The QTS Experience

Join us for a live discussion from Truist Park at the 2026 Atlanta Conn3ct Data Summit where we discuss the very real challenge of educating and attracting the work force of the future. Thank you for visiting our channel, be sure to Like, Comment, and Subscribe! For more information, go to https://www.QTSDataCenters.com Learn More about QTS Data Centers on the QTS YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/users/qtsdatacenters Think you have a great topic for a podcast or would like to schedule an interview with Dave? Send in your requests to [email protected]

Cosme Garcia didn't plan to work in data centers — a project manager got sick, somebody asked him to fill in, and three decades later he's still here, still curious, and still trying to be the least smart person in the room. We talk about wrenches, weather, and what to tell your kid. Chapters: 00:00 How Cosme Accidentally Ended Up in Data Centers 02:00 Exodus Communications and Learning Power and Cooling the Hard Way 08:30 Why Being the Least Smart Person in the Room Is the Goal 10:30 The Question Cosme Is Asking: When Do We Use AI on Ourselves? 14:00 From a Refrigerator-Sized Gigabyte to a 250-Gigabyte Phone 18:40 Even the Lineman on the Pole Now Depends on a Massive Building 22:00 The Cold War Between IT Teams and Facilities Teams 29:30 Jim Gao, DeepMind, and the Variable Nobody Predicted 35:00 Why Humans Are Bad at Patterns and Casinos Are Good at Them 41:30 Too Many AI Tools, Not Enough Time: Where Do You Even Start? 46:30 Agentic AI: Beyond Prompts, Toward Work That Does Itself 54:00 Trust, IBM, and Picking a Partner When the Market Is Crowded 59:30 Are Our Jobs at Risk? Which Ones, and Why a Wrench Still Wins 1:06:00 QTS Grew 20-Fold; Staffing Didn't. Here's What Happened. 1:14:00 What Will Force the Next Wave: Power, Competition, and One Senior Leader 1:21:00 Advice for the 26-Year-Old: Be Fearful or Be the Person Who Figured It Out Reference Links: Google / DeepMind data center efficiency work — the project Jim Gao led that applied machine learning to data center cooling optimization. Public reference: https://deepmind.google/discover/blog/deepmind-ai-reduces-google-data-centre-cooling-bill-by-40/ Cosme Garcia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cosmegarcia/ Thank you for visiting our channel, be sure to Like, Comment, and Subscribe! For more information, go to https://www.QTSDataCenters.com Learn More about QTS Data Centers on the QTS YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/users/qtsdatacenters Think you have a great topic for a podcast or would like to schedule an interview with Dave? Send in your requests to [email protected]

Bill Kleyman, CEO of Apolo, says the gigawatt era is here, and our industry has to grow up fast. We get into power as a relationship, the new physical security frontline, why every data center is becoming an AI data center, and what bravery actually looks like in this market. Chapters: 00:00 Cold Open: The Energetic Chipmunk on a Barrel of Oil 01:20 Welcome to the Gigawatt Era - Why It Is Already Here 06:31 The Outsider Reaction: When Trillions of Chips Sound Like a Threat 09:06 Listening to the Skeptics: A High School DECA Lesson and a GDC Backstage 23:36 Plant Seeds, Do Not Win Arguments - The Communication Playbook 24:50 Power Is Not a Line Item, It Is a Relationship 32:23 Bravery Defined: Big Decisions With Eyes Wide Open 38:14 Cloud, AI, and the Electrification Moment for Digital Infrastructure 44:02 The New Frontline: Physical Security in the AI Era 54:42 Tools of the Adversary: Drones, Wireless, and What Comes Next 59:38 The Catalyst, the Targets, and the Closing Charge of Fearless Curiosity Links and References: Bill Kleyman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billkleyman Apolo (Bill’s company): https://www.apolo.us Bill Kleyman personal site: https://billkleyman.com AFCOM article — "2026: The Gigawatt Era Begins" (Bill’s monthly AFCOM piece referenced at the top of the episode). Read it here AFCOM State of the Data Center 2026 — the 10th-anniversary edition of the report Bill authored. The "human threats overtaking ransomware" and "84% changing physical security" figures both come from this report. AFCOM resources AFCOM forthcoming security article — "The New Frontline: Securing Data Centers in an AI Era," scheduled for AFCOM publication the Friday of the recording week. AFCOM news feed Bastille Networks (referenced for wireless / drone-based facility security): https://bastille.net Volta Grid (referenced for behind-the-meter natural gas generation): https://www.voltagrid.com Schneider Electric Innovation Summit (where Bill heard the 200 GW projection): https://www.se.com/us/en/work/campaign/innovation/summit.jsp NVIDIA GTC 2026 (Jensen Huang trillions-of-chips and 600 kW rack reference): https://www.nvidia.com/gtc Game Developers Conference (GDC) - Bill’s Luminary Stage talk: https://gdconf.com Nomad Futurist (industry talent and education organization Bill is on the board of): https://nomadfuturist.org Infrastructure Masons (where Bill chairs the Education Committee): https://imasons.org AFCOM (where Bill is Data Center World Program Chair): https://afcom.com Thank you for visiting our channel, be sure to Like, Comment, and Subscribe! For more information, go to https://www.QTSDataCenters.com Learn More about QTS Data Centers on the QTS YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/users/qtsdatacenters Think you have a great topic for a podcast or would like to schedule an interview with Dave? Send in your requests to [email protected]

Ojonimi Bako's dad survived hepatitis C on a clinical trial at Gilead. Now Ojonimi builds the facilities where the next cure gets discovered. The CEO of Kaya connects construction chaos, AI-driven supply chains, and what it means to build something that outlasts you -- in under 90 minutes. Chapters: 00:00:00 Introduction -- Ojonimi Bako, CEO of Kaya 00:00:53 From Accenture and Walmart Labs to Construction: The Origin Story 00:05:36 The Gilead Story -- Why Mission-Critical Infrastructure Is Literally Life and Death 00:10:44 Electricity, Night, and What the AI Transformation Actually Means 00:16:00 Practical AI: From Grocery Lists to Accelerating Human Expertise 00:19:08 Why People Resist AI -- and Why That Is Already Changing 00:26:35 Building the Pyramids Again: The Scale of the Data Center Revolution 00:28:41 Staying Relevant in a Rapidly Changing World -- The Full-Stack Operator 00:32:01 Foundation: Physics, Upward Bound, and Silicon Valley 00:35:55 Africa, London, Oslo -- How Global Experience Shapes Lateral Thinking 00:39:11 The Moment Ojonimi Saw the Problem: The Suffolk Accelerator 00:42:09 What Is Kaya and How Does It Work? 00:47:59 Choke Points -- The Real Challenges of Building Across Stakeholders 00:51:39 Japan, Trust, and the Single Plan 00:54:58 Buy, Track, Deliver -- The Kaya Platform Explained 00:56:38 Building Trust with Skeptical Customers -- Execution at Speed 01:04:00 Connecting Construction Work to Human Flourishing 01:04:40 The Base of the Economic Pyramid -- Supply Chain Responsibility in DRC and Africa 01:07:39 What Gives Ojonimi Hope -- Community, Gratitude, and What Comes Next 01:09:44 One Belief People Get Wrong About AI 01:13:04 The Leadership Habit He Is Still Developing -- His Father's Legacy 01:18:05 What We Didn't Get to Cover -- Real-World Results and 2026 Focus 01:19:26 How to Connect with Ojonimi Bako and Kaya References: Ojonimi Bako on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ojonimibako/ Kaya (company website): https://www.kayapays.com/ Accenture -- https://www.accenture.com Walmart Global Tech (formerly Walmart Labs) -- https://tech.walmart.com Gilead Sciences -- https://www.gilead.com Suffolk Construction -- https://www.suffolk.com Bootstrap Labs (Applied Artificial Intelligence fund, San Francisco) -- https://bootstraplabs.com Nvidia -- https://www.nvidia.com Amazon Web Services (AWS) -- https://aws.amazon.com Kent State University -- https://www.kent.edu Upward Bound Program / Ohio Wesleyan University -- https://www.owu.edu Stanford Graduate School of Business (Executive MBA) -- https://www.gsb.stanford.edu Procore Technologies (referenced as industry platform) -- https://www.procore.com Autodesk Construction Cloud (referenced as industry platform) -- https://construction.autodesk.com Architecture 2030 (carbon emissions from the built environment): https://architecture2030.org Responsible Minerals Initiative (cobalt sourcing and the Democratic Republic of Congo): https://www.responsiblemineralsinitiative.org Thank you for visiting our channel, be sure to Like, Comment, and Subscribe! For more information, go to https://www.QTSDataCenters.com Learn More about QTS Data Centers on the QTS YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/users/qtsdatacenters Think you have a great topic for a podcast or would like to schedule an interview with Dave? Send in your requests to [email protected]

I sat down with Ivo Ivanov to talk interconnection, AI, latency, resilience, and why digital infrastructure has to get closer to people. Airports, robots, sovereignty, and even space made their way into this one. Chapters: 00:00:00 - Intro & Why Interconnection Matters Now 00:01:20 - Explaining Interconnection in Plain English 00:06:09 - Why the Internet Must Be Developed Further 00:08:45 - Latency, Eye Blinks, and Real-Time Robotics 00:14:10 - Why Digital Infrastructure Must Be Everywhere 00:17:10 - Reducing Complexity Through Interconnection 00:19:47 - AI-IX, Agent Routing, and GPU as a Service 00:24:42 - Teaching New Employees the Language of Interconnection 00:28:39 - Carrier Neutral and Data Center Neutral Explained 00:31:22 - What Neutrality Has Meant for New York and Dallas 00:38:19 - Resilience, Redundancy, and Operational Risk 00:41:09 - Latency Is the New Currency 00:45:39 - Data Sovereignty, Security, and National Power 00:51:44 - What the Industry Is Still Underestimating 00:56:22 - Space Connectivity and the Digital Divide 01:01:01 - What Data Center Leaders Need to Hear 01:06:15 - Final Takeaway: Why This Industry Matters References and External Links DE-CIX corporate website: https://www.de-cix.net/en DE-CIX North America: https://www.de-cix.net/en/north-america DE-CIX Academy: https://www.de-cix.net/en/resources/de-cix-academy Interconnection Academy: https://www.interconnectionacademy.net/ DE-CIX AI-IX press release: https://www.de-cix.net/en/about-de-cix/media/press-releases/de-cix-launches-worlds-first-fully-integrated-ai-internet-exchange-ai-ix-to-support-model-training-and-inference DE-CIX neutrality study / US IX release: https://www.de-cix.net/en/about-de-cix/media/press-releases/80-of-us-internet-exchanges-are-now-data-center-and-carrier-neutral DE-CIX Space IX: www.space-ix.net Ivo Ivanov on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivo-ivanov-de-cix   Thank you for visiting our channel, be sure to Like, Comment, and Subscribe! For more information, go to https://www.QTSDataCenters.com Learn More about QTS Data Centers on the QTS YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/users/qtsdatacenters Think you have a great topic for a podcast or would like to schedule an interview with Dave? Send in your requests to [email protected]

Last year, I grabbed lunch with Rob Coyle and his son, Reid. While Reid was easily the most entertaining person at the table, the conversation regarding the Open Compute Project (OCP) stayed with me for months. We finally sat down in the studio to discuss how we facilitate the tools that will enable humanity to thrive. From 800-volt power to open standards for Artificial Intelligence (AI), we are exploring how to make the technology pie bigger for everyone. Because let's face it: secret sauce is overrated when you can feed the whole industry. Chapters: 00:00:00 – Welcome & Rob’s BBQ Explanation of OCP 00:02:58 – The “Bigger Pie” Story That Sold Leadership 00:05:06 – Rob’s 10-Year Journey from Member to Foundation 00:07:48 – Core Mission: Multi-Vendor Ecosystem + Accelerating Innovation 00:09:04 – Safe, Fast Conversations: How OCP Actually Works 00:12:24 – Biggest Wins: 21-Inch Rack & Liquid Cooling 00:15:51 – Real Aha Moments at Events & Demos 00:21:53 – Why OCP Events Feel Different (Continuum of Innovation) 00:28:23 – Efficiency at the Core + Server Re-Engineering Story 00:33:13 – AI Shift: From Components to Full Open Systems 00:39:53 – 800-Volt Power & the New Power Distribution Project 00:55:22 – New Open Data Center for AI Initiative 01:01:48 – Surprise Conversation: Education & NIMBYs 01:07:25 – How Anyone (Even Students) Can Jump In for Free 01:14:44 – What Excites Rob Most About the Future Thank you for visiting our channel, be sure to Like, Comment, and Subscribe! For more information, go to https://www.QTSDataCenters.com Learn More about QTS Data Centers on the QTS YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/users/qtsdatacenters Think you have a great topic for a podcast or would like to schedule an interview with Dave? Send in your requests to [email protected]

We spend all day worrying about supply chains, but what about the "people chain"? Jason Coe and I dive into military-grade mission focus, the future of raised floors, and why a project is only as good as the team running toward the fire. Tune in to the next QTS Experience. Chapters: 00:00 - The Data Center Symphony: Relational over Commodity 09:13 - The Decade Shift: Evolution from 1MW to 100MW+ 18:54 - Structural Ceilings and Raised Floors Explained 22:30 - The "People Chain": Why Caring is the New Critical Factor 24:43 - Plan B is Making Plan A Work 31:25 - Coordination vs. Communication: Why Teams Keep Failing 34:18 - Project Management: Dominating the Last 10% 41:13 - High Density vs. Raised Floors: Is the Role Dead? 55:08 - Leadership Philosophy: People Do What You Inspect 1:10:18 - Revitalizing Communities Through Data Center Infrastructure 1:19:46 - Vetting Partners: The "Get It" vs. "Don't Get It" Mental List 1:31:00 - Listening First: Connecting with the Local Community Thank you for visiting our channel, be sure to Like, Comment, and Subscribe! For more information, go to https://www.QTSDataCenters.com Learn More about QTS Data Centers on the QTS YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/users/qtsdatacenters Think you have a great topic for a podcast or would like to schedule an interview with Dave? Send in your requests to [email protected]

Roy Illsley joins me to challenge the status quo of global data. We’re moving past "one-size-fits-all" clouds to an era of digital self-sufficiency. From why the US and EU are in a friendly race for autonomy to the bold prediction that our next data centers will be orbiting the Earth—don't get left behind. References & Guest Links Guest Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/royillsley/ Company Website: https://omdia.tech.informa.com/ Mentioned Organizations: https://www.datacentercoalition.org/cpages/home https://us.ovhcloud.com/ https://www.thalesgroup.com/en https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/

David Quirk joins me to unpack liquid cooling, AI infrastructure chaos, and why the data center industry might be losing—and rediscovering—its collaborative DNA. We talk standards, disruption, and what happens when innovation moves faster than certainty. References Mentioned ASHRAE TC 9.9: https://tpc.ashrae.org/?cmtKey=fd4a4ee6-96a3-4f61-8b85-43418dfa988d ASHRAE Standard 90.4: https://www.ashrae.org/file%20library/about/government%20affairs/advocacy%20toolkit/virtual%20packet/standard-90.4-2022-fact-sheet.pdf Guest Links Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-quirk-258b8b40/ Company: https://www.dlbassociates.com/

Nuclear is getting sexy again, and it’s all AI’s fault. I’m sitting down with Brian Smith to talk about why big tech is reopening Three Mile Island and why splitting atoms is the most exquisite way to power our digital future. Let's get glowing! Guest & Company Links Guest: Brian Smith Company Website: Idaho National Laboratory Studies & References Kairos Power & Google PPA: Partnership for reactor deployment in Tennessee. Crane Clean Energy Center: Microsoft/Constellation partnership to reopen Three Mile Island. Idaho National Laboratory (INL): Lead laboratory for Nuclear Energy Research. The Advance Act (2024): Federal legislation reforming the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program (ARDP): DOE public-private partnership initiative.  

Join me and Robert Bryan from Enercon as we dive into why nuclear power is finally having its "Cubs win the World Series" moment. From extending plant lives to 80 years to "drawing your box" for work-life balance, we’re getting pragmatic about the grid's future. References & Guest Information Guest: Robert Bryan, Enercon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-bryan-b7828714/  Company: Enercon Engineering: https://www.enercon.com/about/  Referenced Entities: Idaho National Labs (GAIN Program): https://gain.inl.gov/  Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC): https://www.nrc.gov/ Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA): https://www.tva.com/ Three Mile Island (Constellation/Microsoft Project): https://penncapital-star.com/economy/microsoft-describes-three-mile-island-plant-as-a-once-in-a-lifetime-opportunity/ Vogtle Electric Generating Plant: https://www.southernnuclear.com/our-plants/plant-vogtle.html 

I’m joined by Dan Golding to tear down the old rules of data center design. We explore the nuclear renaissance, why the fiber-to-power trifecta is non-negotiable, and why 600kW racks might require you to wear a face shield. It's time to stop resting on our laurels.   External References & Links Idaho National Lab (INL): Referenced in transcript as "Gaidu National Lab" regarding SMR scale calculations. https://inl.gov/ Commonwealth Fusion Systems: Mentioned regarding Google’s power purchase agreement for the first plant in Virginia. https://cfs.energy/ Nvidia: Referenced regarding the 600kW rack roadmap. https://www.nvidia.com/ Open Compute Project (OCP): Mentioned regarding upcoming discussions on cooling infrastructure. https://www.opencompute.org/ Guest Connections Guest: Dan Golding, CTO and Apple/Google Veteran. LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dgolding/

Jim McDermott drops a provocative idea: a Digital Monroe Doctrine to keep compute close to home while partnering with Canada and Mexico. We geek out on why moving bits beats moving electrons, power gravity, and how prosperity next door keeps everyone happier (and scorpions cooler). https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesacmcdermott/

Steve Altizer—mechanical legend and self-proclaimed closet architect—offers a fresh way to look at the modern data center. From the rise of prefabricated white space to liquid cooling’s growing pains, he lays out where the industry is headed and why the old concrete box might finally be ready for an upgrade. It’s smart, honest, and unexpectedly fun.

Santiago Suinaga grew up in Mexico City with a Macintosh and a dad obsessed with tech. 19 years later, he sold his data center empire and now runs Infrastructure Masons full-time. We talk power, community drama, AI boom, and why the industry needs to stop working in silos.   Guest LinkedIn: (33) Santiago Suinaga | LinkedIn Infrastructure Masons: https://www.imasons.org

I sat down with Uptime Institute’s Rose Weinschenk – a former psychology researcher turned data-center truth-teller. Rose brings a rare talent: understanding the humans behind the hardware. We dig into how people actually behave in high-stakes environments, why mentorship still matters, the trouble with poaching, and what it really takes to build trust in an AI-powered future. It’s thoughtful, nerdy, and full of moments that make you wonder why more psych majors aren’t running critical infrastructure. References & Links Uptime Institute 2025 Staffing Survey Report: https://intelligence.uptimeinstitute.com/resource/2025-staffing-and-recruitment-survey-results-and-crosstab-files Rose Weinschenk: https://intelligence.uptimeinstitute.com/author/rweinschenk Uptime Institute: https://uptimeinstitute.com/ 

Structural engineer Kurt Lindorfer joins the QTS Experience to explore what happens when design goes beyond the code. From intelligent structures and base isolation to hula-dancing data centers, we blend serious seismic insight with humor—because protecting billions in data deserves a little swagger.

Join me as Manja Thessin from AFL dives into the wild world of data center densification–think packing 10x more fiber into racks without turning techs into contortionists. We geek out on AI's fiber frenzy, modular magic, and why spreadsheets are so last decade. Buckle up for this eye-opening chat! Guest Links Manja Thessin's LinkedIn Profile: (31) Manja Thessin, RCDD, RTPM | LinkedIn Company Website (AFL): https://www.aflglobal.com/

Joe Rozza joins me to explore how passion, purpose, and practical sustainability collide. From Florida’s drainage ditches to corporate water stewardship, we dig into resilience, governance, and how real business value flows when companies stop treating sustainability like a side project. Dive in—this one’s deep. External References Jimmy Carter's book "Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid" (referenced regarding PLO formation and water diversion): https://www.amazon.com/Palestine-Peace-Not-Apartheid-Carter/dp/0743285034 American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Infrastructure Report Card (referenced for U.S. infrastructure grade of D): https://infrastructurereportcard.org/ Net Zero Carbon commitments (general reference to corporate pledges): https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/11/net-zero-emissions-cop26-climate-change/ Guest Links Joe Rozza's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-rozza-p-e-bcee-a8143b12 Ryan Companies Website: https://www.ryancompanies.com/

Brent Trenga joins me to spill on why construction is stuck in the Stone Age while we run space-age data centers. We geek out on circular economies, ethical capitalism, and why data centers should be built like Legos—easy to snap together, just as easy to snap apart—so growth and reuse don’t come with carbon regret. Tune in for laughs and lightbulb moments! References to Studies, Reports, Data, or External Agencies Katerra (failed mass timber company) – Company history https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katerra  Sidewalk Labs – Alphabet project https://www.sidewalklabs.com/  Guest Links Brent Trenga's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brent-trenga-a077278 Company Website: Kingspan Insulated Panels North America https://www.kingspan.com/us/en-us/product-groups/insulated-panels

I've got Luke Saladyga sharing his wild ride from nukes on subs to hyperscale data centers at Google and now Oracle. We dive into operational maturity, high availability nines, and why curiosity beats repetition every time – because who wants boring when you can automate the chaos? Studies, References, and External Mentions Myers-Briggs personality test (referenced in leadership course): https://www.myersbriggs.org/ Open Compute Project (initiated by Meta): https://www.opencompute.org/ Nvidia GTC conference and GB200 GPUs: https://www.nvidia.com/gtc/ IEC 61850 standard (substation protocol): https://webstore.iec.ch/publication/6028 Guest Links Luke Saladyga's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saladyga/ Oracle Company Website: https://www.oracle.com/

Sustainability in data centers boils down to slashing carbon footprints and waste—think Lean Six Sigma magic and robotic automation. I geek out with Joel Chakkalakal on decommissioning hacks, circular economies, and why ops folks deserve a seat at the design table. Let's make our industry greener, one velcro trace at a time! Studies, References, Data, or External Agencies Lean Six Sigma: https://www.asq.org/quality-resources/six-sigma Open Compute Project (OCP): https://www.opencompute.org/ IEEE Working Group on Data Sanitization (IEEE P2883): https://standards.ieee.org/ieee/2883/10711/ Nomad Futurist: https://nomadfuturist.com/ Pegasus Logistics: https://www.pegasuslogistics.com/  Guest Links Joel Chakkalakal's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chakkalakal  Company Website (Critical Risk Solution): https://www.criticalrisksolution.com/ 

 I'm diving into the grid's growing pains with Raiford Smith! Raiford says the grid is a balloon dog—squeeze it here, make it an anteater there. We unpack the stress on aging infrastructure and explore innovative fixes.  Join us for a charged QTS Experience!

He went from pouring pints to powering platforms—and once dreamed of being the next great Irish basketball star (don’t we all). Cathal Quinn and I discuss big builds, mental health, and why Ireland is still punching above its digital weight class. Referenced Reports / Concepts FLAP-D: Frankfurt, London, Amsterdam, Paris, Dublin as major European DC hubs Compound growth of the EU data center market: Estimated 15–20% YoY over 3–5 years (no direct link, summary from guest) The concept of Ireland missing the “first wave of AI” due to energy constraints Guest Links Cathal Quinn https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathal-quinn-15099837/ MOY Group Company Website

Sean James spills on sustainable tech, smart designs, and why flops spark wins. Plus, how to hired by a Hyperscale in 3 easy steps—proof nice guys finish first! Join me for a hilarious, eye-opening chat! References Duke University Study: Duke University's Energy Initiative. https://nicholasinstitute.duke.edu/sites/default/files/publications/rethinking-load-growth.pdf Don Saddaway (MIT): TED Talk. https://youtu.be/Sddb0Khx0yA?si=NMTm50HkE-WmovR5  Guest Information LinkedIn Profile: Sean James https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-james-6592524/  Company Website: Microsoft https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/ 

What do you get when you mix solar panels, shipping containers, and sheer willpower? A data center in the wild. Dagi Berhane joins me to talk trust, technology, and why availability should come before sustainability. Also, what happens when your cloud has no internet? (Spoiler: Dagi builds one.) Guest Links Dagi Berhane’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dagi-berhane/ Salesforce Website: https://www.salesforce.com/ References & Studies Mentioned Salesforce 1-1-1 Philanthropic Model: https://www.salesforce.com/company/philanthropy/ Red Fox Data Center Initiative: https://redfoxsolutionsgroup.com/ The Innovator’s Dilemma by Clayton Christensen: https://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Pages/item.aspx?num=46 Habitat for Humanity: https://www.habitat.org/

What do AI, energy, and rural America have in common? Everything. Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak joins me to talk about working together—across communities, industries, and the aisle—to tackle tough challenges with common sense and shared purpose, from Wahpeton to Washington. Guest Info Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak – U.S. House of Representatives: https://fedorchak.house.gov References & Mentions  National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC): https://www.naruc.org  U.S. House Energy & Commerce Committee: https://energycommerce.house.gov Applied Digital (Ellendale, ND): https://applieddigital.com David Wright – U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission: https://www.nrc.gov/about-nrc/organization/commission/wright.html

What if we stopped asking “what’s left?” and started asking “what’s possible?” In this episode, JP Buzzell helps us shake off the doom and gloom with a fresh take on what’s next for power, AI, and the people building the future. He’s all about big ideas, smart grids, and working together to get things done. If you’re tired of hearing “that’ll never work,” this one’s for you. Optimism is on the table—and it might just power the next generation of data centers.. #QTSExperience #JPBuzzell #QTS #Eaton #SmartGrid #PowerInnovation #DigitalInfrastructure #NextGenDataCenters References Eaton: https://www.eaton.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabuzzell/ Data Center Value Chain: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7267080936431751168/ ARPA-E (Advanced Research Projects Agency–Energy): https://arpa-e.energy.gov/ National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL): https://www.nrel.gov/

David McCall sits down with John Coster, the master electrician turned systems thinker, to explore why AI might break your systems — and why your best defense is a little philosophy, a lot of collaboration, and maybe a good spreadsheet. Expect humor, reflection, and big questions about human flourishing.

AI is learning, growing, and optimizing our world—but can it make a proper peanut butter and jelly sandwich? Jim Gao joins David McCall to discuss how AI went from winning board games to optimizing data centers, why trusting AI is like supervising an intern, and how data centers might just become the next big "player" in AI’s game of efficiency. Guest Links Jim Gao’s Company (Phaidra): https://www.phaidra.ai/ Jim Gao on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimgao/ 

AI isn’t coming for your job—but it might take the boring parts! Carrie Goetz joins David McCall to talk about mentorship, career opportunities in tech, and how to make AI work for us (instead of the other way around). Plus, why data centers are the best-kept secret in the job market and how one simple trick can clean up your social media feed. Guest Links: Carrie Goetz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carriegoetz/  Company Website: https://strategitcom.com/   External References & Resources Mentioned: Carrie Goetz's Website & Resources: https://carriegoetz.com/ National Apprenticeship Programs for Data Centers: https://www.apprenticeship.gov/ Book by Carrie Goetz: Jumpstart Your Career in Data Centers – Available on https://www.amazon.com/ 

How do we transform conflict into peace? Dr. Paul Root Wolpe returns to discuss his mission to make Atlanta a global hub for conflict resolution. Can AI help in this process? Maybe—but should we trust it blindly? Probably not. This episode unpacks the balance between technology and human connection. Plus, Dave investigates Dr. Wolpe’s suspiciously youthful appearance. Dr. Paul Root Wolpe’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-root-wolpe-123456 Emory University Conflict Transformation Article: https://news.emory.edu/stories/2024/04/er_wolpe_new_center/story.html Dr Wolpe’s Blog: A Different Future: https://paul.root.wolpe.family/  Referenced Reports, Data & Studies European Conflict Resolution Cities (The Hague, Geneva, Oslo, Helsinki) – European Peacebuilding Database

Dan Crosby sheds light on the exciting world of data center power, exploring innovative solutions for a sustainable future. Discover how microgrids, strategic partnerships, and a touch of optimism can power the data centers of tomorrow! Dan Crosby: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-crosby-a58a3212/ Legend Energy Advisors: https://legendenergyadvisors.com/

Craig Pennington takes us on a journey from adventures with the Royal Air Force to rethinking data centers for AI environments. Tune in for GPU gossip, liquid cooling confessions, and why collaboration might just save us all! This episode is as electrifying as a 130-kilowatt cabinet!

David McCall, Christine King, and Chris Lohse dive into nuclear power’s pivotal role in meeting rising energy demand and decarbonization goals. They explore AI-driven challenges, grid reliability, SMRs, microreactors, energy justice, and policy hurdles. Spoiler: even gummy bears find their way into this electrifying discussion on resilience and innovation.   Christine King: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-king-engineer/ Chris Lohse: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-lohse-7033a2126/ INL: GAIN Program: https://gain.inl.gov/ Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC): https://www.ferc.gov/ DOE Advanced Nuclear Liftoff Report: https://www.energy.gov/ ISO New England Report on Renewable Integration: https://www.iso-ne.com/ X-energy and Amazon Partnership Announcement: https://x-energy.com/ Kairos Power: https://kairospower.com/ TerraPower: https://www.terrapower.com/  

Greg Stover, Vertiv’s Global Director of High Tech Development, takes us on a wild ride from IBM laser printers to AI-driven liquid cooling solutions. Learn how data centers are saving humanity, embracing renewables, and battling 43kW racks—one kilowatt at a time. Greg Stover: LinkedIn Vertiv: https://www.vertiv.com/en-emea/ External References Supercomputing 2024 Conference (SC24): Highlights emerging liquid cooling technologies. https://scconference.org Nvidia’s Role in Data Centers: Nvidia’s growth and influence in AI-driven data center design. https://www.nvidia.com Renewable Energy Adoption in Data Centers: Studies on sustainability driven by data centers. https://www.iea.org/reports/data-centre-energy-report 

James Walker, nuclear physicist, engineer, and proud salmon fisherman-accent holder, dives deep into the future of nuclear energy with me on this episode of the QTS Experience. From debunking safety myths and exploring microreactor innovation to tackling the energy sovereignty puzzle, James shares why nuclear is poised to power our data centers, remote islands, and even military bases. We discuss the practicality of modular designs, their environmental benefits, and why he believes nuclear is key to sustainable growth. And yes, we even detour into the mysteries of marriage, 3D-printed reactors, and whether nuclear engineers can really master the mind of their spouses. Spoiler: they can’t. Get ready to be inspired, challenged, and maybe a little charmed as we explore why nuclear energy is not just a solution for today’s power needs but a critical investment in our collective future.

Bloom Energy’s Jeff Barber joins me to discuss why reliable, sustainable, and innovative power generation is the key to the future of data centers. From his days as a mainframe operator at Chico State to leading the charge with hydrogen fuel cells, Jeff shares his insights into the evolving energy landscape. We tackle the challenges of scaling AI workloads, oscillating power demands, and why your Netflix stream isn’t the only thing at stake when the lights go out. Whether you’re curious about on-site power generation, SMRs, or the economics of energy infrastructure, Jeff’s practical, informed perspective is a must-hear. Plus, find out why his stage name might just be “Four Nines and an Eight.” Tune in for a conversation that’s all about more power, less pollution, and making the future a little brighter (literally).

Adam Black joins me to talk leadership, construction, and the complex world of critical infrastructure. From his early days as a fresh Georgia Tech grad to leading multi-million dollar data center projects, Adam shares how his journey shaped his philosophy: leadership is service to others. We discuss why failures are often the best teachers, how to identify potential leaders (hint: it involves risk and some humility), and the importance of stepping back to see the big picture—even when the pressure’s on. From safety culture to leadership mindset, Adam’s insights are a masterclass in balancing grit, growth, and grace. Plus, he shares his passion for inspiring crews by connecting their work to life-changing innovations. Spoiler: It might involve AI and curing cancer. Join us for a conversation that’s as practical as it is inspiring

Peter Gross, a pioneer in the data center industry, joins me to discuss the seismic shifts reshaping critical infrastructure. From AI-driven innovation to the challenges of power shortages and the rise of Data Center Campuses, Peter delivers a masterclass on why this industry is experiencing explosive growth—and why it’s never been more exciting (or complicated). We explore everything from high-density racks and flexible designs to the surprising role of Nordic countries in the data center ecosystem. Plus, Peter shares his thoughts on AI's mysterious learning processes and why humanity should remain optimistic about its future—despite the occasional regulatory paperwork overload. (Spoiler: Icelandic golf courses make an unexpected appearance.)

Scott Bergs joins the QTS Experience to demystify the world of dark fiber and communications infrastructure. Scott is CEO of Dark Fiber and Infrastructure (DF&I), a private builder, owner, operator of secure dark fiber and conduit infrastructure. From Midwest hog farms to the race for data, Scott shares insights on the urgent need for scalable power, connectivity, and the evolving architecture that underpins AI and machine learning. He and Dave McCall explore the challenging infrastructure demands in today’s digital ecosystem, debating how to manage real impacts on communities and dispel “false claims” about data center development. Scott also reveals his journey from technology lawyer to telecom innovator—and even a bit of family lore on Scandinavian vs. German last names. And for anyone who thought dark fiber sounded mysterious, prepare to learn why Scott might have just as easily named his company the “Plumbers of the Internet.”

In this episode, I sit down with Ciaran Flanagan, VP & Global Head of Data Center Solutions & Services at Siemens, to discuss the future of data centers amidst the challenges of the "Energy Trilemma"—balancing cost, reliability, and decarbonization. Ciaran shares his insights into how Siemens leverages digital twins to enhance data center design, real-time operations, and risk management. We explore the heightened energy demands brought by AI and the importance of collaboration with utilities to ensure sustainable growth. With his vast industry experience, Ciaran offers a fresh look at how regulation, innovation, and digital transformation are reshaping the data center landscape. Ciaran Flanagan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ciaranflanagan/ Siemens: https://www.linkedin.com/company/siemens/  Ciaran Flanagan. Is Group Vice President & Head of Global Datacenter Solutions, Siemens. He is tasked with the continued development of Siemens as a technology provider to the global datacenter industry and growing Siemens presence in this exciting market. Prior to Siemens Ciaran held several leadership positions in the datacenter industry, most recently as Managing Director with ISG Ltd and previously as Vice President at ABB. Ciaran was Head of Datacenter Strategy at Nokia/Microsoft & previously held Consulting and Business leadership roles at Cirrascale Cloud Services & Intel Corporation. Ciaran has consulted with several Fortune 100 companies in the area of Datacenter operations, technical architecture, energy efficiency, procurement strategy and financial planning. He was a Founding Contributor to the EU Datacenter Code of Conduct and a Contributing Member of The Green Grid and the Open Datacenter Alliance. Ciaran has served as a Judge for Uptime Institute's Green Enterprise IT Awards and is a regular speaker and contributor to various industry bodies. Ciaran lives in Dublin, Ireland & graduated from Trinity College Dublin with BSc. in Computer Science and holds a postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration from Henley Management College and a diploma in executive leadership from IMD, Lausanne. Additionally, Ciaran holds an undergraduate Diploma in Electrical & Electronic Engineering & a post graduate Diploma in Sustainability Leadership in Business.

Buddy Rizer: LinkedIn Loudon County Economic Development Authority Buddy Rizer is the Executive Director of the Loudoun County Department of Economic Development, the 2021 Economic Development Organization of the Year. During his tenure, Rizer and his team have attracted more than $50 billion in new commercial investment and more than 50 thousand new jobs. During this time, the growth in the commercial base has help lower the tax rate in Loudoun by more than 41 cents on the dollar, saving residents thousands of dollars annually on their tax bill.  Mr. Rizer has been named a Tech Titan 7 times by Washingtonian Magazine, has been named one of the 50 most influential Virginians 6 times by Virginia Business Magazine, is a 4-time member of Virginia’s Power 500, and was three times named to the Washington Business Journal’s Power 100 as one of the most influential businesspeople in Washington, DC.  Mr. Rizer is a Certified Economic Developer, a certified Entrepreneurship Development Professional, and a graduate of Virginia Tech's Local Government Management Graduate Certificate Program.

In this episode, I sit down with Bill Kleyman, CEO of Apolo, to discuss the rapid evolution of the data center industry and the impact of AI on design and operations. We explore how AI-driven platforms are changing the game with higher-density racks, liquid cooling, and managed services for enterprise customers. Bill shares insights on the market's "micro shifts," why bravery is essential in this fast-paced era, and how Apolo is enabling data centers to stay ahead by offering AI services at scale. Tune in to learn about the future of AI workloads, the role of innovation in a rapidly evolving landscape, and what it takes to thrive as a data center operator in today’s AI-driven world. Don't miss this conversation on navigating risk and seizing new opportunities!   Bill Kleyman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billkleyman/ Apolo.us: https://www.apolo.us/ Thank you for visiting our channel, be sure to Like, Comment, and Subscribe! For more information, go to https://www.QTSDataCenters.com Think you have a great topic for a podcast or would like to schedule an interview with Dave? Send in your requests to [email protected]

In this episode of The QTS Experience, David McCall is joined by Jon Trout, CEO of Chekhub and an expert in data center operations and workflow. They delve into the transformative potential of AI for workforce enablement, exploring how AI can be used to build efficient processes and procedures, convert raw data into actionable insights, and ultimately enhance operational efficiency. Jon also shares his insights on the importance of data privacy, avoiding AI hallucinations, and connecting to a higher purpose in the data center industry. Join us for this insightful conversation on the next QTS Experience.

In this episode of The QTS Experience, David McCall sits down with Mark Gusakov, Chief Certification Officer at the International Data Center Authority (IDCA), to discuss the challenges and opportunities in attracting and retaining talent in the data center industry. They explore Mark’s journey, the importance of mental health and wellness in the workplace, and how storytelling and community-building play vital roles in the industry. Join us for the conversation on the next QTS Experience

Bridging the Gap: This week Brian Jabeck joins me to discuss the critical energy challenges facing data centers and the power grid. They explore the transition from traditional energy to nuclear, the 500-hour peak load dilemma, onsite power generation, and whether too much technology poses risks. They also discuss the future of legacy data centers, the importance of community, and how workforce enablement will play a vital role in meeting growing energy demands. Join us for the conversation on the next QTS Experience.

Datacenter Hawk on Data Centers: Lately, most conversations about Data Center construction have centered around AI Data Centers.  David Liggitt, CEO of Datacenter Haw, says Enterprise and traditional Hyperscale growth is tremendous too. David joins me this week to discuss this and other key topics public utility growth and investment, emerging data center market expansion, and the growing discussion of self-generated energy. Join us for the conversation on the next QTS Experience. David Liggitt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidliggitt/ Data Center Hawk: https://datacenterhawk.com/ Data Center Hawk 2024 Predictions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRZ81B0y5WI

Powering the AI Industrial Revolution: Geoff Bland, an industry veteran from Lifecycle Power, shares his unique insights on the evolving energy landscape, from navigating the turbulent waters of investment and regulation to harnessing AI's potential. We'll explore the challenges and opportunities in a world where Self Generation, dispatchable power, and microgrids are taking center stage. Don't miss this enlightening conversation on the future of energy! Join us for the Conversation on The QTS Experience

The AI-Powered Data Center: How Artificial Intelligence is Transforming the Digital World. oday, we're delving into the fascinating world of AI and its impact on the data center industry with Gautham Gnanajothi, a senior industry analyst at Frost & Sullivan. We'll discuss the staggering growth of the data center market, the increasing influence of AI, and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Join us for the conversation on The QTS Experience