Interviews Episodes

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 fell in love with the shop floor, learned continuous improvement tools like QRM, Lean, and Six Sigma, and kept choosing roles that expanded her skills until she was leading manufacturing operations. We...

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 are influencing the future of automation, engineering, and industrial technology. Support the show __________________________________________________________________ 🎙 About Automation Ladies Automation Ladies is an industrial automation podcast spotlighting the engineers, integrators, innovators, and leaders shaping the future of manufacturing. __________________________________________________________________ 🎤 Want to be a guest on the show? https://www.automationladies.io/guests/intake/ __________________________________________________________________ 👩‍🏭 Connect with the Hosts Nikki Gonzales: https://linkedin.com/in/nikki-gonzales Courtney Fernandez: https://linked…

Season 7 of Automation Ladies opens with grit, ingenuity, and a candid look at what it takes to run a modern automation integration company. Hosts Nikki Gonzales and Courtney Fernandez sit down with Cathy “Conveyor Cougar” Rinne, President of FlexLine Automation, a 15-person, woman-owned systems integrator serving manufacturers with conveyor systems, robotics, and custom automation solutions. Cathy shares what leadership really looks like inside a family-run business—setting direction, building accountability, empowering the next generation, and balancing speed with service. She explains how FlexLine is applying AI in practical ways, automating drawings, quoting, and repetitive engineering workflows while navigating ERP fatigue and generational skepticism within the industry. The conversation also explores how Cathy’s agricultural background influences her approach to manufacturing. From autosteer tractors to robotic milking, her farm-country mindset shapes how she solves fac…

In this episode of Automation Ladies, Courtney steps in as co-host while Nikki recovers from pneumonia, and they welcome Maggie Rosenkranz from Inductive Automation as their guest. The conversation kicks off with a recap of OT SCADA CON, highlighting the event’s growth, strong sense of community, and the value of bringing technical professionals together to learn and share knowledge. Maggie shares her unconventional journey into industrial automation — from studying biology and dental hygiene to discovering computer science and eventually landing a support engineer role after attending an open house where she first saw the power of Ignition. She reflects on graduating during the 2020 hiring freeze, the challenges of breaking into a new industry, and how curiosity and persistence helped shape her career. The discussion dives into the realities of working in support, including troubleshooting complex issues, asking the right questions, and learning to understand what’s really happ…

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 manufacturing to carbon capture and underground tunneling. They dive into hands-on lessons, breakthrough technologies like virtual commissioning, the power of industry communities, and Riddhi’s passio...

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 insights into what manufacturers are actually adopting, where they're finding real value, and why some initiatives stall out. Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikki-gonz...

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 opportunities in ag-tech, the design of accessible robotic platforms for small farms, and why an open-source, repairable approach matters for sustainable farming. Connect with Nikki on Link...

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 a dash of maker-spirit are turning maintenance work into a high-tech, high-satisfaction career while solving problems most execs don’t even know exist. Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn: https://www.l...

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 simulation training matters, what makes tenacity essential in controls, and how industry standard models like ISA-95 can map a better path for the future. Resources Mentioned in Episode: https://www.li...

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 industrial automation careers. These themes are essential for managers, engineers, and educators alike who are interested in building sustainable talent pipelines for the industry. Will You Be Joining Us ...

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 highest level. Join us as Caitlyn shares the secrets of navigating roles, playing to strengths, handling challenges as a couple, and why Kansas City’s manufacturing ecosystem is booming. Huge thank y...

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 thriving. ------ Huge thank you to Automate.org for sponsoring this episode! The biggest automation party of the year is back! Join us at Automate, where the best in robotics, cobots, AI, machine vision, ...

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 the full pot...

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 that cater to...

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 industry ev...

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 an ev...

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 experienced ...

Challenging existing norms and community are the keys to navigating the ever-evolving realm of industrial automation Join us 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 mentorship, role models, inclusive cultures, and stron...

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 benefits of enga...

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 openness in fostering ...

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, showcasing the fie...

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 nostalgic trip back w...

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 be more automation-f...

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 automa...