D E E P D I V E

WE‘ DEEP DIVE’ WITH

What would you describe as your most memorable achievement in the data centre industry?

In 2015, almost by accident, I found myself leading the rollout of multiple hyperscale data centre campuses for global tech giants. By harnessing data-driven reports and automating 80 % of routine admin tasks, my teams shifted from chasing spreadsheets to solving problems. The payoff? Projects went live with greater confidence, engineers spent more time innovating and we set a new standard for efficiency.

What made you first think of a career in technology / data centres?

I didn’ t chase a career in data centres – I stumbled into it!

Following success in electrical project management in 2010, I was asked to manage structured cabling and fibre runs. Next thing I knew, a contractor asked me to oversee the electrical project management on a data centre build. After an eightyear detour on global infrastructure programmes, I returned in 2024 as Head of Data & Delivery Intelligence at BCS – proving sometimes the best careers find you, not the other way around.

What style of management philosophy do you employ in your current position?

A key mantra I keep in mind for Management is:“ Poor is the Teacher, whose student does not surpass them.”

I believe in:

• Growth-first: I invest in my team so they can outpace my own successes – celebrating every leap beyond my experience.

• Be water leadership: Stress is a river – sometimes calm, sometimes rapid. I adapt with empathy and compassion: flow around obstacles or crash through them when needed.

• Open communication: Weekly check-ins and live reports create zero surprises – only shared victories.

• Balance as a superpower: I champion work / life harmony because well-rested minds innovate faster.

What do you think is the current hot talking point within the data centre space?

• Liquid Cooling: From direct-to-chip to full immersion, we’ re engineering racks and floors strong enough to handle litres of coolant at scale.

• Chip Architecture: As Moore’ s Law bends, every watt saved at the processor cuts downstream cooling costs – making next-gen chips our best sustainability tool.

• Quantum Cooling Tease: Immersive setups need new warranties and materials – exciting hurdles that push us forward.

How do you deal with stress and unwind outside the office?

I don’ t see stress as an enemy – it’ s a river with calm pools and roaring rapids. By being water – formless, adaptable, unstoppable – I navigate every challenge with focus and flow. My response to the river can either aid or inhibit my navigation of it, should I choose to fight the current, or be distracted by the white water.

To further the water related analogies, I am a great fan of some of Bruce Lee’ s philosophies, one the most famous being“ Be Water.”

“ Empty your mind. Be formless, shapeless, like water. You put water into a cup; it becomes the cup. You put water into a bottle; it becomes the bottle. You put it into a teapot; it becomes the teapot. Now water can flow, or it can crash. Be water, my friend.”

– Bruce Lee

What do you currently identify as the major areas of investment in your industry?

• 200 kW / Rack Density: We’ re designing for it now – because in five years, anything less will feel underpowered.

68 www. intelligentdatacentres. com