Leaders in Infrastructure: A Conversation with Silvana Oliva
We recently had the pleasure of speaking with Silvana Oliva, a highly respected leader with over 25 years of experience in the digital infrastructure, technology, and telecom sectors. Based in New York, Silvana began her career in the UK with British Telecom in the early 2000s, later moving on to roles at Alcatel-Lucent (now part of Nokia) and Google, where she was part of the technical infrastructure team.
Since leaving Google in 2023, she has shifted her focus to non-executive work, currently serving on the boards of two digital infrastructure companies and advising investors and businesses.
Read our full conversation below to hear her insights on key trends within the market, her career journey and milestones, and advice to other aspiring leaders.
What trends do you think will shape the tech market in 2025 and 2026?
We’re seeing an unprecedented level of investment pouring into this sector, something I’ve never witnessed before. This interest is largely driven by the rapid development of AI models and their associated use cases and applications. What stands out to me, though, is that the future of digital infrastructure has to be about efficiency. That means improving everything from energy usage and GPUs to construction and maintenance.
The current growth trajectory is simply unsustainable. So, the industry will have to figure out how to achieve more with less. For example, I read a report that said running a single ChatGPT query consumes 10 times more energy than a traditional Google search. That level of consumption can't continue unchecked, especially as these models become even more sophisticated and require more data, compute power, and energy.
Which markets or regions do you expect to be key growth areas in 2025?
The U.S. will continue to be a major player, but we’re also seeing significant momentum in the Middle East. That region is becoming a real hub for AI and tech, with both the resources and the talent to support that growth. Southeast Asia and India are also worth watching. I think both will play increasingly important roles in the global AI landscape.
Have you seen any meaningful progress in ED&I within the infrastructure sector?
Yes, we've seen progress, although perhaps not as much as I’d like. When I first entered the industry in the early 2000s, no one was even talking about diversity - it wasn’t a topic on the table. Today, at least, we are acknowledging the issue and having those conversations, and that's a significant milestone.
That said, leadership remains dominated by men, and the diversity we do see tends to be at more junior levels. Women are still often concentrated in traditional roles like HR or legal, rather than technical or executive ones.
One issue, in my opinion, is that companies haven't always created the right incentives for hiring managers to prioritise diversity. It's still largely up to individual managers to decide who joins their teams. I believe they need to think not just about who can do the job today, but who has the potential to grow into the roles they’ll need tomorrow. That kind of future focused thinking broadens the talent pool and helps bring more women and underrepresented groups into the fold.
Solving tough challenges requires diverse perspectives, and in my experience, the best ideas come from teams that reflect a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences. Hiring managers need to be a little braver and willing to take a calculated risk on potential, not just on present day skills.
What have been the most significant milestones in your career?
Honestly, I think the most significant milestone is the one I’m experiencing now - transitioning from a corporate executive role to building a non-executive portfolio. After decades in large organisations, stepping into board roles and expanding my network beyond my immediate industry has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding.
Have you ever struggled with imposter syndrome throughout your career?
Absolutely. I think it's quite natural and probably happens to everyone at some point. You start to question your ability, and while that can feel uncomfortable, I actually think it’s healthy. The alternative - overconfidence, or thinking you’ve seen it all is far more dangerous. Despite my years of experience, I never feel like I’ve learned everything. I’m always looking for what’s next, what’s emerging. Staying humble, being curious, and acknowledging that what worked 15 years ago may not work today - those are the mindsets that help you grow and succeed.
What qualities do you believe are most important in leadership today?
The ability to adapt and evolve is critical. The only certainty in this industry is change; new players, new trends, new technologies. Leaders must be open to transformation, not just within their organisations but within themselves. True leadership today means being flexible, responsive, and willing to change direction when needed.
What advice would you give to aspiring leaders, especially women aiming to succeed in the industry?
Build meaningful relationships. Everyone talks about networking, but I mean really investing in the people around you. Yes, your technical expertise and outcomes matter, but often the best opportunities come from the connections you make, not just your resume. Early in your career, that foundation of trust and relationships can open doors you might not even see yet.
Silvana’s career is a strong example of what it means to lead through change - adapting to new technologies, stepping into new challenges, and staying open to growth at every stage. Her insights on the future of digital infrastructure, the power of diverse teams, and the importance of investing in long term potential, offer valuable guidance for both current and aspiring leaders.
If you’re looking to hire a senior advisor for your business, or are looking to explore opportunities within the market, please get in touch with the Pearse Professionals team: info@pearseprofessionals.com