"There is a need for starting automation - robotics is a space that we can't postpone for too long. We want to make sure that you start adopting it." - Rishabh Agarwal

In this episode, host Parthesh Shastri speaks with Rishabh Agarwal, CEO and co-founder of Peer Robotics, about rethinking automation for small and mid-sized manufacturers. Drawing from his experience at Kuka, Siemens, and a family manufacturing background, Rishabh shares how Peer’s collaborative robots learn from human demonstrations—no coding required. He explains how their robots are designed to work with people, often elevating workers to more valuable roles, and encourages manufacturers to adopt automation gradually using tech that fits existing systems and is easy for non-technical users.

Rishabh Agarwal, an alumnus of IIT Delhi and the University of Maryland, combines academic rigor with practical insight. At Peer Robotics, he leads a lean, R&D-focused team building intuitive robots that simplify material movement on the factory floor. Backed by significant funding, the company prioritizes accessibility over sales infrastructure, empowering more manufacturers to embrace collaborative automation.

Discussion Points

Ayna is a premier advisory and implementation firm in the industrial technology space, leveraging a team of experienced leaders to help companies and investors drive performance improvement and value creation. The host of this episode is Anya’s Parthesh Shastri.

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Peer Robotics

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"Experience tells you where you've been, character tells you where you're going." - George Randle

What can manufacturing leaders learn from military leadership? In this episode of the Titanium Economy podcast, George Randle—Army veteran, talent strategist, and co-author of The Talent War—joins host Nidhi Arora of AYNA.AI to explore why character consistently outperforms credentials. Drawing on lessons from both the battlefield and the boardroom, Randle shares practical advice: know your people, walk the floor, and explain the “why” behind the work. He shows how better leadership—not better perks—can drastically reduce attrition and build resilient teams.

George Randle is a seasoned talent executive, executive coach, and former U.S. Army officer with over 20 years of experience in global HR and talent acquisition. He has led teams that hired more than 80,000 professionals across 60 countries and advises organizations on building high-performing teams through character-based hiring. As co-author of The Talent War, he champions leadership rooted in authenticity, accountability, and values.

Discussion Points

Ayna is a premier advisory and implementation firm in the industrial technology space, leveraging a team of experienced leaders to help companies and investors drive performance improvement and value creation. The host of this episode Nidhi Arora is Vice President at Ayna.

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George Randle

"The Talent War" by George Randle

Titanium Economy

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Nidhi Arora LinkedIn

"By applying advanced analytics and AI at scale, we were able to see significant increases in fuel economy, productivity, as well as avoidance of major downtime events." - Erik Udstuen

On this episode, Parthesh Shastri talks with Erik Udstuen, CEO of TwinThread, about the future of industrial AI and digital twins. Udstuen shares his journey from GE’s energy division to founding TwinThread, highlighting the blend of generative and traditional AI in industrial settings. He advocates for virtual operations centers that scale expertise globally—illustrated by a success story at Colgate’s pet food division—and outlines strategies for IP protection, including unidirectional communication, isolated language models, and secure, client-based cloud deployments. Udstuen sees industrial AI advancing from frontline support to product innovation, calling for safe experimentation as manufacturing faces a “triple squeeze” of constraints.

Erik Udstuen, a former GE executive and chemical engineer, is the CEO of TwinThread, an industrial tech company using AI-powered digital twins to drive productivity. His early work in neural networks set records in the paper industry, and under his leadership, TwinThread has grown 400% in three years and made the 2024 Deloitte Technology Fast 500. With a strong technical and entrepreneurial foundation, Udstuen is shaping the future of smart manufacturing, tackling challenges like workforce shifts and operational efficiency through advanced AI.

Discussion Points

Ayna is a premier advisory and implementation firm in the industrial technology space, leveraging a team of experienced leaders to help companies and investors drive performance improvement and value creation. The host of this episode is Anya’s Parthesh Shastri.

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Erik Udstuen LinkedIn

TwinThread

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Parthesh Shastri LinkedIn

How are clean technologies reshaping industrial sustainability strategies?

In this episode, Ayna’s Mohit Jaju speaks with Bryan Siow, VP of Corporate & Business Development at Elessent Clean Technologies, on the realities of clean tech adoption. With 22 years of experience across ExxonMobil, McKinsey, and Halliburton, Siow shares how regional regulations and economic incentives shape implementation.

He discusses Elessent’s advanced technologies in sulfuric acid production, mist elimination, and green hydrogen, along with his strategic approach to growth—leveraging both vertical integration and horizontal expansion. Siow also explores the shift from electron-side to molecule-side clean tech investments and offers insights on navigating market volatility with long-term discipline and operational flexibility.

Bryan Siow serves as Vice President of Corporate and Business Development at Elessent Clean Technologies, leading strategy, business development, and M&A . With 22 years of experience across ExxonMobil, McKinsey & Co, and Halliburton—where he most recently served as Country Manager of Specialty Chemicals in Saudi Arabia. His career encompasses diverse sectors including upstream, downstream, chemicals, and oilfield services, with experience working alongside IOCs, NOCs, and governments across North America, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. Bryan holds a Chemical Engineering degree from the National University of Singapore and an MBA from the University of Strathclyde.

Discussion Points

Ayna is a premier advisory and implementation firm in the industrial technology space, leveraging a team of experienced leaders to help companies and investors drive performance improvement and value creation. The host of this episode Mohit Jaju is President at Ayna.

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Bryan Siow LinkedIn

Elessent Clean Technologies

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Mohit Jaju LinkedIn 

How can manufacturers establish digital authority without disrupting traditional distribution?

In this episode, Nidhi Arora, Vice President, Ayna, talks with Paul Miller, former head of global e-commerce at Grainger, who helped turn it into a digital powerhouse. From CD-ROM catalogs to advanced e-commerce platforms, Miller shares how Grainger embraced digital tools to enhance customer engagement. He explores the evolving manufacturer-distributor dynamic and why manufacturers must take charge of their digital presence. As tech-savvy professionals reshape the workforce, Miller highlights a step-by-step approach to digital adoption that delivers real results.

Paul Miller led Grainger’s e-commerce expansion, making it one of the largest industrial digital platforms. His expertise in customer-centric digital strategies has been pivotal in Grainger’s transformation and broader industrial digitalization.

Discussion Points

Ayna is a premier advisory and implementation firm in the industrial technology space, leveraging a team of experienced leaders to help companies and investors drive performance improvement and value creation. The host of this episode Nidhi Arora is Vice President of Content & Marketing at Ayna.

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Paul Miller LinkedIn

Grainger

Titanium Economy

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Nidhi Arora LinkedIn

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 like CRM apps and aerial estimation tools. He also highlights the rise of sustainable materials and how smaller contractors can compete against major distributors.

John Geary, former CMO of Nations Roof, has held leadership roles at Firestone, Bradco, and Owens Corning. A respected industry speaker and board member, he now advises contractors, manufacturers, and investors as an independent consultant.

Discussion Points

Ayna is a premier advisory and implementation firm in the industrial technology space, leveraging a team of experienced leaders to help companies and investors drive performance improvement and value creation. The host of this episode, Dinesh Chopra, is President of Fernweh Group.

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John Geary LinkedIn

Dinesh Chopra LinkedIn

Nations Roof

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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, resilience, technology, and talent—and addresses challenges like supply chain disruptions and labor shortages through dual sourcing and automation.

Alok Maskara, CEO of Lennox International, brings over 25 years of leadership experience across advanced materials, water treatment, and HVAC industries. Previously the CEO of Luxor Holdings, he has held senior roles at Pentair, GE, and McKinsey & Company and serves on Franklin Electric’s board. Alok’s expertise in aligning strategy with long-term value creation makes him a leading voice in manufacturing and technology.

Discussion Points

Ayna is a premier advisory and implementation firm in the industrial technology space, leveraging a team of experienced leaders to help companies and investors drive performance improvement and value creation. The host of this episode, Mohit Jaju, is a President at Ayna.

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Alok Maskara LinkedIn

Lennox

Titanium Economy

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Mohit Jaju LinkedIn

“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 experience, driving Protolabs’ leadership in the titanium economy.

As CEO of Protolabs, Rob Bodor has transitioned from internal operations to leading with an external focus. He has expanded the company’s digital capabilities, emphasizing AI, automation, and digital twins to transform manufacturing. With experience at McKinsey and other leadership roles, Rob brings a rich perspective on fostering innovation, empowerment, and calculated risk-taking.

Discussion Points

Ayna is a premier advisory and implementation firm in the industrial technology space, leveraging a team of experienced leaders to help companies and investors drive performance improvement and value creation. The host of this episode, Nidhi Arora, is VP of Content & Marketing for Ayna.AI.

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Rob Bodor LinkedIn

Proto Labs

Titanium Economy

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Nidhi Arora LinkedIn

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. Don also shares insights on the role of logistics, expansion plans, and the circular economy in reshaping the industry. Tune in for a fresh perspective on sustainable technology and industrial innovation.

Don Weatherbee, CEO of Regenx, is a seasoned leader with over 28 years of experience in mining and materials processing, including two decades in executive roles. A CPA, CMA, and CITP, with a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Alberta, Don combines financial expertise with technological insight. His strategic leadership and industry knowledge make him a key voice in driving innovation and sustainability in the industrial sector.

Discussion Points

Ayna is a premier advisory and implementation firm in the industrial technology space, leveraging a team of experienced leaders to help companies and investors drive performance improvement and value creation. The host of this episode, Nidhi Arora, is VP of Content & Marketing for Ayna

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Don Weatherbee LinkedIn

Regenx

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Nidhi Arora LinkedIn

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 products and career development. The conversation explores how curiosity, leadership, and communication fuel growth in the tech industry.

Ross Sabolcik, Senior VP and General Manager of Industrial and Commercial IoT at Silicon Labs, has played a pivotal role in the company’s transformation into a leader in wireless connectivity and energy-efficient IoT solutions. With a foundation in electrical and computer systems engineering, Ross's journey from embedded coding to leadership showcases his expertise in applying AI and machine learning to both technology and talent development.

Discussion Points

Ayna is a premier advisory and implementation firm in the industrial technology space, leveraging a team of experienced leaders to help companies and investors drive performance improvement and value creation. The host of this episode, Vineet Gupta, is a President at Ayna.

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Silicon Labs

Titanium Economy

Vineet Gupta LinkedIn

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