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Automation Ladies
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© 2025 Automation Ladies
Description
The podcast where girls talk industrial automation!
We interview people from all walks of life in the Industrial Automation industry. Through a personal narrative/conversational framework we talk about PLCs, SCADA, IIoT, Machine Vision, Industrial Robots, Pneumatics, Control Systems, Process Automation, Factory Automation, Systems Integration, Entrepreneurship, Career Stories, Personal Journeys, Company Culture, and any other interesting and timely topic we want to discuss.
Co-Hosted by Nikki Gonzales, Ali G & Courtney Fernandez - find them on LinkedIn!
94 Episodes
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We’re back! In this special solo kickoff to Season 6, Nikki shares what’s new with Automation Ladies — including her new role at Weintek USA, a big media partnership, and all the exciting things ahead for the show and community. In this episode: •Why Nikki joined the team at Weintek USA •The big announcement: Automation Ladies is now part of Industry Sage Media •Behind-the-scenes of producing the podcast (and a heartfelt goodbye to our amazing producer, Laura 💜) •What’s coming in Season 6 (an...
How can breaking free from traditional limitations unlock a new era of innovation and resilience in automation? Join us with Jennifer Sutter, Itoro Meshioye, and Talita Clemente, three amazing women from Schneider Electric, who are pioneering the “Universal Automation” movement, where design flexibility and hardware independence redefine possibilities. Experience their inspiring narratives and an interactive demo of EcoStruxure, an IoT-enabled, plug-and-play, open, interoperable archit...
How can the collaboration between AI and cultural understanding create optimal performance in projects? Join us with Solutions Architect, Dylan DuFresne, as we navigate the complex landscape of digital transformation, shedding light on the often-overlooked human elements that can make or break technology implementations. We reflect on the evolving intersection of electrical engineering and software, and how the collaboration of AI and cultural understanding are keys to unlocking...
OT, IT, and Cybersecurity - how are they different, related, and are you protected? Join us with Leah Dodson & Ashley Van Hoesen, as we master the distinctions between OT, IT, and Cybersecurity roles in the manufacturing industry. Gain insider knowledge on governance, risk, compliance, and the psychological tactics of scammers and hackers. Discover best use practices to safeguard operations, mitigate risk, and avoid theft digitally. Huge thank you to Wolfe Evolution for sp...
Dive into the world of boiler technologies, the growing role of automation, and the power of training and development. Join us with, Eric Johnson, CEO of Boilearn, as we enthusiastically tackle the pivotal topic of training and development in the mechanical and boiler industries. We emphasize the value of a diverse skill set, allowing technicians to collaborate effectively with professionals across various trades. We later explore the necessity of structured training programs...
What are the essential skills for a leader to create a supportive work culture? With retic and humor, our conversation with Alicia Lomas uncovers the nuances of leadership, exploring invaluable lesson on emotional regulation, the art of providing and receiving feedback, and the distinction between mentoring and managing-all essential skills for any leader striving to create a supportive work culture. The conversation also delves into celebrating the joy and camaraderie found at industr...
What if passion, resilience, and community could lead you to unexpected heights in a career? Join us along with Alex Pool from Masked Owl Technologies as we discuss how achievements, setbacks, fervor, and maintaining strong industry connections can pave the way for long-term personal and career success. We delve into the complexities of transitioning from technical roles to management and the significance of safety, both physical and emotional, in ensuring a balanced work-life dynamic in...
Discover how optimizing often-overlooked compressed air systems can revolutionize industrial efficiency. Nikki, Ali, Courtney, and Senior Compressed Air Technician, Rob Michael, share practical wisdom on avoiding design mistakes by consulting with domain experts, delving into technical insights and real-life experiences in working with air compressors. Uncover the common pitfalls in compressed air systems that can lead to inefficiencies and equipment failures, and how working with ex...
Challenging existing norms and community are the keys to navigating the ever-evolving realm of industrial automation Join us along with Mara Pillott and Christine Lee in addressing the changing landscape of remote work, the intricate gender dynamics, and the urgent demand for inventive solutions to the engineering skill gap in the industrial automation sector. Through humor and reflections, Christine Lee and Mara Pillott from Inductive Automation shine a light on the vital role of mentorsh...
Attending industry events are crucial in extending your professional network and growing professionally. Join us with Brandon Peters, CEO of Shockwave Automation, as we highlight how short, focused sessions and face-to-face interactions at industry events can offer practical insights and foster meaningful connections. Gain insights into the importance of staying ahead of industry trends and technologies, even when there's no immediate impact on revenue. Learn the long-term b...
Balancing work, life, and personal growth with cultural experiences and collaborative mindsets. Join us for a hearty conversation with Jakob Sagatowski, Software Engineer & CEO Sagatowski, involving traditions and career transitions, blending personal stories into an engaging narrative with nostalgic items symbolizing pride, success, and good fortune in adulthood. Reflecting on experiences within the automation industry, they address the need to embrace the benefits of open...
Cybersecurity has become one of the fastest-growing fields, offering a wealth of job opportunities. Join us as we discuss the challenges and advancements in cybersecurity in industrial automation with Michael Grollmus, CEO of Grollmus, highlighting the crossroads of tradition and innovation in this evolving sector. Together we investigate the mesh of cybersecurity into industrial automation and the dire need for improved practices and the shortage of skilled professionals,...
If you know us ladies, you know we love to network, both in-person and online, especially through social media. Join us, as we delve into the wonders and the transformations of social media with Susan Wilson from Inductive Automation. Sparked by her husband's career as a toolmaker machinist, hear how Susan discovered a passion for digital strategy, taking on a unique role that focuses exclusively on social media in a traditionally broad marketing field. We also take a nostal...
Nikki & Ali, sit down with Vinny Endres, owner of Bitmasked Automation & a trailblazer in dairy farm automation. Vinny shares his journey from growing up on a dairy farm to becoming a diesel mechanic, then discovering his passion for electrical engineering & automation. He shares his unique perspective integrating robotic technologies in dairy farming, the potential of teleoperation, the promise of autonomous milling systems, & reconfiguring traditional farming processes to ...
What happens when a young troublemaker with a love for computers and cars finds himself at the forefront of the robotics and machine vision industries? Nikki and Courtney chat with Erick Collins, owner of Rockport Integration and Automation. Through a significant change in career direction and the influence of pivotal figures, Erick's path was anything but ordinary. Discover how a friend's advice led him from auto mechanics to computer science and ultimately into the captivating world of aut...
Ali and Nikki sit down with Kathy Rinne, the Conveyor Cougar from Flex-Line Automation, and Ed Garstkiewicz, Sr. Industry Segment Manager of Automation and Robotics from HARTING. They touch on how in the ever-evolving landscape of industrial automation and marketing, collaborating with experts is more important than ever. And ever wondered how a 12-year-old can transform a Gen Xer's approach to B2B marketing? Kathy shares how their TikTok skyrocketed Flex-Line Automation's web traffic by a...
Join the Automation Ladies once again at Automate 2024 as they chat with Corey Jenkins from HARTING and Ale Walker from Gray Solutions. Corey dives into the engineering magic behind HARTING's plug-and-play solutions, while Ale brings a personal touch, giving a heartfelt shout-out to her mom, Kathy Walker, the CEO of eCami. They share how these connections aren't just mechanical but deeply personal, enhancing the efficiency and flexibility of modern automation systems. Explore the future of a...
Join the Automation Ladies as they chat with Casey Spitz, the VP of Development and Innovation at HARTING. She takes us through setting up product development teams in the US, all things connectors, and customer engagement strategies. Discover the role of connectors in transforming data centers and AI technologies, and learn how these small components continue to drive technology forward. Support the show __________________________________________________________________ Co-Hosts are ...
Join us as the Automation Ladies sit down with McKenzie Reed, President of Single Paired Ether Standards Development / CLN of South Florida, and Ed Garskowitz, Business Development Manager at HARTING. Mckenzie shares his journey from working at Harting to acquiring his own industrial machinery company. Alongside McKenzie, Ed reflects on their collaborative history, and their innovative office. They talk all about SPE's, their IoT integration, and empowering smaller systems. Support the...
Ali and Nikki speak with Chris Luecke from Manufacturing Happy Hour and Amanda Marx, Senior VP of Marketing Digital Strategy & IT at HARTING. This minisode goes from casual LinkedIn conversations to establishing a dynamic community for women in industrial automation. They uncover the secrets of building niche communities, the importance of multi-generational workforces and the unique approaches younger generations bring to learning and collaboration. Support the sho...
Ready to revolutionize your approach to automation and connectivity? Join us on the show floor at Automate, where Nikki and Ali sit down with two industry powerhouses, Sandro Quintero from Festo and Lucas Knapp from HARTING. You'll uncover the secrets behind Festo's groundbreaking transition from traditional pneumatics to state-of-the-art electric automation solutions. Sandro delves into his fascinating background in mechatronics engineering and the rapid growth of educational programs in thi...
In this second "minisode" from the floor of Automate 2024, Nikki and Ali sit down with Ed Garstkiewicz, Senior Industry Segment Manager at HARTING, and Luis Narvaez, Automation & Marketing Specialist at Siemens. We unpack the modernization trends reshaping the landscape of PLCs, automation, and manufacturing — the move to decentralized automation, the rise of modular connectors, the shift to virtual PLCs and digital twins, and hardware-agnostic solutions! Support the show _______________...
In this first "minisode" from Automate, Nikki and Ali sit down with Srna Okukua, Head of Marketing at OTTO by Rockwell Automation, and Edmund Garstkiewicz, Senior Industry Segment Manager at HARTING. We'll explore how AMRs are making waves in industries ranging from automotive to consumer goods, offering unparalleled flexibility and efficiency over older AGV systems. Srna shares insights on the evolution of AMRs, capable of handling payloads from 300 to 4,000 pounds, and the sign...
In this season 3 finale, the Automation Ladies have a chat with Founder and CEO of Valoy Automation, Vanessa Loiola. They discuss and emphasize the importance of training and troubleshooting skills for operators to reduce downtime and improve efficiency, proper programming and maintenance, and intuitive coding. Support the show __________________________________________________________________ Co-Hosts are Alicia Gilpin Director of Engineering at Process and Controls Engineering LLC, Nikki ...
In this week's episode, Nikki and Ali chat with Technical Sales Executive at Inductive Automation, Phil Seboa. They discuss the importance of IT and OT, his journey from electrician into the IT-centric world of automation, the impact of Ignition software, and some tips for content creation. Support the show __________________________________________________________________ Co-Hosts are Alicia Gilpin Director of Engineering at Process and Controls Engineering LLC, Nikki Gonzales Direct...
In a previous Linkedin Live, Nikki and Ali recap the AHTD Spring Meeting with founder of QuoteBeam, Roman Piszcz. They discuss the importance of the Association for High Technology Distribution (AHTD) and encourage others in the industry to join. They also touch on the need for dynamic websites that provide relevant content and build credibility, the challenges of recruitment and retention, and the role of AI in customer interactions. Support the show ____________________________...
In Automation Ladies fashion we had some technical difficulties during this episode, but the Ladies and Hassana Abubakar, a SCADA engineer at Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited, had a great time. Hassana presented an amazing slideshow to show all the projects her and her team have accomplished and will achieve. They discuss hydropower plants, work in Nigeria, and the resilience of people. Interested in seeing Hassan's slideshow? Check it out here. Support the show _______...
In this Linkedin Live, Nikki along with a pop up from Ali, interview Preston Hadley, President and Founder of Envision Automation & Controls. Preston starts with his introduction to automation with working in a family business, and continues into the challenges and benefits of going to networking events and the authenticity of marketing. Support the show __________________________________________________________________ Co-Hosts are Alicia Gilpin Director of Engineering at Process...
In this special episode, Nikki and Ali speak with Ed Garstkiewicz (Business Development Manager) and Goda Inokaityte (Product Manager) at HARTING. They talk about the challenges of selecting and designing connectors, the benefits of using connectors in machinery and automation systems, and the innovations in connector technology, including modular connectors and single-pair Ethernet. Thank you to HARTING for sponsoring this episode! Support the show ________________________________________...
In this previous Linkedin Live episode, Nikki catches up with Andy Stump (Director of Business Development at Rockwell Automation), and Vitória Régia Oliveira (Lead in Maintenance, Facilities, and Project Engineering at Magna International). They discuss the current state of smart manufacturing, the challenges of integrating technology, and the importance of cybersecurity. Check out Vitória in a previous episode to learn her amazing journey. Support the show ________________________________...
Nikki and Ali had the chance to speak to Dale Parker, Design Engineering Manager at Keystone Gas Services. Dale talks about his interest in getting UL 508A certification, sharing knowledge and mentoring the next generation of automation, as well as, some new exciting updates about Keystone's future. Support the show __________________________________________________________________ Co-Hosts are Alicia Gilpin Director of Engineering at Process and Controls Engineering LLC, Nikki Gonzales Dir...
In this previous , Nikki and Ali talk to Jason Bean, founder of M-Path Consulting and IIoT Market Specialist at Pepperl+Fuchs Group. Jason discusses working in various industries, his own experience with being neurodivergent, and the stigma behind individuals who fall under that. Learn more about Harnessing Neurodiversity for Organizational Excellence at https://www.manufacturingpath.com/ Support the show __________________________________________________________________ Co-Hosts are Al...
In this pre-recorded episode, all the Automation Ladies chat with Vitória Régia Oliveira, Lead in Maintenance, Facilities, and Project Engineering at Magna International. The ladies get the chance to discuss creating women in automation groups, overcoming challenges as a black woman in the industry, and the process of moving abroad for career opportunities. Support the show __________________________________________________________________ Co-Hosts are Alicia Gilpin Director of Engine...
This week Nikki and Ali speak with Sarah Sonnier, Data Scientist and Jessica Williams, Controls Engineer at BBP. They discuss the challenges of integrating IT and OT, AI's usefulness in tasks like programming (with some human intervention), and the story of the dynamic duo's origins. Support the show __________________________________________________________________ Co-Hosts are Alicia Gilpin Director of Engineering at Process and Controls Engineering LLC, Nikki Gonzales Directo...
In this episode, Nikki interviews Yamini Vattipalli, Director of Operations at Easy Automation Systems. Yamini shares her journey from being an image processing engineer to her current role. They discuss the challenges and importance of vision applications, the transition to system integration, and the role of AI in machine vision. Support the show __________________________________________________________________ Co-Hosts are Alicia Gilpin Director of Engineering at Proce...
Nikki and Ali G sat live with Linda Freeman, an Industry Manager and longtime employee at Rockwell Automation. They look at the importance of functional safety and cybersecurity skills in the industry, the need for continuous learning, and using traditional gender roles to one's advantage. Check out the original live episode here. Support the show __________________________________________________________________ Co-Hosts are Alicia Gilpin Director of Engineering at Process and Cont...
This week, Nikki gets a one on one interview with Startup Mentor, Dyci Sfregola. Nikki and Dyci discuss mentorship, starting her own venture, supply chain management, and her brand new book. Support the show __________________________________________________________________ Co-Hosts are Alicia Gilpin Director of Engineering at Process and Controls Engineering LLC, Nikki Gonzales Director of Business Development at Weintek USA, and Courtney Fernandez Robot Master at FAST One Solutions. ...
In this LinkedIn Live, Nikki and Ali G (and a little bit of Courtney) speak with student PCE employee Kortni Pendon. Kortni began her journey into automation thanks to her dad and time in the Navy. She discusses her military experience and the soft skills she developed, the importance of playing into your strengths and working on your weaknesses, as well as, how being a mom has helped her in the technical world. Support the show _________________________________________________________...
This week Nikki speaks with Chioma Aso, Founder of STEAMDivas Inc. and longtime engineer. The importance of art and creativity in engineering isn't the only conversation they have. Nikki and Chioma both open up about imposter syndrome, emotions, and finding yourself within the workspace. Interested in Chioma's book? Check it out here. Support the show __________________________________________________________________ Co-Hosts are Alicia Gilpin Director of Engineering at Process and Con...
This week, Ali G and Courtney get the chance to talk to Festo Product Manager, Daniella Gonzalez. They cover topics like gender imbalances in the field, problem-solving with customers, Daniella' work with training and workforce development at Festo, and which Harry Potter house they all are. Support the show __________________________________________________________________ Co-Hosts are Alicia Gilpin Director of Engineering at Process and Controls Engineering LLC, Nikki Gonzales Director...
Nikki, Ali G, and guest host Courtney catch up live with Morgan Wilson, Partner Success Manager at SVT Robotics. Last time Ali G and Courtney spoke to Morgan live about her experiences at SVT Robotics and her outreach with customers. They talk SVT's work with diverse technologies and custom systems, potential application of certain automation, and the evolving landscape that is automation. Support the show __________________________________________________________________...
While Nikki is away, Ali G takes on her own solo interview with guest Krystle Ponce, Senior Data Analyst at TREW. Krystle started her journey into automation as an aviation electrician in the Navy. She talks about her journey from the sea to the land, the importance of learning through mistakes, and the importance of confidence in the work place. Interested in the TED talk mentioned? Take a look here. Support the show __________________________________________________________________ Co-H...
This week's episode is a little different since Nikki was at an industry event: the A3 Business Forum hosted by the Association for Advancing Automation in Orlando Florida. She thought she found a quiet corner to have a conversation with Cathy Rinne (the infamous Conveyor Cougar on TikTok) and Lauren Van De Mark - President and Sales and Marketing Manager respectively at Flex-Line Automation We apologize for the audio quality and noise in this one, turns out the spot was quiet for a ...
Continuing Season 3: Nikki and Ali G (along with a guest appearance from Courtney) take time to speak with Jasmine Quick, an Industrial Automation Engineer at GPS Electrical Services in Melbourne. Sometimes working long shifts, Jasmine is no stranger to the engineer lifestyle. She talks about going through school in Australia, VM's, converting whole sites to new programs, and software. Support the show __________________________________________________________________ Co-Hosts are Alicia Gi...
Naomi Pittman began her career in IT but found herself looking for more. Now Naomi is a master electrician and the owner of ElekProTek, an electrical & controls contractor with presence in 6 states! Nikki & Naomi talk about her journey, entrepreneur stuff like building a website and growing a client base, and the apprenticeship model that allows skilled tradespeople with the drive to succeed to become masters of their craft. Support the show __________________________...
Nikki and Ali G had the opportunity to interview Özlem Biber with EPLAN at Rockwell Automation Fair in Boston last month. She is an Account Manager in the Chicago area and she called on Ali years ago when she was working at Probat so it was a fun reunion. We promise we did not mean to talk about EPLAN so much but we can't be too surprised the conversation kept coming back to it considering Özlem has spent almost 23 years with the company and is really passionate about what she does! Mass...
Nikki speaks with Chelsea Lantto, president of Trenton Forging Company, a forging company that delivers high-quality forged steel components. Although not new to forging, as a second-generation leader of the company, Chelsea shares the history of Trenton Forging and how it's become a family operated business. The company strives to complete their long-term plan of gradual automation to replace outdated technology while also prioritizing the well-being of their workforce. They talk abo...
Nikki talks to Priyansha Bagaria, Founder & CEO of Loopr AI a computer vision company solving the complex challenges traditional vision inspection still can't solve. She started working in her family's manufacturing plant at a young age and saw what good employment opportunities in manufacturing can do for a community, but also the challenges that can come with trying to automate a process that may not be 100% automatable or just too expensive for a small to mid size manufacturer t...
This week, Nikki and Ali G speak with Elisa Ochoa, Client Advisor at Skellig Automation. They met Elisa at the Inductive Automation Ignition Community Conference in Folsom recently and had to have her on the show to learn more. Elisa moved to LA from Mexico for college and became a DeltaV engineer who recently made the move into a client advisory (ghasp sales) role at a systems integrator! They talk of the importance of finding the right fit for a solution, the negative perception of sa...
With October being Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the Automation Ladies decided to speak with some experts in the field Leah & Hayley. Leah is the Principal Cybersecurity Specialist at Nextlink labs, while Hayley is a Product Marketing Specialist for Network and Security at Phoenix Contact. Follow them on LinkedIn! These cybersecurity ladies discuss ways to protect yourself against cyberattacks, what to look out for as an individual and as a company to stay safe, and the importance of ha...
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