Intelligent Data Centres Issue 38 | Page 66

I HAVE FOUND HORSE RIDING A GREAT WAY OF FORCING MYSELF TO FOCUS ON SOMETHING ELSE .
DEEP DIVE

WE ‘ DEEP DIVE ’ WITH AMY YOUNG , SALES DIRECTOR , CUSTODIAN DATA CENTRES , WHO TELLS US ABOUT

LIFE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE OFFICE .

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What would you describe as your most memorable achievement ?
It would certainly be my time at Custodian , being promoted to Sales Director and a serving board member . It ’ s certainly something I am incredibly proud of , especially within the IT sector , which , while it is improving , is still a very maledominated arena .
What first made you think of a career in technology ?
It started during my time in recruitment . I could see the introduction of new technologies entering the industry and the impact they were having . They completely transformed the way recruiters operated and changed the industry almost immediately . For me , that was a lightbulb moment . My passion has always been to continually learn and to work in a sector that doesn ’ t sit still , so moving into technology , and more specifically , the data centre industry was the perfect move for me .
What do you think has emerged as the technology trend of 2021 and why ?
The pandemic has certainly pushed organisations to review how their IT infrastructures are set up for the future . 2021 has presented many challenges in the way we work , and

I HAVE FOUND HORSE RIDING A GREAT WAY OF FORCING MYSELF TO FOCUS ON SOMETHING ELSE .

businesses have had to adapt to that . This new hybrid model where businesses need to cater for both office and home working has been a real step-change in how organisations are deploying their infrastructure . It ’ s no longer a commercial afterthought , but often front and centre of overall business strategy . Data centres get to play a crucial role within that , which is something I find truly exciting .
What do you currently identify as the major areas of investment in your industry ?
There are many major areas we could discuss in the data centre space , but specifically , it would have to be renewable and alternative energy solutions . As an industry , the sustainability conversation is becoming more and more important . We are seeing the hyperscalers continuing to push boundaries with areas like hydrogen fuel and even nuclear technologies being discussed . This continued investment is vital as the importance of data centres grows in tandem with our need to minimise our impact on the environment .
How do you deal with stress and unwind outside of the office ?
It is something I struggle with , but I have found horse riding a great way of forcing myself to focus on something else as you really have to devote all your energy to what you ’ re doing . That combined with retail therapy certainly helps me to switch off .
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