Ep. #98 Zachary Peña, Chief Executive Officer of Empirix Partners

Episode #98 of the Data Center Go-to-Market Podcast features an interview with Zachary Peña, Chief Executive Officer at Empirix Partners.

Discover the common misconceptions about supply chain management and its critical role in the data center industry.
Learn about Zach Pena’s journey from the Marines to becoming a trusted advisor in supply chain logistics.
Understand the diverse career opportunities in the data center industry, from construction to supply chain to technical roles.
Gain insights into the importance of professional branding and differentiation for client-facing roles in the data center ecosystem.
Explore the challenges and opportunities in supply chain management for hyperscale and enterprise IT companies.
Find out how Empirix Partners approaches supply chain management as a trusted advisor.
Examine the role of AI and automation in improving productivity and efficiency in supply chain processes.
Uncover the tools and technologies Empirix Partners uses to streamline operations and provide value to clients.
Hear about the origin and purpose of the Watchtower podcast and its focus on sharing supply chain insights.
Align supply chain strategies with a company’s vision and ideal customer profile for long-term success.
Get inspired by Zach Pena’s vision for the future of Empirix Partners and the data center industry.

Host:
Joshua Feinberg, CEO
DCSMI

Special Guest:
Zachary Peña, Chief Executive Officer
Empirix Partners

Zach Pena, CEO of Empirix Partners, discussed his journey from the Marines to founding a company specializing in mission-critical sourcing and supply chain. He emphasized the importance of the supply chain as a comprehensive system involving capital, people, process, and widgets (materials). Pena highlighted the need for informed, proactive decisions in supply chain management, especially in the data center industry. He shared insights on the complexity of managing large-scale data center projects, the role of AI in improving efficiency, and the importance of strategic relationships. Pena also mentioned the launch of Empirix in 2023 and the firm's focus on being a trusted advisor rather than just consultants.

Outline

Supply Chain Misconceptions and Introduction of Zach Pena

The cold open segment discusses the common misconception that the supply chain is just buying stuff, emphasizing it involves capital, people, process, and widgets.
Joshua Feinberg introduces Zach Pena, CEO of Empirix Partners, and asks about his journey from the Marines to founding his own company.
Zach explains his interest in supply chain logistics during his time in the Marine Corps and his education at the University of Tennessee.
Zach details his career path, including roles at Georgia Pacific, consulting, and his transition to data centers, leading to his current role as a trusted advisor.

Advice for Aspiring Data Center Professionals

Joshua Feinberg asks Zach for advice he would give to students interested in careers in the data center industry.
Zach emphasizes the numerous opportunities available in the industry, from construction to supply chain to technical roles.
Zach shares his experience speaking to a class about the importance of getting into the industry and its opportunities.
Joshua and Zach discuss college students' challenges in building their networks and gaining experience through internships and part-time jobs.

Professional Branding and Career Advice

Joshua Feinberg and Zach discuss the importance of professional branding and differentiation for client-facing roles in data centers.
Zach advises focusing on passion and finding a career that aligns with personal interests.
Zach shares his approach to helping professionals identify their passions and find fulfilling careers in the data center industry.
Joshua and Zach discuss the importance of upward mobility and the need for a new generation to replace retiring baby boomers in the industry.

Challenges and Opportunities in Supply Chain Management

Joshua Feinberg asks Zach about the biggest challenges in supply chain management and sourcing for data centers.
Zach highlights the importance of making well-informed decisions and integrating supply chain strategies with a company's overall vision and strategic intent.
Zach discusses the need for proactive thinking and holistic approaches to supply chain management.
Joshua and Zach explore the role of trusted advisors in guiding clients through supply chain challenges and building long-term relationships.

Empirix Partners and Its Approach to Supply Chain

Joshua Feinberg inquires about the launch of Empirix Partners and its approach to supply chain management.
Zach explains the firm's focus on being a trusted advisor and providing holistic supply chain solutions.
Zach shares his vision for Empirix Partners' growth and the importance of strategic relationships with clients and partners.
Joshua and Zach discuss the role of AI and automation in improving productivity and efficiency in supply chain management.

The Role of AI and Automation in Supply Chain

Joshua Feinberg asks Zach about the impact of AI and automation on supply chain management.
Zach shares his experiences with integrating AI into internal systems and improving efficiency.
Zach discusses the challenges of using AI in customer-facing scenarios and the industry's current state of AI adoption.
Joshua and Zach explore the potential of AI to revolutionize supply chain management and create new growth opportunities.

Empirix Partners' Tools and Technologies

Joshua Feinberg asks Zach about his favorite tools and technologies in Empirix Partners' tech stack.
Zach highlights the firm's internal GPT tool, which helps streamline processes and provide insights based on standard operating procedures.
Zach discusses the importance of using AI to stay relevant and efficient in the market.
Joshua and Zach explore the potential of AI to enhance customer value and drive growth for Empirix Partners.

Empirix Partners' Go-to-Market Strategy

Joshua Feinberg inquires about Empirix Partners' go-to-market strategy and its digital and thought leadership focus.
Zach explains the firm's approach to building a sustainable business that adds value to customers.
Zach shares his vision for Empirix Partners' role as a trusted advisor and the importance of developing long-term relationships.
Joshua and Zach discuss the challenges and opportunities of building a digitally focused go-to-market strategy in the data center industry.

The Watchtower Podcast and Its Purpose

Joshua Feinberg asks Zach about the origin and purpose of the Watchtower podcast.
Zach explains the podcast's focus on sharing insights and approaches to solving common supply chain challenges.
Zach discusses the importance of transparency and education in building trust with clients and the industry.
Joshua and Zach explore the potential of the podcast to create a global community of data center professionals and share best practices.

Future Vision for Empirix Partners

Joshua Feinberg asks Zach about his vision for Empirix Partners' future and the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Zach shares his hope for continued growth and success in the industry through strategic partnerships and innovative solutions.
Zach discusses the importance of staying ahead of market trends and adapting to new challenges.
Joshua and Zach explore the potential of AI and automation to transform the data center industry and create new opportunities for Empirix Partners.

Guest Resources

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Data Center Go-to-Market Podcast, Data Center Go-to-Market Podcast | Guest Interview

Ep. #98 Zachary Peña, Chief Executive Officer of Empirix Partners | Data Center Go-to-Market Podcast