How are emerging economies in Latin America and Southeast Asia reshaping global GDP and fueling the rise of a new middle class?

In this episode, host Nidhi Arora speaks with Carlos Margarinos, a renowned leader in industrial policy and economic development, to explore the future of the global industrial sector. Carlos discusses the revival of industrial policy to address key issues like geopolitical shifts, sustainability, and technological disruption. He highlights the essential role of international organizations in fostering government-private sector partnerships to drive sustainable growth.

Carlos Margarinos, Director of Global Strategy and External Affairs at Vrio Corp, brings deep expertise across politics, diplomacy, and business. Recognized by 39 governments and institutions worldwide, he previously served as Argentina’s Secretary for Industry and Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization.

Discussion Points

• Carlos Margarinos discusses global challenges—geopolitical instability, sustainability, and tech disruption—urging strong public-private partnerships to drive growth in Latin America and Southeast Asia.
• Examines the intersection of sustainability, geopolitics, and digital transformation in manufacturing, highlighting financial support for SMEs and the need for workforce upskilling.
• Emphasizes SMEs as vital drivers of innovation and economic growth.
• Addresses challenges for emerging economies in adopting new technologies, stressing the need for robust financial systems to enhance SME competitiveness.
• Leadership's role in sustainable industry, advocating for public-private collaborations and global cooperation to address environmental goals and industrial challenges.

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.

For More Information

Carlos Magarinos LinkedIn

Vrio Corp

Titanium Economy

Ayna.AI Website

Nidhi Arora LinkedIn

How the USB Lighter Company is leading the charge in redefining consumer habits and promoting sustainability in the tech industry?

Ayna Director Marissa Rietman speaks with Calvin Chan, CEO of USB Lighter Company, about sustainability and entrepreneurship. Calvin shares insights on developing electric lighters as a sustainable alternative to butane, highlighting the environmental benefits of rechargeable technology and the push to reduce waste and emissions. He reflects on resilience through challenges like the pandemic, showcasing a commitment to eco-friendly innovation and reshaping consumer habits.

Calvin Chan, CEO of USB Lighter Company, has a diverse background in film, fashion, and hospitality, which drives his innovative approach in sustainable tech. His company redefines lighters with rechargeable options, aiming to replace single-use plastics and encourage sustainable living. The USB Lighter Company’s products focus on durability, efficiency, and environmental impact, helping consumers make eco-conscious choices.

Discussion Points

• Calvin Chan discusses the USB Lighter Company's mission to shift consumer habits by replacing butane lighters with rechargeable, eco-friendly options, reducing waste and microplastic pollution.
• Calvin’s journey from rebellious youth to successful entrepreneur reflects key life experiences, including art school and ventures in fashion and hospitality, that shaped his career.
• Calvin overcame significant challenges in launching a new product amid global disruptions (pandemic, wars, elections), sharing insights on resilience, adaptability, and the importance of a sustainable vision.
• He outlines the motivations behind his sustainable innovations and goals for integrating recycled materials and eco-friendly packaging in consumer goods.
• He discusses strategies for marketing a novel product in the lighter industry, emphasizing consumer education, brand loyalty, and the evolving acceptance of sustainable 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. The host of this episode, Marissa Rietman, is a Director at Ayna.AI.

For More Information

Calvin Chan LinkedIn

The USB Lighter Company

Ayna.AI Website

Marissa Rietman LinkedIn

How is Alltius’s generative AI platform revolutionizing marketing, sales, and support functions?

In this Ayna Insights episode, host Nidhi Arora speaks with Vibhanshu Abhishek, CEO of Alltius and associate professor at UC-Irvine. Vibhanshu shares insights from his 25-year journey in AI, highlighting Alltius’s AI-first approach to breaking down silos in marketing, sales, and support for industries like insurance and banking. He also discusses AI’s evolving role across sectors and its societal impact.

Vibhanshu is a data scientist and professor who combines analytics with business strategy to solve challenges in multi-channel advertising and consumer healthcare. He advises Fortune 500 companies and startups on data strategies, fostering innovative AI and ML applications.

Discussion Points

• Vibhanshu discusses his journey in creating a generative AI platform for enhancing sales and support, and what sets Alltius apart in the AI landscape
• He highlights the adaptability of their platform, customer feedback loops, and potential AI applications in industrial sectors
• Vibhanshu shares success stories from AngelOne and Prudential to show AI’s impact on efficiency, cost reduction, and sales. AI’s role in predictive maintenance demonstrates its value in complex industries like oil and gas
• Overview of AI’s growth over 70–80 years, the impact of deep learning, and common misconceptions about AI’s capabilities
• Vibhanshu’s vision on AI’s impact on work and society, addressing potential disillusionment and the importance of designing AI for targeted use cases

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 Business Development & Marketing for Ayna.

For More Information

Vibhanshu Abhishek LinkedIn

Alltius

Ayna.AI Website

Nidhi Arora LinkedIn