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A brand new podcast by Pat Coxen

The Connected Future Podcast explores the intersection of people, technology and transformation. Hosted by Pat Coxen, CEO of Cornerstone, this podcast unpacks the trends, ideas and innovations shaping the next generation of connectivity, from smart cities and AI to infrastructure, data and sustainability.

This podcast opens up the conversation on how connectivity really gets delivered, from the leadership and partnerships to the innovation behind the scenes. It’s about showing infrastructure not just as technology, but as a catalyst for real-world impact.

Pat Coxen
CEO

Listen now to the industry leaders, disruptors and visionaries of our time uncovering how connected thinking is driving real-world impact.

Episode 1 – Neutral Ground: Small Cells, Big Ideas and Lessons in Leadership

In our debut episode, Cornerstone CEO Pat Coxen is joined by Khalid Aziz, SVP and Managing Director at BrightSites by Signify, and Jim Estes, CEO of IONX Networks (formerly Dense Air), for a straight-talking discussion on the future of connectivity, and the infrastructure quietly powering it.

In this episode:

  • Neutral host networks – demystified
    We break down what neutral host really means, why it matters for mobile coverage and shared infrastructure, and how it’s enabling smarter, more connected cities.
  • From smart cities to self-driving vehicles
    What does infrastructure need to look like in a world of autonomous transport? We explore the realities already shaping mobility and urban planning.
  • Leadership at the edge
    Pat, Khalid, and Jim share personal lessons in leadership from inside major tech and infrastructure organisations, and what they’ve learned about navigating change.
  • A glimpse of the near future
    From edge compute to multilingual AI, the trio reflects on the technology trends that are closer than you might think.
  • Quickfire Q&A
    A lighter moment to end on: personal preferences and unexpected insights from three very different perspectives.
Telecoms tower next to a tennis court
Pat Coxen
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Pat Coxen

Pat joined Cornerstone as CEO in January 2023. He started his career in the British Army, serving for 15 years in the Royal Signals in Telecommunications and Cyber Security and the Royal Engineers in various roles.

Prior to his current role as CEO of Cornerstone, Pat Coxen served as the Managing Director of Strategy and Transformation at BT where he was part of a leadership team that oversaw 24 million customers and a revenue base of over £10 billion. His responsibilities encompassed a broad spectrum, including mobile network strategy, infrastructure development, brand transformation, marketing, national operations, and customer service. His tenure at MBNL laid the groundwork for his subsequent role where he led the joint venture for digital infrastructure between Three UK and EE.

As CEO of Cornerstone his mission is to build the country’s leading digital infrastructure partner of choice, bringing his retail and customer-centric approach to transform delivery services and capabilities. With a portfolio boasting over 20,000 sites across the country, his focus extends beyond managing mobile customers to driving delivery transformation and capturing new opportunities in emerging technologies such as IOT, Edge computing and data services. His discussions with hyperscalers underscores his commitment to staying at the forefront of tech and innovation, harnessing some new partnerships, but he’s staying tight lipped about those when asked.

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