Episode #62 of the Data Center Go-to-Market Podcast features an interview with Emil Sayegh, Serial Tech and Data Center CEO at Profit Growth Insights.
- Discover the importance of simplifying complex data center concepts to gain public trust and attract customers
- Explore strategies for communicating the benefits and sustainability of data centers, beyond just technical features
- Understand the evolution of the public cloud and the need for continuous education and trust-building
- Identify opportunities for career growth in the data center industry, including non-technical roles
- Learn how to effectively communicate the positive impact of data centers on modern society
- Recognize the challenges of power and asset scarcity in the data center industry and the need for purpose-built facilities
- Explore best practices for adapting to changing work environments, including balancing remote and in-person work
- Understand how AI can be leveraged to enhance professional networking and communication on platforms like LinkedIn
Host:
Joshua Feinberg, CEO
DCSMI
Special Guest:
Emil Sayegh, Serial Tech and Data Center CEO
Profit Growth Insights
Emil Sayegh, a three-time CEO and principal at Profit Growth Insights, discussed the evolving landscape of the data center industry. He emphasized the importance of simplifying complex concepts for public understanding, focusing on benefits rather than features, and highlighting sustainability. Emil advised young professionals to consider data center careers, noting the current talent shortage and the need for diverse skills. He also stressed the importance of building data centers with specific use cases in mind and the necessity for flexibility in remote work. Additionally, he highlighted the role of AI in enhancing professional communication and the need for a balanced approach to office and remote work.
Outline
Education and Simplification in Data Center Communication
- Emil Sayegh emphasizes the importance of simplifying complex concepts in data center communication to gain public trust and attract customers.
- He highlights the need to focus on benefits rather than just features to avoid overwhelming the audience with jargon.
- Emil mentions the significance of sustainability in data center communication plans.
- Joshua Feinberg introduces Emil Sayegh, noting his extensive experience in the data center industry and his current role at Profit Growth Insights.
Emil Sayegh's Career Journey
- Emil shares that his career started as an engineer, solving increasingly complex problems, leading him to the data center space.
- He discusses the early 2000s power crisis in California and his role in a startup focused on lower-power chips and high-density servers.
- Emil's involvement in Rackspace and the launch of the public cloud is highlighted, along with his continued work in the data center and managed services space.
- Joshua reflects on the evolution of the public cloud and the initial resistance to cloud services, emphasizing the importance of education and building trust.
Public Cloud vs. Private Cloud Debate
- Emil acknowledges the ongoing debate between public and private cloud solutions, noting the preference for public cloud over the past 20 years.
- He stresses the importance of focusing on use cases rather than just features when marketing cloud solutions.
- Joshua and Emil discuss the challenges of segmentation and product-market fit, emphasizing the need for continuous iteration and adaptation.
- The conversation touches on the importance of understanding different customer segments and their specific needs.
Career Advice for Young Professionals
- Emil advises young professionals to consider careers in data centers, which are essential for AI and other advanced technologies.
- He mentions the need for various roles, including electricians, builders, and plumbers, in the data center industry.
- Emil highlights the low availability of data center space and the growing demand for fresh talent in the industry.
- He emphasizes the importance of explaining the value proposition of data centers to overcome negative perceptions and gain community support.
The Role of Data Centers in Modern Society
- Emil discusses the various applications of data centers, including medical imaging, GPS navigation, and self-driving cars.
- He stresses the need to communicate the positive impact of data centers on society to build public trust.
- Joshua and Emil reflect on the importance of infrastructure for technologies like YouTube and podcasting, which would not exist without data centers.
- The conversation highlights the need for education and simplification in communicating the value of data centers to the public.
Challenges in the Data Center Industry
- Emil identifies the scarcity of power and data center assets as major challenges in the industry.
- He emphasizes the importance of building data centers with specific use cases in mind to avoid obsolescence.
- Emil discusses the need for sustainable and environmentally friendly data center designs.
- The conversation touches on the rapid pace of technological advancements and the need for the data center industry to adapt quickly.
Adapting to Changing Work Environments
- Emil shares his thoughts on the future of work, emphasizing the need for flexibility and compromise between remote and in-person work.
- He believes that both office and remote work have value and that companies need to find a balance that works for them.
- Emil discusses the importance of maintaining a uniform company culture across different teams and roles.
- He reflects on the challenges of managing a hybrid work environment and the need for fairness in company policies.
The Impact of AI on Daily Routines
- Emil mentions his use of LinkedIn and its AI features for staying in touch with his professional network.
- He appreciates the AI-driven post rewrites on LinkedIn, though he notes that they are not always perfect.
- Emil emphasizes the importance of keeping professional conversations on LinkedIn and avoiding political discussions.
- Joshua and Emil discuss the role of LinkedIn as a professional networking tool and the challenges of building a personal brand within a company.
Final Thoughts and Contact Information
- Emil shares his contact information and invites listeners to connect with him on LinkedIn or via email.
- He provides details about Profit Growth Insights and the services they offer, including consulting for operators and investors.
- Emil expresses his willingness to help and connect with professionals in the data center industry.
- Joshua thanks Emil for his insights and contributions to the podcast, and Emil reciprocates his appreciation.
Guest Resources
Do you want to stay up to date about upcoming episodes?
Subscribe to the Data Center Sales and Marketing Newsletter