Let's Get Digital with Carrie Charles

In this episode, Mike Underdown, Founder and CEO of Crosstown Fiber, shares his remarkable journey through the telecom industry — from pioneering CLECs to founding one of Chicago’s most unique underground fiber infrastructure companies. Mike discusses how Crosstown Fiber is building diverse, high-capacity fiber routes critical to data center interconnection and why planning and engineering are key to avoiding costly connectivity issues. He also opens up about surviving stage four cancer and how that experience shaped his company’s values, leadership style, and culture of doing the right thing — because it’s right. Subscribe, leave a review, and stay connected.Visit Broadstaff at broadstaffglobal.comFollow Broadstaff on InstagramFollow Broadstaff on LinkedInConnect with Carrie Charles on LinkedInFollow Let's Get Digital with Carrie Charles on LinkedInWatch full episodes of Let's Get Digital on YouTube

In this episode, Andrés Irlando, President and COO of Zayo Group, unpacks the transformative impact of Zayo’s acquisition of Crown Castle’s fiber assets and what it means for the future of digital infrastructure. From expanding Zayo’s metro reach and boosting AI corridor connectivity to bridging the digital divide and enabling edge computing, Andres outlines how this bold move positions Zayo at the forefront of the fiber revolution. He also shares insights on AI compute hubs, public-private partnerships, and the company’s entrepreneurial culture that continues to drive innovation at scale. Zayo provides bandwidth to the world’s most impactful companies, fueling the innovations that are transforming society. With a network that stretches over 16.8 million fiber miles and spans an impressive 141,000 route miles, Zayo is not just in the business of connectivity – we're in the business of limitless potential. Subscribe, leave a review, and stay connected.Visit Broadstaff at broadstaffglobal.comFollow Broadstaff on InstagramFollow Broadstaff on LinkedInConnect with Carrie Charles on LinkedInFollow Let's Get Digital with Carrie Charles on LinkedInWatch full episodes of Let's Get Digital on YouTube

In this episode, Sean Shahini, Founder and CEO of Inorsa, shares how his company is using automation, AI, and cloud-based tools to streamline telecom engineering. From reducing tower site design time from weeks to minutes to optimizing permitting processes, Sean offers a compelling vision for how innovation can remove bottlenecks and accelerate infrastructure rollout. Subscribe, leave a review, and stay connected.Visit Broadstaff at broadstaffglobal.comFollow Broadstaff on InstagramFollow Broadstaff on LinkedInConnect with Carrie Charles on LinkedInFollow Let's Get Digital with Carrie Charles on LinkedInWatch full episodes of Let's Get Digital on YouTube

In this episode of Let’s Get Digital, host Carrie Charles sits down with Patrick Halley, President & CEO of the Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA), to explore the bold moves and powerful community behind America’s wireless future. Patrick shares WIA’s mission to champion digital infrastructure and its deep roots in advocacy, workforce development, and cross-industry collaboration.They dive into the top priorities shaping telecom in 2025 — national permitting reform, access to commercial spectrum, and the push for wireless-inclusive federal broadband funding. Patrick also gives an exciting preview of this year’s Connect(X) event in Chicago, where leaders from Verizon, AT&T, Ericsson, and more will discuss everything from in-building connectivity to AI-driven edge computing.From the growing role of private 5G networks to WIA’s hands-on workforce training and apprenticeship programs, this episode offers a 360-degree view of where the industry is headed — and who’s helping lead the charge.Tune in to hear how WIA is uniting the wireless ecosystem to deliver connectivity everywhere — and why the power of community is key to the future of wireless. Subscribe, leave a review, and stay connected.Visit Broadstaff at broadstaffglobal.comFollow Broadstaff on InstagramFollow Broadstaff on LinkedInConnect with Carrie Charles on LinkedInFollow Let's Get Digital with Carrie Charles on LinkedInWatch full episodes of Let's Get Digital on YouTube

In this episode of Let’s Get Digital, host Carrie Charles sits down with Tom Maguire, CEO of Brightspeed, to explore how the company has rapidly become the third-largest fiber builder in the U.S. Tom shares his inspiring journey from summer hire at New York Telephone to leading Brightspeed’s mission of connecting millions of homes with high-speed fiber internet.Tom offers a behind-the-scenes look at Brightspeed’s bold strategy: from plug-and-play fiber builds and innovative GIS-based engineering platforms to their unique contractor model that streamlines deployment across 20 states. He also discusses Brightspeed’s proactive approach to BEAD funding, partnerships with companies like Calix and Corning, and how the company is reimagining copper retirement with wireless overlay solutions.Beyond technology, Tom reveals Brightspeed’s people-first culture, leadership values, and big vision for transforming digital infrastructure in rural America.Tune in to learn how Brightspeed is shaping the future of broadband — with speed, strategy, and heart. Subscribe, leave a review, and stay connected.Visit Broadstaff at broadstaffglobal.comFollow Broadstaff on InstagramFollow Broadstaff on LinkedInConnect with Carrie Charles on LinkedInFollow Let's Get Digital with Carrie Charles on LinkedInWatch full episodes of Let's Get Digital on YouTube

In this episode of Let's Get Digital, Carrie Charles interviews Yazz Krdzalic, Vice President of Market Development at Equus Compute Solutions (ECS). Yazz shares how ECS is transforming digital infrastructure with immersion cooling systems that maximize compute power and private 5G networks enabling seamless connectivity in remote areas. He highlights the importance of strategic partnerships in driving growth and solving complex customer challenges.Yazz also explores emerging trends like compute density, sustainability, and the convergence of IT and OT, emphasizing ECS’s role as a global solutions innovator. He introduces the concept of innovation as a service, where ECS delivers end-to-end digital solutions.Tune in to learn how ECS is leading the future of digital infrastructure with cutting-edge technologies and a forward-thinking approach. Subscribe, leave a review, and stay connected.Visit Broadstaff at broadstaffglobal.comFollow Broadstaff on InstagramFollow Broadstaff on LinkedInConnect with Carrie Charles on LinkedInFollow Let's Get Digital with Carrie Charles on LinkedInWatch full episodes of Let's Get Digital on YouTube

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! Subscribe, leave a review, and stay connected.Visit Broadstaff at broadstaffglobal.comFollow Broadstaff on InstagramFollow Broadstaff on LinkedInConnect with Carrie Charles on LinkedInFollow Let's Get Digital with Carrie Charles on LinkedInWatch full episodes of Let's Get Digital on YouTube

Hunter Newby, an influential entrepreneur and founder of Newby Ventures, shares his expertise on the future of digital infrastructure. He discusses the urgent need for neutral interconnection points and the transformative impact of the BEAD funding on rural broadband. Newby highlights the power crisis in AI-driven data centers and the importance of balancing skilled labor with automation in the evolving workforce. Plus, he explores the disruptive potential of DeepSeek and the societal implications of AI advancements, urging caution in our technological reliance.

In this episode of 5G Talent Talk, Carrie Charles speaks with Dennis McColl, founder of PracticalRF. Dennis shares his career journey, starting with his early fascination with wireless technology and his three-decade tenure at Verizon, where he transitioned from hands-on market-level roles to corporate policy development. He discusses his leap into entrepreneurship, driven by a desire to solve complex industry problems on his terms.Dennis outlines critical challenges in the wireless industry, including inefficiencies in operational expenses and contractor management, and highlights his commitment to finding cost-effective solutions. He emphasizes the need for stronger training programs for engineers and collaboration across the sector. Dennis also touches on the evolution of technology, noting the potential of AI to enhance processes but stressing the continued importance of hands-on expertise.This episode covers the importance of passion, networking, and rekindling one’s "why" in the face of industry challenges. We also get a 'sneak peek' into some of the hot topics to be discussed at the upcoming AvalonTUF in Dallas, Texas on January 22 - 23, 2025. To learn more about AvalonTUF and register to attend, visit avalontuf.com.  Join the 5G Talent Talk community today: broadstaffglobal.comInstagramLinkedInFacebookYouTube

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.  Join the 5G Talent Talk community today: broadstaffglobal.comInstagramLinkedInFacebookYouTube