Inside the Rapid Rise of Data Centers with Pat Lynch

In this episode, James talks with Pat Lynch, Executive Managing Director and Global Head of Data Center Solutions at CBRE. With 30+ years in digital infrastructure, Pat shares his journey from early fiber builds in the 90s to leading CBRE’s global data center strategy.

They discuss how CBRE’s data center business scaled from 3% to 10% of company revenue through strategic talent and investment, and how today's growth is shaped by shifting from “bringing power to the site” to “bringing the site to power.” Pat breaks down the unique power challenges developers face, the rise of behind-the-meter generation, and why delivery speed is everything in today’s market.

You’ll also hear insights on:

• AI’s impact on siting and infrastructure design
• The risk of stranded assets in power-constrained markets
• Navigating utility slowdowns and regulatory uncertainty
• Global growth opportunities and future talent needs in the sector

Whether you’re in energy, real estate, or tech, this episode delivers a front-row seat to the forces reshaping the future of data infrastructure.

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