“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

• (01:30) Digital Transformation & Legacy Systems – DeSandre stresses the need for clear business goals and strong data visibility, advocating API gateways and microservices to modernize without disrupting operations.
• (04:50) Measuring Success & Avoiding Pitfalls – He shares how his team boosted inventory accuracy by 90% and warns against overlooking master data and security in digital initiatives.
• (08:38) IT's Strategic Role & Staying Current – DeSandre discusses IT’s shift to a strategic function and his methods for staying up to date—daily research, vendor input, and tool evaluation.
• (11:58) Cloud & AI in Industrial Environments – He recommends a hybrid cloud approach starting with analytics and CRM and urges leaders to grasp AI fundamentals before rollout.
• (15:45) High-Impact Tech & CIO Advice – From EDI to process mining, DeSandre highlights valuable tools and advises new CIOs to listen, build trust, secure quick wins, and align closely with strategy.

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

• (00:00) George Randle blends 20+ years in Fortune 100 HR with a decorated Army career. His teams have hired 80,000+ professionals, including 2,500 senior leaders.
• (04:05) Leadership starts with humility. Randle shares how listening—over commanding—drives better outcomes in both military and corporate environments.
• (08:52) The Talent War argues that character trumps credentials. Randle explains why traits like grit and integrity predict leadership success better than résumés.
• (13:57) AI makes résumés look the same—so character must differentiate. Randle urges companies to define success beyond technical skills.
• (16:23) In interviews, Randle asks execs: Who have you mentored to greater success? Their answers reveal true leadership impact.
• (18:30) Manufacturing retention rises when leaders connect. One firm cut attrition from 22% to 2% just by walking the floor and explaining why the work matters.

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

• Grainger’s early digital adoption and customer focus fueled its e-commerce success. Paul Miller shares key lessons.
• B2B can learn from B2C—merchandising and tech help overcome skepticism and drive digital adoption.
• Manufacturers must own their digital presence to stay competitive in an evolving market.
• Industrial tech is rapidly evolving—Chicago event will explore key digital transformation trends.

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

• Alok Maskara, CEO of Lennox International, shares the company's mission to deliver perfect air through innovative, sustainable climate solutions, highlighting trends like electrification and energy efficiency, along with ambitious 2026 targets.
• To tackle supply chain disruptions and labor shortages, Lennox relies on dual sourcing, automation, and AI while focusing on talent retention and recruitment.
• Alok outlines Lennox’s "GREAT" framework—Growth, Resilience, Execution, Advanced Technology, and Talent—as a guide for strategic value creation and long-term growth.
• Reflecting on his leadership journey, Alok shares insights on staying motivated, navigating competition, and embracing technological advancements like AI.
• Mohit and Alok discuss balancing short-term demands with long-term goals, emphasizing accessibility through initiatives like “Ask Alok,” town halls, and site visits.
• Alok highlights Lennox’s commitment to continuous improvement, shaped by his diverse industry experiences, and his aim to leave the company stronger as its 9th CEO.

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

• Rob Bodor discusses Protolabs’ evolution from digital prototyping to a full-service manufacturing partner, highlighting its pioneering use of digital twin technology to automate processes and set industry standards.
• Rob reflects on his non-linear career, emphasizing the value of continual learning, diverse perspectives, and fostering a culture of innovation and empowerment.
• He explores trends shaping digital manufacturing, noting Protolabs’ use of AI and data analytics to boost efficiency and customer experience, with examples in pricing, quality checks, and operations.
• Rob concludes with insights on the industrial sector's future, driven by innovation and growth opportunities

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

• Ross Sabolcik shares Silicon Labs' evolution from a disruptor in analog mixed-signal tech to a leader in wireless IoT, highlighting milestones like the B90 modem and the shift to IoT innovation.
• He outlines the expansion of use cases from meter reading to advanced applications like grid intelligence and asset tracking, driven by AI and machine learning.
• Ross reflects on his career, blending engineering expertise with business skills and strong communication.
• He advises young engineers to stay curious, embrace lifelong learning, and understand the link between technology and business strategy.

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

• Iggy, CEO of Wajax, discusses its two main areas: heavy equipment sales/services and industrial parts/repair services, emphasizing strong customer relationships across 120+ branches and addressing evolving industry needs.
• Wajax combines small-business agility with innovation, tackling supply chain challenges through increased local inventory and advanced operations.
• Wajax integrates technology with customer needs, grows via organic strategies and acquisitions, and focuses on emissions reduction and sustainability goals.
• Iggy’s diverse career highlights the importance of understanding both commercial and support roles in driving business success.
• The industrial sector continues to grow with technological advancements and offers rewarding career opportunities, requiring stronger promotion to attract talent.

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

• Oshkosh's mission-driven innovation delivers electric and autonomous solutions for demanding roles like military, firefighting, and airport vehicles, backed by a strong culture of engineering excellence
• Insights on sustainability in electrified purpose-built vehicles, challenges in route-based industries, and John’s journey from COO to CEO, focusing on people, capital, and long-term success
• Accelerating growth through innovation, including AI integration and third-party data pairing in Oshkosh’s products
• Forward-looking strategies shaping the future of the industrial sector and Oshkosh’s role in driving it

For More Information

John Pfeifer LinkedIn

Oshkosh Corporation

Titanium Economy

Gaurav Batra LinkedIn