HOTSHOTS MAGAZINE
GIL ROSEN CMO, AMDOCS
INAUGURAL EDITION
11 INSPIRING INNOVATORS RESHAPING TELECOMS JANUARY, 2024
COOL STUFF
HOTSHOTS Magazine - The inaugural edition Welcome to the inaugural issue of HOTShots Magazine, your new go-to source for insights from industry leaders. This isn't your typical industry overview. We're cutting through the noise to bring you the real game-changers and innovators who are redefining our field. Dive into the heart of the action with us. We're spotlighting the latest in ESG dynamics, unveiling the bold visions reshaping our industry, and giving you a front-row seat to the future being built today. This is more than a magazine as we are fostering conversations that matter, that challenge the status quo, and that drive us forward. Stick with us, as we don’t just follow trends – we set them. Isabelle Paradis President, HOT TELECOM
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Featuring Tech Future Unleashed
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DEAN NELSON, FOUNDER & CHAIRMAN, INFRASTRUCTURE MASONS
Building the Future
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ERICK CONTAG, VP SUBOPTIC ASSOCIATION
The Next Generation
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BRIAN MOON CEO, PTC
Innovation Insights 10 LARA DEWAR, CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER, GSMA
CONTENT
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Charting New Depths 14 IAN MCLEAN, SENIOR MANAGER, AP TELECOM
Sustainability Initiatives
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SANDRA DELANY, SUSTAINABILITY OFFICER, AQUA COMMS www.hottelecom.com
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GIL ROSEN CMO AT AMDOCS
Tech's Bright Future Watch this MWC 2023 interview with Gil Rosen, the Chief Marketing Officer of Amdocs. This engaging conversation offers a glimpse into the future of the tech industry as Gil emphasises the significance of 5G implementation and highlightes its unrealised potential. He discusses two ground-breaking trends: the metaverse, which in his view represents the third chapter of the Internet, and generative AI. Gil thinks that these innovations are poised to reshape the industry, making AI not just a tool for insights but an integral part of business operations. Gil's insights underscore the urgency for telecom industry executives to embrace disruptive approaches and incorporate AI across their organisations. He stresses that those who hesitate risk becoming irrelevant in the rapidly evolving landscape.
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The interview also provides a sneak peek into how these transformative technologies will impact operators, as it discusses Amdocs' role in enabling these innovations. If you are eager to explore the future of connectivity and digital experiences in the metaverse, this is one interview that won’t disappoint.
“One of the most significant, yet still unfolding, technological revolutions is the full potential of 5G–a game-changer poised to redefine connectivity”
Tech Future Unleashed DEAN NELSON FOUNDER & CHAIRMAN AT INFRASTRUCTURE MASONS In this engaging interview, join Isabelle at PTC’23 in Hawaii as she interviews the one and only Dean Nelson, the Founder and Chairman of Infrastructure Masons (iMasons). The conversation starts with discussing what the organization is all about: uniting the builders of the digital age from engineers to business professionals, product managers to sales and accounting experts.
Dean then shares two of iMasons’ pivotal initiatives. Firstly, the importance of addressing the industry’s talent gap and how iMasons is working to fill it through scholarships and outreach programs, particularly targeting underrepresented groups. Secondly, the Climate Accord, which has united over 180 companies, including industry giants such as Google and Microsoft, to reduce carbon in digital infrastructure. Learn how carbon labels are set to revolutionise our understanding of the carbon footprint of digital infrastructure on a global scale. As Dean outlines its vision for iMasons, you'll gain a glimpse into the organisation's ambitious roadmap. With 7 million data centers worldwide and a significant share of global energy consumption, the potential for impact is enormous. Discover how this nonprofit community is connecting, growing, and giving back, and how its initiatives align with the broader goals of sustainability and collaboration.
www.hottelecom.com
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Sustainable Connectivity Insights Join Isabelle in this engaging interview at PTC’23 in Hawaii as she sits down with Merete Caubet, VP Sales and Business Development at Bulk Fiber Networks. With the picturesque conference location setting the stage, Merete shares insights into the world of subsea cable connectivity. Merete envisions the perfect cable as one that enables sustainable energy and minimises the environmental impact, especially in the context of data center industry growth. She discusses the ground-breaking Leif Erikson cable, which connects the Nordics and Canada, highlighting its role in harnessing abundant hydropower resources and creating a unique diversified geopolitical route. 6
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MERETE CAUBET VP SALES & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AT BULK FIBER NETWORKS Merete then reveals the busy year ahead, including supplier selection and construction kick-off for the Leif Erikson cable system. Her passion for the project shines through as she navigates Isabelle's HOTSeat questions with grace and enthusiasm. Whether you're interested in the future of cable connectivity and sustainability, this interview promises to be a worthwhile watch. Don't miss the chance to learn more about the world of cutting-edge technology and renewable energy with these two dynamic professionals.
Building the Future
Isabelle takes us to SubOptics in Bangkok for an exclusive interview with the remarkable Erick Contag. In this engaging dialogue, Erick steps into the spotlight as Vice President of the SubOptic Association and Trustee of the SubOptic Foundation.
ERICK CONTAG VP SUBOPTIC ASSOCIATION Erick also unveils avenues for industry involvement in the SubOptic Foundation, from becoming mentors and symposia supporters to delivering speeches that inspire the next generation. With sustainability in the spotlight, the conversation also draws on core sessions from the Bangkok conference.
Erick unravels the essence of the SubOptic Foundation, a charitable powerhouse born in 2001. With a vision set firmly towards the future, the foundation stands on two pillars: education and research, with a keen focus on sustainability.
This interview isn't just a glimpse into the industry, it's an invitation to join a movement, shaping the future of telecom innovation in the most meaningful and sustainable ways. Tune in to witness the magic unfold in this Bangkok encounter.
www.hottelecom.com
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BRIAN MOON CEO, PTC
The Next Generation In a lively interview at SubOptic 2023 in Bangkok, Isabelle sits down with Brian Moon, CEO of the Pacific Telecom Council (PTC). Brian discusses the tremendous success of PTC’23, highlighting the participation of key industry figures such as Henry Schuck from Zoom and Elizabeth Adams from the Stanford Institute. The conference broke records in terms of attendance, setting the stage for exciting developments in the coming year. They also touch on PTC Beyond, an initiative aimed at engaging young professionals and nurturing the next generation of telecom leaders. Brian discusses the initiative's unique blend of networking, education, and mentorship, recognising its role in shaping the future.
The conversation then pivots to current industry trends, with Brian emphasising the importance of 5G use cases, digital transformation, and the growing impact of AI and open IT on the telecom landscape. These trends are set to shape the industry and are setting the stage for its ever accelerating evolution. Isabelle and Brian wrap up with a preview of PTC’24, hinting at exciting developments, potential new themes, and the organisation's commitment to growth and innovation. It is clear from their discussion that PTC's future is bright.
www.hottelecom.com
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Innovation Insights LARA DEWAR, CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER GSMA In the bustling Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2023 in Barcelona, Isabelle interviews Lara Dewar, the Chief Marketing Officer of GSMA. With almost 2,400 exhibitors and over 700 start-ups, the event was brimming with energy and innovation.
Notably, over 40% of the 1,000 thought leaders and speakers were women, a statistic they should be proud of. The event welcomed around 80,000 participants over four days, and impressive number to say the least. Lara highlights some of the more innovative exhibition, one being the "Journey to the Future", featuring the Hyperloop concept and a cardboardbased field hospital to address emergencies as soon as they occur. Isabelle asks about the future, and Lara hints at potential changes in the conference program and attracting influential thought leaders for MWC 2024. While the ministerial program will continue to focus on data protection, privacy, security, and bridging the nvestment gap, promising ongoing discussions. The interview provides a glimpse of the innovations and discussions shaping the mobile industry's future, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in the mobile tech world.
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NABEEL MAHMOOD CO-FOUNDER
Nomad Futurist In this captivating interview, Isabelle hosts the two founders of the ground breaking initiative, Nomad Futurists. Namely, Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence. Set against the breath-taking backdrop of PTC’23 in Hawaii, this conversation unveils their passion for nurturing the next generation in the digital infrastructure industry.
Nomad Futurists, initially a podcast, emerged in 2020 with a mission to amplify the stories of industry professionals and inspire the ounger generation to participate in this often overlooked field. Nabeel and Phillip wanted to address the troubling trend of the industry's aging workforce and embarked on a mission to inject fresh talent from diverse backgrounds. The interview explores the barriers to entry in the digital infrastructure world, highlighting the complexity and lack of visibility as key factors. Nabeel and Phillip stress the importance of creating awareness and providing education to bridge this gap and open doors to exciting opportunities. They take on the HOT TELECOM oneword challenge, offering insights into their aspirations and what drives them. Don't miss the chance to watch these cool and inspiring leaders in action.
PHILLIP KOBLENCE CO-FOUNDER
www.hottelecom.com
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5G Vision DARIO BETTI, CEO AT MEF
Step into the vibrant atmosphere of Mobile World Congress 2023 in Barcelona, where the Mobile Ecosystem Forum (MEF) after-party buzzes with excitement. Gain insights from Dario Betti, the CEO of MEF. Dario shares his astonishment at the real world applications of 5G - transcending expectations and bridging the gap between mobile operators, enterprises and content providers. The conversation highlights the renewed emphasis on green technology and efficiency - a testament to the industry's commitment to sustainability. As the dialogue unfolds, Dario introduces exciting new MEF programs that celebrate diversity, innovation sustainability and the captivating VR metaverse, which are poised to be stars of the next decade. This interview encapsulates the electrifying spirit of Mobile World Congress, offering a sneak peek into its energy and the innovations that promise to reshape the mobile landscape. Tune in to hear the insights of a leader steering the industry toward a sustainable future. 12 HOTSHOT MAGAZINE
The ultimate answer to trusted SMS termination, the universe and everything
42com and Vladimir Smal are breaking new ground with AVISO Messaging, which is a bold response to the industry's plea for integrity and quality heralding a new chapter in messaging. www.avisomsg.com
Charting New Depths IAN MCLEAN, SENIOR MANAGER AT AP TELECOM Watch this captivating conversation with Ian McLean, Senior Manager at AP Telecom, as he discusses the journey he's embarked upon in the subsea telecommunications sector. Ian's passion is palpable, making this video interview unmissable.
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“If I can play a small part to boost the way our industry grows, than I will be a very happy man”
Drawing from over seven years of telecommunications experience, Ian provides a fresh perspective about the subsea sector's future from the eyes of the younger generation. From his point of view, cultural diversity and cross-border collaborations means the industry is like a global family marked by unity and inclusivity. What sets Ian apart is his aspiration to make a significant impact through collaboration. He talks about the challenges that come with the increasingly accelerating technological innovatio and emphasises the crucial role of partnership and collaboration.
During this discussion, Ian's association with AP Telecom comes to light, a company renowned for nurturing inclusivity. Tune in to to glimpse into Ian's passion for the subsea sector's global impact and collaborative ethos, as well as his enthusiasm for contributing to its progress.
www.hottelecom.com
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Sustainability Initiatives SANDRA DELANY SUSTAINABILITY OFFICER, AQUA COMMS Explore the stunning backdrop of Clew Bay in Ireland, engaging in a captivating conversation with Sandra Delany, Sustainability Officer at Aqua Comms. The enchanting location sets the stage for a discussion that resonates deeply with the essence of sustainability. Sandra opens up about an inspiring initiative supported by Aqua Comms: the Clew Bay Oyster Co-op. This initiative aims to enhance the biodiversity of the bay, driven by voluntary efforts and a commitment to sustainability and education. As Aqua Comm's AC2 cable found its path through the bay, collaboration was born to ensure no harm to the oyster beds, uncovering a shared purpose.
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Sandra's commitment to such initiatives stems from Aqua Comms' determination to be environmentally sustainable, even in the challenging subsea domain. The partnership with Clew Bay Oyster Coop perfectly aligns with their objectives. Sandra emphasises that every action matters, regardless of the scale. Therefore, corporate entities and individuals should contribute to a more sustainable world through voluntary community projects and proactive efforts. This interview is an invitation to witness the power of collaboration and commitment to the environment.
www.hottelecom.com
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Daring to dance to a different beat