In this dynamic two-part episode of the Nomad Futurist podcast, co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence sit down with Charnocks brothers, Sean (Founder of Cloud Pioneer at Softlayer Technologies) and Will (Head of Infrastructure and Cloud Operations at Thales CPL) f or an in-depth conversation exploring their unexpectedly parallel journeys into digital infrastructure and the lessons learned along the way. Though each brother carved a distinct path, both attribute their success to a combination of curiosity, opportunity, and foundational values instilled early in life. Their careers — spanning cloud computing, cybersecurity, infrastructure engineering, and executive leadership — evolved not through rigid planning but through openness to emerging industries and the willingness to take strategic risks. Will embraces: W: “I was very fortunate to have fallen into [the] industry... There was no playbook, there were no courses, there was nobody. They weren't teaching these types of things. And so, I just kind of fell in there, found something that I was good at and that I actually enjoyed doing." The brothers reflect on a mindset that shaped their respective careers: a blend of independence, initiative, and resilience. Sean recalls a family mantra that still drives him today: S: "Go be something, go make yourself something." What some might interpret as pressure, the Charnocks saw as empowerment — a call to action that sparked their entrepreneurial drive. They also speak to the complementary roles their parents played in shaping their outlooks on risk and stability. As Sean shares: S: “I think Will and I were pretty lucky... [Our mother] made sure we had insurance and [our father] would chase the entrepreneurial stuff.” Whether you're a tech veteran, an aspiring entrepreneur, or someone navigating a career pivot, this episode offers meaningful insight into the personal and professional dynamics that shape long-term success in the digital infrastructure space. To stay connected with the Charnocks, follow Sean and Will on LinkedIn.
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Introducing Youth to Tech with Umaima Haider
In the latest episode of the Nomad Futurist Podcast, Umaima Haider — Ambassador at the Nomad Futurist Foundation and Lecturer in Computer Science & Digital Technology at the University of East London — joins host Nabeel Mahmood to share her unconventional journey into the data center industry and her mission to close its growing talent gap. Umaima describes her entry into the field as “purely by accident,” highlighting how careers in digital infrastructure often go unnoticed by those outside the sector: “I fell into the data center industry... Before that, I wasn't — to be honest — very clear about how this industry works in a physical way.” A central theme of the conversation is Umaima’s deep commitment to student engagement. She previously led a cloud computing course for more than 700 students, aiming to equip the next generation with the skills the industry urgently needs: “I want to give the industry lots of talent that is coming up now. It’s about how the industry can come forward and pick this talent.” Through her dual roles as educator and ambassador, Umaima serves as a vital bridge between academia and industry — empowering students while facilitating the transfer of knowledge and opportunities. She also shares highlights from her outreach work, including a guest lecture at Kingsford Community School during British Science Week. The session drew over 300 Year 8 students, and she deliberately targeted this age group: “These students, typically between 12 and 14 years old, are at a stage where they’re choosing subjects that could shape their future careers... I felt this was the perfect time to introduce them to the data center industry.” The overwhelmingly positive response — particularly from female students — challenged stereotypes and affirmed the importance of early exposure to tech careers. Umaima concludes the conversation with a powerful call to action: a “holistic responsibility model” that unites academia, industry, and individuals to expand awareness and create entry points into the sector. She encourages data center operators to offer tours and hands-on experiences: “We need to make sure the next generation knows what’s out there and sees a place for themselves in this industry... It doesn’t take much time—but it can plant the seed.” To follow Umaima’s continued work at the intersection of education and digital infrastructure, connect with her on LinkedIn.
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Jeff Moerdler: The Laws of Connectivity, and the Code Behind the Megwatts
This episode of the Nomad Futurist podcast, co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence welcome Jeff Moerdler, a powerhouse in digital infrastructure law and the head of Real Estate and Communications at Mintz. Known for his sharp insights, signature humor, and the legendary “Mintz Mince,” Jeff takes us on a journey that began with a single rooftop satellite deal for American Express and evolved into decades of shaping the legal backbone of the data center and telecom industries. A third-generation attorney and proud Bronx native, Jeff charted his own path by venturing into real estate law — only to find himself at the forefront of a rapidly emerging telecom landscape. “Hope for the best. Plan for the worst. You have to have a plan B for everything,” he shares — a mantra that’s guided him through industry shifts, tech booms, bankruptcies, and the rise of AI. Jeff recalls how his early experience writing roof rights and riser agreements evolved into building legal frameworks for everything from fiber and DAS to today’s AI compute needs. He reflects on the surge of powered land deals and the legal challenges around alternative energy sources: “I think nuclear is the future of the data center industry — but it’s not today’s resource. It’s the next generation.” Despite the complexity and constant change, Jeff remains optimisitc for digital infrastructure. “The industry isn’t going away — AI is just the next expansion point in the evolution of data infrastructure.” This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the legal foundations that keep the digital world running. To stay connected with Jeff Moerdler, follow him on LinkedIn.
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Arnav Ahluwalia on Next Generation, New Perspective
In a special episode of the Nomad Futurist podcast, co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence sit down with Arnav Ahluwalia, Senior at New York University and Advocate for the Nomad Futurist Foundation, marking the show’s first interview with a student still entering the industry. Arnav shares his journey from New Delhi to New York, his family’s business background, and his growing passion for digital infrastructure, particularly in India’s rapidly expanding tech scene. Arnav's interest in digital infrastructure began unexpectedly during a Barclays internship, where he was tasked with researching NVIDIA. As he reviewed the company's financials, he discovered the data center industry’s massive profitability, which piqued his curiosity. “I saw that they were making a lot of money from this industry called data centers... their revenue increased by 200% from 2022 to 2023 and 250% from 2023 to 2024. And I’m like, okay, what is this?” Encouraged by his family and guided by the practical wisdom of his uncle, Arnav chose to study in the U.S., focusing on finance and technology — an intersection that has opened up new doors and perspectives. "My uncle is also in the financial industry [and joked that I was] being stupid applying to colleges in the UK. [He said,] ‘Apply for colleges in the U.S.; exposure is better, college education is better... markets are more mature." Later in the conversation, Arnav shares insights on the cultural transformation taking place in India, where younger generations are increasingly drawn to finance and entrepreneurship. He notes a shift in mindset—one that supports exploration beyond traditional career paths. "My parents have been very flexible in terms of, ‘what do you want to do?’... I was never forced to do anything in terms of choosing a career path." Arnav’s story is a testament to the power of curiosity and global support in shaping the future of young professionals in digital infrastructure. As he steps into the digital infrastructure space, his perspective brings a refreshing lens to the future of the industry — and the next generation shaping it. Want to follow Arnav’s journey after graduation? Connect with him on LinkedIn.
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Scott Charter on Adventures in AI
In this episode of the Nomad Futurist podcast, co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence welcome Scott Charter, Ambassador for the Nomad Futurist Foundation and Director of AI & Cloud Strategy at Oracle. Charter offers a refreshingly honest and human perspective on tech leadership, sharing the unconventional journey that took him from law school student to entrepreneur to AI strategist, with a few surprising detours along the way. Charter begins by recounting his unconventional entry into technology, driven by necessity while living out of his 1971 Volkswagen bus and attending law school: “I got a job working in technology for no other reason than they needed someone that spoke Spanish... Because of that, I was able to get into an apartment, get out of my VW bus, finish up law school, and stay in tech.” From there, Charter went on to found WBS Connect, building the business from the ground up. Despite its success, he offers a candid look behind the scenes of entrepreneurship: “Entrepreneurship is not as cool as it looks from the outside. There's a lot of work on the inside, [for instance], on Christmas morning - when all of my staff around the world were opening presents with their family, I was taking Tier 1, Tier 2 support.” His appetite for adventure and risk-taking is clear from stories like impulsively moving to Amsterdam and launching a travel business in Costa Rica. Today, at Oracle, Charter’s focus has shifted to the rapidly evolving world of AI and cloud strategy, where continuous learning is a must: “I get to go around and talk about what's going on in AI and... spend more time than I even did in law school reading. I just can't believe how much time it takes to keep up with the AI trends that are going on.” From living in a VW bus to shaping the future of AI strategy, Charter’s journey is a powerful testament to adaptability, risk-taking, and a relentless drive for innovation. To follow Scott Charter on his next adventure, 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