Episode #74 of the Data Center Go-to-Market Podcast features an interview with Chris Pedersen, CEO/Founder at AP Advisory Group.
- Discover Chris Pedersen's unexpected career journey from professional golfer to data center industry leader
- Understand the importance of networking and building relationships in the technology industry
- Explore the evolving role of social media and content creation for professional branding
- Analyze the impact of AI and generative AI tools on the data center industry
- Identify the key challenges and trends shaping the future of the digital infrastructure market
- Learn strategies for standing out at industry conferences and events
- Recognize the growing influence of utilities and government oversight on data center operations
- Gain insights into the skills and mindset needed for successful client-facing roles in digital infrastructure
Host:
Joshua Feinberg, CEO
DCSMI
Special Guest:
Chris Pedersen, CEO/Founder
AP Advisory Group
(Note: When this podcast interview was recorded, Chris Pedersen was CEO and Founder of AP Advisory Group. Chris is currently a Data Center Broker at Avison Young.)
Chris Pedersen, CEO of AP Advisory Group, discussed his unexpected career journey from professional golf to data centers. He highlighted the shift to liquid cooling due to the increasing demand for high-density racks. He emphasized the importance of networking and attending conferences, sharing a pivotal moment that led to a significant business opportunity. Pedersen noted the growing demand for AI and high-performance computing. He also addressed the power supply challenges and the potential for consolidation in the colocation market, stressing the need for renewable energy strategies and efficient cooling solutions.
Outline
Chris Pedersen's Career Journey and Early Days in Data Centers
- Chris Pedersen shares his unexpected career path, starting as a bartender in San Francisco and meeting a friend who worked at AT&T, leading to his first job in telecommunications.
- He describes his initial fascination with data transport and the telco POP environment, which sparked his interest in the data center industry.
- Chris recounts his early experiences at Pacific Bell and SBC Communications, where he sold fiber and colocation services, including a significant deal with Google in 1998.
- He reflects on the importance of networking and being in the right place at the right time, emphasizing the value of meeting people and building relationships.
Advice for Aspiring Professionals and Career Networking
- Chris advises his children and others to network extensively, emphasizing the importance of meeting people and building connections.
- He shares his experience of his son's friends seeking career advice and the differences in career planning between his son and daughter.
- Chris discusses the evolving awareness and mainstream acceptance of the data center industry, noting the influence of companies like Google, Yahoo, and Equinix.
- He highlights the importance of staying connected with industry contacts and leveraging relationships for career growth.
The Role of Content and Social Media in Professional Development
- Joshua Feinberg and Chris Pedersen discuss the increasing importance of content creation and social media in professional branding.
- Chris shares his experience with Gary Vee's content strategy and the relevance of organic content.
- They explore the challenges and opportunities of social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and LinkedIn for professional networking and marketing.
- Chris emphasizes the need for companies to loosen their restrictions on employee content creation to stay relevant and competitive.
The Impact of AI and Generative AI on Data Centers
- Chris Pedersen discusses the significant role of AI and generative AI tools like ChatGPT in everyday life, including educational and business applications.
- He highlights the growing demand for infrastructure as a service (IaaS) companies and their role in the data center industry.
- Chris mentions the importance of liquid cooling and immersion cooling for high-density workloads and the challenges posed by legacy data centers.
- He predicts continued consolidation in the colocation market and the importance of having a strong customer base and balance sheet for growth.
Future Trends and Challenges in the Data Center Industry
- Chris Pedersen shares his insights on the future of data centers, emphasizing the need for pre-leasing and custom-built facilities to meet the demands of AI and high-performance computing.
- He discusses the challenges of power supply and the importance of renewable energy strategies for new data center builds.
- Chris highlights government agencies' growing oversight and regulation of data centers and the potential impact on the industry.
- He emphasizes the importance of networking and being present at conferences to build relationships and opportunities in the data center industry.
The Role of Utilities and Government Regulation in Data Center Growth
- Chris Pedersen and Joshua Feinberg discuss the complex relationship between data centers and utility companies, including power supply and grid capacity challenges.
- Chris highlights the growing concern from government agencies about the environmental impact of data centers and the potential for increased regulation.
- They explore the potential for utility companies to enter the data center business and the challenges of aligning national policies with local needs.
- Chris emphasizes the importance of having a reliable power supply and the role of renewable energy strategies in future data center builds.
The Importance of Networking and Being Present at Conferences
- Chris Pedersen shares his strategy for success in the data center industry, emphasizing the importance of networking and attending conferences.
- He recounts a significant career-changing moment when he stayed late at a conference and met a key contact who helped him secure a major project.
- Chris advises aspiring professionals to be the last person at the booth and to focus on building relationships rather than closing deals at conferences.
- He highlights the importance of showing interest and being present to build long-lasting relationships and opportunities in the industry.
The Future of Client-Facing Roles in Digital Infrastructure
- Joshua Feinberg and Chris Pedersen discuss the future of client-facing roles in the digital infrastructure industry, emphasizing the importance of relationships and networking.
- Chris predicts continued growth and demand for AI and high-performance computing, driving the need for new data center buildings and infrastructure.
- He highlights the importance of being prepared for the power supply challenges and the role of renewable energy strategies in future data center designs.
- Chris emphasizes the need for companies to focus on relationships and networking to stay relevant and competitive in the evolving data center industry.
The Role of Utilities and Government Regulation in Data Center Growth
- Chris Pedersen and Joshua Feinberg discuss the complex relationship between data centers and utility companies, including power supply and grid capacity challenges.
- Chris highlights the growing concern from government agencies about the environmental impact of data centers and the potential for increased regulation.
- They explore the potential for utility companies to enter the data center business and the challenges of aligning national policies with local needs.
- Chris emphasizes the importance of having a reliable power supply and the role of renewable energy strategies in future data center builds.
The Importance of Networking and Being Present at Conferences
- Chris Pedersen shares his strategy for success in the data center industry, emphasizing the importance of networking and attending conferences.
- He recounts a significant career-changing moment when he stayed late at a conference and met a key contact who helped him secure a major project.
- Chris advises aspiring professionals to be the last person at the booth and to focus on building relationships rather than closing deals at conferences.
- He highlights the importance of showing interest and being present to build long-lasting relationships and opportunities in the industry.
Guest Resources
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