The QTS Experience

AI isn’t coming for your job—but it might take the boring parts! Carrie Goetz joins David McCall to talk about mentorship, career opportunities in tech, and how to make AI work for us (instead of the other way around). Plus, why data centers are the best-kept secret in the job market and how one simple trick can clean up your social media feed.

Guest Links:

Carrie Goetz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carriegoetz/ 

Company We...

How do we transform conflict into peace? Dr. Paul Root Wolpe returns to discuss his mission to make Atlanta a global hub for conflict resolution. Can AI help in this process? Maybe—but should we trust it blindly? Probably not. This episode unpacks the balance between technology and human connection. Plus, Dave investigates Dr. Wolpe’s suspiciously youthful appearance.

• Dr. Paul Root Wolpe’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in...

David McCall, Christine King, and Chris Lohse dive into nuclear power’s pivotal role in meeting rising energy demand and decarbonization goals. They explore AI-driven challenges, grid reliability, SMRs, microreactors, energy justice, and policy hurdles. Spoiler: even gummy bears find their way into this electrifying discussion on resilience and innovation.

Christine King: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-king-engineer/ Chris...

Greg Stover, Vertiv’s Global Director of High Tech Development, takes us on a wild ride from IBM laser printers to AI-driven liquid cooling solutions. Learn how data centers are saving humanity, embracing renewables, and battling 43kW racks—one kilowatt at a time.

Greg Stover: LinkedIn

Vertiv: https://www.vertiv.com/en-emea/

External References Supercomputing 2024 Conference (SC24): Highlights emerging liquid cooling technologies. ...

James Walker, nuclear physicist, engineer, and proud salmon fisherman-accent holder, dives deep into the future of nuclear energy with me on this episode of the QTS Experience. From debunking safety myths and exploring microreactor innovation to tackling the energy sovereignty puzzle, James shares why nuclear is poised to power our data centers, remote islands, and even military bases. We discuss the practicality of modular designs...

Bloom Energy’s Jeff Barber joins me to discuss why reliable, sustainable, and innovative power generation is the key to the future of data centers. From his days as a mainframe operator at Chico State to leading the charge with hydrogen fuel cells, Jeff shares his insights into the evolving energy landscape. We tackle the challenges of scaling AI workloads, oscillating power demands, and why your Netflix stream isn’t the only thing...

Adam Black joins me to talk leadership, construction, and the complex world of critical infrastructure. From his early days as a fresh Georgia Tech grad to leading multi-million dollar data center projects, Adam shares how his journey shaped his philosophy: leadership is service to others. We discuss why failures are often the best teachers, how to identify potential leaders (hint: it involves risk and some humility), and the impor...

Peter Gross, a pioneer in the data center industry, joins me to discuss the seismic shifts reshaping critical infrastructure. From AI-driven innovation to the challenges of power shortages and the rise of Data Center Campuses, Peter delivers a masterclass on why this industry is experiencing explosive growth—and why it’s never been more exciting (or complicated). We explore everything from high-density racks and flexible designs to...

Scott Bergs joins the QTS Experience to demystify the world of dark fiber and communications infrastructure. Scott is CEO of Dark Fiber and Infrastructure (DF&I), a private builder, owner, operator of secure dark fiber and conduit infrastructure. From Midwest hog farms to the race for data, Scott shares insights on the urgent need for scalable power, connectivity, and the evolving architecture that underpins AI and machine lear...

In this episode, I sit down with Ciaran Flanagan, VP & Global Head of Data Center Solutions & Services at Siemens, to discuss the future of data centers amidst the challenges of the "Energy Trilemma"—balancing cost, reliability, and decarbonization. Ciaran shares his insights into how Siemens leverages digital twins to enhance data center design, real-time operations, and risk management. We explore the heightened energy de...

Buddy Rizer: LinkedIn

Loudon County Economic Development Authority

Buddy Rizer is the Executive Director of the Loudoun County Department of Economic Development, the 2021 Economic Development Organization of the Year. During his tenure, Rizer and his team have attracted more than $50 billion in new commercial investment and more than 50 thousand new jobs. During this time, the growth in the commercial base has help lower the tax r...

In this episode, I sit down with Bill Kleyman, CEO of Apolo, to discuss the rapid evolution of the data center industry and the impact of AI on design and operations. We explore how AI-driven platforms are changing the game with higher-density racks, liquid cooling, and managed services for enterprise customers. Bill shares insights on the market's "micro shifts," why bravery is essential in this fast-paced era, and how Apolo is en...

In this episode of The QTS Experience, David McCall is joined by Jon Trout, CEO of Chekhub and an expert in data center operations and workflow. They delve into the transformative potential of AI for workforce enablement, exploring how AI can be used to build efficient processes and procedures, convert raw data into actionable insights, and ultimately enhance operational efficiency. Jon also shares his insights on the importance of...

In this episode of The QTS Experience, David McCall sits down with Mark Gusakov, Chief Certification Officer at the International Data Center Authority (IDCA), to discuss the challenges and opportunities in attracting and retaining talent in the data center industry. They explore Mark’s journey, the importance of mental health and wellness in the workplace, and how storytelling and community-building play vital roles in the industr...

Bridging the Gap: This week Brian Jabeck joins me to discuss the critical energy challenges facing data centers and the power grid. They explore the transition from traditional energy to nuclear, the 500-hour peak load dilemma, onsite power generation, and whether too much technology poses risks. They also discuss the future of legacy data centers, the importance of community, and how workforce enablement will play a vital role in ...

Datacenter Hawk on Data Centers: Lately, most conversations about Data Center construction have centered around AI Data Centers.  David Liggitt, CEO of Datacenter Haw, says Enterprise and traditional Hyperscale growth is tremendous too. David joins me this week to discuss this and other key topics public utility growth and investment, emerging data center market expansion, and the growing discussion of self-generated energy. Join u...

Powering the AI Industrial Revolution: Geoff Bland, an industry veteran from Lifecycle Power, shares his unique insights on the evolving energy landscape, from navigating the turbulent waters of investment and regulation to harnessing AI's potential. We'll explore the challenges and opportunities in a world where Self Generation, dispatchable power, and microgrids are taking center stage. Don't miss this enlightening conversation o...