30572_Kao Data Critical Careers_Pages - Flipbook - Page 77
What has kept you in the industry along
the way?
hat’s really kept me hooked in this industry, honestly, is the diversity
around my role. Initially, I did so much marketing around data
centres that I felt like I had very little more to add. But Digital
Infrastructure Ireland (formally Host in Ireland) came knocking, and it pulled
me back in. It’s this vibrant community of folks doing incredible stuff with their
businesses, both in Ireland and globally. It was an opportunity to work on new
exciting projects that had a meaningful impact for our partners, the industry
and the initiatives we work on including impactful environmental projects in
DC’s for Bees.
W
Digital Infrastructure Ireland has this unique energy that’s hard to 昀椀nd
elsewhere. It’s a male-dominated 昀椀eld, but the events and gatherings feel
different, they are welcoming and warm. There’s a very unique feeling that is
associated with Digital Infrastructure Ireland, it feels like you are walking into a
room full of potential friends. Everyone is there to welcome you with warmth
and generosity and it’s a comfortable place to be, no matter who you are.
Watching the industry evolve has been incredible too. From the early days at
Digital Realty, where we struggled to get any media attention because no one
knew what data centres were, to seeing data centres hit mainstream media
with coverage in big publications like BBC, The Guardian, and The New York
Times—it’s been a journey. The industry’s pro昀椀le has skyrocketed, and while
public understanding still has a way to go, data centres are de昀椀nitely part of
the public consciousness now.
So, it’s the growth, the community, and the chance to make a real difference
that have kept me in this industry. It’s small yet mighty, and the spirit here? It’s
overwhelmingly positive. That’s why I’m still here.
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What has surprised you about being a woman
in digital infrastructure?
W
hat surprised me the most is just how comfortable it feels. You might
expect it to be a bit intimidating given it’s a very male dominated 昀椀eld, but
the level of comfort is just something else.
The attitudes are changing and both men and women of different generations are
contributing to this shift. While it’s a topic that often leans heavily on gender, the truth
is, in Digital Infrastructure Ireland, the difference in treatment based on gender just
isn’t there. Everyone is generally treated the same, and that’s been a refreshing and
surprising aspect for me.
It’s not just about the individuals either; it’s about the culture that Digital Infrastructure
Ireland has nurtured. There’s this ‘no arsehole’ policy, pardon the expression, but it’s
true. It re昀氀ects a commitment to maintaining a respectful and inclusive environment.
This isn’t just lip service; it’s deeply embedded in how things operate here.
The community focus is huge. There’s a concerted effort to ensure diversity, to make
sure different voices are not only heard but also valued and given space.
This isn’t just about having a token presence; it’s about making everyone feel
genuinely welcome, Everyone has earned their seat at the table and feel part of
something bigger.
