AYNA INSIGHTS - SoundSage

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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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

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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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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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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, which manages over $50 billion in federal investment to revitalize U.S. semiconductor manufacturing.

Sara O’Rourke began her career with impactful work in education and women's economic empowerment in the Middle East, leading her to address significant challenges. At McKinsey, she spent nearly a decade driving financial and operational transformations for businesses and government agencies, co-founding the Center for Reinvesting in America to leverage federal investments in infrastructure, clean energy, and technology. Sara holds a bachelor's degree in social studies from Harvard and a master's in international affairs and finance from Johns Hopkins.

Discussion Points

Sara discusses the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, focusing on its impact on the U.S. semiconductor industry and the program's unique team approach to maximize federal investment.
Investments in the semiconductor supply chain include major deals like Intel and Brookfield, and investments in companies such as Micron, Intel, TSMC, and Samsung.
The CHIPS office is also supporting companies like Global Foundries and Microchip, and projects like advanced packaging with Lipsalix.
The CHIPS office targets 20% leading-edge production in the U.S., emphasizing job creation and workforce challenges.
The program follows milestone-based funding and private capital to encourage larger investments in semiconductor manufacturing.
The CHIPS office's collaborative approach integrates policy experts, industry veterans, and intelligence professionals to advance U.S. semiconductor capabilities.

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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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 and tailored to business needs.

Alex Ratner is the CEO of Snorkel AI, a pioneering company that transforms AI development by programmatically labeling and curating data. With a PhD from Stanford, where the Snorkel project began, and a physics degree from Harvard, Alex blends deep technical expertise with practical experience in finance and consulting. Under his leadership, Snorkel AI has raised $135 million, serving diverse industries like banking and government. His unique skills and strategic insights make him a key figure in the AI space.

Discussion Points

How programmatic data labeling speeds up AI development, emphasizing models, infrastructure, and quality data, with significant impacts in banking.
Transforming general AI models into specialized tools through post-training, fine-tuning, and advanced hardware integration, highlighting the importance of customization in enterprise AI.
Emphasizing the crucial role of high-quality data labeling and tuning for reliable AI, especially with large language models.
Alex discusses moving from prototyping to scaling, stressing efficient data labeling interfaces to speed up AI development and tackling challenges in manual data labeling.
Changes in programmatic data labeling since Snorkel's start, noting the importance of fundamental labeling and tuning techniques despite advancements in large language models to meet enterprise needs.

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, Ninad Singh, is a Director at Ayna.AI.

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Snorkel AI

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Host Connor Bradley from Ayna.AI has an illuminating discussion with Tom Ferguson, the President and CEO of AZZ Inc. 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.

Tom Ferguson, the President and CEO of AZZ Inc., has been at the helm for over a decade, and has propelled the company to prominence in the hot-dip galvanizing and coil-coating industry. Before AZZ, Tom spent nearly 25 years at FlowServe, where he held multiple leadership roles. Under his guidance, AZZ has seen substantial growth, including the strategic acquisition of Precoat Metals and a smooth CFO transition. Tom's expertise has been pivotal in driving AZZ's success in the infrastructure and construction sectors.

Discussion Points

Tom Ferguson discusses his journey as CEO of AZZ Inc., highlighting the company's growth and strategic innovations in the galvanizing and coil-coating market.
AZZ's CFO transition plan emphasizes leveraging internal talent for smooth leadership changes.
The 2022 acquisition of Precoat Metals has strengthened AZZ's market position and growth.
Prepainted metal's rising importance in construction and AZZ's expansion in distribution and data centers show innovation and growth.
The discussion covers infrastructure investments from the IIJA and CHIPS Act, focusing on integrating these with existing systems for better efficiency.

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, Connor Bradley, is an Associate at Ayna.AI.

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AZZ

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In this episode, host Connor Bradley from Ayna.AI speaks with finance expert Kelly Janzen about the modern CFO role. Ms. Janzen, who has held leadership roles at GE Healthcare and Blue Links Corporation, highlights the need for CFOs to possess skills beyond finance, including operations and change management. She shares her experience in leading a strategic pivot during the pandemic, emphasizing the role of an innovative Investor Relations program in boosting financial stability and shareholder value. Kelly also talks about the importance of effective capital allocation, tax, and legal considerations for successful M&A activities.

Kelly Janzen is a finance expert with an impressive track record, currently serving as Executive in Residence at Fernweh Group. With a foundation in technical accounting, Kelly has a career that spans prestigious companies such as GE Healthcare, Westrock, and BlueLinx Corporation. Her journey from public accounting to strategic leadership in finance has equipped her to handle complex M&A deals and transform financial strategies. Kelly’s approach to the modern CFO role includes broadening skill sets to include finance and operations, emphasizing the importance of adapting and engaging with challenging projects to excel in dynamic financial landscapes.

Discussion Points

Kelly Janzen's journey in the field of finance began with public accounting and moving up the ranks to hold Chief Financial Officer roles in various organizations.
During the global pandemic, Kellys team shifted its focus to maintaining a just-in-time inventory system and specializing in specific products.
A significant part of Kelly’s CFO role involves capital allocation and managing investor relations. Kelly shares her experiences hiring a consultant to work with banks and financial analysts and provides valuable insights on how to secure stock coverage.
Janzen emphasizes the need for finance teams to focus on return on investment (ROI) and risk assessments when allocating capital. By doing so, they can ensure that every investment made contributes to the business's overall growth and success.
Discussion on insights into the considerations that come into play during mergers and acquisitions. How tax rules and operational integration strategies are significant factors in these decisions.

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, Connor Bradley, is an Associate at Ayna.AI. Fernweh Group is an investment company that is adapting an engaged investor and operator model to create “segment of one” leaders in the industrial and industrial technology sector.

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Ashutosh Garg, the CEO of Eightfold discusses the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on talent management and workforce development. Ashutosh Garg offers his expertise on how AI is being utilized to not only identify skills within the workforce but also to foster an environment where learnability and career progression are prioritized. His approach is data-driven and outcome-focused, aiming to create a harmonious alignment between individual career goals and organizational needs, while also addressing the ethical implications of AI in talent acquisition and development.

Ashutosh Garg is the visionary CEO of Eightfold, an innovative company that leverages artificial intelligence in the realm of HR technology. Ashutosh’s journey began in India, leading him through an impressive academic career with a focus on machine learning, which included an undergraduate degree from IIT Delhi and a PhD from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Before founding Eightfold, Garg co-founded Bloomreach and honed his skills at Google, where he spearheaded personalization efforts. With a deep-seated belief in maximizing human potential, Garg's background is a testament to his commitment to using technology to empower individuals in their careers.

Discussion Points

Ashutosh explores AI's impact on talent management, focusing on skill development and retention in industrial sectors, reducing turnover and hiring costs.
Reflecting on talent management's evolution, Ashutosh discusses startups' need for resilience, shifting from external hiring to internal development.
He shares his journey from India to Google and HR tech, emphasizing data-driven talent management and improving career opportunities.
Ashutosh addresses AI adoption in enterprises, focusing on solving broad problems amidst market volatility like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Eightfold's mission in utilizing AI for talent intelligence, focusing on industrial and manufacturing sectors.
Exploring AI's evolution and Eightfold's adaptation to industry changes over the past eight years.

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, Ninad Singh, is a Director at Ayna.AI.

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Nidhi Arora of Ayna.AI delves into the transformative realm of the chemical industry with guest Mark Behrman, CEO of LSB Industries. The discussion focuses on the revolutionary impact of nitrogen chemicals in agriculture and industry, LSB's strategic initiatives for growth, and their pioneering role in the clean energy transition. Behrman shares insights on the potential of low-carbon ammonia production, strategic partnerships, and the challenges and opportunities that come with high-stakes investments in the evolving energy sector.

Mark Behrman, CEO and President of LSB Industries has an extensive background spanning corporate governance, executive management, and over 25 years of investment banking. His leadership has elevated LSB Industries, a key player in chemical products manufacturing, particularly focusing on nitrogen chemicals for various industries. Berman's journey has seen him rise through the ranks, demonstrating strategic prowess that has led LSB to focus on organic growth, reliability initiatives, and engaging in the energy transition through carbon capture projects and low-carbon ammonia production.

Discussion Points

LSB's engagement with nitrogen chemicals and their role in transition to clean energy, especially, the company's projects on carbon capture and low-carbon ammonia production.
The complexities of investing in the clean energy sector are explored, with a focus on the dynamics of setting selling prices for products like low-carbon ammonia and securing customer commitments.
LSB’s diversified market strategy, which allows flexibility and optimization of production across different industries, amidst changing agricultural needs.
Navigating global economic shifts to remain agile in the face of energy crises, food security issues, and geopolitical tensions like the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Leadership's role in fostering innovation and guiding industrial growth as Behrman reflects on his experiences as both CEO and board member.
The importance of hiring the right people, empowering teams, and developing an entrepreneurial culture.
The resurgence of manufacturing in the United States is discussed, with attention to the trend of companies relocating production back to the U.S. due to favorable business conditions. Berman credits the nation's political and economic climate for facilitating this shift, which is reinforced by the recent policy incentives.

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. Ayna.AI is an affiliate of Fernweh Group. The host of this episode, Nidhi Arora, is VP of Content & Marketing for Ayna.AI.

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Ayna.AI’s Ninad Singh speaks with Andy Mattes, a seasoned CEO with a wealth of experience in leading complex organizations such as Coherent Laser and Diebold. The conversation delves into the strategies and insights that Andy has garnered over the years, touching upon the challenges of mergers and acquisitions, financial stabilization, and the importance of setting ambitious yet achievable goals. With a focus on the intricate dynamics of industrial leadership and transformation, Andy offers a deep dive into the art of navigating a company through competitive markets and regulatory frameworks, revealing the executive-level decisions that drive growth and success within large corporations.

Andy Mattes is known for his impressive track record as the former CEO of Coherent, where he significantly increased operating margins and revenue between 2020 and 2022, culminating in the company's $7 billion sale to II-VI Incorporated. Prior to his tenure at Coherent, Andy led Diebold as its President and CEO, overseeing a period of robust growth including a 16% CAGR from 2013 to 2017 and the strategic $1.8 billion acquisition of Wincor-Nixdorf. His extensive background in managing companies that operate at the intersection of hardware, services, and software places him in a unique position to offer valuable insights into the complexities of steering industry-leading organizations toward transformative growth.

Discussion Points

Andy Mattes highlights Coherent's crucial role in producing OLED displays for smartphones, acknowledging the need for new growth strategies after equipment saturation.
Mattes discusses navigating acquisitions in diverse regulatory environments, balancing German takeover laws' fund certainty with varied U.S. shareholder approval thresholds and timelines.
Reflecting on Coherent's sale to II-IV Incorporated, Mattes underscores the importance of defining deal structures and the CEO's role in post-acquisition transitions.
Internal support is vital for successful transformations, as revealed by organizational health surveys at Coherent, providing actionable insights for strategic change.
Mattes advocates for adopting an activist or private equity mindset to identify ambitious yet achievable growth opportunities, setting challenging goals for companies.
Reflecting on career milestones, Mattes highlights lessons on financial management, including the impact of operational decisions on EPS and the critical role of cash flow in meeting payroll.

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, Ninad Singh, is a Director at Ayna.

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Diebold

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Ninad Singh of Ayna.AI interviews Mike Olosky, CEO of Simpson Strong-Tie, who underscores adaptability, customer relations, and comprehensive solutions as vital for success. With 14 years of global experience, Mike champions a growth mindset and people-centric culture to drive industry excellence.

As CEO of Simpson Strong-Tie, Mike Olosky leads the company with a clear vision of industry leadership through innovation and customer service. With over 20 years at Henkel, including roles as COO and Regional President, Mike's leadership, strategic investments, and embrace of technology have spurred Simpson Strong-Tie's growth amid economic challenges.

Discussion Points

Simpson Strong-Tie’s from modest beginnings to a $2 billion revenue leader in structural building products with success driven by robust customer relations, adaptability, and diverse product offerings.
Olosky's 14-year stint with Henkel in Asia provided valuable insights into electronic and automotive sectors and cultural diversity, shaping his leadership at Simpson Strong-Tie and fostering innovation.
Simpson Strong-Tie's commitment to a growth mindset, employee training, and adoption of emerging technologies like Mass Timber and digitization are driving forces behind their market outperformance and industry-leading construction standards.
The company's dedication to comprehensive customer solutions, leveraging digital tools such as CAD and software resources, positions them as pioneers in digital transformation within the construction industry.
Olosky’s emphasis on the significance of a people-centric culture, citing an impactful moment in Asia that reinforced his belief in empowering teams.

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, Ninad Singh, is a Director at Ayna.

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Ayna.AI’s CEO Guarav Batra speaks with Giulia Siccardo on the pressing issues of US infrastructure and manufacturing. Giulia is a Director at the US Department of Energy, and she sheds light on the department's strategic shift toward supporting large-scale energy technologies and their impact on the future of US manufacturing. She discusses the pivotal role played by recent legislation, like the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, in fueling investments into clean energy projects ready for gigafactory scale production. This episode promises to give you an insider's view of how the DOE is responding to the changing economic landscape, helping companies navigate the complexities of large capital projects.

Giulia Siccardo is an experienced professional in the energy, automotive, and sustainability sectors. As the Director of the Department of Energy’s Office of Manufacturing & Energy Supply Chains, she is responsible for awarding government investments to strengthen and secure U.S. manufacturing capacity and workforce development, as well as administer the Defense Production Act for critical energy technologies. Her scope includes batteries, hydrogen, heat pumps, solar, transmission, and zero-emission materials, among other technologies. Siccardo was previously a Partner at McKinsey & Company and leader of McKinsey’s Green Growth service line. Born in California, Siccardo holds a dual B.A. in Economics and Environmental Studies from Dartmouth College and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Discussion Points

Giulia Siccardo from the US Department of Energy discusses the energy revolution, focusing on large-scale technologies and recent clean energy legislation.
Giulia explains the DOE's strategy for enhancing manufacturing resilience, prioritizing investments based on supply chain vulnerabilities and long-term economic benefits.
Giulia highlights labor partnerships and DOE initiatives like advanced market commitments to boost emerging technologies.
A $50 million investment in a Tennessee materials company aims for lower-emission battery components and job creation in marginalized communities.
Giulia emphasizes diversity's role in fostering innovation within the DOE, reflecting on her career from McKinsey.
The podcast concludes with an overview of the DOE's efficient capital deployment for industrial innovation, urging engagement for a sustainable future.

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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Renowned trade expert Kelly Ann Shaw delves into global trade complexities, exploring the shift from goods-centric to a service-oriented global economy. She analyzes the impact of national security on trade policies and discusses disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Shaw also addresses the evolution of trade ideologies from the Obama administration to the 2016 campaigns, providing insights into future trade challenges, geopolitical strategies, and the prospect of critical mineral acquisition and space mining.

Kelly Ann Shaw, a distinguished international trade and government relations figure, currently partners with Hogan Lovells and serves as an adjunct professor at Columbia Law School. Holding a senior advisory role at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, Shaw brings a wealth of experience as a former U.S. trade negotiator, deputy assistant to the President for International Economic Affairs, and deputy director of the National Economic Council. With a comprehensive background spanning the White House, U.S. trade representatives, U.S. Congress, and private practice, Shaw's expertise encompasses U.S. international trade, investment, and economic law. She has been recognized as one of Washington DC's 500 most influential people and has received numerous legal awards.

Discussion Points

Kelly Ann Shaw analyzes the transformation of trade policy from goods to a service-oriented global economy, emphasizing national security's impact on trade decisions and the pandemic's effects on international commerce and supply chains.
Shaw explores the trend toward regional trade agreements like TPP or CPTPP, termed "re-globalization," potentially impacting global economic growth and complicating supply chain management.
Addressing rising geopolitical tensions, especially between the US and China, Shaw discusses challenges in securing critical minerals for technology, proposing partnerships and mining strategies in Africa and exploration on celestial bodies like the Moon and Mars.
The discussion shifts to the evolution of US trade policy from Obama to the 2016 campaigns, highlighting a bipartisan move away from free trade ideology and a renewed emphasis on manufacturing and the industrial base.
Looking ahead, Shaw considers the upcoming US presidential election's potential impact on trade policies, offering strategic advice for business leaders to navigate changes, including forming trade 'clubs' among allies and moving away from a unified global trading system.

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, Connor Bradley, is a Senior Analyst at Ayna.AI.

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In this engaging episode of our Titanium Economy series, we welcome David Hunt, managing director and co-head of the industrials practice at Greenhill, who shares his rich expertise in advising industrial companies, particularly in the capital goods sector. Listen in as we navigate the complex landscape of the industrial sector and its subsectors, with an emphasis on capital goods and the adoption of technology. We dissect the current macroeconomic factors, such as higher inflation and rates, and their impact on the sector. Hunt sheds light on the shift from resource hoarding during the pandemic to growth-focused strategies, especially corporate acquisitions, offering a unique insight into the sector's evolution.

Mr. Hunt joined Greenhill in 2017. He principally advises clients in the capital goods, environmental services, and industrial technology sectors. Prior to joining Greenhill, David spent 20 years at UBS where he was a Managing Director and the Head of Investment Banking for Capital Goods. He began his career at Dillon Read before it was acquired by UBS. David holds a BS in Economics from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Discussion Points

Guest David Hunt explains how different factors shaped M&A activity have, highlighting a shift from hoarding resources during the pandemic to focusing on growth strategies, particularly corporate acquisitions.
The conversation moves to the evolution of multi-industrial companies and their shift from conglomerate models to more focused niche markets, delving into the importance of differentiation, mission criticality, end-market selection and the impact on investor returns.
David and Siddharth explore the landscape of M&A in the industrial sector, focusing on the components of a successful business system for a multi-industrial company.
A discussion around the importance of understanding the boundaries in M&A activities, the importance of realistic valuation, and competitive landscape analysis.
How industrial companies are handling the pace of technological disruption, especially with the rise of AI. The hosts discuss the importance of finding a micro niche that is the company's competitive differentiation and applying that both to organic and inorganic growth strategies.
Wrapping up, David Hunt provides an optimistic outlook for the industrial sector, citing the Infrastructure Act, the Chips Act, the IRA Act, and other multi-year trends.

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, Siddarth Madhav, is President & Chief Strategy Officer of Fernweh Group. Fernweh Group is an investment company that is adapting an engaged investor and operator model to create “segment of one” leaders in the industrial and industrial technology sector.

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What if managing employees wasn’t a responsibility, but a privilege? What if, before efficiencies and synergies, empathy was a driving force in leadership? In this episode, Connor Bradley speaks with Bob Chapman, Chairman and CEO of Barry-Wehmiller, a leader who transformed his company with a potent mix of strategy and culture, shaping a vision that breathes life and meaning into Barry-Wehmiller team members’ existence.

Bob Chapman is widely recognized as a transformative leader from the manufacturing industry. As CEO of Barry-Wehmiller, a global supplier of manufacturing technology and services, he has grown his company through a prolifically successful acquisition strategy. Chapman's deep understanding of leadership and his unique methods have made him a bestselling author and speaker. Chapman has successfully instilled a culture of empathy and purpose within Barry-Wehmiller, solidifying his position as a revolutionary in both business and leadership.

Discussion Points

Bob Chapman has transformed Barry-Wehmiller - providing employees with meaning and launching initiatives to share culture and leadership training.
How to address the "poverty of dignity" in organizations for overall well-being.
Connor and Bob discuss balanced business models, culture in leadership, and empathetic listening to create leaders.
Chapman shares his message of caring for others, teaching the skill of recognizing goodness, and navigating difficult decisions when culture and business conflict.
A discussion around sharing strategy and culture to lead business, encouraging listeners to apply same philosophy and share blessings.

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, Bradley, is a Senior Analyst at Ayna.AI.

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Barry-Wehmiller

Truly Human Leadership Blog

Book: Everybody Matters

Chapman & Co.

Book: The Titanium Economy

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Tricia Breeger, President and CEO of Mitsubishi Electric Power Products (MEPPI), brings her distinctive insights to the future of infrastructure, underscoring the pivotal role of cutting-edge technologies in advancing cleaner, more sustainable power generation. In this comprehensive discussion, Tricia delves into the complexities and opportunities within the energy transition landscape, shedding light on the rising demand for innovative technologies and sustainable storage solutions. She further explores MEPPI's integration of generative AI and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, a transformative strategy aimed at pushing the boundaries of technological innovation in the electric power industry.

With nearly two decades of experience, Tricia has progressed from a sales engineer to her current role, emphasizing customer-centricity, transparency, and continuous learning throughout her leadership journey. Her central mission is to position MEPPI as a frontrunner in shaping the infrastructure of tomorrow while guiding the company through the multifaceted challenges of the energy transition.

Discussion Points

MEPPI's role in advancing future infrastructure, focusing on leading the energy transition and addressing challenges in cleaner power generation.
The significance of a strong corporate purpose in attracting and retaining top talent, including a commitment to customer care, internal responsibilities, and employee support.
MEPPI’s active testing of AI's efficacy across its operations, recognizing generative AI as a competitive advantage.
MEPPI's adherence to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria, aiming to be a responsible facility owner, a good corporate citizen, and support greenhouse gas emission reductions for utility customers.
Tricia Breeger's leadership journey from sales engineer to MEPPI CEO, underscoring the value of embracing change, continuous learning, and mentorship in shaping her leadership style.
Tricia’s excitement about value creation in the infrastructure sector and her encouragement for professionals to explore technology companies as dynamic opportunities for impactful contributions.

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 and co-author of the WSJ bestseller – The Titanium Economy.

For More Information

Tricia Breeger LinkedIn

MEPPI

Ayna.AI Website

Gaurav Batra on LinkedIn

Book: The Titanium Economy

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In this episode, host Gaurav Batra, President & CEO of Ayna.AI, welcomes Stephen Smith, Chairman, President & CEO of Amsted Industries, a diversified global manufacturer of industrial components. Operating since 1962, Amsted has 75 locations in 13 countries across 6 continents and is 100% employee owned. Steve joined Amsted in 2005 as Amsted Rail President, became General Counsel in 2007, and President & CEO in 2017. Previously, he was at GKN plc as General Counsel and President of shared services operations in North America from 1999 to 2005.

Steve shares his perspectives on Amsted's heritage, ownership culture, growth strategy, and innovation. He emphasizes employee empowerment, investing for growth, and optimizing talent and capital management for value creation.

Discussion Points

Amsted's 100% employee-owned model provides competitive advantages in strategic focus, talent acquisition, retention, and resilience through economic cycles. However, it also has its tradeoffs like any corporate organization.
Business growth in Amsted’s key end markets supported by robust macro tailwinds, including data center demand and industrial electrification towards eco-friendly technologies.
Amsted represents a winning example of the benefits of portfolio diversification and the conglomerate business strategy – tempering overall cyclicality and routinely beating performance benchmarks.
The Amsted management paradigm is based on driving authority and accountability down to the business unit level, which includes strategic M&A ideation and execution.
Successful corporate leadership boils down to finding and enabling the right people and deploying scarce capital for its most promising use.
Key technologies transforming Amsted’s businesses include additive manufacturing, vision systems using AI and various elements of factory automation.
Stephen Smith’s business leadership mantra is “leading by questioning” – thus enabling his management team to think independently and gaining their buy-in on key decisions.
The industrials sector is often underappreciated and misunderstood, requiring greater awareness, appreciation, and encouragement for investment.

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. Ayna.AI is an affiliate of Fernweh Group. The host of this episode, Gaurav Batra, is the President & CEO of Ayna.AI. Fernweh Group is an investment company that is adapting an engaged investor and operator model to create “segment of one” leaders in the industrial and industrial technology sector.

For More Information

Stephen Smith LinkedIn

Amsted Industries

Book: The Titanium Economy

Ayna.AI Website

Fernweh Group Website

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Gaurav Batra, CEO of Ayna.AI, welcomes Ameya Prabhu, Founder and Managing Partner of UAP Advisors and the Managing Director of NAFA Capital Advisors, Mumbai, India. NAFA Capital Advisors is an India-focused integrated financial services platform with activities in investment management and corporate advisory. Ameya, designated "Young Global Leader" by the World Economic Forum, is also an author of "The Rock Babas and Other Stories," distributed by Amazon, and a trustee of Manav Sadhan Vikas Sanstha, an NGO for holistic human development.

In this episode, Ameya discusses building NAFA into a diversified investment platform with a focus on financial services and agriculture. He shares key investment tenets driving its success and offers an outlook on opportunities and challenges for the Indian economy. Finally, he also shares some pearls of wisdom from his book "The Rock Babas".

Discussion Points

Ameya's investment management success rooted in "old school" fundamentals: profitability, growth, and return on equity.
NAFA and UAP's success built on (a) focusing on profitable, cash flow generating businesses, (b) investing in innovation, and (c) providing a differentiated investment opportunity in a competitive marketplace.
NAFA's high-touch approach drives success in each subsidiary, deploying talent strategically to scale the platform.
Indian economic atmosphere optimistic with domestic demand growth and softening commodity prices, but challenges ahead include job creation with the rise of AI and infrastructure development.
Ameya's book, "The Rock Babas," shares compelling personal journeys of distinct characters evolving through trials and tribulations.
Entrepreneurship requires continuous learning, humility, and confidence in taking risks to achieve success.

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. Ayna.AI is an affiliate of Fernweh Group. The host of this episode, Gaurav Batra, is the President & CEO of Ayna.AI. Fernweh Group is an investment company that is adapting an engaged investor and operator model to create “segment of one” leaders in the industrial and industrial technology sector.

For More Information

Ameya Prabhu LinkedIn

Book: The Rock Babas

Ameya Prabhu Website

NAFA

Book: The Titanium Economy

Ayna.AI Website

Fernweh Group Website

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Christine (“Chris”) King is an accomplished leader in the semiconductor industry who currently serves on Skyworks’ Board of Directors as the lead independent director and chair of its Compensation Committee. Skyworks is $18B market cap semiconductor player empowering the wireless networking revolution. Ms. King also serves as the co-chair of the Board of Directors for Henry Schein One, where she leads the company’s software and technology strategy and initiatives. She also established and serves as chair of Henry Schein’s Technology Advisory Board.

Chris King’s career is a remarkable “rags to riches” story within the technology industry. She was a 20-year-old single mother with a high school diploma in the 1970s, who would become the semiconductor industry’s first female CEO. Leveraging her innate capabilities, passion, and grit, Ms. King earned associate and bachelor’s degrees in electrical engineering and began a career at IBM where she rose through the ranks and built multiple billion-dollar businesses before leaving IBM to be appointed President and CEO at AMI Semiconductor in 2001. Following AMI Semiconductor’s successful sale to ON Semiconductor in 2008, Ms. King was appointed President and CEO of Standard Microsystems and subsequently Executive Chair of the Board of QLogic Corporation in 2015. Over the course of her career, Ms. King has served on multiple Boards of Directors within and outside of the technology sector, including Allegro Micro, Analog Devices, Atheros, Cirrus Logic, Idaho Power, ON Semiconductor, and SMSC.

In addition to her corporate governance work, Chris keeps herself busy as a champion equestrian in the sport of cow cutting. And we’re also very excited to hear that she has a forthcoming personal memoir slated for release later this year, tentatively entitled “Breaking the Silicon Ceiling” documenting her amazing journey.

Discussion Points

The Skyworks technology connects “everyone everywhere” and is empowering the wireless network revolution of “always on” connectivity.
The semiconductor industry has demonstrated remarkable resiliency through significant global upheavals, through the pandemic and its after-effects.
While the industry has diligently tracked Moore’s Law in terms of technology development, today the most important ingredient for success is having the right people – leading winning teams has always meant fostering great personal relationships built on trust.
The transformation of Standard Microsystems was driven by transparency in challenge recognition, rapid change to align to strategic priorities (e.g., consumer markets) and opportunistic M&A to add talent and capabilities.
Blazing a new trail in a male-dominated field often necessitated healthy “competition” with male counterparts, but ultimately results and value for customers and shareholders speak for themselves.
Advice for upcoming leaders in the industry – don’t be too quick to get into leadership, develop your technical skills first and be persistent – if you can’t go through, go around!

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. Ayna.AI is an affiliate of Fernweh Group. The host of this episode, Gaurav Batra, is the President & CEO of Ayna.AI. Fernweh Group is an investment company that is adapting an engaged investor and operator model to create “segment of one” leaders in the industrial and industrial technology sector.

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In this episode, host Nick Santhanam, CEO of Fernweh Group, welcomes Darron Ash, CEO of Sammons Enterprises and Sammons Industrial. The Sammons portfolio of companies includes businesses operating in financial services, industrial equipment, real estate investment and infrastructure across five countries. Darron shares his perspectives on the Sammons story, its unique approach to investing and partnering with companies, its singular focus on people and culture and how the firm is positioned for success in the coming decades.

Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Sammons was established in 1938 and now is one of the largest privately held companies in the US, with approximately $7 billion in annual revenues and over $118 billion in assets. In 2022, Sammons placed 44th on the Largest Privately Held Companies in the US list. Darron has been with Sammons since 2006 and joined the company with 17 years of experience in the public accounting, private equity, consumer products manufacturing, and professional services industries. He served as Chief Financial Officer for Sammons Enterprises for nine years prior to accepting the role of President and Chief Executive Officer for Sammons Industrial. Darron has been a member of the Executive Committee and the Sammons Enterprises Board since 2015.

Discussion Points

The Sammons value proposition centers on a long-term, partnership model of investing, without a pre-set exit plan, coupled with a strong focus on people and culture that allows for a decentralized management approach.
Across the firm’s five investment verticals, the firm primarily focuses on using organic growth to scale its operating businesses, with M&A deployed strategically for adjacent and tuck-in opportunities.
Sammons prioritizes discipline and patience as it relates to capital allocation and capital management strategies, particularly through today’s volatile economic era characterized by high inflation and high interest rates.
Through the pandemic and its supply chain after-effects, the ability to pivot from equipment order sales to rentals enabled Sammons to drive customer value.
Deploying world-class, value-added technology like mobile e-commerce and utilization management into companies, even in the start-up phase, is a key tenet of accelerating business growth and profitability.
The right people, talent and culture are often the key enablers for long-run business success.

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. Ayna.AI is an affiliate of Fernweh Group. The host of this episode, Nick Santhanam, is the CEO of Fernweh Group. Fernweh Group is an investment company that is adapting an engaged investor and operator model to create “segment of one” leaders in the industrial and industrial technology sector.

For More Information

Darron Ash LinkedIn

Sammons Industrial

Book: The Titanium Economy

Ayna.AI Website

Fernweh Group Website

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Neil Chatterjee, Senior Advisor at Hogan Lovells and Former Chairman and Commissioner of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) shares his views on the opportunities and challenges that both private and public sector stakeholders face in the drive toward increased decarbonization, including affordability, reliability and security. He shares his perspectives on the polarization and politicization that continues to hamper long-term energy investment strategies and the energy sector’s critical need for a new generation of dedicated public servants to drive future innovation.

Mr. Chatterjee is proud to have been the first Indian American chairperson of FERC and maintains a stellar reputation as a bipartisan operator with deep ties in Washington and across the industry. Prior to his tenure at the Commission, Neil served as an advisor to Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY), working on the passage of major energy legislation. Neil also has experience working as a principal in government relations for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. He began his career as a staff member on the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Discussion Points

As the energy landscape drives toward decarbonization, critical challenges include reliability, affordability, and security.
The US energy grid is the envy of the world, but no country is an island anymore. There are opportunities in the foreign policy space to engage and cooperate.
Maintaining affordability is one of the biggest challenges through the energy transition, especially amidst inflation and a slowing economy.
The federal government’s political polarization is paralyzing long-term investment planning and undermining cooperation when it’s needed most.
Competition and open markets should be driving innovation and one area that is ripe for innovation is long-duration energy storage.

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. Ayna.AI is an affiliate of Fernweh. The host of this episode, Gaurav Batra, is the President and CEO of Ayna.AI. Fernweh Group is an investment company that is adapting an engaged investor and operator model to create “segment of one” leaders in the industrial and industrial technology sector.

For More Information

Neil Chatterjee LinkedIn

FERC.gov

Book: The Titanium Economy

Ayna.AI Website

Fernweh Group Website

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In this episode, host Gaurav Batra welcomes Paul Reitz, President and CEO of Titan International, to discuss Titan’s unique niche in the industry and how a focus on the end-user drives their value creation in products and services around the globe. Mr. Reitz shares his journey at Titan’s helm and offers a wide-ranging discussion on several critical topics including business resiliency through challenging periods, talent acquisition and retention, Board makeup and management and the overall outlook for the agriculture and construction industries.

Paul Reitz joined Titan International, a leading global supplier of off-the-road wheel and tire products, in 2010 as CFO. Prior to Titan, Paul was Chief Accounting Officer at Carmike Cinemas, with previous roles at Yellowbook USA and Deloitte & Touche. Paul earned an MBA in Business Administration and Marketing from the University of Iowa.

Discussion Points

Titan offers a unique value proposition in a truly niche industry, while placing strong emphasis on connecting with their end customers as the pillar of the company’s strategy.
Titan remains bullish on the long-term growth potential of the agriculture and construction industries, despite today’s challenging economic dynamics.
A timely restructuring program in 2019 bolstered the company’s resiliency through the forthcoming COVID-19 pandemic and attendant global supply chain challenges.
Patience and a commitment to invest time and resources in due diligence are the hallmarks of a winning M&A strategy.
A diverse Board of Directors can be a meaningful tailwind for corporate decision-making.
Industrial companies are not “stodgy old places that run down” but rather are a shining example of where technological innovation can have a significant impact.
Successful talent acquisition and retention in the industrial sector requires identifying people who really buy into the company’s mission and objectives.

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. Ayna.AI is an affiliate of Fernweh. The host of this episode, Gaurav Batra, is the President and CEO of Ayna.AI. Fernweh Group is an investment company that is adapting an engaged investor and operator model to create “segment of one” leaders in the industrial and industrial technology sector.

For More Information

Paul Reitz LinkedIn

Titan International Website

Book: The Titanium Economy

Ayna.AI Website

Fernweh Group Website

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Amelia.AI Founder and CEO Chetan Dube joins us again on the podcast, this time for a discussion of the meteoric rise of generative AI tool ChatGPT. Mr. Dube explains what ChatGPT can do well, and the scenarios in which you would not want to use it. He explains that even in the last 30 days, this tech has improved exponentially - with its open and free use enabling its data points and resources to increase and expand with lightning speed.

Chetan Dube is the founder of New York City-based AI company Amelia, a deterministic model AI whose conversational technology provides customer service for about 500 corporate clients, including Telefonica, BNP Paribas, and Nordic Bank.

Discussion Points

In the state of AI today, ChatGPT is the best generative AI product in the market.
ChatGPT does have its own strengths and shortcomings, but with its rise, the world now acknowledges that AI is “real”.
The brilliance of ChatGPT’s creative output is changing the game for certain industries that require massive and factual content creation, including reporting, legal writing, writing code, etc..
The generative AI of ChatGPT vs. the deterministic tech of Amelia - each serves a certain purpose but can be mutually beneficial.
The tech giants such as Google, Microsoft, etc and their uses for, and investments in, technology like ChatGPT
We are now in the “Spring of AI” and quickly moving into the Summer…signaling a surge in investing, use, awareness, and appreciation of the many applications of ChatGPT tech.

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. Ayna.AI is an affiliate of Fernweh. The host of this episode, Nidhi Arora, is Vice-President of Ayna.AI. Fernweh Group is an investment company that is adapting an engaged investor and operator model to create “segment of one” leaders in industrial and industrial technology sector.

For More Information

Chetan Dube LinkedIn

Open AI - ChatGPT

Amelia.AI

Ayna.AI Website

Fernweh Group Website

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Omar Asali, Chairman and CEO of Ranpak, shares his viewpoints on the increasingly transformative role of technology in the industrial space. As head of Ranpak, a global leader in environmentally sustainable, protective packaging solutions, Mr. Asali is convinced that automation, digitization, robotics, and other enabling technologies will propel his and other large-scale industrial companies to provide higher-value, compelling, efficient and sustainable solutions for their customers.

Since 1972, Ranpak’s mission has been to deliver sustainable protective packaging solutions that reduce costs, reduce environmental impact and support global business needs. Omar Asali became CEO in 2019 and has leveraged his broad industry background into the often siloed industrial sector. One of his primary focus areas is bringing the best talent and technology to Ranpak, bolstering its reputation as an innovative leader in sustainable industrial supply chain solutions. Prior to Ranpak, Mr. Asali was CEO and President of HRG Group and Vice Chairman of Spectrum Brands.

Discussion Points

The five-decade history of Ranpak highlights a consistent focus on both sustainability and automation / technology deployment.
The impact of transforming internal and external systems into an updated technological mentality can be challenging, but certainly not insurmountable, in an industrial complex, where digital is “non-native”
Ranpak is managing change by setting realistic timeline expectations and justifying the financial impact for customers.
Focusing on the “E” of ESG is critical for the next few decades, and imperative if we are to be true stewards of our earth, its climate and the environment.
Accessing talent in the Ranpak orbit includes partnering with smaller tech companies, investing strategically with VCs, along with incubating and retaining organic talent.

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. Ayna.AI is an affiliate of Fernweh. The host of this episode, Gaurav Batra, is President and CEO of Ayna.AI. Fernweh Group is an investment company that is adapting an engaged investor and operator model to create “segment of one” leaders in industrial and industrial technology sector.

For More Information

Omar Asali LinkedIn

Ranpak Website

Ayna.AI Website

Fernweh Group Website

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Welcome to another episode of Fernweh Insights. I am Akshay Sethi - Chief Transformation Officer at Dabico Corp, and part of the operating team at Fernweh Group. This episode is part of our Disruption 2.0 theme, and my guest today is Brian Ryks, Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC). Since 2016, he has been responsible for the administration and management of the Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport and the MAC’s six reliever airports.

Prior to his role at the MAC, Brian served as executive director and CEO of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, Michigan. During his tenure, the Gerald R. Ford International Airport set all-time records for passengers in 2014 and 2015 and was rated in 2015 as the number one airport in North America in its category by the Airports Council International Airport Service Quality survey.

Join us as we discuss the current state of the airline and aviation industry, the innovations and changes that were put into practice at MAC due to the pandemic, some of the sustainability goals and investments in infrastructure that have occurred recently at MAC, and how supply chain, labor and other shortages are being worked through at MAC and throughout the airline industry as a whole in the United States.

This episode is part of the Disruption 2.0 series, where the focus is on how a new wave of technology is disrupting multiple sectors. Fernweh Group is an investment company that is adapting an engaged investor and operator model to create alpha—performance superior to market indices—in the industrial/industrial tech sector.

Discussion Points:

State of the Industry - over Brian’s 37 years in the business, airports have gone from a “utility” to a very customer-centric service model, reflecting a sense of place and community
Covid Disruption – Over his tenure, he never thought he would see anything that would impact the industry like 9/11, but the uncertainty, tension, changing protocols, workforce adjustments, and post-pandemic investment in innovation, tech, and labor brought on by Covid has been a major disruptor
Looking forward – Data-driven decisions will be critical for managing the evolving airports industry – specific focus areas are managing backups at service counters, security lines, and reporting POS data to retailers - this will help to better customize service for the unique needs of travelers
Infrastructure investment – there is general excitement stemming from the $114B investment over next 5 years. MAC has taken an active role in securing funding from this investment pool
Sustainability - airports and specifically, MAC, are setting ambitious and aspirational goals:
- 2030 - lower carbon by 80% carbon
- Achieving goals through investments - new parking structure, electric charging stations for customers and rental agencies.
- Need to address electrifying as demand will increase need for electricity by 2-3x
- Collaborating with airlines and partners to drive this transformation
- Social, renewables, and environmental are a focus are for both airlines AND airports
Changing legislation - a lot of funding has gone out and will be key to see how this is followed up with changing administrations
Brian has been focused on building partnerships and collaboration with government and other stakeholders – centers around relationships and trust after decades of delivering quality service and engaging employees and the community.
Problems with supply chains – Supply chain issues are everywhere: 18 months to get laptops right now. Even core projects like upgrading electrical equipment to achieve sustainability goals - up to 2 years to get some of the pr

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Bill Johnson, President & CEO of Welbilt, a global food service equipment company, shares his experiences of driving transformations during his many senior-level stints at various industrial companies. Bill highlights the importance of leadership engagement, creating financial transparency or “keeping score” on the impact of initiatives, upgrading talent, and embedding the new practices in day-to-day business, as key enabling factors for successful and sustainable transformations.

As COVID-19 and labor shortages accelerated technology disruptions in the food service industry, especially with cloud kitchens, contactless food delivery, and smart kitchens coming into play, Bill discusses the need for traditional industrial businesses like food service equipment companies to transform into industrial technology-focused companies.

Tune in as Bill reflects on his learnings not only from leading successful transformations in the industrial equipment industry but also as a former nuclear engineer in the United States Navy.

Discussion Points:

Welbilt’s recent sale to Ali Group
Supply chain challenges due to the pandemic and Welbilt’s response
Digitization of food service businesses during and post-pandemic
Welbilt’s transition from traditional industrial to industrial technology company
Bill’s path from a nuclear submarine in the Navy to the industrial equipment industry
Learnings from Bill’s transformation efforts at various companies:
Have big ears – listen
Right-size first and change processes after
Upgrading talent – hire well and move transformation blockers
Leadership engagement and presence – show up and make it important to you
CFO as the scorekeeper on P&L impact
Bill’s interests outside work – golf and big game hunting
Next steps in Bill’s career

Fernweh Insights is brought to you by Fernweh Group. The host of this episode, Shekhar Varanasi, is Chief Operating Officer at Fernweh.

This episode is part of Fernweh’s Industrials podcast series which focuses on transformational journeys of companies in the Industrials Sector, one of the most prominent sectors and the bedrock of the U.S. economy. Fernweh Group is an investment company that is adapting an engaged investor and operator model to create alpha – performance superior to market indices – in the industrial and industrial technology sector.

For More Information

Bill Johnson at Welbilt

Bill Johnson on LinkedIn

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Lewis “Lou” Von Thaer is President and CEO of Battelle, the world’s largest independent nonprofit applied science and technology organization. With a team of over 40,000 highly skilled and trained employees, Battelle provides companies and governmental agencies with comprehensive scientific solutions, serving multiple markets, including health care, industry, national security, infrastructure, and the environment.

Mr. Von Thaer describes what’s next in the R&D landscape as companies recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic citing examples of practices that have contributed to Battelle’s success. He describes how small and midsize companies can get help in establishing a focus and thriving as the economic landscape changes. He also outlines the many ways that Battelle is working to develop the next generation of thinkers and doers through its education programs that mine talent from underserved populations in the community. In addition, he shares stories of his remarkable career path, innovations he has fostered, and challenges he has met.

Discussion points:

Greatest challenges in the innovation/R&D landscape, especially post-Covid
Battelle’s dual mission set by its founder 100 years ago – research and giving back to the community
Lou’s journey from blue-collar Kansas town to CEO of Battelle
Battelle’s role in helping companies drive focused innovations
The current talent gap and how Battelle is addressing it
Lou’s perspectives on key innovations five or ten years down the road

Fernweh Insights is brought to you by Fernweh Group. The host of this episode, Paolo Baldesi, is a Senior Vice President at Fernweh. Fernweh Group is an investment company that is adapting an engaged investor and operator model to create alpha — performance superior to market indices — in the industrial/industrial tech sector.

For More Information

Battelle website: https://www.battelle.org/

Lou Von Thaer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lou-von-thaer-1848b411/

Fernweh Group: https://www.fernweh.com

Paolo Baldesi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paolo-b-a47b344/

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Ludovic Phalippou is a specialist in asset management with a focus on investments in private-equity funds. He is a professor of financial economics at Oxford’s Saïd Business School, heads their FAME Group, and has strong links with senior practitioners in the industry. He speaks at practitioner conferences, appears in the media internationally, and is the author of Private Equity Laid Bare.

Here, Professor Phalippou identifies the challenges of measuring PE funds’ performance and suggests ways of addressing those challenges. Noting that the relatively low degree of transparency in PE markets is hard to square with the relatively high management fees charged by the funds, he offers his perspective on a future in which investors will seek a greater degree of control over their investments.

Discussion Points

Professor Phalippou’s research into problems in measuring private-equity performance and his ideas for better metrics
His surprising findings from comparing private-equity funds with the S&P 500
Drivers behind the PE industry’s record-breaking pace of raising funds
Professor Ludovic’s expectations for evolution in the roles of PE firms and investors in PE funds
His origin story as a rural French boy fascinated with how to foster economic growth
His upcoming book about a more sustainable direction for private-equity markets

Fernweh Insights is brought to you by Fernweh Group. The host of this episode, Paolo Baldesi, is a senior vice president at Fernweh. Fernweh Group is an investment company that is adapting an engaged investor and operator model to create alpha − performance superior to market indices − in the industrial and industrial technology sector.

Disclaimer: The views, information, and opinions presented in this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Fernweh Group LLC or its affiliates. This Podcast should not be considered financial or investment advice. Fernweh does not verify for accuracy any of the information contained in this podcast.

Ludovic Phalippou on LinkedIn

Private Equity Laid Bare (Ludovic Phalippou’s book)

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Chetan Dube, founder, and CEO of Amelia, an industry-leading cognitive agent, has an ambitious goal: to free mankind from the shackles of mundane daily tasks and chores so creative minds can soar and create a better world for all of us. According to Chetan, with AI at a tipping point of exceeding human levels of comprehension, it is no longer a choice for businesses to use AI or not; it is a choice between adapting to a digital hybrid or dying slowly.

Hesitancy and misconceptions about AI have long been a barrier to widespread adoption. One important way AI can help us right now is by bridging our current labor and talent gaps. Companies should consider how they can make their employees’ lives better and easier by using AI to take on the drudgery of mundane tasks that don’t require a human employee, which can only benefit bottom-line growth.

Chetan’s passion for developing algorithms that will model the best of human thinking and behaviors is inspiring. Join us for a discussion about how AI is improving businesses and lives today and how it will transform our world in the near future.

Discussion points:

The state of AI today and the businesses most affected
Digital Darwinism in future business
Industry success stories from the hospitality and gaming sectors
Expectations from AI five to 10 years from now
Chetan’s journey from academia to creating a functional working AI system he named Amelia
Driving successful digital transformations at mid- and small-cap industrial companies
Risks that businesses face if they don’t adopt a digital hybrid model today
Role of AI in addressing the talent gaps arising from the Great Resignation
Chetan’s dream of using AI as the enabling technology to free humanity from mundane tasks

Fernweh Insights is brought to you by Fernweh Group. The host of this episode, Paolo Baldesi, is a senior vice president at Fernweh.

This episode is part of Disruption 2.0 series, where the focus is on how a new wave of technology is disrupting multiple sectors. Fernweh Group is an investment company that is adapting an engaged investor and operator model to create alpha—performance superior to market indices—in the industrial/industrial tech sector.

For More Information

Chetan Dube website

Chetan Dube on LinkedIn

Fernweh Group

Paolo Baldesi on LinkedIn

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Brett Cope, president, and CEO of Powell Industries recounts his leadership of a 75-year-old family business with a can-do attitude. He shines a light on the importance of culture in enabling a small company to weather the many economic storms and stay on the path of continuous improvement and value creation despite business cyclicality. Powell Industries designs, manufactures, and services custom-engineered equipment and systems for the distribution, control, and monitoring of electrical energy.

Drawing on nearly 30 years of experience in the electrical, automation, and process industries, Mr. Cope also shares his views on the state of the electrical energy equipment industry today and the electrical energy sector’s likely transformation over the next several years. Listen in as one of the pioneers in the electrical and automation space talks about weathering crises, embodying core values, attracting and keeping talent at a relatively small company, and being a nonfamily CEO of a family-owned business.

Discussion points:

Powell Industries and the nature of their business
Cyclicality of the energy industry and Powell’s preparedness for it
Powell’s weathering of covid and the ensuing wave of supply chain challenges
Opportunities for Powell amidst the different trends shaping the electrical energy industry
Brett’s career path to Powell, and the challenges of being the first non-family member to run the company
Powell’s culture as a key enabler to weather the many storms
Brett’s leadership and embodiment of Powell’s four core values: Customer First, Respect for our Employees, Continuous Improvement, and “Can-Do” Attitude
Driving Powell’s market performance now and in the future
Attracting and keeping talent at sub-$1Bn company
Brett’s predictions for the next 3-5 years and views on alternate energy sources vs. oil and gas

Fernweh Insights is brought to you by Fernweh Group. The host of this episode, Danielle Isbell, is Manager of Operations at Fernweh.

This episode is part of Fernweh’s Industrials series which focuses on transformational journeys of companies in the industrials sector, one of the most prominent sectors and the bedrock of the U.S. economy. Fernweh Group is an investment company that is adapting an engaged investor and operator model to create alpha – performance superior to market indices – in the industrial/industrial tech sector.

For More Information

Powell Industries Website: https://www.powellind.com/Default.aspx

Brett Cope on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brett-cope-4a050b3/

Fernweh Group: https://www.fernweh.com

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Meghan Juday, chairman of the board at Ideal Industries, a family-owned multinational corporation engaged in diversified industries, describes her firsthand experience of managing a successful family-run business. A key advantage is a long-term perspective, expressed on the company’s website as “seeing our business in generations, not quarters,” which fosters an entrepreneurial culture. However, a company’s legacy can be difficult to maintain over generations in a constantly changing environment.

Ms. Juday provides glimpses of Ideal’s strategies for maintaining a family environment of inclusion, development, growth, and success. As a speaker, author, and family business and corporate governance advocate, she has a deep understanding of what helps family businesses thrive and survive. Join us to learn more about how she maintains the founding culture and standards, grooms talent in younger generations, and meets the challenges of being a female leader of a manufacturing business.

Discussion Points

IDEAL Industries’ history since 1916
The company’s experiences during the Covid crisis
Family businesses being more resilient in a down market
Trends in the electrical industry and how can family businesses keep up
Meghan’s fascinating journey to Chairman of the Board of IDEAL industries
Advice for families to ensure the continuity of their family enterprises
Initiatives Meghan launched at IDEAL Industries to increase family engagement and develop the next generation of leaders
Sustaining the culture at IDEAL that began with J. Walter Becker in 1916
Meghan’s writing and development of a peer group for women serving on Boards of Directors

Fernweh Insights is brought to you by Fernweh Group. The host of this episode, Nidhi Arora, is Vice President at Fernweh.

This episode is part of Fernweh’s Industrials series which focuses on transformational journeys of companies in the industrials sector, one of the most prominent sectors and the bedrock of the U.S. economy. Fernweh Group is an investment company that is adapting an engaged investor and operator model to create alpha – performance superior to market indices – in the industrial/industrial tech sector.

For More Information

IDEAL Industries Website: https://www.idealindustries.com/us/en.html

Meghan Juday on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghanjuday/

Fernweh Group: https://www.fernweh.com

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HEICO Corporation’s turnaround story has created headlines for the past 20 years. The company designs, manufactures, and sells aerospace, defense, and electronics-related products and services in the United States and internationally. It can boast of a decade of industry-leading operational performance and shareholder value creation, propelled by its acquisition and transformation of 88 businesses since 1996.

Victor Mendelson, longtime co-president of HEICO, shares his thoughts on what has contributed to the company’s continued success, citing its flexible mindset and management during the turnaround, relentless focus on product and people development, and a culture of ownership that includes employees of acquired businesses. He also discusses HEICO’s navigation of COVID-19’s many challenges and his optimistic outlook for the aviation, aerospace, and defense industry.

Join us to learn about key elements of sustainable transformations, the integration of companies in a programmatic M&A approach, and other insights from an exceptional leader in the industrials sector.

Discussion Points

Introduction to HEICO − their businesses, industries, and products
HEICO’s growth to a $2B public company and positioning for success
Impact of COVID on HEICO and the industry
Adverse effects of the 737 Max incidents on HEICO and the industry
Outlook on aviation and travel as demand surges
Victor’s early days as General Counsel for HEICO in the 90s
HEICO as a case study for transformation and success
Challenges faced through HEICO’s 88 acquisitions over the last couple of decades
Victor’s advice to the young minds out there considering leadership roles
Enabling “ownership mindset” at HEICO
Heico’s future success – we treat every day as if it were the first day

Fernweh Insights is brought to you by Fernweh Group. The host of this episode, Nidhi Arora, is Vice President at Fernweh.

This episode is part of Fernweh’s Industrials series which focuses on transformational journeys of companies in the industrials Sector, one of the most prominent sectors and the bedrock of the U.S. economy. Fernweh Group is an investment company that is adapting an engaged investor and operator model to create alpha – performance superior to market indices – in the industrial/industrial tech sector.

For More Information

Heico Corp Website: https://www.heico.com/

Victor Mendelson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victor-mendelson-6ba6807/

Fernweh Group: https://www.fernweh.com

Nidhi Arora on LinkedIn:

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Gregory Rustowicz, Vice President of Finance and CFO of Columbus McKinnon, shares his thoughts on the company’s strong track record of value creation and resilience through the pandemic and the changing dynamics in the material handling industry.

Columbus McKinnon is a global leader in lifting and motion-control technology, and they are “moving businesses forward with smart solutions for high-value problems.” With its restructuring initiatives, programmatic M&A approach, and strong cashflow performance even during the pandemic, Columbus McKinnon is a case study on driving alpha returns within the Industrials sector.

Join us for a glimpse into some of the internal strategies for growth and success that Greg has been part of with Columbus McKinnon’s “great transformation” over the last 10 years, including his ideas on industry trends, thoughts on mergers and acquisitions, and finding and fostering talent.

Discussion Points

Columbus McKinnon’s “intelligent motion solutions” and the main markets they serve
Opportunities and challenges faced by Columbus McKinnon during the pandemic
Columbus McKinnon’s “Blueprint for Growth 2.0”
Trends in automation and changing dynamics in material handling industry
The most susceptible and resilient markets to downturn
Looming threats, opportunities, and trends in the industry
Greg’s personal journey including his path to becoming the CFO of a company
Columbus McKinnon as a case study on value creation
Greg’s learnings as the CFO of a public company over the last 10 years
The secret sauce for talent acquisition and retention
Greg’s advice for CFOs of companies embarking on transformational journeys

Fernweh Insights is brought to you by Fernweh Group. The host of this episode, Paolo Baldesi, is Senior Vice President at Fernweh.

This episode is part of Fernweh’s Industrials series which focuses on transformational journeys of companies in the industrials sector, one of the most prominent sectors and the bedrock of the U.S. economy. Fernweh Group is an investment company that is adapting an engaged investor and operator model to create alpha – performance superior to market indices – in the industrial/industrial tech sector.

For More Information

Columbus McKinnon Website: https://www.columbusmckinnon.com/en-us/

Greg Rustowicz on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregory-rustowicz-a2211670/

Fernweh Group: https://www.fernweh.com

Paolo Baldesi on LinkedIn:

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Robert (Bob) L. Luddy, one of the most talented, persistent, and enduring entrepreneurs in the U.S., shares his journey of transforming CaptiveAire to an industry leader. Bob discusses CaptiveAire’s focus on continuous growth and improvement, the rich culture of perfection, and the passion of bringing right technologies and products to its customers.

Founded by Bob in 1976 as a small fire suppression company in Raleigh, N.C., CaptiveAire is today the largest privately held manufacturer of commercial kitchen ventilation systems in the U.S. and a one-stop shop for any building’s HVAC needs. Bob is also the author of the book, Entrepreneurial Life: The Path from Startup to Market Leader.

What does it take to convert an entrepreneurial concept from just a dream to becoming a market leader? How do small businesses build and sustain winning cultures? What measures can make businesses withstand the ups and downs of economic cycles? Listen in as Bob Luddy shares his thoughts on becoming and remaining the leader in an industry.

Discussion Points:

CaptiveAire’s experiences with the challenges of COVID
Technology disruptions in commercial food services
Importance of an end-to-end integrator model in the face of these disruptions
Bob’s top predictions for the HVAC industry
CaptiveAire’s journey to become a leader in commercial kitchen ventilation systems
Bob’s reflections on what attracted him toward the industry
Striking the right balance at CaptiveAire between perfection and speed-to-market
Driving continuous growth and improvement
The secret sauce to sustaining culture and attracting talent in small businesses
Bridging the gap in trade skills in the U.S.
Bob’s motivation to write his book and the focus of his next one

Fernweh Insights is brought to you by Fernweh Group. The host of this episode, Nick Santhanam, is CEO of Fernweh Group.

This episode is part of Fernweh’s Industrials series, which focuses on transformational journeys of companies in the industrials sector, the bedrock of the US economy. Fernweh Group is an investment company that is adapting an engaged investor and operator model to create alpha – performance superior to market indices – in the industrial/industrial tech sector.

Resources/Links:

CaptiveAire Website: https://www.captiveaire.com/

Robert Luddy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-luddy-0a39714/

Find Bob’s Book on Amazon:

Entrepreneurial Life: The Path From Startup to Market Leader

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Chris Krebs, a renowned expert in cybersecurity, shares his thoughts on the current issues facing cybersecurity around the world, including the current situation in Ukraine, the 2020 election, the Colonial Pipeline hack, and other attacks on critical infrastructure. He also discusses how organizations can anticipate, prevent, and recover from these types of attacks in the future.

Mr. Krebs is a former Director of the Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). He recently founded a cyber consulting firm named Krebs Stamos Group with his partner Alex Stamos where their first assignment was the SolarWinds hack.

How big is the threat of cyber attacks in today’s world? How can companies become more security minded? Tune in for the conversation with Chris Krebs to learn more.

Discussion Points:

The recent surge in cyber attacks
Current state of capabilities to withstand attacks: people, processes, and technology
The spectrum of ‘bad guys’ out there i.e., the cyber attackers
Six elements of cybersecurity:
Leadership – cybersecurity as a priority for CXOs
All hands on the deck – from the CEO to interns
Identity management – knowing who is in the company’s network
Device management – taking stock of devices in the network
Incident response plan
Recovery plan
Anticipation and preparedness for cyber attacks during 2020 US Presidential elections
Security and risk management for global companies
Mr. Krebs’ journey from an Environmental Engineer to the Department of Homeland Security and now at his new venture – Krebs Stamos Group
The future of Krebs Stamos Group

Fernweh Insights is brought to you by Fernweh Group. The host of this episode, Nick Santhanam is the CEO of Fernweh.

This episode is part of Disruption 2.0 series where the focus is how a new wave of technology is disrupting multiple sectors. Fernweh Group is an investment company that is adapting an engaged investor and operator model to create alpha—performance superior to market indices—in the industrial/industrial tech sector.

For more information:

Christopher Krebs LinkedIn

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Rodrigo Liang, CEO and co-founder of one of the most well funded AI start-ups – SambaNova Systems – talks about the rapid transition to the AI world, the parallels of this transition with the internet era, and the industries that are already witnessing disruptions through AI. Rodrigo discusses the fundamental shift required in the hardware architecture and the merits of a software-first approach optimized for data workflows.

With their recent success and limelight in the AI world, Rodrigo and the SambaNova team are continuing this exciting journey as a trusted advisor to enterprises looking to accelerate their AI deployments.

Where is AI in its development curve right now? Why has data overtaken operations as the driver of AI software and hardware? How do enterprises think and approach at-scale AI adoption? Tune in for an insightful conversation with a leader in this exploding field.

Discussion Points

Transition from pre- to post-AI world
Parallels of the transition with the then burgeoning internet era
Industries that will be first in making AI a mainstream part of their business
Use cases of AI across financial, healthcare, and retail sectors
The state of hardware development in AI
SambaNova’s journey to become one of the best funded AI companies
Data as the design point for development – not systems and operations
SambaNova’s software-first approach, and then letting that dictate the hardware
Behind the scenes developments in AI
SambaNova as a trusted advisor to enterprises with limited resources to adopt AI at scale

Fernweh Insights is brought to you by Fernweh Group. The host of this episode, Paolo Baldesi, is Senior Vice President at Fernweh.

This episode is part of the Disruption 2.0 series where the focus is how a new wave of technology is disrupting multiple sectors. Fernweh Group is an investment company that is adapting an engaged investor and operator model to create alpha – performance superior to market indices – in the industrial/industrial tech sector.

For More Information

Rodrigo Liang at SambaNova

Rodrigo Liang on LinkedIn

Fernweh Group

Paolo Baldesi on LinkedIn

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Professor Christopher Monroe, an international leader in quantum computing, discusses the current state of play in the space, the path to quantum advantage, and the applications that will benefit once we get there. He also shares his views on increased consolidation that he expects to see amongst quantum computing players going forward and the need for greater collaboration between the different communities of scientists, engineers, application developers and enterprises to shape the future of the industry.

Professor Monroe is the co-founder and Chief Scientist at IonQ, a start-up that made headlines by becoming the first pure-play quantum computing company to go public in October 2021. He is also a Professor of ECE and Physics at Duke University.

Tune in for an insightful conversation on one of the hottest topics of this century as Professor Monroe offers his perspectives based on 25 years of pioneering research on trapped atomic ion-based quantum computers.

Discussion Points:

NISQ (Noisy-Intermediate-Scale Quantum) era of quantum computing and current state of quantum capabilities
The path and timeline to quantum advantage and commercialization
Applications and industries that will see the most value unlock
Emergence of multiple full-stack players like IonQ, Xanadu, Quandco, Quantinuum
The social challenge in development of quantum computing
Professor Monroe’s journey from an atomic physicist to taking IonQ public
His other academic achievements outside of quantum computing
Expected consolidation of quantum computing companies going forward
HW platforms that are likely to emerge as winning technologies
The role of multiple stakeholders in shaping the future of quantum computing

Fernweh Insights is brought to you by Fernweh Group. The host of this episode, Nidhi Arora, is Vice President at Fernweh.

This episode is part of the Disruption 2.0 series where the focus is how a new wave of technology is disrupting multiple sectors. Fernweh Group is an investment company that is adapting an engaged investor and operator model to create alpha—performance superior to market indices—in the industrial/industrial tech sector.

For more information:

IonQ Website

Christopher Monroe at Duke University

Christopher Monroe LinkedIn

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Professor Hany Farid, called the ‘father of digital forensics’, discusses the pace of development in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the threats and opportunities presented by fully synthesized content. He also suggests the need for fundamental change in the business model for the technology sector, especially in context of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML).

Mr. Farid is a professor at UC Berkeley and has collaborated with DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) to combat fake content since 2016.

What steps are required to combat the rise of fake content? What can the world of AI/ ML technology learn from the automotive industry? Has AI delivered on its promises? Tune in for an insightful conversation with Professor Hany Farid.

Discussion Points

Exciting breakthroughs in AI and ML
Deconstructing deep fakes: meaning, benefits and potential risks
Actions required to combat the risk of deep fakes
PhotoDNA: A case study of the real-world impact of technology
Hany’s memorable project: A forensic analysis of the Lee Harvey Oswald backyard photos
Developing digital forensic techniques to detect manipulation in images, audio and video
Hany’s prediction for the technology sector - a brand new business model and selling point
Potential areas of success for emerging tech companies
Hany’s take on being called the ‘father of digital forensics’

Fernweh Insights is brought to you by Fernweh Group. The host of this episode, Nick Santhanam is the CEO of Fernweh.

This episode is part of Disruption 2.0 series where the focus is how a new wave of technology is disrupting multiple sectors. Fernweh Group is an investment company that is adapting an engaged investor and operator model to create alpha—performance superior to market indices—in the industrial/industrial tech sector.

For More Information

Hany Farid at Berkeley

Hany Farid on LinkedIn

Fernweh Group

Nick Santhanam at Fernweh Group

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Professor John Martinis, a pioneering thought leader in quantum computing, offers an insider’s view of the present and future of the technology that could revolutionize computing and the industries that depend on it. Mr. Martinis, a professor of physics at the University of California, Santa Barbara, set out to prove quantum supremacy over classical computers. His research has demonstrated some of the most reliable qubits around, leading to positions with Google and then Silicon Quantum Computing. While a quantum computer has yet to be built, the work is progressing, and Mr. Martinis notes that any day now, there could be a published paper that shows it can be done.

Discussion Points

The big buzz about quantum computing
Applications that can benefit from quantum computing, and the value it can unlock
Areas of quantum computing where Martinis sees a likelihood of success
The building blocks of a workable quantum computing solution
The current state of hardware, software, and algorithms in quantum computing
The commercial challenges of quantum computing and going public
Governmental actions needed to keep the US at the leading edge of quantum computing
Martinis’ path to becoming a leader in the field and his current work
Martinis’ rapid progress toward quantum supremacy at Google
Ideas for companies that want to plan for future quantum computing possibilities
Cloud-based quantum computing impact on innovation
Martinis’ take on being called a “definite optimist”

Fernweh Insights is brought to you by Fernweh Group. The host of this episode, Nick Santhanam is the CEO of Fernweh.

This episode is part of Disruption 2.0 series where the focus is how a new wave of technology is disrupting multiple sectors. Fernweh Group is an investment company that is adapting an engaged investor and operator model to create alpha—performance superior to market indices—in the industrial/industrial tech sector.

For More Information

John Martinis at UCSB

John Martinis on LinkedIn

SQC Australia

Fernweh Group

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