The Truth About Data Centre Talent

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Inside Data Centre Podcast, Andy Davis is joined by Oli Monks, Head of Talent at AVK, and Sophie Parker, Head of People Development & Talent Acquisition at Pure Data Centres Group. Using the newly released DataX Connect 2026 Salary Survey as a starting point, they unpack why career progression now outranks pay, how hiring has to adapt in new European markets, and what it takes to keep high achievers in an industry that changes by the afternoon.Key Topics:Why professionals now move for progression rather than a pay riseHiring from pharma, semiconductors, construction and the armed forcesDevelopment without promotion: keeping technical experts challenged and engagedBeing honest with candidates about the pace and ambiguityTackling negative headlines before they deter the next generationWhy rushing the interview process undermines long-term retentionTune in for candid advice on attracting and keeping talent, plus quickfire views on the hardest roles to fill and the skills that will matter most in five years.Support the showSupport the showThe Inside Data Centre Podcast is recorded in partnership with DataX Connect, a specialist data centre recruitment company based in the UK. They operate on a global scale to place passionate individuals at the heart of leading data centre companies.To learn more about Andy Davis and the rest of the DataX team, click here: DataX Connect

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Critical Careers podcast, Lizzy McDowell is joined by Andy Davis from DataX Connect and Sarah Davenport from Capstone Recruitment for a conversation about the value gap, and why salary is only one part of how people understand their worth at work. Drawing on insights from the DataX Connect salary survey and their experience recruiting across the data centre industry, Andy and Sarah explore how pay, progression, recognition and opportunity shape career confidence. They discuss why women can be negatively impacted by salary discrepancies and career breaks, particularly when progression stalls after parental leave or when people remain in roles longer without regular pay reviews. Sarah reflects on how women often define value through more than salary alone, including progression, environment, exposure to strategic relationships and long-term opportunity. She also highlights the importance of employers understanding what feeling valued means for underrepresented groups, and how confidence, representation and fear of rejection can all affect whether people advocate for themselves. Andy discusses how fast the data centre market is moving, why salary data can become outdated quickly, and why employers need to stay close to what their teams want if they are serious about retention. He also shares why organisations need to give people platforms to speak, develop confidence and feel recognised for the impact they are already having. Together, the conversation explores pay transparency, sponsorship, mentorship, self-advocacy, progression, retention, representation, and the need to widen the talent pool beyond the data centre industry. At its heart, this episode is about understanding value more broadly: not just what someone is paid, but whether they are seen, supported, recognised and given the opportunity to grow. “I think worth, knowing your worth and salary aren’t always aligned.” - Sarah Davenport “You have to be the CEO of your own career. You have to make your ambition known.” - Sarah Davenport “How can we give people the platform so they can be the role models for the next generation?” - Andy Davis  Key Takeaways The value gap is about more than salary. It also includes recognition, confidence, progression, opportunity and whether people feel genuinely valued at work. Salary discrepancies can widen at senior levels, particularly when people are promoted internally without regular pay reviews or external benchmarking. Career breaks, maternity leave and part-time working can affect progression and earning potential, but deeper issues around representation and promotion also play a role. Women may stay in roles longer and value stability, project complexity and strategic exposure, which can make regular salary reviews and progression conversations even more important. Employers need to understand what “feeling valued” means for underrepresented groups, rather than assuming salary is the only marker. Mentorship, sponsorship and external perspective can help women understand their value, build confidence and position themselves for the next stage of their careers. Self-advocacy matters. People should document their impact, make their ambitions known and be clear about the extra work they are doing beyond their formal role. Progression does not always mean promotion. It can also mean broader experience, lateral moves, new challenges or exposure to different parts of the business. Representation needs to move beyond the same voices appearing at the same events. More women need platforms to share their expertise, not only to speak about being women in the industry. Employers and employees share responsibility for career development: organisations must create supportive environments, but individuals also need to make themselves known. Bringing talent in from outside the data centre sector remains essential, particularly from related industries such as construction, telecoms, logistics, power and other asset classes. Demystifying the industry is critical. Data centres need engineers, but they also need people in finance, marketing, project management, commercial, recruitment and many other roles.  To learn more about Critical Careers, or to get involved with the Critical Careers community, head to the Critical Careers website or search “Critical Careers”.  Support the showThe Inside Data Centre Podcast is recorded in partnership with DataX Connect, a specialist data centre recruitment company based in the UK. They operate on a global scale to place passionate individuals at the heart of leading data centre companies.To learn more about Andy Davis and the rest of the DataX team, click here: DataX Connect

Send us Fan MailIn the second episode of our special series recorded live at The Xcelerated Compute Show 2026 in London, Andy Davis is once again joined by co-host Rory Flashman from Spa Communications to explore what the UK needs to become a competitive force in AI infrastructure. Joining the conversation: Nick Reid, Public Policy Lead, CoreWeave Adam Nethersole, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Kao Data The conversation begins with one of the biggest questions surrounding the development of AI infrastructure: what does sovereign AI actually mean? Nick and Adam discuss why sovereignty is about more than simply building everything domestically. From control and trusted access to interoperability and data residency, they explore what genuine AI sovereignty could look like for users, businesses and governments. The discussion then turns to the UK’s position in the global AI race. While the country has world-class research, academic expertise and AI talent, high energy costs and limited large-scale compute capacity are making it difficult to compete for intensive AI training workloads. The guests explore why inference may present a more immediate opportunity, and what needs to change if the UK wants to capture more of the economic value created by AI. Scotland also comes into focus as a potential hub for future AI infrastructure. With abundant renewable energy, a cooler climate and strong universities, both guests see significant potential, but argue that grid constraints, policy and public opposition could prevent that opportunity from being fully realised. Finally, the conversation tackles one of the industry’s biggest challenges: public perception. Nick and Adam discuss why operators need to move away from secrecy, communicate openly about environmental impact and engage directly with the individual communities surrounding data centre developments. Recorded live at The Xcelerated Compute Show 2026 in London. Key Topics: What sovereign AI and sovereign compute actually mean Why control, choice and interoperability matter for AI sovereignty The balance between AI training and inference workloads in the UK How energy costs are affecting the UK’s competitiveness Scotland’s potential as a major AI infrastructure hub The relationship between renewable energy, grid constraints and compute Why transparency and accurate data are essential to community engagement How the industry can better communicate the economic and societal value of AI infrastructure Tune in for a timely conversation on whether the UK has the foundations to compete in AI infrastructure, what sovereignty should mean in practice, and why energy, policy and public trust will be crucial to turning British AI ambition into long-term economic value. Support the showThe Inside Data Centre Podcast is recorded in partnership with DataX Connect, a specialist data centre recruitment company based in the UK. They operate on a global scale to place passionate individuals at the heart of leading data centre companies.To learn more about Andy Davis and the rest of the DataX team, click here: DataX Connect

Send us Fan MailIn the first episode of a new special series recorded live at The Xcelerated Compute Show 2026 at the Business Design Centre in London, Andy Davis is joined once again by co-host Rory Flashman from Spa Communications to explore the rapidly evolving AI infrastructure market, with a particular focus on the UK and Europe. Joining the conversation: Dr. Manesh Patel, Head of Data Center Development, Radiant Michael Beagan, Managing Director, TES Power Together, they discuss where Europe can compete in the global race to build AI infrastructure, from its engineering and manufacturing expertise to the opportunities presented by brownfield industrial sites, transferable skills and new approaches to data centre construction. Manesh explores how the requirements of AI infrastructure are changing traditional site selection. As suitable land and available grid connections become harder to secure, existing industrial buildings and powered brownfield sites are becoming increasingly attractive. The conversation looks at the potential of “box within a box” developments, where existing structures can be repurposed to accelerate deployment and reduce planning requirements. Michael also discusses the shift from constructing data centres almost entirely on site towards manufacturing more of the infrastructure off site. With speed now becoming one of the first questions customers ask, modularisation, prefabrication and greater supply chain integration are increasingly important to delivering capacity at scale. The discussion then turns to people. From Northern Ireland’s engineering and manufacturing heritage to apprenticeships, transferable skills and the UK’s AI Growth Zones, the guests explore how the industry can develop the workforce required to support the next generation of compute infrastructure. Finally, the conversation looks ahead to rising rack densities, changing power architectures and the technical challenges created by pushing significantly more power into increasingly dense AI environments. Recorded live at The Xcelerated Compute Show 2026 in London. Key Topics: Europe’s advantages in the global AI infrastructure market Brownfield sites and the changing approach to data centre development Off-site manufacturing, modularisation and faster deployment Northern Ireland’s role in data centre power infrastructure Apprenticeships, transferable skills and the industry’s talent challenge AI Growth Zones and the UK’s ability to scale Rising rack densities and changing power requirements Why supply chain collaboration will be critical to future growth Tune in for a wide-ranging conversation on what Europe needs to compete in AI infrastructure, why speed, skills and power are becoming increasingly interconnected, and how new approaches to development and manufacturing could help the UK and wider European market scale for the AI era. Support the showThe Inside Data Centre Podcast is recorded in partnership with DataX Connect, a specialist data centre recruitment company based in the UK. They operate on a global scale to place passionate individuals at the heart of leading data centre companies.To learn more about Andy Davis and the rest of the DataX team, click here: DataX Connect

Send us Fan MailIn the seventh and final episode of our special series recorded live at Datacloud Global Congress 2026 in Cannes, Inside Data Centre brings you a special recording of a Data Centre Marketing Club panel. Hosted by Rory Flashman, Managing Director of Spa Communications and co-founder of the Data Centre Marketing Club, the discussion brings together marketing and communications leaders from across the data centre industry to explore how the sector can tell its story more clearly, engage communities more effectively and build stronger brands. Joining the conversation: Anne Katrine Vestergaard Jensen, VP of Marketing, Vern Andy Davis, Co-Founder, Data Centre Marketing Club Nicola Allen, Marketing Director, Techoraco Agnese Barazza, Senior Marketing and Communications Manager, GARBE Data Centers Together, the panel discusses why community engagement has become one of the most important topics in the data centre industry, and why operators, developers, suppliers and communications teams need to work together to improve public understanding of the sector. The conversation explores how the industry can move beyond talking to itself, listen more closely to local communities and explain the value of data centres in a clearer, more human way. The panel also looks at the importance of brand differentiation, employer branding, talent attraction and the role of events such as Datacloud in bringing the right people together to share best practice. From tackling misinformation and improving media engagement to moving away from defensive messaging and telling more honest, accessible stories, this episode highlights the important role marketers and communicators will play in shaping the future reputation of the data centre industry. Recorded live at Datacloud Global Congress 2026 in Cannes. Key Topics: Why community engagement has become a critical issue for data centre development How the industry can work together to tell a more joined-up story Why data centres need to stop talking only to themselves The role of listening in building trust with local communities How events can bring marketers, operators, investors, policymakers and suppliers together Why brand differentiation matters in a fast-growing and increasingly crowded market How Vern approached its rebrand around natural intelligence and renewable power How GARBE Data Centers is evolving its story for AI inference and urban data centre development Why employer branding needs to be treated as its own strategic priority How personal branding can help attract talent and build trust Why Datacloud’s talent programme is helping bring new people into the industry How the sector can improve its reputation by being more open, honest and less defensive Why marketers should be curious, collaborate more and take the industry story outside the data centre community Tune in for a thoughtful final conversation from Cannes on how the data centre industry can improve its storytelling, build stronger trust with communities and help more people understand the critical role digital infrastructure plays in modern life. Support the showThe Inside Data Centre Podcast is recorded in partnership with DataX Connect, a specialist data centre recruitment company based in the UK. They operate on a global scale to place passionate individuals at the heart of leading data centre companies.To learn more about Andy Davis and the rest of the DataX team, click here: DataX Connect

Send us Fan MailIn the sixth episode of our series recorded live at Datacloud Global Congress 2026 in Cannes, Andy Davis is once again joined by co-host Rory Flashman from Spa Communications for a special episode reflecting on the event itself. Joining the conversation: Annabel Helm, Managing Director, Datacloud Leanne Starace, Senior Vice President, Equinix Together, they discuss the scale, impact and continued growth of Datacloud Global Congress, which welcomed 6,500 attendees, 7,000 registrations and almost 3,000 CEOs on site in 2026. The conversation explores how the event has evolved into one of the most influential meeting points for the global data centre industry, bringing together operators, investors, developers, hyperscalers, suppliers, policymakers, finance leaders and new stakeholders from across the digital infrastructure ecosystem. Annabel shares how Datacloud has grown while maintaining its focus on influence, impact and high-quality networking, with new companies, new sectors and new decision-makers joining the conversation. Leanne also discusses the value of the event from an operator perspective, highlighting the importance of collaboration, transparent dialogue, innovation and deal-making across the industry. The episode also looks at the biggest themes from the show, including power, investment, nuclear, talent, community, AI, liquid cooling and the increasing importance of education as new sectors and stakeholders engage with the data centre market. Recorded live at Datacloud Global Congress 2026 in Cannes. Key Topics: The scale of Datacloud Global Congress 2026 and its continued growth. Why the event is focused on influence and impact, not just size.How the show brings together the full data centre ecosystem. The importance of transparent conversations around power, talent, investment and community. Why new stakeholders, including nuclear and finance leaders, are now part of the data centre conversation. How events like Datacloud help educate emerging sectors on digital infrastructure.The value of networking, collaboration and deal-making on the show floor. Equinix’s perspective on global growth, customer engagement and AI-ready infrastructure. Why talent development and early-career engagement remain critical to the industry’s future. How Datacloud is evolving for 2027, including expanded stages, new formats and more speakers. Why the data centre industry is no longer “the best industry nobody has heard of”. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at Datacloud Global Congress 2026, why the event has become such an important platform for the global data centre industry, and what its growth says about the future of digital infrastructure. Support the showThe Inside Data Centre Podcast is recorded in partnership with DataX Connect, a specialist data centre recruitment company based in the UK. They operate on a global scale to place passionate individuals at the heart of leading data centre companies.To learn more about Andy Davis and the rest of the DataX team, click here: DataX Connect

Send us Fan MailIn the fifth episode of our series recorded live at Datacloud Global Congress 2026 in Cannes, Andy Davis is once again joined by co-host Rory Flashman from Spa Communications to explore one of the biggest themes running through this year’s event: community. Joining the conversation: Ilker Essener, Bulk Infrastructure Wes Cummins, Applied Digital Together, they discuss why community engagement has become a central part of data centre development, and why the industry can no longer afford to treat it as an afterthought. The conversation explores how data centre operators can create long-term value in the regions where they build, from jobs and skills to tax revenue, infrastructure investment, apprenticeships and local supply chain opportunities. Wes shares Applied Digital’s experience of developing large-scale infrastructure in smaller US communities, including how data centres can support local economies, create high-quality technical careers, strengthen public services and help bring people back to rural towns. Ilker also discusses Bulk Infrastructure’s approach in Europe, highlighting the importance of local engagement, circular economy thinking, skills development and creating meaningful opportunities for communities throughout the development and operational lifecycle. The episode also looks at the importance of legacy, why listening to local communities matters, and how the industry can support education, vocational training and new career pathways as demand for data centre talent continues to grow. Recorded live at Datacloud Global Congress 2026 in Cannes. Key Topics: Why community engagement is now central to data centre development How operators can create lasting value in the regions where they build The role of data centres in supporting rural and smaller communities How large-scale infrastructure can improve local tax bases, utilities, roads and schools Why technical jobs and career pathways matter for long-term local impact How Applied Digital is working with communities in North Dakota and Louisiana Bulk Infrastructure’s perspective on community value creation in Europe Why listening to local priorities is critical before development begins How operators can support apprenticeships, internships and vocational training The importance of shaping education and curriculum around future industry needs How offsite manufacturing and prefab models can still create local opportunity Why legacy should be part of every data centre development strategy Support the showThe Inside Data Centre Podcast is recorded in partnership with DataX Connect, a specialist data centre recruitment company based in the UK. They operate on a global scale to place passionate individuals at the heart of leading data centre companies.To learn more about Andy Davis and the rest of the DataX team, click here: DataX Connect

Send us Fan MailIn the fourth episode of our series recorded live at Datacloud Global Congress 2026 in Cannes, Andy Davis is once again joined by co-host Rory Flashman from Spa Communications to explore the rapid growth of the Gulf region as a major data centre market. Joining the conversation: Simon Young, Google Stephen Beard, Knight Frank Together, they discuss why the Middle East has become one of the most talked-about regions in digital infrastructure, and how government ambition, sovereign wealth, power availability and AI demand are helping to accelerate growth across the market. The conversation explores the role of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Qatar, Kuwait and Oman in the region’s data centre development, as well as the opportunities and challenges that come with building at scale in a fast-moving market. Simon and Stephen also discuss the importance of leadership and long-term vision across the GCC, the impact of major AI initiatives, and why the region could become an increasingly important bridge between Europe, Asia and Africa. The episode also looks at how international operators and Middle Eastern developers are approaching expansion, the role of sovereign wealth funds, and what other markets, including the UK, could learn from the region’s ability to move quickly and reduce barriers to development. Recorded live at Datacloud Global Congress 2026 in Cannes. Key Topics: Why the Gulf region has become a major data centre growth market How government leadership and national AI strategies are driving investment The role of the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Israel as leading regional hubs Why power cost and availability are central to the region’s opportunity The potential for AI infrastructure growth in Kuwait, Oman and other emerging Gulf markets Why fibre connectivity and international transit remain important challenges How data centre design in the Middle East compares with Europe The impact of geopolitical uncertainty on investment decisions Why international operators are looking more closely at the region How Middle Eastern developers and sovereign wealth funds are expanding globally What the UK and other mature markets could learn from the Gulf’s speed of execution Why talent development and local workforce initiatives will be critical to long-term growth How AI adoption is changing the wider data centre and digital infrastructure conversation Tune in for an insightful conversation on how the Gulf region is positioning itself at the centre of the next wave of data centre and AI infrastructure growth, and why speed, capital, power and policy will all play a major role in shaping its future. Support the showThe Inside Data Centre Podcast is recorded in partnership with DataX Connect, a specialist data centre recruitment company based in the UK. They operate on a global scale to place passionate individuals at the heart of leading data centre companies.To learn more about Andy Davis and the rest of the DataX team, click here: DataX Connect

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Inside Data Centre Podcast, Andy Davis is joined by Tom Babbington, Founder and CEO of Adaptive MDC. With a career spanning 42 countries, including delivering hyperscale in Finland, Tom explains how his approach to modular data centre design was shaped by solving problems on the ground, and why execution, not innovation, is now the industry's biggest bottleneck. Key Topics: How a career across 42 countries shaped Tom's approach to modular delivery Why modular doesn't mean small: reference designs now scale past 100MW Execution, not ideas, is the industry's real barrier to faster delivery Cross-vendor collaboration could unlock timelines vendors say are fixed Public perception of data centres is shifting from ignored to scrutinised Tom's advice for newcomers: stay curious, don't fear not knowing Tune in for a grounded take on where modular data centres are headed, and what it will actually take to keep pace with demand. Support the showThe Inside Data Centre Podcast is recorded in partnership with DataX Connect, a specialist data centre recruitment company based in the UK. They operate on a global scale to place passionate individuals at the heart of leading data centre companies.To learn more about Andy Davis and the rest of the DataX team, click here: DataX Connect

Send us Fan MailIn the third episode of our series recorded live at Datacloud Global Congress 2026 in Cannes, Andy Davis is once again joined by co-host Rory Flashman from Spa Communications to explore one of the biggest challenges facing the data centre industry: power. Joining the conversation: Chris Pennington, Director, Energy and Sustainability, Iron Mountain Afonso Salema, CEO, Exus Digital Together, they discuss whether the industry is really at power capacity, or whether data centres need to become smarter, more flexible and more responsive to the grids they depend on. The conversation looks at how the industry can unlock stranded grid capacity, the role of energy storage and flexible load, and why the traditional approach of simply asking the grid for constant supply may no longer be enough. Chris and Afonso also explore behind-the-meter power, the differences between the US and European markets, and whether on-site generation is a short-term bridge to grid connection or a longer-term part of the data centre power mix. The episode also tackles the debate around nuclear, microgrids, renewable energy, affordability, total cost of ownership and the need for data centres to work more closely with TSOs, regulators and local communities. Recorded live at Datacloud Global Congress 2026 in Cannes. Key Topics: Why access to power has become one of the industry’s biggest challenges How data centres can use flexible load and storage to unlock grid capacity The role of behind-the-meter power as a bridge to grid connection Why power affordability is becoming central to AI infrastructure growth The differences between US and European power strategies Whether gas can play a viable role in European data centre power The future of nuclear, SMRs and grid-connected clean energy Why there is no one-size-fits-all solution to power constraints How peak shaving and smarter energy use can reduce costs The importance of community engagement and listening to local priorities Why the industry needs to do more to challenge myths around power, water and local impact Tune in for a timely conversation on how power is shaping the future of data centre development, why flexibility and affordability matter, and how the industry can work more closely with grids and communities to support sustainable growth.Support the showThe Inside Data Centre Podcast is recorded in partnership with DataX Connect, a specialist data centre recruitment company based in the UK. They operate on a global scale to place passionate individuals at the heart of leading data centre companies.To learn more about Andy Davis and the rest of the DataX team, click here: DataX Connect