Ctrl+Alt+Mfg Podcast

Ctrl+Alt+Manufacturing, from WTWH Media, explores the technologies and people driving smart manufacturing. Hosts Gary Cohen and Stephanie Neil discuss automation, AI, and digital transformation shaping the industry’s next era.

Ctrl+Alt+Mfg Podcast is a news podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 22 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Unknown Host hosts Ctrl+Alt+Mfg Podcast, a news show with 22 episodes published.

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  Episode #22

  Ep. 22: Scaling the Modern System Integrator, with John Sullivan of DMC

  Sep 10, 202623 minS2

  When an automation project goes sideways, the best engineers instinctively jump in to put out the fire. But what happens when your chief problem solver needs to step back, avoid burnout and help the entire company scale? Live from the CSIA Conference in Baltimore, Ctrl+Alt+Mfg host Stephanie Neil sits down with John Sullivan, vice president at DMC and chair of CSIA’s Emerging Leaders Committee. Sullivan reflects on his own career evolution from a hands-on technical troubleshooter to an organizational multiplier, sharing why technical excellence alone isn't enough to sustain long-term growth in system integration. In this episode, Sullivan discusses: Shifting from working in the business to working on the business using the Eisenhower matrix to prioritize strategic, high-impact improvements over endless firefighting. Why cultivating emerging leaders requires genuine autonomy and ownership rather than simple delegation, giving engineers the freedom to solve problems their own way. The pivotal realization that changed his approach to mentorship: bringing team members alongside him during crises so they are equipped to handle the next challenge independently. How system integration firms and industrial automation companies can successfully navigate industry-wide succession and retirement waves by intentionally investing in tomorrow's leaders today. Chapters (00:00:11) - Introduction to Control Alt Manufacturing Podcast (00:00:59) - John Sullivan's Background and Role at DMC (00:02:44) - DMC's Relationship with CSIA (00:03:58) - Emerging Leaders Committee: Purpose and Goals (00:06:31) - Developing Leadership Skills in the Industry (00:09:10) - Shifting from Doer to Enabler (00:11:31) - Challenges of Leadership in Modern Times (00:13:56) - Creating a Culture of Autonomy (00:16:33) - Common Concerns of Emerging Leaders (00:18:52) - Future of the Emerging Leaders Committee

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  Episode #21

  Ep. 21: The Business Behind Automation, with Jeremy Anderson of Process and Data Automation

  Aug 18, 202618 minS2

  Jeremy Anderson, president of Process and Data Automation, joins Gary Cohen live from the CSIA Conference to discuss his journey from field service technician to company president and what that experience taught him about leadership, automation and manufacturing. In this episode, Jeremy explores the practical realities of adopting AI, managing risk, closing the skills gap and building stronger customer relationships. He also explains why technology alone cannot solve flawed processes and why looking beyond a project’s immediate scope can separate good companies from great ones. Chapters (00:00:00) - Welcome to the CSIA Conference Podcast (00:02:02) - Journey from Technician to President (00:03:53) - Navigating Change in System Integration (00:05:55) - The Impact of Technology on Customer Expectations (00:08:39) - Understanding Automation Projects (00:10:44) - Skills Needed for the Next Generation (00:13:47) - Advice for Manufacturing Leaders (00:15:50) - The Importance of the CSIA Conference

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  Episode #20

  Ep. 20: The System Integrator Advantage, with Takeshi Tarui of Mitsubishi Electric Iconics Digital Solutions

  Jul 28, 202619 minS2

  Behind every successful digital transformation in manufacturing is the uncomfortable truth that technology alone can’t deliver results. In this episode, recorded live at the CSIA Conference in Baltimore, we sit down with Takeshi Tarui, vice president of global business development at Mitsubishi Electric Iconics Digital Solutions (MEIDS). Tak breaks down why system integrators are the most important — and often most overlooked — force in industrial automation. We explore the implementation gap and why scaling a digital business requires a capable ecosystem of partners who can make the technology stick. In this episode, we discuss: Why the best technologies create value only when deployed with technical rigor. Lessons from the Iconics acquisition on how to scale digital business through standard architectures. The two non-negotiable principles for building a global partner ecosystem. Inside the Standard, Elite and Diamond Elite tiers designed to empower integrators. How Tak’s background as a competitive alpine skier shaped his approach to cross-cultural business development and acting as a bridge for stakeholders. CHAPTERS 00:00 The Importance of System Integrators in Digital Transformation 02:46 Personal Journeys and Professional Backgrounds 05:03 Building Trust and Clarity in System Integration 06:48 Mitsubishi Electric's Digital Strategy and MIDAS 08:39 The Role of System Integrators in Digital Transformation 09:01 Enhancements in the System Integrator Program 11:15 Sales Engagement and Partner Visibility 12:22 Benefits for New System Integrators 13:26 The Value of Networking at Conferences 14:39 Skiing Adventures and Personal Interests Chapters (00:00:00) - The Importance of System Integrators in Digital Transformation (00:02:46) - Personal Journeys and Professional Backgrounds (00:05:03) - Building Trust and Clarity in System Integration (00:06:48) - Mitsubishi Electric's Digital Strategy and MEIDS (00:08:39) - The Role of System Integrators in Digital Transformation (00:09:01) - Enhancements in the System Integrator Program (00:11:15) - Sales Engagement and Partner Visibility (00:12:22) - Benefits for New System Integrators (00:13:26) - The Value of Networking at Conferences (00:14:39) - Skiing Adventures and Personal Interests

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  Episode #19

  Ep. 19: The Future of System Integration, with Daren Dieleman of Interstates

  Jul 15, 202617 minS2

  In this episode of the Ctrl+Alt+Mfg podcast, recorded live from the CSIA Conference in Baltimore, host Stephanie Neil sits down with Daren Dieleman, vice president of business development at Interstates and chair of the CSIA Board of Directors. The manufacturing landscape is shifting rapidly, and system integrators are at the center of that transformation. Daren explores the real-world impact of AI on the factory floor, the ongoing people challenge in a competitive talent market and why leadership in automation now requires a growth mindset and radical humility. This conversation offers a grounded look at where the industry is headed and how to stay ahead of the change curve. In this episode, we discuss: How integrators are using AI for efficiency without losing sight of core PLC programming. Navigating the transition as junior leaders move into senior executive roles. Why customers are moving away from transactional projects toward trusted advisor relationships. The emerging technologies that demand every integrator's attention. Why the best leaders are willing to get uncomfortable to drive innovation. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction and Conference Overview 02:18 Member Engagement and Industry Challenges 05:29 Technological Advancements and AI Impact 08:29 Leadership Traits for the Future 11:24 Customer Expectations and Trust 14:28 Closing Thoughts and Conference Takeaways Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction and Conference Overview (00:02:18) - Member Engagement and Industry Challenges (00:05:29) - Technological Advancements and AI Impact (00:08:29) - Leadership Traits for the Future (00:11:24) - Customer Expectations and Trust (00:14:28) - Closing Thoughts and Conference Takeaways

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  Episode #18

  Ep. 18: Audacious Goals for Infrastructure Security, with Danielle Jablanski of STV

  Jun 29, 202648 minS2

  When most people think about cybersecurity, they think of stolen passwords and data breaches. But what happens when the targets are the systems that keep buildings running, water flowing and energy moving? In this episode of the Ctrl+Alt+Mfg Podcast, hosts Gary Cohen and Stephanie Neil sit down with Danielle “DJ” Jablanski, a leading OT cybersecurity strategist at STV. Together, we move past the awareness stage and dive deep into the high-stakes world of cyber-physical risk. DJ breaks down why securing the built environment is one of the biggest challenges hiding in plain sight. In a wide-ranging conversation, we discuss theater dreams, food trucks, why you don’t need an engineering degree to be an OT security champion, the myth of the perfect security framework and why network segmentation is a constant process rather than a one-time project. This episode explores: The "Always/Never" Principle: Lessons borrowed from nuclear weapons policy for industrial safety. Capability vs. Awareness: Why technical maturity, not more education, is the real bottleneck in OT. The Vendor Dilemma: Balancing the risks of vendor consolidation against point solution fatigue. Audacious Goals: Why the biggest risk to your organization is standing still for the next six years. Whether you're an engineer on the shop floor or a leader in the C-suite, this episode is a masterclass in building resilience into the very infrastructure we rely on every day. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Cyber-Physical Security Challenges 07:11 The Importance of Operational Technology Security 13:33 Danielle Jablanski's Journey into Cybersecurity 16:29 Understanding the Critical Nature of OT Security 19:57 The Growing Gap in Operational Technology (OT) Security 23:55 Understanding Network Segmentation in OT 27:29 The Importance of Securing the Built Environment 31:32 The Role of EPC Firms in Cybersecurity 34:36 Navigating Cyber-Physical Risks 37:41 Assets vs. Functions in Cybersecurity 39:43 Evolving Threat Models in Critical Infrastructure 43:35 Advice for Infrastructure Owners on Cybersecurity Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction to Cyber-Physical Security Challenges (00:07:11) - Introduction to Cyber-Physical Security Challenges (00:13:33) - Danielle Jablanski's Journey into Cybersecurity (00:16:29) - Understanding the Critical Nature of OT Security (00:19:57) - The Growing Gap in Operational Technology (OT) Security (00:23:55) - Understanding Network Segmentation in OT (00:27:29) - The Importance of Securing the Built Environment (00:31:32) - The Role of EPC Firms in Cybersecurity (00:34:36) - Navigating Cyber-Physical Risks (00:37:41) - Assets vs. Functions in Cybersecurity (00:39:43) - Evolving Threat Models in Critical Infrastructure (00:43:35) - Advice for Infrastructure Owners on Cybersecurity

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