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Host in Ireland’s Emerging Leaders of Digital Infrastructure programme celebrates its first generation of graduates
The digital infrastructure industry faces a critical challenge: a growing shortage of skilled talent. The Uptime Institute’s 2023 Data Center Staffing Survey highlighted a critical need for skilled professionals to meet the demands of this rapidly expanding sector. Addressing this gap requires proactive initiatives to develop the next generation of leaders who can navigate the complexities of digital infrastructure.
Host in Ireland’s Emerging Leaders of Digital Infrastructure program is doing just that—empowering ambitious professionals with the tools and connections they need to thrive while helping to fill the pipeline of skilled talent critical to the industry’s future.
What Is the Emerging Leaders Programme?
The programme acts as a development incubator for ambitious mid-career professionals within Ireland’s digital infrastructure ecosystem. Combining technical expertise, industry insights, and leadership development, it teaches participants not only the “how” of digital infrastructure but also encourages them to explore the “why.” Crucially, it focuses on helping participants discover their unique leadership style and encourages them to embrace and develop their innate strengths.
Participants benefit from exposure to industry leaders, hands-on workshops, and network development opportunities, helping them develop an understanding of both the challenges and opportunities facing the sector. This programme is more than an investment in individuals; it’s a commitment to advancing the entire industry.
Highlights of 2024
One of the cornerstone elements was developing individual strengths. Through Gallup Strengths assessments, one-to-one coaching, and group coaching sessions, participants explored what distinguishes their leadership styles. Rather than prescribing a single leadership model, the programme encouraged participants to uncover and develop their innate abilities. Many found this process eye-opening, as it provided a fresh perspective on their capabilities and ignited meaningful growth.
Another key focus was understanding leadership in the context of change. With workplaces undergoing seismic shifts—from hybrid and remote working models to increased stress and evolving expectations—participants learned how to lead effectively in these new environments. Discussions explored strategies for managing teams across diverse settings and navigating the complexities of modern organisational challenges. This holistic approach prepared participants to adapt their leadership to meet the demands of an ever-changing industry.
The programme also emphasised the importance of strategy as a leader. Participants explored innovative ways to design and implement strategies, drawing on research that shows a significant percentage of transformation initiatives fail without adaptive and forward-thinking planning. By learning to craft strategies that are both progressive and resilient, participants are left equipped to lead change initiatives with a greater chance of success.
Finally, practical, hands-on experiences also played a vital role in the programme. A data centre tour in September offered participants a unique opportunity to see the physical spaces that power digital infrastructure while attending Host in Ireland’s Kickoff and Gathering conferences provided an opportunity to gain crucial insights into the “why” of the industry and its broader context. These elements, combined with an overnight retreat, helped to foster a sense of community among participants while deepening their understanding of the sector.
What our participants said
“I have discovered more about my style in this course than I had in the previous years (decades) of my career!”
“It prompted me to engage in further education and has been in step in my career that reflects greatly on my company, my future self and the present me”
“I gained a wealth of knowledge throughout the course and many practical techniques to apply in a leadership role. Michelle was a great mentor throughout the process, and it was amazing to connect with many like-minded peers across the industry.”
“I really enjoyed this course. It has brought me more value than any other I can think about to date. The core learnings in this have really changed my perspective and understanding greatly. The only regret I have is that it ended !”
“I highly recommend the emerging leaders program to anyone interested in a leadership role; it greatly helps with the transition into a leadership role and guides people on how to become effective leaders.”
“This course was exactly what I needed and gave me the confidence and belief that I can succeed in the short term but also the longer term.”
Outcomes
§Skills: 100% agree it’s positively impacted their leadership skills
Confidence: 100% feel more confident in their ability to lead
Practical: can apply the leadership strategies and techniques learned
Network: 90% facilitated networking and relationship-building
100% would recommend the programme to others.
Looking Ahead to 2025
Building on the success of 2024, we are now launching the Emerging Leaders programme for 2025. Based on feedback to our pilot programme, we will have more in-person learning opportunities, the programme will now be more condensed and will operate within 4 months. Application is open to partners of Host in Ireland only. We will accept one participant per partner, and further places will be on a waiting list basis.
A Bright Future
To this year’s graduates: congratulations! Your achievements are a testament to your dedication and hard work. You are now part of a growing community of leaders committed to driving meaningful change in our industry.
For those considering the programme in 2025, prepare for an experience that will challenge, inspire, and position you as a driving force for progress in one of the most critical industries of our time. Together, we are building a stronger, more sustainable future for digital infrastructure—and the future has never looked brighter.