When you develop and build hyperscale data centers—and especially when you live in the world of outside-plant fiber, entrance vaults, zero manholes, and meet-me rooms—you respect the clock of the physical world. Concrete cures at the speed concrete cures. A directional bore under a highway takes as long as the rock says it takes. Reviewing sixteen revisions of a 48×36-inch underground conduit layout takes a sharp pair of eyes, a scale bar, and a quiet afternoon. Then, over the last …
Category: Mentors
By Daniel “Fiber Dan” Molloy Managing a crisis is like being on drugs. Hear me out. You can read about a drug. Study its chemistry. Have someone explain what it does to perception, attention, and your sense of time. You can understand the description intellectually without knowing what the experience actually feels like from the inside. Reading about an altered state does not put you in that state. That is the exact gap between intellectual understanding and lived experience that …
Frank Zappa’s whimsical 1992 presidential “campaign” offers a unique lens through which to view today’s political landscape. In an era dominated by unconventional leaders and innovative governmental initiatives, comparing Zappa’s satirical bid to the modern Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) led by Elon Musk reveals intriguing parallels and contrasts. This essay explores how Zappa’s artistic provocation and DOGE’s technological ambitions reflect evolving approaches to political commentary and reform. Frank Zappa’s 1992 candidacy was primarily an artistic statement. He used his …
I still remember the day my friend told me about his bizarre experience at Wal-Mart. He had been late to work his third time in the course of seven years, because he got a flat tire on his car. But what happened next was something neither of us could have anticipated. On his third tardy arrival, he made his way to the clock-in station, expecting perhaps a warning or a discussion with his manager about his punctuality. Instead, as he …
“Creativity is not merely about generating new ideas; it involves transforming these ideas into valuable applications,” asserts Andrew Hargadon, a professor at the MIT Sloan School of Management. In the ever-shifting landscape of modern business, creativity and innovation are fundamental to an organization’s success. The environment leaders cultivate plays a crucial role in either fostering or hindering these attributes. Harvard’s Amy Edmondson’s research underscores the necessity of psychological safety for innovation, demonstrating that teams where individuals feel at ease taking …
Setting New Standards: A Record-Breaking Achievement in Just 14 Months for 72MW We’re incredibly proud to have achieved what we believe is a record-breaking accomplishment by bringing a 72MW facility to readiness in just 14 months. This monumental milestone is a testament to our team’s unwavering dedication, hard work, and collaboration. Although this achievement took a significant toll on all of us, it stands as a shining example of what can be accomplished when a passionate and committed team comes …
Master electrician and distinguished comedian George Redding recently retired from Dynalectric after a remarkable career. Over approximately a decade, I had the privilege of collaborating with George on numerous projects, including ACC4, ACC5, ACC6, ACC7, MCC1, and LC1A. Together with Faran Kaplan (and later Matt Hartle), we formed a dynamic team responsible for coordinating facility telecommunications. One of our most significant accomplishments during this time was the development of the Consolidation Point (CP) concept, which is now a standard feature …
Introducing Michael Gates, a seasoned veteran in the Outside Plant (OSP) industry. I first met Michael back when AboveNet was a leading carrier in the data center space. With his extensive knowledge of fiber infrastructure in Northern Virginia (NoVA), Michael is undoubtedly one of the foremost experts in the field. His expertise and dedication have made him a highly respected figure in the data center community. …
In the world of telecommunications and fiber infrastructure, Faran Kaplan is a renowned name and an invaluable mentor to many, including myself. Boasting an impressive resume with numerous electrical design patents to his name, Faran’s guidance and expertise have been instrumental in shaping my career trajectory. His impact on both my personal and professional growth is truly appreciated. A heartfelt thank you to Faran, my dear friend and mentor! https://www.linkedin.com/in/farankaplan/ …
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