Episode 114 of the Data Center Go-to-Market Podcast features an interview with Gabe Andrews, Vice President of Operations at Nautilus Data Technologies.
- Explore the dynamics of context switching in data center operations
- Build a diverse and agile IT team
- Uncover the benefits of transitioning between sales and operations roles
- Navigate the challenges of managing remote and on-site team members
- Examine approaches to career development beyond traditional career ladders
- Identify methods for mentoring and empowering team members
- Understand the value of networking in the data center industry
- Investigate targeted conference strategies for professional growth
- Develop insights into startup IT team management
- Master the art of graceful team member transitions
- Recognize the importance of cultural fit in recruiting
- Cultivate a flexible leadership approach in technology organizations
Host:
Joshua Feinberg, CEO
DCSMI
Special Guest:
Gabe Andrews, Vice President of Operations
Nautilus Data Technologies
Joshua Feinberg and Gabe Andrews discuss the dynamic nature of leadership in the data center industry. Gabe, VP of Operations at Nautilus Data Technologies, shares his journey from a sales role at Wesco to his current position, emphasizing the importance of agility and versatility. He outlines his team-building strategies, focusing on culture and remote work, and highlights the challenges of hiring and retaining talent. Gabe also discusses the evolving role of sales professionals, the value of targeted industry events, and the importance of mentorship and career development. He concludes by reflecting on the future of leadership in the data center space.
Outline
Context Switching and Career Insights
- Discusses the challenges of context switching in his role, managing various responsibilities such as data center owner-operator, solution delivery, and project management.
- Emphasizes the enjoyment and learning opportunities from each new challenge, likening it to building a foundation for his career journey.
- Gabe Andrews, Vice President of Operations at Nautilus Data Technologies, is introduced as a returning guest to the podcast.
- Gabe reflects on his transition from a sales role at Wesco to his current operations role at Nautilus, noting the increased perspective and insight gained from his sales experience.
Transition from Sales to Operations
- Gabe explains that his transition to operations was not planned but made sense at the time, allowing him to focus on driving his team forward and being a servant leader.
- He describes the differences between his previous role at Wesco, a large enterprise, and his current role at Nautilus, a startup, highlighting the dynamic and stressful nature of working in a startup.
- Gabe discusses the importance of agility in his role, comparing it to being a utility player in professional sports, able to adapt to changing demands and requests.
- He emphasizes the need for his team to be versatile and agile, able to handle various responsibilities and context switching.
Building the IT Team at Nautilus
- Gabe outlines the structure of his IT team, including data center operations, IT operations, partner operations, and delivery operations, with different hiring and recruitment strategies for each.
- He focuses on the importance of culture in hiring for data center operations, emphasizing the need for local, hands-on personnel with some prior knowledge in mechanical or electrical fields.
- Gabe describes the training and coaching processes for his data center team, ensuring cultural fit and continuous improvement.
- For remote roles, Gabe looks for senior-level individuals who can work independently and manage their own schedules, emphasizing the importance of experience and the ability to execute without micromanagement.
Challenges and Strategies in Remote Team Management
- Gabe discusses the challenges of managing a remote team, including the importance of daily stand-ups and regular check-ins to ensure communication and collaboration.
- He highlights the need for flexibility in scheduling to accommodate different time zones and personal commitments, ensuring that team members feel supported and valued.
- Gabe emphasizes the importance of maintaining a human connection, even in a remote environment, through regular video calls and personal interactions.
- He reflects on the balance between providing structure and flexibility, ensuring that team members have the autonomy to manage their own work while feeling connected to the team.
Networking and Conferences in the Data Center Industry
- Gabe shares his experiences with attending conferences and networking events, emphasizing the value of meeting new people and sharing ideas.
- He discusses the evolution of conferences, from large, general events to more niche, targeted events focused on specific segments of the data center ecosystem.
- Gabe highlights the benefits of these targeted events, including the ability to dive deep into specific topics and connect with like-minded professionals.
- He reflects on the importance of staying connected and engaged in the industry, attending events to learn, network, and stay informed about the latest trends and developments.
Career Development and Mentorship
- Gabe discusses the concept of a career ladder, expressing his preference for a more flexible, individualized approach to career development.
- He emphasizes the importance of understanding each team member's unique journey and helping them chart their own path, rather than adhering to a rigid career ladder.
- Gabe reflects on his role as a mentor, focusing on building partnerships and trust with his team, and helping them develop the skills and confidence to take on new challenges.
- He shares his approach to mentorship, including asking questions to understand each team member's goals and providing guidance tailored to their individual needs.
Building a Diverse and Inclusive Team
- Gabe highlights the importance of building a diverse team with a mix of backgrounds and experiences, fostering an environment where everyone can contribute and learn from each other.
- He discusses the value of unconventional backgrounds and experiences, noting that a diverse team brings a richer set of skills and perspectives.
- Gabe reflects on the challenges and rewards of managing a diverse team, emphasizing the importance of creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered.
- He shares his approach to hiring and recruiting, focusing on finding individuals who are a good cultural fit and have the potential to contribute to the team's success.
Handling Team Member Departures
- Gabe discusses the importance of handling team member departures gracefully, emphasizing the value of helping individuals achieve their career goals, even if it means they leave his team.
- He reflects on the satisfaction of seeing team members succeed and move on to new opportunities, and the role he plays in helping them achieve their aspirations.
- Gabe emphasizes the importance of maintaining positive relationships and staying connected with former team members, recognizing the small world of the data center industry.
- He shares his approach to mentorship, focusing on helping team members develop the skills and confidence to take on new challenges and achieve their career goals.
Future of Leadership and Team Management
- Gabe discusses his vision for the future of his leadership role, emphasizing the importance of thinking long-term and focusing on strategic planning.
- He reflects on the need to let go of day-to-day management responsibilities and empower his team to handle current and future challenges.
- Gabe highlights the importance of continuous learning and development, both for himself and his team, to stay ahead of industry trends and adapt to changing demands.
- He shares his approach to balancing work and personal life, recognizing the need for time to recharge and stay connected with his team.
Final Thoughts
- Gabe provides final thoughts on the importance of building a strong, diverse team and fostering a culture of continuous learning and development.
- He emphasizes the value of networking and staying connected with industry professionals, recognizing the importance of building a strong professional network.
- Joshua Feinberg concludes the podcast, thanking Gabe for his insights and contributions, and inviting listeners to subscribe to the Data Center Sales and Marketing Newsletter for more updates and resources.
Guest Resources
Resources
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