The International Society of Automation (ISA) podcast, Podomation, curates and shares thoughtful conversations from top thought leaders in automation and industrial cybersecurity. Keep reading for a recap of one recent episode, Podomation 005 — Celebrating Women in Engineering.
What is Podomation?
Podomation is ISA's official podcast. It showcases insights from top subject-matter experts in the industrial automation community. Its guests speak on wide-ranging topics that matter to automation professionals, including industry 4.0, digital transformation, manufacturing and machine control, connectivity and cybersecurity for operational technology (OT) and continuous and batch processing.
Some episodes were recorded live during ISA events. Others were recorded in studio. Regardless of the setting, each episode focuses on the critical role that automation plays in shaping the world for the better, and all the ways our community makes an impact.
Podomation Episode 005
Celebrating Women in Engineering
To support our women in engineering and STEM programs, we brought together some leading experts who are all women, under 40 and in high-level positions. Let’s get to know our guests, how they got into engineering, who influenced their career paths and what advice they have for the next generation of automation professionals.
Podomation 005 Panelists
- Morgan Foor, Moderator, Director of Events, ISA
- Dr. Lauren Goodwin, Entrepreneur and Thought Leader, AI/Cybersecurity/Sustainability
- Colleen Goldsborough, Industry Sales Manager, United Electric Supply
- Megan Samford, Chief Security Officer, U.S. National Security Agreements and U.S. Federal Business, Schneider Electric
- Lauren Neal, Founder and Chief Program Creator, Valued at Work
Career Paths, Advice and More
The panelists discussed key mentorship moments that helped them find confidence and purpose early in their careers, from a female cybersecurity executive who wasn't afraid to show vulnerability, to a manager who took a young engineer under his wing and offered opportunities to learn on-the-job.
When it comes to encouraging more women to pursue careers in STEM and engineering, the panelists mentioned bridging the apparent interest gap in entering engineering fields of study between college-age women and men who have demonstrated aptitude in science and math — and what might incentivize them to reconsider. The speakers stressed that a strong support network is critical, even at an early level of education. Increasing the number of women who enter and stay in engineering requires advocacy, mentorship and validation over time.
To hear the full discussion, including the speakers' thoughts on recent tech trends and innovations, visit www.isa.org/podcast or search for "Podomation" wherever you listen to podcasts.
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