Throughout March we're celebrating International Women's Day 2026 by spotlighting inspiring women across the data centre industry. From architects and engineers to sustainability consultants and national strategists, these conversations reveal the diverse paths, perspectives, and expertise shaping the future of digital infrastructure.
Over the coming weeks, you'll hear from 8 professionals, each bringing unique insights on leadership, technical innovation, and what it takes to build a career in one of tech's most critical sectors.
This is more than a series of interviews. It's a showcase of the talent, ambition, and vision driving an industry that powers our digital world.
We're kicking off our series with Irene Alonso at Goodman, as she shares her journey from London’s architectural scene to becoming a senior leader in one of tech’s fastest-growing sectors.
Irene Alonso, Design Manager at Goodman, brings over a decade of international experience across the UK and continental Europe, specialising in the technical coordination and delivery of highly complex projects.
Her career began as an Architect at an award-winning UK practice, where she built a strong foundation in design quality, planning strategy, and end-to-end project delivery. Working across early concept development, client briefing, and detailed design, she developed a deep understanding of how strong design intent translates into successful built outcomes.
Over the past six years, Irene has specialised exclusively in the data centre sector, working on both the general contractor and developer sides. This dual perspective has given her a comprehensive understanding of the full project lifecycle — from early feasibility and commercial strategy through design development, procurement, construction, and handover.
Throughout her career, she has worked closely with clients, consultants, planners, and contractors, building strong collaborative relationships and an extensive professional network across Europe. She has developed particular expertise in technical coordination, multidisciplinary design leadership, and resolving complex site-based challenges to support successful delivery.
The Pivot That Changed Everything
Irene's entry into data centres wasn't meticulously planned; it was a combination of timing, opportunity, and willingness to embrace the unknown.
While working for a leading engineering firm in London, a recruiter friend approached her with an opportunity that aligned perfectly with two of her goals: returning to Spain, her home country, and transitioning to the general contractor side of project delivery. There was just one catch: the data centre industry was a completely new territory.
"The first years working in the field were tough, with loads to learn and very little time to get up to speed," she recalls. "I learnt from my colleagues, I put in whatever time was needed and slowly started to feel more comfortable managing projects."
Her role evolved quickly. What began as technical coordination expanded into contract management, tendering for new work, and eventually recruiting new team members. The turning point came when she shifted from managing a single project with a limited scope to supporting multiple projects simultaneously, a move that required an entirely new skill set.
"One key skill I consider essential is the ability to manage multiple issues at the same time, knowing what to prioritise and ensuring the teams are spending their time in the most efficient way."
The Technical Evolution: Chasing a Moving Target
Ask Irene how technical complexity in data centres has changed over the past six years, and her answer is pragmatic:
"Complexity in projects is constantly changing, from end customer requirements to equipment manufacturers—the post is always moving."
But beneath that constant flux, one priority remains steady: efficiency.
While density optimisation dominates industry conversations, Ierne and her peers are focused on a broader goal - making data centres more resilient and sustainable every single day. It's a challenge that requires balancing speed, innovation, and long-term thinking in high-pressure environments.
"It's a give and take," she explains. "These projects always come with very demanding and critical speed, but resilience and sustainability should always be the focus point on any agenda."
The key, she says, isn't about being fast - it's about identifying which decisions are critical and ensuring they're made on time so that project commitments don't have to be altered down the line.
Busting the Sustainability Myth
One of Irene's biggest frustrations is a pervasive misconception about the industry: that data centres are resource-draining, unsustainable facilities.
"Data centre designs are incredibly efficient - using the resources required to their maximum capacity," she says firmly. "Many of us in this sector are constantly trying to find new ways for our projects to need less and provide more."
For Irene and her colleagues, sustainability isn't a marketing tool - it's a daily ethos embedded in every stage of a project, from early design through construction to operations.
Looking ahead, she sees the industry's biggest opportunities in designing smarter, more sustainable infrastructure: improving energy efficiency, integrating renewable power, deploying advanced cooling technologies, and using data and automation to optimise performance and reduce waste. Equally important is building resilient, flexible infrastructure that can adapt quickly to shifting workloads and evolving regulatory requirements.
Leadership Without a Formula
When asked to describe her leadership style, Irene takes an adaptive approach.
"I don't think I have a distinct style," she says. "I try to adapt to teams to understand what is the best way of moving a project forward, ensuring every member of the team is using their time and skills efficiently."
Moving into more senior roles required her to zoom out - to understand the basics of the issues her team faces while keeping sight of the bigger picture. It's about ensuring everyone is working on what actually matters, not just what's urgent.
That adaptability, she believes, will be the most valuable skill over the next five years.
"The industry is evolving rapidly, and success depends on the ability to manage and incorporate change while understanding what can - and cannot - be integrated into live projects."
Her Advice: Take the Leap
For women thinking about entering the data centre industry, whether at the start of their careers or looking to make a change, Irene's message is clear and direct:
"Take the leap! We definitely need more women in Data Centres. Even though it is currently a male-dominated industry, companies are looking for people who are willing to work hard, who are adaptable and eager to push boundaries, regardless of who you are."
She encourages women to reach out to others already working in the field.
"Do not hesitate to get in touch with women already working in the industry," she says. "I can guarantee they will be more than happy to support."
It's advice rooted in her own experience: a career built not on a predetermined path, but on taking opportunities, learning quickly, and refusing to be intimidated by what she didn't yet know.
Looking Ahead
From award-winning architectural practice to senior leadership in international data centre development, Irene’s journey reflects more than a sector pivot — it demonstrates strategic growth, technical depth, and adaptive leadership.
Her story reinforces a powerful message: careers don’t have to follow linear paths. With the right mindset, cross-disciplinary foundations can evolve into leadership roles in some of the most technically demanding and future-focused industries in the world.
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This interview was brought together for our Women in Data Centres spotlight series for International Women’s Day 2026.
At Eligo, we work closely with data centre developers, operators, consultancies and contractors across the UK and Europe, supporting the growth of technical, design and delivery teams in one of the world’s fastest-moving sectors.
If Irene’s journey resonates with you, whether you’re building your team or considering your next move in the data centre industry, I'd love to start a conversation.
📩 Clients: If you’re looking to strengthen your design or technical delivery capability, get in touch with me to discuss how we can support your hiring plans.
📞 Candidates: If you’re curious about opportunities in data centres or considering a transition into the sector, you can check out our latest data centre roles here and I'm always happy to share insights and guidance.