This is it. The final episode of Beyond the Megawatt—but not the end of the mission.
Since launching in May, Mara and Valerie set out to amplify the voices that weren't being heard at conferences, to dig into the issues that were being talked about but not truly addressed. And over 25 episodes, one theme kept surfacing no matter who they spoke with: the workforce crisis. It became impossible to ignore—and even more impossible to accept inaction as a response.
In this bittersweet episode, Valerie and Mara announce the evolution of the podcast into something bigger than either of them: Hands-On Heroes, a mission-driven initiative focused on planting the seeds we failed to plant a generation ago. It's about putting books, STEM kits, and real career pathways in front of children—especially in the trades—so that when they dream about their future, they know these jobs exist. And they know they belong in them, regardless of background, gender, or zip code.
This isn't goodbye. It's a pivot toward action. The platform isn't going away—it's rebranding. But the focus is shifting from conversation to impact, from awareness to accessibility, from talk to tools that teachers, parents, and communities can actually use.
What You'll Hear:
A Heartfelt Thank You:
To every guest who trusted us with their story. To our sponsors—BCS Switchgear, Black Hydrovac, Mod42, and Ironbox—who kept our mics hot. And to the listeners who made this more than a podcast. You made it a movement. You made us the Data Center Darlings. And we're not done yet.
Stay Connected:
The channels aren't going away—just rebranding. Keep following on LinkedIn, YouTube, and Spotify. You'll see the evolution in real time.
Want to bring Hands-On Heroes into your community, school, or organization? Reach out to Valerie. This mission is designed to scale—and it needs all of us.
Connect with Mara:
https://www.marajadeconsulting.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/datacenterchic/
Connect with Val:
https://valconsultants.com/
Luke Kipfer's career path reads like a blueprint for the future of infrastructure leadership—starting at 18 cleaning condenser coils on Liebert units, pivoting through operations, retail colo, and hyperscale development, and now shaping strategy in one of the industry's fastest-growing platforms. His story isn't just about climbing the ladder. It's about understanding every rung—and knowing when to step off and build something better.
In this conversation, Luke opens up about the power of non-traditional pathways, the underrated skill of grit, and why the biggest constraint facing the industry today—workforce development—might actually be the thing that forces us to get smarter, faster, and more sustainable. From building diverse teams to navigating the unknowns of nuclear-powered sites and megawatt-scale racks, this episode digs into what it really takes to lead through constant change.
Key Themes:
Connect with Luke Kipfer:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukekipfer/
This episode is powered by Black Hydrovac, experts in non-destructive digging and utility protection for mission-critical sites. Learn more at blackhydrovac.com.
Powered by Mod42, Modular, efficient, and rapidly deployable data center buildings designed for the modern enterprise
Apply to be a Guest or Sponsor and follow along:
https://beyondthemegawatt.com/
Connect with Mara:
https://www.marajadeconsulting.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/datacenterchic/
Connect with Val:
https://valconsultants.com/
Beyond the Megawatt took over DataCloud USA 2025, capturing the energy, innovation, and bold conversations happening on the show floor and behind the scenes. This episode is a highlight reel featuring rapid-fire insights from industry leaders solving some of the biggest challenges in mission-critical infrastructure—from behind-the-meter power solutions and fiber connectivity to sustainable energy and workforce development.
We also sit down with Lottie and Joe from the DataCloud team to talk about what makes this event essential, how the industry is evolving, and what themes they're forecasting for 2026. Spoiler: investment strategies, quantum computing, energy innovation, and yes—data centers in space.
If you're curious about how ecosystems are converging, how professionals are breaking into this fast-moving industry, or what's on the horizon for digital infrastructure, this episode gives you a front-row seat.
Learn more about DataCloud USA: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broadgroup/posts/?feedView=all
This episode is powered by Black Hydrovac, experts in non-destructive digging and utility protection for mission-critical sites. Learn more at blackhydrovac.com.
Powered by Mod42, Modular, efficient, and rapidly deployable data center buildings designed for the modern enterprise
Apply to be a Guest or Sponsor and follow along:
https://beyondthemegawatt.com/
Connect with Mara:
https://www.marajadeconsulting.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/datacenterchic/
Connect with Val:
https://valconsultants.com/
The data center industry is racing against the clock, and traditional construction timelines can't keep up. Enter modular data centers: purpose-built, repeatable, and designed to deploy infrastructure at a speed that would make legacy builds look outdated.
Chris Abramo and Meg Tock from Mod42 join Mara and Val to myth-bust the misconceptions around modular construction, explain how they're deploying 400-megawatt sites faster than anyone thought possible, and challenge engineers to rethink what "over-engineering" is really costing the industry.
Chris, a licensed engineer with 20 years of experience—eight of those in modular builds—didn't just shrink a traditional data center and call it modular. He started from scratch, designing with modularity, repeatability, and speed in mind. Meg joined the team a few months ago, drawn by the promise of purposeful work that's both sustainable and economical.
Together, they're proving that modular isn't just for edge cases anymore. It's scalable, cost-effective, and built to handle hyperscale deployments—all while using 40% less capital and getting clients to revenue in half the time.
In this episode, we explore:
This episode is for developers, engineers, hyperscalers, and anyone tired of waiting years for infrastructure to come online. If you've ever wondered whether modular is ready for prime time, or if you're stuck in a legacy build wishing there was a better way, this conversation will change how you think about deployment strategy.
Connect with our guests:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-abramo-cca1208/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/mod42-llc/posts/?feedView=all
This episode is powered by Black Hydrovac, experts in non-destructive digging and utility protection for mission-critical sites. Learn more at blackhydrovac.com.
Powered by Mod42, Modular, efficient, and rapidly deployable data center buildings designed for the modern enterprise
Apply to be a Guest or Sponsor and follow along:
https://beyondthemegawatt.com/
Connect with Mara:
https://www.marajadeconsulting.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/datacenterchic/
Connect with Val:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-crafton-mba-0362b816/
https://valconsultants.com/
Starting a construction business with zero industry experience? Kristy Black did exactly that—and built Black Hydrovac into a critical player in mission-critical infrastructure. But this isn't just a startup story. It's about partnership, risk, resilience, and redefining what it means to support each other in a fast-paced industry.
Kristy spent nearly 20 years in education before COVID shifted everything. When that door closed, she didn't wait for another to open—she kicked her way through. With encouragement from her husband Adam (a data center construction veteran) and mentorship from someone who believed in her vision, Kristy launched Black Hydrovac with two trucks and a willingness to learn an emerging technology from the ground up.
Today, her company protects underground infrastructure on some of the most critical sites in the country—from hyperscale data centers to the White House. And she's doing it while challenging outdated industry norms and building a culture centered on professional development for skilled tradespeople.
Adam and Kristy don't just work in the same industry—they've built their careers side by side, taking turns leading and supporting as life demanded. Their conversation reveals what real partnership looks like when ambition, family, and construction timelines collide.
In this episode, we explore:
How Kristy transitioned from education to construction entrepreneurship during one of the hardest seasons of her life
What HydroVac is, why it's essential in mission-critical construction, and why municipalities still don't understand its value
The mentor who said "I'm going to help you" after a four-and-a-half-hour dinner—and meant it
Why leadership is a learnable skill, and how Kristy and Adam use it to build both businesses and relationships
The male ally perspective: what it actually looks like to support a woman's career without stepping on it
Career growth for women in construction—and why taking a season to step back doesn't mean you're stepping out
The "it's not about you, but it's all on you" leadership principle that transformed how they work
How they balance two demanding careers, raise kids, and still prioritize their relationship
This episode is for anyone navigating career pivots, partnerships, or the challenge of building something bold in a traditional industry. Whether you're an owner, operator, tradesperson, or someone wondering if it's too late to start over—this one's for you.
Connect with our guests:
Adam Black – Senior Vice President of Design and Construction, TA Digital Grouphttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinablack/
Kristy Black – Founder & CEO, Black Hydrovachttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kristy-black-ab605538/
This episode is powered by Black Hydrovac, experts in non-destructive digging and utility protection for mission-critical sites. Learn more at blackhydrovac.com.
Powered by Mod42, Modular, efficient, and rapidly deployable data center buildings designed for the modern enterprise
Apply to be a Guest or Sponsor and follow along:
https://beyondthemegawatt.com/
Connect with Mara:
https://www.marajadeconsulting.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/datacenterchic/
Connect with Val:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-crafton-mba-0362b816/
What happens when two self-proclaimed sustainability "experts" sit down to challenge everything we think we know about greenwashing, carbon accounting, and the future of sustainable construction? This conversation cuts through the noise to reveal why sustainability has finally grown up—and why that's the most exciting thing happening in infrastructure right now.
Charlie and Catherine bring decades of hard-won experience from both inside and outside the corporate sustainability machine. They're not here to shame anyone or preach perfection. Instead, they're making the case for why imperfect progress beats paralyzed perfectionism every single time.
Key Themes Explored:
• Why sustainability finally "grew up" - How standardized metrics and corporate commitments in the 2020s transformed sustainability from activist passion project to scalable business program
• The scope revolution - How Scope 3 emissions accounting changed everything by forcing companies to look deep into their supply chains and rethink total cost of ownership
• Data as the new frontier - Why environmental product declarations (EPDs) and lifecycle assessments are becoming as critical as financial accounting for making smart design decisions
• Partnership over transactions - How the construction industry's "three bids and a buy" mentality is holding back the true potential of industrialized construction and sustainable innovation
• Maximizing impact vs. minimizing footprint - The mindset shift from "doing less bad" to "doing more good" that's unlocking real value creation
• The audacious question: How do we stop weaponizing greenwashing? - Their bold take on why every sustainability effort, however imperfect, deserves celebration rather than criticism
This episode isn't just about sustainability, it's about how to drive meaningful change in complex systems without burning out or burning bridges. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just getting started, Charlie and Catherine offer a refreshing perspective on how to make sustainability work in the real world.
Connect with our guests:
Charlie Sellars: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charliesellars/
Book: "What We Can Do: A Climate Optimist's Guide to Sustainable Living"
Catherine Donnelly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catdonnelly/
Proudly sponsored by BCS Switchgear, Inc. WE ARE NOW AN OEM SWITCHBOARD MANUFACTURER UL-891
Powered by Mod42, Modular, efficient, and rapidly deployable data center buildings designed for the modern enterprise
Apply to be a Guest or Sponsor and follow along:
https://beyondthemegawatt.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-the-megawatt-podcast
Connect with Mara:
https://www.marajadeconsulting.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/datacenterchic/
Connect with Val:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-crafton-mba-0362b816/
This episode captures the raw energy and honest conversations from the event floor, featuring voices from across the data center, energy, and infrastructure communities. From modular data center builders to energy innovators, from seasoned industry veterans to newcomers finding their footing, everyone had something to say about whether YOTTA succeeded in bridging the tribes of digital infrastructure.
In the second half, we sit down with George Rockett, the visionary behind YOTTA, for an unfiltered conversation about the challenges of scaling an industry event, the anthropological nature of industry silos, and why bringing manufacturing mindsets to data centers might be the key to our future.
Key themes explored:
Bold insights from the event floor:
George Rockett shares his vision for next year's event, including plans to double attendance to 7,000 people and expand into Caesar's Forum, while maintaining the focus on bringing together previously disconnected industry tribes.
Connect with Yotta & George:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/yotta-events/posts/?feedView=all
https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-rockett-b18a3b4/
Proudly sponsored by BCS Switchgear, Inc. WE ARE NOW AN OEM SWITCHBOARD MANUFACTURER UL-891
Powered by Mod42, Modular, efficient, and rapidly deployable data center buildings designed for the modern enterprise
Apply to be a Guest or Sponsor and follow along:
https://beyondthemegawatt.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-the-megawatt-podcast
Connect with Mara:
https://www.marajadeconsulting.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/datacenterchic/
Connect with Val:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-crafton-mba-0362b816/
The data center industry desperately needs more diverse voices on stage, but too often, women are backing down from speaking opportunities at the last minute. Why are qualified professionals declining panels and presentations? And more importantly, how do we change that?
In this conversation, we dig into the real barriers keeping women from stepping up to the microphone, from imposter syndrome to perfectionism to the fear of being judged. Our guests share hard-won wisdom about finding your authentic voice, preparing powerful stories, and using vulnerability as a strength rather than a weakness.
Key Insights:
• Preparation beats perfection. The root of most speaking anxiety isn't lack of ability—it's lack of confidence that comes from feeling unprepared. Know your audience, understand your purpose, and craft stories with clear takeaways.
• Your experience is your expertise. You don't need decades in the field to offer valuable perspectives. Even three years of hands-on experience gives you insights worth sharing, especially when delivered authentically.
• Vulnerability creates connection. The moments that make you feel most exposed—sharing a challenge you've overcome or admitting when something didn't go as planned—are often what audiences remember most.
• Moderation is leadership. Leading a panel teaches you as much as being on one. It's an excellent way to build confidence while learning from industry experts.
• Stories matter more than slides. A compelling personal experience will resonate longer than any PowerPoint deck. Focus on the beginning, middle, and end of your story, and always tie it back to what the audience can take away.
Connect with Dr. Sharon Lamm Hartman
https://www.linkedin.com/in/drsharonlammhartman/
Connect with Chrissy Olsen:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissy-olsen/
Proudly sponsored by BCS Switchgear, Inc. WE ARE NOW AN OEM SWITCHBOARD MANUFACTURER UL-891
Powered by Mod42, Modular, efficient, and rapidly deployable data center buildings designed for the modern enterprise
Apply to be a Guest or Sponsor and follow along:
https://beyondthemegawatt.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-the-megawatt-podcast
Connect with Mara:
https://www.marajadeconsulting.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/datacenterchic/
Connect with Val:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-crafton-mba-0362b816/
In this powerful episode, we sit down with trailblazer Carrie Goetz — author, educator, and industry pioneer. We’ll explore her human story: how she broke into the industry, the challenges she’s overcome, and how she’s helped shape the evolution of the digital infrastructure space. From sparking curiosity in young minds to educating adults across the globe, Carrie’s impact spans generations. Now, as she begins to pass the torch, her legacy continues to inspire the next wave of leaders. Don’t miss this conversation with a true industry icon.
Connect with our guest:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-goetz/
Proudly sponsored by BCS Switchgear, Inc. WE ARE NOW AN OEM SWITCHBOARD MANUFACTURER UL-891
Powered by Mod42, Modular, efficient, and rapidly deployable data center buildings designed for the modern enterprise
Apply to be a Guest or Sponsor and follow along:
https://beyondthemegawatt.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-the-megawatt-podcast
Connect with Mara:
https://www.marajadeconsulting.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/datacenterchic/
Connect with Val:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-crafton-mba-0362b816/
The data center industry is shifting from fiber-first to power-first strategy, and DataCloud USA is bringing all the right players to the table. Joe Howarth and Lottie Westerling share what makes their Austin event different—from quantum computing keynotes to bold predictions about infrastructure's next frontier.
Key Themes:
• Power-first strategy replacing traditional fiber-first thinking
• Quantum computing's impact on data center design requirements
• Industry talent pipeline challenges and solutions
• Cross-industry collaboration between power, fiber, and investment
• Workforce development through direct C-suite connections
• The audacious possibility of space-based data centers
• Women's leadership initiatives in digital infrastructure
This conversation challenges conventional infrastructure planning and offers practical insights for operators, developers, and investors navigating rapidly changing industry dynamics.
Connect with our guests:
• Joe Howarth - Commercial Lead, DataCloud USA: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-howarth/
• Lottie Westerling - Content Lead, DataCloud USA: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lottie-westerling-289205172/
• DataCloud USA Austin Event: https://www.datacloud-usa.com/
Use code BTM10 for 10% off tickets to Datacloud USA
Proudly sponsored by BCS Switchgear, Inc.
WE ARE NOW AN OEM SWITCHBOARD MANUFACTURER UL-891
Powered by Mod42, Modular, efficient, and rapidly deployable data center buildings designed for the modern enterprise
Apply to be a Guest or Sponsor and follow along:
https://beyondthemegawatt.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-the-megawatt-podcast
Connect with Mara:
https://www.marajadeconsulting.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/datacenterchic/
Connect with Val:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-crafton-mba-0362b816/
When you flip a light switch, there's no David Copperfield hiding behind the sheetrock. That's science at work, not magic. But what happens when we can't find the people who understand that science? Greg Crumpton, a 30-year veteran of the mechanical contracting industry, calls it what it is: a national emergency. In this unfiltered conversation, Greg pulls zero punches about SMEs who hoard knowledge, the generational divide that's costing us innovation, and why AI is a tool, not a threat. From liquid cooling in 1988 IBM mainframes to today's data center boom, this episode tackles the workforce pipeline crisis head-on with solutions that require courage, not comfort.
Key Insights:
• The "dog bone" workforce pipeline - why we have plenty of people entering and exiting but a dangerous gap in between where trade education disappeared
• Why SMEs complaining about labor shortages while refusing to mentor are "being lazy and selfish" - and what walking your talk actually looks like
• How the apprenticeship model must evolve from "show up, shut up, and listen" to showing clear career trajectories and growth paths
• The humility factor that separates industry leaders from those who get left behind - embracing fresh perspectives vs. dismissing new approaches
• AI as an efficiency multiplier for skilled trades - from QR code equipment histories to GPS-guided troubleshooting - without replacing human judgment
• Why excluding women from trades programs wastes half the available talent pool and how simple tools solve strength concerns
• The connection-making approach that changes careers - introductions matter more than resumes, and good people are everywhere if you're watching
This episode will challenge how you think about workforce development, mentoring responsibility, and the future of skilled trades in an AI-enhanced world.
Proudly sponsored by BCS Switchgear, Inc.
WE ARE NOW AN OEM SWITCHBOARD MANUFACTURER UL-891
Powered by Mod42, Modular, efficient, and rapidly deployable data center buildings designed for the modern enterprise
Connect with Greg and get the book:
https://www.gregcrumpton.com/blog/home/
Apply to be a Guest or Sponsor and follow along:
https://beyondthemegawatt.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-the-megawatt-podcast
Connect with Mara:
https://www.marajadeconsulting.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/datacenterchic/
Connect with Val:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-crafton-mba-0362b816/
This isn't just another industry event—it's a movement. 🚀 In this episode of Beyond the Megawatt, George Rockett shares how his vision to unite the "tribes" of digital infrastructure is transforming the way our industry collaborates, innovates, and tackles its toughest challenges.
From energy as the new front line to partnerships over competition, discover why the second year of this event is set to double in size and change the game for data centers worldwide.
🎙️ Plus—hear what's coming in the Innovate Arena and why George says we're in a "jet engine moment" for digital infrastructure.
Key Takeaways
• Breaking down industry tribes - Moving beyond silos where data center, network, and IT professionals speak different languages and attend separate conferences
• The "jet engine moment" for digital infrastructure - We're creating GPU "engines" without planning the infrastructure "airports" to support them
• From competition to collaboration - Russian doll partnerships where companies like OpenAI involve Microsoft, Oracle, Crusoe, and Google working together
• Energy becomes the front line - Learning from "crypto pivoters" who mastered energy arbitrage and flexible load management
• YOTTA 2025 doubles down - Over 3,000 attendees, nearly double the exhibitors, with diverse speakers from across the digital ecosystem
• Innovate Arena returns - Shark Tank-style showcase featuring 20 companies attacking industry challenges in new ways
• Synergistic problem solving - Moving from traditional tracks to cross-disciplinary sessions on densification, efficiency, and risk
The transformation isn't just about bigger data centers—it's about fundamentally rethinking how we collaborate across previously separate industries to build the digital economy's infrastructure.
Proudly sponsored by BCS Switchgear, Inc. WE ARE NOW AN OEM SWITCHBOARD MANUFACTURER UL-891
Powered by Mod42, Modular, efficient, and rapidly deployable data center buildings designed for the modern enterprise
Connect with George and YOTTA
https://www.linkedin.com/company/yotta-events/posts/?feedView=allhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/george-rockett-b18a3b4/https://www.yotta-event.com/
Apply to be a Guest or Sponsor and follow along:
https://beyondthemegawatt.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-the-megawatt-podcast
Connect with Mara:
https://www.marajadeconsulting.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/datacenterchic/
Connect with Val:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-crafton-mba-0362b816/
What if the workforce crisis isn't about lazy kids or entitled generations—but about a complete failure to show young people the pathways that actually exist? Michael Wilson from GenTech is proving that early exposure changes everything, from elementary students programming Amazon warehouse robots to former farm workers' kids seeing automation as opportunity instead of threat.
This conversation cuts through the usual workforce development rhetoric to reveal what's actually working: turnkey programs that bring expertise directly to underserved schools, real-world projects that make learning relevant, and pathways that don't require families to go into debt to maybe figure out what their kids want to do.
Key insights you'll discover:
• Why computer science should be required in K-12 (and the simple reason it isn't)
• How to reframe automation from job-killer to career creator for skeptical students
• The turnkey approach that removes barriers for under-resourced schools
• Why construction workers are the ultimate neighborhood heroes hiding in plain sight
• What happens when less than 1% of high school seniors know their post-graduation plans
• The economic reality: trade workers buying houses while college grads pay off debt
• How early exposure creates full-circle impact when students become instructors
Whether you're in workforce development, education, or infrastructure leadership, this episode reveals practical strategies for building the talent pipeline we desperately need—without waiting for systemic change that may never come.
The future workforce isn't something we're preparing for. It's something we're building right now, one classroom at a time.
Connect with Michael Wilson:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gtmichael/
Connect with Valerie's non-profit, Hands-On Heroes
Proudly sponsored by BCS Switchgear, Inc. WE ARE NOW AN OEM SWITCHBOARD MANUFACTURER UL-891
Powered by Mod42, Modular, efficient, and rapidly deployable data center buildings designed for the modern enterprise
Apply to be a Guest or Sponsor and follow along:
https://beyondthemegawatt.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-the-megawatt-podcast
Connect with Mara:
https://www.marajadeconsulting.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/datacenterchic/
Connect with Val:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-crafton-mba-0362b816/
https://valconsultants.com/
What happens when you really listen to the conversations happening in the margins? Four years ago, Jackie Pasierbowicz overheard women talking about professional isolation right after a networking event designed to support them. That moment of recognition sparked the 7x24 Exchange WiMCO Tech Summit – now a sold-out annual gathering that's redefining how we think about professional development in mission-critical industries.
This episode takes you behind the scenes of building something the industry said it didn't need, why "love farming" (recruiting without adjusting culture) sets everyone up to fail, and how balancing technical excellence with emotional intelligence creates authentic professional growth.
Key Insights from This Episode
• The power of marginal conversations – The most important feedback often happens after official events end, in parking lots and side conversations where people feel safe to be honest
• Why existing support systems fail – Happy hours and assigned mentorship programs create surface-level connections but don't address deeper professional development needs
• The "love farming" problem – Recruiting diverse talent without adjusting organizational culture creates retention problems, not solutions
• Technical + human = complete solutions – The most complex infrastructure challenges require both technical mastery and strong interpersonal leadership skills
• Strategic discomfort drives growth – Pushing people outside comfort zones through activities like poker and golf helps them practice risk-taking in professional contexts
• Building authentic community takes intention – Real professional relationships require deeper, more purposeful interaction than traditional networking provides
• Mid-career recharging is essential – Strategic timing for professional development can help prevent burnout and sustain long-term career growth
Sometimes the most important innovations come from having the courage to build something different when existing approaches clearly aren't working. This conversation challenges every leader to listen more carefully to what's not being said in official spaces and to create conditions where talent can actually thrive.
Proudly sponsored by BCS Switchgear, Inc. WE ARE NOW AN OEM SWITCHBOARD MANUFACTURER UL-891
Connect with Our Guests
Jackie Pasierbowicz
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackie-pasierbowicz-21b31820/
7x24 Exchange WiMCO Tech Summit:
https://wts2025.zohobackstage.com/7x24ExchangeRegionalWiMCOTechSummit2025#/?lang=en
https://www.7x24exchange.org/wimco/
Lillian Rivera
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lillian-rivera-4821a28/
Apply to be a Guest or Sponsor and follow along:
https://beyondthemegawatt.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-the-megawatt-podcast
Connect with Mara:
https://www.marajadeconsulting.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/datacenterchic/
Connect with Val:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-crafton-mba-0362b816/
https://valconsultants.com/
What happens when a Navy submarine veteran challenges everything the data center industry thinks it knows? You get a conversation that's equal parts uncomfortable and essential. Tony Grayson doesn't just question industry assumptions, he dismantles them with the precision of someone who's managed 14-megawatt floating data centers under conditions most of us can't imagine.
Key Insights:
• Why veterans managing submarine IT infrastructure are the data center operators we desperately need but consistently overlook
• The uncomfortable truth about SMR timelines and why most nuclear promises won't deliver until it's too late
• How China's chip constraints forced innovation that outperformed OpenAI at a fraction of the cost and what that means for U.S. infrastructure
• Why we don't have a power problem, we have a distribution problem (and why that changes everything)
• The $300 billion distributed computing market that nobody's preparing for
• Why constraint-driven innovation beats throwing money at problems every time
• What happens when AI hardware cycles every 12 months but infrastructure planning spans decades
This isn't your typical industry conversation. Tony's background gives him permission to ask the audacious questions that make executives squirm: What's the actual ROI on massive AI campuses? Can we really manage 100,000 distributed sites? And why are we ignoring the workforce that's already proven they can handle complex technical systems under pressure?
By the end of this episode, you'll question whether the industry is building for the right future... or just the most expensive one.
Proudly sponsored by BCS Switchgear, Inc. WE ARE NOW AN OEM SWITCHBOARD MANUFACTURER UL-891
Connect with Tony Grayson:
tgrayson@northstartgi.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonygraysonvet/
Apply to be a Guest or Sponsor and follow along:
https://beyondthemegawatt.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-the-megawatt-podcast
Connect with Mara:
https://www.marajadeconsulting.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/datacenterchic/
Connect with Val:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-crafton-mba-0362b816/
https://valconsultants.com/
The energy conversation in data centers just got real. In this episode, we dive deep with Alison Krager Hahn from the Department of Energy and Rhea Williams from E3 Energy Partners on the hybrid strategies reshaping how we power digital infrastructure. From nuclear timelines that will surprise you to the natural gas bridges we need today, this conversation cuts through the noise to deliver the hard truths about America's power crisis. Key Insights from This Episode: • Nuclear deployment is accelerating faster than expected - with concrete 2026 timelines and construction already underway for commercial advanced reactors • Natural gas represents the critical bridge solution - but requires understanding molecular markets, capacity agreements, and complex integration challenges most people don't grasp • This isn't just a data center problem - we're facing a national infrastructure crisis with legacy transmission systems that haven't been updated in decades • Community engagement is non-negotiable for nuclear success - transparent education and local outreach will determine which projects move forward • Sustainability conversations are full of dangerous misconceptions - especially around grid power composition and the reality of renewable energy as prime power • Very few people in the industry actually know what they're doing - we're making reactive decisions instead of strategic, methodical planning • Data center capital can reshape America's energy infrastructure - but only if we think beyond just meeting our own power needs
This episode isn't just about energy solutions—it's about the opportunity and responsibility the data center industry has to lead America's infrastructure transformation. The capital is there. The technology is advancing. The question is whether we'll step up strategically or continue acting like our pants are on fire. Proudly sponsored by BCS Switchgear, Inc. WE ARE NOW AN OEM SWITCHBOARD MANUFACTURER UL-891 Guest Information: Alison Krager Hahn - Office of Nuclear Energy, Department of Energy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-krager-hahn-9342b5275/ Rhea Williams - E3 Energy Partners LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rheawilliams/ Apply to be a Guest or Sponsor and follow along:
https://beyondthemegawatt.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-the-megawatt-podcast
Connect with Mara:
https://www.marajadeconsulting.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/datacenterchic/
Connect with Val:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-crafton-mba-0362b816/
Eight weeks into Beyond the Megawatt, Mara and Val pause to reflect on what they've learned about starting a podcast, challenging industry norms, and amplifying voices that typically don't get heard. This honest conversation reveals the real motivations behind their platform and why non-traditional career paths might be exactly what the data center industry needs.
Key Insights:
• The shame of non-traditional paths - Why many successful professionals hide their unconventional routes into infrastructure and construction
• Breaking conference barriers - How arbitrary rules keep fresh voices off industry panels and what needs to change
• Strategic networking - Practical tips for making genuine connections at industry events instead of collecting business cards
• The power of preparation - Why women-focused networking events create stronger industry participation, not separation
• Redefining success metrics - Moving beyond traditional credentials to recognize diverse forms of expertise and intelligence
• Taking the show on the road - Upcoming live appearances and the mission to interview voices behind the scenes
This episode challenges listeners to examine their own assumptions about who belongs in mission-critical industries and whose perspectives deserve platforms. Mara and Val demonstrate that the most powerful conversations happen when you stop trying to be perfect and start being honest about the real challenges facing infrastructure professionals.
What's Next: Look for Beyond the Megawatt at upcoming industry events including WIMCO Tech Summit, YADA, Data Center World Power, and DCAC/Data Cloud, where they'll be conducting live interviews with the people actually building our digital infrastructure.
Proudly sponsored by BCS Switchgear, Inc.
Apply to be a Guest or Sponsor and follow along:
https://beyondthemegawatt.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-the-megawatt-podcast
Connect with Mara:
https://www.marajadeconsulting.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/datacenterchic/
Connect with Val:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-crafton-mba-0362b816/
Half of all data center talent will retire within the next decade. At the same time, we need to double our workforce to meet exploding infrastructure demand. This isn't just another workforce challenge—it's an existential threat to the mission-critical systems that power our digital economy.
Dr. Tracy Brown (Chief of Staff) and Lisa Stevens (Head of HR at CleanArc Data Centers) join Valerie Crafton to tackle the hard truths about talent development in mission-critical infrastructure. From the cultural disconnect veterans face transitioning to corporate environments to the performance review theater that wastes everyone's time, this conversation challenges every assumption about how we develop, manage, and retain human capital in high-stakes technical environments.
Key Insights
• The 10% Management Rule: Effective people development requires 10% of a manager's capacity for each direct report - but most organizations don't staff for this reality
• Military-to-Corporate Culture Shock: Veterans transition from environments where everyone flows in the same direction to corporate teams where people often compete against each other
• The Skills vs. Mindset Revolution: Interview for competencies first, skills second - the right mindset can learn the industry, but the wrong mindset cannot
• AI Amplifies What You Feed It: Organizations rushing to implement AI solutions are building on foundations of inconsistent, poorly organized data
• Performance Review Theater: Most performance management processes feel inauthentic and unproductive because they are - it's time to scrap the administrative burden and build something that actually develops people
• Professional Development as Survival: In a knowledge-driven industry facing massive talent shortages, making professional development mandatory isn't nice-to-have - it's competitive necessity
• The Human Factor Changes Everything: Technical excellence attracts talent, but human connection and purpose-driven work retains it
The conversation reveals why traditional talent strategies are failing and offers a roadmap for organizations ready to invest in sustainable workforce development. The choice is simple: evolve your people strategy now, or spend the next decade scrambling to keep the lights on.
Connect with Our Guests
Connect with Dr. Tracy Brown:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/drtcbrown/
Connect with Lisa Stevens:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-stevens-phr-2a581a29/
Apply to be a Guest or Sponsor and follow along:
https://beyondthemegawatt.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-the-megawatt-podcast
Connect with Mara:
https://www.marajadeconsulting.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/datacenterchic/
Connect with Val:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-crafton-mba-0362b816/
What happens when you put three sustainability leaders in one room and ask them to call BS on industry practices? You get the most honest conversation about data center sustainability we've had yet.
Karen Cooper (DLR Group), Jenna Middaugh (Green Building Initiative), and Patricia Leyva (Equinix) didn't hold back. From fear-based pricing to parallel study failures, this episode tackles why sustainability initiatives keep getting blamed for project problems—and what to do about it.
Key Insights From This Episode:
• Sustainability should be code-required, not optional — No one argues about fire safety compliance because lives depend on it. Planetary resources deserve the same treatment.
• The "green premium" is often a fear premium — Unfamiliar methods get risk contingencies baked into bids. In markets where sustainable construction is normal, it's competitively priced.
• We're tracking the wrong data — Most projects blame sustainability for delays without running parallel estimates of what traditional methods would have cost under identical conditions.
• Culture beats checklists — Sustainable practices succeed when teams embrace efficiency optimization, not when they're forced to check environmental boxes.
• Small steps create big momentum — Perfect sustainability isn't the goal. Continuous improvement builds institutional knowledge and confidence across projects.
• Community pressure is making sustainability essential — Local governments are asking tough questions about water usage and energy consumption before approving new developments.
• The economics argument wins — When positioned as operational efficiency and resource optimization rather than environmental activism, sustainability finds broader support.
This conversation cuts through the corporate speak to address real challenges facing data center professionals who want to build better but need practical strategies that actually work.
Connect With Our Guests:
Karen Cooper - Architect, DLR Group
https://www.linkedin.com/in/krcoopdesigns/
Jenna Middaugh - COO, Green Building Initiative
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenna-middaugh-8a060137/
GBI's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/green-building-initiative/
Patricia Leyva - Sustainability Expert, Equinix
https://www.linkedin.com/in/paleyva
Apply to be a Guest or Sponsor and follow along:
https://beyondthemegawatt.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-the-megawatt-podcast
Connect with Mara:
https://www.marajadeconsulting.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/datacenterchic/
Connect with Val:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-crafton-mba-0362b816/
Leadership in mission-critical industries isn't broken—it's being measured all wrong. This conversation with executive coach Lori Severson and leadership expert Andrea Janzen exposes the invisible barriers keeping transformational leaders stuck and offers a bold roadmap for change.
Key Revelations:
• Why women's leadership journey feels like "dying by a thousand cuts"—and how those small moments add up to systemic exclusion
• The missing metrics that keep our most effective leaders overlooked while rewarding outdated transactional behaviors
• How to handle "you're too aggressive" criticism in real-time without losing your authentic leadership style
• The authenticity antidote that turns perceived weaknesses into competitive advantages
• What leadership redesign looks like when you measure inspiration instead of intimidation
• The double bind that traps women between "too nice" and "too bossy"—and how to escape it
• Why younger professionals are rejecting traditional leadership roles (hint: it's the same reason women hesitate)
This isn't about fixing women to fit broken systems. It's about building leadership cultures that recognize and reward the skills our complex industry actually needs.
Guest Information:
Lori Severson - Executive coach and author with 20+ years in Fortune 500 leadership roles. Now focused on helping women rise through strategic coaching and consulting.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/loriseverson1/
Andrea Janzen - Founder of Ambition Theory, a leadership development company specializing in transformational leadership for construction and engineering professionals.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/
Apply to be a Guest or Sponsor and follow along:
https://beyondthemegawatt.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-the-megawatt-podcast
Connect with Mara:
https://www.marajadeconsulting.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/datacenterchic/
Connect with Val:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-crafton-mba-0362b816/