Episode 162 of the Data Center Go-to-Market Podcast features an interview with Yong Tan, Global Director of Sales (US and Global Accounts) - AI Systems for Data Centers at Supermicro.
- Discover how Yong Tan transitioned from engineering and IT roles into leading AI data center sales at Supermicro
- Understand why the AI data center “gold rush” has a limited 12–18 month window of opportunity
- Explore how technical backgrounds give sales professionals a powerful edge with sophisticated buyers
- Examine the rapid evolution from traditional data centers to high-density, GPU-driven AI infrastructure
- Identify common mistakes companies make when they treat data centers primarily as real estate
- Analyze why power density, thermal management, and liquid cooling are now mission-critical design factors
- Recognize the importance of viewing the ecosystem “from chip to grid” instead of focusing on narrow silos
- Learn practical career advice for students and early-career professionals entering the data center/AI space
- Evaluate strategies for mid-career professionals who feel stuck and want to reinvent themselves in AI and data centers
- Appreciate how modular and standardized data center designs accelerate deployment and reduce risk
- See why capacity “time-to-online” is becoming a key differentiator for data center providers
- Assess how ecosystem partnerships (e.g., Nvidia and its investments) shape the future of AI infrastructure
- Observe how AI tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot are transforming day-to-day sales productivity
- Consider how self-driving technology, powered by AI and data centers, could reshape mobility and work
- Connect Yong’s global background and engineering expertise to his current role advising enterprise AI data center buyers
Host:
Joshua Feinberg, CEO
DCSMI
Special Guest:
Yong Tan, Global Director of Sales (US and Global Accounts) - AI Systems for Data Centers
Supermicro
Yong Tan, Global Director of Sales for AI systems at Supermicro, discusses the urgency of investing in AI infrastructure and data centers, predicting a 12-18 month window for companies to capitalize on the AI boom.
Tan shares his career journey from engineering to sales, emphasizing the importance of understanding customer needs and staying updated with technological advancements.
He highlights the need for companies to design future-proof data centers that can adapt to rapidly evolving technologies, such as AI and GPU-driven workloads.
Tan also discusses the significance of ecosystem integration, the potential of self-driving technology, and the role of AI in enhancing productivity and customer interactions.
Outline
Introduction and Background of Yong Tan
- Discusses the importance of investing in AI infrastructure and data centers, emphasizing the urgency of being part of the AI race.
- Joshua Feinberg, introduces Yong Tan, the Global Director of Sales for AI systems at Supermicro, and welcomes him to the podcast.
- Yong Tan shares his career journey, starting with two decades in the tech industry, including roles at Microsoft and EMC, and his recent focus on data centers.
- Yong Tan highlights his background in engineering and his relocation to Boston, where he has lived with his family for over five years.
Transition from Engineering to Sales
- Notes Boston's reputation as the Eastern Silicon Valley and asks Yong Tan about his career transition from engineering to sales.
- Yong Tan explains that this is his first sales role and shares his excitement about leveraging his engineering experience to better communicate with customers.
- He mentions the challenges of adapting to a new language and the importance of understanding customer needs in engineering terms.
- Yong Tan discusses the value of his MBA background in business and customer relationship management.
Trends in Sales and Technology
- Discusses the trend of hiring professionals with technical backgrounds for sales roles due to the increased self-service in the buying process.
- Yong Tan agrees, emphasizing the importance of understanding customer technology challenges and providing tailored solutions.
- Shares insights from executives at data center operators about the need for sales professionals to stay updated with technology trends.
- Yong Tan talks about the importance of continuous learning in the rapidly evolving tech industry and his efforts to stay informed about new technologies.
Advice for Early Career Professionals
- Asks Yong Tan for advice for early career professionals interested in data centers and AI.
- Yong Tan advises constant learning and staying updated with new technologies, mentioning the impact of AI and GPU advancements on data center design.
- He emphasizes the importance of understanding the entire ecosystem from chip to grade and the critical factors like power density and thermal requirements.
- Yong Tan suggests attending conferences, listening to podcasts, and learning from peers and managers to stay relevant in the industry.
Challenges and Opportunities in Data Centers
- Inquires about the biggest challenges and mistakes in the data center industry.
- Yong Tan identifies the common mistake of treating data centers as real estate businesses and the need for dynamic, future-proof designs.
- He discusses the importance of understanding power density and thermal requirements, especially for high-performance GPUs.
- Yong Tan highlights the trend of modular data centers and the benefits of standardized, repeatable designs for faster adoption and scalability.
Impact of AI and Self-Driving Technology
- Discuss the potential impact of AI and self-driving technology on daily life and the data center industry.
- Yong Tan shares his optimism about AI's role in automating tasks and improving productivity in sales and customer interactions.
- He expresses excitement about the potential of self-driving technology to enhance safety and convenience, especially for older individuals and children.
- Yong Tan mentions the growing popularity of self-driving features and the potential for significant changes in transportation and work habits.
Future of Data Center Sales and Technology
- Asks Yong Tan about the future of data center sales and the role of AI in his job.
- Yong Tan predicts a busy and transformative period for the industry, with AI playing a crucial role in automating tasks and improving customer connections.
- He discusses the potential for AI to streamline business processes and enhance the efficiency of data center operations.
- Yong Tan emphasizes the importance of staying updated with the latest technologies and adapting to the rapid changes in the industry.
Conclusion and Contact Information
- Thanks Yong Tan for sharing his insights and experiences on the podcast.
- Yong Tan encourages listeners to connect with him on LinkedIn for more information about Supermicro and its products.
- Provides information about the podcast sponsor, DCSMI, and invites listeners to Subscribe to the Data Center Sales and Marketing Newsletter.
- The podcast episode concludes with a reminder to stay informed about upcoming episodes and the importance of the data center industry's growth.
Guest Resources
- Connect with Yong Tan, Global Director of Sales (US and Global Accounts) - AI Systems for Data Centers at Supermicro, on LinkedIn
- Follow Supermicro on LinkedIn
- Learn About Supermicro
Resources
- Connect with Joshua Feinberg, CEO at DCSMI, on LinkedIn
- Follow DCSMI on LinkedIn
- Follow the Data Center Go-to-Market Podcast on LinkedIn
- Learn About DCSMI
- Subscribe to the Data Center Sales and Marketing Newsletter
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