From the Classroom to Capital Markets: Chris Moon’s Unique Journey into the Digital Space

The latest episode of the Nomad Futurist podcast features Chris Moon, Managing Director at DigitalBridge, offering a thoughtful exploration of the evolving landscape of digital infrastructure finance alongside the personal journey that brought him to the forefront of this dynamic sector. Chris opens the conversation with a clear mission, one shared by co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence: to inspire the next generation by demystifying the path into digital infrastructure. Chris’ story stands out as a compelling blueprint for those whose careers may not follow a linear path. He reflects on his current role and the distinct market position of DigitalBridge: “We are the only infrastructure debt fund focused only on digital infrastructure. And we do this with a team of eight of us.... go[ing] out and provid[ing] capital to these businesses that need it to get to the next level.” Chris explains that DigitalBridge’s investment strategy is centered on the middle market — companies that are too large for venture capital but not yet ready for public markets or securitization. These businesses, often operating in data centers, fiber networks, and cell towers, require highly specialized and flexible capital to support key phases of growth. As he puts it: “In the middle market, you've got a lot of businesses that have the risk profile of mission-critical infrastructure, yet you can still get the yield that is typically associated with corporate loans. So, that’s the risk-return mismatch we’re looking for.” The conversation also explores Chris’ unconventional career path. Initially aiming for a completely different profession, he shares how a pivot early on led him toward finance and infrastructure — underscoring the value of remaining open to unexpected opportunities: “I initially was an education major when I went to college. I thought I was going to be a History Teacher. That was what I really wanted to do. And then, you know, very candidly, I found out within the first year what a History Teacher makes and realized that just wasn’t for me.”  Throughout the episode, Chris offers valuable insight into both the technical and human aspects of the digital infrastructure world. His journey — from aspiring Educator to Managing Director of a specialized infrastructure debt fund — highlights the importance of adaptability, subject matter expertise, and seizing opportunities in a rapidly evolving industry. To learn more about Chris Moon’s work and insights, connect with him on LinkedIn.  

In this dynamic two-part episode of the Nomad Futurist podcast, co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence sit down with Charnocks brothers, Sean (Founder of Cloud Pioneer at Softlayer Technologies) and Will (Head of Infrastructure and Cloud Operations at Thales CPL) f or an in-depth conversation exploring their unexpectedly parallel journeys into digital infrastructure and the lessons learned along the way.  Though each brother carved a distinct path, both attribute their success to a combination of curiosity, opportunity, and foundational values instilled early in life. Their careers — spanning cloud computing, cybersecurity, infrastructure engineering, and executive leadership — evolved not through rigid planning but through openness to emerging industries and the willingness to take strategic risks. Will embraces:  W: “I was very fortunate to have fallen into [the] industry... There was no playbook, there were no courses, there was nobody. They weren't teaching these types of things. And so, I just kind of fell in there, found something that I was good at and that I actually enjoyed doing." The brothers reflect on a mindset that shaped their respective careers: a blend of independence, initiative, and resilience. Sean recalls a family mantra that still drives him today: S: "Go be something, go make yourself something."   What some might interpret as pressure, the Charnocks saw as empowerment — a call to action that sparked their entrepreneurial drive. They also speak to the complementary roles their parents played in shaping their outlooks on risk and stability. As Sean shares: S: “I think Will and I were pretty lucky... [Our mother] made sure we had insurance and [our father] would chase the entrepreneurial stuff.” Whether you're a tech veteran, an aspiring entrepreneur, or someone navigating a career pivot, this episode offers meaningful insight into the personal and professional dynamics that shape long-term success in the digital infrastructure space. To stay connected with the Charnocks, follow Sean and Will on LinkedIn.  

In the latest episode of the Nomad Futurist Podcast, Umaima Haider — Ambassador at the Nomad Futurist Foundation and Lecturer in Computer Science & Digital Technology at the University of East London — joins host Nabeel Mahmood to share her unconventional journey into the data center industry and her mission to close its growing talent gap. Umaima describes her entry into the field as “purely by accident,” highlighting how careers in digital infrastructure often go unnoticed by those outside the sector: “I fell into the data center industry... Before that, I wasn't — to be honest — very clear about how this industry works in a physical way.”  A central theme of the conversation is Umaima’s deep commitment to student engagement. She previously led a cloud computing course for more than 700 students, aiming to equip the next generation with the skills the industry urgently needs: “I want to give the industry lots of talent that is coming up now. It’s about how the industry can come forward and pick this talent.” Through her dual roles as educator and ambassador, Umaima serves as a vital bridge between academia and industry — empowering students while facilitating the transfer of knowledge and opportunities. She also shares highlights from her outreach work, including a guest lecture at Kingsford Community School during British Science Week. The session drew over 300 Year 8 students, and she deliberately targeted this age group: “These students, typically between 12 and 14 years old, are at a stage where they’re choosing subjects that could shape their future careers... I felt this was the perfect time to introduce them to the data center industry.” The overwhelmingly positive response — particularly from female students — challenged stereotypes and affirmed the importance of early exposure to tech careers. Umaima concludes the conversation with a powerful call to action: a “holistic responsibility model” that unites academia, industry, and individuals to expand awareness and create entry points into the sector. She encourages data center operators to offer tours and hands-on experiences: “We need to make sure the next generation knows what’s out there and sees a place for themselves in this industry... It doesn’t take much time—but it can plant the seed.” To follow Umaima’s continued work at the intersection of education and digital infrastructure, connect with her on LinkedIn. 

This episode of the Nomad Futurist podcast, co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence welcome Jeff Moerdler, a powerhouse in digital infrastructure law and the head of Real Estate and Communications at Mintz. Known for his sharp insights, signature humor, and the legendary “Mintz Mince,” Jeff takes us on a journey that began with a single rooftop satellite deal for American Express and evolved into decades of shaping the legal backbone of the data center and telecom industries. A third-generation attorney and proud Bronx native, Jeff charted his own path by venturing into real estate law — only to find himself at the forefront of a rapidly emerging telecom landscape. “Hope for the best. Plan for the worst. You have to have a plan B for everything,” he shares — a mantra that’s guided him through industry shifts, tech booms, bankruptcies, and the rise of AI. Jeff recalls how his early experience writing roof rights and riser agreements evolved into building legal frameworks for everything from fiber and DAS to today’s AI compute needs. He reflects on the surge of powered land deals and the legal challenges around alternative energy sources: “I think nuclear is the future of the data center industry — but it’s not today’s resource. It’s the next generation.” Despite the complexity and constant change, Jeff remains optimisitc for digital infrastructure. “The industry isn’t going away — AI is just the next expansion point in the evolution of data infrastructure.” This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the legal foundations that keep the digital world running.  To stay connected with Jeff Moerdler, follow him on LinkedIn. 

In a special episode of the Nomad Futurist podcast, co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence sit down with Arnav Ahluwalia, Senior at New York University and Advocate for the Nomad Futurist Foundation, marking the show’s first interview with a student still entering the industry. Arnav shares his journey from New Delhi to New York, his family’s business background, and his growing passion for digital infrastructure, particularly in India’s rapidly expanding tech scene. Arnav's interest in digital infrastructure began unexpectedly during a Barclays internship, where he was tasked with researching NVIDIA. As he reviewed the company's financials, he discovered the data center industry’s massive profitability, which piqued his curiosity. “I saw that they were making a lot of money from this industry called data centers... their revenue increased by 200% from 2022 to 2023 and 250% from 2023 to 2024. And I’m like, okay, what is this?” Encouraged by his family and guided by the practical wisdom of his uncle, Arnav chose to study in the U.S., focusing on finance and technology — an intersection that has opened up new doors and perspectives. "My uncle is also in the financial industry [and joked that I was] being stupid applying to colleges in the UK. [He said,] ‘Apply for colleges in the U.S.; exposure is better, college education is better... markets are more mature."  Later in the conversation, Arnav shares insights on the cultural transformation taking place in India, where younger generations are increasingly drawn to finance and entrepreneurship. He notes a shift in mindset—one that supports exploration beyond traditional career paths. "My parents have been very flexible in terms of, ‘what do you want to do?’... I was never forced to do anything in terms of choosing a career path." Arnav’s story is a testament to the power of curiosity and global support in shaping the future of young professionals in digital infrastructure. As he steps into the digital infrastructure space, his perspective brings a refreshing lens to the future of the industry — and the next generation shaping it. Want to follow Arnav’s journey after graduation? Connect with him on LinkedIn.     

In this episode of the Nomad Futurist podcast, co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence welcome Scott Charter, Ambassador for the Nomad Futurist Foundation and Director of AI & Cloud Strategy at Oracle. Charter offers a refreshingly honest and human perspective on tech leadership, sharing the unconventional journey that took him from law school student to entrepreneur to AI strategist, with a few surprising detours along the way. Charter begins by recounting his unconventional entry into technology, driven by necessity while living out of his 1971 Volkswagen bus and attending law school:  “I got a job working in technology for no other reason than they needed someone that spoke Spanish... Because of that, I was able to get into an apartment, get out of my VW bus, finish up law school, and stay in tech.” From there, Charter went on to found WBS Connect, building the business from the ground up. Despite its success, he offers a candid look behind the scenes of entrepreneurship: “Entrepreneurship is not as cool as it looks from the outside. There's a lot of work on the inside, [for instance], on Christmas morning - when all of my staff around the world were opening presents with their family, I was taking Tier 1, Tier 2 support.”  His appetite for adventure and risk-taking is clear from stories like impulsively moving to Amsterdam and launching a travel business in Costa Rica. Today, at Oracle, Charter’s focus has shifted to the rapidly evolving world of AI and cloud strategy, where continuous learning is a must: “I get to go around and talk about what's going on in AI and... spend more time than I even did in law school reading. I just can't believe how much time it takes to keep up with the AI trends that are going on.”  From living in a VW bus to shaping the future of AI strategy, Charter’s journey is a powerful testament to adaptability, risk-taking, and a relentless drive for innovation.  To follow Scott Charter on his next adventure, connect with him on LinkedIn.  

In the latest episode of the Nomad Futurist Podcast, co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence, sit down with Mike Nguyen, CEO and Founder of Inflect, for a compelling conversation that bridges personal history, entrepreneurial drive, and the future of digital infrastructure. Nguyen’s career took an unexpected turn when he discovered his passion for medicine was actually driven by a desire to run a business, not practice medicine. This realization led him to explore telecom sales during the dot-com boom, ultimately paving the way for his entrepreneurial ventures:  "The appeal of being a doctor, when I really broke it down, was becoming a businessperson. It wasn’t actually the medicine aspects of it." At Inflect, Nguyen built a platform that simplifies global access to digital infrastructure, enabling organizations to easily connect with the resources they need. With a clear vision and a user-first approach, he and his team are redefining how businesses access critical digital tools:  "Our simple mission is to make it easy for anybody in the world to find the infrastructure they need to build great apps and connect to their employees, their customers, themselves."  The conversation takes a personal turn as Nguyen reflects on his Vietnamese-American immigrant experience, sharing how his family’s escape from post-war Vietnam shaped his resilience and entrepreneurial spirit:  "For us, it wasn’t really a dream — it was escaping a nightmare… It was about getting to a point where you can be somewhat stable and start rebuilding a community."  Nguyen encountered significant setbacks throughout his career, including positions at companies that collapsed during the telecom bust. However, he turned these challenges into opportunities by launching his own ventures:  "Every company I touched ended up collapsing… Then I started a business, and they keep trying to kill me, but they can’t."  His determination exemplifies the resilience needed to succeed in volatile industries, showcasing how personal history, adaptability, and entrepreneurial vision can come together to drive success. To stay connected with Mike Nguyen, follow him on LinkedIn.  

In this insightful Nomad Futurist episode, co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence engage in a thought-provoking conversation with tech industry veteran, Mark Thiele, most recently serving as CEO and Co-Founder of Edgevana. Together, they explore career growth, the evolving concept of retirement, and the invaluable wisdom he has gained throughout his journey. Thiele reflects on his decision to step away from the corporate grind, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing personal passions and meaningful connections. He candidly shares the sacrifices he made throughout his career and the realization that true fulfillment comes from dedicating time to the people and experiences that matter most:  "I'm going to find the time to do the things that I've always wanted to do and spend the time with the people that I've always wanted to spend time with. There was a big portion of my career where I was gone 50-70% of the time year after year."  Sharing his unconventional entry into the tech world, Thiele highlights the industry’s vast opportunities for growth, reinforcing the idea that determination and hard work can pave the way to success:  "I came into the industry without a college degree. I started at the bottom — which is, you know, like it or not, kind of how we're trying to bring in new people. Start at the bottom. The opportunities to move up are almost endless." Thiele also stresses the importance of seeing the bigger picture, urging professionals to go beyond technical skills and understand how their work fits into the broader ecosystem: "Don't let yourself get caught up in just being the best C++ programmer...or best HVAC or airflow planner... Understand what those things are a part of. Understand what influences the reasons for people to use the things that you work on or that you build or that you deploy."  Thiele’s insights provide valuable guidance for professionals at all stages, emphasizing continuous learning, a broad perspective, and work-life balance in an ever-evolving industry. Stay connected with Mark Thiele on LinkedIn.

In the latest Nomad Futurist episode, co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence engage in an insightful conversation with Brian Moon, CEO of the Pacific Telecommunications Council (PTC). Moon shares his unique journey to the helm of PTC and highlights the critical role of digital infrastructure in the Pacific region. Moon's background diverges from the typical telecom executive path. With over 20 years of experience in consumer technology at CES in Las Vegas, he brings a fresh perspective to the digital infrastructure sector. He acknowledges his ongoing learning process: "Although I've been in the tech industry for many years, I still consider myself as much of a newbie as possible to digital infrastructure in our industry now, because now I'm learning a lot more so on what happens on the backend." Highlighting the essential role of digital infrastructure, Moon underscores the vital impact of PTC’s work in sustaining modern society’s technological advancements: "None of our cool kids' stuff – television, technology, healthcare - none of it works without what our industry does.” Moon's relocation to Honolulu to lead PTC represents a significant personal and professional milestone. Born in Guam and later moving to the US mainland, he views this opportunity as a "full circle moment:”  "I can't believe I'm here now, and I'm working, it's unbelievable." Despite PTC's 47-year history and significant presence, Moon acknowledges that the organization remains relatively unknown within Hawaii. He expresses his commitment to changing this, explaining:  "[PTC is the] best kept secret in the Pacific and we're slowly unwrapping that, and we're going to get bigger and better." To stay updated on Brian Moon's insights and PTC's initiatives, connect with him on LinkedIn.  

The latest Nomad Futurist podcast features Mike Sullivan, CEO and Co-Founder of Air2O, alongside co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence. From his roots in Manchester to pioneering sustainable cooling solutions, Mike Sullivan's career embodies a relentless pursuit of innovation in the technology industry. Drawing from his extensive experience, beginning with his family's business, Sullivan provides valuable insights for entrepreneurs.Early on in his career, Sullivan started a business with his father providing mechanical and design solutions for existing industrial infrastructure. He credits his entrepreneurial spirit to early experiences and his parents' unwavering support, stressing the need to question established practices:"The one sentence, which I really hate is, we've always done it this way. Just because we've done something one way for a hundred years doesn't mean there's not an alternative."Showcasing his proactive approach to identifying and implementing sustainable technologies, Sullivan was inspired to build his own legacy, going on to found Air2O, a leading provider of innovative and energy-efficient HVAC solutions. He explains:“What I wanted to do was really start a company, which from the ground up allowed us to effectively provide engineered solutions in a competitive manner. So the idea of Air2O was permeating for quite a few years.”Emphasizing the enduring impact of family values and the continuation of an entrepreneurial tradition, Sullivan proudly shares how his family's legacy is being furthered in the HVAC sector through his son’s involvement with Air2O. He notes:"Tom, my eldest son, left the military when we started Air2O. And was essentially a co-founder within Air2O. He joined us here in Arizona and he's certainly carrying that torch."Mike Sullivan's story exemplifies how a willingness to think outside the box and embrace one’s roots can lead to impactful innovation within a dynamic industry.Stay connected with Sullivan on LinkedIn to learn more.