#06: Nikki Gonzales: Interview with an Automation Lady

Author: Frank Lamb, Automation Business Consultant & Trainer
Published: Tue 09 Sep 2025
Episode Link: None

Technical careers don’t always stem from an engineering background. Nikki Gonzales grew up working with embedded controllers and exposure to a startup mentality, going on to a career in technical sales, product management and the founding of Automation Ladies.

*On August 18, 2025, only two days after this podcast was recorded, Nikki suffered the unexpected tragic loss of her husband, Nathan Gonzales. You can help Nikki by donating to mealtrain or gofundme at the links shown below.

https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/3y99e0

https://gofund.me/83222a97

TAKEAWAYS

An Automation Lady’s Path to Success (01:50 – 26:00)

Nikki’s career path and training winds through technical sales, marketing and software startups.

The Automation Ladies (27:45 – 34:00)

How and why the Automation Ladies organization was started.

Linked In and Professional Networking (34:00 – 36:30)

The value of Linked In as a marketing and networking tool.

The Value of Trade Shows (36:30 – 39:30)

Are trade shows still relevant? In-person connections and hands-on experiences.

OT SCADA CON (40:45-52:30)