Nothing Is Off the Table: Brian Smith Gets Real About Powering the Future
Brian Smith, former Navy officer, federal executive, and now Director of Nuclear Reactor Development at Idaho National Laboratory, joins the latest Nomad Futurist Podcast with co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence. He shares his unexpected journey and how it prepared him to help solve one of today’s most critical challenges: powering the digital age. “Nothing is off the table.” With that bold opener, Brian set the tone for an honest and wide-ranging discussion — the kind needed in an industry we strive to demystify. Brian’s path didn’t start in labs or government halls but rather began on golf courses. Once immersed in the world of elite tournaments with the USGA, he seemed destined for a future in sports. But after the tragic events of 9/11, and drawn by a family legacy of service, Brian answered the call and joined the Navy, where he rose quickly through the ranks: “I thought golf was my future… but I’ve always felt a call to serve. That call to service was pretty widespread for folks like me.” That sense of purpose carried him into the Navy’s nuclear propulsion program, where he discovered a passion for technology and translating complex ideas into action, especially for policy and government decision-makers. Now, Brian sits at the intersection of advanced nuclear development and the surging energy demands of AI and hyperscale infrastructure. With a deep background in defense nuclear policy and a sharp understanding of both systems and people, he offers a rare perspective on what's next: “The data center industry is starting to view nuclear power the same way the Navy views nuclear submarines.” Yet despite the scale and complexity of his work, Brian grounds his success, and the industry’s future, in something deeply human: “This is a human-driven business.... And the beauty is [we] are representative of our industry... [And] the networks in this industry are what make it [thrive].” Brian’s story is a masterclass in adaptability, service, and communication. It’s a reminder that curiosity, commitment, and community are what truly power progress. Connect with Brian Smith on LinkedIn to follow his insights on powering the next generation of infrastructure.
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Lynette Gillson on Bridging the Classroom and the Real World
What if school felt less like a building and more like a gateway to the future students imagine for themselves? That vision fuels the work of Lynette Gillson, Community-Industry & AVID Outreach Specialist at Mountain View Los Altos High School District. Her passion and purpose come to life in a recent conversation on the Nomad Futurist podcast with co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence. Lynette’s commitment to real-world learning bridges the gap between schools, communities, and industries. Through work-based learning, she empowers students to shape meaningful futures, connecting education to opportunity and revealing possibilities they have yet to discover: “I believe in education-business-community partnerships. Bringing all three together is how we build stronger communities.” Every day, Lynette connects CEOs with classrooms, organizes data center tours, and sparks introductions that can launch careers. The outdated divide between “college track” and “trade track” is gone. Similar to the Nomad Futurist Foundation, she champions inclusive CTE programs where all students explore their interests together, no matter the career path. Lynette’s approach embraces diverse backgrounds and learning styles, proving that both hands-on and academic learners thrive in dynamic environments. For Lynette, college and career aren’t separate paths but opportunities every student should access. Learning becomes truly impactful when it shifts from abstract ideas to real-world experience. She shares stories of students touring data centers, touching servers, and discovering careers they never imagined: “Hands-on exposure creates excitement because it’s real and relevant. This relevance turns the tired question, ‘What do you want to be?’ into a journey full of possibility.” Reflecting on her own path shaped by curiosity and chance, Lynette now helps students explore, experiment, and even fail safely. By connecting them with digital careers and industry partners, she’s making school a launchpad for success. Her message to educators and community leaders is hopeful: students thrive when we reveal what’s possible and support their steps into new worlds: “I’m giving people the chance to explore and get a taste before investing time and money in college, certifications, or the workforce.” Connect with Lynette Gillson on LinkedIn to follow her work breaking barriers and turning education into a gateway for every student to explore and pursue their future.
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Beyond the Blueprint: Atif Ansar Unpacks the Human Side of Infrastructure
In the latest episode of the Nomad Futurist podcast, co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence bridge three time zones to sit down with Dr. Atif Ansar, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of Foresight, for a fascinating exploration of the real reasons ambitious infrastructure projects thrive — or fail. At the core of this conversation is Atif’s powerful thesis: the biggest challenges in large-scale development aren’t technical; they’re human. “A lot of my work with colleagues is based around human biases — both psychological and political biases — that go into estimation and execution of these projects.” Moving beyond spreadsheets and blueprints, Atif highlights how hidden forces like optimism bias, cultural dynamics, and political agendas often shape billion-dollar decisions more than facts on paper. Listeners follow Atif’s journey from academia to entrepreneurship, sparked by a candid conversation over coffee that led to the founding of Foresight: “In 2018, one of my executive education students... said ‘Look, I think there’s a business idea here.’ We [grabbed] coffee, then drinks... and Foresight was born.” Drawing on global comparisons, including China and his teams’ work in Israel, Atif argues that national motivation and collective purpose often trump money or even technology when it comes to getting projects done: “What people in China have is deep purpose around building their own nation, and that belief propels tremendous action... My team is in Israel [and has a] tremendous desire to propel faster delivery because people are motivated, intentional, and purposeful to get things done.” This episode challenges conventional thinking, positioning infrastructure not as a technical problem to solve, but as a test of collective intent, societal values, and human behavior. With wisdom, humility, and clarity, Atif reminds us why curiosity, continued learning, and a willingness to face hard truths are essential traits for anyone shaping our physical and digital world: “Stretch your mind.” Listen now and connect with Dr. Atif Ansar on LinkedIn.
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Inside the Infrastructure Boom with Kemal Hawa
In this thought-provoking episode of the Nomad Futurist podcast, co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence sit down with Kemal Hawa, partner at Kirkland & Ellis LLP, for an insightful exploration of digital infrastructure’s evolution and the legal frameworks shaping its future. With decades of experience spanning data centers, fiber, submarine cables, towers, and beyond, Kemal guides listeners through the transformation of the communications ecosystem, from the early days of telecom to the rise of data centers as a critical, standalone industry. Along the way, he highlights how legal practice has evolved from broad generalism to deep specialization: “You need to have a fundamental understanding of the technology, the competitive landscape, and the client's business — including the risks and challenges they face.” The conversation dives into pressing industry challenges, from navigating GDPR and data sovereignty to the increasing demand for localized infrastructure driven by privacy and power constraints. Kemal also weighs in on the delicate balance between IT outsourcing and maintaining control, underscoring the friction between fast-moving innovation and slow-moving regulation: “Technology moves much, much faster than any legislative or regulatory process… Stick with broad principles and objectives rather than trying to regulate specific practices.” The discussion expands to AI’s explosive impact on infrastructure and energy demand, with Kemal addressing the legal and operational hurdles that lie ahead. Despite the complexity, his outlook is optimistic: "In the next 50 years, there is almost zero chance that there'll be any material decline. There could be periods of stagnation... but the need for our devices, our content, is not going anywhere. In fact, it’s just going to continue to proliferate.” Kemal closes with a powerful call to action for the next generation, encouraging young professionals to explore careers in digital infrastructure. A great place to start? The Nomad Futurist Academy — a free online learning platform designed to educate and inspire the next wave of industry leaders. Tap into more of Kemal Hawa’s thought leadership on LinkedIn.
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From the Classroom to Capital Markets: Chris Moon’s Unique Journey into the Digital Space
The latest episode of the Nomad Futurist podcast features Chris Moon, Managing Director at DigitalBridge, offering a thoughtful exploration of the evolving landscape of digital infrastructure finance alongside the personal journey that brought him to the forefront of this dynamic sector. Chris opens the conversation with a clear mission, one shared by co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence: to inspire the next generation by demystifying the path into digital infrastructure. Chris’ story stands out as a compelling blueprint for those whose careers may not follow a linear path. He reflects on his current role and the distinct market position of DigitalBridge: “We are the only infrastructure debt fund focused only on digital infrastructure. And we do this with a team of eight of us.... go[ing] out and provid[ing] capital to these businesses that need it to get to the next level.” Chris explains that DigitalBridge’s investment strategy is centered on the middle market — companies that are too large for venture capital but not yet ready for public markets or securitization. These businesses, often operating in data centers, fiber networks, and cell towers, require highly specialized and flexible capital to support key phases of growth. As he puts it: “In the middle market, you've got a lot of businesses that have the risk profile of mission-critical infrastructure, yet you can still get the yield that is typically associated with corporate loans. So, that’s the risk-return mismatch we’re looking for.” The conversation also explores Chris’ unconventional career path. Initially aiming for a completely different profession, he shares how a pivot early on led him toward finance and infrastructure — underscoring the value of remaining open to unexpected opportunities: “I initially was an education major when I went to college. I thought I was going to be a History Teacher. That was what I really wanted to do. And then, you know, very candidly, I found out within the first year what a History Teacher makes and realized that just wasn’t for me.” Throughout the episode, Chris offers valuable insight into both the technical and human aspects of the digital infrastructure world. His journey — from aspiring Educator to Managing Director of a specialized infrastructure debt fund — highlights the importance of adaptability, subject matter expertise, and seizing opportunities in a rapidly evolving industry. To learn more about Chris Moon’s work and insights, connect with him on LinkedIn.
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.
South Africa