Nomad Futurist

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Aug 2026

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The nomads put a new spin on the tech genre by shining a light not only on technology but also on the human side of the digital age. Tune in if you find yourself thinking about how to integrate into the digital landscape and be a part of the evolving industry. For over two decades, Phil and Nabeel have provided a powerful catalyst for organizations to create a vision of the future and the will to innovate. As futurists, they deliver a dynamic and entertaining vision of change, blending technology, economics, demographics, culture, and human nature. With real business experience and a deep understanding of technology, the two nomads know the difference between science fiction and useful forecasting. Rather than focusing on the distant future, they devote themselves to scanning the horizon for emerging technologies and disruptive shifts in human behavior, thereby sharing a compelling vision of tomorrow’s opportunities.

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August 17, 202650 min

AI Is Driving the Boom. Bill Winsininski Says People Will Shape What Comes Next

In the latest episode of the Nomad Futurist Podcast , co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence sit down with Bill Winsininski for a conversation that goes well beyond data center capacity, AI demand, and the rapid growth of digital infrastructure. Bill’s path into the industry is anything but conventional. From his early years as a Navy search-and-rescue diver and English literature student at Berkeley to leadership roles spanning sales, consulting, AFCOM Chicago, and digital infrastructure, his career has shaped a lasting belief: the infrastructure may be physical, but the industry is fundamentally built on people. “It has everything to do with the people. A hundred percent. And solving problems creatively with those people.” That philosophy has guided Bill throughout his career. He reflects on understanding the perspectives of operations teams, facilities professionals, end users, and customers. Not simply to close a deal, but to build the trust that makes long-term partnerships possible. Even a single rack can represent the future of a customer’s business, making the work deeply personal. The conversation also explores one of the industry’s most pressing challenges: earning the trust of the communities where digital infrastructure is being built. As data centers become larger, more visible, and increasingly connected to the growth of AI, the industry is facing greater public scrutiny. Bill acknowledges that the sector has not always evolved quickly enough to explain its impact or engage communities meaningfully. “We didn’t evolve to this point gracefully. It happened. It dropped on our lap.” For Bill, building trust requires more than technical explanations or broad assurances. Communities want to understand how these projects support local contractors, create jobs, strengthen infrastructure and public services, and contribute to long-term economic development. Bill also shares an optimistic perspective on the next generation entering the industry. Through his work with AFCOM Chicago and its emerging-professional programs, he has seen firsthand the curiosity, confidence, and energy young professionals bring to the sector. His advice is simple: don’t wait until you feel ready. Go to the event. Introduce yourself. Take the difficult meeting. Ask the question. Get uncomfortable. And, most importantly, be willing to fail. “Don’t be afraid to fail. In your twenties, don’t be afraid to fail. Do it. Take those chances. Get uncomfortable.” Bill’s story is ultimately a reminder that the future of digital infrastructure will not be defined by technology alone. It will be shaped by the people who build it, the relationships they create, and the trust they earn along the way. Listen to the full episode of the Nomad Futurist Podcast for stories from the early days of colocation, reflections on leadership and mindfulness, insights on mentoring the next generation, and Bill’s perspective on building a more trusted, connected, and community-minded digital infrastructure industry. To learn more about Bill Winsininski, connected with him on LinkedIn .

August 3, 202652 min

The Moment Between Giving Up and Moving Forward: Cathal Quinn’s Story of Transformation

In a recent episode of the Nomad Futurist Podcast , hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence welcome Cathal Quinn , CEO of MOY Roof Waterproofing System Specialists, for a deeply personal and inspiring conversation about resilience, redemption, and the experiences that shape great leaders. Today, Cathal leads an industry-recognized business supporting critical infrastructure and data centers, but his journey to executive leadership was far from conventional. In a candid discussion, Cathal reflects on his early ambitions in athletics, the struggles that led him to the darkest point of his life, his battle with severe gambling addiction, and the long road of accountability, healing, and purpose that followed. Long before stepping into the business world, Cathal was a teenager driven by basketball. At just twelve years old, he was working illegal pub shifts to afford his basketball shoes, finding purpose and belonging on the court. Those early experiences shaped the values that continue to define his leadership today: accountability, resilience, teamwork, and the ability to move forward after failure. For Cathal, sports taught him an important lesson: mistakes are inevitable, but self-pity cannot be allowed to define the outcome: “When you make a mistake, don't you dare hang your head and feel sorry for yourself... There's no time for self-pity." However, Cathal’s journey also brought him to an incredibly difficult chapter. After reaching what he describes as rock bottom, he found himself standing at the edge of the Cliffs of Moher, contemplating ending his life. In that moment, it was not confrontation or judgment that changed his path, but compassion from an off-duty police officer who approached him with empathy and understanding. That encounter became a defining moment in Cathal’s life, reinforcing the power of human connection and the importance of meeting people where they are: “And that sentence that sticks with me to today... was probably the first time in my life that I remember an adult not being overly authoritative, and the words that I remember was, ‘You do not have to do this today.’” Following treatment and the support of a mentor who recognized his potential, Cathal began the difficult process of rebuilding his life. Years later, he returned to MOY — the company he had once left — and took on the responsibility of leading it forward. His story is not simply one of overcoming adversity, but of committing every day to becoming a better person, parent, and leader. Reflecting on his transformation, Cathal shares: “I am so proud of the person I am today. I'm so happy with who I am today... I'm doing everything in my power today to be the best version I can be of myself, and that's all I can truly do.” Cathal Quinn’s story is a powerful reminder that leadership is not defined by a perfect path, but by the courage to confront challenges, learn from the past, and continue moving forward. His journey demonstrates the impact of second chances, personal accountability, and the resilience required to create meaningful change. Connect with Cathal Quinn on LinkedIn to continue the conversation and learn more about his experiences, insights, and leadership journey.

July 20, 202644 min

AI Won’t Transform Organizations, People Will | Insights from Travis D. Hahler

Travis D. Hahler joins Nomad Futurist Podcast co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence for a conversation centered around growth, leadership, and the human side of transformation. With a background spanning psychology, neuroscience, business, and technology, Travis shares his perspective on why meaningful change requires more than new tools or strategies. It requires people to think differently, embrace uncertainty, and continue growing. Throughout the conversation, Travis reflects on how some of the biggest opportunities in his career came from moments that pushed him outside of his comfort zone. He believes that discomfort is often where growth begins, explaining that the decisions that feel the riskiest are often the ones that lead to the greatest personal and professional development: “If something is worth doing, it should scare you.” Travis also dives into the evolving role of artificial intelligence and why organizations need to look beyond the technology itself. While many companies focus on implementing AI tools, he emphasizes that true transformation happens when people are prepared for the mindset shift that comes with them: “Artificial intelligence is a very different implementation than I think most companies have ever really done because it is truly a mindset and belief shift of people.” Beyond technology, Travis discusses the importance of resilience, curiosity, and learning from rejection. He shares how approaching challenges with an open mindset has shaped his journey, viewing setbacks not as barriers but as opportunities to adapt and move forward: “I’m not someone who sees no as an end. I’m someone who sees no as an opportunity.” From embracing discomfort to leading through technological change, Travis highlights the importance of keeping people at the center of innovation. His message is clear: the future will be shaped not only by the technology we build, but by the leaders who understand how to guide people through change. To learn more about Travis D. Hahler, connect with him on LinkedIn .

July 6, 202644 min

No Playbook, No Precedent

The AI revolution may be fueled by chips, power, and data centers — but behind every billion-dollar development is a complex web of partnerships, risk, capital, and strategy. In this episode of the Nomad Futurist Podcast , co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence sit down with Kim McGrath , Partner at Kirkland & Ellis, whose work places her at the center of some of the most significant digital infrastructure transactions shaping the future of AI and the modern economy. From advising on the landmark take-private of CyrusOne to helping navigate today's unprecedented wave of AI-driven development, Kim has witnessed firsthand how data centers have evolved from a niche asset class into one of the most sought-after sectors in global infrastructure. One of Kim's most compelling observations is that despite the industry's rapid growth, many of today's challenges have no established playbook. "Let's keep an open mind and try to really focus in on, ‘What do we see are the risks and how can you solve for those?’ It's not the case that this is the way we've always done things. Almost everything in this sector is new." As developers race to meet the demands of AI, Kim discusses the staggering pace of growth, the confidence she continues to see from investors, and why the market still feels like it's only getting started: "Demand we're seeing just grow at light speed. It still almost feels like we're at early innings in these transactions.” The conversation also explores a fundamental shift occurring across the industry: success is no longer determined by any single company. Today's largest projects require unprecedented coordination among developers, hyperscalers, lenders, investors, technology providers, and local communities: "It is 100% a team sport in this arena. You really have to look at the asset through its full life cycle and try to solve as much as possible for that full life cycle. Everybody has got to be hyper-coordinated." Beyond the numbers, Kim offers a thoughtful perspective on the responsibility that comes with building digital infrastructure at scale. As data centers expand into new markets, she argues that community engagement and education must be treated as core components of development — not afterthoughts. "I think first and foremost, education. There's a lot of information out there that is misinformation. Really having a high-level focus on education and what's specifically going on at each site is important. Education is really the key." That message resonates deeply with the mission of the Nomad Futurist Foundation . As the industry continues to grow, closing the knowledge gap around digital infrastructure is more important than ever. Through education, awareness, and workforce development initiatives, the Foundation is helping students, communities, and future leaders better understand the critical role data centers play in powering our digital world. Tune in for a fascinating conversation on the evolution of digital infrastructure, the realities of building for the AI era, and why education, collaboration, and trust will be just as important as technology in shaping what comes next. To learn more about Kim McGrath, connect with her on LinkedIn .

June 22, 202657 min

A Marriage of Education, Community, and Digital Infrastructure

In this special episode of Nomad Futurist , co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence welcome Brittani Clarke Clayman and Jason Clayman — the first husband-and-wife duo to appear on the podcast. Together, they bring two complementary perspectives to one of the industry's most important challenges: preparing the next generation for the future of digital infrastructure while building stronger connections between technology and the communities it serves. Brittani, Director of Marketing and Sustainability at ESI Total Fuel Management, has become a passionate advocate for community engagement, workforce development, and helping people better understand the role digital infrastructure plays in their everyday lives. Jason, an educator and curriculum leader at Dobyns-Bennett High School, offers valuable insight into how students discover career opportunities, develop critical skills, and prepare for an increasingly digital future. Throughout the conversation, the pair explore the power of education, communication, and exposure, arguing that awareness must start early if the industry hopes to inspire future talent and address misconceptions about data centers and emerging technologies. For Brittani, meaningful engagement begins with making complex topics accessible: "I could speak at you, but if you're not understanding what I'm saying, then we're not communicating. I'm just throwing information at you." The discussion examines why the industry must move beyond simply sharing information and instead focus on listening, understanding concerns, and creating authentic connections with the communities where digital infrastructure is growing. Jason highlights the critical role educators play in introducing students to opportunities they may never otherwise encounter: "If we do start at the younger and earlier levels of education, just getting them comfortable with it and kind of understanding what it is, not only does it help them, but it helps their families." Together, they share practical ideas for how industry leaders, schools, and organizations like the Nomad Futurist Foundation — where they are both active members — can work together to expand awareness, create pathways into the industry, and help students see themselves in future technology careers. Throughout the episode, Brittani and Jason stress the importance of creating opportunities for future generations, arguing that industry leaders have a responsibility to listen to the students and communities they hope to serve: “I'm here because of you. We're here to serve you, so we need to know what it is that you need from us." Together, Brittani and Jason remind us that the future of digital infrastructure depends not only on innovation, but on education, engagement, and investing in the next generation. Connect with Brittani Clarke Clayman and Jason Clayman on LinkedIn to continue the conversation.

June 8, 202643 min

People, Partnerships, and Capital Driving the AI Revolution with Melissa Kalka

In this episode of the Nomad Futurist Podcast , co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence welcome Melissa Kalka , Partner at Kirkland & Ellis, for an insightful conversation exploring the intersection of digital infrastructure, finance, law, and artificial intelligence. From her unconventional career path to her front-row seat to some of the industry's most transformative transactions, Melissa shares valuable perspectives on what it takes to navigate one of the fastest-growing sectors in the world. Melissa reflects on her journey from commercial real estate banking during the 2008 financial crisis to becoming a trusted advisor on complex digital infrastructure investments. While many view law as rigid and procedural, Melissa reveals the creativity and problem-solving that drew her to the profession and continue to fuel her passion today: "I truly love what I do and I always have. The hours that I work and how much I pour into this — you have to be having fun, otherwise it's not worth it. On the M&A and private equity side, you really get to step into that advisor role and be creative and bounce ideas off of people." As the conversation unfolds, Melissa explains how the rapid rise of AI has transformed data centers from a niche asset class into critical infrastructure supporting the digital economy. She offers a behind-the-scenes look at how investors evaluate opportunities, what risks matter most, and why today's projects require unprecedented collaboration between legal, financial, operational, power, and regulatory experts. At the center of her work is helping clients understand and navigate risk in an environment where billions of dollars are being invested into assets that continue to evolve in real time: "My job first and foremost is to identify the risk, identify the leakage, and help my client understand that. If I understand what their priorities are, I can structure things however I need to. But understanding that timeline on a crisp level — from getting control of the land to permitting, power, financing, and technology — is incredibly important." Melissa also shares her perspective on artificial intelligence and how it is already reshaping the legal profession. Rather than replacing expertise, she sees AI as a powerful tool that can enhance efficiency, improve decision-making, and allow professionals to spend more time focusing on strategy and business outcomes. The discussion explores both the opportunities and responsibilities that come with adopting these technologies as the industry continues to evolve. Looking toward the future, Melissa remains energized by the pace of innovation and the opportunities emerging across the digital infrastructure landscape. From AI workloads and advanced chip technology to new financing models and evolving legal frameworks, she believes the industry is still in its early chapters: "It's an incredibly exciting place to be right now. I can't think of a more dynamic industry. I've worked on pharma, energy, and traditional infrastructure, and this is the most dynamic and exciting thing. I still feel like we're in the second inning of this, and there's still a lot of white space that we haven't even talked about." Whether you're interested in digital infrastructure, law, finance, technology, or leadership, this episode offers a compelling look at the people, partnerships, and innovation driving the future of our connected world. To learn more about Melissa Kalka, connect with her on LinkedIn .

May 25, 202655 min

The Uncomfortable Truth About Scaling Infrastructure in the AI Era With Oliver Jones

In this episode of the Nomad Futurist Podcast , co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence sit down with Oliver Jones , Managing Partner at Accelerated Infrastructure Capital Limited (AIC), for a conversation that spans entrepreneurship, resilience, and the evolution of digital infrastructure in the age of AI. From airports and facilities management to data centers and large-scale infrastructure investment, Jones reflects on a career built at the intersection of risk, timing, and reinvention. Jones recalls leaving a stable role at the British Airports Authority to start a facilities management business with limited capital and a clear drive to build something of his own. That decision set the tone for a career built on ownership — of risk, outcomes, and responsibility — through growth, setbacks, and shocks like the dot-com crash and 9/11: “You back yourself or you don’t. And if you don’t back yourself, you quit…” He expands on this mindset, emphasizing the importance of personal responsibility in leadership: “I don’t want managers in business, I want the owners… the people who are going to wake up in the middle of the night worrying about the business in a good way…” Across ventures and geographies, Jones returns to a consistent principle: execution always outweighs ambition on paper. Whether building early facilities management platforms or structuring complex global infrastructure investments, he underscores that success depends on operational discipline, contractual clarity, and a relentless focus on real-world performance: “It’s all very well building big, fancy, expensive, complicated stuff, but if it doesn’t work, it’s not worth it.” Looking ahead, Jones frames the current AI and digital infrastructure cycle as one of the most dynamic periods he has experienced. But he also warns that success in this next wave will depend less on prediction and more on adaptability: designing systems, capital structures, and facilities with flexibility built in from the start. “What you have to do is build in and invest in optionality…” His perspective brings the conversation full circle, grounded in the idea that across every cycle and shift, enduring success comes back to execution, accountability, and the discipline to build for what actually works in practice. Connect with Oliver Jones on LinkedIn to continue the conversation and explore his work in digital infrastructure and investment.

May 11, 202655 min

Peter Gross Explains the AI Infrastructure Boom and the Talent Gap Threatening It

Peter Gross has watched the data center industry transform from modest, one-megawatt builds serving financial institutions into the early stages of AI-driven, gigawatt-scale infrastructure reshaping the global digital landscape. In this conversation on the Nomad Futurist Podcast with co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence , he reflects on how quickly the landscape has shifted, and how unprepared parts of the industry may be for what comes next. Peter is direct about what worries him most: the workforce simply isn’t scaling at the pace of infrastructure demand. “One of the main concerns about the future of this industry is the fact that there are no real AI data centers in operations yet… we’re going to see this avalanche of giga data centers… and my concern is that we have a shortage of good commissioning agents today.” As systems grow more complex, the skill set required is also shifting. The boundaries between IT and facilities continue to blur, with technicians now expected to navigate high-voltage DC systems, advanced power distribution, and liquid cooling technologies directly within the server environment. After decades of relatively consistent design principles, Peter describes a moment of structural reinvention across the industry. “The architecture has not changed much since I started in this business… Now the whole thing has turned around, and the data center of the future will be fundamentally different… using solid-state transformers and multi-port devices that integrate multiple power sources regardless of voltage or frequency.” What is taking shape reflects a redesign of core systems rather than incremental upgrades, driven largely by the scale and intensity of AI workloads. The speed of AI-driven demand caught much of the industry off guard, even among long-time veterans. “The demand was flat for so long… this whole AI thing came out of nowhere… a company in gaming suddenly discovered its GPUs could be used for something much more useful. It happened extremely fast.” That acceleration has placed new strain on infrastructure planning, particularly around power delivery. Peter highlights transmission and distribution as the most immediate constraint, as grids struggle to keep pace with where power is needed and when. Peter’s perspective captures an industry in transition, where infrastructure, technology, and workforce development are all being reshaped at once. His experience underscores a clear reality: the pace of change is being driven by AI, while the ability to support that change depends on how quickly the industry can adapt its systems and develop its people alongside them. To to learn more about Peter Gross, connect with him on LinkedIn .

April 27, 202651 min

Adam Lewis on the AI Gold Rush & the Infrastructure Powering It

Adam Lewis , Managing Director at Citizens M&A Advisory, joins the Nomad Futurist podcast with co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Philip Koblence for a conversation that pulls back the curtain on how telecom, capital markets, and digital infrastructure are colliding in the age of AI — and what it really takes to keep up. What sets Adam apart is how he learned the business: not just behind a desk, but on the ground. Early in his career, he went beyond financial models and into the environments where networks actually live: carrier hotels, central offices, and the physical backbone of the internet. That decision to pair finance with firsthand operational insight gave him an edge that continues to define his work today, a mindset that still shapes how he advises in an increasingly complex industry: “I really wanted to understand the business, not just from a finance lens, but from an operational perspective.” That complexity has only intensified with the rise of AI. Adam reflects on just how dramatically the landscape has shifted, from modest 5 MW deployments to massive, multi-hundred-megawatt campuses pushing toward gigawatt scale. But this isn’t just growth for growth’s sake. He frames it as a fundamental response to AI’s demands: more compute, denser chips, and entirely new levels of infrastructure. At the same time, he brings a grounded perspective, reminding us that real-world constraints like power and supply chains will ultimately define how far and how fast this expansion can go: “I certainly didn’t anticipate AI, the scale of demand, the size of data centers, and how mainstream it’s become.” The conversation also gets personal, turning to careers and the human side of a rapidly evolving industry. Adam views AI as a powerful tool, but only in the hands of people willing to learn, adapt, and stay curious. And while technology will continue to change how we work, his advice cuts through the noise: fulfillment still matters. “Do what you like… it really sucks to wake up every morning and hate your job.” This episode is a candid look at an industry in motion told through the lens of someone who has seen it from every angle. If you’re trying to understand where digital infrastructure is heading, how AI is reshaping the landscape, or what it takes to build a meaningful career within it, this is a conversation worth tuning into. To learn more about Adam Lewis, connect with him on LinkedIn .

April 13, 202658 min

The Secret Life of Data Centers with Joe Kava

In the latest Nomad Futurist episode, co‑hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Philip Koblence welcome Joe Kava , former VP of Data Centers at Google, about the hidden engines powering our digital world. Joe takes listeners from his early dreams of becoming a fighter pilot to leading one of the most advanced digital infrastructure platforms on the planet, sharing insights on technology, leadership, and the real-world impact of data centers. He calls data centers the “ unseen backbone of daily life ,” comparing our use of the internet to flipping a light switch without thinking about the power grid behind it. From video calls and online shopping to texting about golf, Joe points out: “Almost everything we do in our daily lives today happens through and because of data center infrastructure… People really misunderstand how much data centers are part of our lives.” Joe explains how controlling the entire technology stack — servers, cooling, networks, storage, and software — unlocked unprecedented efficiency at Google. Equally important was a culture that embraces mistakes, uses them to teach thousands of engineers, and drives innovation rather than hiding failure: “When you optimize every step of the vertical stack as one integrated system, the efficiency and cost savings are incredible.” He also encourages young people to see digital infrastructure as a long-term, 40-year career with stability, challenge, and the chance to shape an AI-driven future. Thoughtfully built data centers, he adds, can revitalize local communities, fund schools, and open doors for students who might otherwise never encounter technology: “You can build a career, support your family, and be part of something that actually changes the world.” Joe’s story reminds us that data centers are more than machines; they’re engines of opportunity, innovation, and community transformation. From powering our everyday lives to shaping long-term careers and uplifting local neighborhoods, the work behind the walls of these facilities touches millions in ways we rarely see. To learn more about Joe Kava and the power of data centers, connect with him on LinkedIn .