"A digital champion isn’t someone who knows how AI works. It’s someone who knows where to apply it.." - Anu Khare

In this episode of our Titanium Economy series, Parthesh Shastri sits down with Anu Khare, CIO of Oshkosh Corporation, to unpack how industrial manufacturers can win with digital. Anu shares Oshkosh’s human-centered approach to transformation—grounded in co-creation, phased implementation, and a sharp focus on business value. He outlines the company’s three-layer digital architecture and explains why supply chain optimization offers the biggest ROI, while finance remains an untapped opportunity. The conversation also covers building digital champions, adapting to workforce shifts, and preparing for a tech-enabled industrial future.

Anu Khare has led Oshkosh’s digital transformation since 2018, driving initiatives across AI, advanced analytics, ERP modernization, and Industry 4.0. Under his leadership, the team has earned seven consecutive CIO 100 Awards and was named a finalist for the MIT Sloan Leadership Award. Prior to Oshkosh, he held senior roles at Koch Industries and United Technologies. An IIT Roorkee graduate, Anu brings more than two decades of experience in tech-driven industrial change.

Discussion Points

For More Information

Anu Khare LinkedIn

Oshkosh Corp

Ayna.AI Website

Titanium Economy

Parthesh Shastri LinkedIn

"Technology isn't the barrier - adoption is the key challenge facing industrial leaders today." - Nalin Jain

In this episode, Ayna’s Parthesh Shastri speaks with Nalin Jain, Group President of Digital Intelligence at Wabtec Corporation, about the digital transformation sweeping the rail and mining industries. Nalin details how Wabtec, a 150-year-old industrial leader, is leveraging AI, machine learning, and digital solutions to improve safety, efficiency, and sustainability. He highlights innovations like Trip Optimizer, which has helped save 752 million gallons of fuel and cut emissions by up to 25%. The discussion underscores the shift from physical to digital product management and the importance of customer-centric innovation in navigating industrial digitalization. Nalin also emphasizes that technology adoption—not availability—is the biggest hurdle, advocating for AI as a tool to augment human capability.

Nalin Jain brings extensive global experience to his role, overseeing digital and mission-critical control systems across railroad, mining, and port operations at Wabtec. He joined the company in 2019, initially leading the global equipment business before taking charge of its digital transformation efforts. With a mechanical engineering degree from National Institute of Technology, Surat and an MBA from Indian School of Business, Hyderabad, Nalin previously held leadership roles at GE, including CEO of GE Aviation and GE Transportation in South Asia. His expertise spans industrial technology, international business, and strategic digital innovation, making him a key voice in shaping the future of intelligent industrial systems.

Discussion Points

For More Information

Nalin Jain LinkedIn

Wabtec Corp

Ayna.AI Website

Titanium Economy

Parthesh Shastri LinkedIn

“Data is not just a reporting tool; it's now a strategic asset. It's the key to everything.” - Jeff DeSandre

In this episode of our Titanium Economy series, host Parthesh Shastri speaks with Jeff DeSandre, former CIO at Harrington Process Solutions and America Royal, about digital transformation in industrial settings. DeSandre emphasizes the importance of starting with clear business outcomes and a strong data foundation—particularly around master data management. He shares practical strategies for modernizing legacy systems through hybrid architecture using API gateways and microservices and explains how metrics like inventory accuracy and freight cost optimization can clearly demonstrate transformation value.

With decades of IT leadership experience, DeSandre now serves as a Fractional CIO and Principal Consultant at CatalystCIO, advising mid-sized enterprises on digital strategy. His expertise spans legacy system integration, cybersecurity, cloud architecture, and strategic data analytics. At both Harrington and America Royal, he led complex ERP implementations, drove IT strategy during M&A, and built modern technology frameworks that delivered measurable business impact across the industrial sector.

Discussion Points

For More Information

Jeff DeSandre LinkedIn

Catalyst CIO

Ayna.AI Website

Parthesh Shastri LinkedIn

"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 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

For More Information

George Randle

"The Talent War" by George Randle

Ayna's Website

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

For More Information

Paul Miller LinkedIn

Grainger

Ayna.AI Website

Nidhi Arora LinkedIn

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

For More Information:

Alok Maskara LinkedIn

Lennox

Titanium Economy

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

For More Information

Rob Bodor LinkedIn

Proto Labs

Titanium Economy

Ayna.AI Website

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

For More Information

Ross Sabolcik LinkedIn

Silicon Labs

Titanium Economy

Vineet Gupta LinkedIn

Ayna.AI Website

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 and finance, and shares insights on the industrial sector's role in global growth, technological innovation, and career opportunities.

A recognized leader named among Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 and Top 50 Inspirational Entrepreneurs, Iggy draws on his expertise from leadership roles at Tundra Process Solutions and West End Industrial to drive Wajax’s innovation and sustainability.

Discussion Points

For More Information

Iggy Domagalski LinkedIn

Wajax Corporation

Titanium Economy

Nidhi Arora LinkedIn

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 systems in specialty vehicles are shaping the future, along with insights on strategic capital allocation and the role of technology in driving growth.

CEO of Oshkosh Corporation since 2021, Pfeifer has led advancements in electrification and autonomy for defense, emergency, and commercial vehicles. With a focus on sustainability and engineering excellence, he aims to enhance productivity and safety across demanding industries.

Discussion Points

For More Information

John Pfeifer LinkedIn

Oshkosh Corporation

Titanium Economy

Gaurav Batra LinkedIn