Kao Data: Championing the Women who Power Data Centres

As AI demand drives the data centre industry forward, Kao Data spotlights the opportunities and urgency for a new generation of women across the workforce.

The data centre industry faces a demographic challenge as it prepares simultaneously for mass retirements within its workforce and expansion requirements to meet surging AI workload demands. 

With the industry more relevant and transformational than ever before, data centres are the necessary backbone to propel AI and other emerging technologies forward. Such a transitional time in the industry leaves room for a gap to be filled, as new and diverse workers could fill the space.

As the industry expands, so does the need for diverse perspectives in solving complex technical challenges. In recognising this, Kao Data has released Critical Careers: Celebrating Women in Digital Infrastructure to spotlight women’s contributions to digital infrastructure to inspire other women across the world.

“What we discovered is that no two stories are the same, but together they reflect the importance of diverse experiences in driving progress and innovation in mission-critical infrastructure,” says Kalay Moodley, Chief People Officer at Kao Data.

Celebrating the women who power data centre infrastructure

As the sector expands to support AI, the specialist technology and cooling systems needed are also demanding new skills and jobs.

Highlighting the opportunities for women in both sectors and STEM more broadly, Kao Data’s project includes interviews with women working in engineering, real estate, marketing and human resources within the data centre industry.

The initiative examines career journeys across different geographical markets and age groups, revealing the unconventional routes many professionals take into data centre work.

Libby Milne, Project Manager at Buro Four who is featured in the initiative says: “I had a conversation with my dad, who worked in construction. He took me to an open day at a construction site and that’s where something clicked. I got to see all the different roles and innovations – BIM, sustainability, 3D modelling – and it caught my interest. 

“The thing I find fascinating in talking to others in the industry is that there is no set career path into it. There aren’t university courses or clear training programmes – most of us stumble into it without knowing what it is. But that’s part of what makes it exciting.”

What women can bring to the data centre industry

Hiring people from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences ultimately helps to power a more innovative working environment. 

Cláudia Alves, Strategic Negotiator at Google, explains: “Women in the data centre industry bring a balance that is essential for holistic problem-solving and innovation.

“By integrating different perspectives and approaches, teams can achieve more balanced and effective solutions.Critical Careers is showcasing all the ways women are making a difference in the data centre industry and that there's no one way to lead, contribute or succeed.”

Candace Kumi, Assistant Project Manager at LMG, who is also featured in the initiative, adds: “The women in this industry are very intelligent – not just book-smart but really savvy in handling discussions. They often take a measured approach, actively listening, absorbing information and then gently guiding the conversation, suggesting alternative views or probing deeper into the issues.

“It’s almost like they’re playing chess, making moves that benefit them and by extension, the project’s success.”

The key to industry expansion and career opportunities

Career paths within digital infrastructure span technical roles including facility engineering and network operations, alongside business functions such as site acquisition, regulatory affairs and customer relationship management.

However, with the data centre shifting focus, including to focus more on sustainability and renewable initiatives, additional opportunities are being created for professionals that haven’t traditionally worked in the industry before.

The sector requires specialists in power management, as data centres typically consume significant electricity for server operations and cooling systems.

For example, edge computing has created opportunities in markets previously underserved by large-scale facilities. These smaller data centres, positioned closer to population centres, require local expertise in planning regulations, environmental requirements and grid capacity constraints whilst meeting customer demands for computing power and network connectivity.

Looking ahead, data centre operators are having to navigate planning regulations, environmental requirements and grid capacity constraints whilst meeting customer demands for computing power and network connectivity.

Kalay adds: “Critical Careers aims to celebrate the remarkable women who are thriving in digital infrastructure. We wanted to take an in-depth look at the countless, impactful contributions women from all disciplines and at all stages of their careers are making to the industry.”

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