Ctrl+Alt+Mfg Podcast

Gary Cohen
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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.

  1. Sep 10 ·  Video

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

    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

  2. Aug 18 ·  Video

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

    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

  3. Jul 28 ·  Video

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

    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 Tak 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

  4. Jul 15 ·  Video

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

    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

  5. Jun 30 ·  Video

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

    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

  6. Jun 16 ·  Video

    Ep. 17: Rethinking Industrial Data, with Gary Tillery of Skkynet

    Everyone wants seamless industrial data. Fewer people talk about the tradeoffs beneath it. Recorded live at the CSIA Conference in Baltimore, Gary Cohen sits down with Skkynet CEO Gary Tillery to discuss industrial connectivity, cybersecurity, system integrator partnerships and the future of manufacturing technology. Tillery shares insights from more than 30 years in industrial automation, including why system integrators remain critical to digital transformation, how cybersecurity has become a business risk and why manufacturers should think carefully about where and how data moves between the edge, OT networks and the cloud. The conversation also explores AI's growing role in industrial operations, channel partner relationships and Skkynet's perspective on the industry's push toward unified namespace architectures. CHAPTERS 00:00 Navigating Industrial Data Challenges 02:25 Gary Tillery's Journey to Skkynet 08:42 The Role of System Integrators 14:05 Managing Channel Conflicts 17:14 Positioning Skkynet in a Competitive Landscape 19:02 Global Partner Management Strategies 21:47 Onboarding New System Integrators 24:17 Cybersecurity in Industrial Operations 27:31 Future of System Integrators 30:17 Data Hub and the Fractal UNS Model 35:07 Innovative Marketing Strategies Chapters (00:00:00) - Navigating Industrial Data Challenges(00:02:25) - Gary Tillery's Journey to Skkynet(00:08:42) - The Role of System Integrators(00:14:05) - Managing Channel Conflicts(00:17:14) - Positioning Skkynet in a Competitive Landscape(00:19:02) - Global Partner Management Strategies(00:21:47) - Onboarding New System Integrators(00:24:17) - Cybersecurity in Industrial Operations(00:27:31) - Future of System Integrators(00:30:17) - Data Hub and the Fractal UNS Model(00:35:07) - Innovative Marketing Strategies

  7. Jun 2 ·  Video

    Ep. 16: The system integrator playbook, with Daniel Gomez of Omnicon

    What does it take to grow from a controls engineer in the plant to the CEO of a global system integrator, all while the definition of automation project keeps changing? Recorded live at the CSIA conference in Baltimore, this Ctrl+Alt+Mfg episode features Daniel Gomez, CEO of Omnicon, recognized as a 2026 System Integrator of the Year. Gomez shares the playbook behind scaling delivery across regions, building disciplined (but adaptable) engineering frameworks and shifting from point solutions to architectures that can roll out across multiple sites. The conversation also gets practical about where system integrators create value today — especially as data, cybersecurity and AI reshape industrial work — and what SIs should be doing now to prepare their teams for the next five years. Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction to the Podcast and Guest(00:02:48) - Daniel Gomez's Journey in Manufacturing(00:05:55) - Recognition and Achievements of Omnicon(00:08:43) - Challenges in Scaling a Global Organization(00:11:36) - Evolving Customer Expectations in Automation(00:14:53) - The Importance of Long-Term Relationships(00:17:50) - Future of System Integrators in Industrial Transformation

  8. May 4 ·  Video

    Ep. 15: Industrial AI’s reality check, with Josh Peeno of JPeeno Innovation Group

    In this episode of Ctrl+Alt+Mfg, Josh Peeno, P.E., joins the conversation to explore why so many digital transformation and AI initiatives in manufacturing fall short. It’s not because the technology isn’t powerful; it’s because it often isn’t built for the realities of the plant floor. Drawing on his experience in heavy manufacturing and industrial AI, Peeno explains why successful transformation requires operator trust, practical deployment strategies and a deep understanding of how factories actually run. Peeno also discusses the concept of “machine teaching,” using human expertise to train autonomous AI systems in a way that supports operators rather than replaces them. He shares lessons from applying AI in glass manufacturing, talks about the value of fractional technical leadership for mid-sized manufacturers and explains why the industry’s looming skills gap may be one of the biggest drivers for smarter automation. Chapters (00:00:00) - The Reality of AI in Manufacturing(00:04:55) - Understanding Digital Transformation Challenges(00:09:05) - Bridging the Gap in Manufacturing(00:14:36) - The Human Element in Digital Transformation(00:18:34) - AI: Fear and Resistance on the Plant Floor(00:21:23) - AI as the Apprentice in Manufacturing(00:30:43) - Fractional Leadership: A New Approach(00:33:35) - Teaching the Next Generation of Engineers(00:35:50) - Global Competitiveness in Manufacturing

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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Gary Cohen
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    Ctrl+Alt+Mfg Podcast