MBT Episode 6: Lori Russell - Trailblazing in Automation

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🎙 Guest: Lori Russell - Electrical Technical Leader at Convergix Automation
🎧 Episode Title: Trailblazing in Automation

🚀 Episode Summary:

In this episode of Machine Builder Talk, I’m joined by Lori Russell, electrical technical leader at Convergex Automation in London, Ontario—and the very first Canadian guest on the show.

Lori’s journey into automation began with high school shop classes, where hands-on learning sparked a passion that would carry her through co-op placements, a 17-year run at D&D Automation, and her current leadership role at Convergex. Along the way, she’s tackled everything from robotic sandwich assembly to decentralized palletizing systems—with a lot of peanut butter cups and modular IO in between.

In this wide-ranging and refreshingly honest conversation, Lori opens up about navigating a male-dominated industry, why decentralization is more than a buzzword, and how her team approach to leadership fosters collaboration, curiosity, and great design. We also dig into how political turbulence is affecting capital spending in automation, and why the next wave of innovation might just come from the shop floors of high schools.

💡 Key Takeaways:

✔️ How early exposure to hands-on learning can shape an automation career
✔️ The real-world benefits of decentralized IO and modular design
✔️ Leading with empathy, trust, and a willingness to get your hands dirty
✔️ Advice for young women entering engineering and automation
✔️ The current economic headwinds—and how Convergex is staying agile
✔️ Why AI, ePlan, and co-ops are shaping the future of control system design

From sports fields to factory floors, Lori brings a grounded perspective and deep technical insight that will resonate with anyone in automation—especially the next generation of builders.

Don’t miss this one. Hit play and get inspired.

About Lori Russell

Lori Russell is the Electrical Technical Leader at Convergix Automation in London Ontario. Her tasks and responsibilities range from electrical drawing generation for various automated cells, researching new technologies to help stay current and leading edge, managing electrical resources across multiple branches, assisting applications with concepts and costing, and continually finding ways for the electrical group to become more efficient.

Before joining Convergix back in 2018, Lori spent 17 years with D&D Automation in Stratford Ontario. Lori is seen as a female trailblazer in the industry. At the beginning of her career, she was often the only female onsite or in the engineering office. She enjoys setting an example for other females to show them that a career for women in this industry is totally possible, enjoyable, and rewarding.

Outside of work, Lori spends most of her time taking her kids to their sporting events. She also loves to travel and enjoys the outdoors.

On this episode of Machine Builder Talk, we’ll dive into Nikki’s career journey, her approach to integrity-driven sales, the growing role of AI in automation, and her efforts to build a more connected and inclusive industry.

On this episode of Machine Builder Talk, we’ll discuss Lori’s career as a female in the industry, as well as trends and tools she sees and uses in the electrical automation industry.

Lori's LinkedIn Page

Convergix Automation

Lori Russell
Electrical Technical Leader at Convergix Automation