F I N A L W O R D
FROM UNPLANNED PATH TO INDUSTRY CHAMPION: REDEFINING DATA CENTRE CAREERS
Lizzy McDowell’ s career in the digital infrastructure sector was a happy accident, but it quickly became her calling. Now, as Director of Marketing at Kao Data, she is the driving force behind the‘ Critical Careers’ campaign, an initiative that champions the diverse and rewarding opportunities within the industry that underpins our modern digital world.
Lizzy McDowell – Director of Marketing at Kao Data
In this exclusive interview, Lizzy shares her personal journey – from her serendipitous start to a life-changing conversation with a mentor. We also explore the pivotal role of diversity and inclusion in sparking innovation and how she envisions women continuing to shape the industry’ s future amidst the rise of AI and the push for greater sustainability.
What initially drew you into the data centre industry, and looking back, what has been the most significant evolution you’ ve witnessed in the field?
I didn’ t set out to work in digital infrastructure, like many, I fell into IT almost by accident. It wasn’ t a lifelong ambition or a conscious career path, but once I was in, I quickly realised how critical and fascinating the data centre industry is. What drew me in, unknowingly at first, was the sheer impact this invisible industry has on our daily lives, it underpins every element of our day-to-day lives.
Looking back, the most significant change I’ ve seen is how data centres have moved from being behind the scenes to the foundation of the global digital economy. With the rise of AI and a heightened focus on sustainability, the industry has stepped into the spotlight. If I’ d known how brilliant this world was earlier, I’ d have chosen it in a heartbeat, which is exactly why raising
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