Industrial Talk is onsite at Xcelerate 2026 and talking to Nikki Smith with Lineage and Niccolette Hyland with Fluke about "Women in Reliability".

Overview

The Industrial Talk podcast, sponsored by Fluke, featured a discussion on women in reliability with Nikki Smith and Niccolette Hyland. Nikki, with 18 years in reliability, shared her journey from safety to engineering after her husband's workplace accident. Niccolette , in marketing, highlighted the importance of women in engineering and reliability, citing her experience with male-dominated fields. They discussed the cultural impact at Fluke, emphasizing teamwork and psychological safety. Nikki mentioned Lineage Logistics' 500+ sites and their CMMS implementation, aiming for 100% completion in North America. The conversation underscored the need for diverse perspectives in reliability and the potential of AI to enhance maintenance.

Outline

Fluke's Xcelerate Event Overview

Scott introduces the Industrial Talk podcast, sponsored by Fluke, highlighting the Xcelerate event.
Scott praises industry professionals for their innovation and collaboration, promoting the event in Austin, Texas.
The podcast aims to celebrate industry heroes and their contributions to making the world a better place.

Introduction of Women in Reliability Panel

Scott introduces the panel on women in reliability, featuring Niccolette and Nikki.
Scott acknowledges the male-dominated nature of the industry and expresses excitement about the female participants.
Nikki Smith, shares her background, working for Lineage Logistics in reliability for 18 years.
Nikki mentions her Canadian background and her journey into reliability after her husband's workplace accident.

Niccolette's Background and Event Planning

Niccolette, introduces herself, mentioning her role in marketing and event logistics.
Niccolette discusses her transition from a male-dominated field to event planning and her passion for women in engineering and reliability.
Scott and Niccolette discuss the importance of women in reliability and the need for diverse perspectives.
Niccolette shares her experience with Fluke's Women in Utility conference and the success of the women in reliability panel at Xcelerate.

Nikki's Journey into Reliability and Safety

Scott asks Nikki about her journey into reliability and safety.
Nikki recounts her husband's workplace accident and her subsequent focus on safety and reliability.
Nikki describes her role at Lineage Logistics, a global organization with 500+ sites, and their focus on food logistics.
Nikki discusses the implementation of CMMS systems at Lineage, starting with x4 and transitioning to x5 for better enterprise-wide visibility.

Challenges and Successes in Implementing CMMS Systems

Scott inquires about the challenges and successes of implementing CMMS systems at Lineage.
Nikki explains the importance of standardization and framework for successful implementations.
Nikki highlights the ongoing implementation journey, with 104 sites live on x5 and the goal of completing North America within three months.
Nikki emphasizes the need for user engagement and feedback to build a better system.

Women in Reliability and Diversity in Teams

Scott and Nikki discuss the importance of diversity in reliability teams.
Nikki explains how different perspectives from women bring new ideas and improve reliability.
Nikki shares her experience with mentors and the value of having supportive men in the industry.
Nikki encourages women to step up and take opportunities in male-dominated fields.

Fluke's Culture and Client Impact

Scott and Niccolette discuss the culture at Fluke and its impact on clients.
Niccolette highlights the supportive and collaborative environment at Fluke, which helps clients feel comfortable and engaged.
Niccolette shares her experience with client interactions at Xcelerate and the positive feedback from clients.
Nikki adds that Fluke's team approach and willingness to help create a positive work environment.

The Role of Culture in Attracting Talent

Scott and Niccolette discuss the role of culture in attracting and retaining talent.
Niccolette emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for employees.
Niccolette shares her experience with Fluke's autonomy and support for special projects and team collaboration.
Nikki adds that a positive culture helps in attracting young talent and fostering a sense of belonging.

The Future of Reliability and AI

Scott and Niccolette discuss the future of reliability and the role of AI.
Niccolette highlights the new AI features launched by Fluke and their potential to revolutionize reliability and maintenance.
Niccolette emphasizes the need for companies to push the envelope and adopt new technologies.
Niccolette shares examples of how AI can improve efficiency and reduce frustration in reliability tasks.

Conclusion and Contact Information

Scott wraps up the conversation, expressing gratitude to Nikki and Niccolette for their insights.
Scott provides contact information for Nikki and Niccolette for listeners interested in reaching out.
Scott encourages listeners to connect with Industrial Talk and share their stories to inspire the next generation of industrial leaders.
Scott promotes the upcoming conversations and events from Xcelerate, highlighting the importance of celebrating industry professionals.

If interested in being on the Industrial Talk show, simply contact us and let's have a quick conversation. Finally, get your exclusive free access to the Industrial Academy and a series on “Why You Need To Podcast” for Greater Success in 2026. All links designed for keeping you current in this rapidly changing Industrial Market. Learn! Grow! Enjoy!

NIKKI SMITH'S CONTACT INFORMATION:

Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/smith-nikki-260a3786/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onelineage/ Company Website: https://www.onelineage.com/

NICCOLETTE HYLAND'S CONTACT INFORMATION:

Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/niccolette-h-4214505b/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fluke-corporation/ Company Website: https://www.fluke.com/

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