FOR ME , CAREER HIGHLIGHTS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN ABOUT FORGING PARTNERSHIPS AND DELIVERING IMPACTFUL TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS .
D E E P D I V E
WE ‘ DEEP DIVE ’ WITH
FRANCESCA CAIN-WATSON , DIRECTOR OF SALES , AMERICAS , ICEOTOPE , WHO TELLS US ABOUT LIFE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE OFFICE . w
What would you describe as your most memorable achievement in the data centre industry ?
The trust and strong relationships my team has built through our projects are truly rewarding . Our solutions are proving to drive meaningful energy efficiency in clients ' internal operations and the services they provide to their customers . For me , career highlights have always been about forging partnerships and delivering impactful technology solutions . I love the problemsolving process and our technology ' s value because it brings a shared sense of accomplishment to everyone involved .
One achievement I ’ m incredibly proud of is establishing a partnership with a major US enterprise , which exemplifies the value of liquid cooling in a real-world setting . This key partner launched their cooling fluid into the market , which helped us cosell and showcase the impact of our solution . Even though they weren ’ t initially set up for liquid cooling , our team deployed a 24U rack solution with four chassis , showing that transitioning to liquid cooling doesn ’ t require a full infrastructure overhaul .
What first made you think of a career in technology / data centres ?
My journey into tech was a bit serendipitous . I originally studied psychology , but upon graduating in 2008 , I had to pivot due to the job market . Working at a Bose store sparked my interest in tech ’ s potential to enhance daily life . From there , I spent over a decade at Lenovo , working in roles like inside sales and account management .
My time in Lenovo ’ s data centre OEM group gave me a frontrow seat to the critical role data centres play in innovation and essential services , cementing my commitment to the field . Now , at Iceotope , I ’ m leading a team that ’ s creating sustainable cooling solutions for data centres around the world .
What style of management philosophy do you employ in your current position ?
I aim to lead by example and foster a supportive , inclusive environment . I think it ’ s crucial to be hands-on , tackling any task
I might ask of my team . This builds trust and shows I wouldn ’ t ask them to do anything I wouldn ’ t do myself . I want everyone to feel valued and encouraged to take on new challenges , share ideas and voice concerns , fostering a culture of collaboration and mutual support . Continuous learning is also key – especially in advanced technologies .
What do you think is the current hot talking point within the data centre space ?
Right now , AI and sustainability are front and centre . Traditional air cooling can ’ t keep up with the intense demands of AI
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FOR ME , CAREER HIGHLIGHTS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN ABOUT FORGING PARTNERSHIPS AND DELIVERING IMPACTFUL TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS .
workloads , making advanced cooling technologies like Precision Liquid Cooling essential .
Our solutions manage the high thermal loads from AI , reducing energy use and reducing environmental impact . As companies strive to balance performance with sustainability , liquid cooling is uniquely suited to meet these challenges .
How do you deal with stress and unwind outside the office ? Maintaining a good work-life balance is essential for me . I love outdoor activities with my family , like hiking and kayaking , which help me disconnect and recharge . Being in nature provides a great mental reset . Cooking for my family is also a favourite way to relax ; it ’ s both creative and satisfying , especially after a busy day . These activities keep me balanced , refreshed and ready to tackle new challenges each day .
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