Shows / Automation Ladies
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, HMIs, 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…
Episodes
Automation LadiesYou Are Either A Risk Or An Investment with Bill Seaman
Most manufacturing hiring advice is either vague or completely detached from how industrial automation jobs really work. So I brought on Bill Seaman, Director…
Automation LadiesFrom Computer Science To Manufacturing Software With Ignition with Mia Skertich
A lot of people think you need a perfect plan to get into industrial automation. Mia Skertich proves the opposite. She started college unsure of her direction…
Automation LadiesBuilding Ignition: Colby Clegg on Innovation, AI, and the Future of Industrial Automation
Thank you to our amazing sponsor Inductive Automation ______________________________________________________________ Industrial automation doesn’t need more…
Automation LadiesSeason 7 Finale: Bridging the IT & OT Divide with David Ariens and Willem van Lammeren
Your digital transformation plan is probably not failing because you picked the wrong protocol. It’s failing because IT and OT are solving different problems…
Automation LadiesWhen Trust Matters More Than Your Spec Sheet with Zoie Rittling
Edge computing sounds clean on a slide deck, but the factory floor is where the definition gets real fast. We talk with Zoie Rittling, an edge computing…
Automation LadiesAutomate mini series: Whitney Sales
“We do it with AI” is easy to say. Making robots work through contact, uncertainty, and variation on a real factory floor is the hard part. We sit down with…
Automation LadiesAutomate mini series: Dylan Caufrier
Paper schematics feel “reliable” until they are the reason a shutdown drags on, a cabinet print is wrong, or a tech makes a split-second mistake under…
Automation LadiesYou Can Learn People Skills Like You Learn PLCs with Alice Rystov and Cassy Gardner
Your engineering degree taught you equations. Then your first job asks you to troubleshoot a VFD, commission a skid, and explain the problem to five different…
Automation LadiesAutomate mini series: Amanda Beaton
Most people in industrial automation agree we have a skills gap, but we keep aiming the message at ourselves. We sat down with Amanda Beaton from Siemens to…
Automation LadiesThe Future of Automation: Physical AI, Robotics, and What’s Next with Dennis Gansen
AI isn’t just a software story, it’s a power story, a controls story, and a “how do we actually build this stuff” story. After the EPC show in Houston, I sit…
Automation LadiesAutomate mini series: Christine Bush
ROI math can be brutally simple, and that’s exactly why it often fails in industrial automation. If your spreadsheet only asks “how many heads are we…
Automation LadiesThe Skills Gap Is Your Fault with Matt Kirchner
“Manufacturing is still the place where you can start out sweeping the floor and end up running the company” is a bold claim, so we brought on someone who has…
Automation LadiesAutomate mini series: Wesley Garrett
Most automation projects stall long before the first robot moves. Not because the technology isn’t ready, but because buying feels like a maze: vague budgets…
Automation LadiesThe Apprenticeship Model That Could Transform Manufacturing with PJ McGrew
Most workforce development advice sounds good until you try to scale it. Today we get specific, practical, and a little disruptive with PJ McGrew, Senior Vice…
Automation LadiesFrom AI to OT SCADA CON: The Future of Industrial Innovation with Bryan Thyken
Cloud-first AI sounds great until you remember what a factory actually is: proprietary recipes, fragile uptime, legacy controls that still run fine, and a…
Automation LadiesAI Won't Replace Automation Engineers, but It Will Change Everything with Rylan Pyciak
Everyone’s talking about AI, humanoids, and the “factory of the future” but plenty of plants are still held together with undocumented panels, obsolete PLCs…
Automation LadiesModernizing Manufacturing with AI, AMRs & Digital Transformation with Carrie Brown & Krista Beyhaut of Wesco
“Digital transformation” sounds exciting until you’re standing in front of a 30-year-old panel with missing drawings and a line that cannot go down. Nikki sits…
Automation LadiesFrom Petroleum Engineer to Entrepreneur: Career Growth in the Oil & Gas Industry with Yogashri Pradhan
Getting laid off can either shrink your world or force it open. When we sit down with Yogashri Pradhan, she walks us through how she’s navigated the reality of…
Automation LadiesWhy Career Paths Aren’t Linear: Lessons from Engineering, Writing, and Everything In Between with Rachael Pasini
In this episode of Automation Ladies, we step away from the technology and talk about something just as important: the people behind it. From nonlinear career…
- Automation Ladies
AI, OT SCADA Con, and Big Updates: an Automation Ladies Catch-Up
Something shifted for us this year: the more we commit to doing less, the more we’re actually building. Nikki, Courtney, and Allie get together for a real…
Automation LadiesHow A Nonprofit Brings Humanoid Robotics To Underserved Students with Dr. Elliot Heflin. Jr
Humanoid robots are getting real, and the biggest question isn’t “Can they dance?” It’s “Who’s going to understand them well enough to build, program, and fix…
Automation LadiesHow A Hospitality Manager Became A Manufacturing Leader with Megan Weber
You don’t need a perfectly planned career to become a manufacturing leader. Megan, Director of Manufacturing at Sentry Equipment, started in hospitality and…
Automation LadiesFrom Newsroom To Packaging: Sarah Wynn On Building Digital Community
Automation media, trade shows, and digital content are reshaping how the industrial automation industry connects. In this episode, Sarah shares insights from…
Automation LadiesConveyor Cougar: Automate or Get Left Behind with Cathy Rinne
Season 7 kicks off with Cathy “Conveyor Cougar” Rinne, President of FlexLine Automation, a 15-person, woman-owned integrator known for moving fast, shipping…
Automation LadiesFrom Beer Bar to Buildathon: Margarita Rosenkrans’ Journey with Ignition
When a chance conversation at a beer bar introduced her to the word “SCADA,” Margarita Rosenkrans had no idea it would spark a career in industrial automation…
Automation LadiesFrom Tesla Batteries to Underground Tunnels with Riddhi Padariya
Ever wondered what it takes to lead automation projects at trailblazing companies like Tesla and The Boring Company? Nikki chats with Riddhi Padariya about her…
Automation LadiesMachine 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…
Automation LadiesBuilding 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…
Automation LadiesAI 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…
Automation LadiesAutomating 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 LadiesLyme 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…
Automation LadiesBridging 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…
Automation LadiesFixing 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…
Automation LadiesBuilding 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…
Automation LadiesMastering 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…
Automation LadiesBuilding 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…
Automation LadiesAI, 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 & Larry…
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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…
Automation LadiesPredictive 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…
Automation LadiesCatch 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…
Automation LadiesDemo 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, Itoro Meshioye…
Automation LadiesCollaborative 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…
Automation LadiesOT, 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 & Ashley Van Hoesen, as we master the distinctions…
Automation LadiesBoiler 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…
Automation LadiesEssential 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…
Automation LadiesFrom 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…
Automation LadiesUnlocking 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…
Automation LadiesGender 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…
Automation LadiesAttending 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 of Shockwave…
Automation LadiesConnecting 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 Sagatowski…
Automation LadiesExploring 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…
Automation LadiesInsights on Effective Social Media in the Industrial Sector with Susan Wilson
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…
Automation LadiesModernizing Dairy Farming with Automation ft. Vinny Endres
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…
Automation LadiesBuilding a Visionary Business in Automation with Erick Collins
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…
Automation LadiesLeveraging Expert Collaboration & TikTok with Kathy at Flex-Line Automation & Ed from HARTING (Automate 2024)
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…
Automation LadiesRevolutionizing Automation with Corey at HARTING & Ale at Gray Solutions (Automate 2024)
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…
Automation LadiesBridging Innovation and Culture with Casey from HARTING (Automate 2024)
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…
Automation LadiesFrom SPE Standards to Hands-On Automation with McKenzie from CLN of SF and Ed from HARTING (Automate 2024)
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…
Automation LadiesNews Ways of Networking with Chris at Manufacturing Happy Hour & Amanda at HARTING (Automate 2024)
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…
Automation LadiesExploring Festo's Innovations with Sandro at Festo & Lucas at HARTING (Automate 2024)
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…