Capstone Talent Talks

In this episode of Capstone's Talent Talks Podcast, ManagingDirector Sarah Davenport and Mission Critical Sector Lead Oli Coote sit down with Luisa Cardani, who leads the data centres program at techUK. Luisa shares her unique journey from a background in public policy and government relationsto navigating the "perfect storm" of geopolitical shifts, Brexit, and the AI revolution that has propelled data centres onto the international stage.

In this episode of Capstone’s Talent Talks Podcast, Managing Director Sarah Davenport and Mission Critical Sector Lead Oli Coote sit down with Kyla Small, an IBX Critical Facilities Apprentice at Equinix. Kyla shares her journey of securing one of only 11 apprenticeship places from 600 applicants, offering a fresh perspective on the power of hands-on learning andthe importance of inclusive cultures in attracting the next generation to the data centre sector.

On this episode of the Talent Talks Podcast, Sarah Davenport and Oli Coote, are joined by Matthias Haymoz, Project Manager at the Swiss Datacenter Efficiency Association (SDEA). From uncovering the massive savings potential in IT under-utilisation to the complexities of retrofitting legacy sites and navigating European regulations, Matthias offers a provocative look at how the industry must "take stock" of its rapid growth to ensure our digital backbone does not come at an unsustainable cost to the planet.

On this episode of Capstone's Talent Talks Podcast, Managing Director, Sarah Davenport, and Mission Critical Sector Lead, Oli Coote, speak with Thaleia Efthymiadou, Commercial Lead at CyrusOne. Thaleia reflects on her transition from civil and structural engineering in Greece to leading complex commercial functions for data centres across Europe. She shares her perspective on moving from the contractor side to the developer side, emphasising how technical knowledge, empathy, and a commitment to lifelong learning are essential for navigating real estate's fastest-growing sector. Thaleia highlights her dedication to leadership through collaboration, as well as the importance of talent retention strategies that prioritise work-life balance and a sustainable working environment.

In this episode, we speak to Michael Martin, Design Director at Echelon Data Centres. Concerned with creating data centres for a dynamic, evolving technological landscape, Michael discusses how traditional design approaches are being fundamentally reimagined as AI transforms demand patterns and quantum computing emerges. Drawing on more than 20 years of experience in infrastructure and mission-critical facilities, Michael oversees design strategy and execution across Echelon's entire portfolio. He holds credentials as a certified project management professional, is a member of the Royal Institute of Architecture of Ireland, and serves as an Uptime Institute-accredited tier designer. Most importantly, he grasps the critical balance required between performance, sustainability, scalability, and long-term adaptability.

Today on Capstone's Talent Talks Podcast, Managing Director, Sarah Davenport, and Data Centre and Real Estate Sector Lead, Oli Coote, speak with Isabelle Kemlin, Business and Innovation Executive at RISE and Vice Chair of SweDCI and EUCDA. Isabelle reflects on her non-linear career journey, from industrial engineering to leading operations across critical environments, before finding her passion in the data centre industry. She shares insights into her instrumental work driving Sweden's position as a global hub for responsible, energy-efficient data centres and her commitment to collaboration, diversity, and sustainability.

Today on Capstone's Talent Talks Podcast, Managing Director Sarah Davenport and Data Centre and Real Estate Sector Lead Oli Coote speak with Dame Dawn Childs, CEO of Pure Data Centres Group, who was awarded a damehood for her outstanding services to engineering. With a career spanning major critical environments in the military and civilian sectors, Dawn reflects on her journey from the Royal Air Force through roles at Gatwick Airport and National Grid, before discovering the data centre industry. She shares insights into her transition to CEO, her commitment to building diverse teams, and her passion for attracting new talent to the sector while driving sustainability and community engagement.

Join us for a thoughtful conversation with Stefan Riedmann, Associate Director at BCS Consultancy. He reflects on his career journey, from a civil engineering education to project management in healthcare, before a lateral move into the data centre space. He also shares insights into BCS's innovative athlete conversion scheme and his commitment to prioritising mindset and soft skills when building high-performing teams.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Franziska Marshall, Senior Project Manager of Data Centres at Buro 4. She offers a reflection on her unconventional career journey, spanning background in German construction to completing a degree apprenticeship in the UK, and her current role in the fast-moving, mission-critical data centre sector. Franziska also shares her human-centred mindset as a mentor in the Capstone Mentored community.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Sophie Parker, Head of Talent at Pure Data Centres Group. She offers a reflection on talent management in the high-growth environment of the data centre industry, as well as her journey from being thrown in at the deep end in a graduate retail management scheme at Boots, through to becoming Head of Talent at Pure Data Centres Group.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Alex Iveson, Account andBusiness Development Manager at Infra Partners and co-founder of the Forum for Women in Data Centres, as she shares her non-linear career journey from dropping out of university to becoming a leading voice in the data centre industry.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Nqobile Ntombela,Project Delivery Lead at Rider Levett Bucknall, as she shares her remarkable journey from a technical high school in Durban to leading complex international data centre projects across Africa and Europe.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Jo Jackson, Thames Valley Portfolio Director at SEGRO, as she shares her remarkable career transition from 15 years as a property valuer to client-side portfolio management at one of Europe's largest industrial property companies, overseeing the world's second largest data centre cluster at Slough Trading Estate.

Join us for an empowering conversation with Marynet Basilly, Director of Mission Procure Solutions, a powerhouse in procurement and data delivery who has transformed her career from transport infrastructure to becoming a global data centre leader, entrepreneur, and passionate advocate for inclusive leadership.

Join us for an engaging conversation with Catriona Shearer, Global Head of Data Centre Consulting at JLL, as she shares her remarkable journey from sales and marketing across multiple industries to leading data centre consulting at one of the world's largest real estate firms.Key Highlights:How COVID-19 led to an unexpected career pivot into data centres.Why the industry's obsession with engineering degrees limits talent acquisition.The "fail fast" leadership philosophy that builds high-performing teams.The Women's Speaker Series, breaking down barriers in tech speaking.