Automation Ladies

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 at OT SCADA CON This Year?Grab your tickets today! 🔗 http://otscada.com👉 Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikki-gonzales[/](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/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.comSupport the show__________________________________________________________________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!

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 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.comWill You Be Joining Us at OT SCADA CON This Year?Grab your tickets today! 🔗 http://otscada.com👉 Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikki-gonzales[/](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/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.comSupport the show__________________________________________________________________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!

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 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.comWill You Be Joining Us at OT SCADA CON This Year?Grab your tickets today! 🔗 http://otscada.com👉 Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikki-gonzales[/](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/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.comSupport the show__________________________________________________________________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!

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, 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----------------- Will You Be Joining Us at OT SCADA CON This Year?Grab your tickets today! 🔗 http://otscada.com-----------------👉 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/----------------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.comSupport the show__________________________________________________________________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!

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 behind-the-scenes moments, the buzz of in-person events, personal stories of resilience, and genuine friendship—all set against the backdrop of the ever-changing automation and manufacturing industry.If you’re looking for honest discussion, inspiration, and a front-row seat to the community that fuels the show, this episode brings it all together.——————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----------------- Will You Be Joining Us at OT SCADA CON This Year?Grab your tickets today! 🔗 http://otscada.com-----------------👉 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/----------------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.comSupport the show__________________________________________________________________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!

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________________________________________Support the show__________________________________________________________________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!

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 6 (and how we pick our guests)•LinkedIn Live demos, including today’s flexible feeding system live stream with Asyril•Where to meet us IRL this spring and summer•Why OT SCADA CON might be the most fun automation event of the yearWhether you’re a longtime listener or new to the show — welcome. We’re so glad you’re here.🗓️ New episodes drop weekly this season — now available in full video on YouTube!Support the show__________________________________________________________________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!

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 flexibility and hardware independence redefine possibilities. Experience their inspiring narratives and an interactive demo of EcoStruxure, an IoT-enabled, plug-and-play, open, interoperable architecture and platform designed for use in homes, buildings, data centers, infrastructure and industries! Thank you to Schneider Electric for demoing this cool product and sponsoring the episode!Support the show__________________________________________________________________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!

 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 potential of technology in today’s rapidly changing world. Support the show__________________________________________________________________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!

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 episode!Support the show__________________________________________________________________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!