Ayna Insights

With the roofing industry set to grow 5% by 2026-2027, what key success factors should companies focus on?   Host Dinesh Chopra, President of Fernweh Group, welcomes John Geary, a 40-year industry veteran, to explore the shift from a seller’s to a buyer’s market due to inflation and supply chain shifts. John discusses just-in-time inventory, subcontracting for labor shortages, and tech adoption li...

In this episode, Mohit Jaju, President at Ayna, speaks with Alok Maskara, CEO of Lennox International, about the company's commitment to innovation and sustainability. Alok highlights Lennox’s focus on delivering energy-efficient HVACR solutions using smart technologies, AI, and a direct distribution model. He also discusses the company's 2026 targets, built around the "GREAT" framework—growth, re...

“We feel that we're at the forefront of digital transformation and see a tremendous opportunity to grow and to take share over the next five years…” - Rob Bodor Nidhi Arora of Ayna hosts Rob Bodor, CEO of Protolabs, to discuss the transformative role of digital twin technology and AI in industrial manufacturing. Rob highlights how data analytics and AI are enhancing efficiency and customer experie...

Nidhi Arora of Ayna sits down with Don Weatherbee, CEO of Regenx, to explore the company’s groundbreaking advancements in recycling precious metals like platinum and palladium. Using an innovative hydrometallurgical leaching process, Regenx offers an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to traditional smelting, meeting growing demand driven by stricter regulations and vehicle electrification....

Vineet Gupta, President of Ayna, hosts Ross Sabolcik, Senior VP and General Manager of Industrial and Commercial IoT at Silicon Labs, to discuss the company's journey from analog mixed-signal pioneer to IoT leader. Ross highlights Silicon Labs' wireless portfolio and its applications in smart metering, building automation, and healthcare, emphasizing the integration of AI and machine learning in p...

In this episode, Nidhi Arora speaks with Iggy Domagalski, President and CEO of Wajax, a leading Canadian industrial products and services provider with over $2 billion in revenue, 120 branches, and 3,000 employees serving 32,000 customers across sectors like construction, mining, and energy. Iggy discusses how Wajax balances small-business agility with large-scale advantages like centralized IT an...

How is Oshkosh Corporation revolutionizing the industrial sector with electric and autonomous vehicle solutions for soldiers, firefighters, and construction workers, and what does this mean for the future of those sectors? In this episode, Gaurav Batra talks with Oshkosh CEO John Pfeifer about the company’s mission-driven approach to innovation. They explore how electrification and autonomous syst...

How are emerging economies in Latin America and Southeast Asia reshaping global GDP and fueling the rise of a new middle class? In this episode, host Nidhi Arora speaks with Carlos Magarinos, a renowned leader in industrial policy and economic development, to explore the future of the global industrial sector. Carlos discusses the revival of industrial policy to address key issues like geopolitica...

How the USB Lighter Company is leading the charge in redefining consumer habits and promoting sustainability in the tech industry? Ayna Director Marissa Rietman speaks with Calvin Chan, CEO of USB Lighter Company, about sustainability and entrepreneurship. Calvin shares insights on developing electric lighters as a sustainable alternative to butane, highlighting the environmental benefits of recha...

How is Alltius’s generative AI platform revolutionizing marketing, sales, and support functions? In this Ayna Insights episode, host Nidhi Arora speaks with Vibhanshu Abhishek, CEO of Alltius and associate professor at UC-Irvine. Vibhanshu shares insights from his 25-year journey in AI, highlighting Alltius’s AI-first approach to breaking down silos in marketing, sales, and support for industries...

How can transforming cybersecurity from a cost center into a strategic profit booster revolutionize the U.S. manufacturing industry? In this episode of The Titanium Economy, Nidhi Arora talks with Dr. Howard Grimes, CEO of CyManII, about transforming cybersecurity from a manufacturing cost center into a profit driver. Dr. Grimes highlights the need for cybersecurity innovations that boost energy e...

Ever wondered how you can make your own plant-based milk at home while drastically reducing packaging waste? In this episode, Ayna’s Marissa Rietman speaks with Brett Goodson, Founder & CEO of Almond Cow, about their groundbreaking approach to plant-based milk production. Brett shares how Almond Cow empowers consumers to make milk at home, cutting out traditional supply chains and reducing pac...

How is AI transforming the automotive industry, and what role do semiconductors play in this revolution? In this episode, Nidhi Arora, VP of Business Development & Marketing at Ayna, speaks with Dipti Vachani, SVP and GM of Automotive at Arm, about the transformative role of AI and semiconductor tech in the automotive industry. Dipti shares how the low-power compute technology of Arm, original...

In this episode, host Nidhi Arora explores the impact of AI in semiconductor manufacturing with Jon Herlocker, founder of Tignis, Inc. Jon shares his journey from leading a billion-dollar business unit to launching a startup that uses AI, machine learning, and physics to solve challenges like yield issues, high costs, and long time-to-market for new materials. He also offers insights into innovati...

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 me...

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, a...

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, 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 streamlin...

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 als...

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,...

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 manu...

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 s...

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 emphas...

In this episode of the Titanium Economy podcast series hosted by Nidhi Arora of Ayna. AI, Sara O'Rourke, Chief of Staff and Head of Operations for the CHIPS Investment Office, provides an in-depth analysis of the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022. Sara discusses the pivotal role of semiconductors in America's economic and national security and outlines the innovative strategies of the CHIPS program, w...

Ninad Singh, Director at Ayna. AI, interviews Alex Ratner, CEO of Snorkel AI. They discuss programmatic data labeling, automated annotation, and AI customization. Alex highlights Snorkel AI's transformative role in AI development, scaling startups, and improving performance through specialized data solutions. Snorkel AI aims to revolutionize AI training and development, making it more efficient an...

Tom Ferguson, the President and CEO of AZZ Inc chats with Connor Bradley in this episode. Tom shares his insights on AZZ’s role in the infrastructure and construction sectors, driven by the data center market boom. The conversation also explores AZZ's strategic growth, including the 2022 acquisition of Precoat Metals, the impact of the IIJA and CHIPS Act, and innovations in metal manufacturing. To...