The human side of the data centers with Bryon and Stephanie

Data centers may power the digital world, but behind the servers are the people who make it all run and building that workforce is no small challenge. In the latest Nomad Futurist Podcast, Bryon Price and Stephanie Zimmerman of JLL pull back the curtain on the human side of the data center industry. They discuss with co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence how the data center industry attracts talent from all walks of life — from military veterans to teachers to finance professionals — while highlighting career pathways, skill transferability, and inclusive opportunities.

Drawing on her own experience, Stephanie highlights the importance of guiding potential candidates into the sector and nurturing their growth from the very beginning:

“I have a lot of passion around employee experience. For a lot of years, data center engineers and other roles based in a data center were often times overlooked or forgotten because people didn’t know about them or didn’t understand them.”

A recurring theme was the value of curiosity, relationship-building, and proactive learning. Bryon and Stephanie stress that attributes such as asking questions, researching solutions, and building relationships are more important than any one technical credential. Stephanie observes:

“Nobody expects you to know the answer to every single question, but they do expect you to know how to find the answer to that question.”

This mindset is crucial in a rapidly evolving industry, where documented processes and ongoing upskilling are essential to success.

The JLL leaders applauded efforts to demystify and democratize access to data center careers. They discuss the company's partnership with the Nomad Futurist Academy, which delivers foundational, free training to entrants of all backgrounds, helping, as Bryon puts it, to:

“Give someone exactly what we need when we’re looking for a data center person... a minimum set of knowledge that you would expect from somebody who's got some experience in data centers.”

The conversation covers the need for industry-wide collaboration, continual education, and the integration of emerging technologies like AR, VR, and AI in workforce development. Both guests emphasize the importance of community, mentorship, and a culture that makes employees feel at home and invested in their growth.

This episode offers valuable insights for anyone interested in a career in digital infrastructure, no matter their background. Hear the full stories from Bryon Price and Stephanie Zimmerman on the latest Nomad Futurist Podcast and connect with them on LinkedIn.