Automation Ladies

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.

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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/

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

_________________________________________________________________

🎙 About Automation Ladies

Automation Ladies is an industrial automation podcast spotlighting the engineers, integrators, innovators, and leaders shaping the future of manufacturing.

__________________________________________________________________

🎤 Want to be a guest on the show?
https://www.automationladies.io/guests/intake/

__________________________________________________________________

👩‍🏭 Connect with the Hosts

Nikki Gonzales

Courtney Fernandez

Ali G

__________________________________________________________________

🎟 The Automation Ladies Community Conference: https://otscada.com

Learn more about the hosts’ industrial automation conference OT SCADA CON attended by 100+ automation professionals, engineers, integrators, and technology leaders for hands-on learning, real-world case studies, and meaningful industry connections.

🎬 Credits

Produced by: Veronica Espinoza
Music by: Sam Janes

P.S. - Help our podcast grow with ...

This week Nikki sits down with Brit Bartolini, Enterprise Account Director at MaintainX, for a conversation on digital transformation in manufacturing, the future of maintenance, and attracting new generations to STEM careers.

Hear how real-world manufacturing pain points, a love of gadgets, and a dash of maker-spirit are turning maintenance work into a high-tech, high-satisfaction career while solving problems most execs don’t even know exist.

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 Brit on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brit-bartolini/

————-

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

_________________________________________________________________

🎙 About Automation Ladies

Automation Ladies is an industrial automation podcast spotlighting the engineers, integrators, innovators, and leaders shaping the future of manufacturing.

__________________________________________________________________

🎤 Want to be a guest on the show?
https://www.automationladies.io/guests/intake/

__________________________________________________________________

👩‍🏭 Connect with the Hosts

Nikki Gonzales

Courtney Fernandez

Ali G

__________________________________________________________________

🎟 The Automation Ladies Community Conference: https://otscada.com

Learn more about the hosts’ industrial automation conference OT SCADA CON attended by 100+ automation professionals, engineers, integrators, and technology leaders for hands-on learning, real-world case studies, and meaningful industry connections.

🎬 Credits

Produced by: Veronica Espinoza
Music by: Sam Janes

P.S. - Help our podcast grow with ...

Frustrated by the skills gap in automation? There’s a new approach in town.

Join Nikki Gonzales as she sits down with Paul Godines from Logix Trainers to talk real solutions for bridging the entry-level technician divide.

On this episode of Automation Ladies, you’ll get the inside story on why simulation training matters, what makes tenacity essential in controls, and how industry standard models like ISA-95 can map a better path for the future.

Resources Mentioned in Episode:

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/demystifying-gcc-how-global-common-controls-fit-broader-paul-godines-3lbrc/?trackingId=sO4KykPvRcSmpdpP8LLGnQ%3D%3D

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/

Connect with Paul on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-godines/

--------

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

Support the show

Support the show

_________________________________________________________________

🎙 About Automation Ladies

Automation Ladies is an industrial automation podcast spotlighting the engineers, integrators, innovators, and leaders shaping the future of manufacturing.

__________________________________________________________________

🎤 Want to be a guest on the show?
https://www.automationladies.io/guests/intake/

__________________________________________________________________

👩‍🏭 Connect with the Hosts

Nikki Gonzales

Courtney Fernandez

Ali G

__________________________________________________________________

🎟 The Automation Ladies Community Conference: https://otscada.com

Learn more about the hosts’ industrial automation conference OT SCADA CON attended by 100+ automation professionals, engineers, integrators, and technology leaders for hands-on learning, real-world case studies, and meaningful industry connections.

🎬 Credits

Produced by: Veronica Espinoza
Music by: Sam Janes

P.S. - Help our podcast grow with ...

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.com

Support the show

_________________________________________________________________

🎙 About Automation Ladies

Automation Ladies is an industrial automation podcast spotlighting the engineers, integrators, innovators, and leaders shaping the future of manufacturing.

__________________________________________________________________

🎤 Want to be a guest on the show?
https://www.automationladies.io/guests/intake/

__________________________________________________________________

👩‍🏭 Connect with the Hosts

Nikki Gonzales

Courtney Fernandez

Ali G

__________________________________________________________________

🎟 The Automation Ladies Community Conference: https://otscada.com

Learn more about the hosts’ industrial automation conference OT SCADA CON attended by 100+ automation professionals, engineers, integrators, and technology leaders for hands-on learning, real-world case studies, and meaningful industry connections.

🎬 Credits

Produced by: Veronica Espinoza
Music by: Sam Janes

P.S. - Help our podcast grow with ...

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.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[/](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.com

Support the show

_________________________________________________________________

🎙 About Automation Ladies

Automation Ladies is an industrial automation podcast spotlighting the engineers, integrators, innovators, and leaders shaping the future of manufacturing.

__________________________________________________________________

🎤 Want to be a guest on the show?
https://www.automationladies.io/guests/intake/

__________________________________________________________________

👩‍🏭 Connect with the Hosts

Nikki Gonzales

Courtney Fernandez

Ali G

__________________________________________________________________

🎟 The Automation Ladies Community Conference: https://otscada.com

Learn more about the hosts’ industrial automation conference OT SCADA CON attended by 100+ automation professionals, engineers, integrators, and technology leaders for hands-on learning, real-world case studies, and meaningful industry connections.

🎬 Credits

Produced by: Veronica Espinoza
Music by: Sam Janes

P.S. - Help our podcast grow with ...

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.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[/](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.com

Support the show

_________________________________________________________________

🎙 About Automation Ladies

Automation Ladies is an industrial automation podcast spotlighting the engineers, integrators, innovators, and leaders shaping the future of manufacturing.

__________________________________________________________________

🎤 Want to be a guest on the show?
https://www.automationladies.io/guests/intake/

__________________________________________________________________

👩‍🏭 Connect with the Hosts

Nikki Gonzales

Courtney Fernandez

Ali G

__________________________________________________________________

🎟 The Automation Ladies Community Conference: https://otscada.com

Learn more about the hosts’ industrial automation conference OT SCADA CON attended by 100+ automation professionals, engineers, integrators, and technology leaders for hands-on learning, real-world case studies, and meaningful industry connections.

🎬 Credits

Produced by: Veronica Espinoza
Music by: Sam Janes

P.S. - Help our podcast grow with ...

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.com

Support the show

_________________________________________________________________

🎙 About Automation Ladies

Automation Ladies is an industrial automation podcast spotlighting the engineers, integrators, innovators, and leaders shaping the future of manufacturing.

__________________________________________________________________

🎤 Want to be a guest on the show?
https://www.automationladies.io/guests/intake/

__________________________________________________________________

👩‍🏭 Connect with the Hosts

Nikki Gonzales

Courtney Fernandez

Ali G

__________________________________________________________________

🎟 The Automation Ladies Community Conference: https://otscada.com

Learn more about the hosts’ industrial automation conference OT SCADA CON attended by 100+ automation professionals, engineers, integrators, and technology leaders for hands-on learning, real-world case studies, and meaningful industry connections.

🎬 Credits

Produced by: Veronica Espinoza
Music by: Sam Janes

P.S. - Help our podcast grow with ...

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.com

Support the show

_________________________________________________________________

🎙 About Automation Ladies

Automation Ladies is an industrial automation podcast spotlighting the engineers, integrators, innovators, and leaders shaping the future of manufacturing.

__________________________________________________________________

🎤 Want to be a guest on the show?
https://www.automationladies.io/guests/intake/

__________________________________________________________________

👩‍🏭 Connect with the Hosts

Nikki Gonzales

Courtney Fernandez

Ali G

__________________________________________________________________

🎟 The Automation Ladies Community Conference: https://otscada.com

Learn more about the hosts’ industrial automation conference OT SCADA CON attended by 100+ automation professionals, engineers, integrators, and technology leaders for hands-on learning, real-world case studies, and meaningful industry connections.

🎬 Credits

Produced by: Veronica Espinoza
Music by: Sam Janes

P.S. - Help our podcast grow with ...

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

_________________________________________________________________

🎙 About Automation Ladies

Automation Ladies is an industrial automation podcast spotlighting the engineers, integrators, innovators, and leaders shaping the future of manufacturing.

__________________________________________________________________

🎤 Want to be a guest on the show?
https://www.automationladies.io/guests/intake/

__________________________________________________________________

👩‍🏭 Connect with the Hosts

Nikki Gonzales

Courtney Fernandez

Ali G

__________________________________________________________________

🎟 The Automation Ladies Community Conference: https://otscada.com

Learn more about the hosts’ industrial automation conference OT SCADA CON attended by 100+ automation professionals, engineers, integrators, and technology leaders for hands-on learning, real-world case studies, and meaningful industry connections.

🎬 Credits

Produced by: Veronica Espinoza
Music by: Sam Janes

P.S. - Help our podcast grow with ...

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 year

Whether 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

_________________________________________________________________

🎙 About Automation Ladies

Automation Ladies is an industrial automation podcast spotlighting the engineers, integrators, innovators, and leaders shaping the future of manufacturing.

__________________________________________________________________

🎤 Want to be a guest on the show?
https://www.automationladies.io/guests/intake/

__________________________________________________________________

👩‍🏭 Connect with the Hosts

Nikki Gonzales

Courtney Fernandez

Ali G

__________________________________________________________________

🎟 The Automation Ladies Community Conference: https://otscada.com

Learn more about the hosts’ industrial automation conference OT SCADA CON attended by 100+ automation professionals, engineers, integrators, and technology leaders for hands-on learning, real-world case studies, and meaningful industry connections.

🎬 Credits

Produced by: Veronica Espinoza
Music by: Sam Janes

P.S. - Help our podcast grow with ...