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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MSA

Titanium Economy

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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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C4V

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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.

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Uber Freight

Titanium Economy

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Curious about how modular, scalable data centers can revolutionize both the computing and renewable energy industries?

Join Nidhi Arora as she chats with John Belizaire, CEO of Soluna Holdings, about converting excess renewable energy into computing power. John details how Soluna’s modular, scalable green data centers at renewable power plants use unique strategies to utilize wasted energy. He also addresses challenges like supply chain and site approval, and his vision for a future where renewable energy and computing merge into “renewable computing.”

John Belizaire, CEO of Soluna Holdings, is a seasoned tech entrepreneur who has founded startups like FirstBest and Theory Center and contributed to Intel’s digital growth. At Soluna, he leads efforts to turn excess renewable energy into computing power with modular, scalable data centers for Bitcoin mining, AI, and research. His innovative approach aims to integrate renewable energy with computing, driving global sustainable tech advancements.

Discussion Points

• John Belizaire, CEO of Soluna Holdings, explains how their mission is to transform excess renewable energy into computing power using modular, scalable green data centers.
• Soluna’s behind-the-meter co-location strategy places data centers at renewable power plants, optimizing the use of intermittent energy and cutting waste.
• Soluna has expanded from small R&D setups to partnerships with major Bitcoin miners. Their focus on customer service and educating stakeholders on renewable computing helps widen market acceptance.
• Supply chain and site approval challenges are addressed through Soluna's strategic expansion plan, ensuring smooth growth.
• John envisions a future where renewable energy and computing merge into "renewable computing," reshaping both sectors and promoting sustainability. Soluna’s innovations highlight their commitment to making this vision a reality.

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 Vice President of Business Development and Marketing at Ayna.AI.

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Soluna

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Nidhi Arora interviews Antti Karjalainen, co-founder of Sema4.ai, on AI's transformative role in enterprise automation. Antti explains how Sema4.ai leverages intelligent AI agents to automate business processes like compliance, finance, HR, customer service and more, highlighting the importance of open-source technology in making AI more accessible. He also reflects on his entrepreneurial journey, offering advice on the contrasts between service-oriented and product-based businesses, and emphasizing the value of passion, risk-taking, and continuous learning.

Discussion Points

• Sema4.ai is redefining business processes with AI agents, using generative AI to improve customer support, internal operations, and compliance.
• AI's transformative impact is shown through automating document processing and financial workflows, with open-source technology democratizing AI.
• Antti discusses the evolving AI industry, the benefits and challenges of open-source collaboration, and his journey from engineer to serial entrepreneur.
• Open-source technology is key to AI innovation, with Sema4.ai leveraging it to accelerate development and enhance capabilities.
• Antti contrasts his experiences of founding a consulting firm with building a product-focused, VC-backed company like Robocorp.
• Antti predicts a formative year for AI agents, expecting significant advancements and value creation in enterprise productivity.

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 Content & Marketing for Ayna.ai.

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Sema4

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How can smart manufacturing revolutionize the U.S. industrial landscape, especially for smaller manufacturers struggling with a digital divide? In this Titanium Economy episode, John Dyck, CEO of the Clean Energy Smart Manufacturing Innovation Institute (CESMII), shares his deep expertise in manufacturing, automation, and software. He's dedicated to reducing technical debt and promoting smart manufacturing technologies to boost U.S. manufacturing's competitiveness and sustainability.

John brings extensive experience from his roles at Rockwell Automation, GE, and Mesa's board, where he tackled manufacturing complexities and technical challenges. At Rockwell, he advanced automation solutions, while at GE, he led data analytics and IoT initiatives. As CEO of CESMII since 2018, John is recognized globally for his insights into technology and business management.

Discussion Points

• John Dyck highlights CESMII's mission to boost U.S. manufacturing by reducing costs and complexity, especially for small manufacturers.
• CESMII's strategies include workforce development, technological methodologies, and a collaborative ecosystem to make smart manufacturing accessible and address technical debt.
• CESMII fosters collaboration across the manufacturing sector, utilizing federal mandates and partnerships with institutions like UCLA.
• The discussion covers CESMII's future role, focusing on influencing policymakers, being a key voice in manufacturing, and strengthening U.S. manufacturing through strategic collaboration.

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 Content & Marketing at Ayna.AI.

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CESMII

Titanium Economy

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Can revolutionary AI voice solutions transform the way enterprises handle customer service and outbound communication?

In this episode, Nidhi Arora welcomes Adam Earle of Tenyx. Adam shares Tenyx's journey in leveraging large language models to create natural and intelligent conversations, significantly enhancing customer interactions across various sectors such as hospitality, travel, financial services, and healthcare. He discusses the evolution from outdated IVR systems to sophisticated AI experiences, providing practical advice for companies looking to adopt this technology.

Adam Earle, CTO of Tenyx, is a leading AI and machine learning expert, formerly a Senior Director at IBM and CTO at MCD Tech Labs. He holds a PhD in Computational and Applied Mathematics and completed Stanford's Executive Education Program. At Tenyx, he leads the development of advanced voice solutions using large language models to improve customer service and communication in sectors like hospitality, travel, finance, and healthcare.

Discussion Points

• Adam discusses the company's development and innovations in creating advanced voice solutions for enterprise applications.
• Tenyx AI's technology is gaining traction in hospitality, travel, and financial services, offering adaptable solutions to enhance customer interactions.
• Adam highlights his extensive experience in machine learning, speech technology, and natural language processing before joining Tenyx AI.
• He explains the shift from outdated IVR systems to sophisticated AI-powered voice experiences, improving customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
• Adam offers strategic advice for integrating advanced language models into customer service, emphasizing addressing real concerns and achieving tangible results.
• Tenyx AI focuses on continuous research and open-source contributions, aiming to solve issues like domain alignment and fine-tuning large models for optimal performance.

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 Content & Marketing for Ayna.AI.

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Tenyx

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What does it take to stay ahead in the competitive industrial sector for nearly a century? In this episode Nidhi Arora welcomes Mark Sheahan, CEO of Graco, to discuss the company’s journey of innovation and resilience in the industrial sector. He shares insights on Graco's pioneering work in the automotive industry and the critical role of precision engineering in handling new materials. He emphasizes the importance of niche markets and continuous innovation to maintain a competitive edge.

Mark has been with the company for nearly 30 years, holding various leadership roles before becoming CEO in June 2021. His career includes positions such as Chief Financial Officer, Vice President, and General Manager of the Applied Fluid Technologies Division, and Chief Administrative Officer. Prior to joining Graco, Mark was a Senior Tax Manager at KPMG. He holds degrees in Business and Law, bringing a wealth of expertise to his long-time role at Graco.

Discussion Points

• Innovation and Solutions: Graco innovates to solve complex manufacturing problems, enhancing productivity, quality, and cost-efficiency.
• Competitive Edge: Graco targets niche markets and emphasizes innovation, delivering high-quality, precise, customer-centric solutions.
• Automotive Involvement: Graco develops solutions for new materials and applications, including EV battery manufacturing.
• Risk Management: Graco maintains zero tolerance in risk management, focusing on cybersecurity, supply chain resilience, and regulatory compliance.
• COVID-19 Response: Graco balanced flexible work and family-oriented culture while adapting to supply chain disruptions and market changes.
• AI and Analytics: AI and data analytics enhance Graco's customer service and marketing, improving customer processes and decision-making.

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 Content & Marketing for Ayna.AI.

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Graco

The Titanium Economy

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