Automation Ladies
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!
Episodes
106 episodes
Machine Vision, Project Nightmares, and Automation Chaos with Kerry Pierce
Curious how someone ends up building a career around machine vision and industrial automation? Nikki sits down with Kerry Pierce, discussing the winding path that led her from computer engineering to becoming a machine vision integr...
•
Season 6
•
Episode 13
•
1:08:56
Building Business Skills as an Engineer with Brielle Reisman
How do you build business skills as a chemical engineer?In this episode of the Automation Ladies podcast, Ali G chats with Brielle Reisman, who shares her experiences at Applied Control Engineering, and the importance of combining techni...
•
Season 6
•
Episode 12
•
49:47
AI in Industrial Automation - Insights with Ashlesha and Alex from Masked Owl Technologies
How will AI change Industrial automation? Ashlesha Anil Chaudhari and Alex Kaderi from Masked Owl Technologies join us this week to discuss how their team is building practical solutions to support engineers and rethink...
•
Season 6
•
Episode 11
•
1:01:48
Automating the Farm - The Future of Agtech with Katie Bradford
How is automation and robotics changing the future of farming?Katie Bradford, Founder and CEO of Rotate8, joins Nikki to share her story of building practical automation that empowers small farms to thrive without sacrificing repairabili...
•
Season 6
•
Episode 10
•
1:01:17
Lyme Disease, Tick Survival Myths, and Protecting Your Family with Tick Expert Emily Merritt
Think ticks can’t find you at work? Think again!In this special episode hosts Nikki Gonzales and Courtney Fernandez sit down with tick expert Emily Merritt (aka the “Tick Chick”). Learn firsthand what Lyme disease can really ...
•
Season 6
•
Episode 9
•
1:10:02
Bridging Tech, Manufacturing & STEM Careers with Brit Bartolini
This week Nikki sits down with Brit Bartolini, Enterprise Account Director at MaintainX, for a conversation on digital transformation in manufacturing, the future of maintenance, and attracting new generations to STEM careers.Hear how re...
•
Season 6
•
Episode 8
•
1:05:19
Fixing Automation’s Biggest Skills Gap With Paul Godines
Frustrated by the skills gap in automation? There’s a new approach in town.Join Nikki Gonzales as she sits down with Paul Godines from Logix Trainers to talk real solutions for bridging the entry-level technician divide.On this ep...
•
Season 6
•
Episode 7
•
54:20
Building Smart Factories and Smart Teams: Secrets from Dr. Nicole Schra-Martin
How do you build sustainable talent pipelines for the industry?Nikki Gonzales, Ali G, and Courtney Fernandez sit down with Dr. Nicole Schra Martin, an expert in manufacturing and automation, to discuss early STEM education, practical hi...
•
Season 6
•
Episode 6
•
45:04
Mastering Trade Show Success with Joe Campbell & Jennifer Mass
What’s the ROI of your trade show booth?Trade shows cost more than most companies realize. Yet, year after year, exhibitors throw away tens of thousands by showing up unprepared, staff glued to phones, demos unfinished, and leads lost. ...
•
Season 6
•
Episode 5
•
1:09:34
Building Kansas City’s Go-To Controls Team with Caitlyn Young
What is it like to build a thriving controls engineering company with your partner?The Automation Ladies sit down with Caitlyn Young from Integrated Controls and Engineering to discuss what it takes to balance business, engineering, and ...
•
Season 6
•
Episode 4
•
1:00:36
AI, Tariffs, and Million-Dollar Mistakes in Automation—Live Insights With Frank Hurtte & Larry White
Curious why manufacturer-distributor relationships still make or break automation sales?Nikki Gonzales talked with industry veterans Frank Hurtte &
•
Season 6
•
Episode 3
•
1:08:08
Major Life Updates, Texas Moves, and Big Community News
The Automation Ladies are all back together! Catch up as they mark the return of the podcast for a new season, sharing candid updates on life transitions, moves, industry shifts, and unexpected opportunities. Listen in for real talk about build...
•
Season 6
•
Episode 2
•
54:18
Predictive Maintenance and Industry Insights with Ryan Treece
Many factories struggle with unexpected equipment failure, resulting in costly downtime hits without warning. How can you avoid this with predictive maintenance strategies?Join us as we welcome special guest Ryan Treece from FreeW...
•
Season 6
•
Episode 1
•
49:38
Catch up with Nikki - What's Coming in Season 6
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 thi...
•
Season 6
•
28:17
Demo of Schneider Electric's EcoStruxure w/ Jen Sutter, Itoro Meshioye & Talita Clemente
How can breaking free from traditional limitations unlock a new era of innovation and resilience in automation?Join us with Jennifer Sutter,
•
Season 5
•
Episode 13
•
58:49
Collaborative Innovation, AI, & Cultural Dynamics w/ Dylan DuFresne
How can the collaboration between AI and cultural understanding create optimal performance in projects? Join us with Solutions Architect, Dylan DuFresne, as we n...
•
Season 5
•
Episode 12
•
1:07:27
.png)
OT, IT, & Cybersecurity in Manufacturing w/ Leah Dodson & Ashley Van Hoeson
OT, IT, and Cybersecurity - how are they different, related, and are you protected? Join us with Leah Dodson &
•
Season 5
•
Episode 11
•
1:06:37
Boiler Technologies, Training, & Empowerment w/Eric Johnson
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 Boilea...
•
Season 5
•
Episode 10
•
1:16:28
.png)
Essential Leadership Skills & Community w/Alicia Lomas
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...
•
Season 5
•
Episode 9
•
59:33
.png)
From Passion to Purpose, Navigating Through Career Changes & Growth w/Alex Pool
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 ach...
•
Season 5
•
Episode 8
•
1:02:27
.png)
Unlocking Industrial Efficiency: Insights on Compressed Air Systems w/Rob Michael
Discover how optimizing often-overlooked compressed air systems can revolutionize industrial efficiency. Nikki, Ali, Courtney, and Senior Compressed Air Technician, Rob Micha...
•
Season 5
•
Episode 7
•
1:13:11
Gender Dynamics, Mentorship, and Innovation w/ Christine Lee and Mara Pillott
Challenging existing norms and community are the keys to navigating the ever-evolving realm of industrial automation Join us along with Mara Pillott and
•
Season 5
•
Episode 6
•
1:03:52
Attending Industry Events Increases Professional Growth w/ Brandon Peters
Attending industry events are crucial in extending your professional network and growing professionally. Join us with Brandon Peters, CEO ...
•
Season 5
•
Episode 5
•
23:04
.png)
Connecting Through Content Creation, Cultural Exchange, & Personal Growth w/Jakob Sagatowski
Balancing work, life, and personal growth with cultural experiences and collaborative mindsets. Join us for a hearty conversation with Jakob...
•
Season 5
•
Episode 5
•
1:00:51
.png)
Exploring Cybersecurity in Industrial Automation w/ Michael Grollmus
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...
•
Season 5
•
Episode 4
•
1:02:59
