PODCAST · technology
Automation Ladies
by 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 Nikki Gonzales, Ali G & Courtney Fernandez - find them on LinkedIn!
Episodes
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From 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, discovered programming for the first time in an intro engineering rotation, and later landed in the Ignition ecosystem almost by…
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Building 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 hype. It needs tools that solve real plant problems, survive real uptime demands, and still play nicely with modern IT. We sit down with...
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Season 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 with different timelines, different risk tolerance, and zero shared language. We sit down with David Ariens and Willem van Lammeren from…
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When 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 specialist at TEGUAR, about what “compute close to the data” actually means when you’re dealing with heat, dust, vibration, uptime pressure, and...
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Automate 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 Whitney Dills from Thought Forge AI to unpack an approach to industrial robotics control that flips a common assumption: more data does not...
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Automate 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 pressure. We sit down with Dylan from Lightstream, a Belgian family-owned industrial automation company, to get brutally practical about what it...
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You 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 people without melting down. That jump is real, and it’s exactly what we dig into with Alice Ristoff and Cassie Gardner from eTech Group.…
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Automate 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 talk about the side of Automate that deserves a bigger spotlight: Education Day, student tours, and the educators building the next wave of...
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The 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 down with Dennis Ganson from Schneider Electric to unpack what’s changing in industrial automation and energy, and how you can stay useful…
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Automate 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 replacing,” you might get a clean payback number, but you also risk approving the wrong projects and rejecting the right ones. We’re joined by...
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The 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 lived the full arc. I’m joined by Matt Kirkner from the Tech Ed Podcast to unpack how advanced manufacturing, industrial automation, and...
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Automate 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, endless “it depends” quotes, and months of back-and-forth just to learn what something costs. We sit down with Wes from FANUC to talk…
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The 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 President of Talent Strategy and Programming at Conexus Indiana, on why the Swiss apprenticeship model works and what it takes to adapt it...
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From 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 small team expected to keep everything profitable. We sit down with Brian Thykin, Head of Revenue at Sorba AI, to talk about what industrial…
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AI 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, and the same hard production constraints they’ve had for decades. Nikki sits down with Rylan Paishack from Cleveland Automation Systems to...
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Modernizing 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 down with Carrie Brown and Krista Beyhaut from Wesco to get real about what modernization actually looks like across manufacturing,...
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From 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 a cyclical oil and gas industry and why she chose entrepreneurship anyway, building Iron Lady Energy Advisors and taking on fractional...
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Why 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 paths to the pressure of “doing everything right,” this conversation dives into what work really looks like in today’s world, especially…
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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 catch-up on work, life, and what’s next for Automation Ladies, with stories that range from bigger robotics and better work-life balance to a...
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How 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 them?” We sit down with Dr. Elliot Hefling Jr., founder of Reality Tech Academy, to talk about why he brings full-scale humanoid robots…
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How 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 landed in manufacturing because she wanted a more predictable schedule for family life. What happened next is the part most people miss: she...
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From 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 covering manufacturing and packaging events, building relationships across OEMs and integrators, and how social media and content creation...
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Conveyor 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 when it counts, and adapting the playbook—from conveyors and robotics to a TikTok presence that actually reaches engineers. We talk about…
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From 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. In this episode, Courtney and Alicia chat with Margarita—Sales Engineer at Inductive Automation—about her path from graduating in the...
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From 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 journey from nerdy high schooler inspired by "How It's Made" to becoming a controls engineering leader in industries ranging from tissue...
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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 integrator, the invaluable lessons learned along the way, and how she’s...
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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 technical skills with business acumen. Brielle shares how she...
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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 the use of AI and new technologies on the factory floor. Hear firsthand...
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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 repairability or local expertise. Tune in to hear the challenges and...
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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 mean, what to watch for after a bite, how to handle household exposure,...
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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 real-world manufacturing pain points, a love of gadgets, and…
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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 episode of Automation Ladies, you’ll get the inside story on why...
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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 hiring for automation roles, and the changing face of…
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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. In this episode we chat with veteran exhibitors and industry...
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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 partnership—all while serving the local industry at the...
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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 & Larry White at AHTD about tariffs, global supply chain headaches, how AI is shifting the workforce & why family-run industrial businesses are...
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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, moves, industry shifts, and unexpected opportunities. Listen in for real talk about building and growing their women-led automation community,...
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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 FreeWave Technologies for a discussion covering many industry insights....
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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 this episode: •Why Nikki joined the team at Weintek USA •The big...
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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, Itoro Meshioye, and Talita Clemente, three amazing women from Schneider Electric, who are pioneering the “Universal Automation” movement, where design...
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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 navigate the complex landscape of digital transformation, shedding light on the often-overlooked human elements that can make or break...
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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 & 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...
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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 Boilearn, as we enthusiastically tackle the pivotal topic of training and development in the mechanical and boiler industries. We emphasize the...
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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, exploring invaluable lesson on emotional regulation, the art of providing and receiving feedback, and the distinction…
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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 achievements, setbacks, fervor, and maintaining strong industry connections can pave the way for long-term personal and career...
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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 Michael, share practical wisdom on avoiding design mistakes by consulting with domain experts, delving into technical insights…
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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 Christine Lee in addressing the changing landscape of remote work, the intricate gender dynamics, and the urgent demand for inventive solutions…
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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 of Shockwave Automation, as we highlight how short, focused sessions and face-to-face interactions at industry events can offer practical insights and foster...
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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 Sagatowski, Software Engineer & CEO Sagatowski, involving traditions and career transitions, blending personal stories into an engaging narrative with...
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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 Grollmus, highlighting the crossroads of tradition and innovation in…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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 Nikki Gonzales, Ali G & Courtney Fernandez - find them on LinkedIn!
HOSTED BY
Automation Ladies
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Automation Ladies have?
Automation Ladies currently has 130 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Automation Ladies about?
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...
How often does Automation Ladies release new episodes?
Automation Ladies publishes regularly with 130 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Automation Ladies?
You can listen to Automation Ladies on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Automation Ladies?
Automation Ladies is created and hosted by Automation Ladies.
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