TMP Ep. 4: At the Edge

How do we power the next generation of data centers?Jon Inaba of Legrand joins The Mirapath Podcast (TMP) to discuss rising rack densities, evolving cooling requirements, and the challenge of scaling sustainably. Plus, he shares his unexpected journey from professional chef to data center leader—and advice for the next generation entering the industry.As AI pushes infrastructure demands higher, Jon explores why there’s no single blueprint for every build. The conversation covers balancing growth with energy efficiency, encouraging new ideas, and bringing more people into the industry to help solve its toughest challenges.Explore more episodes: mirapath.com/the-mirapath-podcastChapters:00:00 Preview00:56 Meet Jon Inaba of Legrand02:14 From professional chef to data centers05:59 How data center power and cooling are changing08:08 Scaling power for larger data center builds10:11 Sustainability and energy efficiency12:48 AI, automation, and real-world applications17:44 Data centers, communities, and transparency26:50 Clean energy and emerging data center technologies30:23 Career lessons from the kitchen33:48 Data center careers and building the next generation39:48 Closing thoughts: Keep creating#TheMirapathPodcast #DataCenters #AIInfrastructure #Legrand #Mirapath

AI is pushing data centers into a new era—and infrastructure has to keep up.In this episode of The Mirapath Podcast, Jodie sits down with David Joy, Vice President of Racks, Power and Cooling at Rittal, to unpack how AI is reshaping power, cooling, rack density, and the future of digital infrastructure.From the leap toward 200+ kW racks to liquid cooling and an industry-wide talent gap, David shares lessons from decades in the data center industry—and what leaders should be watching as innovation continues to accelerate.3 Key Takeaways1. AI is rewriting data center design.Higher rack densities are forcing major changes in power and cooling, with liquid cooling quickly becoming essential.2. Innovation needs guardrails.As AI adoption accelerates, security, responsible deployment, and balancing infrastructure investment with real-world use cases matter more than ever.3. The next infrastructure challenge is people.The industry needs a new generation of talent that can learn quickly, adapt to constant change, and bridge business and technology.

Beyond the Cloud: The Infrastructure Powering Our Digital LivesMirapath’s Jodie sits down with Herb Villa, Senior Solutions Architect at Rittal North America, to unpack the world most people never see: the infrastructure that makes modern life work. Herb traces his path from Navy nuclear power to telecom and the earliest Ethernet and fiber installs, then into data center architecture—where software and hardware only succeed because the physical layer is designed right. They dive into why “the cloud” is really brick-and-mortar, the explosive growth driven by AI and always-on expectations, and the emerging pressures around power, heat rejection, sustainability, and being a “good neighbor” in local communities. Herb highlights the edge (from subway cabinets to cruise ships), the enduring job security in infrastructure roles, and practical advice for the next generation: you don’t need a perfect degree—curiosity, problem-solving, and hands-on skills can build a great career. It’s a candid, energetic tour of the past, present, and future of the data center industry—and a call to help build it responsibly.

Episode 4: At the Edge — A Conversation with Michael SaleIn this fourth episode of The Mirapath Podcast, host Jodie Lin returns to the mic for a refreshing, down-to-earth conversation with Michael Sale. The two dive into Michael’s journey through the tech world, from his early days in the Air Force to a long career shaped by curiosity, unexpected opportunities, and a genuine love for problem solving.Michael shares stories from the earliest days of network infrastructure, including moments like seeing server racks twisted from earthquake damage, to more recent shifts driven by edge computing and AI. He offers a candid look at how data centers have evolved, how power and space are becoming central concerns, and why adaptability is more important than having all the right answers.The conversation is filled with relatable insights: how boredom sometimes sparks new paths, how raising your hand for something unfamiliar can change your life, and why the best teams are the ones that encourage growth from within. Jodie and Michael also talk about hiring with intention, the importance of spotting potential beyond resumes, and why the industry needs to rethink how it attracts and nurtures new talent.At its heart, this episode is about people — those who mentor, those who ask questions, and those who care enough to make others feel included. It’s also a gentle call to action for anyone in the industry: pass down the knowledge, invest in the next generation, and stay curious.Whether you're just getting started or reflecting on your own path, this episode will leave you inspired by how much the tech world depends not just on innovation, but on the humans behind it.Listen to At the Edge now, wherever you get your podcasts.Visit and listen to all our podcast episodes here: The Mirapath Podcast

The data center industry is at a crossroads. As demand for digital infrastructure skyrockets, we face a critical challenge—finding enough skilled professionals to build, maintain, and optimize the facilities that power our world. While tech talent is crucial, the data center workforce is much more than software engineers and IT specialists. The industry needs electricians, HVAC technicians, construction experts, and problem-solvers who understand the complexity of critical infrastructure jobs.The Future of the Data Center WorkforceThe demand for skilled professionals isn’t going away—it’s only increasing. As AI, edge computing, and sustainability reshape the industry, expertise in power, cooling, and infrastructure will become even more critical.For those willing to step up, the opportunities are endless. Whether you’re looking for a career change, a hands-on technical role, or a leadership path in critical infrastructure jobs, the data center industry is ready for you.The future of digital infrastructure depends on people who are ready to build it. Let’s make sure we have the workforce to get it done.Scott Brookshire is the Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer at OpenColo. He drives and develops the company’s technical strategy and provides technical direction and insight. He is hands-on in providing the OpenColo leadership with the necessary tools and insights to further the company’s mission and goals.

The data center industry is booming—but do you really need a degree to land a career in this space? In this episode of The Mirapath Podcast, we sit down with Joel Chakkalakal, an industry expert with years of experience, to discuss how professionals from diverse backgrounds can break into the world of data centers without following a traditional path.From certifications and hands-on training to networking and leveraging transferable skills, Joel shares invaluable insights for anyone looking to enter or pivot into this field. Whether you're a student, career changer, or someone looking for new opportunities, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you get started.Join us as we rethink careers and explore the many pathways into the data center industry.

Episode 1: Rack Revolution – The Case for Centralized Designs in Data Centers In the inaugural episode of The Mirapath Podcast, we kick things off with Brian Saiya, a trailblazer in data center infrastructure, to discuss the design evolution of racks and its impact on efficiency. As data centers continue to scale, optimizing rack layouts and switch placements has become a crucial factor in improving operations. Brian introduces his innovative Mid of Rack (MOR) design, a breakthrough approach that enhances accessibility, streamlines cable management, and boosts overall efficiency. His firsthand experience in rethinking switch placement and centralized designs provides listeners with a fresh perspective on modernizing their data center strategies. Throughout the episode, Brian dives deep into the core principles behind the MOR design and why it outperforms traditional Top of Rack (TOR) and End of Row (EOR) configurations. By strategically placing switches at the center of the rack rather than the top or end, data center teams can significantly reduce latency, simplify maintenance, and enhance airflow management. This design approach not only makes network equipment easier to access but also minimizes the time and effort required for troubleshooting and upgrades. Brian shares real-world examples of how companies adopting this method have seen measurable gains in efficiency, uptime, and long-term cost savings. As we wrap up, we explore the future of rack design and how innovations like MOR will continue to shape the industry. With growing demands for high-density computing, AI workloads, and sustainability, Brian discusses how data center leaders can leverage smarter rack designs to stay ahead of evolving challenges. Whether you’re an engineer looking for practical design insights or a data center operator seeking efficiency improvements, this episode delivers actionable takeaways that can transform your infrastructure strategy.