Svante Horn discusses the evolution of his data center company, emphasizing the importance of hiring Eva Ruben as COO to transition from entrepreneurial founders to a data-driven company.
He aims to provide megawatts of heat to cities and create jobs, rather than becoming a billionaire.
Horn stresses the need for disruptive business models and sustainability, noting the political and community backlash against non-beneficial data centers.
He advocates for a diverse workplace, citing his company's efforts to balance gender and the benefits of diverse perspectives.
Horn concludes that while a green business model and diverse workplace are beneficial, they must also provide a strong value proposition to clients.
This video is excerpted from the podcast Ep. #46 Svante Horn, CEO & Co-Founder of Scandinavian Data Centers | Data Center Go-to-Market Podcast.
Action Items
- Implement a more sustainable and community-focused business model.
- Continue to build a diverse and balanced workforce, with a goal of 50/50 male-female representation.
- Ensure the company's green vision and commitment to sustainability are clearly communicated to attract and retain top talent.
- Prioritize providing the best value proposition for clients in terms of price, security, and green credentials.
Outline
Key Hire and Company Transition
- Joshua Feinberg asks Svante Horn about the future of leading a company and how it might change over the next decade.
- Svante Horn discusses the recent key hire, Eva Ruben, who was COO of KPMG in Sweden and has experience in industrial transformation projects.
- The transition from an entrepreneurial-driven company to a process and data-driven company is highlighted as a challenge.
- Eva Ruben's role is crucial in implementing a new culture and optimizing business models.
Drivers and Disruptive Business Models
- Joshua Feinberg inquires about the importance of key hires in achieving the next level of growth.
- Svante Horn expresses his focus on providing heat to cities and creating jobs rather than becoming a billionaire.
- The importance of being open to disruptive business models to avoid being overtaken by competitors using AI or other advantages.
- The need for rapid reinvention in business models to stay competitive is emphasized.
Sustainability and Local Benefits
- Joshua Feinberg and Svante Horn discuss the need to rethink various aspects of the data center business model.
- Svante Horn highlights the importance of sustainability and local benefits for the success of data centers.
- The tight dialog between politicians, power allocators, and the business community in Sweden is mentioned as a model for the US.
- The potential backlash if data centers do not proactively benefit the local community is discussed.
Power Grid Challenges and Recruitment
- Joshua Feinberg acknowledges the need for power grid upgrades in the US, citing the example of Texas.
- The complexity of national and state regulatory issues in the US is noted.
- Svante Horn emphasizes the importance of a genuine green vision in attracting top talent.
- The company's goal to be a balanced ICT company with a 50/50 male-female ratio is discussed.
Diverse Workplace and Network Effects
- Svante Horn discusses the benefits of a diverse workplace and the importance of different perspectives.
- The company's efforts to hire a diverse workforce, including female leaders and advisors, are highlighted.
- Joshua Feinberg agrees that a diverse workplace is a core strength and a differentiator in the mid-2020s.
- The potential for a diverse workplace to enhance business partnerships and client relationships is discussed.
Green Business Model and Value Proposition
- Svante Horn shares his experience in banking and charity work, emphasizing the need for a value proposition that saves or makes money for clients.
- The company's goal is to provide the best value proposition in terms of price, security, and green credentials.
- Joshua Feinberg agrees that offering a strong value proposition is crucial for success.
- The conversation concludes with a mutual understanding of the importance of a balanced and sustainable business model.
Resources
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