FROM THE INDUSTRY
balance, resilience, and equanimity in the face of challenges and setbacks. Embracing the daily rigour of learning from rejections and failures, it’s important for me to remain connected to my inner calling and committed to sustainability and human dignity. I draw my inspiration from the younger generation, particularly my two daughters Bronte and Mirelle, who exemplify qualities of joy, kindness, dedication, courage and hope in their careers in Foreign Service Diplomacy and Neuroscience research for children. As clean energy strategists, scientists, and entrepreneurs, I must express gratitude to Mother Nature for her healing power and advocate for a sustainable and minimalistic lifestyle. It reflects not only a commitment to environmental stewardship but also a deep understanding of the interconnectedness between purpose, impact, and equanimity in shaping a cleaner and more sustainable future. What do you see the future looking like for women in this sector in 10 years’ time? I am confident that womens’ roles in our sector in 10 years’ time will be exemplified by key achievements for our communities! I am committed to the role we play in order to pave the way for future generations; chair for the BroadGroup Talent In Tech Initiative, volunteer to mentor 900 STEM youths. Where will we see you in 5 years’ time? Through my journey as a data centre innovator, I have fought for what I believe in and what the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Environmental Program stands for with regard to a carbon-free future within our generation, which is of paramount importance. My future lies in Absolute Zero design for the Future of Data Centres. Absolute Zero is the most ambitious target set for the data centre industry to date. While net zero in the data centre often relies on the use of offsets and/or use of on-premise clean energy generation with storage (the grid is not 24/7 green), the actual emissions from fossil fuel used continues to emit into the environment. Absolute Zero is achieved by eliminating carbon emissions from data centre operations and physically removing the greenhouse gases (GHGs) from the atmosphere. With Absolute Zero, no release of GHG emissions
to the atmosphere can be physically verified. (Absolute Zero is a necessary term; there are no scenarios where there are no unavoidable emissions, hence “Zero” cannot be used.) Data centres can remove emissions through carbon removal processes during operation and in the supply chain to become carbon neutral; when the data centre removes more carbon emissions than it emits, it is called carbon negative. Therefore I encourage a ‘now-casting’ approach accelerated by AI, integrating those four essential pillars—energy, emissions, water, and waste—on a global scale. The objective is to uphold a commitment to Carbon Neutrality for every Generative AI and cloud request. This approach signifies a climate-driven transformation journey that starts right now, addressing the evolving landscape of data centres in the face of emerging technologies and environmental considerations. What advice would you give a new female entrant to the industry?
possess the skills to innovate, lead in uncertainty and create their own rules. Becoming a unicorn in their trade involves making a profound impact on human lives, scaling organisational growth and lifting the industry forward. As a woman I recognise the innate feelings of guilt and hesitation associated with having two X chromosomes. I encourage emerging female leaders to overcome this inner voice, actively seek power, and understand how to make an impact effectively. Contrasting this with some male colleagues who may use power for dominance and self-interest; by contrast I advocate for a shift. Instead of using power to achieve goals, use your power to serve others beyond personal ego. What are you most proud of in your work? It would have to be the Pillars of Clean Energy Strategy and exemplified 3.8Gigawatt of Clean Energy projects that I have created for my clients across 17 countries, over the past 33 years. The approach to becoming a clean energy strategist is grounded in three fundamental pillars: n Purpose and Passion: My role as a clean energy strategist aligns with my passion and sense of purpose. By connecting with individuals in AI, cloud computing, data centres, and renewable energy, I can forge meaningful relationships that fuel innovative solutions. My overarching goal is to contribute to a socially responsible AI era and facilitate the transition to a clean energy future, driven by a commitment to positive global impact.
Develop a purpose and follow your own passion.
Female leaders might avoid seeking power or struggle to wield it, but increasingly I feel a functional society requires great leaders, especially female
n Fulfillment and Impact: The
fulfillment I get from my role stems from reusing emissions and regenerating waste through the adoption of clean energy. Leading global teams in the construction of over 3.8-gigawatt renewable energy data centre projects, I reduce and reuse emissions. InfraPrime’s innovative approach, transforming waste into value through the Clean Infrastructure Fund, not only generates profits from carbon removal projects but also benefits urban communities in the realm of AI-accelerated edge computing.
ones, who can utilise power effectively for the benefit of communities.
n Equanimity: I want to reinforce
the importance of maintaining inner
MARCH 2024 Volume 46 No.1
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