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.

• (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

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.

• (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

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

• (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