stop trying to be perfect and start being honest about the real challenges facing infrastructure professionals. What's Next: Look for Beyond the Megawatt at upcoming industry events including WIMCO Tech Summit, YADA, Data Center World Power, and DCAC/Data Cloud, where they'll be conducting live interviews with the people actually building our digital infrastructure. Proudly sponsored by BCS Switchgear, Inc. Apply to be a Guest or Sponsor and follow along: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://beyondthemegawatt.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-the-megawatt-podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Mara: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.marajadeconsulting.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/datacenterchic/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Val: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-crafton-mba-0362b816/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://valconsultants.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Half of all data center talent will retire within the next decade. At the same time, we need to double our workforce to meet exploding infrastructure demand. This isn't just another workforce challenge—it's an existential threat to the mission-critical systems that power our digital economy. Dr. Tracy Brown (Chief of Staff) and Lisa Stevens (Head of HR at CleanArc Data Centers) join Valerie Crafton to tackle the hard truths about talent development in mission-critical infrastructure. From the cultural disconnect veterans face transitioning to corporate environments to the performance review theater that wastes everyone's time, this conversation challenges every assumption about how we develop, manage, and retain human capital in high-stakes technical environments. Key Insights • The 10% Management Rule: Effective people development requires 10% of a manager's capacity for each direct report - but most organizations don't staff for this reality • Military-to-Corporate Culture Shock: Veterans transition from environments where everyone flows in the same direction to corporate teams where people often compete against each other • The Skills vs. Mindset Revolution: Interview for competencies first, skills second - the right mindset can learn the industry, but the wrong mindset cannot • AI Amplifies What You Feed It: Organizations rushing to implement AI solutions are building on foundations of inconsistent, poorly organized data • Performance Review Theater: Most performance management processes feel inauthentic and unproductive because they are - it's time to scrap the administrative burden and build something that actually develops people • Professional Development as Survival: In a knowledge-driven industry facing massive talent shortages, making professional development mandatory isn't nice-to-have - it's competitive necessity • The Human Factor Changes Everything: Technical excellence attracts talent, but human connection and purpose-driven work retains it The conversation reveals why traditional talent strategies are failing and offers a roadmap for organizations ready to invest in sustainable workforce development. The choice is simple: evolve your people strategy now, or spend the next decade scrambling to keep the lights on. Connect with Our Guests Connect with Dr. Tracy Brown: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drtcbrown/ https://drtre.com/ Connect with Lisa Stevens: ⁠www.cleanarcdatacenters.com⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-stevens-phr-2a581a29/ Apply to be a Guest or Sponsor and follow along: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://beyondthemegawatt.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-the-megawatt-podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Mara: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.marajadeconsulting.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/datacenterchic/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Val: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-crafton-mba-0362b816/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://valconsultants.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

What happens when you put three sustainability leaders in one room and ask them to call BS on industry practices? You get the most honest conversation about data center sustainability we've had yet. Karen Cooper (DLR Group), Jenna Middaugh (Green Building Initiative), and Patricia Leyva (Equinix) didn't hold back. From fear-based pricing to parallel study failures, this episode tackles why sustainability initiatives keep getting blamed for project problems—and what to do about it. Key Insights From This Episode: • Sustainability should be code-required, not optional — No one argues about fire safety compliance because lives depend on it. Planetary resources deserve the same treatment. • The "green premium" is often a fear premium — Unfamiliar methods get risk contingencies baked into bids. In markets where sustainable construction is normal, it's competitively priced. • We're tracking the wrong data — Most projects blame sustainability for delays without running parallel estimates of what traditional methods would have cost under identical conditions. • Culture beats checklists — Sustainable practices succeed when teams embrace efficiency optimization, not when they're forced to check environmental boxes. • Small steps create big momentum — Perfect sustainability isn't the goal. Continuous improvement builds institutional knowledge and confidence across projects. • Community pressure is making sustainability essential — Local governments are asking tough questions about water usage and energy consumption before approving new developments. • The economics argument wins — When positioned as operational efficiency and resource optimization rather than environmental activism, sustainability finds broader support. This conversation cuts through the corporate speak to address real challenges facing data center professionals who want to build better but need practical strategies that actually work. Connect With Our Guests: Karen Cooper - Architect, DLR Group https://www.linkedin.com/in/krcoopdesigns/  Jenna Middaugh - COO, Green Building Initiative https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenna-middaugh-8a060137/  GBI's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/green-building-initiative/  Patricia Leyva - Sustainability Expert, Equinix https://www.linkedin.com/in/paleyva Apply to be a Guest or Sponsor and follow along: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://beyondthemegawatt.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-the-megawatt-podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Mara: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.marajadeconsulting.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/datacenterchic/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Val: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-crafton-mba-0362b816/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://valconsultants.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Leadership in mission-critical industries isn't broken—it's being measured all wrong. This conversation with executive coach Lori Severson and leadership expert Andrea Janzen exposes the invisible barriers keeping transformational leaders stuck and offers a bold roadmap for change. Key Revelations: • Why women's leadership journey feels like "dying by a thousand cuts"—and how those small moments add up to systemic exclusion • The missing metrics that keep our most effective leaders overlooked while rewarding outdated transactional behaviors • How to handle "you're too aggressive" criticism in real-time without losing your authentic leadership style • The authenticity antidote that turns perceived weaknesses into competitive advantages • What leadership redesign looks like when you measure inspiration instead of intimidation • The double bind that traps women between "too nice" and "too bossy"—and how to escape it • Why younger professionals are rejecting traditional leadership roles (hint: it's the same reason women hesitate) This isn't about fixing women to fit broken systems. It's about building leadership cultures that recognize and reward the skills our complex industry actually needs. Guest Information: Lori Severson - Executive coach and author with 20+ years in Fortune 500 leadership roles. Now focused on helping women rise through strategic coaching and consulting. https://www.linkedin.com/in/loriseverson1/ Andrea Janzen - Founder of Ambition Theory, a leadership development company specializing in transformational leadership for construction and engineering professionals. https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/ https://ambitiontheory.com/ Apply to be a Guest or Sponsor and follow along: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://beyondthemegawatt.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-the-megawatt-podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Mara: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.marajadeconsulting.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/datacenterchic/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Val: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-crafton-mba-0362b816/⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://valconsultants.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

What if the solution to the data center workforce crisis starts in kindergarten? Dr. Sharon Jones, founder of the Dottie Rose Foundation, joins us for a conversation that challenges everything you think you know about AI education, workforce development, and the future of technical careers. From her unexpected journey from DJ dreams to computer science advocacy, Sharon reveals why "the power of the blend" - human creativity combined with AI capabilities - is the key to thriving in our rapidly evolving industry. Key Insights: • Start AI literacy early - Digital literacy conversations should begin in kindergarten, not college  • Embrace human-AI collaboration - MIT research proves that human + AI teams outperform either working alone  • Apply the TAM model - Technology adoption depends on perceived usefulness and ease of use  • Implement just-in-time learning - 5-7 minute focused training sessions with immediate application  • Support the education pipeline - The teacher shortage directly impacts our future workforce  • Think frameworks, not rigid curricula - Flexibility and personalization are essential for effective learning  • Education as the great equalizer - Exposure and opportunity bring humanity together Dr. Sharon's passion for closing the gender gap in tech shines through as she shares practical strategies for building inclusive, AI-literate workforces. Whether you're leading a team, developing training programs, or wondering how to prepare for an AI-enhanced future, this conversation provides the roadmap. Connect with Dr. Sharon Jones: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-sharon-torrence-jones-a9b264a6/ https://dottierosefoundation.org/ https://thedotconsulting.co/ Resources Mentioned in this Episode: E2D (Eliminate the Digital Divide): https://www.e-2-d.org Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) by Dr. Fred Davis MIT-IBM Watson AI Lab research on human-AI collaboration Apply to be a Guest or Sponsor and follow along: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://beyondthemegawatt.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-the-megawatt-podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Mara: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.marajadeconsulting.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/datacenterchic/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Val: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-crafton-mba-0362b816/⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://valconsultants.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Sometimes the most transformative technology comes from the most unexpected places. In this episode, we go below the surface—literally—to explore how hydro excavation is changing data center construction, winter operations, and workplace culture in ways that extend far beyond digging. Kristy Black didn't start Black Hydrovac because she discovered a passion for construction equipment. She started it because she wanted to build teams of people who could think, solve problems, and grow in an industry that too often treats skilled workers as interchangeable parts. What emerged is a company that's revolutionizing both excavation safety and leadership culture. From heated water systems that keep projects moving through frozen ground to spatial intelligence that makes machines extensions of operators' bodies, this conversation reveals how the right technology paired with people-first leadership creates competitive advantages that go far beyond any single tool or process. Key Insights You'll Discover: • Why "best guess" utility location creates massive risk in data center construction—and how precision excavation protects both workers and existing infrastructure • The winter operations advantage that keeps projects moving when others shut down—using heated water systems to melt frozen ground and maintain year-round capability • How to identify and develop spatial intelligence in technical roles—recognizing the natural talent that makes some operators exceptional with complex equipment • The discipline of delegation that prevents endless process reinvention—why the best leaders document systems and trust teams to execute and improve them • Building safety culture through mentorship accountability—making experienced workers responsible for training and protecting newer team members • Environmental precision that serves both efficiency and stewardship—reducing soil disruption and runoff while maintaining operational excellence • The vulnerability required for effective leadership—honestly assessing limitations and surrounding yourself with complementary strengths This isn't just about construction technology—it's about what becomes possible when you combine smart tools with smarter people management, consistent processes with the flexibility to adapt, and the confidence to let talented people do what they do best. Whether you're managing mission-critical infrastructure projects, developing technical teams, or building operational resilience, Kristy's insights on leadership, innovation, and human development offer lessons that extend far beyond any single industry. Connect with Kristy Black: Kristy Black - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristy-black-ab605538/ Black Hydrovac - https://blackhydrovac.com/ Apply to be a Guest or Sponsor and follow along: ⁠⁠⁠https://beyondthemegawatt.com/⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-the-megawatt-podcast⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Mara: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.marajadeconsulting.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/datacenterchic/⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Val: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-crafton-mba-0362b816/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://valconsultants.com/⁠⁠⁠

What happens when AI meets data center infrastructure? Dan Molloy—known throughout the industry as "Fiber Dan"—brings decades of networking expertise and bold predictions about the future of mission-critical systems. From his early days discovering the internet in high school to his current role as a fiber infrastructure expert, Dan offers a unique perspective on how artificial intelligence will reshape everything from workforce training to blockchain applications in hyperscale environments. Key Insights & Bold Takes • AI isn't coming for technical jobs first—it's targeting middle management decision-making while making hands-on expertise more valuable than ever • The knowledge transfer crisis is real—as Valerie noted, "We've got to change the way we share information" rather than keeping expertise locked away in NDAs and proprietary environments • Fiber infrastructure demands are exploding as AI workloads require "giant hive minds" where everything communicates in real time • Predictive analytics will connect seemingly unrelated data points—weather patterns, internet usage, and system failures in ways humans would never think to explore • Blockchain applications in data centers focus on trust and accountability—imagine automatic SLA violation credits without disputes or delays • Training through AI-powered simulation offers safer, scalable alternatives to learning on dangerous live power systems • The sustainability tension between AI's massive energy demands and environmental goals requires innovative solutions, not compromise Dan Molloy Bio & Connect Dan Molloy, known as "Fiber Dan," brings over two decades of networking and infrastructure expertise to the data center industry. After discovering the early internet in high school and serving in the Air Force at Fort Meade, Dan navigated the dot-com boom and bust before finding his calling in mission-critical infrastructure. For the past nine years, he has become a recognized voice in fiber optics, AI integration, and the future of hyperscale operations. Connect with Dan: Website: FiberDan.com Apply to be a Guest or Sponsor and follow along: ⁠⁠https://beyondthemegawatt.com/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-the-megawatt-podcast⁠⁠ Connect with Mara: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.marajadeconsulting.com/⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/datacenterchic/⁠⁠ Connect with Val: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-crafton-mba-0362b816/⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://valconsultants.com/⁠⁠⁠

What happens when you combine decades of commissioning expertise with a vision for transforming how we develop the next generation of infrastructure talent? You get a conversation that challenges everything from when commissioning should start to how we can solve the workforce crisis while building better facilities. Lillian Rivera and Jim McEnteggart are launching 21st Century Ops with a bold approach that flips traditional commissioning on its head. Instead of bringing operational expertise in at the end of projects, they're advocating for "operationally directed design" that considers the humans who'll operate these systems for the next 20 years. Their apprenticeship model doesn't just train people—it creates pathways for students to become the operators who truly understand the facilities they helped commission. Key Insights: • Early commissioning isn't optional anymore - Bringing commissioning agents in during design rather than construction prevents costly change orders and creates systems that actually work as intended, not just on paper • Operationally directed design changes everything - Simple decisions like logical equipment naming and color-coded electrical rooms can eliminate entire categories of human error and make maintenance safer and more efficient • The perfect training environment already exists - Commissioning phases offer hands-on learning with real equipment and real problems, but without the operational risk of live facilities where mistakes can be catastrophic • AI workloads are breaking traditional infrastructure assumptions - Power loads that swing from 90% to 20% multiple times per minute are forcing the industry to rethink everything from equipment sizing to commissioning strategies • Partnership beats procurement every time - When owners rebid every project to save upfront costs, they throw away institutional knowledge and force teams to relearn the same lessons repeatedly • The college-or-nothing mentality is failing everyone - Students accumulate debt without direction while mission-critical industries struggle to find skilled talent, creating a lose-lose situation that apprenticeship programs can solve The conversation gets real about human error in data centers, liquid cooling challenges, and why going back to 1960s water-cooled computing might be the future. Most importantly, it shows how innovative business models can solve workforce development challenges while building sustainable companies that create value for everyone involved. Connect with Our Guests: • Lillian Rivera - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lillian-rivera-4821a28/ • Jim McEnteggart - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcenteggart/ Apply to be a Guest or Sponsor and follow along: ⁠⁠https://beyondthemegawatt.com/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-the-megawatt-podcast⁠⁠ Connect with Mara: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.marajadeconsulting.com/⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/datacenterchic/⁠⁠ Connect with Val: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-crafton-mba-0362b816/⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://valconsultants.com/⁠⁠⁠

Welcome to our inaugural episode! Hosts Mara Ervin and Valerie Crafton sit down with psychotherapist and workplace wellbeing consultant Kate Ahl for an honest conversation about inclusion, allyship, and the hidden challenges facing professionals in mission-critical industries. This isn't your typical diversity discussion. We dig into why women are leaving tech and construction as fast as they're entering, what neurodivergent thinking brings to complex problem-solving, and why creating inclusive workplaces benefits everyone—not just underrepresented groups. Key Themes Explored: • The disconnect between conference visibility and job site reality—why progress in one area doesn't equal systemic change • How neurodivergent minds see solutions differently and why that's essential for innovation in technical spaces • The real purpose behind women-only professional groups and why they're not exclusionary • Why emotional intelligence and facilitation skills are mission-critical, not "soft" skills • The unconscious bias that leads us to hire and promote people who think like us—and how to expand beyond that • What men stand to gain from more inclusive workplace cultures (our audacious question!) Surprising Insights: The pandemic normalized something revolutionary: male colleagues managing family responsibilities during work hours. This shift didn't take anything away from anyone—it expanded possibilities for everyone. What if we could carry that energy into creating truly family-friendly policies that benefit all types of families? The Bottom Line: Mission-critical industries face unprecedented challenges that require the best thinking from everyone. Organizations that harness cognitive diversity and create psychologically safe environments won't just be doing the right thing—they'll have a competitive advantage in solving complex problems. Ready to challenge your assumptions about inclusion, innovation, and the future of critical infrastructure work? Beyond the Megawatt is proudly powered by our Tier 1 sponsor, Iron Box...trusted across the industry for delivering custom power cables and distribution solutions built for mission-critical environments. From hyperscale builds to edge deployments, Iron Box is known for fast turnaround, unmatched reliability, and power solutions that keep your infrastructure running strong. Interested in learning more? Reach out directly to Sarah Bradley or Brian Stigall...you can find them on LinkedIn or head over to ironbox.com to get connected. Thanks to Iron Box for helping us launch with power. Connect with Kate Ahl: Website: www.compassionateproductivity.org Instagram: @compassionateproductivity LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-a-7083169/ Apply to be a Guest or Sponsor and follow along: ⁠https://beyondthemegawatt.com/⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-the-megawatt-podcast⁠ Connect with Mara: ⁠⁠https://www.marajadeconsulting.com/⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/datacenterchic/⁠ Connect with Val: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-crafton-mba-0362b816/ ⁠⁠⁠https://valconsultants.com/⁠⁠⁠

Your Co-Hosts Mara Ervin & Valerie Crafton MBA are thrilled to share our latest episode, recorded live at the 3rd Annual Cloud Run hosted by the 7x24 Exchange DC Chapter. This special edition kicks off with the race start, led by the dynamic Scott Davis with HazTek Safety Management, setting the tone for a day filled with energy and community spirit. Throughout the event, we posed a seemingly simple question: “What is or where is the cloud?” The answers ranged from humorous takes by the younger attendees to insightful explanations from industry veterans, showcasing the diverse perspectives within our community. A highlight of the episode is a captivating demonstration by Jennifer Andos, illustrating how the internet works in a way that’s both engaging and educational. We wrap up with our signature audacious question, answered thoughtfully by Jayson Hamilton of ABM Industries, leaving us with much to ponder. 🔊 Note: The background music was lively! For the best experience, we recommend turning on closed captions. This episode captures the essence of what makes our industry special, passion, knowledge, and a touch of fun. Tune in to experience the event's vibrancy and the insights shared by our incredible guests. Thank You Brian Tinsman with POUNCE Solutions for letting Beyond the Megawatt join in the fun!

Hosts Mara and Val introduce their new podcast "Beyond the Megawatt" from Data Center World, created specifically to amplify the voices of tech leaders who are actually building data centers but rarely get heard at conferences. Tired of the same perspectives week after week, they're digging into the weeds to find the people tackling real pain points and asking the audacious question: "Is it actually working?" Expect tough conversations, industry callouts, and plenty of laughter as they learn from those building infrastructure right now. New episodes will drop every Thursday. Connect with Mara & Val: https://beyondthemegawatt.com/ https://www.marajadeconsulting.com/ https://valconsultants.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-the-megawatt-podcast https://www.linkedin.com/in/datacenterchic/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-crafton-mba-0362b816/