The Route to Networking

Hosted by Hamilton Barnes

Technology

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Episodes

258

Latest episode

May 2026

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EN-GB

About the show

The Route to Networking Podcast offers listeners the opportunity to learn from some of the biggest names in the Networking space. The podcast delves into understanding anything from new and emerging technologies on the rise, to career advice to those in the Networking Industry. Brand new episodes are released every Thursday!

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60 recent

May 27, 2026Episode 17549 min

E175 - Tony Rossabi at Ocolo

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The Route to Networking, Jamie Maher is joined by Tony Rossabi, Co-Founder of Ocolo and a long-time leader across telecoms, fiber, and digital infrastructure. With more than two decades of experience across Voice over IP, connectivity, and data centers, Tony shares his perspective on how the industry has evolved from the early telecom boom to today’s AI-driven infrastructure race. The conversation explores the rapid growth of hyperscale data centers, the increasing pressure on power and capacity, and why speed-to-market has become a major priority across the industry. Tony also reflects on his unconventional path into telecoms, how his career evolved alongside the infrastructure itself, and why resilience, adaptability, and initiative are essential for long-term success in digital infrastructure. Along the way, the episode dives into the growing talent shortage across data centers, leadership lessons from years in executive and board-level roles, and what the future of AI infrastructure could look like as demand continues to accelerate. The episode closes with a quick-fire round focused on leadership, career development, AI infrastructure, and the skills the next generation of professionals should focus on most.🔗 Connect with Tony on LinkedIn hereWant to stay up to date with new episodes? Follow our LinkedIn page for all the latest podcast updates!Head to: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-route-to-networking-podcast/Interested in following a similar career path? Why don’t you take a look at our jobs page, where you can find your next job opportunity? Head to: www.hamilton-barnes.com/jobs/

May 13, 2026Episode 17434 min

E174 - Andrej Danis and Kanishk Raghuvanshi at AlixPartners

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The Route to Networking, Jack Rafferty is joined by Andrej Danis, Partner & Managing Director at AlixPartners, and Kanishk Raghuvanshi, a Director within Andrej’s team focused on digital infrastructure strategy, transformation and M&A.Together, they explore how the digital infrastructure market is shifting from a period of hypergrowth into a new phase centred around profitability, operational efficiency and consolidation. Drawing on backgrounds across telecom, investment banking and consulting, Andrej and Kanishk share their perspectives on how investment priorities are changing and why execution is becoming more important than scale alone.The conversation covers the growing pressures surrounding AI infrastructure, from power availability and connectivity challenges to the increasing complexity of data center and fiber deployments. They also discuss why consolidation across the fiber market is accelerating, how operators are adapting to tougher economics and what investors are now looking for in digital infrastructure businesses.Along the way, Andrej and Kanishk break down the realities of large-scale transformation projects, the importance of operational strategy and why many companies are having to rethink business models built for a very different market environment. They also share thoughts on the future of edge infrastructure, convergence across fiber, wireless and satellite technologies, and the role AI could play in reshaping organizations internally.The episode closes with a quick-fire round focused on career development, curiosity and the importance of building both depth and adaptability within the industry.🔗 Connect with Andrej Danis on LinkedIn here.🔗 Connect with Kanishk Raghuvanshi on LinkedIn here.Want to stay up to date with new episodes? Follow our LinkedIn page for all the latest podcast updates!Head to: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-route-to-networking-podcast/Interested in following a similar career path? Why don’t you take a look at our jobs page, where you can find your next job opportunity? Head to: www.hamilton-barnes.com/jobs/

April 15, 2026Episode 17345 min

E173 - Obinna Isiadinso at The International Finance Corporation

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The Route to Networking, Charlie Cassie is joined by Obinna Isiadinso, Global Sector Lead for Data Center Investments at the International Finance Corporation, part of the World Bank Group. With a background in investment banking and private equity, Obinna shares how his career has evolved alongside the rapid growth of digital infrastructure.They explore the investment decisions that sit behind global data center development, including how projects are funded, where they get built and why certain markets attract more attention than others. Obinna also reflects on how data centers have shifted from being seen as optional infrastructure to a critical part of modern life, particularly following the surge in demand during COVID.Along the way, Obinna breaks down the differences between developed and emerging markets, from fibre investment to mobile-first connectivity, and explains what investors look for before backing a data center project. He also shares insight into the growing role of sustainability, the challenges around power availability and how AI is driving larger, more complex builds across the industry.He highlights key regions to watch, including Asia, Latin America and the Middle East, and discusses how global investment is evolving as demand for cloud and AI infrastructure continues to rise. Obinna also touches on the widening talent gap and the opportunities this creates for those looking to build a career in the space.🔗 Connect with Obinna on LinkedIn here.Want to stay up to date with new episodes? Follow our LinkedIn page for all the latest podcast updates!Head to: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-route-to-networking-podcast/Interested in following a similar career path? Why don’t you take a look at our jobs page, where you can find your next job opportunity? Head to: www.hamilton-barnes.com/jobs/

March 25, 2026Episode 17246 min

E172 - Gary Cudmore at Rowan Digital Infrastructure

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The Route to Networking, Jack Rafferty is joined by Gary Cudmore, Senior Vice President at Rowan Digital Infrastructure. With over four decades of experience, Gary shares his journey through the evolution of data centres, from early mainframe computer rooms to today’s hyperscale, AI-driven infrastructure.They explore how the industry has transformed over time, including the challenges of early builds, the importance of designing systems with operators in mind, and the moment that shaped Gary’s approach to infrastructure delivery. Gary also breaks down the realities of scaling modern data centres, from power constraints and long-lead equipment to the growing impact of AI on energy demand.Along the way, Gary discusses the return of nuclear energy in the conversation, the rise of “digital cities,” and why community engagement is becoming critical to successful projects. He also highlights the growing talent gap across the industry and the opportunities this creates for the next generation entering the space.🔗 Connect with Gary on LinkedIn here.Want to stay up to date with new episodes? Follow our LinkedIn page for all the latest podcast updates!Head to: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-route-to-networking-podcast/Interested in following a similar career path? Why don’t you take a look at our jobs page, where you can find your next job opportunity? Head to: www.hamilton-barnes.com/jobs/

March 18, 2026Episode 1711 hr 3 min

E171 - Nathaniel Harman at OceanBit

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The Route to Networking, George Copley is joined by Nathaniel Harman, Co-Founder and CEO of Ocean Bit. Nathaniel shares his journey from oceanography research to building offshore energy infrastructure designed to power the next generation of high-performance computing and AI data centres.They discuss the fundamentals of ocean thermal energy, how early experiments with machine learning and Bitcoin mining led to a new way of thinking about energy and compute, and why pairing infrastructure with energy sources could reshape the future of digital infrastructure. Nathaniel also explains the limitations of traditional energy systems, the role of offshore data centres, and how natural ocean cooling could unlock more efficient computing at scale.Along the way, Nathaniel reflects on the commercial challenges of ocean energy, the growing pressure AI is placing on global power systems, and why island nations could benefit most from this technology. He also shares his long-term vision for the ocean as a hub for energy, connectivity, and compute.🔗 Connect with Nathaniel on LinkedIn here.Want to stay up to date with new episodes? Follow our LinkedIn page for all the latest podcast updates!Head to: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-route-to-networking-podcast/Interested in following a similar career path? Why don’t you take a look at our jobs page, where you can find your next job opportunity? Head to: www.hamilton-barnes.com/jobs/

March 11, 2026Episode 17031 min

E170 - Bill Severn at 1623 Farnam

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The Route to Networking, Jack Rafferty is joined by Bill Severn, President and CEO of 1623 Farnam. Bill shares how he went from commission-only door-to-door sales to leading one of the most strategically connected carrier-neutral interconnection hubs in the United States.They discuss the evolution of telecom from the analog era to today’s AI-driven infrastructure landscape, the concept of data gravity, and why interconnection is becoming one of the most important layers of the digital infrastructure stack. Bill also explains why networks may be at risk of being underbuilt as demand accelerates and how facilities like 1623 Farnam are positioning for the next phase of AI and edge connectivity.Along the way, Bill reflects on lessons from his career, including resilience, learning the full system from the ground up, and why playing the long game is still one of the most valuable strategies in networking.🔗 Connect with Bill on LinkedIn here.Want to stay up to date with new episodes? Follow our LinkedIn page for all the latest podcast updates!Head to: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-route-to-networking-podcast/Interested in following a similar career path? Why don’t you take a look at our jobs page, where you can find your next job opportunity? Head to: www.hamilton-barnes.com/jobs/

March 4, 2026Episode 16953 min

E169 - Tony Vrushaj - Data Centre Technician

Send us Fan MailThis week on The Route to Networking podcast, Jamie Maher is joined by Tony Vrushaj, Data Centre Team Leader at IBM, to explore how data centres have shifted from background infrastructure to strategic assets powering AI, cloud, and national ambition.Tony shares his non-linear journey into the industry, from fixing tractors as a child to building data centres in the UK during a period of rapid expansion. His path was shaped by curiosity, certifications such as CCNA and CompTIA, and a willingness to focus intensely on long-term goals rather than short-term comfort. As his career progressed, technical depth became only part of the equation. Mindset, communication, and leadership proved just as critical.The conversation dives into how AI has transformed the data centre landscape. Higher-density racks, GPU-driven environments, and increased revenue per square metre have changed both the financial stakes and the operational risk. What was once a low-cost mistake can now carry seven-figure consequences. Teams are becoming smaller and more cross-functional, with greater emphasis on engineers who can move between hardware, customers, and executive conversations.Energy emerges as the hidden constraint behind AI growth. Tony explains why power availability, cooling, and grid capacity are now strategic considerations, influencing where facilities are built and how governments think about AI sovereignty. This is no longer just a software race. It is an infrastructure and energy race.Looking ahead, Tony offers a bold prediction for the future of data centres: space. With rising energy demands and cooling challenges on Earth, orbital infrastructure may move from theory to experimentation faster than many expect.The episode closes with a quick-fire round covering underrated skills, the difference between certifications and degrees, and the trait that defines great engineers - comfort with uncertainty.Want to stay up to date with new episodes? Follow our LinkedIn page for all the latest podcast updates!Head to: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-route-to-networking-podcast/Interested in following a similar career path? Why don’t you take a look at our jobs page, where you can find your next job opportunity? Head to: www.hamilton-barnes.com/jobs/

February 18, 2026Episode 16848 min

E168 - Joe Limardo - Lead AI & Cloud Architect Evangelist

Send us Fan MailThis week on The Route to Networking podcast, our CEO George is joined by Joe Limardo, an AI and Cloud Architect Evangelist whose career has evolved from enterprise contact centre technology into hands-on AI implementation across OpenAI, AWS and Google.As AI dominates headlines, this episode cuts through the noise. Joe shares what the shift actually means for engineers, reflecting on how quickly once “hot” skills can become legacy and why continuous learning is no longer optional.The conversation explores the real breakthrough behind modern AI - access to reasoning, not just information. Large Language Models are changing how engineers build, solve problems, and accelerate their own learning, while businesses use AI to remove repetitive work and unlock higher-value thinking.They also discuss the growing infrastructure demands behind AI, the move from pure coding to architecture, and the three skills Joe believes future-proof careers: APIs, Python, and storytelling.The episode closes with a quick-fire round covering model preferences, common misconceptions, and the one advantage AI still cannot replace - human judgement under uncertainty.Want to stay up to date with new episodes? Follow our LinkedIn page for all the latest podcast updates!Head to: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-route-to-networking-podcast/Interested in following a similar career path? Why don’t you take a look at our jobs page, where you can find your next job opportunity? Head to: www.hamilton-barnes.com/jobs/

February 11, 2026Episode 16744 min

E167- Paul Chu - AI Software Engineer

Send us Fan MailThis week on The Route to Networking podcast, Antonio is joined by Paul Chu, an AI software engineer and Master’s student at ENS Paris-Saclay, whose journey has taken him from France’s competitive engineering system to research labs at Stanford and the heart of the Bay Area tech ecosystem.At a time when AI is moving faster than ever, it’s refreshing to hear from someone breaking into the industry right now. Paul offers a real-time perspective on what it actually takes to get started, stand out, and build momentum in such a competitive space.From securing a $15,000 research grant to auditing lectures from Andrew Ng, Paul shares how he positioned himself without a traditional research background and why curiosity and adaptability mattered more than credentials.He reflects on winning his first major hackathon in San Francisco, joining robotics projects outside his comfort zone, and how high-pressure environments accelerated both his technical ability and confidence. The conversation also explores the differences between the Paris and San Francisco tech scenes, networking as an introvert, documenting his journey on YouTube, and why AI should be seen as an enabler rather than a shortcut.The episode concludes with a quick-fire round covering large language models, career-defining moments, stepping into uncomfortable rooms, and the mindset required to grow in the AI frontier.🔗 Connect with Paul on LinkedIn here. 🎥 Find Paul on YouTube here Want to stay up to date with new episodes? Follow our LinkedIn page for all the latest podcast updates!Head to: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-route-to-networking-podcast/Interested in following a similar career path? Why don’t you take a look at our jobs page, where you can find your next job opportunity? Head to: www.hamilton-barnes.com/jobs/

February 4, 2026Episode 1661 hr 16 min

E166 - Chimezie Onwuka - Data Centre Specialist

Send us Fan MailThis week on The Route to Networking podcast, Tom Jones is joined by Chimezie Onwuka, an Uptime-certified data centre specialist with nearly a decade of experience across managed services, telecoms and fintech. From studying physics to operating live facilities, Chimezie shares how he built his career inside mission-critical environments and why data centres underpin the digital economy.He explains what resilience really means in practice, from Tier certifications and redundancy to the operational discipline required on the data centre floor. The conversation also explores accessibility into the industry, the value of hands-on learning, and why engineers must understand what sits on top of the facility, not just the physical layer.The episode concludes with a quick-fire round covering AI-driven power demands, cooling challenges, sustainability, and the mindset needed to thrive as infrastructure scales.🔗 Connect with Chimezie on LinkedIn here.Want to stay up to date with new episodes? Follow our LinkedIn page for all the latest podcast updates!Head to: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-route-to-networking-podcast/Interested in following a similar career path? Why don’t you take a look at our jobs page, where you can find your next job opportunity? Head to: www.hamilton-barnes.com/jobs/