Episode 14

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Published on:

23rd Jun 2025

Brothers in Cloud: From Grit to Global Impact

In this dynamic two-part episode of the Nomad Futurist podcast, co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence sit down with Charnocks brothers, Sean (Founder of Cloud Pioneer at Softlayer Technologies) and Will (Head of Infrastructure and Cloud Operations at Thales CPL) f or an in-depth conversation exploring their unexpectedly parallel journeys into digital infrastructure and the lessons learned along the way.  

Though each brother carved a distinct path, both attribute their success to a combination of curiosity, opportunity, and foundational values instilled early in life. Their careers — spanning cloud computing, cybersecurity, infrastructure engineering, and executive leadership — evolved not through rigid planning but through openness to emerging industries and the willingness to take strategic risks. Will embraces:  

W: “I was very fortunate to have fallen into [the] industry... There was no playbook, there were no courses, there was nobody. They weren't teaching these types of things. And so, I just kind of fell in there, found something that I was good at and that I actually enjoyed doing." 

The brothers reflect on a mindset that shaped their respective careers: a blend of independence, initiative, and resilience. Sean recalls a family mantra that still drives him today: 


S: "Go be something, go make yourself something."   

What some might interpret as pressure, the Charnocks saw as empowerment — a call to action that sparked their entrepreneurial drive. They also speak to the complementary roles their parents played in shaping their outlooks on risk and stability. As Sean shares: 


S: “I think Will and I were pretty lucky... [Our mother] made sure we had insurance and [our father] would chase the entrepreneurial stuff.” 

Whether you're a tech veteran, an aspiring entrepreneur, or someone navigating a career pivot, this episode offers meaningful insight into the personal and professional dynamics that shape long-term success in the digital infrastructure space. 

To stay connected with the Charnocks, follow Sean and Will on LinkedIn.  

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About the Podcast

Nomad Futurist
The #nomadfuturist show is a true tech podcast phenomenon. The two hosts are technologists and futurists, so they really know their stuff, and following their in-depth conversations feels like you have a backstage pass to a gathering of the best of the
The nomads put a new spin on the tech genre by shining a light not only on technology but also on the human side of the digital age. Tune in if you find yourself thinking about how to integrate into the digital landscape and be a part of the evolving industry.

For over two decades, Phil and Nabeel have provided a powerful catalyst for organizations to create a vision of the future and the will to innovate. As futurists, they deliver a dynamic and entertaining vision of change, blending technology, economics, demographics, culture, and human nature.

With real business experience and a deep understanding of technology, the two nomads know the difference between science fiction and useful forecasting. Rather than focusing on the distant future, they devote themselves to scanning the horizon for emerging technologies and disruptive shifts in human behavior, thereby sharing a compelling vision of tomorrow’s opportunities.