We ‘Deep Dive’ with Francesca Cain-Watson, Director of Sales, Americas, Iceotope, who tells us more about life inside and outside the office.
What would you describe as your most memorable achievement in the data centre industry?
The trust and strong relationships my team has built through our projects are truly rewarding. Our solutions are proving to drive meaningful energy efficiency in clients’ internal operations and the services they provide to their customers. For me, career highlights have always been about forging partnerships and delivering impactful technology solutions. I love the problem-solving process and our technology’s value because it brings a shared sense of accomplishment to everyone involved.
One achievement I’m incredibly proud of is establishing a partnership with a major US enterprise, which exemplifies the value of liquid cooling in a real-world setting. This key partner launched their cooling fluid into the market, which helped us co-sell and showcase the impact of our solution. Even though they weren’t initially set up for liquid cooling, our team deployed a 24U rack solution with four chassis, showing that transitioning to liquid cooling doesn’t require a full infrastructure overhaul.
What first made you think of a career in technology/data centres?
My journey into tech was a bit serendipitous. I originally studied psychology, but upon graduating in 2008, I had to pivot due to the job market. Working at a Bose store sparked my interest in tech’s potential to enhance daily life. From there, I spent over a decade at Lenovo, working in roles like inside sales and account management.
My time in Lenovo’s data centre OEM group gave me a front-row seat to the critical role data centres play in innovation and essential services, cementing my commitment to the field. Now, at Iceotope, I’m leading a team that’s creating sustainable cooling solutions for data centres around the world.
What style of management philosophy do you employ in your current position?
I aim to lead by example and foster a supportive, inclusive environment. I think it’s crucial to be hands-on, tackling any task I might ask of my team. This builds trust and shows I wouldn’t ask them to do anything I wouldn’t do myself. I want everyone to feel valued and encouraged to take on new challenges, share ideas and voice concerns, fostering a culture of collaboration and mutual support. Continuous learning is also key – especially in advanced technologies.
What do you think is the current hot talking point within the data centre space?
Right now, AI and sustainability are front and centre. Traditional air cooling can’t keep up with the intense demands of AI workloads, making advanced cooling technologies like Precision Liquid Cooling essential. Our solutions manage the high thermal loads from AI, reducing energy use and reducing environmental impact. As companies strive to balance performance with sustainability, liquid cooling is uniquely suited to meet these challenges.
How do you deal with stress and unwind outside the office?
Maintaining a good work-life balance is essential for me. I love outdoor activities with my family, like hiking and kayaking, which help me disconnect and recharge. Being in nature provides a great mental reset. Cooking for my family is also a favourite way to relax; it’s both creative and satisfying, especially after a busy day. These activities keep me balanced, refreshed and ready to tackle new challenges each day.
What do you currently identify as the major areas of investment in your industry?
I see three key areas of investment:
- Infrastructure: As the demand for efficient, eco-friendly cooling grows, investing in infrastructure to support liquid cooling is critical – both for new data centres and retrofitting existing ones
- Sustainability: Investments to reduce energy and water usage are advancing globally. Liquid cooling is leading this charge by combining high performance with sustainability
- Edge Computing: With Edge Computing on the rise, efficient cooling solutions are needed to handle the demands of intensive workloads, even in challenging environments
What are the region-specific challenges you encounter in your role?
In the Americas, the adoption of sustainable practices has lagged behind regions like Europe and Asia, where green initiatives are more prevalent. Historically, the focus has been more on performance than sustainability, though this is changing. With regulatory pressure and a growing awareness of ESG, the shift toward sustainable solutions like liquid cooling is gaining momentum. Iceotope is well-positioned to support this transition, helping data centres reduce PUE by up to 40% and eliminate water usage altogether – a win-win for operations and the environment.
What changes to your job role have you seen in the last year, and how do you see these developing in the coming months?
With sustainability becoming more prominent in the Americas, my role has expanded to focus on educating clients about the environmental and financial benefits of advanced cooling technologies. I enjoy showing clients how to reduce energy and water consumption while keeping data centre performance high. Moving forward, I’m excited to roll out comprehensive educational programmes to help our clients smoothly transition to sustainable cooling.
