How did MSA Safety's collaboration with Thomas Edison over a century ago pave the way for groundbreaking innovations in worker protection today?

In this episode, Gaurav Batra talks with Lee McChesney, SVP & CFO of MSA Safety. Lee shares the 110-year journey of MSA, highlighting its shift from a product-focused to a solutions-driven company. He also discusses how technology, AI, and industry megatrends are helping MSA protect 40 million workers annually.

Lee McChesney, SVP and CFO of MSA Safety, has nearly 30 years of experience in finance and leadership. Since joining MSA in 2022, he has applied his strategic expertise from previous roles at Stanley Black & Decker and United Technologies to drive value creation and operational success.

Discussion Points

• Lee relates MSA Safety's 110-year legacy and mission, highlighting the company's focus areas: detection systems, fire services, and industrial PPE
• Technological innovations and leadership under CEO Steve Blanco have fortified MSA's mission
• Lee discusses the shift from a product-centric to a solutions-centric approach, leveraging AI and industry megatrends
• He shares insights from his career in finance and leadership. Diverse experiences, forward-thinking, and continuous evolution are what drive sustained growth
• Successful M&A requires disciplined strategy, thorough diligence, and core business stability. Integration and execution must involve the same teams to ensure cohesive outcomes

Ayna Insights is brought to you by Ayna.AI, a managed service provider that combines domain expertise and transformation capabilities to create alpha-performance superior to market indices, in the industrial and industrial technology sector. The host of this episode, Gaurav Batra, is the President & CEO of Ayna.AI.

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Lee McChesney LinkedIn

MSA

Titanium Economy

Gaurav Batra LinkedIn

Ayna.AI Website

Discover how AI and Industrial IoT are transforming battery manufacturing—could these technologies be the key to achieving higher production yields and quality control?
In this episode, Nidhi Arora interviews Shailesh Upreti, founder and CEO of C4V, a leading lithium-ion battery company. They explore C4V's unique franchise-style gigafactory model in emerging markets like India and South America, along with innovations like cobalt- and nickel-free high-voltage phosphate chemistry and the Lyser platform. Shailesh also shares his inspiring journey from India to running IM3NY in New York.

With a strong chemistry background and collaboration with Nobel laureate Stan Whittingham, Shailesh has positioned C4V at the forefront of battery technology. The company uses AI and Industrial IoT to launch gigafactories in emerging markets, focusing on quality control and efficiency.

Discussion Points

• Shailesh Upreti, fexplains how their franchise-like business model empowers local partners to deploy gigafactories in emerging markets with a robust supply chain.
• Building a $2 billion battery factory is complex, but modular plant designs help prevent obsolescence by allowing seamless integration of new innovations and chemistries.
• AI and Industrial IoT are transforming battery manufacturing, with tools like Digital DNA enhancing automation, quality control, and production yields through data science.
• Shailesh reflects on his journey from India to New York, studying with top scientists and founding C4V, showcasing his dedication to sustainable energy solutions.
• Lithium-ion batteries will remain dominant for decades, expanding across sectors like transportation and electronics due to their affordability and customization potential.

Ayna Insights is brought to you by Ayna.AI, a managed service provider that combines domain expertise and transformation capabilities to create alpha-performance superior to market indices, in the industrial and industrial technology sector. The host of this episode, Nidhi Arora, is VP of Business Development & Marketing for Ayna.AI.

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Shailesh Upreti LinkedIn

C4V

Ayna.AI Website

Nidhi Arora LinkedIn

Wondering about the future of emerging technology in logistics? Where do autonomous trucks and AI come into play?

Gaurav Batra, President and CEO of Ayna.AI, speaks with Lior Ron, founder and CEO of Uber Freight, about the transformative power of technology on logistics. Lior shares how Uber Freight's digital-first approach uses advanced data science and vast shipper and carrier networks to streamline supply chains, enhance efficiency, and boost sustainability. He addresses key challenges with fragmentation and market transparency issues and highlights Uber Freight’s scalable tech-driven solutions and international footprint, including North America and the EU.

Lior Ron, with over 20 years of expertise in tech-driven solutions, has an impressive background including key roles at Google Maps and Motorola Mobility. As the leader of Uber Freight, he and the team are powering intelligent logistics, leveraging a suite of end-to-end logistics applications, managed services and an expansive carrier network to move the world’s goods.

Discussion Points

• Uber Freight's focus on modernizing supply chain and how it leverages advanced data science.
• Solving customer pain points with technology and empowering customers with data
• Tackling industry fragmentation, eliminating empty miles, and elevating sustainability through a combination of innovative tools and industry expertise.
• Transforming traditional industries by collaborating with innovative people and partners, utilizing emerging tech, and building solid data foundations
• Uber Freight’s position as a transformative partner, leveraging tech and talent to optimize supply chains and expand its geological footprint.

Ayna Insights is brought to you by Ayna.AI—a managed service provider that combines domain expertise and transformation capabilities to create alpha—performance superior to market indices—in the industrial and industrial technology sector. The host of this episode, Guarav Batra, is the President & CEO of Ayna.AI.

For More Information

Lior Ron LinkedIn

Uber Freight

Titanium Economy

Gaurav Batra LinkedIn

Ayna.AI Website