Episode 23

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Published on:

17th Nov 2025

Mentorship, Mistakes, and Momentum: Chris Pruitt’s Journey Through the Heart of Data Centers

In the latest episode of the Nomad Futurist Podcast, co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence sit down with Chris Pruitt, Senior Director of Data Center Operations at CoreSite, and a seasoned veteran of the digital infrastructure world whose personal journey offers a masterclass in resilience, curiosity, and transformation. 

Once a behind-the-scenes part of the tech ecosystem, data centers are now in the spotlight, sparking conversations in local communities and capturing public interest like never before. As Chris puts it: 

"Our worlds have officially collided with the rest of the outside world, more acutely, I think, in the last 12 months than in the previous 29 years.” 

Chris’s story begins in Tennessee, marked by early manual labor, a detour in college, and a pivotal turn through the U.S. Navy. Instead of letting early setbacks define him, he turned them into stepping stones, propelled by strong mentorship and relentless drive. His advice to anyone finding their way in tech rings clear: 


“Look for a mentor. If you find something you’re passionate about, a mentor can help guide you."  


And it's not just talk. Chris’s career proves that failure isn’t final, but rather often the foundation of future success: 


“Just because you failed doesn’t mean you can’t make it.” 


For newcomers curious about the industry, Chris offers one of the simplest — and most powerful — pieces of advice: ask questions. 


"If you want to ask [an industry veteran] something, they're more than happy to tell you all you want to know... That’s the thing kids, you got to start asking. Start probing.”   


Whether you’re a student, a career changer, or a technologist looking to deepen your impact, Chris Pruitt’s story is a blueprint for building a meaningful career in digital infrastructure. His message is timeless: resilience, mentorship, curiosity, and openness are the keys to thriving in an industry that’s evolving faster, and mattering more, than ever. 


Stay connected with Chris Pruit on LinkedIn to learn more.   

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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.