All Episodes

Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 in total

#145

Bandwidth Builders: The People & Stories Behind the Fiber Revolution with Dan Caruso

In this episode of Let’s Get Digital with Carrie Charles, we sit down with Dan Caruso, a powerhouse in telecommunications and digital infrastructure. Known as "The Bear" for his tenacity and drive, Dan is the visionary founder and former CEO of Zayo Group, where he led the company to a $14.3 billion exit. His unmatched track record includes co-founding Level 3 Communications, leadership at Metropolitan Fiber Systems (MFS), and now serving as the founder of Caruso Ventures. Dan shares the inside story of building, scaling, and transforming the fiber industry.Carrie and Dan dive into the evolution of fiber networks, the boom-bust cycles of telecom, and the disruptive forces shaping the industry. They explore AI, quantum networking, edge computing, and the business strategies that create long-term value. Dan also introduces his highly anticipated book, Bandwidth, which unveils the rise, fall, and rebirth of digital infrastructure—and the leaders who made it happen.Want more unfiltered insights from Dan? Check out his podcast, The Bear Roars, where he tackles the biggest trends in technology, digital infrastructure, and entrepreneurship with bold perspectives and deep industry knowledge.Whether you're an industry veteran or a newcomer, this episode is packed with insights, leadership wisdom, and untold stories from the fiber frontier.Listen now and grab your copy of Bandwidth to learn the untold history and future of telecom, AI, and digital infrastructure!
#142

Growth Strategies in a Challenging Market with Leighton Carroll of Baylin Technologies

In this episode of 5G Talent Talk, Carrie Charles interviews Leighton Carroll, CEO of Baylin Technologies, about his leadership philosophy, experiences in turnarounds and integrations, and insights into building exceptional company culture. Leighton details his career journey, focusing on his time at AT&T, where he managed complex integrations and acquisitions. He emphasizes the importance of clear frameworks, structured communication, and transparency to align teams and mitigate challenges during transitions. His empathetic approach, which includes treating employees with professionalism and respect, helps retain talent and build trust in uncertain times.Leighton shares the key ingredients of an exceptional company culture, focusing on collaboration, respect, and accountability. He believes in empowering team members to learn and grow by framing challenges and fostering a transparent environment where problems are openly addressed. His leadership philosophy prioritizes team development and creating an atmosphere where people take pride in their work.On work ethic, Leighton attributes his drive to his upbringing and a commitment to continuous improvement. He shares his dynamic weekly routines, which range from customer visits to strategic planning, and stresses the importance of maintaining physical and mental well-being to sustain high performance. Leighton also highlights the value of networking and giving back, which he sees as essential to leadership and business success.
#139

Harnessing AI to Drive Business Optimization and Growth with Angus Ward of Beyond Now

In this episode of 5G Talent Talk, Carrie Charles talks with Angus Ward, CEO of Beyond Now about the intersection of AI and Communication Service Providers (CSPs), exploring how AI can transform the telecom industry. He reveals that only 15% of companies currently derive significant value from AI, mainly due to fragmented experimentation across business units. To address this, Ward suggests prioritizing major business challenges and implementing a more structured approach to AI adoption, which can enhance cost efficiency, productivity, and customer experience, while driving revenue growth.Ward also introduces the concept of digital business platforms, which differ from traditional linear business models by using multi-sided approaches that involve various partners. These platforms create network effects, where growth leads to greater economies of scale and competitive advantages. Using examples like Uber, Ward explains how network effects make it challenging for competitors to match the service quality, thus reinforcing market dominance.Beyond Now’s culture, according to Ward, is shaped by its roots in management consulting, focusing on solving business problems rather than just providing technology. The company’s commitment to platform-based business models and revenue growth through partnerships has positioned it as a leader in helping CSPs and tech firms adapt to changing markets.Looking ahead, Ward envisions leveraging AI to enhance customer experiences, optimize processes, and expand into other sectors beyond telecom and tech. He emphasizes the importance of building strong partner ecosystems and communities to drive innovation and deliver more value to customers across industries.
#135

Business Growth and Exit Strategies in Telecom with Seth Buechley of Cathedral Consulting

In this episode of 5G Talent Talk, Carrie Charles interviews Seth Buechley, owner of Cathedral Consulting. Seth shares his journey in telecom, which began in the late 1980s when his father built cell sites, and later evolved into owning spectrum and focusing on public safety communications in buildings. He co-founded the Safer Buildings Coalition to improve communication systems for first responders inside buildings during emergencies.Seth also discusses his involvement with Cathedral Consulting Group, which he acquired after the passing of its co-founder. Cathedral played a crucial role in his business growth by offering mentorship and applying best practices from larger companies. He stresses the importance of building businesses that are not overly reliant on the founder’s skills, making the value of the business identifiable and transferable to potential buyers. Common mistakes include not preparing early enough for an exit and failing to develop systems independent of the founder. Seth emphasizes nurturing talent and gradually transitioning leadership to ensure the business can thrive without the founder.Seth identifies four key pillars for building a valuable business: finance and accounting, sales and marketing, systems and workflow, and people and culture. He advises business owners to plan their exits well in advance, focusing on the right valuation and strong leadership teams. Despite current challenges in the wireless industry, Seth believes companies with solid leadership and strategic growth can still attract buyers, and emphasizes the importance of being prepared for unexpected exit opportunities and navigating leadership transitions effectively.
#134

Revolutionizing Connectivity with Michelle Boexley of Pilot Global Technologies

In this episode of 5G Talent Talk, Carries Charles speaks with Michelle Boexley, Chief Growth Officer of Pilot Global Technologies. Michelle shares her journey into the telecommunications industry, which began unexpectedly in IT sales during the Y2K era. Despite initially lacking a tech background, she launched Von Technologies in 2006 after becoming frustrated with corporate life. Her company grew to focus on network infrastructure, especially wireless solutions, and recently merged with two other companies to form Pilot Global Technologies in 2023.Michelle discusses Pilot Global Technology's new product, OptiMesh, a technology designed to provide affordable internet connectivity to underserved and remote areas. OptiMesh can connect to various backhauls like cellular, fiber, or satellite, extending access where traditional methods are costly or slow. She highlights impactful case studies, such as connecting a university’s faculty and student housing, and a project with a tribal nation, where OptiMesh significantly reduced costs and deployment time.Michelle emphasizes the challenges of raising awareness for the technology and the need for partnerships with communities and carriers to bridge the digital divide. Her vision extends beyond connectivity; she aims to empower communities through digital literacy and economic opportunities, transforming them into self-sustained growth engines. Michelle's passion for making a meaningful impact drives her mission to close the connectivity gap and improve lives.
#133

Internet Built for the Future with Brian Stading of Lumos Fiber

In this episode of 5G Talent Talk, Carrie Charles sits down with Brian Stading, CEO of Lumos Fiber, to discuss his journey and the story of Lumos Fiber. From his start as a telecom technician, Brian shares how taking calculated risks has shaped his career path and influenced his leadership philosophy. He also discusses the history of Lumos Fiber, formed as the combination of two legacy telephone companies, and shares how it has quickly grown into a strong brand known for its exceptional customer service.Brian highlights Lumos Fiber's rapid expansion and its commitment to delivering top-notch service. He also shares about the recent news of Lumos' joint venture with T-Mobile, which aims to pass 2.8 million homes with fiber in the coming years. The partnership is a significant step for Lumos, allowing the company to extend its high-quality internet service to more customers. Brian emphasizes the importance of customer satisfaction, noting that Lumos' dedication to providing a superior customer experience is deeply ingrained in the company's culture. This focus on service excellence has become a defining feature of Lumos Fiber as it continues to grow and innovate.In discussing company culture and fast growth, the conversation explores the challenges of attracting and retaining talent in today's competitive market. Brian explains how Lumos Fiber has embraced remote work, enabling the company to expand its talent pool across 28 states. Despite the challenges that come with rapid growth and a changing industry, Lumos remains steadfast in its mission to improve lives by providing reliable and high-quality internet service. Brian's insights underscore the importance of adaptability, innovation, and a customer-first approach in building a successful company in the rapidly evolving telecom landscape.
#132

Creating a Customer-Centric Culture with Kimberly McKinley of UTOPIA Fiber

In this episode of "5G Talent Talk," host Carrie Charles interviews Kimberly McKinley, the Chief Marketing Officer of Utopia Fiber. Kimberly shares her unique career path, starting in healthcare accounting and moving through various marketing roles before joining Utopia Fiber in 2010. Utopia Fiber, founded in 2004 by 11 cities in Utah, is now the largest and most successful open access network in the U.S. This model allows multiple private ISPs to operate on a publicly-owned fiber infrastructure, offering consumers high-quality, competitively-priced internet services.Kimberly explains the benefits and challenges of an open access network, emphasizing the importance of cities managing infrastructure while enabling private sector competition. She discusses Utopia's customer-centric approach, including personalized welcome packages and attentive customer service, which has resulted in high customer satisfaction.Kimberly also highlights Utopia's strong company culture, marked by long employee tenures and a supportive, family-like environment. She credits their success to compassionate leadership, employee empowerment, and a focus on human connection over rigid metrics. As a woman in telecom, Kimberly advocates for authenticity and confidence, encouraging women to embrace their unique perspectives and pursue leadership roles. She emphasizes the need for inclusive, supportive environments to attract and retain diverse talent in the industry.
#131

Connecting Communities and Conquering Mountains with Gary Ervin of Ervin Cable Construction

In this episode of 5G Talent Talk with Carrie Charles, we explore the industry journey and leadership principles of Gary Ervin, founder and executive chairman of Ervin Cable Construction. Founded in 1980 as a small cable TV business, Ervin Cable Construction (ECC) has expanded into one of the leading telecommunication service providers in the nation. Today, over 40 years later, the ECC founding members continue to manage and lead the business of more than 2,500 employees.Driven by curiosity and a commitment to be part of the world and something bigger than himself, Gary found passion in mountain climbing. His experience on Mount Everest indeed shows his initiative, and his desire to achieve no matter the circumstances. Gary often shares lessons from his climbs through a blog for his grandchildren, imparting valuable insights on perseverance and determination. His adventures not only reflect his adventurous spirit but also his commitment to inspiring future generations.Gary’s success principles revolve around three core elements: pursuing financial opportunities, embracing technological advancements, and prioritizing people. He emphasizes the importance of staying current with technological innovations and values his employees as essential to the company's success. By fostering a culture of adaptability and respect, Gary’s leadership has been pivotal in Ervin Cable’s growth. His approach not only drives the company forward, but also enhances rural connectivity, bringing high-speed internet to underserved areas.
#129

Building Up the Fiber Workforce with Cesar Ruiz, Deb Bennett and Deborah Kish

In this special episode of 5G Talent Talk, Carrie Charles welcomes industry experts Cesar Ruiz, President & CEO of Learning Alliance Corporation; Deb Bennett, VP of Apprenticeship for the Wireless Infrastructure Association; and Deborah Kish, VP of Research & Workforce Development for the Fiber Broadband Association, to explore innovative strategies and initiatives for developing the broadband workforce. The conversation centers around key industry challenges and opportunities, emphasizing collaborative efforts to enhance training and certification standards for fiber optic technicians.As Fiber Connect 2024 approaches (July 28-31 in Nashville, TN), get an exclusive sneak peek into Learning Alliance Corporation's workshop “Pathways for Organizational Growth: Workforce Development, Retention, and Diversification.” In collaboration with FBA and WIA's TIRAP, this interactive session will cover: strategies for retaining a motivated and loyal workforce; approaches to enhancing industry inclusivity and leveraging diverse talent; and insights into career opportunities through FBA OpTIC Path™.Discover how apprenticeships play a pivotal role in addressing the telecom industry's skills gap and learn more about the exciting events at Fiber Connect 2024. Whether you're new to the industry or a seasoned professional, this episode is packed with actionable insights for building up the fiber workforce.For more information and to secure your spot at Fiber Connect 2024, visit: Fiber Connect 2024
#126

Bridging the Generational Divide with "The Grampion" Jim Tracy

In this episode of 5G Talent Talk, Carrie Charles welcomes Jim Tracy, co-founder of Legacy Telecommunications, author, speaker, and host of "The Grampion" podcast. Jim shares his incredible journey from a small-town welder in rural Minnesota to a prominent figure in the telecommunications industry.Jim shares the ups and downs of growing Legacy Telecommunications, emphasizing the importance of old-fashioned hard work and perseverance. They also dive into Jim's role as founding president of the Tower Family Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting the families of tower workers who have faced serious injuries or loss.A key part of their discussion focuses on the generational divide in today's workforce. Jim, affectionately known as "The Grampion" by his grandkids, offers valuable insights into fostering better communication and understanding between different generations. He stresses the importance of listening, valuing the experience of older employees, and empowering the younger ones.Jim’s advice to leaders is straightforward and heartfelt: love and respect your team, get to know them personally, and create a culture where everyone feels valued. He also tackles the issue of age discrimination head-on, offering practical tips for attracting and retaining a diverse workforce.Don't miss this episode for Jim's valuable lessons on leadership, building a positive workplace culture, and bridging generational gaps. His passion for the industry and genuine care for people make this a conversation you won't want to miss.
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