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.

Insights on Effective Social Media in the Industrial Sector with Susan Wilson

Automation Ladies

10/03/24 • 23 min

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 with Susan to the early days of social media, revisiting platforms like MySpace, and explore how social media platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube are assisting to drive successful business results in the industrial automation industry!
Huge thank you to Inductive Automation for sponsoring this episode!

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Co-Hosts are Alicia Gilpin Director of Engineering at Process and Controls Engineering LLC, Nikki Gonzales Head of Partnerships at Quotebeam, 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!
Audio Editing by Laura Marsilio | Music by ...

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

Automation Ladies

08/20/24 • 25 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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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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Attending Industry Events Increases Professional Growth w/ Brandon Peters

Automation Ladies

10/24/24 • 23 min

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 engaging with your community, and how you are can build credibility within your professional network at industry related events.

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Essential Leadership Skills & Community w/Alicia Lomas

Automation Ladies

11/21/24 • 59 min

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 events such as OT SCADA CON, highlighting the vibrant, interconnected professional community.

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Becoming an SI with Brennen Dugger (LinkedIn Live)

Automation Ladies

02/16/23 • 61 min

In this episode, we catch up with Blue Collar Automation founder Brennen Dugger. We discuss his beginnings, his experience working at a pharma end user, OEM, a plant, and eventually how he came to create his own company. This was recorded as a LinkedIn live with Brennen on the road so we recommend you catch the replay on LI for the full experience.
See the full video on our LinkedIn page.
Check out Blue Collar Automation for systems integration needs from the design and build of electrical panels to robotic weld cell installations.
The sponsor for this episode is Quotebeam - if you can't find parts in stock check our marketplace and chat with our team for help sourcing those trouble BOM items that are holding you back from completing projects.

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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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Adaptability, AI, and Career Growth with Louis, Anja and Hannah

Automation Ladies

06/01/23 • 52 min

In this LinkedIn live panel discussion Nikki and Ali G speak with 3 Automotive Industry professionals. This includes Louis Khalayli (Sr. Mechatronics Consultant), Anja Wriedt (Senior Consultant at EPLAN), and Hannah Halcomb (Controls Engineer at GM).
The panel covers various topics such as robotics, programming, education, safety, and gender diversity in the automotive field. They also discuss AI and its various applications in the world. Each guest opens up about their own experiences and how they got involved in the industry.
Thank you to EPLAN for setting this panel up and sponsoring.
You can watch the full episode here.
If you missed the live part one you can check it out here.

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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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FAQ

How many episodes does Automation Ladies have?

Automation Ladies currently has 92 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