Episode 25

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Published on:

7th Oct 2024

Innovating in Data Centers and Telecom

Tony Rossabi, Founder and Managing Member of OCOLO, recently appeared on the Nomad Futurist podcast, sharing insights from his extensive 26-year career in the telecom and data center industry with hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence.

Rossabi grew up on the Upper West Side of New York City, where his professor parents instilled in him a love for learning. This academic background inspired Rossabi to pursue a law degree and briefly work as a district attorney in the U.S. Attorney's office in New York City. In 1998, Rossabi shifted his career path and joined a telecom startup, Justice Telecom. He recalls:

"My best friend from growing up’s college roommate started this company and they're like, 'Hey, you seem like an aggressive guy, come out here and let's have you run network services and procurement.'"


This move marked the beginning of Rossabi's long career in the telecom and data center industry.

Reflecting on the early days of the industry, Rossabi paints a vivid picture of the bustling conference scene and the excitement that surrounded this rapidly evolving field:


“That’s kind of how you meet people, and the conferences were much more abundant back then, and they were insane… This is when the heyday of telecom money was out of control.”


Now leading OCOLO, an online marketplace for data centers, Rossabi remains deeply involved in the industry and further highlights the importance of community support within tech:


"I think we talk a lot about making money, but not about helping others grow within the space, and I think that’s critically important.”


Rossabi's passion for the industry and appreciation for his learning experiences throughout the journey are evident. His path from law to telecom to data centers illustrates the dynamic nature of the tech industry and the opportunities it presents for career growth and evolution.

Stay connected with Rossabi on LinkedIn to be part of his story as he navigates and shapes the ever-evolving landscape of the dynamic industry.

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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.