Shows
Automation LadiesMastering Trade Show Success with Joe Campbell & Jennifer MassWhat’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...2025-05-081h 09
The IT/OT Insider Podcast - Pioneers & PathfindersThe power of Industry 3.0 with Nikki GonzalesToday, we have the pleasure of speaking with Nikki Gonzales, Director of Business Development at Weintek USA, co-founder of the Automation Ladies podcast, and co-organizer of OT SCADA CON—a conference focused on the gritty, real-world challenges of industrial automation.Unlike many of our guests who often come from cloud-first, data-driven digitalization backgrounds, Nikki brings a refreshing and much-needed OT floor-level perspective. Her world is HMI screens, SCADA systems, manufacturers, machine builders, and the hard truths about where industry transformation actually stands today.What’s an HMI and Why Does It Matter?In Nikk...2025-05-0638 min
Automation LadiesBuilding Kansas City’s Go-To Controls Team with Caitlyn YoungWhat 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...2025-05-011h 00
Automation LadiesAI, Tariffs, and Million-Dollar Mistakes in Automation—Live Insights With Frank Hurtte & Larry WhiteCurious 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...2025-04-241h 08
Automation LadiesMajor Life Updates, Texas Moves, and Big Community NewsThe 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 th...2025-04-1754 min
Automation LadiesCatch up with Nikki - What's Coming in Season 6We’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 gue...2025-04-0328 min
HIRED! The Podcast With Travis MillerThis Is Automation, Rebuilt (Ft. Nikki Gonzales) | Ep. #55The automation industry isn’t just changing—it’s being rebuilt by the people who refuse to wait for permission. On this episode of HIRED! The Podcast, host Travis Miller sits down with Nikki Gonzales, a leader reshaping the field by showing up, speaking out, and creating the kind of industry she wants to work in.Recently hired as Director of Business Development at Weintek USA, Nikki brings years of industry insight, a passion for making automation more accessible, and a proven track record of building real community—from launching the podcast Automation Ladies to co-founding the grassroo...2025-03-2644 min
Elevate Your EventStaffing Smarter: How Freelance Talent is Elevating Events with Tracy Judge & Nikki Gonzales, SoundingsIn this episode of Elevate Your Event, we welcome Tracy Judge and Nikki Gonzales from Soundings to explore the evolving world of event staffing and management. They discuss how skilled freelance talent can enhance fundraising events, the importance of aligning the right people with the right roles, and how personality impacts guest experiences. The conversation also highlights the use of CliftonStrengths for strategic staffing and the hidden costs of under-qualified personnel.Nikki and Tracy also dive into the changing expectations of Gen Z attendees, the growing role of technology in events, and the need for inclusivity...2025-02-121h 00
Industrial Souls with John JoyceNikki Gonzales from QuotebeamAutomation expert, empowering leader, passionate connector... Meet Nikki Gonzales!
Tune in to discover Nikki's insights on industrial automation, tech entrepreneurship, and women in STEM. We'll explore her journey from machine vision to e-commerce and learn what drives her passion for connecting people.
INDUSTRIAL SOULS: The People Behind the Machinery
Featuring guest Nikki Gonzales from Quotebeam
#IndustrialSouls
#IndustrialMarketing
#FractionalCMO
#MrJJ
2024-10-0746 min
PCMA Convene PodcastJen Vaseleck and Nikki Gonzales on Bridging Generations in Events: Strategies for Fostering Collaboration (Summer Replay)This is a replay of episode 1 from season 2, hosted by Magdalina Atanassova, Convene’s digital media editor, recorded at Convening Leaders 2024 in San Diego and dedicated to PCMA’s 20 in Twenties program.Guest Information:· Jen VaseleckJen Vaseleck is an Operations Manager for the Event Management Team at Maritz. Jen's passion for creating memorable experiences for others and providing exceptional service has guided her throughout her career. · Nikki GonzalesNikki Gonzales is the Chief of Staff at Soundings. Just as she has been championed by...2024-09-0526 min
Automation LadiesExploring Festo's Innovations with Sandro at Festo & Lucas at HARTING (Automate 2024)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....2024-08-2023 min
Automation LadiesTrends that are Reshaping Manufacturing Automation with Luis at Siemens & Ed at HARTING (Automate 2024)In this second "minisode" from the floor of Automate 2024, Nikki and Ali sit down with Ed Garstkiewicz, Senior Industry Segment Manager at HARTING, and Luis Narvaez, Automation & Marketing Specialist at Siemens.We unpack the modernization trends reshaping the landscape of PLCs, automation, and manufacturing — the move to decentralized automation, the rise of modular connectors, the shift to virtual PLCs and digital twins, and hardware-agnostic solutions!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 Co...2024-08-1515 min
Automation LadiesFlexible Navigation with Srna at OTTO and Ed from HARTING (Automate 2024)In this first "minisode" from Automate, Nikki and Ali sit down with Srna Okukua, Head of Marketing at OTTO by Rockwell Automation, and Edmund Garstkiewicz, Senior Industry Segment Manager at HARTING. We'll explore how AMRs are making waves in industries ranging from automotive to consumer goods, offering unparalleled flexibility and efficiency over older AGV systems. Srna shares insights on the evolution of AMRs, capable of handling payloads from 300 to 4,000 pounds, and the significant ROI they bring to manufacturers.But that's not all! Venture into the vibrant world of trade show robotics, where we reveal how cr...2024-08-0827 min
Workforce 4.0A Founder's Guide To Hiring An A-Team (with Roman Piszcz and Nikki Gonzales, Quotebeam) From building machines to building Apple iPhones, Roman Piszcz (Founder of Quotebeam) has a lot of experience in creating products and helping businesses find real solutions. It was from his personal passion for creating a better way for companies to purchase products. This week on Workforce 4.0, host Ann Wyatt sits down with Roman and Nikki Gonzales to discuss in more detail about his passion for entrepreneurship, what it means to hire "intraprenuers" and how start up companies can leverage the interviewing process to identify and hire leading talent. Roman and Nikki also share their unique perspectives on the benefits...2024-06-261h 02Automation LadiesA Data Driven World with Phil SeboaIn this week's episode, Nikki and Ali chat with Technical Sales Executive at Inductive Automation, Phil Seboa.They discuss the importance of IT and OT, his journey from electrician into the IT-centric world of automation, the impact of Ignition software, and some tips for content creation.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, d...2024-06-061h 11Automation LadiesAddressing Outdated Cultures with Valentina WolfeIn this pre-recorded episode, Nikki chats with Valentina Wolfe, a student at Brooklyn Technical High School.Valentina is an executive for her school's FIRST Robotics Team. They discuss the team and competitions, the challenges of funding, outdated workplace cultures, and the importance of promoting diversity and inclusion in STEM.Support the Show.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 contentMusic by Samuel Janes2024-05-3047 minAutomation LadiesElevating Industrial Automation (AHTD Spring Meeting Live Recap)In a previous Linkedin Live, Nikki and Ali recap the AHTD Spring Meeting with founder of QuoteBeam, Roman Piszcz. They discuss the importance of the Association for High Technology Distribution (AHTD) and encourage others in the industry to join. They also touch on the need for dynamic websites that provide relevant content and build credibility, the challenges of recruitment and retention, and the role of AI in customer interactions.Support the show__________________________________________________________________Co-Hosts are Alicia Gilpin Director of Engineering at Process and Controls Engineering LLC, Nikki Gonzales Director of Business Development at...2024-05-2342 minAutomation LadiesInnovation, Networking, and Giving Back with Preston Hadley (Linkedin Live)In this Linkedin Live, Nikki along with a pop up from Ali, interview Preston Hadley, President and Founder of Envision Automation & Controls. Preston starts with his introduction to automation with working in a family business, and continues into the challenges and benefits of going to networking events and the authenticity of marketing.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 L...2024-05-0955 minAutomation LadiesConnecting the Future with Ed Garstkiewicz and Goda InokaityteIn this special episode, Nikki and Ali speak with Ed Garstkiewicz (Business Development Manager) and Goda Inokaityte (Product Manager) at HARTING. They talk about the challenges of selecting and designing connectors, the benefits of using connectors in machinery and automation systems, and the innovations in connector technology, including modular connectors and single-pair Ethernet.Thank you to HARTING 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...2024-05-0254 minAutomation LadiesThe State of Smart Manufacturing with Andy Stump and Vitória Régia Oliveira (Linkedin Live)In this previous Linkedin Live episode, Nikki catches up with Andy Stump (Director of Business Development at Rockwell Automation), and Vitória Régia Oliveira (Lead in Maintenance, Facilities, and Project Engineering at Magna International).They discuss the current state of smart manufacturing, the challenges of integrating technology, and the importance of cybersecurity.Check out Vitória in a previous episode to learn her amazing journey.Support the show__________________________________________________________________Co-Hosts are Alicia Gilpin Director of Engineering at Process and Controls Engineering LLC, Nikki Gonzales Director of Business Development at Wei...2024-04-251h 04Automation LadiesThe Importance of Patience with Dale Parker (Linkedin Live)Nikki and Ali had the chance to speak to Dale Parker, Design Engineering Manager at Keystone Gas Services.Dale talks about his interest in getting UL 508A certification, sharing knowledge and mentoring the next generation of automation, as well as, some new exciting updates about Keystone's future.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...2024-04-1858 min
Automation LadiesExploring Neurodiversity with Jason Bean (Linkedin Live)In this previous , Nikki and Ali talk to Jason Bean, founder of M-Path Consulting and IIoT Market Specialist at Pepperl+Fuchs Group.Jason discusses working in various industries, his own experience with being neurodivergent, and the stigma behind individuals who fall under that.Learn more about Harnessing Neurodiversity for Organizational Excellence at https://www.manufacturingpath.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...2024-04-111h 06
Manufacturing Happy Hour179: The Power of Personal Branding and Building Trust With Your Ideal Customers Featuring Nikki GonzalesDoes personal branding have a place in the manufacturing space? It might be something you associate more with marketing or creative industries, but this week’s guest has seen her personal branding efforts open doors to new and exciting opportunities. Nikki Gonzales, the Head of Partnerships at Quotebeam and Co-Host of the Automation Ladies podcast (amongst many other projects) joins this episode to talk about personal branding and the importance of trust. Trust is a key theme in this episode, and personal branding can go a long way in building it within your network. But it also co...2024-04-0259 minAutomation LadiesUniting Expertise with Sarah and Jessica at BBP (Linkedin Live)This week Nikki and Ali speak with Sarah Sonnier, Data Scientist and Jessica Williams, Controls Engineer at BBP. They discuss the challenges of integrating IT and OT, AI's usefulness in tasks like programming (with some human intervention), and the story of the dynamic duo's origins.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, an...2024-03-2854 minAutomation LadiesInsights into Machine Vision with Yamini VattipalliIn this episode, Nikki interviews Yamini Vattipalli, Director of Operations at Easy Automation Systems. Yamini shares her journey from being an image processing engineer to her current role. They discuss the challenges and importance of vision applications, the transition to system integration, and the role of AI in machine vision. 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 You...2024-03-211h 03Automation LadiesA Rollercoaster of Automation with Linda Freeman (Linkedin Live)Nikki and Ali G sat live with Linda Freeman, an Industry Manager and longtime employee at Rockwell Automation. They look at the importance of functional safety and cybersecurity skills in the industry, the need for continuous learning, and using traditional gender roles to one's advantage.Check out the original live episode here.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 u...2024-03-141h 02Automation LadiesNavigating Career Transitions with Dyci SfregolaThis week, Nikki gets a one on one interview with Startup Mentor, Dyci Sfregola. Nikki and Dyci discuss mentorship, starting her own venture, supply chain management, and her brand new book.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 m...2024-03-071h 02
PCMA Convene PodcastConvene Series: ‘Give a little more grace to those incoming graduates.’This season, hosted by Magdalina Atanassova, Convene’s digital media editor, was recorded at Convening Leaders 2024 in San Diego and dedicated to PCMA’s 20 in Twenties program. Guest Information: · Jen VaseleckJen Vaseleck is an Operations Manager for the Event Management Team at Maritz. Jen's passion for creating memorable experiences for others and providing exceptional service has guided her throughout her career. · Nikki GonzalesNikki Gonzales is the Chief of Staff at Soundings. Just as she has been championed by her mentors and leaders, she strives to develop opportuniti...2024-03-0726 min
Prime Time with Alex SteinEp 159 | Super Tuesday with Lara Trump: 'Why Nikki Haley Is Still Running Her POINTLESS Campaign'In this Super Tuesday special edition of "Prime Time with Alex Stein," Alex welcomes the lovely and beautiful Lara Trump in-studio! We start the show discussing why Nikki Haley is addicted to losing and whether she is being paid to run her failed campaign. Following, we get a surprise call from Lara Trump’s father-in-law; that’s right, DONALD TRUMP calls Alex live to warn Alex to be respectful to his daughter-in-law (some might say the caller was actually Trump impersonator Shawn Farash, but we’ll let you decide). After this, we discuss the infamous Trump shoes, and Lara confes...2024-03-061h 05
PCMA Convene PodcastMOMENTS: ‘Give a little more grace to those incoming graduates.’This season, hosted by Magdalina Atanassova, Convene’s digital media editor, was recorded at Convening Leaders 2024 in San Diego and dedicated to PCMA’s 20 in Twenties program. Guest Information: · Jen VaseleckJen Vaseleck is an Operations Manager for the Event Management Team at Maritz. Jen's passion for creating memorable experiences for others and providing exceptional service has guided her throughout her career. · Nikki GonzalesNikki Gonzales is the Chief of Staff at Soundings. Just as she has been championed by her mentors and leaders, she st...2024-03-0502 minAutomation LadiesLeveraging Strengths with Kortni Pendon (LinkedIn Live)In this LinkedIn Live, Nikki and Ali G (and a little bit of Courtney) speak with student PCE employee Kortni Pendon.Kortni began her journey into automation thanks to her dad and time in the Navy. She discusses her military experience and the soft skills she developed, the importance of playing into your strengths and working on your weaknesses, as well as, how being a mom has helped her in the technical world. Support the show__________________________________________________________________Co-Hosts are Alicia Gilpin Director of Engineering at Process and Controls Engineering LLC, Nikki Gonzales D...2024-02-291h 00
Sara Gonzales UnfilteredTrump OWNS Nikki Haley in SC & Gavin Newsom DEFENDS California’s Late-Term ABORTIONS! | 2/26/24Sara Gonzales unloads on the Associated Press' abhorrent, whitewashed reporting of Laken Riley's murder allegedly by an illegal immigrant and juxtaposes it with the gushing coverage of the drug overdose death of convicted criminal George Floyd. Donald Trump wins the South Carolina GOP primary handily, but Nikki Haley's refusing to call it quits. And California Democrat hopeful Governor Gavin Newsom refuses to answer any questions about aspirations for the White House but doubles down on late-term abortion, citing the Constitution. Ronna McDaniel is out, and Washington Post hack Taylor Lorenz can't decide if gay pornographic drawings are appropriate for...2024-02-2650 minAutomation LadiesSTEAMing Ahead with Chioma AsoThis week Nikki speaks with Chioma Aso, Founder of STEAMDivas Inc. and longtime engineer. The importance of art and creativity in engineering isn't the only conversation they have. Nikki and Chioma both open up about imposter syndrome, emotions, and finding yourself within the workspace.Interested in Chioma's book? Check it out here.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. 2024-02-221h 15Prime Time with Alex SteinEp 153 | Alex Stein Addresses FALLOUT from Nikki Haley EventUH-OH. Alex got in a TON of trouble this weekend — and deservedly so. In this episode of "Prime Time with Alex Stein," Alex addresses the clip of him yelling at a Nikki Haley staffer that went viral for all the wrong reasons. Due to Alex’s offensive behavior, we put him through sensitivity training live on air. Joining us in the studio is LaRon “HalfPintFilmz” Perkins, a local filmmaker who hosts rap shows and boasts a wildly successful YouTube channel. He gives his thoughts on Alex’s rapping abilities and helps Alex navigate being canceled by Nikki Haley supporters. Finally, w...2024-02-211h 04
OEMs: Blockers and BreakthroughsOutdated Tech damages your bottom line, OEMs!In this episode, we delve into the world of manufacturing aftersales, exposing the detrimental impact of outdated technologies and processes on OEMs' growth. We welcome two new guests to the show from Quotebeam: CEO Roman Piszcz and Head of Partnerships, Nikki Gonzales.Join them as they unravel the challenges and present groundbreaking solutions in automation, automotive, machinery, and more.Mentioned in this episode:To listen to Nikki and Ali's podcast, Automation Ladies - head to automationladies.ioSave time searching for competitively priced automation parts. Search, find, and get the parts y...2024-02-091h 21Automation LadiesCatching Up with Morgan Wilson (Linkedin Live)Nikki, Ali G, and guest host Courtney catch up live with Morgan Wilson, Partner Success Manager at SVT Robotics.Last time Ali G and Courtney spoke to Morgan live about her experiences at SVT Robotics and her outreach with customers. They talk SVT's work with diverse technologies and custom systems, potential application of certain automation, and the evolving landscape that is automation. 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 Fer...2024-02-0856 minAutomation LadiesFrom the Sea with Krystle PonceWhile Nikki is away, Ali G takes on her own solo interview with guest Krystle Ponce, Senior Data Analyst at TREW. Krystle started her journey into automation as an aviation electrician in the Navy. She talks about her journey from the sea to the land, the importance of learning through mistakes, and the importance of confidence in the work place.Interested in the TED talk mentioned? Take a look here.Support the show__________________________________________________________________Co-Hosts are Alicia Gilpin Director of Engineering at Process and Controls Engineering LLC, Nikki Gonzales Director...2024-02-0152 min
The Rubin ReportBiden Won't Like What Texas Gov. Just Said on Fox News | Michael Malice & Sara GonzalesDave Rubin of “The Rubin Report” to Michael Malice and Sara Gonzales about Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) telling Fox News’ Dana Perino why he isn’t backing down from installing razor wire along the southern border to deal with the border crisis; White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre talking about federalizing the Texas National Guard to stop Gov. Abbott; MSNBC’s Joy Reid explaining why it’s obvious to anyone paying attention how the election of Donald Trump will lead to fascism; Democrat Dean Phillips telling CNN why Democrats are delusional and what he learned from talking to people at a...2024-01-2646 minAutomation LadiesThe Crystal Ball on AI with Juan Aparicio Ojea (Linkedin Live)Starting the Linkedin Lives up for the 2024 season, Nikki, Ali G, and guest host Courtney talk with robotics and AI expert, Juan Aparicio Ojea.Juan is the co-founder of a start up and spent many years working with robotics. They discuss how AI can be brought more into robotics, the lack in current AI technology when it comes to automating certain jobs, and a look into the future of technology.Support the show__________________________________________________________________Co-Hosts are Alicia Gilpin Director of Engineering at Process and Controls Engineering LLC, Nikki Gonzales Director of Business...2024-01-261h 03
Automation LadiesA3 Business Forum with Cathy and LaurenThis week's episode is a little different since Nikki was at an industry event: the A3 Business Forum hosted by the Association for Advancing Automation in Orlando Florida. She thought she found a quiet corner to have a conversation with Cathy Rinne (the infamous Conveyor Cougar on TikTok) and Lauren Van De Mark - President and Sales and Marketing Manager respectively at Flex-Line Automation We apologize for the audio quality and noise in this one, turns out the spot was quiet for a while until a large crowd walked by for a bit around the m...2024-01-1941 min
Automation LadiesAutomating Australia with Jasmine Quick (Linkedin Live)Continuing Season 3: Nikki and Ali G (along with a guest appearance from Courtney) take time to speak with Jasmine Quick, an Industrial Automation Engineer at GPS Electrical Services in Melbourne.Sometimes working long shifts, Jasmine is no stranger to the engineer lifestyle. She talks about going through school in Australia, VM's, converting whole sites to new programs, and software.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...2024-01-1154 min
Manufacturing Culture PodcastDiversity, Automation, and the Power of Connections: A Chat with Nikki GonzalesSummary
In this episode, Nikki Gonzales shares her journey in the manufacturing industry and her transition to startup culture. She discusses the challenges and changes in the industry, particularly in relation to the role of women. Nikki also talks about the factors influencing the increase of women in manufacturing and the importance of diversity and inclusion. She shares her experience using LinkedIn for personal branding and building relationships in the industry. In this conversation, Nikki Gonzales discusses the challenges women face in the industry, her role at QuoteBeam, and how the platform can affect company culture. She emphasizes the importance...2024-01-111h 22
Automation LadiesFrom Electrician to Entrepreneur with Naomi PittmanNaomi Pittman began her career in IT but found herself looking for more. Now Naomi is a master electrician and the owner of ElekProTek, an electrical & controls contractor with presence in 6 states! Nikki & Naomi talk about her journey, entrepreneur stuff like building a website and growing a client base, and the apprenticeship model that allows skilled tradespeople with the drive to succeed to become masters of their craft. Support the show__________________________________________________________________Co-Hosts are Alicia Gilpin Director of Engineering at Process and Controls Engineering LLC, Nikki Gonzales Director of...2023-12-2056 min
Automation LadiesEPLAN with Özlem Biber (Live At Rockwell Automation Fair 2023)Nikki and Ali G had the opportunity to interview Özlem Biber with EPLAN at Rockwell Automation Fair in Boston last month. She is an Account Manager in the Chicago area and she called on Ali years ago when she was working at Probat so it was a fun reunion. We promise we did not mean to talk about EPLAN so much but we can't be too surprised the conversation kept coming back to it considering Özlem has spent almost 23 years with the company and is really passionate about what she does!Massive shout ou...2023-12-1341 minAutomation LadiesForging with Chelsea LanttoNikki speaks with Chelsea Lantto, president of Trenton Forging Company, a forging company that delivers high-quality forged steel components.Although not new to forging, as a second-generation leader of the company, Chelsea shares the history of Trenton Forging and how it's become a family operated business. The company strives to complete their long-term plan of gradual automation to replace outdated technology while also prioritizing the well-being of their workforce. They talk about the company's growth, the decision to invest in automation, competition in the market, and the need to always look to the future to c...2023-12-0850 min
Automation LadiesAI in Manufacturing with Priyansha Bagaria (LinkedIn Live)Nikki talks to Priyansha Bagaria, Founder & CEO of Loopr AI a computer vision company solving the complex challenges traditional vision inspection still can't solve. She started working in her family's manufacturing plant at a young age and saw what good employment opportunities in manufacturing can do for a community, but also the challenges that can come with trying to automate a process that may not be 100% automatable or just too expensive for a small to mid size manufacturer to undertake. They talk vision, quality control, and how the new world of AI and remote work ca...2023-11-2457 min
Stu Does AmericaEp 811 | The Real Reason Behind Osama bin Laden’s TikTok Resurgence EXPOSED | Guests: Sara Gonzales & Stephen KentStu Burguiere breaks down the wild new TikTok fad that has influencers sharing portions of a 2002 Osama bin Laden letter with reverence. How could so many people fall for this amount of stupidity this quickly? Then, BlazeTV’s Sara Gonzales joins to sort through the newly released numbers showing the true impact of the pandemic on our education system. And the Consumer Choice Center’s Stephen Kent joins to explain why Nikki Haley’s comments on free speech and social media miss the mark.TODAY’S SPONSORS FACTOR MEAL DELIVERYHead...2023-11-1746 min
Automation LadiesA Journey of Empowerment with Elisa OchoaThis week, Nikki and Ali G speak with Elisa Ochoa, Client Advisor at Skellig Automation. They met Elisa at the Inductive Automation Ignition Community Conference in Folsom recently and had to have her on the show to learn more. Elisa moved to LA from Mexico for college and became a DeltaV engineer who recently made the move into a client advisory (ghasp sales) role at a systems integrator! They talk of the importance of finding the right fit for a solution, the negative perception of sales, and Elisa's own journey with podcasting. Check...2023-11-161h 04Automation LadiesCan AI Help Engineers Market? (Linkedin Live)In this live episode, Nikki and Ali G spoke with David Garcia and Nathan Schaffer, creators of MarketMate AI, a software built for industrial companies to help them scale their marketing efforts. We wanted to know does this work for a company like Process and Controls Engineering LLC a systems integration firm run by an engineer, and if so, how? Want to see the demo? Check out the live episode on our page.Support the show__________________________________________________________________Co-Hosts are Alicia Gilpin Director of Engineering at Process and Controls E...2023-10-2725 min
Automation LadiesEvents and Digital Marketing with Sarah LarsonIn this episode Nikki sits down, in person, with Sarah Larson - Digital Business Manager at ePLAN. Spending most of her career at Rockwell Automation, initially in technical support but then growing into both sales and marketing roles, she is one of our favorite people in *gasp* marketing. Hear the story of how her mom had to lobby to get her into shop class, what she thinks about the state of the customer journey in our industry, and where to find her at Automation Fair! Support the show__________________________________________________________________Co-Hosts are...2023-10-1922 min
Automation LadiesHR and People with Ann WyattIn 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...2023-10-1254 min
Automation LadiesMastering Industrial Automation with Lynn McMahonNikki and Ali talk with Lynn McMahon founder & Engineer at Monona Instrumentation & Controls. After spending nearly a decade writing software for machines in the Aerospace and Pharmaceutical industries, Lynn branched out and started her own consulting firm.The ladies talk industry, entrepreneurship, professional certifications and how to balance it all. 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 Li...2023-10-051h 00