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!

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Top 10 Automation Ladies Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Automation Ladies episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Automation Ladies for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Automation Ladies episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Exploring Festo's Innovations with Sandro at Festo & Lucas at HARTING (Automate 2024)

Automation Ladies

08/20/24 • 23 min

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 powerhouses, Sandro Quintero from Festo and Lucas Knapp from HARTING. You'll uncover the secrets behind Festo's groundbreaking transition from traditional pneumatics to state-of-the-art electric automation solutions. Sandro delves into his fascinating background in mechatronics engineering and the rapid growth of educational programs in this field. Nikki also shares her personal insights and experiences from her time at Festo, highlighting the company's pivotal role in training the next generation of mechatronics engineers.
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the critical world of connectors and their essential applications in industries ranging from automotive to medical devices. Hear about the real-life challenges and rewards of working with such a broad product spectrum, and learn why reliable connectors are vital to success—illustrated by a dramatic tale from a robotics competition. This segment underscores the importance of early education in connectivity for young engineers and the indispensable role of sales engineers in bridging the gap between innovation and reliability.
Lastly, we dive into the future of machine-building with a focus on advancements in configurator technology. Lucas Knapp explains how modern configurators, like those from Harding, simplify the design process and improve efficiency in flexible manufacturing systems. We discuss the impact of AI on these tools and the continuing need for intuitive, adaptable solutions. Wrapping up, we spotlight Sandro's influential content on LinkedIn and YouTube, offering invaluable resources for anyone in the field, and extend an invitation to our listeners to connect and collaborate at upcoming industry events. Don’t miss out on this action-packed episode loaded with insights and expert advice!

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Co-Hosts are Alicia Gilpin Director of Engineering at Process and Controls Engineering LLC, Nikki Gonzales Director of Business Development at Weintek USA, and Courtney Fernandez Robot Master at FAST One Solutions.
Follow us on Linkedin and YouTube for live videos, demos, and other content!
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for episode updates, job announcements, and more!
Get in touch with us at automationladies.io!
P.S. - Help our podcast grow with a 5-star podcast review if you love us!

Automation Ladies Teaser

Automation Ladies

09/19/22 • 7 min

A preview of the hot mess that is Nikki & Ali G of Automation Ladies.
Recorded in Nikki's pentagon-shaped closet which turns out to be a terrible place to record a podcast.
If you listen to this, bless you, and if you come back welcome to our tribe!

Thank you to all our supporters, especially our general sponsors Clarify and FactoryFix
Co-Hosts are Alicia Gilpin Director of Engineering at Process and Controls Engineering LLC, and Nikki Gonzales Head of Partnerships at Quotebeam
Follow us on Linkedin for live videos, demos, and other content
Music by Samuel Janes
Audio Editing by Laura Marsilio
Leave us an audio message or get in touch at automationladies.io

HR and People with Ann Wyatt

Automation Ladies

10/12/23 • 54 min

In this episode Nikki and Ali have a chat with Ann Wyatt the owner of Ann Wyatt Recruiting and the host of Workforce 4.0 a Linkedin Live show and podcast about the manufacturing workforce.
This episode is a little more "girl talk" style than our usual interviews since they are all pretty good friends now since meeting in person at Automate earlier this year and participating together in the infamous "Dino Run" through the show floor.
We cover Ann's recent visit to Seattle to work with Process and Controls Engineering LLC and Kids PLC Kits workshop at Clover Park Technical College. Hear her thoughts on the gum wall and shenanigans at the Space Needle with Ali, as well as more serious topics like her increasingly important role at PCE managing HR and all things people as they experience rapid growth in headcount.
Please note this episode contains some explicit language [E].

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AI, Tariffs, and Million-Dollar Mistakes in Automation—Live Insights With Frank Hurtte & Larry White

Automation Ladies

04/24/25 • 68 min

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.
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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, motion control, and cutting-edge automation tech all come together in one place. It's where innovation meets connection — with amazing companies, brilliant people, and non-stop inspiration.

Don’t miss it. We’ll be there... will you?

🔗 automateshow.com
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Will You Be Joining Us at OT SCADA CON This Year?

Grab your tickets today! 🔗 http://otscada.com
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👉 Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikki-gonzales /

👉Connect with Ali on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicia-gilpin-ali-g-process-controls-engineering/

👉 Connect with Courtney on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneydfernandez/

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The Automation Ladies Are Now Officially Part of Industry Sage Media!
About Industry Sage Media:

Industry Sage Media is your backstage pass to industry experts and the conversations that are shaping the future of the manufacturing industry.

🔗 Learn more at: http://www.industrysagemedia.com

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Mechatronics with Alma Fernandez

Automation Ladies

09/20/22 • 61 min

To begin our first season into automation, we speak with Alma Fernandez. Fernandez is a Mechatronics Engineer with experience in Fluid Power, Material Handling, and Automation. She speaks of her journey into the realm of all things automation.Audio recorded with Riverside.fm

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Predictive Maintenance and Industry Insights with Ryan Treece

Automation Ladies

04/10/25 • 49 min

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 biggest automation party of the year is back!
Join us at Automate, where the best in robotics, cobots, AI, machine vision, motion control, and cutting-edge automation tech all come together in one place. It's where innovation meets connection — with amazing companies, brilliant people, and non-stop inspiration.
Don’t miss it. We’ll be there... will you?
👉 automateshow.com
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Support the show

Embracing Diversity in Industrial Automation with Alex Marcy (LinkedIn LIVE)

Automation Ladies

03/30/23 • 58 min

Join us for a thoughtful and engaging conversation between Nikki and Alex Marcy, the CEO of Corso Systems, an Ignition Premier Integrator specializing in the seamless connection of SCADA, MES, PLCs, HMIs, and more (without getting caught up in the Industry4.0 buzz).

In this episode, Alex shares his experiences of starting his own business and the personal and professional growth that has shaped his understanding of the importance of diversity within his teams and the industry at large.

Nikki and Alex discuss the subtle art of crafting job descriptions and refining the hiring process to create a more inclusive environment, attracting a diverse pool of applicants. They also touch on creative ways to find underrepresented candidates and the emerging opportunities for flexible work in the fields of manufacturing and industrial automation.

You can find the full episode with video on our LinkedIn page.

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Building a Visionary Business in Automation with Erick Collins

Automation Ladies

09/19/24 • 39 min

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 automation.
Disclaimer: This episode was cut short due to an interrupted upload via Riverside.

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From Passion to Purpose, Navigating Through Career Changes & Growth w/Alex Pool

Automation Ladies

11/14/24 • 62 min

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 ever-evolving industry.
Huge thank you to Masked Owl Technologies for sponsoring this episode!

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Robot Royalty with Vanessa Loiola

Automation Ladies

06/13/24 • 61 min

In this season 3 finale, the Automation Ladies have a chat with Founder and CEO of Valoy Automation, Vanessa Loiola.
They discuss and emphasize the importance of training and troubleshooting skills for operators to reduce downtime and improve efficiency, proper programming and maintenance, and intuitive coding.

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FAQ

How many episodes does Automation Ladies have?

Automation Ladies currently has 99 episodes available.

What topics does Automation Ladies cover?

The podcast is about Podcasts and Technology.

What is the most popular episode on Automation Ladies?

The episode title 'Lighting that Fire with Maranda Mrdjenovich' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on Automation Ladies?

The average episode length on Automation Ladies is 52 minutes.

How often are episodes of Automation Ladies released?

Episodes of Automation Ladies are typically released every 7 days.

When was the first episode of Automation Ladies?

The first episode of Automation Ladies was released on Sep 19, 2022.

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Automation Ladies