Looking Back, Moving Forward: Nomad Futurist’s Vision for 2026

Six seasons in, the Nomad Futurist end-of-year episode feels less like a traditional recap and more like a stake in the ground for where the Foundation, and the industry, go next. Co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence look back on a year where education, access, and community-building around digital infrastructure evolved from a passion project into a global movement, while also setting the stage for a more focused, accountable next phase. “This doesn’t feel like just another year. It feels like a turning point, and what’s different now is that the conversations are turning into commitments.” From AI’s breakneck acceleration to heightened scrutiny around power, sustainability, and talent, Nabeel and Phil reflect on how digital infrastructure has shifted from a background utility to a front-page story, and how the Nomad Futurist Foundation has stepped into that spotlight to demystify the space for students, career-changers, and communities worldwide. Nabeel underscores this shift, noting: “At some point, watching becomes a choice. This industry doesn’t need more spectators; it needs participants.” The episode also explores what it truly means to build an organization that leads with action, not optics. As Nabeel reflects on the Foundation’s decision to take action and help bridge the digital gap: “What I’m most proud of is that we didn’t wait for permission.” The two speak candidly about the challenges of turning a podcast into a nonprofit, the reality of building a “volunteer army,” and the deliberate choice to keep the Foundation grounded in service rather than self-promotion. Nabeel highlights the Foundation’s approach, with Phil contributing his perspective on the importance of staying mission-driven: “Nomad Futurist isn’t about branding; it’s about building pathways, and we’ve shown that a global foundation can move fast and still stay grounded.” Looking ahead, the conversation shifts from growth to intentionality: “The next phase is about depth, not just reach.” Nabeel and Phil share plans to strengthen regional ecosystems, expand global efforts from North America and Europe to ANZ, and create frameworks and programs that outlast any individual, while keeping authenticity and measurable impact at the center. They highlight Mana Hui, a new “powerful gathering” launching at PTC in Hawaii, as an example of how curated, values-driven convenings can unite communities and leaders while honoring culture, responsibility, and true collaboration. “The curation of Mana Hui reminds me that collaboration isn’t transactional; it’s relational, and the gathering isn’t about visibility, it’s about alignment.” They close with both an invitation and a challenge to anyone who feels a stake in the future of technology, talent, and infrastructure: “The future isn’t something we wait for; it’s something we build together. And I’m optimistic, not because it’s easy, but because people are finally stepping up.” This episode is both a heartfelt reflection on all that the Nomad Futurist Foundation has accomplished this year and a rallying call for those ready to help shape what comes next, with gratitude for the progress made and excitement for what 2026 holds. To...

In this episode of the Nomad Futurist Podcast, co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence are joined by Lovisa Tedestedt, Strategic Account Executive for Cloud & Service Providers at Schneider Electric. Lovisa shares her unique journey from studying economics in Sweden to building a career that spans textiles, entrepreneurship, and leading complex technology accounts globally. Lovisa opens up about the importance of following your passions while embracing unexpected career pivots. She reflects on how her early experiences — studying textiles, interning at APC, and later moving to China — shaped her approach to business and leadership: "Very rarely in life do we get a chance to press the stop button or pause button and rediscover what we want to do in life." Her story highlights the value of cross-industry learning. Lovisa explains how the skills she developed running her own small fashion business translated seamlessly into managing large-scale accounts in the tech sector: "The way I approached the job was the same way I approached growing a small fashion company. It's all about scaling, it's all about resources, it's about understanding the customer, understanding the business." Lovisa also emphasizes the need for purpose and continuous learning. After years in corporate leadership, she recently returned to school to deepen her technical knowledge in data center systems, enhancing her ability to authentically connect with customers: "If I could deepen my knowledge of everything I talk about every day with customers, that would give me purpose, that would kind of give me a sense of achievement." Finally, Lovisa offers practical advice for young people entering the workforce, urging them to consider trades and technical fields as viable and lucrative career paths. She stresses the combination of skill, opportunity, and entrepreneurship in shaping meaningful, high-impact careers. This episode is a fascinating exploration of adaptability, lifelong learning, and bridging diverse experiences to create professional success. To stay connected with Lovisa Tedestedt and learn more about her work, follow her on LinkedIn. 

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.