Localization Fireside Chat

Welcome to Episode 116

In this episode of the Localization Fireside Chat, I sit down with Phillip Swan, Co-Founder of Iridius.ai. We discuss how enterprises in highly regulated industries such as pharma and manufacturing can adopt AI responsibly. From governance and compliance to ROI and customer-centric design, this conversation offers a clear path to trusted AI at scale.

What you will learn in this episode:

Welcome to Episode 115

In this episode of the Localization Fireside Chat, I sit down with Peter Medahian and Kim Pines from CLIA, the Canadian Language Industry Association. We talk about AI readiness, trust, and Reclaim 3.0, a live 10-week upskilling course for language companies created with Magic Beans. If you run an LSP or lead a localization team, this conversation offers a practical path to move from AI awareness to repeatable, real-world adoption.

What you will learn in this episode:

Corrected upload. The original file had a typo that is now fixed.

In this episode of the Localization Fireside Chat, I sit down with the leadership teams behind LSA (Language Service Associates) and Lingolet to explore a new model for real time interpretation that does not choose between AI and humans, it synchronizes them. We dig into how the two teams combined automation with human judgment to deliver faster, smarter, and more flexible language access across sports, healthcare, and enterprise settings.

What you will learn

In episode 114 of the Localization Fireside Chat, I sit down with Kristin Gutierrez for her second appearance to unpack the mindset and mechanics behind saying yes, taking action, and getting results. We cover momentum over perfection, building offers that sell, confident pricing, and scaling with systems. Kristin also shares lessons from her new book, Say Yes and Figure It Out.

What you will learn

Welcome to Episode 113

In this episode of the Localization Fireside Chat, I sit down with Don DePalma, Chief Strategy Officer at CSA Research and one of the most respected voices in language, localization, and global content strategy.

We explore the major shifts happening in the language industry — from AI disruption and outdated translation standards to the staggering fact that less than 0.000001% of content is ever translated. Don shares insights on why clients are adapting faster than LSPs, what’s being missed in localization strategies, and how to avoid becoming the proverbial "deer in the headlights."

In this episode of the Localization Fireside Chat, I’m joined by four industry leaders who are reshaping how real-time interpretation works in the age of AI: Scott Cooper (CEO, LSA), Pablo Tercero (COO, LSA), Edward Varela (Co-Founder, Lingolet), and Jerry Song (Co-Founder, Lingolet).

Together, they share how their partnership blends automation with human expertise — not to replace interpreters, but to extend their value. From language accessibility in sports and healthcare to the ethics of AI in live scenarios, this conversation dives deep into what “the right amount of AI” really looks like.

We discuss complian...

🎧 Welcome to Episode 111

In this episode of the Localization Fireside Chat, I sit down with 🎙 Veronica Hylak — product strategist, AI builder, and co-founder in the language tech space. She's also the creator of Hey AI, the YouTube vlog with 7M+ views that makes sense of complex AI topics for real-world users.

We tackle one of the most persistent myths in tech: that translation is a solved problem. Spoiler alert — it’s not.

Veronica brings sharp insight from launching over 40 SaaS and AI platforms across Fortune 500s, U.S. government, and startups to explain why 52% of u...

🎧 Episode 110: AI, Quality, and the Future of Localization 📺 Watch the full video episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jpP0auJ3lNI

In this episode of the Localization Fireside Chat, I sit down with Bryan Murphy, CEO of Smartling — a seasoned SaaS leader with deep roots in scaling global platforms and a clear-eyed view of where localization is heading next.

From AI-powered translation to quality assurance in the era of LLMs, we dive into the friction points and future bets shaping the language industry.

If you’ve been wondering whether AI really owns the localizati...

🎧 Episode 109: Canada’s Interpreting Crisis? Where the Law Stops, the Problems Start

In this episode of the Localization Fireside Chat, I sit down with five influential voices from across Canada to unpack one of the country’s most overlooked issues — the state of interpretation in healthcare and beyond.

If you think language access is a solved problem, think again. We dive into the disconnect between legislation and real-world access, the emotional burden on interpreters, and what it’ll take to move from performative policy to meaningful support.

This conversation brings together perspectives from government...

🎧 Episode 108: Scaling or Just Playing CEO Dress-Up? with Mario Krivokapic

In this episode of the Localization Fireside Chat, I sit down with Mario Krivokapic, Managing Partner EMEA at Masterful Coaching — a no-nonsense strategist helping leaders stop pretending and start scaling.

If you’ve ever felt like the title doesn’t match the results — this one’s for you. We dive into mindset traps, fake-it culture, and the uncomfortable truths most leaders won’t say out loud.

Mario brings decades of executive coaching experience and drops insight after insight on what separates a real CEO from someon...

🔥 AI-Powered Automation. Product Founders. One Game-Changing Demo.

In this episode of the Localization Fireside Chat, I’m joined by Rishi Anand (Founder & CEO) and Holesh Priyankar (Chief Product Officer), the brains behind Awtomated—a rising startup that’s eliminating the chaos of localization workflows using AI-powered automation.

If you're still managing translation projects with spreadsheets and email chains, this conversation (and demo!) will open your eyes to what's possible. We discuss their product journey, the AI under the hood, and how Awtomated is enabling businesses to move faster, scale smarter, and reduce dependency on outdated manual pr...

🔥 Industry Icon. Strategic Investor. One Candid Conversation.

In this episode of the Localization Fireside Chat, I sit down with Andrew Smart—Co-Founder of Slator and Strategic Partner at AcudocX. Recorded shortly after his announcement that his shares in Slator are up for grabs, we explore what this means for the language industry and who might step up to claim a piece of the iconic brand.

But that’s not all. We dive deep into Andrew’s new venture, AcudocX, a game-changing platform transforming how personal document translations are delivered with speed, automation, and profitability.

💡 What...

🔥 140 People. 25+ Countries. One Unforgettable Summit. In this episode of the Localization Fireside Chat, I sit down with Charles Campbell—industry leader, global speaker, and co-organizer of Vamos Juntos 2025, Latin America's boldest localization summit. Recorded just weeks after the 3rd Annual Summit in Mexico City, we unpack what made this event a turning point for our industry.

From fiery debates (yes, “standards are dead” made a comeback) to rooftop tango parties, tech panels with Meta and Uber, and a sneak peek at Buenos Aires 2026—this is a must-watch for anyone serious about the global language industry.

💡 What you’ll le...

Think AI is the magic solution to everything? Think again. In this episode of the Localization Fireside Chat, I sit down with Dr. Sidney Shapiro—Assistant Professor of Data Analytics and one of the most compelling voices in the Canadian tech and academic ecosystem. We unpack the myths, misconceptions, and over-promises surrounding AI and its rapid rise. From vibe coders and synthetic data to explainable AI and Canada’s role in the global AI race, Dr. Shapiro delivers eye-opening insights with clarity, humor, and zero fluff.

💡 What you’ll learn in this episode:

✅ Why AI isn’t as “i...

Running isn’t just a sport—it’s a mindset. In this episode of the Localization Fireside Chat, I sit down with Christine Blanchette, Canadian TV Host, Producer of Run With It, and an inspiring voice in fitness, wellness, and media. From growing up on a hobby farm in Quebec to gracing the cover of Celebrity Online Magazine and creating her own nationally recognized TV show, Christine shares how setbacks turned into stepping stones.

💡 What you’ll learn in this episode:

✅ How Christine turned a layoff into a national media platform

✅ The link between running...

Inefficient localization processes cost businesses millions in wasted resources, poor decision-making, and failed AI implementations. In this episode of the Localization Fireside Chat, I sit down with Vincent Henderson, VP of Language AI Strategy at Lionbridge, to discuss how Lionbridge’s Aurora AI is transforming localization. 💡 What you’ll learn in this episode: ✅ How Aurora AI is revolutionizing localization workflows ✅ The critical role of AI-driven automation in quality and efficiency ✅ TRUST and REACH frameworks: strategic AI implementation ✅ The surprising accuracy of AI versus human translations ✅ How Lionbridge ensures data security and integrity in AI deployments 📌 Chapters: ⏱ 0:00 - Introduction & Welcome ⏱ 1:23 - Meet Vincent Henderson...

Dirty data costs businesses millions in wasted resources, poor decision-making, and failed AI implementations. In this episode of the Localization Fireside Chat, I sit down with Yasmine Gardner, CEO of Data Scrubber, to discuss how AI-driven automation can clean, validate, and optimize data in seconds. 💡 What you’ll learn in this episode: ✅ The true cost of dirty data on businesses ✅ How Data Scrubber works to clean up spreadsheets in seconds ✅ Real-time demo showcasing its power ✅ Why AI-powered data cleaning is the future of business efficiency ✅ How to ensure data governance and accuracy in your organization

🚀 Watch this demo and see how y...

💡 How is Multilingualism transforming global citizenship?

In this landmark 100th episode of the Localization Fireside Chat, Robin Ayoub hosts Kit Hall (Director at Language Connects Foundation, ACTFL) and Erisa Hysi (CEO & language advocate) to discuss the crucial role language learning plays in fostering cultural understanding, global communication, and resolving international conflicts. Discover how multilingualism bridges cultural gaps, ACTFL's impactful initiatives, and AI’s evolving role in language education.

We cover: ✅ Why multilingualism is essential for global citizenship ✅ Initiatives by ACTFL and the Language Connects Foundation ✅ Real-world examples of language barriers in diplomacy ✅ AI’s supportive role in languag...

💡 How is AI transforming the translation industry? In this episode of the Localization Fireside Chat, I sit down with Jean-François Richard, CEO of Terminotix, to explore the evolution of translation technology, AI's role in localization, and the future of CAT tools. With over 40 years of experience, Jean-François shares insights on how Terminotix is pioneering modular translation solutions, AI-driven tools like TAIGR, and on-premise vs. cloud-based translation systems. We cover: ✅ The evolution of translation from typewriters to AI-powered tools ✅ How TAIGR (Translation AI Groundings Retrieval) enhances AI-powered translation ✅ Why modular and on-premise solutions matter for security-conscious enterprises ✅ AI’s role in reduc...

📌 Navigating International Business: Tariffs, Risks & Market Expansion | Localization Fireside Chat Podcast 🔔 Subscribe for more insights on global business, localization, and AI: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@LocalizationFiresideChat 🌍 In this episode of the Localization Fireside Chat, I sit down with Adil Husain, CEO of Emerging Strategy, to discuss how businesses can navigate international markets, mitigate risks, and adapt to evolving global trade policies. From understanding tariffs to leveraging AI in market intelligence, this episode is packed with insights for companies looking to expand beyond borders. 🚀 What you'll learn in this episode: ✔️ How global businesses manage risk & tariffs ✔️ The impact of AI on market research ✔️ S...

🚀**How can translators increase productivity, improve quality, and stay competitive in an AI-driven world?** In this episode of the Localization Fireside Chat, I sit down with Philippe Mercier, CEO of WordScope, to discuss how AI and CAT tools are transforming the translation industry.

Philippe shares how WordScope integrates AI, machine translation, and terminology management into a seamless CAT tool, helping translators work more efficiently while maintaining high-quality standards.

📌 Key Takeaways:

✅ How AI-powered CAT tools enhance translator productivity

✅ The impact of AI on the future of the translation industry

✅ Why some transla...

-Skip the Pitch Deck: Ride the AI Wave and Monetize Your Business Idea Fast- Join us for an insightful conversation with David Hirschfeld, a 35-year software development veteran and CEO of TEKYZ, as we dive into the revolutionary Launch 1st Method. Discover how startups can skip the traditional pitch deck, harness the power of AI, and monetize ideas faster than ever before. David shares lessons from his career, including overcoming startup failures, building scalable systems, and using AI to transform workflows. If you're a founder, entrepreneur, or just curious about AI's potential in business, this episode is packed with...

What do globalization experts from Bold.com and Nielsen think about the future of localization? 🌍 In this unmissable episode of the Localization Fireside Chat, Cintia Kanowitz and Bruno Herrmann pull back the curtain on what clients really expect from localization teams today. 🔥 Key topics include: The evolution of client expectations in localization. Why traditional localization methods are becoming obsolete. How AI and data-driven strategies are reshaping globalization. The real metrics that matter to clients—beyond vanity numbers. 🎥 Dive deep into their candid insights on challenges, opportunities, and the bold changes needed to align localization strategies with business outcomes. 👉 Don't miss this thou...

Join me, Robin Ayoub, as I sit down with Mugais Jahangir, Chief Revenue Officer at MemoQ, to discuss the secrets behind their SaaS sales strategies, consultative selling, and how AI is reshaping the translation management software industry. If you're curious about how MemoQ is carving out a unique position in the market, this episode is a must-watch! 🚀 👇 Chapter List 👇 0:00 Introduction: Welcome to Episode 92! 2:35 Mugais Jahangir’s journey to MemoQ and software sales background 4:09 The power of consultative selling in SaaS 6:55 Building the right team: MemoQ’s approach to customization 8:47 MemoQ’s strategies for enterprises vs. industry players 11:01 MemoQ Days: Fostering globa...

Welcome to a brand-new year full of possibilities! In this video, I’m sharing an uplifting and heartfelt message as we step into 2025. Together, we’ll reflect on the lessons of 2024, set intentions for the year ahead, and embrace the opportunities that lie before us. From celebrating collaboration and adaptability to focusing on progress over perfection, this is the year to dream big, work smart, and take bold action. Let’s make 2025 a year of connection, growth, and unforgettable moments. 💡 What are your goals and hopes for 2025? I’d love to hear from you in the comments—let’s inspire each ot...

In this engaging episode of the Localization Fireside Chat, Robin Ayoub sits down with Alison, Executive Director of GALA, to explore the seismic shifts reshaping the localization industry. From the evolving role of Artificial Intelligence to the industry's identity crisis, this conversation unpacks the metamorphosis of localization and what the future might hold. 🚀 Key Topics Discussed: The localization industry's transformation into multilingual content operations. How AI is both disrupting and empowering the industry. Challenges in balancing automation with human oversight. Insights into GALA’s community-driven initiatives, including the upcoming GALA 2025 in Montreal. Why localization professionals need to rethink their roles...

Description: Welcome to Episode 91 of the Localization Fireside Chat! 🚀 In this episode, I sit down with David and Hugh Plappert, the father-son duo behind PhoneLive, a groundbreaking broadcasting company that connects 11,000 churches to their congregations – using traditional phone lines! 📞 Forget AI, apps, and Wi-Fi. PhoneLive is thriving by solving real-world challenges with a legacy-tech solution that offers multilingual broadcasting, scalability, and accessibility like never before. Discover: ✅ How PhoneLive started as a basement project and grew to connect 22,000 worshippers weekly. ✅ Why churches are ditching expensive systems for this simple, phone-based tech. ✅ The surprising opportunities for multilingual communities and the language industry. ✅ In...

Welcome to Episode #90 of the Localization Fireside Chat! In this episode, Robin Ayoub sits down with Atif Malik, founder and Chief AI Officer of Zarori, a top AI startup based in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. Together, they dive deep into the transformative power of AI, its applications in healthcare, the challenges faced by Canadian startups, and the potential of AI to redefine industries. Atif shares his journey from a technology consultant to the founder of Zarori and offers a behind-the-scenes look at how AI is revolutionizing healthcare while addressing key challenges such as data privacy and security. Don’t miss th...

Welcome to Episode 89 of the Localization Fireside Chat! In this episode, I sit down with Charles Campbell, President of Tbo www.tbo.group and a globetrotting localization expert. From Saudi Arabia's vibrant International Translation Forum to the culturally immersive Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico, Charles shares fascinating insights into bridging cultures through conferences, language, and localization. We discuss: The growing enthusiasm for language learning in emerging markets The unique challenges and opportunities in the localization industry How conferences like Juntos are shaping the future of the industry The role of technology and AI in addressing global translation...

🌟 How to Crush Your Goals Using the 100-Mile Mindset | Localization Fireside Chat Ep. 88 🌟 In this inspiring episode of the Localization Fireside Chat, I sit down with Jason Yarusi, an ultra-runner, motivational speaker, and entrepreneur, to explore the mindset and strategies that empower individuals to conquer personal and professional goals. 🚀 From navigating life-changing events to adopting transformative habits, Jason shares his journey and how it resonates with the challenges faced by localization professionals. Whether you're transitioning between roles, seeking balance in a remote-work environment, or aiming for a breakthrough in your career, this episode is packed with actionable insights to fuel your...

🎉 Celebrating 90 Years of the Translation Bureau: Insights from Past & Present CEOs 🎉 Join us in this special episode of Localization Fireside Chat as we commemorate the 90th anniversary of Canada’s Translation Bureau! Hosted by Robin Ayoub, this exclusive panel brings together five past and current CEOs—Donna Achimov (2011-2016), Stéphan Déry (2017-2019), Lucie Séguin (2019-2022), Dominic Laporte (2023-2024), and the current CEO, Jean-François Lymburner. These language leaders share their reflections on the Bureau’s legacy, the impact of accessibility and inclusivity, advancements in AI, and the future of language services in Canada. This conversation dives deep into the Bu...

The Future of AI in Localization | Fireside Chat with Kajetan Malinowski | Episode 86 In this episode of the Localization Fireside Chat, host Robin Ayoub interviews Kajetan Malinowski, founder of biangle.digital and a veteran of the localization industry with over 17 years of experience at Lionbridge. They discuss the transformative role of AI in localization, how AI can drive productivity and strategy, and Kajetan’s journey from working at a global corporation to launching his own consulting business. Tune in to learn how AI is revolutionizing the localization industry, the strategic opportunities for localization teams, and the balance between human expertise an...

🎙️ Welcome to the Localization Fireside Chat! Today, we sit down with Eddie Arrieta, the CEO of #Multilingual Media, to explore the dynamic shifts in the localization industry, leadership insights, and how technology like AI is transforming global content creation. Eddie shares his journey from Colombia to becoming a prominent leader in the localization space, his vision for the future, and the critical importance of collaboration in the industry. Don’t miss this engaging conversation packed with valuable insights for anyone in the language services sector! Grab a coffee and join us for this inspiring and thought-provoking dialogue. 🔥 In This Video: - E...

In this powerful episode of the Knack for Business Podcast https://k4b.buzzsprout.com/, Robin Ayoub, VP of Sales and General Manager at Lionbridge, opens up for the first time in public about his personal journey from war-torn Beirut to becoming a prominent leader in the global language industry. This is a candid and deeply personal look into Robin's life—how he overcame adversity, built resilience, and used those experiences to fuel his success in business development, leadership, and navigating the fast-evolving world of AI in language services. From humble beginnings to guiding major acquisitions and fostering innovation, Ro...

In this episode of the Localization Fireside Chat, I sit down with Shaheen Samavati, the Co-Founder and CEO of VeraContent, to dive into the world of multilingual content marketing. Learn how VeraContent grew from a small translation agency into a leading provider of global content solutions, empowering brands to reach European markets with tailored, high-quality content. Shaheen shares her journey from journalism to entrepreneurship, how VeraContent focuses on content creation in multiple languages, and the importance of editorial quality in content marketing. We also explore the role of AI in content creation, how to build strong international marketing strategies...

Welcome to the latest episode of the Localization Fireside Chat! In this special edition, recorded live at the ALC Summit 2024 in Montreal, I, Robin Ayoub, had the honor of interviewing some of the most influential leaders in the language industry. We dive deep into their perspectives on the future of the industry, insights on current trends, and what excites them about their work. In this episode, you’ll hear from: Rudis Marroquin, CEO of One World Global Services Peter Madahian, President of the Canadian Language Industry Association (CLIA) Sultan Ghaznawi, President of Hybrid Lynx Paul Penzo, CEO of All La...

In this episode of the Localization Fireside Chat, I sit down with Ibtissam Attie, an accomplished educator and founder of Craft & Talk, to explore how she revolutionizes the teaching of Arabic in the United States and beyond. We dive deep into her innovative approach to education, blending traditional language learning with arts, calligraphy, and cultural immersion. Ibtissam shares her inspiring journey as a leader in Arabic education, her efforts to support the Lebanese community, and her passion for making language learning engaging, meaningful, and fun. ### Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Opening Remarks 01:32 The Importance of Language Learning for Cultural Understanding 04:54 Teaching...

Description: Join us as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of ProZ.com with its visionary founder, Henry Dotterer. In this exclusive interview, Henry shares the incredible journey of ProZ.com from its inception to becoming a cornerstone in the global language industry. We dive into the challenges, triumphs, and the future of freelancing in the ever-evolving world of language services. Whether you're a seasoned freelancer or new to the industry, this conversation is packed with valuable insights and inspiration. 🔔 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth interviews and industry insights! 📚 Chapter List: 00:00 - Introduction and Welcome 02:10 - Henr...

In this episode of the Localization Fireside Chat, I had the privilege of sitting down with Peter Madahian, the newly elected President of the Canadian Language Industry Association (CLIA) and General Manager of EXACTA Interpreting. Peter shares his fascinating journey from a young immigrant interpreting for his family to leading one of Canada’s top interpreting firms. We discuss the evolution of the language industry, the challenges and opportunities presented by AI, and the importance of professionalizing interpreters. Peter also highlights his vision for CLIA’s future and the role technology will play in shaping language services. If you’re int...

In this episode of the Localization Fireside Chat, Robin Ayoub hosts an insightful discussion with industry experts Natalya Mytareva (CCHI), Jinny Bromberg (Bromberg & Associates), Erisa Hysi (Lingua Serve), and Mila Golovine (Masterword) on the evolving field of medical interpretation. The panel explores key topics such as the importance of certification, the impact of AI, and the need for fair rates and ethical practices. Whether you're a seasoned interpreter or new to the profession, this episode offers valuable insights into the future of medical interpretation. Watch now to learn: The expansive scope of medical interpretation across various healthcare specialties. The...