Ep. 206 - From Plant Floor to Strategy: Ryan Cahalane on Fixing What Matters in Manufacturing

We’re kicking off a new theme—Faces You Should Know in Manufacturing—with none other than Ryan Cahalane, Managing Partner at Axiom Manufacturing Systems. Ryan’s path through manufacturing is anything but ordinary: from plant floor engineering at Goodyear, to leadership roles at GE, Rockwell Automation, OSIsoft, and more, Ryan has worked every angle of the manufacturing ecosystem.

In this episode, Ryan joins Dave and Vlad to unpack the biggest real challenges manufacturers are facing today—not the buzzwords, not the hype, but the deep, persistent problems slowing progress across the industry.

We discuss:
Why there’s no one-size-fits-all solution—and why misalignment is more common than we admit
The skill gap crisis: it’s not just about training, it’s about pay, experience, and opportunity
The AI distraction: why most companies aren’t ready, and how AI is best used today in manufacturing
The dangers of LinkedIn echo chambers and shiny object syndrome in tech selection
Why engineers struggle to move into consulting—and why they shouldn’t be afraid to try
The unique challenges (and hope) in mid-market manufacturing—and how nimble companies can still win
The need for a Sherpa, not a savior: how consultants should support, not dictate

Ryan’s story is filled with rich personal insights: from trading stocks and working at Deloitte, to recovering from a stroke and launching Axiom, he brings a grounded, field-tested perspective that connects strategy, operations, and technology in ways few others can.

If you're a plant manager, engineer, executive, or someone who helps manufacturers grow—this conversation will challenge your assumptions, validate your experiences, and probably make you laugh.

This isn’t just another talk about “digital transformation.” It’s a real look at what it takes to lead, adapt, and deliver in a manufacturing world that refuses to sit still.