Episodes

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...

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 helping demystify the field for newcomers. ------- This episode is brought to you by SPS Atlanta. Smart Production Solutions is the world's premiere industrial automation trade show is coming t...

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 embraced the value of personal branding and content creation in the engineering industry, particularly for women. Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikki-gonzales/ C...

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...

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, and tips you won’t find on a repellant can. Ready to rethink what you know about ticks? You’ll want to hear this. ----- Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikki-g...

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’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 experts, Joe Campbell and Jennifer Mass, to learn how to transform every show into an engine for leads and lasting relationships. Huge thank you to Automate.org for sponsoring this episode! The b...

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, ...

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, the creative push behind the unique OT SCADA CON event, the challenge and pull of relocating for career and life, and what it means to balance ambition with burnout. This episode is filled with behin...

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. Discover how implementing predictive maintenance using vibration sensors can alert you in advance, minimizing surprise breakdowns. Huge thank you to Automate.org for sponsoring this episode! The bigg...

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 5 ...

While reviewing one of our older episodes, we revisited a powerful conversation centered on innovation in industrial automation and the future of engineering efficiency. In this episode, the Automation Ladies host experts from Schneider Electric to explore EcoStruxure Automation Expert, an open, vendor-agnostic automation platform designed to decouple software from hardware. The discussion highlights how this approach can dramatically reduce engineering time, simplify system deployment, and improve scalability across industries such as water/wastewater, oil & gas, energy, and chemicals. Guest Celita Clemente shares her journey from Brazil to North America and her passion for innovation, while the panel reflects on major technological shifts — from natural gas processing to fiber internet — emphasizing the importance of challenging traditional methods. A live demo showcases how quickly engineers can deploy new pumping stations using drag-and-drop configuration, standardized li…

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...

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 sponsoring this epi...

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...