In this episode of the Critical Careers Podcast, Joyce Wady speaks with Melanie Kiely (Oracle).Melanie shares her journey through the digital infrastructure industry, discussing the unique challenges women face in leadership roles and the importance of mentorship and networking. She emphasises the need for women to build their confidence, develop their personal brand, and be intentional about their career development.The conversation also touches on the evolving challenges for women in tech and the excitement surrounding innovation in the industry."I think mentorship is really critical, [...] I've had so many wonderful mentors, that I want to give back" - Melanie Kiely, Oracle.-----Key Takeaways- Building a network early in one's career is crucial for success.- Women often face unconscious biases that can hinder their advancement.- Confidence can be built through networking and mentorship.- Intentional career development is necessary for achieving professional goals.- Personal branding is essential in today's competitive job market.- Women should advocate for themselves and seek opportunities.- Resilience is key in overcoming setbacks and pursuing career growth.- The digital infrastructure industry is rapidly evolving and full of opportunities.-----To learn more about Critical Careers, or to get in touch, head to our website: www.critical-careers.kaodata.com, or search "Critical Careers".Learn more about our series sponsor, CBRE, at www.cbre.com

In the latest episode of the Critical Careers Podcast, Joyce Wady interviews Lauren Wendon from CBRE, discussing the critical role of health and safety in data centre operations.

Lauren shares her unexpected journey into the data centre industry, emphasising the importance of human factors in risk management and the need for workplace flexibility.

The conversation also touches on mental health awareness, innovative safety practices, and the significance of collaboration in shaping the future of the industry.

"There really is nothing more important than making sure our people, when they finish their shifts, go home safe and well to their families" - Lauren Wendon, CBRE.

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Key Takeaways

- Health and safety are crucial in data centre operations.

- Confidence is key; women should not hesitate to apply for roles they feel underqualified for.

- Creating a culture of safety requires empowering employees to speak up.

- Balancing work and family responsibilities is a common challenge for working parents.

- Flexibility in the workplace can greatly enhance employee well-being.

- Mental health awareness is becoming a priority in the industry.

- Innovative training methods, such as AI, can improve safety education.

- Collaboration among professionals is essential for advancing safety standards.

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To learn more about Critical Careers, or to get in touch, head to our website: www.critical-careers.kaodata.com, or search "Critical Careers".

Learn more about our series sponsor, CBRE, at www.cbre.com

In this episode of the Critical Careers Podcast, Joyce Wady speaks with Libby Milne (Buro Four) about the importance of building community within the data centre industry, particularly for women.

They discuss the collaborative culture emerging in the industry, the role of the Forum for Women in Data Centres, and the significance of networking and mentorship.

Libby shares her experiences and insights on how women can support each other, the changing dynamics of professional conversations, and the importance of being vocal about career aspirations.

The conversation highlights the value of shared experiences in creating a supportive environment for women in digital infrastructure.

"Making that connection builds a bit of confidence and being there is the most important thing" - Libby Milne, Buro Four.

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Key Takeaways

- The data centre industry encourages a collaborative culture.

- Women in the industry feel a strong sense of community and support.

- Networking events have evolved into mentoring opportunities.

- Newcomers should leverage existing networks for guidance.

- Being vocal about career goals can open up opportunities.

- Shared interests can facilitate networking and connections.

- Senior women in the industry are willing to mentor and support newcomers.

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To learn more about Critical Careers, or to get in touch, head to our website: www.critical-careers.kaodata.com, or search "Critical Careers".

Learn more about our series sponsor, CBRE, at www.cbre.com

In this episode of the Critical Careers podcast, host Joyce Wady engages with Catriona Shearer (JLL) and Michelle Wallace (Digital Infrastructure Ireland, A Better Work) to discuss the challenges and their methods on creating change within the workplace.

They explore the importance of networking for women, the need to break traditional workplace norms, and the significance of creating a human-centred work environment.

The conversation also highlights initiatives aimed at empowering emerging leaders and workplace training to give women the confidence they need to take centre stage.

"We need to bring in more voices" - Catriona Shearer, JLL.

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Key Takeaways

- Women feel supported in the digital infrastructure industry.

- Networking is crucial for women in leadership roles.

- Breaking tradition can lead to innovative solutions.

- A human-centred design is essential for workplace success.

- Inclusive strategies are vital for organisational change.

- Asking the right questions can lead to better solutions.

- Empowering women leads to positive outcomes for everyone.

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To learn more about Critical Careers, or to get in touch, head to our website: www.critical-careers.kaodata.com, or search "Critical Careers".

Learn more about our series sponsor, CBRE, at www.cbre.com

In the second episode of the series, Joyce Wady welcomes Anna Rantala (BCS), Holly Fenner (GeN+1), and Luisa Cardani (TechUK) to the studio to discuss starting fresh in the industry.

This episode explores the diverse paths individuals take to enter the data centre industry, highlighting the importance of inclusivity and the need for a shift in public perception.

The speakers discuss their unique backgrounds, the critical role of community initiatives like GeN+1, and the industry's urgent need for talent. They emphasize the importance of diversity in skills and perspectives, and the necessity of educating the public about the industry's significance and sustainability efforts.

"You're having the time of your life. It's a very welcoming sector" - Luisa Cardani, TechUK.

Key Takeaways

- The data centre industry is growing rapidly and needs diverse talent.

- Many professionals in the industry come from non-traditional backgrounds.

- Diversity in skills and perspectives enhances problem-solving in the industry.

- Changing public perception is essential for attracting new talent.

- The industry is not just about technical roles; it requires various skill sets.

- Networking and community building are vital for career development.

- Education about the industry's impact on sustainability is necessary.

- The narrative around data centres needs to shift to highlight their importance.

- Young people should feel empowered to explore various career paths in the industry.

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To learn more about Critical Careers, or to get in touch, head to our website: www.critical-careers.kaodata.com, or search "Critical Careers"

Learn more about our series sponsor, CBRE, at www.cbre.com

In the first episode of the Critical Careers podcast, Joyce Wady sits down with Lizzy McDowell, Director of Marketing at Kao Data.

They discuss the significance of data centres in our day to day lives, why women are making such a difference in this industry, and the personal journeys that led them to their current roles.

The conversation highlights why women feel so welcome in digital infrastructure, the challenges of the talent pipeline, and why community engagement is necessary to inspire future generations to consider careers in digital infrastructure.

“What I really want from the Critical Careers initiative is just to spark that little bit of curiosity about data centres” - Lizzy McDowell, Kao Data.

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Key Takeaways

- Data centres are crucial for everyday digital interactions.

- The narrative around data centres needs to be reframed positively.

- There are diverse career opportunities within the data centre sector beyond technical roles.

- The industry is facing a significant talent shortage that needs to be addressed.

- Community engagement is essential for inspiring future talent in the industry.

- Personal stories can inspire others to explore careers in digital infrastructure.

- Bringing more diverse perspectives to the workforce leads to better problem-solving and innovation.

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To learn more about Critical Careers, or to get in touch, head to our website: www.critical-careers.kaodata.com, or search "Critical Careers".

Learn more about our series sponsor, CBRE, at www.cbre.com