FINAL WORD awareness through projects like Critical Careers is so important.

From your personal journey, could you share a specific moment or mentor that truly inspired you or helped you overcome a challenge in your career in digital infrastructure?

One of the most inspiring moments in my career came during my very first interview with Adam Nethersole, VP of Marketing, for my current role at Kao Data.

He asked what I was really good at and what I struggled with. I told him I was great at flat-pack furniture and reading maps, but bad at spelling, as I’ m dyslexic. It’ s something I’ ve always carried a bit of shame around, but Adam didn’ t flinch. He immediately reframed it as a strength, that getting to where I was, despite that challenge, was a sign of resilience, not weakness. That moment changed how I viewed what I thought was my biggest weakness and instantly made me feel completely comfortable in it. That spirit of acceptance and support is exactly what we want to replicate with Critical Careers, showing others, they can thrive, regardless of what they consider their strengths and weaknesses.

In your experience, what unique perspectives or strengths do women bring to the table in the traditionally male-dominated data centre industry, and why are these perspectives crucial for innovation?

Women bring a hugely valuable perspective to the data centre industry, and not just because of gender, but because of the unique experiences, empathy and collaborative strength they often contribute. In a traditionally male-dominated space, women tend to create supportive, inclusive networks that lift others. That spirit of collaboration nurtures environments where people feel safe to be themselves, to grow and to innovate. Having more women in leadership means recognising and accommodating real-life challenges, whether that’ s being a working parent or having female associated conditions, without judgment. Those lived experiences shape more compassionate, flexible, and ultimately more effective teams.

Critical Careers highlights that there’ s no single route into this industry, and that diversity in background, gender and thought isn’ t just a bonus, it’ s essential to move forward. Innovation and community thrive when different perspectives are not just welcomed but celebrated.

What emerging trends or technologies excite you the most, and how do you see women continuing to shape these advancements?

What excites me most is how AI and sustainability are interconnecting to drive meaningful change, not just in data centres, but in society. Technologies like heat reuse, renewable energy integration and sustainable backup fuels are helping our spearheading the

THAT SPIRIT OF ACCEPTANCE AND SUPPORT IS EXACTLY WHAT WE WANT TO REPLICATE WITH CRITICAL CAREERS, SHOWING OTHERS, THEY CAN THRIVE, REGARDLESS OF WHAT THEY CONSIDER THEIR STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES.

transition to the green economy. Then when you combine that with potential of AI, which is making operations smarter, cleaner, and more efficient, the future is looking super exciting.

Women are already playing a huge role in shaping this future, not only in engineering and leadership roles, but by bringing collaboration, empathy and long-term thinking into innovation. Historically, women have always been part of major tech breakthroughs, like solving the Enigma code and space travel, even if that’ s often overlooked. With AI levelling the playing field and breaking down barriers, we’ re seeing more women empowered and gaining the confidence to lead, create and redefine the narrative. The future of digital infrastructure is being built by diverse teams and that’ s exactly why it’ s becoming smarter, greener, and more inclusive.

For young women today who might be considering a career in the data centre or wider digital infrastructure space, what tangible advice would you offer to help them navigate challenges and build a successful and fulfilling path?

My biggest piece of advice is to keep saying yes to opportunities, even if they feel outside your comfort zone. That’ s how you grow; and often the best paths are the ones you didn’ t expect.

The digital infrastructure sector can seem vast and fast-paced at first, but there’ s a real sense of community here. No one has all the answers, and most of us are still navigating this young industry. Don’ t be afraid to engage, ask for advice, request a chat over a coffee or pick up the phone, this industry is very open and generous with their time.

There are also incredible communities in initiatives like Critical Careers, For Women in Data Centres, and GeN + 1 that can help you find support, mentorship and opportunities. You don’ t have to have it all figured out, but start by showing up, remaining curious and trusting that there is space for you here.

In your view, how does fostering greater diversity and inclusion, as championed by this campaign, directly contribute to the sustainability and longterm resilience of the digital infrastructure sector?

The success of digital infrastructure heavily relies on the diversity of the people shaping it. This industry is global

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