“Unlocking Joy and Achievement: An Insightful Q&A with Servecentric’s CEO Brian Roe”

Brian Roe serves as the CEO of Servecentric, an Irish privately owned firm that offers a self-service cloud platform along with a diverse array of Data Centre and managed IT services, allowing clients to tailor their IT solutions.

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What are your primary objectives and ambitions in your position?

My main objective is to ensure that Servecentric continues to expand. This involves securing new business opportunities and providing services through robust, secure, and accessible infrastructure that facilitate efficient customer operations.

Furthermore, we are committed to ongoing enhancements to generate additional value for our extensive client base – for instance, by offering new connectivity options, tailored support arrangements, and cloud services.

What are your most significant obstacles as CEO?

Servecentric stands out as a small, privately owned entity competing directly for projects against large multinational data centre and public cloud corporations. Since our customer base (and intended audience) is international, one of our major challenges is effectively communicating our message and maintaining visibility for potential service users during their decision-making process, especially when contending with substantial marketing budgets and promotional efforts.

How do you inspire your team/staff?

We function as a cohesive team. I believe that offering clarity and transparency on all business aspects fosters genuine empowerment. Similarly, providing recognition and precise feedback cultivates a positive workplace atmosphere. At Servecentric, we aim to be adaptable and considerate of each individual’s needs, with an emphasis on results.

What challenges does the industry face moving forward?

On a broader level, the most significant challenge looming over the data centre industry pertains to expected growth demands in the forthcoming years. Although data centre efficiency is steadily improving in both existing facilities and new constructions (largely prompted by regulation), actual power demands are escalating dramatically due to AI requirements. How we globally address this demand with sustainable renewable energy sources remains a pressing issue.

What new trends are surfacing in your field?

In recent years, we have witnessed a substantial shift of workloads toward the cloud and the adoption of “cloud-first” and “cloud-only” strategies. CIOs are increasingly intent on reversing these migrations – termed cloud repatriation – due to worries about rising costs, cybersecurity, compliance, and inefficiencies.

The key is discovering the strategy that aligns with the specific needs of your business.

Are there any significant changes you would like to see in your industry?

It would be invigorating to witness a shift in public perception. While cloud-based services indeed demand considerable power, they have also positively impacted the carbon emissions of other sectors.

For instance, digital collaboration and remote work, enabled by data centres, have greatly reduced business travel for the global business community, yet this aspect is generally overlooked in the wider conversation.

As an employer, are you noticing any skills shortages in the market?

We are fortunate that Ireland has emerged as a leading hub for innovation in the IT sector. Although the market is still under-resourced, we have consistently managed to attract the talent we require. We also collaborate closely with several specialized organizations to address skill shortages as necessary.

How did your strategy evolve during the banking and economic crises?

One of the consequences of the banking crisis was the surge in homegrown technology startups. Servecentric actively supported this startup ecosystem, particularly Irish firms, and many of these evolved into key clients that continue to partner with us today.

How has the COVID-19 pandemic influenced your business/sector?

Overall, it had a beneficial effect on the data centre industry. The pandemic triggered a surge in online collaboration due to lockdown measures, and while there have been some reversals in corporate approaches to remote/hybrid work, the data centre sector remains crucial for business continuity across all fields.

As a data centre operator and internet service provider, Servecentric is deemed critical infrastructure. As a result, we maintained an onsite presence in our facility 24/7 throughout the pandemic, which was a significant advantage for our clients who, for the most part, could not travel during lockdowns.

How do you define achievement, and what motivates you to succeed?

I have always been inspired by assisting businesses in accomplishing their objectives and the role our organization can fulfill in that journey. I feel uneasy promoting projects unless I am completely confident in our ability to deliver and surpass expectations, and as a result, we have established numerous substantial, long-lasting client partnerships.

What is the best piece of advice you have received in business?

Evaluate swiftly based on actions, not merely words. If a client, business associate, or supplier fails to fulfill commitments, this is a behavior they are likely to replicate.

What guidance would you offer those starting their business journey?

Issue invoices and collect payment. Do not hesitate to charge for your time or efforts from the outset, and do not shy away from pursuing payments. Too many businesses exploit credit, and this should be addressed promptly and firmly. Inadequate payers will diminish your spirit!

What have been your highlights in business over the previous year?

I cherish two things: securing new business agreements and receiving positive customer feedback. Fortunately, we have brought on board several excellent new clients in the past year, both domestically and internationally.