Episode 116 of the Data Center Go-to-Market Podcast features an interview with Maria del Pilar Galeano, Business Development Manager Data Centers South America at Legrand.
- Discover the rapid transformation of the data center industry in recent years
- Explore how engineering backgrounds contribute to technology sales and leadership
- Uncover strategies for continuous learning and career development
- Investigate the growing importance of soft skills in technical professions
- Examine the role of artificial intelligence in modern business operations
- Navigate career transitions for mid-career professionals
- Understand Legrand's approach to providing comprehensive technology solutions
- Identify key challenges in data center infrastructure and design
- Recognize the significance of mentorship in STEM career paths
- Evaluate the impact of digital tools and AI on business productivity
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Host:
Joshua Feinberg
DCSMI
Special Guest:
Maria del Pilar Galeano, Business Development Manager Data Centers South America
Legrand
Maria del Pilar Galeano, Business Development Manager for Data Centers in South America at Legrand, discusses the evolving data center industry, emphasizing the shift from traditional specialties to AI workloads, sustainability goals, automation, and software-defined infrastructure. She highlights the importance of soft skills, continuous learning, and mentoring, especially for young people interested in STEM careers. Maria del Pilar also notes the need for companies to adapt to new technologies and provide comprehensive solutions rather than just products. She mentions tools like Copilot, ChatGPT, and Canva as essential for efficiency and innovation in her role.
Action Items
- Learn about new technologies and trends in the data center industry, such as AI, analytics, green energy, and automation.
- Mentor junior or beginner colleagues within the organization to share knowledge and experience.
- Explore the use of tools like Copilot, ChatGPT, and Canva to increase efficiency and productivity in daily tasks.
- Strengthen relationships and collaboration with cross-functional teams (e.g., HR, finance, logistics) to deliver comprehensive solutions to customers.
- Continue to foster a culture of continuous learning and development within the Legrand team across South America.
Outline
Introduction to Data Center Industry Changes
- Maria del Pilar discusses the evolution of the data center industry, emphasizing the shift from traditional concerns like power and cooling to new focus areas such as AI workloads, sustainability goals, automation, multi-monitoring, and software-defined infrastructure.
- Maria del Pilar introduces herself as Maria del Pilar Galeano, Business Development Manager for Data Centers at Legrand South America, and invites listeners to the Data Center Go to Market Podcast.
- Joshua Feinberg welcomes Maria del Pilar Galeano to the podcast and expresses excitement about her unique perspective.
- Joshua Feinberg inquires about Maria del Pilar's background in engineering, telecommunications, and infrastructure, and how it led her to her current career.
Maria del Pilar's Career Journey and Background
- Maria del Pilar shares her early interest in science, mathematics, and engineering, which influenced her decision to pursue a career in electrical engineering and later in electronics.
- She mentions her additional qualifications, including an MBA and various specialties and languages, which have contributed to her professional development.
- Joshua Feinberg notes the prevalence of engineering backgrounds among professionals in Business Development, leadership roles, and sales in the data center and digital infrastructure sectors.
- Maria del Pilar emphasizes the importance of understanding the natural language of customers and developing soft skills in communication, sales, and strategy to succeed in the technology industry.
The Role of Soft Skills in Sales and Technology
- Joshua Feinberg highlights the increasing importance of being an expert in technology to build relationships with clients who are IT professionals.
- Maria del Pilar discusses the significance of being well-informed and a good communicator in the rapidly evolving world of technology, especially in the context of AI and other emerging technologies.
- They discuss the shelf life of knowledge and the importance of continuous learning and upskilling to stay relevant in the field.
- Maria del Pilar shares her experience with mentoring children and teens, particularly girls, interested in technical careers in STEM, and the importance of discipline and small goals in achieving big dreams.
Mentoring and Career Advice for Young Professionals
- Maria del Pilar advises young people to focus on discipline and taking small steps towards their goals, emphasizing the importance of a positive self-image and resilience.
- She compares the journey of aspiring professionals to that of athletes and musicians, who need guidance and mentorship to develop their skills and achieve success.
- Joshua and Maria del Pilar discuss the need for soft skills development, such as public speaking and communication, which are crucial for success in both personal and professional life.
- Maria del Pilar stresses the importance of real-world interactions and the role of parents, teachers, friends, mentors, and society in guiding young people towards their goals.
Challenges and Opportunities in Mid-Career Professionals
- Joshua Feinberg asks Maria for advice on helping mid-career professionals who feel burnt out or need to reinvent themselves.
- Maria del Pilar advises professionals to embrace change and continuous learning, highlighting the numerous opportunities in emerging technologies like AI, edge computing, and data centers.
- She emphasizes the importance of staying updated through short certifications, online courses, and attending webinars and podcasts.
- Maria del Pilar suggests that mid-career professionals can mentor junior colleagues, join webinars, and engage in conversations that can inspire and motivate them.
Legrand's Approach to Business Development and Solutions
- Joshua Feinberg inquires about the biggest challenges and problems faced by enterprises and general partners in navigating data centers and digital infrastructure.
- Maria del Pilar identifies the common mistake of treating data centers as they were 10-15 years ago, emphasizing the need for modern approaches that include AI workloads, sustainability goals, automation, and software-defined infrastructure.
- She highlights the importance of soft skills and communication in designing efficient and sustainable data centers.
- Maria del Pilar discusses Legrand's shift from focusing on products to offering complete solutions and services, including startup, commissioning, and maintenance.
Legrand's Global Contractor Strategy
- Maria del Pilar explains Legrand's new approach as a global contractor, offering total solutions that include design, products, installation, and maintenance.
- She describes the company's investment in service companies and the development of a total consultancy model.
- Maria del Pilar emphasizes the importance of a global mindset and the need to work together across different teams and countries.
- She highlights the company's commitment to sustainability and the development of a circular economy.
Legrand's Team Structure and Collaboration
- Joshua Feinberg asks about the typical job roles on Maria del Pilar's team and their collaboration with third parties.
- Maria del Pilar mentions working with salespeople, marketers, business developers, human resources, buyers, logistics, financials, and third parties like integrators and value-added resellers.
- She describes the importance of collaboration across the value chain to provide comprehensive solutions to customers.
- Maria del Pilar emphasizes the strong relationships within her team and the coordination between different regional offices in South America.
Tools and Technologies Used by Maria del Pilar
- Joshua Feinberg inquires about the tools and apps that Maria finds indispensable in her job.
- Maria del Pilar mentions using Copilot, especially with the Microsoft package, and ChatGPT for various tasks, including extracting information, analyzing data, and generating ideas.
- She also uses Canva for digital marketing, highlighting its importance in creating quick and effective promotional materials.
- Maria del Pilar discusses the benefits of using artificial intelligence to streamline operational tasks and focus on more strategic and creative aspects of her work.
Maria del Pilar's Role in the Community and Legrand's Culture
- Joshua Feinberg asks about Maria del Pilar's work in the local community and her efforts to encourage gender diversity in engineering roles.
- Maria del Pilar shares her experience with mentoring children and teens, particularly girls, interested in technical careers.
- She describes the importance of discipline, small goals, and positive self-talk in achieving success.
- Maria del Pilar highlights the unique culture at Legrand, which includes team-building activities like playing music together, and the company's commitment to employee development and well-being.
Guest Resources
Resources
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