Merging Minds

What happens when a tech-savvy CEO joins a global regatta with zero technology? Isabelle Andrieu, co-founder of Translated, talked in Merging Minds with Javi Diaz to share the mind-blowing story of how she and her husband circumnavigated the globe without GPS, Wi-Fi, or modern gear. The goal? To reconnect with what makes us human. From recruiting linguists as sailors to launching multimodal AI projects for the European Commission, Isabelle blends leadership, adventure, and innovation like no one else. She also reveals how she builds powerful company cultures one birthday at a time and why trust and vulnerability are her leadership...

In this episode of Merging Minds, Javi Diaz talks to Jordan Evans, CEO of Language Network and Managing Director of HireGlobo, to explore how a family translation business became a global powerhouse through vision, heart, and strategic acquisitions. Jordan shares his journey from software startups to language services, revealing how being fired and helping his mom retire sparked his unexpected path in localization. Jordan also opens up about balancing empathy with performance, the power of cultural values in business, and what it means to lead with humility and purpose in the AI era.Podcast powered by Bureau Works, a cloud...

In this episode, Javi chats with Veronica Hylak. AI expert, founder, and product strategist. Veronica shares her inspiring journey from working with AI for the U.S. government to building successful products in the localization industry. They discuss the challenges of being a founder without VC backing, the importance of transparent AI, and how to balance innovation with keeping things human. Veronica also shares her thoughts on leadership, growth, and what it means to take small steps toward big goals. If you're curious about AI, startups, or how to lead with purpose in today’s fast-changing world, this episode is fo...

In this powerful episode of Merging Minds, Javi Diaz sits down with Dieter Runge, co-founder of Boostlingo, to explore the human story behind one of localization tech’s standout platforms. Dieter shares how his journey from filmmaking in San Francisco to managing global e-learning programs led him to launch Boostlingo, a mobile-first language access platform designed to democratize interpreting services. From startup fears to payroll panic, this is a candid look at what it really takes to build something meaningful in the language industry.Podcast powered by Bureau Works, a cloud localization platform that makes complex translation tasks simple and pr...

In this new episode of Merging Minds, Javi Diaz sits down with industry icon Renato Beninatto for a raw and insightful conversation about the past, present, and future of localization. With humor and honesty, Renato shares his journey from a young translator with a typewriter to a global thought leader who’s seen and predicted every major industry shift.Podcast powered by Bureau Works, a cloud localization platform that makes complex translation tasks simple and predictable. www.bureauworks.com Follow us on YouTube and X @bureau_works for more and don't miss the latest live sessions and offers on LinkedIn: ww...

Luis Miguel Musi, founder of AvantPage, joins Javi on Merging Minds to explore the power of empathy, leadership, and purpose. With over 30 years in the localization industry, Luis shares the story behind building one of the most respected LSPs, where people stay for 10+ years and grow into leadership. They discuss how emotional intelligence and therapy helped Luis become a better boss and father. He opens up about the challenges of anxiety, fatherhood, and starting a business from scratch, while staying true to his mission: helping immigrants achieve the American dream through language. This is a story of passion, mistakes, growth...

In this episode of Merging Minds, Javi Diaz sits down with Josep "Pep" Bonet, a veteran of the localization industry who recently retired after 35 years of service at organizations like the European Commission and the WTO. Together, they reflect on a career that began with handwritten translations and evolved alongside AI and digital transformation. Pep shares heartfelt insights on: - The role of mentorship—both good and bad—in shaping leadership; - How to stay human in an increasingly tech-driven industry; - Why continuous learning and humility matter more than ever. Whether you're just starting out in localization or leading larg...

In this powerful episode of Merging Minds, Javi Diaz sits down with Saúl Villegas, CEO of Directum and co-founder of Juntos, the leading association for Latin American localization professionals. Saúl shares his inspiring journey from lawyer to language entrepreneur and reveals how LATAM is claiming its seat at the global table—not just as a production hub, but as a source of leadership and innovation. Together, they unpack the importance of: - Human-centered leadership and workplace values; - Building trust and relationships in LATAM business culture; - Elevating regional voices through collaboration and commuity; Whether you're expanding into LATA...

In this episode of Merging Minds, Petra Mesic talks about her humble beginning in the localization industry till leadership. She also shares hard truths about leadership burnout, what makes a truly effective localization strategy, and how companies are skipping the hard work in favor of shortcuts that don’t work.Podcast powered by Bureau Works, a cloud localization platform that makes complex translation tasks simple and predictable. www.bureauworks.com Follow us on YouTube and X @bureau_works for more and don't miss the latest live sessions and offers on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/bureau-works/

Javi Diaz hosts three localization legends: Agustín, Alfredo De Almeida, and Jorge Santos. With nearly 100 years of combined experience, they share what it was like to translate Microsoft in the 90s, how AI is shaping localization today, and why they’re writing a book together.The group talks about their journey from floppy disks and faxes to LLMs and machine translation. They explore the big shifts in the industry—and how not everything changes as fast as we think. This episode is full of stories, laughs, and powerful lessons for anyone in localization, from beginners to experts.If you’ve ever...

How do you lead a global team while fostering inclusivity and innovation? In this episode of Merging Minds, Javi Diaz sits down with Alex Katsambas, Senior Head of Language Ops & Development at Farfetch, to discuss leadership, career growth, and breaking barriers in the localization industry. Alex shares insights on: - The challenges of building and scaling international teams - The role of inclusivity in localization and leadership - Overcoming biases and redefining workplace culturePodcast powered by Bureau Works, a cloud localization platform that makes complex translation tasks simple and predictable. www.bureauworks.com Follow us on YouTube and X @bureau...

What does it mean to be a millennial leader in localization today? In this episode of Merging Minds, Javi Diaz sits down with Jourik Ciesielski, CTO at Yamagata Europe and co-founder of K International, to discuss leadership, AI in localization, and the industry's biggest challenges. From breaking outdated processes to redefining the role of linguists in an AI-driven world, Jourik shares sharp insights on how technology is reshaping the industry—and how leaders must adapt. Plus, we dive into millennial leadership, why flexibility matters, and the mindset needed to thrive in a fast-changing landscape.Podcast powered by Bureau Works, a cl...

What does it take to go from an ambitious entrepreneur to a global VP in a Fortune 500 company? In this episode of Merging Minds, Javi Diaz sits down with Anna Schlegel, one of the most influential leaders in localization and tech. From founding her first company in San Francisco at 23 to shaping globalization strategies for some of the biggest tech giants, Anna shares her unfiltered insights on leadership, gender barriers, and career growth.Podcast powered by Bureau Works, a cloud localization platform that makes complex translation tasks simple and predictable. www.bureauworks.com Follow us on YouTube and X @bureau...

What does it take to become a solutions architect in the localization industry? In this episode of Merging Minds, Javi Diaz sits down with Bill Lafferty, a seasoned expert with over 25 years in translation and technology. From starting as a Japanese translator to co-founding a company and transitioning into solutions architecture, Bill shares his career journey, insights on leadership, and the essential skills needed for success in this evolving role. They also discuss the balance between technical expertise and communication, the role of AI in localization, and the importance of adaptability in today’s industry. Whether you're aspiring to become a...

Giulia Greco shares her incredible journey from Italy to Canada, becoming the Head of Localization at Shopify. She opens up about leadership, career transitions, and embracing change in an evolving industry. Her insights on adaptability and growth will inspire anyone navigating a career in localization or tech. Javi and Giulia discuss the realities of working in startups, the importance of mentorship, and the challenge of staying true to one’s values in leadership. Plus, Giulia gives career advice to the next generation of localization professionals.Podcast powered by Bureau Works, a cloud localization platform that makes complex translation tasks simple an...

In this episode of Merging Minds, Javi sits down with Edith Bendermacher to explore her inspiring journey in the localization industry. Edith shares her experiences of moving across countries, navigating leadership roles, and overcoming challenges like imposter syndrome. With over a decade of experience at NetApp, she discusses the importance of mentorship, empathy in leadership, and fostering inclusivity in the workplace. Join us as we dive into her career insights, personal reflections, and valuable advice for aspiring leaders. Whether you're new to the industry or a seasoned professional, there's something to take away from Edith's story.Podcast powered by Bureau...

In this episode of Merging Minds, Javi Diaz sits down with Gus Lucardi, founder of Trusted Translations, to discuss his entrepreneurial journey, leadership lessons, and insights into the evolving translation industry. Gus shares advice for emerging leaders, reflects on the balance between innovation and ethical business practices, and talks about the opportunities that shaped his career. Discover how Gus stays ahead in technology and business, and gain inspiration from his approach to leadership and adaptability in a competitive industry. #Leadership #Innovation #TranslationIndustryPodcast powered by Bureau Works, a cloud localization platform that makes complex translation tasks simple and predictable. www.bureauworks...

In this episode of Merging Minds, Javi Diaz interviews Cecilia Maldonado, an inspiring leader in the localization industry. Cecilia shares her journey from translator to entrepreneur, her experiences balancing family and career, and her passion for empowering women through the organization Women in Localization. Discover insights on leadership, personal growth, and creating change in the localization industry.Podcast powered by Bureau Works, a cloud localization platform that makes complex translation tasks simple and predictable. www.bureauworks.com Follow us on YouTube and X @bureau_works for more and don't miss the latest live sessions and offers on LinkedIn: www.linkedin...

In this episode of Merging Minds, Javi sits down with David Brackett, a millennial leader and entrepreneur, to explore his fascinating journey in leadership and company culture. David shares his experiences as a certified interpreter, a tour guide, and a company founder, giving us an inside look at the challenges and triumphs along the way. The discussion highlights the importance of maintaining a strong company culture while scaling, navigating AI's disruption in the industry, and balancing innovation with human connection. David also shares valuable advice on overcoming obstacles and building resilience in both life and work. Tune in for an...

I've rarely seen a session at the ATA (American Translators Association) with the level of audience engagement we witnessed in this talk at ATA 52 in Portland—it was incredible! With a packed room and people standing all around, it was clear that the topic of fair pay in the age of AI is crucial for translators. As AI tools improve and reduce the need for edits, translators are left with important questions: - How can they be fairly paid for the unique quality they add? - Will the roles of translator, editor, and proofreader blend into one? - How can we...

Join Javi as he interviews Charles Campbell, a veteran in the localization industry with over 25 years of experience. Charles shares his inspiring journey from New Zealand to Argentina and his deep-rooted passion for the translation and localization field.

From his company TBO's expansion across five countries to the future of AI in the industry, Charles brings a unique perspective on bridging cultures and embracing change.

Podcast powered by Bureau Works, a cloud localization platform that makes complex translation tasks simple and predictable.

www.bureauworks.com

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In this episode of Merging Minds, Javi sits down with Katell Jentreau, Senior Director of Globalization at Expedia Group, to discuss her leadership journey through the fast-paced world of tech.

From her early days in localization to leading teams at Netflix, Yahoo, and Box, Katell shares her insights on managing global teams, balancing work and life, and the evolving role of leadership in today's digital age.

Tune in for an inspiring discussion on fostering trust, providing feedback, and navigating complex challenges in tech.

Podcast powered by Bureau Works, a cloud localization platform...

In this episode of Merging Minds, host Javi chats with Brian McConnell, founder of Location Technology Partners, about the power of proactive localization and the role of AI in the industry.

Brian shares his journey from Silicon Valley to building a startup and offers insights on how startups can effectively navigate global growth.

Discover the impact of AI, training, and forward-thinking strategies on localization.

#Localization #AI #Startups #BrianMcConnell

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Podcast powered by Bureau Works, a cloud localization platform that makes complex translation tasks simple and predictable.

www.bu...

In this episode of Merging Minds, Javi sits down with Naho Inuyama, Principal Program Manager at Atlassian, to explore her dynamic journey from Japan to the U.S. and Amsterdam, navigating the challenges of leadership in the localization industry.

Naho shares insights into how millennials like herself are redefining leadership, embracing flexibility, empathy, and adaptability in today’s globalized, multi-generational workforce.

They also discuss the importance of mentorship, technology's role in modern leadership, and how Naho is inspiring the next generation of women in localization.

If you're curious about thriving in the localization in...

In this episode of Merging Minds, we explore the entrepreneurial journey of Kristy Sakai, CEO of We Are Very (formerly Supertext), a top multilingual content creation and localization agency. 

Kristy shares her experiences growing up across three continents, leading the rebranding of her company, and navigating the evolving landscape of AI in content creation and localization. 

From her early life in Japan, the U.S., and Europe, to launching Supertext's U.S. branch, Kristy’s path is full of insightful lessons on leadership, innovation, and adapting to change. 🌍✨

We also discuss the importance of blendi...

In this episode of Merging Minds, we chat with Jochen Hummel, co-founder of Trados, the tool that changed the translation industry. The big question? "The CAT Tool: Could the creator also be the killer?"—and Jochen's got some bold thoughts! Join us as Jochen shares: - How he co-founded Trados and its impact on the translation industry. - Why he believes it’s time to move beyond CAT tools. - His perspective on AI and how it’s shaping the future of translation. - What this all means for translators and businesses in the AI-driven world. Don't miss this conversation! ✨ Watch no...

We were thrilled to welcome Carrie Fischer as our guest this week! With an impressive career that includes roles at top companies like Disney, Oracle, and Subway, Carrie shared her incredible journey with us. 

Here’s a glimpse of what we covered:

Carrie also reflected on her personal journey, sharing how she naturally stepped into lea...

It is the question everyone is asking about AI- Can we handle it? Such a powerful tool requires us to be responsible in the ways we use it, and we are all wondering if we are up to the challenge.

In this episode of Merging Minds, Gabriel speaks with an expert on these questions. Harish Arunachalam is an expert on responsible AI development and is a Principal Data Scientist in Responsible AI at Verizon.

Harish and Gabriel discuss:

On this week's show, Javi welcomes a true heavy hitter in the world of localization. Chris Dell found his way into localization through writing, publishing, and translation, and he spent the last 15 years building Booking.com into a corporation of over 15,000 people.  

Freshly "retired," Chris is reconnecting with old passions and starting new projects. In the episode, he and Javi discuss:  

- Chris's experience at Booking.com

- Starting out by studying art  

- Non-linear careers  

- Curiosity driving your career

- Over empath...

Can AI translate better than humans? Can I trust AI? Is my data safe?

Christopher Penn, co-founder of truthinsights.ai, answers all of these questions and more on this week's episode of Merging Minds. Gabriel and Chris discuss what is real vs. what is hype in terms of security, AI adoption, LLMs, and the changing landscape of knowledge work in the age of AI.

They discuss:

This week, Javi welcomes his good friend Mirko Plitt to the show. Mirko is a computational linguist by trade, but has filled a vast number of roles across the localization industry and in NGOs.

Currently working for the WHO, Mirko is looking to fulfill the dream of localization: Bringing important and impactful content to global audiences in the most relevant way.

Tune in to hear him and Javi discuss:

Should we be polite to AI tools? After all, they aren't humans. Still, something feels wrong about being rude.

Merging Minds host Gabriel Fairman and Professor Ali Hasan discuss why this is on the latest episode of Merging Minds. They also discuss:

Ludmila Golovine has wanted to be a translator since she was 12, dreaming of having more stories to read from behind the Iron Curtain. Years later, she founded MasterWord services and facilitated the global spread of written material.

Over 30 years after founding her company, Ludmila sits down with Merging Minds host Javi Diaz and talks about her experiences turned her into the business powerhouse she is today.

Javi and Ludmila talk about:

AI can make us feel like the opportunities to be creative are drying up. For those in creative professions, this is a double threat. With our identities and livelihoods being challenged by new tech, how can we escape the mindset of scarcity and use that tech to take our creativity and careers to the next level?

Jesse Showalter has some answers to these questions. Jesse is a UI/UX designer and educator who has built a successful business and Youtube channel over many years, and he is also a master adapter.

In this conversation with...

Today we have a legend on Merging Minds! He is perhaps the biggest name in the world of freelance translation and he is an idol to anyone making content in the localization industry. He is Adrian Probst, the man behind the Freelanceverse Youtube channel!

Adrian has been creating content on Youtube for 4 years now, and he has 250+ videos and over 32k followers. His videos cover everything from how to find translation jobs to how to specialize, negotiate, and use AI. 

But Adrian doesn’t just make videos, he is a thriving translator himself and he spe...

Economic models don't explain human generosity, but when you look around altruism is everywhere. Is that because generosity is a deviation from the model, or because the model is a deviation from reality? In a world of technology, models, formulas, and algorithms, what makes us truly human?

It makes sense that this week's Merging Minds covers economics, altruism, faith, and AI because this week's guest is a master of all of those fields. Dr. Nicoleta Acatrinei is a multi-disciplinary researcher whose career has taken her from banks to universities to religious organizations, and more!

Merging...

Merging Minds Host Javi Diaz has done the impossible- He has interviewed the interviewer! Tucker Johnson is well-known in our industry for interviewing the biggest names on his podcast, but today Javi has him in the hot seat!

Tucker is a co-founder of Nimdzi Insights and an all-around source of wisdom and knowledge in LOC. On the show, he and Javi discuss:

Why do many translators see AI as a threat? Part of it has to do with a threat to their income, and part of it likely has to do with a threat to their purpose, says Dr. Andrew Richmond. Dr. Richmond is a cognitive science researcher who blends methods from philosophy and psychology to study scientific reasoning.

In this conversation, Merging Minds host Gabriel Fairman and Dr. Richmond discuss how the language we use influences our perceptions, specifically regarding the hot topic of AI. They also discuss what leads us to view AI as competition rather than...

Wada'a Fahel is one of localization's biggest superstars, but she didn't grow up wanted to be a LOC leader. Like so many of LOC's best and brightest, she stumbled her way into the industry and then climbed her way to the top.

Join Wada'a and Merging Minds host Javi Diaz as the discuss Wada'a's story and how she went from a small Italian company to some of the world's biggest companies like Harley Davidson and Zendesk.

She and Javi discuss:

Our jobs were very different 200 years ago. 

Even 100 years ago they were nothing like they are today. The nature of our work is constantly evolving, and we need to continuously discuss how to evolve along with it.

Join our Merging Minds host Gabriel Fairman as he has this exact discussion with Adrian Schreyer, a leader and interdisciplinary scientist who is currently working with AI to develop pharmaceutical drugs.

They discuss: