Why Do Communities Push Back on Data Centres?

Why Do Communities Push Back on Data Centres?

In this episode of the Critical Careers podcast, Joyce Wady welcomes Sarah King, from AVK, and Anna Solar-Bassett to discuss why communities are pushing back on data centres — and what the industry needs to do differently as it moves further into the public spotlight.  First, Joyce speaks with Sarah King about the importance of education, local context and meaningful community engagement. Drawing on her background in NGOs, humanitarian aid, mining, oil and gas, Sarah explains why the fundamentals of engagement remain the same across industries: listen first, understand the community, and avoid assuming you already know what people need. She also explores why data centres need to do more to explain what they are, how they operate, and what opportunities they can create for local people.   In the second half of the episode, Joyce is joined by Anna Solar-Bassett, who brings a background in politics, government, technology and corporate affairs. Anna discusses why data centres are “having a real moment,” why the industry needs to think more like a campaign, and why social licence to operate will become increasingly important as development accelerates.   Together, the conversations explore how the industry can build trust, address myths, engage more effectively with local communities, and create stronger pathways into digital infrastructure for young people, women and those pursuing skilled technical careers.  “Education for me is absolutely critical on top of that engagement.” — Sarah King   “People want to feel heard, but particularly when they’re upset about something, the worst thing you can do is be defensive.” — Anna Solar-Bassett   ----- Key Takeaways  - Data centres are facing a critical moment where local community engagement needs to become more proactive, strategic and human.   - Sarah King’s experience across NGOs, humanitarian aid, mining, oil and gas has shown her that listening to communities is the foundation of effective stakeholder engagement.   - The industry needs to step outside its own bubble and understand the fears, misconceptions and local issues driving community pushback.   - Education is essential: many people do not know what a data centre is, how the cloud relies on physical infrastructure, or what opportunities the sector can offer.   - Community engagement should go beyond regulatory planning requirements and create real opportunities for people to ask questions in person.   - Local context matters. Concerns can vary not only by region, but by neighbourhood, college, road, river or community group.   - The sector has an opportunity to inspire young people by going into schools, colleges and universities and showing how they can fit into the future of digital infrastructure.   - Anna Solar-Bassett’s career across politics, government, technology and corporate affairs has helped her understand the intersection between communities, media, policymakers and business.   - Data centres are now firmly in the spotlight, and the industry needs to use that attention as an opportunity to explain its benefits, address legitimate concerns and bust myths.   - Building trust means acknowledging the fear behind a concern before trying to correct misinformation.   - Social licence to operate is not just about ticking regulatory boxes; it is about becoming a valued and trusted part of the community for the long term.   - Everyone in the industry has a role to play as an ambassador for data centres and digital infrastructure.    ----- To learn more about Critical Careers, or to get involved with the Critical Careers community, head to the Critical Careers website or search “Critical Careers”.  Thank you to our founding partner, Kao Data, and our season sponsors: CBRE, AVK, JLL, Eversheds Sutherland, and Mace Construct.

Confidence Isn't the Problem

In this episode of the Critical Careers podcast, Lizzy McDowell, Director of Marketing at Kao Data, is in the presenter chair, welcoming Kir Devaser, Product Marketing Lead at CUDO Compute, to talk about confidence: how it is built, how it can be knocked, and why it is not always something people feel as strongly as others perceive.  The conversation follows Kir’s journey from economics and finance into financial writing, crypto, AI and eventually data centres. She discusses what it was like working in male-dominated spaces, the pressure to prove herself, and the moments where poor leadership damaged her confidence. She also shares how strong managers, external validation and personal resilience helped her rebuild and grow.  At the heart of the episode is an honest conversation about confidence as something that develops through discomfort, experience, respect and self-trust. Kir reflects on the importance of stepping outside your comfort zone, leading with empathy, knowing your strengths, and using your own confidence to create space for others.   “Staying in your comfort zone will not push your limits.” — Kir Devaser  -----  Key Takeaways  - Confidence is not always something people feel internally, even when others perceive them as confident.   - Kir’s original ambition was to become a vet, but not getting the grades she needed forced her to rethink her future.  - Early family conversations about finance, economics and global markets helped shape her curiosity and independence.   - Growing up around strong women and attending an all-girls school helped Kir develop confidence, but moving into mixed and male-dominated environments revealed different gender dynamics.   - Working as a financial writer helped Kir learn to back herself with facts, evidence and clear communication.   - Male-dominated sectors such as finance and crypto can create additional pressure for women to prove themselves.   - Poor management can damage confidence, while strong managers can help rebuild it through belief, validation and trust.   - Confidence grows when you step outside your comfort zone and stretch beyond what feels familiar.   - Delayed gratification, resilience and long-term goals can help keep you grounded when entering a new role or industry.   - Kir’s strength lies in storytelling, messaging and making complex ideas easier to understand.   - Good leadership means stepping back, pushing others forward and creating space for people to grow.   - Knowing what you are good at — and accepting that you cannot be good at everything — is a powerful part of building confidence.   ----- To learn more about Critical Careers, or to get involved with the Critical Careers community, head to the Critical Careers website or search “Critical Careers”.  Thank you to our founding partner, Kao Data, and our season sponsors: CBRE, AVK, JLL, Eversheds Sutherland, and Mace Construct.

The People Who Shape Our Careers

In this episode of the Critical Careers podcast, Joyce Wady welcomes Kelly Phillips to explore the role that mentorship, allyship and community have played in shaping her career in data centres and digital infrastructure. Kelly shares how her earliest work experiences - from growing up in a family business to working on cruise liners - taught her resilience, adaptability, high standards and the importance of connecting with people. She reflects on the moment a manager recognised her natural ability in business development, how that relationship became a long-term mentorship, and why trust-based relationships have continued to guide her career path. The conversation looks at the difference between being managed and being mentored, the importance of being challenged by people who believe in your potential, and how allies can open doors and help you be seen. Kelly also discusses stepping into senior leadership, why she continues to seek mentorship even at C-suite level, and how she now uses mentoring as a core part of her own leadership style. At the heart of the episode is a powerful message about paying it forward: when someone opens a door for you, the best way to repay it is to open the next one for someone else. “Mentors help you grow, allies help you be seen.” - Kelly Phillips ----- Key Takeaways - Early career experiences can shape long-term strengths, even before you recognise them yourself. - Kelly’s background in a family business and cruise liners helped her develop resilience, adaptability, customer service skills and the ability to connect with people. - A single moment of recognition from the right person can completely change how someone sees their own potential. - Business development is not just a process - it is about people, trust, relationships and long-term value. - Mentorship and management are different: management focuses on the task, while mentorship invests in potential. - Growth often happens when someone you trust pushes you beyond your comfort zone. - Allies and mentors play different roles: mentors help you develop, while allies help open doors and create visibility. - Senior leaders still need mentorship, especially when stepping into new responsibilities or unfamiliar markets. - Kelly’s leadership style is rooted in mentoring: guiding people to find their own answers, build confidence and own their decisions. - Supporting the next generation means being available, giving honest feedback, opening networks and helping others find their place. - Real change happens when people continue the cycle of support by paying it forward. ----- To learn more about Critical Careers, or to get involved with the Critical Careers community, head to the Critical Careers website or search “Critical Careers”. Thank you to our founding partner, Kao Data, and our season sponsors: CBRE, AVK, JLL, Eversheds Sutherland, and Mace Construct.

Rewriting the Rules of Data Centre Investment

In this episode of the Critical Careers podcast, Joyce Wady welcomes Blanka Thibault, founder of TechHer Capital, to discuss the investment side of the data centre industry.  With AI driving unprecedented demand for digital infrastructure, the conversation explores why investment and boardroom decision-making remain areas where women are still underrepresented. Blanka shares her journey from real estate and finance into data centres, her experience working on hyperscale investment strategy, and why she believes women have a vital role to play in shaping where, how, and by whom future infrastructure is built.  Blanka discusses the founding of TechHer Capital, her ambition to bring together a women-led team capable of building and managing a data centre from conception to operation, and why curiosity, conviction and grit are essential in such a fast-changing industry.   “Really being courageous in this industry is the most important thing” - Blanka Thibault, TechHer Capital   ----- Key Takeaways  - Data centre investment has shifted from traditional real estate thinking to complex infrastructure decision-making.   - AI demand is accelerating capital deployment, but data centres require far more than funding alone.   - Grid capacity, procurement, community engagement, technical expertise and operator reputation are all critical to successful data centre development.   - Real estate is only one small part of the challenge when investing in data centres.   - The investment side of the industry remains a closed network, and women often face barriers to accessing decision-making rooms.   - More stringent definitions of women-owned and women-led companies are needed to move beyond token representation.   - Community, networking and grassroots initiatives can help women build confidence and visibility in the sector.   - Different perspectives create new ways of approaching infrastructure, funding and project delivery.   - Courage, curiosity, conviction and grit are essential qualities for anyone looking to build a career in digital infrastructure.   - Blanca’s long-term ambition is to help deliver a women-led data centre project in Europe, from concept through to operation.    ----- To learn more about Critical Careers, or to get in touch, head to the Critical Careers website or search “Critical Careers”.  Thank you to our founding partner, Kao Data, and our season sponsors: CBRE, AVK, JLL, Eversheds Sutherland, and Mace Construct.

How Great Leaders Build Connection

Recorded in front of a live audience at CBRE's Southwark Street office, this episode of Critical Careers brings together three senior leaders in the data centre industry: Eve Mcilvaney (Yondr Group), Lisa Duignan (Turner & Townsend), and Caroline Manzor (CBRE). Together, they explore what it truly means to lead high-performing teams in a fast-paced, mission-critical industry. The conversation delves into belonging, trust, and authenticity in leadership, as well as the realities of managing pressure, chaos, and constant change. Drawing on personal career experiences, the panel reflects on how inclusive cultures are built—and why calm, empathy, and clear communication are essential in environments where everything feels urgent. The panellists also discuss the challenges women continue to navigate in leadership roles, from unconscious bias to burnout, and why mental wellness, empowerment, and work-life balance must be prioritised for the next generation. Mentorship, allyship, and leading by example emerge as critical drivers of sustainable change within the industry. “Belonging means everything. It means I can be myself, speak up, and feel safe—and everybody deserves that in their career.” - Eve Mcilvaney, Yondr Group ----- Key Takeaways - A strong sense of belonging is foundational to high-performing teams. - Effective leadership in data centres requires calm, consistency, and emotional intelligence. - Managing chaos is a core skill in fast-paced, mission-critical environments. - Trust is built through honesty, visibility, and leading by example. - Empowering teams means stepping back and allowing others to lead. - Listening is one of the most underrated and impactful leadership skills. - Women continue to face conscious and unconscious bias in the workplace. - Mental wellness and burnout prevention need greater focus across the industry. - Switching off and respecting boundaries improves long-term performance. -Mentorship, allyship, and authenticity are key to supporting the next generation of leaders. -----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