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Merging Minds

Gabriel Fairman, Javi Díaz, Bureau Works

73 episodes

1 week ago

Welcome to Merging Minds podcast, your supportive guide to claiming your power in the rapidly evolving landscape of AI-powered localization. Join our dynamic hosts Gabriel Fairman and Javi Diaz, as they dissect the latest tech, ignite unbiased conversations on navigating the future of work, and empower you to thrive in the face of change where neurons meet algorithms. From demystifying AI with unconventional, innovative thinkers, to translation and localization industry experts, and to unlocking true leadership potential, you’ll discover practical strategies and inspiration to confidently chart your course as we’re deciphering the language of both tech and human minds. Whether you're a seasoned translator, a curious linguist, a creative, researcher, or a business leader, The Merging Minds is your vibrant hub and compass in the digital labyrinth where our thoughts cross paths with data streams.

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Entrepreneurship,

All content for Merging Minds is the property of Gabriel Fairman, Javi Díaz, Bureau Works and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.

Welcome to Merging Minds podcast, your supportive guide to claiming your power in the rapidly evolving landscape of AI-powered localization. Join our dynamic hosts Gabriel Fairman and Javi Diaz, as they dissect the latest tech, ignite unbiased conversations on navigating the future of work, and empower you to thrive in the face of change where neurons meet algorithms. From demystifying AI with unconventional, innovative thinkers, to translation and localization industry experts, and to unlocking true leadership potential, you’ll discover practical strategies and inspiration to confidently chart your course as we’re deciphering the language of both tech and human minds. Whether you're a seasoned translator, a curious linguist, a creative, researcher, or a business leader, The Merging Minds is your vibrant hub and compass in the digital labyrinth where our thoughts cross paths with data streams.

Show more...

Entrepreneurship,

Episodes (20/73)

Merging Minds

Are We Teaching AI to Forget Our Cultures? w/ Kelly Marchisio

As AI becomes more multilingual, are we actually making it more monocultural? Join Gabriel Fairman and Rodrigo Demetrio in a conversation with Kelly Marchisio, Multilinguality Lead at Cohere, as they explore the paradox of progress: how building “universal” language models might unintentionally erase linguistic and cultural nuance.

1 week ago

53 minutes

Merging Minds

Is it really the "death of the corporate job"? w/ Alex McCann

The corporate world is changing! In this episode of the Merging Minds Podcast, Gabriel Fairman and Rodrigo Demetrio talk to Alex McCann's viral article exploring the impact of AI on jobs, the need for new skills, and what the future of work holds. Article's link: https://thestillwandering.substack.com/p/the-death-of-the-corporate-job Is this the end of the traditional corporate role? Tune in to find out!

2 weeks ago

53 minutes 23 seconds

Merging Minds

Goodbye TMS and LSP welcome LTP and LSI with Florian Faes and Anna Wyndham

Why are LSI (Language Solutions Integrators) and LTP (Language Technology Platforms) becoming the new standard in our industry? In this episode of Merging Minds, Gabriel Fairman and Rodrigo Demetrio sit down with Anna Wyndham and Florian Faes from Slator to unpack the shift. They dive into why traditional acronyms like LSP and TMS no longer capture today’s reality, and how LSI and LTP better reflect the industry’s transformation with AI, multimodal content, and evolving buyer demands. This is not just about terminology; it’s about the future of translation and localization. Are agencies ready to redefine themselves and embrace this new framework, or risk being left behind?

2 months ago

49 minutes 12 seconds

Merging Minds

This Shows Agencies Don’t Need Tech Clients to Win w/ Wada'a Fahel

Wada’a Fahel spent two decades leading globalization at Harley-Davidson and Zendesk, then walked away. In this episode, she reveals what triggered her exit from the corporate world and how she launched her consulting firm, Lokeverse. From AI disruption to executive storytelling, she exposes what localization leaders get wrong and how agencies can adapt before it's too late.

3 months ago

30 minutes 11 seconds

Merging Minds

This Is What Being Yourself At Work Really Costs w/ Elitza Dublewa-Servatius

What happens when you leave your home country for 20 years and then come back? In this episode of Merging Minds, Javi Diaz talks with Elitza Dublewa-Servatius, leader of translation operations at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners. Elitza opens up about the identity shifts, the cultural dissonance, and the resilience it takes to bring your whole self: esoteric, philosophical, and human, into one of the world’s biggest corporations.

4 months ago

29 minutes 33 seconds

Merging Minds

Vendors Aren’t the Problem. Your Process Is w/ Mario Pluzny

Mario Pluzny joins Javi Diaz to dissect the unspoken flaws of today’s localization workflows. In this episode of Merging Minds, they expose how enterprise vendors fail to truly serve linguists and explore what a more human, efficient future might look like. From flawed project kickoffs to the overhype of AI, Mario reflects on the cultural blind spots that plague language services. It's not just about translation, it's about rebuilding the foundations.

4 months ago

36 minutes 56 seconds

Merging Minds

From Local Actor To Global Leader w/ Fabiano Cid

In this emotional and empowering episode of Merging Minds, Javi Diaz talks to Fabiano Cid, entrepreneur, executive, and localization visionary, for an unforgettable conversation about career reinvention, leadership under pressure, and what it really means to build a legacy in our evolving industry. Fabiano opens up about his humble beginnings selling sandwiches, the rise and near fall of his company, and the life-changing decision to prioritize people over profit. He also shares how being a queer leader has shaped his vision, the need for representation in localization, and why we must move beyond "localization" toward global content solutions.

4 months ago

34 minutes 23 seconds

Merging Minds

Sailing the World with No Tech w/ Isabelle Andrieu

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 cornerstones.If you're into entrepreneurship, tech with soul, or just love a good story, this episode is for you.

5 months ago

37 minutes 19 seconds

Merging Minds

From Family Roots to Global Growth w/ Jordan Evans

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.

5 months ago

28 minutes 22 seconds

Merging Minds

Building Products and Trust in AI with Veronica Hylak

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 for you.

5 months ago

35 minutes 5 seconds

Merging Minds

Built Boostlingo on Pure Grit w/ Dieter Runge

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.

6 months ago

37 minutes 5 seconds

Merging Minds

Selling Is Still the King of All Skills w/ Renato Beninatto

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.

6 months ago

43 minutes 8 seconds

Merging Minds

Leading with Empathy w/ Luis Miguel Musi

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, and humanity in business. Whether you're a founder, manager, or translator, this one will resonate deeply.

6 months ago

42 minutes 22 seconds

Merging Minds

What I’d Do Differently After 35 Years in Localization w/ Josep "Pep" Bonet

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 large-scale teams, this episode offers timeless lessons with warmth, humor, and wisdom.

7 months ago

34 minutes 37 seconds

Merging Minds

How LATAM Leaders Are Reshaping Localization w/ Saúl Villegas

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 LATAM or looking to lead with empathy, this episode is packed with insights on resilience, purpose, and growth in the age of AI.

7 months ago

34 minutes 16 seconds

Merging Minds

Hero's Journey in Localization w/ Petra Mesic

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.

7 months ago

35 minutes 45 seconds

Merging Minds

What 30 Years in Localization Taught Us w/ Alfredo, Agustín, and Jorge

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 wondered where the industry is headed, this is for you.

7 months ago

47 minutes 28 seconds

Merging Minds

Why Gen Z Won’t Work Like Us w/ Alex Katsambas

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 culture

8 months ago

36 minutes 1 second

Merging Minds

Localization Tech is 30 Years Outdated with Jourik Ciesielski

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.

8 months ago

34 minutes 32 seconds

Merging Minds

A Top Tech Leader w/ Anna Schlegel

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.

8 months ago

35 minutes 49 seconds