Chief Growth Officer
Start Campus
Roxanna Plinsky joined Start Campus in December 2022 as Chief Growth Officer to grow the Start Campus platform and support global enterprise customers with their data center initiatives and ultimate goals. Additionally, she is a founder and CEO of Global Data Centers & Partners. She has 18 years of telecommunication, data center, and cloud experience. Roxanna has built an extensive global network of industry leaders via partnerships with high-growth multinational corporations by working and living abroad for many years. Roxanna has held several senior management roles with organizations in the United States, Singapore, and Europe. She completed her AS Computer/Information Technology studies in Sweden. Afterwards, she relocated from Sweden to San Francisco in 1998 and received a B.A. in Marketing and Account Planning from UOA, San Francisco. Additionally, she is on the Advisory Board of Big Data, San Francisco State University, actively participates in the Women’s Tech Forum, holds membership in iMasons and IM Women, and was honored with the 2024 IM100 Award.
How can corporations and researchers best serve the next generation?
Corporations and researchers can best serve the next generation by fostering innovation, promoting sustainability, supporting equal opportunities, and investing in education and skill development. Additionally, they should prioritize forward-thinking strategies such as digital transformation, data privacy, and ethical business practices. They should also contribute to societal challenges and global issues through corporate social responsibility initiatives. As for researchers, they should concentrate on conducting studies that address future challenges and share their findings extensively to promote knowledge exchange.
If one thing should be redeveloped within the telecom and related industries, what should it be?
In the data center industry, energy optimization. The introduction of innovative and sustainable solutions, as being addressed at Start Campus, can drastically enhance cost-effectiveness and energy efficiency within data centers. It’s critical to note that data centers are notorious for their high energy consumption and significant carbon emissions, which have a considerable environmental impact. However, by refocusing development efforts on sustainability, data centers can significantly reduce their carbon footprint and its negative impact on the environment. Further, integrating renewable energy sources like solar or wind power can help to reduce reliance on non-renewable energy and decrease greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, implementing effective waste management strategies and adopting circular economy principles can maximize resource efficiency in these centers. Start Campus’ roadmap to design, build, and operate 100% sustainable data centers emphasizes using sustainable design and materials, while creating a more eco-friendly and sustainable future for the industry.
Is it important for companies to continue to innovate their organization or offerings, and why?
Absolutely! In today’s fast-paced business world, it is critically important for companies to continuously innovate their organization or offerings. Innovation drives growth, keeps companies competitive, and enhances their relevance in the market. At Start Campus, we are committed to continuous innovation to remain at the forefront of industry trends, enhance operational efficiency, and foster a dynamic and forward-thinking corporate environment.
What value does PTC hold for you/your company?
PTC provides significant value for Start Campus. It creates a unique platform for us to network on a global scale. Additionally, it offers opportunities to learn about the latest telecommunication trends and technologies, which helps us stay competitive in our business. It also fosters collaborations with industry experts, partners, and clients. PTC also enables us to showcase our latest projects and get recognized for our sustainability, AI infrastructure, and pioneering a new market, Portugal. Overall, it positively impacts our company’s growth, strategic development, and vision.
What would you share with those interested in becoming a PTC Member?
If you are considering becoming a member of the Pacific Telecommunications Council (PTC), it is about being part of a community that propels the telecom industry forward. As a member, you’ll have the fantastic opportunity to tap into PTC’s rich and diverse network, exchanging insights and ideas with thought leaders, industry players, and innovators from the telecom sector worldwide. So, if you are interested in a dynamic and supportive network that promotes growth, then PTC Membership is something to consider.
What advice would you share with current and future graduates interested in this field?
- Continual Learning: The telecom and data center industry is always evolving. Stay updated with the latest technologies and industry trends.
- Get Certified: Gain industry-specific certifications. They can enhance your knowledge base and boost your credibility.
- Networking: Building strong connections with professionals in this field can unlock various opportunities.
What is something that not many people know about you?
I offer mentorship to early and mid-career women to help them advance in their careers, while also utilizing my passion for sailing to foster teamwork and collaboration. guide them toward career advancement and leverage my passion for sailing in building.
What has been a positive outcome organizationally or individually given the current state of the world?
Sustainable travel, industrial activities, and energy consumption leads to a favorable environmental outcome. In addition, improvements in air quality have been observed in numerous areas, while certain regions have witnessed an increase in the flourishing of wildlife. These significant developments emphasize the viability of sustainable practices and underscore the urgency for long-term environmental conservation. In addition, numerous organizations have embraced digital transformation to adapt to the rapidly evolving business landscape and enhance operational efficiency. Exciting times lie ahead with the adoption of AI, and I am excited for the upcoming advancements in technology that will contribute to innovation and efficiency.
How long have you been a PTC Member?
Start Campus became a member of the PTC Community two years ago, a strategic move aimed at harnessing cutting-edge technologies and enhancing our service offerings through specialized training. This membership has granted us access to a diverse network of technology and solution providers, ushering in new business opportunities. It has also cultivated an environment for collaboration, sparking innovative solutions. The wealth of resources and deep industry knowledge within the PTC Community have been instrumental in accelerating our digital transformation journey. They’ve equipped us with new skills and kept us updated on the latest industry trends. This decisive step has brought significant benefits to our data center, ensuring we remain at the vanguard of technological progress.
About Start Campus
Fully powered by renewable and affordable energy, Start Campus offers 100% Start Campus is a 495MW sustainable hybrid data center campus in Sines, Portugal. We design, build, and operate next-generation data centers to support AI and HPC infrastructure and ensure clients’ flexibility and scalability by offering various cooling solutions, including traditional air cooling.
Due to their strategic location, the facilities can leverage seawater and repurposed LNG wastewater for cooling and source power from renewable resources. This approach significantly reduces the TCO and provides a sustainable solution for customers.
