
From idea to scale, we live in a new entrepreneurial age where leadership thinking needs to cut through the noise to deliver on a vision and blueprint to success. The Great Business Minds podcast goes inside the business with the leaders, inventors, investors, executives, trendspotters and visionaries of today to explore what it really takes to build a brand beyond conventional wisdom and disrupt the marketplace with the next big leap in entrepreneurship innovation. Seize the moment with host João Marques Lima, journalist and former editor-in-chief of FTSE 250 tech publications. Brought to you in partnership with Preiskel & Co, a leading award-winning City of London law firm, internationally recognised for its expertise in the digital infrastructure industry as well as the telecoms and tech sector work more broadly.
Episodes

11 hours ago
11 hours ago
Welcome to another episode of the Great Business Minds podcast, the definitive show for the business of digital infrastructure.
GBM is brought to you by Preiskel & Co, a leading award-winning City of London law firm, internationally recognised for its expertise in the digital infrastructure industry and the telecoms and tech sector work more broadly. Wherever your legal or regulatory needs are (including outer space) Preiskel & Co LLP can support you, so do feel free to reach out to them at www.preiskel.com.
Recorded live at The Tech Capital's APAC Finance Forum in Jakarta, Indonesia, this episode features the fireside chat with Otto Toto Sugiri, one of Asia's digital infrastructure masterminds of the 21st century..
Pak Toto is DCI’s founder and CEO, he is responsible for the overall business and the main point of communication with key stakeholders, including investors, partners, customers and public.
Educated in Germany, he is an accomplished IT veteran who began his career in a software company before founding Sigma in 1989. He also founded Indonesia’s first Internet Service Provider, Indonet in 1994, and holds an advisory role for Bursa Efek Indonesia.
Here at the GBM podcast, we hope you enjoy this episode and do leave us a review and share it with your contacts. We invite you back again for the next episode with another big name in the digital infrastructure space.
If you want to get more from the definitive podcast for the business of digital infrastructure, make sure you subscribe to Great Business Minds.
See you soon!
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This episode features our commercial partner Preiskel & Co, a leading award-winning City of London law firm, internationally recognised for its expertise in the digital infrastructure industry as well as the telecoms and tech sector work more broadly. Visit www.preiskel.com for more information.
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Get more from the GBM Podcast on:
Official Website
LinkedIn
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
YouTube

Monday Jan 27, 2025
Monday Jan 27, 2025
Welcome to another episode of the Great Business Minds podcast, the definitive show for the business of digital infrastructure.
GBM is brought to you by Preiskel & Co, a leading award-winning City of London law firm, internationally recognised for its expertise in the digital infrastructure industry and the telecoms and tech sector work more broadly. Wherever your legal or regulatory needs are (including outer space) Preiskel & Co LLP can support you, so do feel free to reach out to them at www.preiskel.com.
Dive into the extraordinary world of hyperscale data centers with our latest episode, recorded live at The Tech Capital's APAC Finance Forum in Jakarta, Indonesia. This episode features the fireside chat with Robin Khuda, the founder and CEO of AirTrunk.
This special edition podcast offers an unprecedented look into the journey of a true industry pioneer. Khuda's story is one of remarkable transformation - from an 18-year-old Bangladeshi immigrant in Australia to the architect of a data center empire valued at a staggering A$24 billion.
Key highlights of this must-listen episode include:
Market Disruption: Discover how Khuda identified a critical gap in the hyperscale data center market and boldly founded AirTrunk to fill it.
Resilience in Action: Learn about AirTrunk's brush with bankruptcy and its phoenix-like rise from the ashes, a testament to Khuda's indomitable spirit and strategic acumen.
Leadership Insights: Gain invaluable lessons in decision-making and resilience, straight from the experiences of this data center maverick.
Industry Milestone: Delve into the details of the recent US$16 billion acquisition by Blackstone and CPP Investments - a record-breaking deal that's reshaping the data center landscape.
This episode is not just a story of personal triumph; it's a masterclass in identifying opportunities, navigating challenges, and driving innovation in the fast-paced world of digital infrastructure. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, an aspiring entrepreneur, or a seasoned industry professional, Khuda's insights offer a wealth of knowledge and inspiration.
Here at the GBM podcast, we hope you enjoy this episode and do leave us a review and share it with your contacts. We invite you back again for the next episode with another big name in the digital infrastructure space.
If you want to get more from the definitive podcast for the business of digital infrastructure, make sure you subscribe to Great Business Minds.
See you soon!
///////////////////////
This episode features our commercial partner Preiskel & Co, a leading award-winning City of London law firm, internationally recognised for its expertise in the digital infrastructure industry as well as the telecoms and tech sector work more broadly. Visit www.preiskel.com for more information.
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Get more from the GBM Podcast on:
Official Website
LinkedIn
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
YouTube

Tuesday Dec 10, 2024
Tuesday Dec 10, 2024
Welcome to another episode of the Great Business Minds podcast, the definitive show for the business of digital infrastructure.
GBM is brought to you by Preiskel & Co, a leading award-winning City of London law firm, internationally recognised for its expertise in the digital infrastructure industry and the telecoms and tech sector work more broadly. Wherever your legal or regulatory needs are (including outer space) Preiskel & Co LLP can support you, so do feel free to reach out to them at www.preiskel.com.
This week, we're in for a treat as we dive into the world of international business, cultural diversity, and leadership with an exceptional guest.
We'll be speaking with Natalya Makarochkina, the Senior Vice President of the Secure Power Division at Schneider Electric. Fresh off her recent recognition as Outstanding Woman in Tech at the Intelligent ICT Middle East Awards 2024, Natalya brings a wealth of experience in leading dynamic, multicultural teams.
In this episode, we'll explore the power of diverse teams in the global business landscape. We'll discuss the challenges and benefits of fostering multicultural environments, the critical leadership skills required in today's international business world, and how culture shapes organizational success.
From the importance of cultural understanding in business strategy to the future of diverse workforces, Natalya will share her insights on navigating the complex terrain of global leadership. We'll also touch on practical steps businesses can take to promote multiculturalism and diversity within their organizations.
Here at the GBM podcast, we hope you enjoy this episode and do leave us a review and share it with your contacts. We invite you back again for the next episode with another big name in the digital infrastructure space.
If you want to get more from the definitive podcast for the business of digital infrastructure, make sure you subscribe to Great Business Minds.
See you soon!
///////////////////////
This episode features our commercial partner Preiskel & Co, a leading award-winning City of London law firm, internationally recognised for its expertise in the digital infrastructure industry as well as the telecoms and tech sector work more broadly. Visit www.preiskel.com for more information.
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Get more from the GBM Podcast on:
Official Website
LinkedIn
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
YouTube

Tuesday Nov 12, 2024
Tuesday Nov 12, 2024
Join host Joao Marques Lima as he takes you on an exciting journey through the cutting edge of technology and business in the Great Business Minds podcast! In each episode, Joao engages with industry leaders, diving deep into the latest trends and innovations that are shaping our world today.
In this particular episode, we are thrilled to welcome Natalya Makarochkina, who serves as the Senior Vice President of the Secure Power Division at Schneider Electric. Natalya brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective on the rapid transformation occurring in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and how this transformation is influencing global technology and business landscapes.
Key topics discussed in this episode include:
The remarkable digital transformation journey of the UAE
The challenges of energy consumption in the age of artificial intelligence
The impressive technological advancements taking place in Dubai
The UAE's increasing influence on the global stage
Valuable leadership insights emerging from the region
Tune in for an enlightening discussion that highlights how the UAE is not only reshaping its own digital infrastructure but also extending its influence far beyond its borders, impacting countries and industries worldwide.
This episode is proudly sponsored by Preiskel & Co, the award-winning London law firm that specializes in digital infrastructure, telecommunications, and technology sectors.

Thursday Oct 10, 2024
Thursday Oct 10, 2024
Welcome to another episode of the Great Business Minds podcast, the definitive show for the business of digital infrastructure.
GBM is brought to you by Preiskel & Co, a leading award-winning City of London law firm, internationally recognised for its expertise in the digital infrastructure industry and the telecoms and tech sector work more broadly. Wherever your legal or regulatory needs are (including outer space) Preiskel & Co LLP can support you, so do feel free to reach out to them at www.preiskel.com.
Today, we're diving deep into the world of technology leadership with an extraordinary guest who's at the forefront of innovation and global team management.
In this episode, we'll embark on a journey through her career, exploring the key milestones that shaped her leadership style and the magnetic pull that drew her into the ever-evolving realm of technology. We'll uncover the influences that molded her professional ethos and the non-negotiable principles that guide business decisions.
Natalya Makarochkina is the Senior Vice President of the Secure Power Division at Schneider Electric, where she oversees a diverse and international team of over 700 professionals. Our conversation will span continents, cultures, and cutting-edge technologies.
We'll delve into the critical roles of coaching and mentoring in professional development, and explore how these practices can address the concerns surrounding AI and its impact on the workforce.
As we navigate through career paths, industry trends, and personal growth, we'll uncover pearls of wisdom that Natalya has gathered along her journey.
Here at the GBM podcast, we hope you enjoy this episode and do leave us a review and share it with your contacts. We invite you back again for the next episode with another big name in the digital infrastructure space.
If you want to get more from the definitive podcast for the business of digital infrastructure, make sure you subscribe to Great Business Minds.
See you soon!
///////////////////////
This episode features our commercial partner Preiskel & Co, a leading award-winning City of London law firm, internationally recognised for its expertise in the digital infrastructure industry as well as the telecoms and tech sector work more broadly. Visit www.preiskel.com for more information.
///////////////////////
Get more from the GBM Podcast on:
Official Website
LinkedIn
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
YouTube

Wednesday Sep 11, 2024
Wednesday Sep 11, 2024
Welcome to another episode of the Great Business Minds podcast, the definitive show for the business of digital infrastructure.
GBM is brought to you by Preiskel & Co, a leading award-winning City of London law firm, internationally recognised for its expertise in the digital infrastructure industry and the telecoms and tech sector work more broadly. Wherever your legal or regulatory needs are (including outer space) Preiskel & Co LLP can support you, so do feel free to reach out to them at www.preiskel.com.
This week, we are exploring the world of technology leadership with an exceptional guest who is leading innovation and global team management.
Our guest is Natalya Makarochkina, the Senior Vice President of the Secure Power Division at Schneider Electric. In her role, she oversees an international team of over 700 professionals, bringing a wealth of experience in navigating diverse cultures and cutting-edge technologies.
In this episode, we will trace Natalya's career path, examining the key moments that shaped her leadership approach and drew her into the dynamic field of technology. We will discuss the influences that formed her professional ethics and the core principles guiding her business decisions.
Our conversation will cover the importance of coaching and mentoring in professional development, especially in addressing concerns about AI's impact on the workforce. We will also explore how these practices contribute to personal and team growth in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
As we discuss career trajectories, industry trends, and personal development, Natalya will share valuable insights from her extensive experience. This episode promises to offer practical wisdom for navigating leadership challenges in the tech industry and beyond.
Here at the GBM podcast, we hope you enjoy this episode and do leave us a review and share it with your contacts. We invite you back again for the next episode with another big name in the digital infrastructure space.
If you want to get more from the definitive podcast for the business of digital infrastructure, make sure you subscribe to Great Business Minds.
See you soon!
///////////////////////
This episode features our commercial partner Preiskel & Co, a leading award-winning City of London law firm, internationally recognised for its expertise in the digital infrastructure industry as well as the telecoms and tech sector work more broadly. Visit www.preiskel.com for more information.
///////////////////////
Get more from the GBM Podcast on:
Official Website
LinkedIn
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
YouTube

Wednesday Jun 05, 2024
Wednesday Jun 05, 2024
Welcome to another episode of the Great Business Minds podcast, the definitive show for the business of digital infrastructure.
GBM is brought to you by Preiskel & Co, a leading award-winning City of London law firm, internationally recognised for its expertise in the digital infrastructure industry and the telecoms and tech sector work more broadly. Wherever your legal or regulatory needs are (including outer space) Preiskel & Co LLP can support you, so do feel free to reach out to them at www.preiskel.com.
This week, GBM sat down with Douglas Loewe, the CEO of Kao Data, for an exclusive interview where the executive delves into the future expansion plans and investment landscape of Kao Data across the UK and Europe, shedding light on the increasing demand for AI and intensive computing, as well as the potential opportunities and challenges in the data centre industry.
Loewe was asked about his initial experience as the CEO of Kao Data, being roughly 2 months into the role. He shared his insights on the progress and challenges he has encountered, providing a glimpse into his early tenure and the strategic direction he envisions for Kao Data.
The discussion then shifted to Kao Data’s vision for future expansion across the UK and Europe, particularly in meeting the escalating demand for AI and intensive computing. Loewe elaborated on the company’s ambitious plans and strategies to cater to this growing need, outlining their vision for expansion and technological advancement.
Given Loewe’s background at Macquarie Group, GBM inquired about the current investor sentiment in Europe regarding data centre investments. The conversation then delved into the chief executive’s perception of the investment landscape in Europe, accompanied by an analysis of potential opportunities and challenges foreseen for the data centre industry.
The interview further explored Kao Data’s expansion into “next tier markets” such as Manchester, unraveling the opportunities these markets present for the group’s scaling into mainland Europe.
Lastly, the conversation touched upon the growth opportunities anticipated for data centers surrounding the Mediterranean mesh, particularly in relation to subsea cable termination points.
Here at the GBM podcast, we hope you enjoy this episode and do leave us a review and share it with your contacts. We invite you back again for the next episode with another big name in the digital infrastructure space.
If you want to get more from the definitive podcast for the business of digital infrastructure, make sure you subscribe to Great Business Minds.
See you soon!
///////////////////////
This episode features our commercial partner Preiskel & Co, a leading award-winning City of London law firm, internationally recognised for its expertise in the digital infrastructure industry as well as the telecoms and tech sector work more broadly. Visit www.preiskel.com for more information.
///////////////////////
Get more from the GBM Podcast on:
Official Website
LinkedIn
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
YouTube

Thursday May 16, 2024
Thursday May 16, 2024
Welcome to another episode of the Great Business Minds podcast, the definitive show for the business of digital infrastructure.
GBM is brought to you by Preiskel & Co, a leading award-winning City of London law firm, internationally recognised for its expertise in the digital infrastructure industry and the telecoms and tech sector work more broadly. Wherever your legal or regulatory needs are (including outer space) Preiskel & Co LLP can support you, so do feel free to reach out to them at www.preiskel.com.
On this week’s episode, we’re joined by a global energy expert who is driving sustainable digitalisation across the data centre world.
Natalya Makarochkina is the Senior Vice President of the Secure Power Division at Schneider Electric.
Leading a team of around 700, she plays a key part in supporting Schneider Electric’s customers and partners on their digital transformation journeys, across diverse zones such as MEA, East Asia, Pacific, Japan and South America. Natalya has been with Schneider for over eight years.
Prior to joining Schneider, Natalya held several senior management and sales positions at major international technology companies, including HPE, Philips, Oracle and Red Data.
She holds an Executive MBA from the University of Antwerp and a Master’s degree from the Higher School of Economics.
Here at the GBM podcast, we hope you enjoy this episode and do leave us a review and share it with your contacts. We invite you back again for the next episode with another big name in the digital infrastructure space.
If you want to get more from the definitive podcast for the business of digital infrastructure, make sure you subscribe to Great Business Minds.
See you soon!
///////////////////////
This episode features our commercial partner Preiskel & Co, a leading award-winning City of London law firm, internationally recognised for its expertise in the digital infrastructure industry as well as the telecoms and tech sector work more broadly. Visit www.preiskel.com for more information.
///////////////////////
Get more from the GBM Podcast on:
Official Website
LinkedIn
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
YouTube

Wednesday Dec 06, 2023
Wednesday Dec 06, 2023
Welcome to another episode of the Great Business Minds podcast, the definitive show for the business of digital infrastructure.
GBM is brought to you by Preiskel & Co, a leading award-winning City of London law firm, internationally recognised for its expertise in the digital infrastructure industry and the telecoms and tech sector work more broadly. Wherever your legal or regulatory needs are (including outer space) Preiskel & Co LLP can support you, so do feel free to reach out to them at www.preiskel.com.
On this week’s episode, we’re joined by a global data centre senior executive with over 20 years of experience in real estate, corporate finance, and operations.
Kok Chye Ong joined real estate private equity fund management firm Gaw Capital in 2021 as Managing Director – Head of IDC Platform, Asia (Ex-China). He spearheads Internet Data Centre (IDC) platform investments for Gaw Capital Partners outside of the China region.
Prior to joining Gaw Capital Partners, Kok Chye worked in the Keppel Group of companies for 10 years in a number of roles including being a Senior Vice President and since 2014, as the Head of Strategy and Global Investments at Keppel Data Centres, a regional data centre owner and operator with over 25 data centres spread across the APAC and European regions.
He has international experience in data centres, telecom and submarine cable development projects. He has strong track record in fundraising, growing data centre businesses in key markets in Asia and Europe, and leading investment teams to acquire data centres in Australia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Germany and in the Netherlands.
Kok Chye received his Bachelor of Accounting degree from the Nanyang Technological University in Singapore and graduated from the Sloan Fellows Program at Stanford University with a Master of Science in Management from the Graduate School of Business in 2007. He is a Chartered Accountant (CA) in Singapore and Fellow of CPA Australia (FCPA) and a member of the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accounts (ISCA) and CPA Australia.
Here at the GBM podcast, we hope you enjoy this episode and do leave us a review and share it with your contacts. We invite you back again for the next episode with another big name in the digital infrastructure space.
If you want to get more from the definitive podcast for the business of digital infrastructure, make sure you subscribe to Great Business Minds.
See you soon!
///////////////////////
This episode features our commercial partner Preiskel & Co, a leading award-winning City of London law firm, internationally recognised for its expertise in the digital infrastructure industry as well as the telecoms and tech sector work more broadly. Visit www.preiskel.com for more information.
///////////////////////
Get more from the GBM Podcast on:
Official Website
LinkedIn
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
YouTube

Tuesday Nov 21, 2023
Tuesday Nov 21, 2023
Welcome to another episode of the Great Business Minds podcast, the definitive show for the business of digital infrastructure.
GBM is brought to you by Preiskel & Co, a leading award-winning City of London law firm, internationally recognised for its expertise in the digital infrastructure industry and the telecoms and tech sector work more broadly. Wherever your legal or regulatory needs are (including outer space) Preiskel & Co LLP can support you, so do feel free to reach out to them at www.preiskel.com.
This week, we are joined by an entrepreneurial and competitive international leader focused on energetically growing business and building diverse high-performing teams.
Mark Smith co-founded and serves as the Executive Chairman for Qarbon Technologies since June 2022. Prior to this, he served as the Managing Director - Asia Pacific for Digital Realty from 2018 to 2022. And before that he held the position of Managing Director - Asia at Zettagrid.
Before these roles, Mark was the Managing Director - Cloud Services - Asia Pacific at VMware and he also held the position of Managing Director - Asia Pacific for CenturyLink (Formerly Savvis Inc.).
Mark’s earlier work experience includes serving as the President & Senior Company Officer - Japan at Thomson Reuters from 2007 to 2010, and as the Head of Sales - Asia Pacific from 2002 to 2007. He was the Global Head of Sales at eBridge from early 1999 to 2002.
Prior to these roles, Mark held the position of General Manager at Bridge Information Systems and served as the Head of Sales - Asia at SunGard from 1995 to 1997, and as a Major Account Manager at Knight Ridder Financial from 1991 to 1995.
He attended the University of Puget Sound, where he obtained a Bachelor's Degree. In 1987, he also briefly studied Mandarin at Tunghai University. Additionally, in 1988 to 1989, Mark Smith studied Mandarin at Beijing Normal University.
He joins us now from Tokyo where he lives with his family.
Here at the GBM podcast, we hope you enjoy this episode and do leave us a review and share it with your contacts. We invite you back again for the next episode with another big name in the digital infrastructure space.
If you want to get more from the definitive podcast for the business of digital infrastructure, make sure you subscribe to Great Business Minds.
See you soon!
///////////////////////
This episode features our commercial partner Preiskel & Co, a leading award-winning City of London law firm, internationally recognised for its expertise in the digital infrastructure industry as well as the telecoms and tech sector work more broadly. Visit www.preiskel.com for more information.
///////////////////////
Get more from the GBM Podcast on:
Official Website
LinkedIn
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
YouTube