Let's Get Digital with Carrie Charles

In this episode, Juho Sarvikas, CEO of Inseego, shares how his journey from product management at Nokia to leadership roles at HMD Global and Qualcomm shaped his vision for the future of wireless broadband. Juho explains why the industry is still underestimating the potential of fixed wireless access (FWA) and how Inseego's acquisition of Nokia's FWA business is transforming the company from a primarily U.S.-focused provider into a global connectivity leader.

Juho discusses how the acquisition more than doubles Inseego's size, expands its presence across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, and strengthens its...

In this episode, Chris Sharp, Chief Technology Officer of Digital Realty, shares his perspective on what it really takes to scale AI infrastructure beyond the hype. Drawing on more than two decades at the center of cloud, interconnection, and data center technology, Chris explains why today’s infrastructure challenge comes down to three critical elements: electrons, equipment, and expertise, and why time to power and time to market have become increasingly important.

Chris discusses the shift from AI training toward inference, where models move from being built to being continuously used to deliver real-world value. As AI en...

In this episode, Mike Maniscalco, CEO of QumulusAI, shares how his background as a computer scientist and software entrepreneur led him into AI infrastructure and ultimately to QumulusAI. Mike explains how the rapid advancement of AI, particularly reasoning models and agentic tools, made one thing increasingly clear: more capable AI requires more tokens, and more tokens require more compute infrastructure. That realization brought him back to the infrastructure layer powering the AI revolution.

Mike discusses QumulusAI’s differentiated approach to delivering GPU compute through a distributed, inference-first model built around “hyperspeed.” Rather than focusing exclusively on massive, multi...

In this episode, Mike Greenawalt, former CEO of Rosendin and founder of the Greenawalt Foundation, shares how his journey from electrical apprentice to leading one of the nation’s largest electrical contractors shaped his mission to create debt-free career pathways into the skilled trades. Mike explains why apprenticeships gave him an opportunity traditional education could not, and why America must rethink how it identifies, develops, and invests in the talent needed to build the future of AI and digital infrastructure.

Mike discusses the skilled labor crisis facing the data center industry as AI drives construction at unprecedented sp...

In this episode, Jessica Herrala, Vice President of North America at Buildots, shares how three decades in construction led her from some of the industry's largest contractors into the fast-moving world of construction technology. Jessica explains how Buildots is using AI-powered progress tracking to bring objective, real-time data to complex construction projects, helping contractors and data center developers replace guesswork with greater visibility, accountability, and confidence.

Jessica discusses how Buildots combines 3D models, project schedules, and site imagery to compare planned versus actual construction progress. By tracking activities and identifying potential delays earlier, the platform helps teams...

In this episode, Doug Recker, CEO of Duos Technologies Group, shares how a career that began in the U.S. Marine Corps and door-to-door telecom sales ultimately led him to building data centers and pioneering a modular approach to edge infrastructure. Drawing on nearly three decades of experience in telecom, fiber, and data centers, Doug explains how Duos Technologies is bringing GPU power and high-performance compute closer to customers in underserved Tier 3 and Tier 4 markets.

Doug discusses how Duos Edge is deploying modular data center clusters in communities where connectivity, available compute, and traditional data center capacity...

In this episode, Seth Arndorfer, CEO of DCN, shares how an unexpected career journey from agriculture and college rodeo to telecommunications led him to the forefront of one of the industry's most exciting growth opportunities. Drawing on nearly three decades of experience, Seth explains how DCN has evolved into a critical provider of fiber connectivity, supporting government agencies, enterprises, wireless carriers, and now hyperscale data center developments across North Dakota.

Seth discusses why North Dakota is emerging as an attractive destination for hyperscale infrastructure, pointing to the state's abundant energy resources, cool climate, underutilized power capacity, and...

In this episode, Ilissa Miller, Founder and CEO of iMiller Public Relations, shares how nearly three decades in digital infrastructure have given her a unique perspective on the evolution of data centers, connectivity, and the growing challenges surrounding AI-driven infrastructure development. Drawing on her experience as a communications strategist, industry advisor, and Chair of OIX's Digital Infrastructure Framework Committee, Ilissa explains why the future of digital infrastructure depends as much on trust, transparency, and community engagement as it does on technology.

Ilissa discusses the changing role of iMiller Public Relations, from shaping industry messaging and introducing new...

In this episode, David Pash, CEO of SiteSee, shares how his unconventional journey from engineering, construction, and commercial leadership led him into telecommunications with a mission to transform how wireless infrastructure is planned, managed, and monetized. As an investor turned CEO, David explains how SiteSee evolved from an early digital twin innovator into a telecom-focused software company helping tower owners and mobile network operators make faster, more confident infrastructure decisions through AI-powered digital twins.

David discusses the origins of SiteSee and how customer feedback shaped the company's evolution from an RF planning tool into a platform that...

In this episode, Joel Ogren, Founder and CEO of Assured Communications, shares the remarkable journey that took him from serving in the United States Marine Corps to leading a global communications infrastructure company focused on building resilient, mission-critical networks. Drawing on more than two decades of military leadership, including roles supporting the White House and the Department of Defense, Joel explains how his experience managing high-assurance communications systems shaped his approach to ensuring connectivity in some of the world’s most complex environments.

Joel discusses the evolution of Assured Communications from a small consulting practice into a gl...

In this episode, Christopher Lightfoot, Vice President of Future Infrastructure, shares a deeply personal and professional journey that has shaped his leadership philosophy and approach to building high-performing teams. From starting his career as a cell site technician and working through roles at AT&T, Mastec, Ericsson, Google Fiber, and private equity-backed ventures, Christopher offers a candid perspective on leadership, collaboration, and the future of digital infrastructure. A life-changing cancer diagnosis became a defining moment in his career, teaching him the value of teamwork, humility, and seeking diverse perspectives when solving complex challenges. 

At Future Infrastructure, Christopher i...

In this episode, Dan Leaf, Founder and CEO of GUGLI, shares how his journey from telecom integrator to technology innovator led him to build a platform focused on one critical mission: ensuring public safety communication systems work when lives depend on them. Drawing from decades of experience deploying wireless and critical communication infrastructure, Dan offers a compelling look at how technology, automation, and real-time visibility are transforming public safety systems and smarter infrastructure.

GUGLI was born from a major gap Dan identified while installing emergency communication systems across commercial properties: once deployed, these systems were often forgotten...

In this episode, Vincent Cioci, CEO of Luck Grove, shares how the company is scaling from a small fiber engineering firm into a rapidly growing infrastructure partner supporting fiber expansion, MDU deployments, and hyperscale data center growth. Drawing from his own journey—from field surveyor to CEO—Vincent offers a grounded and energetic perspective on what it takes to build infrastructure, teams, and culture in one of the fastest-growing sectors in digital infrastructure.

Luck Grove’s growth has been driven by a strong focus on execution, responsiveness, and building internal capabilities. Vincent explains how the company evolved from a...

In this episode, Jeff Uphues, CEO of DC BLOX, shares how the company is reshaping digital infrastructure in the Southeast through a focused, vertically integrated strategy built on data centers, fiber networks, and cable landing stations. With more than 35 years in the communications industry, Jeff offers a candid look at scaling DC BLOX from a $5 million startup into a multi-billion-dollar platform serving hyperscalers and enterprise customers. 

DC BLOX’s approach is rooted in deep regional focus, targeting underserved, high-growth markets and building strong local relationships while connecting globally. Jeff explains how the company evolved from smaller edge dep...

In this episode, Rich Berliner, Founder of the Connected Digital Infrastructure Association (CDIA), shares a forward-looking perspective on how the industry is evolving from siloed technologies into a fully integrated, “connected” digital infrastructure ecosystem. With more than 40 years in telecom and construction, Rich brings a unique lens on how the convergence of wireless, fiber, real estate, and AI is reshaping the future of connectivity.

CDIA was born from the evolution of the in-building wireless space into something much broader. Rich explains how enterprise customers—especially in real estate—no longer want fragmented solutions like DAS alone, but instead...

In this episode, Patrick Halley, President and CEO of the Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA), shares a comprehensive view of the evolving wireless infrastructure landscape—highlighting the critical intersection of policy, investment, and emerging technologies like AI that are shaping the future of connectivity. Drawing from his leadership at WIA, Patrick offers a front-row perspective on the companies building, owning, and operating the networks that power our increasingly digital world.

Today, WIA represents the full wireless ecosystem—from tower companies and carriers to OEMs and service providers—advocating for policies, education, and industry collaboration that enable continued growth. Patric...

In this episode, Steve Altizer, Founder and CEO of Compu Dynamics, shares how he has built a uniquely integrated data center services company—spanning design, construction, electrical, mechanical, and long-term maintenance—while continuously evolving to meet the demands of a rapidly changing digital infrastructure landscape. From his early days in construction to discovering data centers during the dot-com era, Steve offers a candid and entrepreneurial perspective on building a business through cycles of disruption and growth.

Today, Compu Dynamics operates as a full lifecycle partner in the data center ecosystem, delivering everything from initial design concepts to ongo...

In this episode, Suman Kanuganti, CEO of Personal AI, shares how he is redefining artificial intelligence by shifting the focus from generalized models to deeply personalized, human-centered intelligence. From founding Aira—an AI platform supporting the blind and low-vision community—to building Personal AI, Suman offers a unique perspective on creating technology that reflects individual memory, identity, and lived experience.

Today, Suman is leading Personal AI with a bold vision: enabling every individual to own and build their own AI—turning personal knowledge, communication, and relationships into a new form of digital asset. He explains how the compan...

In this episode, Bernard Borghei, Founder and CEO of Connected Infra Group, shares how he is building the next generation of wireless infrastructure platforms—drawing on more than three decades of experience across telecom, towers, and global network development. From his early days in analog cellular to helping scale industry leaders like Global Tower Partners and Vertical Bridge, Bernard offers a deeply personal and practical perspective on what it takes to build enduring infrastructure businesses.

Today, Bernard is leading Connected Infra Group with a bold vision backed by a $1 billion capital commitment, focused initially on tower acquisitions an...

In this episode, Raul Martynek, CEO of DataBank, shares how he has helped transform a six–data center platform into one of the largest and most geographically diverse data center operators in the United States. With three decades in digital infrastructure—spanning telecom, fiber, cloud, and now data centers—Raul offers a front-row perspective on how the industry has evolved from modest megawatt deployments to hyperscale campuses measured in gigawatts.

Today, DataBank operates the broadest geographic footprint of data centers in the U.S., serving more than 2,500 customers across enterprise, hyperscale, and emerging AI segments. Raul explains how th...

In this episode, Marcelo Cataldo, CEO of Digicel, shares the extraordinary story of how he led a sweeping turnaround across 25 countries—bringing new stability, focus, and innovation to the Caribbean’s largest mobile provider. From navigating hurricanes and economic uncertainty to investing in underserved communities and modernizing legacy systems, Marcelo’s journey reveals what it truly takes to lead a telecom transformation with people—and resilience—at the center.

Today’s guest, Marcelo Cataldo, joined Digicel in 2024 after a major restructuring and quickly repositioned the company for growth. Under his leadership, Digicel is expanding data access, investing in solar-pow...

In this episode, Robert Bye, Founder and President of Zenture Partners, unpacks why enterprise telecom remains stuck in a reactive, spreadsheet-driven world and how his company is using data, automation, and AI to change that. With a background spanning carrier networks, VARs, and global IT procurement, Robert shares how a surprising conversation with a major enterprise sparked the creation of Zenture and launched a platform built to modernize one of the most overlooked segments of IT.

Today’s guest, Robert Bye, leads Zenture Partners, a company focused on transforming telecom sourcing, inventory, and spend management through a re...

In this episode, David Bacino, CEO of Symphony Towers Operating Partner at Palistar Capital, shares a remarkable 40-year journey across the wireless ecosystem—from carrier-side operations to manufacturing, infrastructure ownership, and investment. His deep experience reveals how foundational towers and rooftops are to the wireless networks we use every day—and why they’re more valuable than ever in today’s hyper-connected world.

Today’s guest, David Bacino, leads Symphony Towers, a fast-growing portfolio of over 3,000 tower and rooftop assets backed by Palistar Capital. Positioned at the intersection of telecom and real estate, Symphony delivers turnkey infrastructure solutions...

In this episode, Jeremy Pease, CEO of Hivelocity, shares how a non-traditional path from teenage tech enthusiast to data center executive led him to the forefront of edge infrastructure innovation. From skipping college to coding at Microsoft and rising through IT leadership, Jeremy’s journey reveals the power of persistence, purpose, and people-first leadership in the fast-changing world of digital infrastructure.

Today’s guest, Jeremy Pease, leads Hivelocity—a global cloud, bare metal, and colocation provider with over 50 data centers across six continents. Hivelocity delivers low-latency, high-performance infrastructure to customers in gaming, streaming, AI, and crypto validation. Jeremy...

In this episode, Wes Cummins, Founder and CEO of Applied Digital, shares how a journey that began on a 200-person Idaho potato farm led to building some of the largest AI-optimized data center campuses in the world. From early days as a tech investor to pioneering high-density infrastructure in America’s rural heartland, Wes offers an inside look at the speed, scale, and conviction required to stay ahead in the AI era.

Today’s guest, Wes Cummins, leads Applied Digital—a company transforming small agricultural towns into next-generation digital infrastructure hubs. His path from semiconductor investing to deploy...

In this episode, Bruno Berti, Senior Vice President of Global Product Management at NTT Global Data Centers, shares how a career rooted in telecom and community-first values has evolved into leading global strategy for one of the world’s largest digital infrastructure providers. From his early days in Canadian telecom labs to shaping data center innovation at scale, Bruno offers a compelling look at how NTT blends global reach with local connection.

Today’s guest, Bruno Berti, is the SVP of Global Product Management at NTT Global Data Centers, one of the most expansive and community-driven data cent...

In this episode, Elya McCleave, Founder and CEO of Innovorg, shares her inspiring journey from frontline engineer to building one of the most forward-thinking workforce intelligence platforms in the digital infrastructure space. Drawing on 20 years of experience in cloud and data centers, Elya reveals how Innovorg is transforming how companies understand, develop, and empower their people.

Today’s guest, Elya McCleave, is the Founder and CEO of Innovorg, a workforce intelligence platform transforming how digital infrastructure companies manage skills, learning, and career growth.
Elya’s journey from operator to tech founder is one of vision, grit, and...

In this episode, Ron Mann, Vice President of Compu Dynamics Modular (CDM), traces his path from pioneering rack and infrastructure design at Compaq to leading innovation in modular data centers tailored for today’s AI-driven demands. With decades of experience in IT and data center evolution, Ron explains how CDM is reshaping infrastructure deployment through fully integrated, application-focused modular systems.

He shares how CDM’s factory-built approach minimizes cost and complexity while supporting high-density AI and inference workloads, particularly at the edge. Ron offers a sharp perspective on how power density shifts—especially post-AI surge—are pushing legacy d...

In this episode, Bryant Tam, Vice President of Hanwha Data Centers, shares his journey from building substations at Southern California Edison to developing next-generation energy campuses for one of the world’s fastest-growing data center companies. Drawing on his experience as a “Zoogler”, a former Google data center strategist, Bryant reveals how Hanwha is leveraging its global energy expertise in solar, hydrogen, and natural gas to deliver power-first, scalable infrastructure for AI and hyperscale demand.

He explains how Hanwha’s lean, entrepreneurial approach enables faster decision-making, powered by the backing of a global conglomerate with deep roots in energ...

In this episode, Shawn Cutter, Founder and CEO of EnergiAcres, shares how his company is tackling the data center energy crisis with a truly circular solution that sustains energy, food, and water simultaneously. Drawing from his roots as a sixth-generation Ohio farmer and his experience in technology and oil and gas, Shawn explains how EnergiAcres integrates combined heat and power (CHP) systems with controlled environment agriculture (CEA) to create a closed-loop ecosystem that powers AI infrastructure while growing local food.

He describes how waste heat and CO₂ from power generation are repurposed to fuel greenhouse production, turning tr...

In this episode, Alessandro Lombardi, Founder and Chairman of Elea Data Centers, shares how Brazil is emerging as a global hub for green AI infrastructure. He discusses the vision behind Rio AI City, a multibillion-dollar project powered 100% by renewable energy, developed in partnership with the city of Rio de Janeiro. From leveraging Brazil’s abundant hydro, wind, and solar capacity to creating “humanized” data centers that integrate with local communities, Alessandro reveals how Elea is redefining what sustainable digital infrastructure can look like. He also explores Brazil’s unique energy advantage, zero-water cooling systems, and the opportunity to build AI-ready...

In this episode, Jeff Mucci, Founder and CEO of Arden Media, shares the story behind acquiring RCR Wireless News and evolving it into RCR Tech, a broader platform covering telecom, enterprise networks, and AI infrastructure. From the early days of deregulation and broadband wireless to today’s trillion-dollar investments in data centers, Jeff highlights how technology shifts are reshaping media, research, and events. He also unpacks the opportunities and challenges AI brings to the workforce, urging leaders and professionals alike to lean in, reskill, and prepare for the next wave of digital transformation.

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In this episode, Jim Beighley, CEO of Citadel Pacific, and Jose Santiago, Senior Manager of Interconnection Strategy at the Guam Exchange, join Carrie Charles to spotlight Guam’s rising role in the global digital infrastructure ecosystem. Strategically positioned on U.S. soil in the heart of Asia-Pacific, Guam is becoming a vital low-latency interconnection point between major markets like Japan, Singapore, Australia, and the U.S. West Coast.

Jim and Jose share the vision behind the Guam Exchange, the island’s only open access, carrier-neutral Internet Exchange and data center. Designed to aggregate and route traffic from a ne...

In this episode, Philbert Shih, Founder and Managing Director of Structure Research, offers a deep dive into the evolving landscape of digital infrastructure through the lens of market intelligence and industry specialization. From launching his boutique firm in 2011 to supporting over $3 billion in M&A transactions, Phil shares insights into the macro trends reshaping the sector, including the rise of hyperscale cloud, the real-world impact of AI, and the mounting constraints of power, land, and regulatory hurdles. He also previews Structure Research’s annual Infrastructure Summit, emphasizing the 2025 theme of “Concurrence”, a reflection of the many concurrent forces redefining the in...

In this episode, Ivo Ivanov, CEO and Chairman of DE-CIX, shares how his company is building the next generation of Internet infrastructure — from peering evolution to space-based exchanges. Ivo unpacks how DE-CIX has grown from a three-ISP project in Frankfurt into a global interconnection leader spanning over 60 markets. He breaks down the case for peering in the AI era, the difference between training and inference infrastructure, and why latency is now the digital economy’s most critical currency. From distributed deep edge networks to space interconnection and fusion-powered future, Ivo paints a bold vision for a truly global, resilient, and...

In this episode, Gauri Potdar, Chief Commercial Officer of GPC Infrastructure, shares how her company is pioneering onsite natural gas power solutions for data centers — delivering scalable, efficient, and sustainable alternatives to traditional grid connections. Gauri explains how GPC assumes operational and commodity risk while providing turnkey solutions that integrate everything from gas supply to regulatory navigation. From accelerating speed to market to optimizing for emissions and redundancy, Gauri offers an insider’s look at what it means to design power infrastructure tailored for AI-era workloads and mission-critical reliability.

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In this episode, Scott Willis, CEO of DartPoints, shares his leadership journey through long-distance telecom, wireless, and now data centers — and how DartPoints is meeting enterprise demands in non-tier-one markets. Scott outlines the company’s strategic recapitalization and shift toward owned assets to support 10–40 megawatt workloads, filling a critical gap left by hyperscaler-focused players. From future-proofing infrastructure and piloting next-gen cooling solutions to solving workforce challenges and scaling a mission-driven culture, Scott offers a clear roadmap for building sustainable, AI-ready ecosystems in edge-aligned environments.

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In this episode, Chris Sharp, Chief Technology Officer at Digital Realty, explores the evolving role of data centers in the age of AI and digital transformation. From demystifying inference vs. training workloads to outlining the future of colocation, Chris shares how Digital Realty is building modular, high-density infrastructure to meet soaring AI and cloud demands. He also dives into sustainability, nuclear and renewable energy strategies, and the concept of “Bragawatts” vs. real power delivery. Packed with strategic insights and bold predictions, Chris delivers a clear vision for how digital infrastructure must evolve to support private AI, data gravity, and the...

In this episode, Mike Underdown, Founder and CEO of Crosstown Fiber, shares his remarkable journey through the telecom industry — from pioneering CLECs to founding one of Chicago’s most unique underground fiber infrastructure companies. Mike discusses how Crosstown Fiber is building diverse, high-capacity fiber routes critical to data center interconnection and why planning and engineering are key to avoiding costly connectivity issues. He also opens up about surviving stage four cancer and how that experience shaped his company’s values, leadership style, and culture of doing the right thing — because it’s right.

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In this episode, Andrés Irlando, President and COO of Zayo Group, unpacks the transformative impact of Zayo’s acquisition of Crown Castle’s fiber assets and what it means for the future of digital infrastructure. From expanding Zayo’s metro reach and boosting AI corridor connectivity to bridging the digital divide and enabling edge computing, Andres outlines how this bold move positions Zayo at the forefront of the fiber revolution. He also shares insights on AI compute hubs, public-private partnerships, and the company’s entrepreneurial culture that continues to drive innovation at scale. 

Zayo provides bandwidth to the wor...