Automation Ladies

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, HMIs, 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! 

  1. Conveyor Cougar: Automate or Get Left Behind with Cathy Rinne

    3H AGO

    Conveyor Cougar: Automate or Get Left Behind with Cathy Rinne

    Season seven opens with a burst of grit and ingenuity as we sit down with Cathy “Conveyor Cougar” Rinne, president of FlexLine Automation. She’s built a 15-person, woman-owned integrator that moves fast, ships parts when it counts, and isn’t afraid to retool the playbook—from conveyors to robotics, from taping to a gluing-capable box erector, and from cold calls to a TikTok presence that actually drives qualified attention. We dig into what a president really does in a family business: setting direction, teaching the team to own outcomes, and letting go of “my way” so the next generation can lead. Kathy walks us through deploying AI where it matters—automating drawings, quoting, and repetitive engineering tasks—while managing ERP fatigue and bridging generational skepticism. Her take is grounded and sharp: if an automation company won’t automate itself, the market will notice. The conversation detours through farm country for a reason. Kathy’s lifelong ties to agriculture inform how she solves factory problems: use what you have, fix what breaks, and design for reality, not a brochure. We talk autosteer tractors, robotic milking, and why rural manufacturers are often overlooked despite carrying so much of our GDP. That’s why Kathy and her daughter host a free automation fair in southern Illinois, because you can’t Google what you don’t know, and engineers deserve to touch the tech before they buy. We also tackle a myth that won’t die: “go direct” is not always cheaper or faster. Custom reach studies, multi-size changeovers, and hybrid conveyor builds demand an integrator’s judgment, inventory, and speed. FlexLine keeps enough parts to turn around a hundred feet of conveyor in 24 hours, answers with a human, and has literally flown urgent orders. Pair that with smart, authentic social content that meets engineers on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok, and you get a modern path to trust. Person by person, plant by plant. If you care about real-world automation (AI that saves hours, robots that fit the job, and service that shows up) this conversation is for you. Subscribe, share with a teammate who needs a spark, and leave a quick review with your favorite takeaway so we can reach more builders like you. 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!

    1h 3m
  2. From Beer Bar to Buildathon: Margarita Rosenkrans’ Journey with Ignition

    08/14/2025

    From Beer Bar to Buildathon: Margarita Rosenkrans’ Journey with Ignition

    When a chance conversation at a beer bar introduced her to the word “SCADA,” Margarita Rosenkrans had no idea it would spark a career in industrial automation. In this episode, Courtney and Alicia chat with Margarita—Sales Engineer at Inductive Automation—about her path from graduating in the middle of a hiring freeze to thriving in both support and sales engineering roles. We cover her behind-the-scenes insights from OT SCADA CON, the culture and community at Inductive, favorite Ignition features, troubleshooting war stories, and even how she used Ignition’s Maker Edition to build her wedding website. Whether you’re an Ignition pro or just automation-curious, you’ll enjoy this mix of career lessons, tech talk, and personal stories. Thank you to Inductive Automation for sponsoring this Episode and the recent support of OT SCADA CON - where we were lucky enough to meet Maggie in person! Find out more about the Ignition Community Conference happening Sept 16 - 18 in Sacramento CA and get your tickets to Level Up! your SCADA game.  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!

    48 min
  3. From Tesla Batteries to Underground Tunnels with Riddhi Padariya

    07/17/2025

    From Tesla Batteries to Underground Tunnels with Riddhi Padariya

    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 passion for making automation more accessible, especially for the next generation of engineers. -------------------- This episode is brought to you by SPS Atlanta.  Smart Production Solutions is the world's premiere industrial automation trade show is coming to the US! Register today:  https://www.xpressreg.net/register/SPSA0925/landing.asp?sc&aban&hkey&iq&vip&tm --------------------- 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/ Connect with Riddhi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/riddhipadariya/ 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!

    1h 2m
  4. Machine Vision, Project Nightmares, and Automation Chaos with Kerry Pierce

    07/10/2025

    Machine Vision, Project Nightmares, and Automation Chaos with Kerry Pierce

    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 to the US! Register today:  https://www.xpressreg.net/register/SPSA0925/landing.asp?sc&aban&hkey&iq&vip&tm ---------- 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/ Connect with Kerry on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kspierce/ 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!

    1h 9m
  5. Building Business Skills as an Engineer with Brielle Reisman

    07/03/2025

    Building Business Skills as an Engineer with Brielle Reisman

    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/ 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/ Connect with Brielle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brielle-reisman/ 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!

    50 min
  6. AI in Industrial Automation - Insights with Ashlesha and Alex from Masked Owl Technologies

    06/26/2025

    AI in Industrial Automation - Insights with Ashlesha and Alex from Masked Owl Technologies

    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-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/ Connect with Ashlesha on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlesha-anil-chaudhari-7853169a/ Connect with Alex on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-kaderi-18338bb8/ Learn more about Masked Owl Technologies: https://www.maskedowltechnologies.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!

    1h 2m
  7. Automating the Farm - The Future of Agtech with Katie Bradford

    06/19/2025

    Automating the Farm - The Future of Agtech with Katie Bradford

    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 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/  Connect with Katie on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradford-katie/  ————- 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!

    1h 1m
  8. Lyme Disease, Tick Survival Myths, and Protecting Your Family with Tick Expert Emily Merritt

    06/12/2025

    Lyme Disease, Tick Survival Myths, and Protecting Your Family with Tick Expert Emily Merritt

    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-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/ Connect with Emily on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilymerritt-clearlead-marketing/ ————- 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 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!

    1h 10m
See All (109)

4.2
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

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, HMIs, 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! 

Information

  • Creator
    Automation Ladies
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    109
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Automation Ladies
  • Show Website
    Automation Ladies