From Afterthought to Infrastructure: How AI Is Changing Localization, Roles, and Enterprise Expectations In this episode of the Top Voices Podcast, hosts Paula McGrath and Bruno Herrmann sit down with David Webb, Vice President of Global Enterprise Sales at XTM International, for an honest discussion on where language technology is heading—and what enterprises are getting wrong about AI. David explains why AI has “put translation on the map” at executive level, but also why the hard part is turning buzzwords into operational value. The conversation explores ecosystem-driven language management, internal evangelism, and the shift toward data-centric roles like Language Data Manager and AI Strategist—while stressing that multilingual AI can’t succeed without deep language expertise. Highlights Include:➞ The AI Reality Check: “What does AI mean to you?” and why that question matters➞ Enterprise Buying Shifts: How conversations have changed in the last 24 months➞ The Cost Myth: The danger of “zero-cost translation” and its impact on talent and quality➞ Language as Art + Science: Why data scientists need language experts (and vice versa)➞ Solutions vs Services: How positioning changes internal adoption and ROI visibility➞ The Internal Evangelist: Helping localization leaders sell value across legal, product, and marketing➞ Partnership Mindset: Trust, transparency, and consultative sales in language tech If you work in localization, language technology, AI, or global content operations—this episode is packed with practical framing you can use immediately. An initiative brought to you by International Achievers Group:https://internationalachieversgroup.com/  

AI, Community Interpreting, and the Future of Canada’s Language Industry In this episode, Peter Madahian, General Manager at Exacta and President of the Canadian Language Industry Association (CLIA), joins hosts Paula McGrath and Bruno Herrmann to explore how Canada’s language sector is evolving in an era of AI, austerity, and global change. This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in AI in translation, community interpreting, or the future of language services in Canada and beyond. An initiative brought to you by International Achievers Group https://internationalachieversgroup.com

AI, Accessibility, and Global User Experience at Scale In this episode, Emil Atanassov, VP of Internationalization and Accessibility Engineering at ServiceNow, joins hosts Paula McGrath and Bruno Herrmann to explore how AI, accessibility, and customer-centric innovation are transforming global user experiences. Emil shares his journey from studying American history to leading international engineering teams and explains how ServiceNow uses generative AI and small language models (SLMs) to deliver seamless multilingual workflows, enable self-localization, and meet growing accessibility demands under the European Accessibility Act. Packed with insights on operationalizing AI, scaling internationalization, and creating inclusive digital experiences, this episode is a must-listen for anyone shaping the future of global technology and language management.

In this insightful episode of the Top Voices Podcast, Peter Reynolds, CEO of memoQ, sits down with hosts Paula McGrath and Bruno Herrmann to discuss the latest trends and challenges in the translation and localization industry. With a rich background in social work, Peter shares his unique perspective on leading a tech company and driving innovation in language services.

Don’t miss Tommaso Rossi, Director of Localization at Spotify, and his take on the innovative intersection of AI, culture, and ethics in the localization industry.

Emma Keane on Language, Culture, and Global Expansion at Balsam Brands In this insightful episode, Emma Keane, Head of Localization at Balsam Brands, joins Paula McGrath and Bruno Herrmann to share her journey and expertise in the localization industry. Emma's passion for languages and her role in expanding Balsam Brands' global reach are at the heart of this engaging conversation. Key Topics Discussed: Localization and Language Mastery: Discover how Emma's love for languages has shaped her career and influenced her work in the tech and language management sectors. Evergreen Business Philosophy: Learn about Balsam Brands' commitment to a people-first, sustainable growth model and how it impacts their global strategy. Cultural and Linguistic Accuracy: Understand the critical importance of getting localization right, from product descriptions to customer interactions. AI and Machine Translation: Explore the challenges and opportunities of integrating AI into localization processes while maintaining quality. Workplace Culture and Expansion: Hear about the benefits of fostering a collaborative and flexible work environment as Balsam Brands scales internationally. Join us for an episode full of practical insights and strategies for navigating the complexities of global content management and localization.

Tune in to discover how Petra Angeli, Head of Product and Solutions Enablement at the Acolad and her team are leveraging AI while ensuring that the human touch remains central to effective localization solutions.

Discover insights into the evolving landscape of language management, learn how to leverage AI and strategic thinking to stay competitive and how to balance innovation with human-centric approaches in a rapidly changing industry.

Navigating the Language Industry: career pathways, AI, and data management. Dive into this episode with Kerstin Berns, Managing Partner @ berns language consulting, to explore how language consulting is adapting to new challenges and opportunities, and gain valuable insights into building a successful career in this dynamic field.

In this episode Morana Perić, Director of Localization at DeepL, shares her experiences and insights on working across various companies, focusing on career progression, operational strategies, and the impact of AI in the language sector. Together, we delve into the challenges and transitions in the industry, and the importance of collaboration between technical and language experts. Not one to miss!

In this episode we interview Nicola Dorrington, the Senior Manager of Global Localization Strategy at GetYourGuide. Nicola shares her personal journey and professional experiences across different countries. The discussion covers GetYourGuide’s multilingual and multicultural environment, the role of AI in localization, and the importance of balancing technology with human expertise. Nicola also provides insights on maintaining a hybrid work model, the challenges and benefits of working in a global organization, and valuable career advice for aspiring professionals in the localization industry.

Join us in this episode of the Top Voices Podcast as Edwin Trebels, Translations Director at the Philadelphia Church of God, sits down with Paula McGrath, CEO of International Achievers Group, and co-host Bruno Herman, renowned industry leader, to explore the intersection of mission-driven language management and innovative technology solutions.

Mastering Localization, AI Integration, and Global Content Strategies In this engaging episode, we welcome Alex Katsambas, Senior Head of Copy Creation and Localization at FARFETCH, to explore the cutting-edge strategies that drive success in the localization industry. Alex shares his journey from a language enthusiast to a leading figure at FARFETCH, highlighting the strategic decision to build an internal localization team and the critical role of AI in streamlining processes and enhancing content consistency. Navigating AI & Localization Discover how FARFETCH leverages AI to maintain a competitive edge, ensuring quality and consistency across 16 languages in their global marketplace. Alex discusses the evolving role of localization professionals, emphasizing the importance of customer experience metrics in content effectiveness. Leadership & Team Management Gain insights into managing a large international team, fostering a culture of learning and development, and balancing business needs with team capabilities. Alex shares valuable leadership strategies that emphasize trust, transparency, and collaboration in achieving business objectives. Listen Now! Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a leader at the forefront of localization and AI integration, providing valuable takeaways for professionals in the global content landscape.

In this episode, we’re joined by Simon Hodgkins, CMO of Vistatec and founder of the Think Global Forum to discuss client-centric strategies and the balance between innovation and tradition in the localization industry. Quality, Trust & AI in Localization: We delve into the nuances of translation, localization, and global content solutions, emphasizing the importance of quality, trust, and AI integration in maintaining a competitive edge in the localization sector. The conversation also highlights the significance of company culture, integrity, and work-life balance for sustained creativity and effectiveness in localization. Recruitment in Localization: We also discuss effective hiring practices specific to the localization industry, the role of executives in recruitment, and the benefits of long-term staff retention.

In this episode, Paula McGrath and Bruno Herrmann sit down with Yulia Sannikova, the Senior Manager of Localization at Degreed, to explore her remarkable journey in the localization industry. Yulia discusses her early career as a translator, the transition to project management, and her various roles in prominent companies like Nike. The conversation delves into the cultural differences she experienced while working in different organizations and the unique challenges they presented. Yulia provides valuable insights into how she navigates the complexities of localization, particularly in a dynamic and fast-paced environment like Degreed. She emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, adaptability, and leveraging technology, including AI, to streamline processes and improve efficiency. Yulia also shares her approach to team management and stakeholder communication, highlighting the significance of maintaining robust, data-driven relationships within the company. Throughout the episode, listeners gain a deep understanding of the evolving landscape of localization and the strategies that can lead to success in this field.

In this discussion, Paula McGrath, CEO of International Achievers Group, and Bruno Herrmann, a localization expert, interview Giulia Tarditi, Head of Language Experience at Revolut. Giulia shares her non-traditional journey into localization, the challenges she’s faced, and her innovative approaches to integrating product management principles with localization. The conversation also delves into cultural differences in language learning and business environments, the dynamics of client-supplier relationships in localization, and the impact of AI on the industry. Giulia emphasizes the importance of building trust, maintaining a curious mindset, and continuously seeking personal and professional growth.

• Career Pathways in Globalization: From Linguistics to Project Management • The LSP and Client Side: A Comparative Insight • Advice for Aspiring Globalization Professionals: Visibility and Strategy • Client and Supplier Dynamics: Building a PartnershipTackling, Talent Scarcity in Globalization and Localization • Finding and Retaining the Right Talent • Evaluating and Developing Talent • Addressing AI Concerns and Upskilling • The Impact of Technology and AI on Operations • Navigating the Future with Generative AI • Partner Pathways and Progression • Global Opportunities vs. Local Talent Recruitment • Zoetis: A Glimpse into the Organization.