Nomad Futurist

In this Nomad Futurist episode, GEICO’s Head of Infrastructure — and newly appointed Nomad Futurist Foundation Ambassador — Rebecca Weekly joins co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence to share how a curious kid dismantling gadgets grew into a leader shaping large-scale infrastructure and AI-driven environments. Through stories of early experiments, career pivots, and lessons in adaptability, she offers an authentic blueprint for the next generation of technologists, particularly young women in STEM. Rebecca traces her path from taking apart transparent phones and building her first server at age 12 to overseeing power, cooling, connectivity, data centers, and cloud operations across GEICO’s 349 sites and expansive multi-cloud footprint. She distills her responsibilities with clarity: “Everything that we own, every site that we own, I own power, cooling, connectivity. I own all of the logical assets and physical assets at those locations.” Raised in a non-engineering family in Sacramento, Rebecca found a sense of belonging in the computer lab, where tech-minded counterculture kids and musicians helped root her in engineering. She reflects on that formative moment: “I found my people in the nerds. It had nothing to do with family... The tech came in from the nerds hanging out in the school.” Throughout the conversation, Rebecca underscores the importance of adaptability, long-term thinking, and focusing on the “so what” behind technology — capabilities she developed across roles in banking, fabs, semiconductors, EDA, and product management before moving into large-scale infrastructure leadership. Her advice for her younger self, and for today’s emerging technologists, is both simple and profound: “Stay curious. Hang out with the nerds… It is absolutely who you surround yourself with and where you focus your energy that defines your outcomes, especially in the world of AI.” Rebecca also speaks candidly about navigating male-dominated environments in finance, fabrication, and high-tech engineering, explaining how being an outsider ultimately became a leadership asset. She urges listeners not to let the experience of being “the only one” diminish their voice: “Being an outlier early, the hardest part is your own mental load. Worry less about what [people] think of you or that you think differently. Worry more about just asking the question.”  In the end, Rebecca’s story is a testament to curiosity, resilience, and the power of community. Her journey demonstrates how embracing difference, seeking out passionate peers, and staying focused on meaningful impact can shape not just a career, but the future of technology itself. To learn more about Rebecca Weekly, connect with her on LinkedIn.  

In the latest episode of the Nomad Futurist Podcast, co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence sit down with Chris Pruitt, Senior Director of Data Center Operations at CoreSite, and a seasoned veteran of the digital infrastructure world whose personal journey offers a masterclass in resilience, curiosity, and transformation. Once a behind-the-scenes part of the tech ecosystem, data centers are now in the spotlight, sparking conversations in local communities and capturing public interest like never before. As Chris puts it: "Our worlds have officially collided with the rest of the outside world, more acutely, I think, in the last 12 months than in the previous 29 years.” Chris’s story begins in Tennessee, marked by early manual labor, a detour in college, and a pivotal turn through the U.S. Navy. Instead of letting early setbacks define him, he turned them into stepping stones, propelled by strong mentorship and relentless drive. His advice to anyone finding their way in tech rings clear: “Look for a mentor. If you find something you’re passionate about, a mentor can help guide you."  And it's not just talk. Chris’s career proves that failure isn’t final, but rather often the foundation of future success: “Just because you failed doesn’t mean you can’t make it.” For newcomers curious about the industry, Chris offers one of the simplest — and most powerful — pieces of advice: ask questions. "If you want to ask [an industry veteran] something, they're more than happy to tell you all you want to know... That’s the thing kids, you got to start asking. Start probing.”   Whether you’re a student, a career changer, or a technologist looking to deepen your impact, Chris Pruitt’s story is a blueprint for building a meaningful career in digital infrastructure. His message is timeless: resilience, mentorship, curiosity, and openness are the keys to thriving in an industry that’s evolving faster, and mattering more, than ever. Stay connected with Chris Pruit on LinkedIn to learn more.   

In this special live edition of the Nomad Futurist Podcast, recorded at the Data Center Frontier Trends Summit, co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence sit down with industry veteran Doug Recker, founder of Duos Edge AI, for a conversation that traces his remarkable journey through the evolving world of digital infrastructure. From his beginnings as a U.S. Marine to building and selling multiple data center companies, Doug’s career is a masterclass in grit, intuition, and purpose-driven innovation. Over more than three decades, he’s helped shape — and reshape — some of the most successful edge computing models in the industry. At the heart of Doug’s mission lies a deep belief in opportunity and education, especially for those too often overlooked. Inspired by a high school teacher who recognized his natural gift for connecting with people, Doug has built his career around opening doors for others. That teacher once told him: “You interact with people. You know how to treat people. And if you have a product, you can tell you’re passionate about it.” Today, through Duos Edge AI, Doug and his team are deploying modular “pods” across Texas school districts, bringing compute and connectivity closer to rural communities while helping schools cut costs and strengthen their networks. “We’re showing them about a 30% savings — while giving them redundancy, better connectivity, and even new ways to generate revenue.” But his vision goes far beyond infrastructure. Doug is working to install training pods directly on school campuses, giving students hands-on experience in data center operations, from racking and stacking to integration and design. It’s not just about building pipelines into the industry; it’s about creating pathways to lasting opportunity. Doug’s story is also one of humility and integrity. He’s experienced the highs of major exits and the lows of failed launches, yet his principles have never wavered: “When you owe somebody, you’ve got to pay them back — and you’ve got to give it 110%.” That mindset has earned him not only success, but deep trust from investors, partners, and peers alike. As Doug puts it: “I’m not the smartest guy in the room, but I surround myself with people who are smart in their own ways. Cancel all the outside noise. Do what you’re going to do — and do it until you hit the finish line.” Doug Recker continues to empower the next generation through education and opportunity, a mission that closely aligns with the Nomad Futurist Foundation’s vision of inspiring future leaders in digital infrastructure. To stay connected with Doug, follow him on LinkedIn.  

In this deeply inspiring episode of the Nomad Futurist Podcast, Emil Sayegh — visionary CEO, innovator, and data center industry trailblazer — joins co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence for a powerful, personal conversation that bridges war, entrepreneurship, and the human side of technology. Emil shares how growing up amid Lebanon’s civil war shaped his perspective, leadership, and passion for innovation. From escaping a war zone by boat to leading transformative cloud and cybersecurity companies, his journey is a testament to courage, adaptability, and relentless optimism. Reflecting on his childhood during the conflict, Emil draws a profound connection between surviving chaos and thriving in high-stakes business environments: “When things are kind of dark, there’s always a sliver of hope… you’ve got to figure out what that light is and then chase it hard.” That spirit of resilience permeates both his life and leadership. Even in moments of crisis, Emil stresses perspective: “As long as nobody’s dying, you’re going to live another day — and you’re going to be stronger because of the experience.” His outlook on hardship offers timeless guidance for entrepreneurs navigating uncertainty and change. As Emil recounts his evolution from engineer to CEO of leading technology firms, he distills what separates truly impactful leaders: “Always behave like an owner, not an employee.” This mindset, he explains, transforms how people approach decision-making, accountability, and innovation. At the heart of Emil’s philosophy is a belief that leadership is ultimately about service and impact. In his forthcoming book, Make a Difference, he distills decades of experience into actionable insights for the next generation: “The way that you bring value to this short life that we live is by adding value to others.” From mentoring emerging professionals to championing ethical innovation, Emil’s message is both simple and profound: technology must elevate humanity. His story reminds us that greatness isn’t measured by titles or valuations, but by the people and communities we uplift along the way. To stay connected with Emil Sayegh, follow him on LinkedIn.  

Data centers may power the digital world, but behind the servers are the people who make it all run and building that workforce is no small challenge. In the latest Nomad Futurist Podcast, Bryon Price and Stephanie Zimmerman of JLL pull back the curtain on the human side of the data center industry. They discuss with co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence how the data center industry attracts talent from all walks of life — from military veterans to teachers to finance professionals — while highlighting career pathways, skill transferability, and inclusive opportunities. Drawing on her own experience, Stephanie highlights the importance of guiding potential candidates into the sector and nurturing their growth from the very beginning: “I have a lot of passion around employee experience. For a lot of years, data center engineers and other roles based in a data center were often times overlooked or forgotten because people didn’t know about them or didn’t understand them.”   A recurring theme was the value of curiosity, relationship-building, and proactive learning. Bryon and Stephanie stress that attributes such as asking questions, researching solutions, and building relationships are more important than any one technical credential. Stephanie observes: “Nobody expects you to know the answer to every single question, but they do expect you to know how to find the answer to that question.”  This mindset is crucial in a rapidly evolving industry, where documented processes and ongoing upskilling are essential to success. The JLL leaders applauded efforts to demystify and democratize access to data center careers. They discuss the company's partnership with the Nomad Futurist Academy, which delivers foundational, free training to entrants of all backgrounds, helping, as Bryon puts it, to:  “Give someone exactly what we need when we’re looking for a data center person... a minimum set of knowledge that you would expect from somebody who's got some experience in data centers.”  The conversation covers the need for industry-wide collaboration, continual education, and the integration of emerging technologies like AR, VR, and AI in workforce development. Both guests emphasize the importance of community, mentorship, and a culture that makes employees feel at home and invested in their growth. This episode offers valuable insights for anyone interested in a career in digital infrastructure, no matter their background. Hear the full stories from Bryon Price and Stephanie Zimmerman on the latest Nomad Futurist Podcast and connect with them on LinkedIn. 

The latest episode of the Nomad Futurist Podcast spotlights Snehar Shah, a visionary technology leader who’s transforming Africa’s digital landscape. As CEO of IXAFRICA Data Centre and Ambassador of the Nomad Futurist Foundation, Snehar bridges continents, industries, and ideas, driving innovation on a global scale. Co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence sit down with Snehar to trace his remarkable journey: from his small-town beginnings in Eldoret, Kenya, to the fast-paced finance and telecom hubs of the UK, and ultimately back home to Kenya, where he’s shaping Africa’s digital future. Snehar’s path is one of intentional pivots and multidisciplinary mastery. Armed with an electrical engineering degree from Imperial College London and sharpened by years in global finance, he has cultivated a unique hybrid perspective:  “I always considered it a superpower to have that ability to understand both worlds.”  A central theme of this episode is Africa’s extraordinary leapfrogging potential: building world-class digital infrastructure without being constrained by legacy systems. Snehar underscores this through a striking example: “Kenya is the birthplace of mobile money... even today, M-Pesa does more transactions than Western Union does globally. More than 80% of Kenya’s GDP runs on the mobile phone.” Snehar’s vision extends well beyond infrastructure. Through Moringa School, an edtech platform training thousands of software engineers and data scientists, he is fostering local talent and driving growth by building strong networks and strategic partnerships:  “In order to succeed, I believe in building the right ecosystem. Without it, if you’re doing it on your own, you’ll struggle." His ultimate vision for the future is ambitious yet clear: to help drive sustainable growth in African tech infrastructure and talent and export those successes globally.   Want to follow along on Snehar’s journey? Connect with him on LinkedIn and witness how he’s driving the next wave of global digital transformation. 

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.