Nothing Is Off the Table: Brian Smith Gets Real About Powering the Future

Brian Smith, former Navy officer, federal executive, and now Director of Nuclear Reactor Development at Idaho National Laboratory, joins the latest Nomad Futurist Podcast with co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence. He shares his unexpected journey and how it prepared him to help solve one of today’s most critical challenges: powering the digital age. “Nothing is off the table.”  With that bold opener, Brian set the tone for an honest and wide-ranging discussion — the kind needed in an industry we strive to demystify. Brian’s path didn’t start in labs or government halls but rather began on golf courses. Once immersed in the world of elite tournaments with the USGA, he seemed destined for a future in sports. But after the tragic events of 9/11, and drawn by a family legacy of service, Brian answered the call and joined the Navy, where he rose quickly through the ranks:  “I thought golf was my future… but I’ve always felt a call to serve. That call to service was pretty widespread for folks like me.”  That sense of purpose carried him into the Navy’s nuclear propulsion program, where he discovered a passion for technology and translating complex ideas into action, especially for policy and government decision-makers. Now, Brian sits at the intersection of advanced nuclear development and the surging energy demands of AI and hyperscale infrastructure. With a deep background in defense nuclear policy and a sharp understanding of both systems and people, he offers a rare perspective on what's next: “The data center industry is starting to view nuclear power the same way the Navy views nuclear submarines.”  Yet despite the scale and complexity of his work, Brian grounds his success, and the industry’s future, in something deeply human: “This is a human-driven business.... And the beauty is [we] are representative of our industry... [And] the networks in this industry are what make it [thrive].”  Brian’s story is a masterclass in adaptability, service, and communication. It’s a reminder that curiosity, commitment, and community are what truly power progress. Connect with Brian Smith on LinkedIn to follow his insights on powering the next generation of infrastructure.  

What if school felt less like a building and more like a gateway to the future students imagine for themselves? That vision fuels the work of Lynette Gillson, Community-Industry & AVID Outreach Specialist at Mountain View Los Altos High School District. Her passion and purpose come to life in a recent conversation on the Nomad Futurist podcast with co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence. Lynette’s commitment to real-world learning bridges the gap between schools, communities, and industries. Through work-based learning, she empowers students to shape meaningful futures, connecting education to opportunity and revealing possibilities they have yet to discover:  “I believe in education-business-community partnerships. Bringing all three together is how we build stronger communities.” Every day, Lynette connects CEOs with classrooms, organizes data center tours, and sparks introductions that can launch careers. The outdated divide between “college track” and “trade track” is gone. Similar to the Nomad Futurist Foundation, she champions inclusive CTE programs where all students explore their interests together, no matter the career path. Lynette’s approach embraces diverse backgrounds and learning styles, proving that both hands-on and academic learners thrive in dynamic environments. For Lynette, college and career aren’t separate paths but opportunities every student should access. Learning becomes truly impactful when it shifts from abstract ideas to real-world experience. She shares stories of students touring data centers, touching servers, and discovering careers they never imagined:  “Hands-on exposure creates excitement because it’s real and relevant. This relevance turns the tired question, ‘What do you want to be?’ into a journey full of possibility.”  Reflecting on her own path shaped by curiosity and chance, Lynette now helps students explore, experiment, and even fail safely. By connecting them with digital careers and industry partners, she’s making school a launchpad for success. Her message to educators and community leaders is hopeful: students thrive when we reveal what’s possible and support their steps into new worlds: “I’m giving people the chance to explore and get a taste before investing time and money in college, certifications, or the workforce.” Connect with Lynette Gillson on LinkedIn to follow her work breaking barriers and turning education into a gateway for every student to explore and pursue their future. 

In the latest episode of the Nomad Futurist podcast, co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence bridge three time zones to sit down with Dr. Atif Ansar, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of Foresight, for a fascinating exploration of the real reasons ambitious infrastructure projects thrive — or fail. At the core of this conversation is Atif’s powerful thesis: the biggest challenges in large-scale development aren’t technical; they’re human. “A lot of my work with colleagues is based around human biases — both psychological and political biases — that go into estimation and execution of these projects.”  Moving beyond spreadsheets and blueprints, Atif highlights how hidden forces like optimism bias, cultural dynamics, and political agendas often shape billion-dollar decisions more than facts on paper. Listeners follow Atif’s journey from academia to entrepreneurship, sparked by a candid conversation over coffee that led to the founding of Foresight:  “In 2018, one of my executive education students... said ‘Look, I think there’s a business idea here.’ We [grabbed] coffee, then drinks... and Foresight was born.”  Drawing on global comparisons, including China and his teams’ work in Israel, Atif argues that national motivation and collective purpose often trump money or even technology when it comes to getting projects done:  “What people in China have is deep purpose around building their own nation, and that belief propels tremendous action... My team is in Israel [and has a] tremendous desire to propel faster delivery because people are motivated, intentional, and purposeful to get things done.”  This episode challenges conventional thinking, positioning infrastructure not as a technical problem to solve, but as a test of collective intent, societal values, and human behavior. With wisdom, humility, and clarity, Atif reminds us why curiosity, continued learning, and a willingness to face hard truths are essential traits for anyone shaping our physical and digital world: “Stretch your mind.”  Listen now and connect with Dr. Atif Ansar on LinkedIn.  

In this thought-provoking episode of the Nomad Futurist podcast, co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence sit down with Kemal Hawa, partner at Kirkland & Ellis LLP, for an insightful exploration of digital infrastructure’s evolution and the legal frameworks shaping its future. With decades of experience spanning data centers, fiber, submarine cables, towers, and beyond, Kemal guides listeners through the transformation of the communications ecosystem, from the early days of telecom to the rise of data centers as a critical, standalone industry. Along the way, he highlights how legal practice has evolved from broad generalism to deep specialization:  “You need to have a fundamental understanding of the technology, the competitive landscape, and the client's business — including the risks and challenges they face.” The conversation dives into pressing industry challenges, from navigating GDPR and data sovereignty to the increasing demand for localized infrastructure driven by privacy and power constraints. Kemal also weighs in on the delicate balance between IT outsourcing and maintaining control, underscoring the friction between fast-moving innovation and slow-moving regulation: “Technology moves much, much faster than any legislative or regulatory process… Stick with broad principles and objectives rather than trying to regulate specific practices.” The discussion expands to AI’s explosive impact on infrastructure and energy demand, with Kemal addressing the legal and operational hurdles that lie ahead. Despite the complexity, his outlook is optimistic: "In the next 50 years, there is almost zero chance that there'll be any material decline. There could be periods of stagnation... but the need for our devices, our content, is not going anywhere. In fact, it’s just going to continue to proliferate.”  Kemal closes with a powerful call to action for the next generation, encouraging young professionals to explore careers in digital infrastructure. A great place to start? The Nomad Futurist Academy — a free online learning platform designed to educate and inspire the next wave of industry leaders. Tap into more of Kemal Hawa’s thought leadership on LinkedIn.  

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.