Episode 16

full
Published on:

21st Jul 2025

Inside the Infrastructure Boom with Kemal Hawa

In this thought-provoking episode of the Nomad Futurist podcast, co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence sit down with Kemal Hawa, partner at Kirkland & Ellis LLP, for an insightful exploration of digital infrastructure’s evolution and the legal frameworks shaping its future. 

With decades of experience spanning data centers, fiber, submarine cables, towers, and beyond, Kemal guides listeners through the transformation of the communications ecosystem, from the early days of telecom to the rise of data centers as a critical, standalone industry. Along the way, he highlights how legal practice has evolved from broad generalism to deep specialization:  

“You need to have a fundamental understanding of the technology, the competitive landscape, and the client's business — including the risks and challenges they face.” 

The conversation dives into pressing industry challenges, from navigating GDPR and data sovereignty to the increasing demand for localized infrastructure driven by privacy and power constraints. Kemal also weighs in on the delicate balance between IT outsourcing and maintaining control, underscoring the friction between fast-moving innovation and slow-moving regulation: 


“Technology moves much, much faster than any legislative or regulatory process… Stick with broad principles and objectives rather than trying to regulate specific practices.” 

The discussion expands to AI’s explosive impact on infrastructure and energy demand, with Kemal addressing the legal and operational hurdles that lie ahead. Despite the complexity, his outlook is optimistic: 


"In the next 50 years, there is almost zero chance that there'll be any material decline. There could be periods of stagnation... but the need for our devices, our content, is not going anywhere. In fact, it’s just going to continue to proliferate.”  

Kemal closes with a powerful call to action for the next generation, encouraging young professionals to explore careers in digital infrastructure. A great place to start? The Nomad Futurist Academy — a free online learning platform designed to educate and inspire the next wave of industry leaders. 

Tap into more of Kemal Hawa’s thought leadership on LinkedIn.  

Next Episode All Episodes Previous Episode

Listen for free

Show artwork for Nomad Futurist

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.