We're excited to share the third episode of the Harper Harrison Podcast!

In this episode, we're joined by Kaitlin Schaberg, Director of Hyperscale Programs at DC Blox and one of Data Center Magazine’s Top 100 Women in the Industry, as we explore how to position the data center sector as a top career destination for future talent.

Kaitlin shares her journey into the data center space, the story behind her recent recognition as a top industry leader, and how her passion for cross-functional innovation is helping shape the future of digital infrastructure. From implementing AI-powered tools to navigating complex project and change management challenges, Kaitlin highlights what makes this industry so unique, and why increasing visibility and career pathways is key to overcoming the skills gap.

GET TO KNOW KAITLIN: 

Kaitlin holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Management Science & Engineering from Stanford University. She currently serves as the Director of Hyperscale Programs at DC Blox and has been part of the data center industry for nearly 8 years, having previously worked at QTS.In the past six months, Kaitlin was recognised as one of Data Center Magazine’s Top 100 Women in the Industry, a well-deserved accolade that reflects the impact she has made within both her organisation and the wider sector.

She is particularly passionate about integrating cross-functional project management and change management within high-tech environments. During her time at QTS, she implemented the company’s first AI-based tool for analysing data center contracts.

To get in touch with Del Connolly, email: d.connolly@harperharrison.com

Welcome to the Harper Harrison podcast, where we explore the latest insights, trends, and innovations shaping the future of the built environment.

In this episode, Aaron discusses the evolution of the data center industry over the past 25 years. We explore how, while some challenges remain the same in theory, they have become more complex in practice. We also look at how local communities’ perceptions of data centers have evolved, and how understanding of the industry has changed over the years. As the industry continues to grow, we highlight the importance of making it an industry of choice—particularly in addressing ongoing and significant labour shortages. GET TO KNOW AARON: Aaron is a data center industry veteran with over 25 years of experience. He is the Founder and President of Base Partners—an advisory firm supporting investors, developers, and data center service companies across areas including platform investment, capital raising, and market strategy. Previously, Aaron served as COO and Chief Marketing Officer of T5 Data Centers, and before that held significant real estate experience at The Staubach Company, where he first entered the data center sector in the late 1990s. To get in touch with Del Connolly, email: d.connolly@harperharrison.com

In this episode, host, Jakey Bentwood speak with Sloan about his atypical career path. From high school through higher ed and then into the early years of his career, Sloan walks us through the trajectory taken to CEO, challenges he faced and the primary goals and aspirations for the firm moving forward.

ABOUT SLOAN:
Sloan is the CEO of VLK Architects. He has overseen the growth and expansion of the frim from 2 to 5 office locations, diversified markets and has doubled annual revenue generated.
Sloan Harris has steered the firm’s growth and evolution to establish VLK as one of today’s most successful and innovative service providers in the industry. Sloan’s abilities as a strategic manager, designer, and entrepreneur and his commitment to improving the local communities VLK serves, positioned him for leadership since he joined the firm in 2003.
Market sector leader in commercial and institutional projects including corporate interiors, mixed-use, automotive, k-12, and higher ed.
To get in touch with Jakey Bentwood, reach out at j.bentwood@harperharrison.com.

In this episode, host;Jakey Bentwood speaks with Bob about his career trajectory, some of the challenges faced throughout his career, and more. We touch on where his passion for the built environment came from; spoiler alert, it came from a crawl space!
ABOUT BOB CLARK:
Bob’s practicality blends seamlessly with his sharp sense of humor to create a successful hands-on approach to managing employees, clients, and projects. He cares just as much about the nitty-gritty details of operating a growing global firm as he does about the big-picture thinking it takes to keep the business relevant, profitable, and growing.
Bob spent 5 years in the US Airforce before spending 2 years with Jacobs and then moving to Baskervil in 1995. He became COO in the late 90s and has been president of the firm since 2004.
Bob leads a team of over 180, doing projects in over 40 states and 4 countries.
To get in touch with Jakey Bentwood, reach out at j.bentwood@harperharrison.com.

In this episode, host, Jakey Bentwood speaks with Cathy about her career trajectory, challenges and lessons learned throughout her career and her principals in driving grim growth and culture. They even dive into her personal life and passions outside of work that help in her overall work/life balance and satisfaction.
ABOUT CATHY:
Cathy spent almost 13 years with CH2M working on various industrial and advanced technology facilities, including Semi Conductor facilities. She spent some time with the University of Portland before moving to SSOE in the summer of 2017.
Over the last 6 years, Cathy has developed to become SSOEs President, working with SSOE's CEO to set future strategy and key initiatives.
To get in touch with Jakey Bentwood, reach out at j.bentwood@harperharrison.com.

In this episode, I speak with Adana Johns, S&T Practice Leader and Principal of Perkins & Will in Chicago. We discuss her career trajectory, her upcoming plans for the practice, and her design philosophy alongside much more.

For any professionals looking to grow in the world of S&T design and architecture, give this episode a listen!
Having grown up in a design-minded household, Adana is a genuine lifelong learner of Arch & Design.
MEET ADANA JOHNS.
Adana grew up in a design-minded household, drawn to various forms of art at home and school. By her teenage years, Adana managed her family’s greenhouse business, where she was able to exercise her design ability while learning how to listen to customers. By the time she entered architecture school, she not only saw the value of design, but also the value of providing experiences through art.
Like many architecture students at the University of Illinois, Adana took advantage of the opportunity to study in Paris. This was an exhilarating experience for her, and she realized architecture’s roots in history. She began to view architecture as a storybook of people’s expression–how everything she sees, whether intentional design or not, blends into everyday life. Travel sparked her curiosity to understand how the world works, and how the logic, science, and art that make up the built environment evoke a sense of wonder and place.
To get in touch with Jakey Bentwood, reach out at j.bentwood@harperharrison.com.

In this episode we sit and talk with Kelly W and Jackson M, regional leaders of the mission critical practice of the largest architecture firm in the world, Gensler.
We touch on their career trajectory and design preferences while understanding more about the vision of the practice and the future of mission critical design.
Designing for the unbreakable: Unveiling the Mission Critical Architecture.
 
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR GUESTS:
Jackson Metcalf, LEED AP, is a Design Manager at Gensler; the largest architecture firm in the world. In his 17 years with Gensler, Jackson has led a variety of project types across the globe with a focus on critical facilities, commercial office buildings, and mixed-use projects. He is a global leader of Gensler's Critical Facilities practice, and previously led the Critical Facilities practice for the Northcentral Region. Jackson’s projects are noted for their sustainability — with four data centers receiving LEED Gold certification. He received his Bachelor of Architecture from Iowa State University.
Kelly Westwood, AIA, NCARB, NOMA, Architect at Gensler is a licensed architect in Illinois and New York, with global design experience, excellent design technology skills, and a passion for teaching and creating opportunities for those who otherwise would not have access. She serves as the Regional Practice Area Leader for Critical Facilities at Gensler. With a background rooted in engineering research and development, and grounded by her pragmatic approach to problem-solving, Kelly meets every design challenge with an eager desire to learn and grow, and to help others do the same.
To get in touch with Jakey Bentwood, reach out at j.bentwood@harperharrison.com.

In this episode, I am joined by Eva Baker and Jinhee Lee; two rising stars of the lab planning and design world and Senior Associates of HERA Laboratory Planners.
We discuss their backgrounds and career paths and dig into their approach to design and how it has changed throughout the years.
If you have an interest in the design of lab and science-related facilities – this is a must-listen!
MORE ABOUT OUR GUESTS...
Eva is the Director of the Philadelphia HERA office. Coming from a chemistry background, before getting her MArch at UPenn, Eva brings extensive experience in benchmarking, planning, design and CA of Lab facility and other technology-driven spaces. Eva is passionate about code analysis and her in-depth knowledge of MEP systems is particularly helpful on projects.
Jinhee fully believes in the concept of not sacrificing form for function – Labs can be both beautiful and functional. Jinhee is a detail-oriented designer who’s responsibilities have ranged from leadership roles to team support roles for peer review, code analysis, and specification.
To get in touch with Jakey Bentwood, reach out at j.bentwood@harperharrison.com.

In the 6th episode of 'Adtech Design and Development Leaders' podcast brings Bernadette Muncy, Principal and Architecture Discipline Lead of SmithGroup – One of the oldest (1853) and industry-defining design firms in the world. In this episode, we dive into Bernadette's career, her design philosophy, and her upcoming goals for her career.
We touch on her rescue pup Tickle for a moment or so.
We touch on the time she spent with ⁠The Arbinger Institute ⁠where she worked on her leadership qualities, her self-accountability and the wider impact she can have in her role.
Bernadette Muncy - “vulnerability isn’t something to be ashamed of. Leading is not about being perfect, but rather showing one’s true self. Mistakes don’t equal failures; they can transform into innovation and growth.”
ABOUT BERNADETTE MUNCY
With over 20 years in the industry, Bernadette has worked on some of the largest healthcare IPD projects in New England. Bernadette spent 6 years with Bargmann Hendrie before moving to TRO which was later acquired by SmithGroup. Her specialties lie in Academic Medicine, Acute Care, Ambulatory Care, Cancer Care, Govt Health, Women’s and Childrens Healthcare. Bernadette Muncy - “vulnerability isn’t something to be ashamed of. Leading is not about being perfect, but rather showing one’s true self. Mistakes don’t equal failures; they can transform into innovation and growth.” Bernadette takes her role of staffing importantly, which includes learning about people and different project needs to make a good fit for potential employees.
To get in touch with Jakey Bentwood, reach out at j.bentwood@harperharrison.com.

I knew Mike and I would see eye to eye when he told me the most constant relationship in his life has been his love for Soccer.
In this episode, we touch on Mikes entry into architecture and the challenges he faced. We discuss his growth and development in this space before discussing his design approach and his upcoming goals for his career.
 
From a student with a passion for Soccer to VP of Architecture of an award-winning AEC firm helping Life Sciences companies usher in the next generation of life-saving therapies, treatments, and technologies; Mike’s route is an uncommon one.
Uncommon, but fascinating.
WHO IS MICHAEL MARONE?
Mike Marone has more than 20 years of professional experience and has directed the architectural design and planning for many of Genesis AEC’s science and technology projects. Mike leads the firm’s architecture practice and is responsible for the delivery of architecture services. An intuitive and experienced conceptual planner, he has led the programming and planning of many significant projects through design development, constructability reviews, “value engineering” challenges, and other hurdles of a contemporary building project
My architectural approach has always been responsive to the client with solutions that are not forced but successfully appropriate for the context of the project.
Despite starting his career in S&T and remaining in this space to this day, Mike's longest relationship is with Soccer.
S1 E6 | Designing Health: Unveiling the Architectural Leadership behind Healing Spaces
In the 6th episode of 'Adtech Design and Development Leaders' podcast brings Bernadette Muncy, Principal and Architecture Discipline Lead of SmithGroup – One of the oldest (1853) and industry-defining design firms in the world. In this episode, we dive into Bernadette's career, her design philosophy, and her upcoming goals for her career.
We touch on her rescue pup Tickle for a moment or so.
We touch on the time she spent with ⁠The Arbinger Institute ⁠where she worked on her leadership qualities, her self-accountability and the wider impact she can have in her role.
Bernadette Muncy - “vulnerability isn’t something to be ashamed of. Leading is not about being perfect, but rather showing one’s true self. Mistakes don’t equal failures; they can transform into innovation and growth.”
ABOUT BERNADETTE MUNCY
With over 20 years in the industry, Bernadette has worked on some of the largest healthcare IPD projects in New England. Bernadette spent 6 years with Bargmann Hendrie before moving to TRO which was later acquired by SmithGroup. Her specialties lie in Academic Medicine, Acute Care, Ambulatory Care, Cancer Care, Govt Health, Women’s and Childrens Healthcare. Bernadette Muncy - “vulnerability isn’t something to be ashamed of. Leading is not about being perfect, but rather showing one’s true self. Mistakes don’t equal failures; they can transform into innovation and growth.” Bernadette takes her role of staffing importantly, which includes learning about people and different project needs to make a good fit for potential employees.
To get in touch with Jakey Bentwood, reach out at j.bentwood@harperharrison.com.

Adtech Design and Development Leaders, hosted by our very own recruitment expert Jakey Bentwood, provides an excellent opportunity for professionals of all levels to learn from thought leaders in the industry.
Discussions will be based around avenues for development, areas of focus, how to speak about project experience, and over time help guide other professionals in their longer-term goals and motivations.
THIS EPISODE...
During this episode with Richard; I discuss his career trajectory and what took him to develop his own firm in OrbitsEdge. We touch on his experience and background in mechanical engineering, through his time with Deep Space Industries and finally discuss his goals for OrbitsEdge as we move into an era of data servicing and efficiency.
WHO IS RICHARD WARD?
Richard is the CTO and Founder of OrbitsEdge. OrbitsEdge accelerates the commercialization of space by providing low earth orbit edge micro data centers that allow organizations to economically access and rapidly analyze vast amounts of data in space.
As a US Marine and startup veteran, Rick’s vision is to bring advanced compute to space via a unique solution of hardening, sensors, and ongoing telemetry analytics.
Rick feels as though the next generation of space development is impossible without next-generation data handling and OrbitEdge has the sustainable architect that leads to that goal.
During his time with Deep Space Industries; Rick developed, produced, and experimented with asteroid regolith stimulants with the goal of mineral extraction.
Rick regularly speaks for space compute conferences, publications, and yes, other podcasts.

In this episode of Adtech Design and Development Leaders, ⁠⁠Jakey Bentwood⁠⁠ is joined by ⁠Tatiana Guimaraes⁠ to discuss her career trajectory and what took her to lead the Miami Healthcare practice of the largest architecture firm in the world, Gensler.
We touch on her design approach, her upcoming goals, and her advice to other professionals in the industry. A must-watch for healthcare-focused design professionals. For those with a passion for soccer, we even touch on predictions for the 2026 world cup.  
Tatiana has worked with some of the most notable and reputable architecture firms in the world. In her early career, Tatiana worked with big names in the industry such as NBBJ and Anshen & Allen.
She then moved to global architecture firms, HKS, where she spent 6 years developing into a Senior Medical Planner and Associate Practice Lead of South Florida. She then moved to Perkins & Will where she spent 8 years in Miami with the 2nd largest architecture firm in the world.
In April 2022, she swapped number 2 for number 1 and joined Gensler as Healthcare Practice Lead for the Miami office.
Tatiana also spent 5 years as a Board Member and, for some time, president of AIA Academy of Architecture for Health. While also spending the last 3 years at Florida International University as an Adjunct Professor for the Healthcare Studio.
A genuine healthcare specialist and industry leader with a focus on mentorship, collaboration, and maximizing multichannel strategy and sustainability.
To get in touch with Jakey Bentwood, reach out at ⁠⁠j.bentwood@harperharrison.com⁠⁠.

Welcome to the Harper Harrison podcast, where we explore the latest insights, trends, and innovations shaping the future of the built environment.

In this episode, we dive into the world of Data Centers as we explore the career journey of Ernest Popescu and find out why he decided to move away from the corporate Data Center world and take the plunge and set up his own business.

Now, CEO and Founder of Metrobloks, we look at when that vision formed, explore the challenges of leading a start-up and get an insight in to how we was able to secure funding for the venture. It’s a really inspiring story and an extremely honest and frank conversation. A great episode offering real insight in to the first year of becoming an entrepreneur!

To get in touch with Del Connolly, reach out at d.connolly@harperharrison.com.

In the first episode of Adtech Design and Development Leaders, ⁠Jakey Bentwood⁠ is joined by ⁠Regal Leftwich⁠; industry leader and VP of ⁠CannonDesign⁠. They discuss Regal's career and development, his design preferences, his future goals, and advice to other industry professionals. They even touch on his personal hobbies and passions – an S&T/Lab Designer AND an artist all in one. For those with creative drives alongside a passion for science and lab facilities, this is a must-listen.
As a Lab Planner and Registered Architect, Regal has over 20 years of experience in the industry with the last 15 years dedicated to lab facilities. His work includes over 65 lab projects encompassing 10 million SF including wet and dry research labs, teaching labs, and animal facilities.
In his current position, he implements programming, planning, and lab design for research-based clients in higher ed, government, and industry. On each project he plays a vital role in identifying current and future requirements of institution stakeholders like scientists and researchers, to convey to the design team in the form of presentations, technical reports, space lists, room data sheets and equipment lists, specifications, and construction documents.
To get in touch with Jakey Bentwood, reach out at ⁠j.bentwood@harperharrison.com⁠.

In the first episode of Adtech Design and Development Leaders, ⁠Jakey Bentwood⁠ is joined by ⁠Ken Mohr⁠; industry leader and ⁠HERA⁠ president. They delve into Ken's career and development journey, his design preferences, his future goals, and the advice he has for other industry professionals.

Ken Mohr, President of HERA,  leads the firm’s forensic laboratory planning and design practice and has completed crime labs and medical examiner facilities around the world. He spent a decade in his early career as a lab planner at industry leading firm, HOK. Ken made the move to HERA in 1997 and was the first employee just a year after it was founded. Now, 25 years on, Ken is the President of this specialist lab planning and design firm and a well-established market leader in this space.

To get in touch with Jakey Bentwood, reach out at j.bentwood@harperharrison.com

The purpose of the Data Center Exchange is to shine a positive light on the Data Center Industry. Often an industry misunderstood and often subject to great levels of scrutiny surrounding the environmental and social impact of the industry.

But it’s an industry that takes this seriously. There are so many great initiatives across the industry relating to ESG which are hugely positive.

And no better company to lift the lid on that Stack Infrastructure. Michillay Brown (Vice President of ESG) joins us to discuss her career background, her view on the Data Center Industry’s stance on ESG and what Stack Infrastructure are up to.

About Michillay Brown

With almost a decade of experience in the fields of environmental, social, and governance (ESG), sustainability, human rights and international relations, Michillay is passionate about creating positive impact and value for both the planet and the people. As the Vice President of ESG at STACK Infrastructure, a leading global data center provider, she is responsible for developing and implementing the company's ESG strategy, policies, and initiatives, and ensuring alignment with the industry standards and best practices.

To get in touch with host, Del Connolly, please email him at d.connolly@harperharrison.com

In this podcast series, ⁠⁠Del Connolly⁠⁠ will be joined by industry leaders to discuss topics such as the culture of a fast-growing business within the sector, sustainability, engineering, construction challenges, diversity & inclusion, and much more.

Mergers and Acquisitions are fairly common across the Data Center Industry. When they occur, the complex process of integrating businesses begins. This episode we welcome Jeremy Pease- CEO of Colohouse/Hivelocity (recently merged) to discuss his experience of M&A’s across the industry, his thoughts on the challenges you have to navigate as a leader and what he believes are the most important aspects to consider to get this very sensitive process right.

About Jeremy:

A seasoned executive with over 20 years in the data center and cloud hosting industry, Jeremy Pease has built a career rooted in extreme ownership and servant leadership. As the CEO of Colohouse, he is harnessing his extensive background to guide the company toward a dominant position in the industry, targeting advancements in cloud technology, BareMetal, and retail Colo services.

To get in touch with host, Del Connolly, please email him at d.connolly@harperharrison.com

In this podcast series, ⁠Del Connolly⁠ will be joined by industry leaders to discuss topics such as the culture of a fast-growing business within the sector, sustainability, engineering, construction challenges, diversity & inclusion, and much more.

In this episode we explore the Gender gap that exists within the Data Center industry, statistics show that only 20% of the workforce is made up of women. We discuss Lindsey’s journey, her view of the gender gap across the industry, what can help change this in the future and explore some of the positive initiatives out there.

Lindsey Bruner is COO of ⁠CleanArc Data Centers⁠ and is an accomplished Data Center Executive. A lawyer by trade, Lindsey has held several executive-level positions across the Data Center industry for both CyrusOne and CleanArc. Before entering the Data Center Industry, Lindsey was a senior Attorney at RES- one the largest independent Energy companies in the world. Lindsey studied Law at the University of Denver before completing an Executive MBA at Quantic School of Business & Technology.

To get in touch with host, Del Connolly, please email him at d.connolly@harperharrison.com 

In this episode of the Data Center Exchange podcast, Del Connolly was joined by Adam Gibson, a Data Center professional AND enthusiast.

If the industry is going to grow and overcome the skills shortages, it’s important we make it the industry of choice. And Adam is a great example of somebody who brings the industry to life.

Join me as we explore Adam’s own unique career journey, exploring his own goal to visit 1000 data centers in his lifetime. We discuss how we can raise awareness of the industry, how the industry has become more accessible and we explore what it’s like to take over 100 flights in a calendar year.

We look at how important building relationships is within the industry and despite being in a digital world, having that personal interaction is simply irreplaceable.

There are some more light-hearted points but the discussion attempts to discuss the critical aspects of raising the profile of the industry and shining a light on how interesting and exciting it can be.

About Adam:

Adam Gibson is a specialist in Data Centres and has been working in the industry for 17 years on Design, Operation and Management in varied Executive, C-Suite and board positions. Alongside this skilled knowledge Adam's ability to design, develop Fibre Optic Network and Network Technology services has been proven a strong play in ANZ with multiple executive roles. With a global understanding of Data Centres and enabling partnerships, Adam’s driven passion for Digital Infrastructure, Technology and Data has proven the ability to be a presenter, panelist and speaker at events globally. Being the next generation of Digital Professionals, Adam has started to seek further into the industry to support and create new opportunities to enhance the next Technology Revolution.

To get in touch with host, Del Connolly, Please email him at: d.connolly@wearelhi.com

Welcome to a special edition of the Data Center Exchange filmed live from PTC24 in Honolulu, Hawaii. Del was joined by Jesse Sargent, President of OVERWATCH - a veteran owned Strategic Consultancy serving the Data Center market with deep expertise in Operations and Management. Jesse is also the co-host of the Data Center Revolution, which is a great podcast with nearly 80 episodes recorded. So, Jesse and I are here to talk about PTC24. What happens here, how Overwatch approach it and why the conference is such a great one to attend. In addition, Team OVERWATCH take their profession very seriously, but they have a lot of fun doing so. Hear what the team have been up to whilst in Hawaii…. It’s pretty wild! And finally, does the Data Exchange have its first scoop?! Are OVERWATCH bringing their conference DC:AC to London?! Listen in to find out! More about Jesse: Prior to being a co-founder of OVERWATCH and having a number of leadership positions within the Mission Critical sector, Jesse served in the Military. As a decorated US Army veteran, Jesse is clearly passionate about supporting ex-military personnel and sees just how impactful they can be to the Data Center industry. Jesse resides in Ohio and when he’s not working and influencing the Data Center industry on social media, he clearly enjoys time with his family including his four children. To get in touch with host, Del Connolly, Please email him at: d.connolly@wearelhi.com

In this episode, we are joined by John Shingler who has one of the most fascinating backgrounds of any Data Center Leader! We delve a little into John’s past ranging from a serviceman as a Navy Nuke through to being a full-time College Football coach, then in to the Oil & Gas industry to now being a Data Center Operations leader. John talks about those transitions and also offers insights into his view on the skills gap, the need to embrace people outside of industry and just how powerful this can be for retention and engagement. It’s a great episode and you really get to see the importance John places on relationships. A must listen! To get in touch with host, Del Connolly, Please email him at: d.connolly@wearelhi.com

In this episode, we are joined by Susanna Kass to discuss all things Sustainability within the Data Center world. One of the hottest topics across an industry which often gets bad press relating to the environmental impact it has. We explore how just this criticism is, the challenges the industry faces, the great work it is doing and just how far the industry has come.

Susanna is somebody who speaks with a huge amount of experience, knowledge and passion. It’s an episode not to be missed.

To get in touch with host, Del Connolly, Please email him at: d.connolly@wearelhi.com

We are delighted to welcome Tony Grayson to the Data Center Exchange. Tony is a former sub commander and now an Executive within the Digital Infrastructure world. As the General Manager of Compass Quantum, he is at the helm of a hugely exciting new modular Data Center solution. We touch on some of the features and advantages of the solution and look at the journey so far.

We also cannot invite Tony on the podcast without touching on his background in the services, how ex servicemen and women can help plug the undoubted skills gap within the industry, his role as Veterans Chair within the Infrastructure Masons and his views on some of the discussion points about nuclear energy within the Data Center market.

Tony is a well-known seasoned executive with over 25 years of technology and leadership experience. He is a decorated serviceman and a hugely experienced Data Center and Technology leader who is General Manager at Compass Quantum.

To get in touch with host, Del Connolly, Please email him at: d.connolly@wearelhi.com

In the last episode of the series, host Jake Bentwood is joined by Jenna Knudsen and Alex Korter of CO Architects.
Jake had the opportunity to speak with two firmwide leaders, one of whom oversees recruitment efforts, to discuss the intersection of healthcare design and hiring/attrition. This episode is a must-listen for any design professional interested in the fields of healthcare, health sciences, and S&T!
ABOUT JENNA & ALEX:
Jenna Knudsen is a brilliant example of a boomerang. Something we see often in this market. Jenna spent 3 years with CO as a project Designer before moving to NYC to spend some time with Rafael Vinoly. In 2004, she returned to CO and has since risen to the heights of Managing Principal.
Jenna leads award winning, large scale academic, lab and healthcare projects on university and healthcare campuses across the country.
Alex Korter joined CO shortly after Jennas return to the firm, in 2005. With experience across the globe, he now leads the firms building facades group as well as their recruitment efforts. Alex spent 3 years in Manchester, the center of the world, studying and gaining his BArch. Leads recruitment, experienced in Healthcare Architecture, loves Manchester – Alex and I have A LOT to talk about.
To get in touch with Jakey Bentwood, reach out at j.bentwood@harperharrison.com.

In this podcast series, Del will be joined by industry leaders to discuss topics such as the culture of a fast-growing business within the sector, sustainability, engineering, construction challenges, diversity & inclusion, and much more. Building on from episode 3, we talk to Anna Carlton, VP, Culture and Learning at Compass Datacenters. Anna is hugely passionate about all things culture and a real curator of culture at one of the shining stars of the Data Center Development Industry. We delve in to organizational culture holistically, and explore the differences culturally between organisations within the Digital Infrastructure world and those across other industries. We also shine a light on Compass Datacenters and learn a bit about their secret sauce. Anna is a strategic HR leader who excels in all aspects of people practices, from recruitment to retirement. She is known as a culture catalyst, capable of driving positive change throughout an organization. With extensive experience in senior leadership, Anna was a perfect guest to invite on to the show to offer her insights around organizational culture. Anna is VP, Culture and Learning at Compass Datacenters based out of Dallas, Texas. Compass Datacenters have designed, built and delivered over $5bn of Data Centers globally. To get in touch with host, Del Connolly, Please email him at: d.connolly@wearelhi.com

We are delighted to be joined by ⁠Chris Yetman⁠. Chris is the COO of ⁠Vantage Data Centers⁠, one of the fastest-growing organizations within the sector. I wanted to discuss how organizational culture impacts the high performance and growth of a business. Particularly a business operating to such high standards expected within the Data Center market. Chris talks us through his personal journey and offers us an insight into the success of Vantage, the mindset and approach to customer engagement. This is a rare opportunity to gain an insight into what is one of the industry's success stories.

As Chief Operating Officer at Vantage Data Centers, Chris Yetman leads operations, security, construction, design, engineering and IT. Yetman is dedicated to building a culture of operational excellence and constant improvement by focusing on transparency and performance measurements and applying lessons learned to Vantage’s next generation of data centers.

With more than 30 years of experience, Yetman approaches strategy and decision-making from the customers’ viewpoint. In partnership with Vantage’s leadership team, he develops the company’s strategy and evangelizes it throughout the organization. Yetman has been instrumental in accelerating Vantage’s growth from a regional data center provider in the United States to a fast-growing global operator.

Prior to joining Vantage, Yetman served as vice president of infrastructure operations for Amazon Web Services (AWS) where he was responsible for managing the operations of the company’s data centers worldwide. At AWS, he achieved 99.9% availability of servers, reduced the data center operations ticket backlog by 76%, decreased the mean time-to-repair by 56%, and enhanced provisioning performance by 50% for 95% of all servers. Before this, Yetman managed the daily operations of one of the largest fiber and TCP/IP networks in the world at Level 3 Communications. Yetman received his Bachelor of Science in computer engineering from Northeastern University.

To get in touch with host, Del Connolly, Please email him at: d.connolly@wearelhi.com

What is a Data Center? How does it impact our lives? How have they changed the way that we live? How rewarding can a career be within the industry? This episode we ask these questions to Aashna Puri, Director of Strategy and Sustainability at one of the leading Data Centre Developers, CyrusOne. We also look at Aashna’s route in to the industry and her fascinating entrepreneurial background which centers around connecting people.

Aashna has lived in seven countries across three continents and is a natural connector with a focus on diverse and interdisciplinary solutions to drive strategy. As a Senior Project Development and Sustainability Manager at CyrusOne, Aashna is responsible for data-backed strategic planning, new market entry, M&A, and investment analyses while ensuring that the environmental impact is considered at every step.

Aashna is a mission-driven creative problem solver who draws from a variety of experiences to bring innovative and lasting solutions to problems. During her time as a college student, Aashna founded a business that tutored and mentored Tanzanian youth to access university education on scholarships in the US. While working full-time in South Africa, Aashna founded Sogather, a business that enabled passionate home cooks to host diners in their homes and encouraged a post-apartheid South Africa to intermingle in an intimate setting. Currently, Aashna is working on WishLiner, an international parcel delivery service that uses spare luggage space in a traveler's journey.

To get in touch with host, Del Connolly, Please email him at: d.connolly@wearelhi.com

This episode looks at how much of a challenge the skills gap is for the Digital Infrastructure world and looks at how the industry can engage “grass roots” talent to ensure the industry is one of choice when people begin their careers.

Our guest this week is Bill Kleyman, an award-winning data center, cloud, and digital infrastructure leader. He was ranked globally by an Onalytica Study as one of the leading executives in cloud computing and data security. He has spent more than 15 years specializing in the cybersecurity, virtualization, cloud, and data center industry. As an award-winning technologist, his most recent efforts with the Infrastructure Masons were recognized when he received the 2020 IM100 Award and the 2021 iMasons Education Champion Award for his work with numerous HBCUs and for helping diversify the digital infrastructure talent pool.

As an industry analyst, speaker, and author, Bill helps the digital infrastructure teams develop new ways to impact data center design, cloud architecture, security models (both physical and software), and how to work with new and emerging technologies. You can read more of Bill’s contributions as a contributing editor in Data Center Frontier, Data Center Knowledge, InformationWeek, ITPro Today, and others.

To get in touch with host, Del Connolly, Please email him at: d.connolly@wearelhi.com

In episode 9, host, Jakey Bentwood starts off by discussing Kim's initial interest in Biology and her steps to becoming an architect. We get into her career and discuss the sweet spot in her career and trajectory she has taken since the days of Architecture 101.
KIMBERLY MONTAGUE:
Kim is the ultimate boomerang! Having spent 12 years with Albert Kahn around the turn of 2000, she then left Albert Kahn Associates and she spent time with HKS, Herman Miller and Planetree before now returning to Albert Kahn as President in March of 2023.
To get in touch with Jakey Bentwood, reach out at j.bentwood@harperharrison.com.

In this episode, Jakey Bentwood discusses how Guy got his start in architecture and where his passion comes from. They discuss his education, his career trajectory, and the milestones and challenges he has faced throughout his career.
MORE ABOUT GUY:
Guy Geier is the Host of Architecture 5 10 20 – a place where a diverse range of views about where architecture is headed are shared and to explore exciting future opportunities in the industry. From walking through houses in his neighbourhood to working with his father in retail furniture to his interest in aeronautical engineering, Guy now, with 40 years of experience, sits as Managing Partner of FX Collaborative.
To get in touch with Jakey Bentwood, reach out at j.bentwood@harperharrison.com.

In this episode, Jakey Bentwood sits down with Angela Watson, CEO and President of Shepley Bulfinch. Having spent 22 years with Shepley Bulfinch we touch on her career until this point and go as far back to the days in Germany when modern architecture first caught her eye.
A teacher, a leader, a designer and now a President/CEO – this one is a MUST LISTEN! Specifically the “Virtual Studio” – “What does that mean?” I hear you ask!

ABOUT ANGELA:
FAIA, Angela Watson is Shepley Bulfinch CEO and President. She grew up in Germany where her love for architecture first showed its face. She often felt that iconic buildings were too often torn down to make way for modern architecture. Her passion for design came from finding a way to reimagine and save the modern designs from her youth. Angela, later studied at MIT where she got her MArch. She spent time with HDS, Cambridge Seven and then joined Shepley Bulfinch in 2002. She spent time with the Boston Society of Architects before taking on the role of lecturer at MIT for 4 years alongside her role at Shepley Bulfinch.
To get in touch with Jakey Bentwood, reach out at j.bentwood@harperharrison.com.

In this episode, host, Jakey Bentwood jumps right into it with James Miner, CEO of Sasaki. Challenges through his career, the importance of culture in leadership and advice for anyone looking to develop in this market. They discuss the idea that you don’t need to know you want to be an architect in your early years to still become a leader in this space.
Side note – James is a genuine and kind leader. For those that listened to the episode and have the years of experienced mentioned, you know what to do. My LinkedIn inbox is open.
MORE ABOUT JAMES MINER:
James Miner is CEO of Sasaki. James has spent almost 20 years with Sasaki having moved into the CEO position over 6 years ago. Over this time, he has guided the strategic evolution of the firm including rebranding the firm to elevate their collaborative and inclusive approach to design, adding new expertise in technology, fabrication, and digital design as well as establishing a firm-wide research grant program, amongst much more.
To get in touch with Jakey Bentwood, reach out at j.bentwood@harperharrison.com.

Host, Jakey Bentwood from Harper Harrison is back with our 5th episode of the series. He is often asked about atypical routes for development within design. Enter Amy Jones! A journalism grad turned President of a full service AE firm. They discuss her more than 20 years with O’Connell Robertson and the principals she has lived and worked by en route to this position.
ABOUT AMY JONES.
As President/CEO, Amy leads the Firm’s corporate vision and strategy development, guides talent and people issues, and manages financial operations. Throughout her 25 year career at O’Connell Robertson, she has been involved in and led the Firm’s marketing and business development team and served in a project executive role for various clients. Amy’s focus on client relations, business development, strategic partnerships, and community engagement built on the company’s already strong foundation for this mission driven Firm’s unprecedented growth over the last decade. Her dedication to clients and the community can be seen in the strong relationships and strategic collaborations she has formed throughout Texas where she is actively involved in numerous professional and non profit organizations. Additionally, she has been engaged in regional education issues throughout her career, providing leadership to boards, committees and campaigns addressing school district progress, attendance, and educational partnerships.
To get in touch with Jakey Bentwood, reach out at ⁠j.bentwood@harperharrison.com

In this episode, host; Jakey Bentwood speaks with Jinger about her career path, from the challenges she faced to her primary goals and aspirations.
ABOUT JINGER:
Jinger is VP of Design for Ware Malcomb. Jinger leads the overall design direction for Ware Malcomb and her vision helps to define the firm’s design standards of high quality and strong character.
To get in touch with Jakey Bentwood, reach out at j.bentwood@harperharrison.com.