When sales feel heavy, results stall and stress climbs.In this practical episode, I sit down with Dr. Deepak Bhootra, Sandler trainer and sales strategist, to unpack a calm, repeatable approach to selling that wins more and stresses less. We dig into emotional fluency, coaching the middle of the team, AI as an assist, and the career rebuild playbook from his new book Rise Up.Together, we explore the questions many teams avoid:Can mindset and process lower stress while raising win ratesHow do you coach the middle 50 percent for consistent performanceWhere does AI add value without losing the human edgeWhat are the steps to rebuild a career after a setback🎧 About the episode:This conversation is a field guide for modern sellers and leaders. We focus on simple moves that improve discovery, strengthen coaching, and create durable results across a team. If you lead a quota carrying team or you sell for a living, this one is for you.💡 Key Takeaways• Emotional fluency changes discovery and negotiation• Coaching the middle 50 percent moves the whole number• AI should augment the seller, not replace judgment• A simple process turns activity into results• You can rise without burning out⏱ Chapters00:00 Intro02:10 Why sellers burn out and what to do first08:45 Emotional fluency in real sales conversations16:20 Coaching the middle 50 percent24:30 Process that sticks and scales33:00 AI as an assist, not a crutch41:40 Career rebuild moves from Rise Up50:00 Final takeaways🔗 Connect and Learn MoreGuest• Dr. Deepak Bhootra• Email, deepak@bhootra.com• Email, deepak.bhootra@sandler.com• Phone, +1 346 244 3550• LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/deepakbhootra/• Community for B2B sales reps, https://community.jabulani.sandler.com/• Book, RISEUP, Your Career ReclaimedHost and Show• Localization Fireside Chat, www.L10NFiresideChat.com• Listen on Spotify, https://open.spotify.com/show/5OoURgc29R31XPGzOWL9iX?si=608c4ad8d55b4e3d• Be a guest, https://calendly.com/robin-ayoub/localization-fireside-chat-podcast-recording⚠️ DisclaimerThis episode shares opinions and experiences for education and discussion. Nothing here is legal, financial, or medical advice. Always apply judgment in your own context.#sales #coaching #b2b #sandler #emotionalskills #ai #mindset #careergrowth #leadership #salesprocess #discovery #resilience #buyerpsychology #localizationfiresidechat
In this episode of the Localization Fireside Chat, I sit down with Silvia Xalabarde (President @ STIBC) and Peter Madahian (President @ CLIA) to discuss a historic first for Canada’s language industry, the coming together of all provincial language associations for the 2025 National Language Industry Conference in Calgary. We explore how this unprecedented collaboration aims to strengthen Canada’s translation and interpreting community, focusing on advocacy, collaboration, and the evolving role of AI in our profession.💡 What you’ll learn in this episode: ✅ How Canada’s language associations are joining forces for the first time ✅ Why advocacy and national collaboration matter now more than ever ✅ The role of AI in shaping the future of translation and interpreting ✅ How events like the Calgary 2025 conference are redefining professional unity ✅ The power of “One Industry, One Future”📍 About the Conference: The CTTIC 2025 Conference in Calgary will bring together leaders from across Canada’s language sector for a unique hybrid event, featuring keynote speakers and critical discussions on the future of translation and interpreting.🎤 Featuring International Keynote Speakers: Silvia Xalabarde, AI and the Future of Interpreting Joachim Lépine, The Great AI Reset Roula Salam, Leadership in Translation and Interpreting Betty Cohen, Building Stronger Professional Communities🎟️ Register: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/cttic-conference-calgary-2025-tickets-1662067782479?aff=oddtdtcreatorWith the support of: 👉 Society of Translators and Interpreters of BC (STIBC) 👉 Association of Translators and Interpreters of Alberta (ATIA) 👉 Association of Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters of Manitoba (ATIM) 👉 Association of Translators and Interpreters of Saskatchewan (ATIS) 👉 Association of Translators and Interpreters of Ontario (ATIO) 👉 Corporation of Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters of New Brunswick (CTINB) 👉 Association of Translators and Interpreters of Nova Scotia (ATINS) 👉 Canadian Language Industry Association (CLIA) 👉 Canadian Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters Council (CTTIC)📢 Connect With Us: 🎙 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5OoURgc29R31XPGzOWL9iX 🎙 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/localization-fireside-chat/id1688770183 🌎 Blog: https://www.robinayoub.blog 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinayoub/ 📧 Email: rsayoub@gmail.com⚠️ Disclaimer: Views expressed are those of the guests and host. This episode is for information only and does not constitute professional advice or an endorsement of specific products, vendors, or organizations.
When language access fails, lives are at stake.In this deeply moving episode, I sit down with Silvia Salabarde, President of the Society of Translators and Interpreters of British Columbia (STIBC), to discuss a recent tragedy in Canada where the absence of an interpreter led to fatal consequences.Together, we explore the questions no one is asking:Could a life have been saved if a human interpreter had been present?Why do institutions still rely on Google Translate in critical situations?How can we ensure language access becomes a human right, not an afterthought?🎧 About the episode:This conversation is not just about translation—it’s about humanity, empathy, and the systems that fail when communication breaks down. A powerful discussion every policymaker, interpreter, and language advocate needs to hear.💡 Key TakeawaysLanguage access should be recognized as a human rightTechnology can assist, but human interpreters save livesEmotional and cultural nuance cannot be automatedPolicy reform is needed for crisis language accessAwareness and collaboration between government and industry are critical⏱ Chapters00:00 Intro & context01:00 The tragic case in Surrey, BC05:00 Why language access matters08:00 The limits of technology in crisis situations13:00 Emotional nuance and cultural understanding18:00 Is language access a human right?22:00 Industry and government responsibility30:00 How STIBC is taking action36:00 Lessons learned and call for change40:00 Closing thoughts🔗 Connect & Learn More🌐 Localization Fireside Chat: www.L10NFiresideChat.com🎧 Listen on Spotify: Localization Fireside Chat Podcast🎙️ Schedule a guest appearance: https://calendly.com/robin-ayoub/localization-fireside-chat-podcast-recording⚠️ DisclaimerThis episode discusses real events and news reports from publicly available sources. The views shared are for educational and awareness purposes only and do not represent legal or investigative conclusions.
🎬 Episode #119 | Tim Bradley — The Video That Sells TrustWelcome to episode #119 of the Localization Fireside Chat! In this episode, I sit down with Tim Bradley, Co-Founder of Pennant Video, to explore how brands can move beyond vanity metrics and use 🎥 video to build trust, drive decisions, and convert audiences.With nearly two decades in video marketing, Tim has helped leading B2B tech brands like Cisco, Hitachi, and Philips tell stories that sell. Together, we unpack the Video Marketing Trifecta™ — Pennant’s proven framework that transforms video from a creative expense into a business growth engine.💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✅ Why most companies waste money chasing views instead of building trust ✅ How to design videos that convert and support your sales funnel ✅ The secret to mastering the mid-funnel — where real momentum happens ✅ How storytelling builds credibility and shortens the buyer’s journey ✅ Why authenticity beats production gloss in today’s B2B marketing landscape⏱ Chapters 0:00 Welcome and intro to Tim Bradley 2:10 From creativity to conversion: Tim’s early journey 6:30 What’s broken in B2B video marketing today 10:40 The Video Marketing Trifecta™ explained 18:25 Why trust is the new currency in brand storytelling 24:50 Mid-funnel magic, driving real decisions 31:15 Localization and cultural nuance in video content 38:00 How to measure impact beyond views 44:20 Building human partnerships through storytelling 50:00 Final takeaways🎙 Watch the full interview on YouTube: 👉 https://youtu.be/CbtsQ2imYl0📢 Connect With Us 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5OoURgc29R31XPGzOWL9iX 🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/localization-fireside-chat/id1688770183 📝 Blog: https://www.robinayoub.blog 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinayoub/ 📬 Email: rsayoub@gmail.com👤 Connect with Tim Bradley 🌐 Website: https://pennantvideo.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timbradley/⚠️ Disclaimer: Localization Fireside Chat (LFC) is a personal project. The views expressed are those of the host and guests. Content is not sponsored, not an endorsement, and does not represent any organization or affiliation.
Episode 118: EA Clarke — Fixing Broken Hiring with Storytelling and ValuesIn Episode 118 of the Localization Fireside Chat, I sit down with EA Clarke, founder of Pivot + Edge, to explore why traditional hiring is broken and how storytelling can fix it.With 30+ years of recruitment and startup experience, EA has seen firsthand how the wrong hires can derail growth and how the right story can attract the right people. From his early days at Mitel to raising nearly $40M and building sales from scratch, EA shares why companies need to stop cold-calling candidates and start marketing like they mean it.What you’ll learn in this episode:Why recruiting is really a storytelling challengeHow culture fit and shared values outweigh credentials aloneWhy startup hiring caps out after 10–15 people and how to scale beyond itHow Pivot + Edge uses marketing-first recruiting to attract talentWhere AI fits into recruiting and why humans must stay in controlChapters 0:00 Welcome and intro 3:15 EA Clarke’s story from HR to startup executive 7:00 Lessons from NetActive and the dot-com era 12:00 Why values and culture beat resumes 16:00 The role of employer brand in attracting talent 21:00 Marketing-first recruiting explained 27:00 Using storytelling to attract candidates and customers 36:00 Startup vs enterprise hiring challenges 39:00 AI in recruiting: help or hype? 45:00 Key takeaways for leadersWatch & Listen 🎥 YouTube: [insert link after upload] 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5OoURgc29R31XPGzOWL9iX 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/localization-fireside-chat/id1688770183More from Robin Ayoub 📝 Blog: https://www.robinayoub.blog 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinayoub/ 📩 Email: rsayoub@gmail.comConnect with EA Clarke & Pivot + Edge 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eaclarke/ 🌐 Website: https://pivotandedge.com⚠️ Disclaimer: The Localization Fireside Chat is a personal project. Views shared are those of the host and guests. Content is not sponsored, not an endorsement, and does not represent any organization or affiliation.
Welcome to Episode 117In this episode of the Localization Fireside Chat, I sit down with Neil Twa, entrepreneur, podcaster, and author of Almost-Automated Income. Neil has built and scaled Amazon FBA businesses to more than $100M in exits. He shares how he approaches entrepreneurship, automation, data-driven decision making, and why systems matter more than hustle.This conversation covers Neil’s journey from startup to $100M exit, his philosophy on building almost-automated businesses, and how he mentors the next generation of entrepreneurs. For anyone interested in e-commerce, entrepreneurship, or financial freedom, this is a must-listen.What you will learn in this episode:How Neil scaled Amazon FBA brands to over $100M in salesWhy “almost-automated income” is a practical, not passive, business modelThe struggle to the first million and lessons from early challengesWhy data-driven businesses are more likely to succeedHow Neil mentors others, including teaching his kids to sell on eBayWhy commitment means “burning boats” and going all inChapters 0:00 Welcome and introduction 2:15 Neil’s background and first ventures 6:40 From startup to $100M exit 12:05 The Almost-Automated Income framework 18:45 Lessons from the first million 25:00 Data-driven success and business growth 32:00 Teaching kids entrepreneurship through eBay 36:15 Mentorship and empowering others 42:00 Choose your hard: commitment in business 48:00 Final thoughts and takeawaysConnect With Us Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5OoURgc29R31XPGzOWL9iX Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/localization-fireside-chat/id1688770183 Blog: https://www.robinayoub.blog LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinayoub/ Email: rsayoub@gmail.comConnect with Neil Twa Website: https://neiltwa.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neiltwa/ Book: Almost-Automated IncomeDisclaimer The Localization Fireside Chat is a personal project. Views shared are those of the host and guests. Content is not sponsored, not an endorsement, and does not represent any organization or affiliation.
Welcome to Episode 116In 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:Why trust and governance are non-negotiable for enterprise AIHow Iridius delivers a “solution factory” for regulated industriesThe difference between targeting small pain points vs. “migraine” problemsHow compliance, security, and data jurisdiction are built into the processReal examples of ROI in pharma validation and enterprise workflowsChapters0:00 Welcome and introduction 2:00 Phillip’s journey into tech and entrepreneurship 6:00 Customer-centric design and “grokking” your customer 12:00 Selling AI in B2B: enterprise vs. mid-market 16:00 Inside Iridius: what the company does and why it matters 22:00 Compliance, governance, and responsible AI guardrails 30:00 AI in customer support and real-world applications 36:00 Data jurisdiction, security, and encryption in AI 40:00 ROI, migraine-level problems, and scaling AI adoption 45:00 Closing thoughts and how to connect with Phillip SwanConnect With Us Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5OoURgc29R31XPGzOWL9iX Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/localization-fireside-chat/id1688770183 Blog: https://www.robinayoub.blog LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinayoub/ Email: rsayoub@gmail.comConnect with Phillip Swan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phillip-swan/ Iridius: https://iridius.aiDisclaimer The Localization Fireside Chat is a personal project. Views shared are those of the host and guests. Content is not sponsored, not an endorsement, and does not represent any organization or affiliation.
Welcome to Episode 115In 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:Why small and midsize agencies can level the playing field with the right trainingHow to build a trust layer with governance, quality checks, and human-in-the-loop reviewWhat Reclaim 3.0 covers each week and how the live format drives real adoptionHow to map AI to business outcomes such as speed, quality, cost, and serviceWhere to start with pilots and how to scale what works across teams and workflowsChapters0:00 Welcome and why AI readiness matters2:00 Meet the guests and CLIA’s mission5:05 Course overview and who it is for7:20 Awareness vs readiness and the trust phase10:05 Adoption stories and early wins12:20 Schedule, format, and weekly Q and A14:40 Small agency perspective and leveling the field18:30 Pricing by company size and member discount21:10 Info webinar and key dates25:00 Workflows, governance, and risk32:00 Translation and interpreting use cases38:40 Registration details and final takeawaysRegister for Reclaim 3.0: https://www.language-industry.ca/events/reclaim-30-ai-upskilling-courseConnect With Us: Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5OoURgc29R31XPGzOWL9iX Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/localization-fireside-chat/id1688770183 Blog: https://www.robinayoub.blog LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinayoub/ Email: rsayoub@gmail.comDisclaimer: LFC (Localization Fireside Chat) podcast is a personal project. Views shared are those of the host and guests. Content is not sponsored, not an endorsement, and does not represent any organization or affiliation.
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 learnWhy all AI or nothing is a false choiceHow LSA and Lingolet fused technology and service into one workflowReal world deployment stories, including a U.S. soccer teamWhat compliance and confidentiality mean with AI in the loopWhy interpreter roles are evolving, not disappearingChapters 0:00 - Meet the guests, LSA and Lingolet 2:40 - AI vs human, the false binary 7:20 - Behind the partnership, why now 14:10 - The soccer team story 18:30 - Routing, escalation, and real use cases 27:00 - Interpreter reactions to AI 32:30 - Not all languages are equal in AI 38:50 - Compliance, risk, and regulation 46:10 - Roadmap, hype, and what is next 50:55 - Final thoughts, augment do not eraseConnect with us Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5OoURgc29R31XPGzOWL9iX Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/localization-fireside-chat/id1688770183 Blog: https://www.robinayoub.blog LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinayoub/ Email: rsayoub@gmail.comConnect with the guests Language Service Associates: https://www.lsaweb.com Lingolet: https://www.lingolet.comDisclaimer LFC podcast is a personal project. Views are those of the host and guests. Content is not sponsored, not an endorsement, and does not represent any organization or affiliation.
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 learnHow to use massive imperfect action without burning outA simple Try It, Tune It, Scale It framework you can apply todayPricing and packaging tips that boost confidence and close ratesCorporate to creator lessons for leaders shifting into entrepreneurshipSystems that reduce stress and help you grow one to manyChapters 0:00 Opening and why momentum beats perfection 3:15 Try It, Tune It, Scale It explained 9:40 Corporate to creator mindset shifts 15:05 Pricing and packaging that win 22:30 Building one to many offers 30:10 Systems that save time 37:25 Book insights and real stories 44:50 Playbook recap and next steps 49:30 Final thoughts and where to connectConnect with us Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5OoURgc29R31XPGzOWL9iX Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/localization-fireside-chat/id1688720183 Blog: https://www.robinayoub.blog LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinayoub/ Email: rsayoub@gmail.comConnect with Kristin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-gutierrez/ Book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/Say-Yes-Figure-Out-Framework/dp/B0F6Y5L4JG/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1UQJBZK67B7OO&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.2uq532YhkZ3rYFSRFASSyCjtlkBC2_65o5cHk1CBZHQN2as4WZ2FZuwRLZqYC8qMN1jFjP7XWb186-FzuDL7rGVsHcFRrytSWIhyWOyzu8elbKhPsit5VclGxyq-t34T0XYFAkYs_Shmq2fHBHb0hA.F1b-Wwq6tKFigKJ6XPQ5jyHD5enZSagkigg3yUhGalc&dib_tag=se&keywords=say+yes+and+figure+it+out&qid=1757090496&sprefix=say+yes+and+figure+it+out%2Caps%2C145&sr=8-1If this episode helped you, please follow the show and share it with someone who needs the push to start.Disclaimer LFC podcast is a personal project. Views shared are those of the host and guests. Content is not sponsored, not an endorsement, and does not represent any organization or affiliation.
Welcome to Episode 113In 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."From market hesitation to machine-generated multilingual content, we break down what’s evolving, what’s being lost, and what still needs a human touch.What you’ll learn in this episode:Why AI is changing the rules faster than the industry can reactWhat CSA’s research reveals about global content opportunity and riskWhy some LSPs are frozen in place — and how to move forwardThe risks of skipping localization entirely in favor of direct AI contentWhy human communication still matters more than ever in a tech-driven worldConnect With Us:Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5OoURgc29R31XPGzOWL9iX Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/localization-fireside-chat/id1688770183 Blog: https://www.robinayoub.blog LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinayoub/ Email: rsayoub@gmail.comDisclaimer: LFC (Localization Fireside Chat) podcast is a personal project. Views shared are those of the host and guests. Content is not sponsored, not an endorsement, and does not represent any organization or affiliation.
🎧 Welcome to Episode 111In 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 users uninstall apps due to bad localization — and why plugging in an API is not a strategy.💡 What you’ll learn in this episode: ✅ Why Silicon Valley thinks translation is solved and why that’s dangerous ✅ How bad localization breaks user trust ✅ What “translation as a feature” gets completely wrong ✅ Why content tiers and cultural nuance still matter ✅ What product teams must understand before they scale globally📢 Connect With Us: 🎙 Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5OoURgc29R31XPGzOWL9iX 🍏 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/localization-fireside-chat/id1688770183 📰 Blog: https://www.robinayoub.blog 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinayoub/ 📩 Email: rsayoub@gmail.com
🎧 Episode 110: AI, Quality, and the Future of Localization 📺 Watch the full video episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jpP0auJ3lNIIn 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 localization process now — this episode has answers, nuance, and plenty of sharp insight.💡 What you’ll learn in this episode: ✅ Why AI alone isn’t enough to ensure translation quality ✅ The difference between real automation and risky shortcuts ✅ What’s misunderstood about LLMs in enterprise localization ✅ Why quality, cost, and scale don’t have to compete ✅ How Smartling is thinking about “tool sets” vs. just translation📌 Chapters: ⏱ 0:00 – Meet Bryan Murphy ⏱ 3:00 – The $50B Localization Problem ⏱ 8:30 – Smartling’s AI Translation Strategy ⏱ 15:45 – Quality vs. Speed: Finding the Balance ⏱ 22:10 – Proxy vs. Connector vs. API ⏱ 28:40 – Do LLMs Really Work for Enterprise? ⏱ 36:00 – Bold Predictions for the Industry ⏱ 41:50 – Final Thoughts & What’s Next📢 Connect With Us: 🎙 Listen to the Localization Fireside Chat Podcast: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5OoURgc29R31XPGzOWL9iX Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/localization-fireside-chat/id1688770183🌎 Visit My Blog: https://www.robinayoub.blog📩 Let’s Connect: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinayoub/ Email: rsayoub@gmail.com
🎧 Episode 109: Canada’s Interpreting Crisis? Where the Law Stops, the Problems StartIn 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, healthcare, and interpreter advocacy — and it’s not holding back.💡 What you’ll learn in this episode: ✅ Why Canada's interpretation system is still fragmented ✅ How community interpreters carry more than just words ✅ The policy gap between language rights and actual access ✅ What burnout and underfunding look like behind the scenes ✅ What a unified national standard could really change📌 Chapters: ⏱ 0:00 – Welcome & Episode Setup ⏱ 2:45 – Meet the Panel: 5 Voices from Across Canada ⏱ 6:30 – What’s Broken: From Booth to Policy ⏱ 15:20 – Training, Credentials & Systemic Gaps ⏱ 23:40 – Frontline Challenges in Healthcare ⏱ 32:55 – Budgeting for Equity ⏱ 45:10 – What Needs to Happen Now ⏱ 56:30 – Final Thoughts & What’s Next📢 Connect With Us: 🎙 Listen to the Localization Fireside Chat Podcast: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5OoURgc29R31XPGzOWL9iX Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/localization-fireside-chat/id1688770183🌎 Visit My Blog: https://www.robinayoub.blog📩 Let’s Connect: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinayoub/ Email: rsayoub@gmail.com
🎧 Episode 108: Scaling or Just Playing CEO Dress-Up? with Mario KrivokapicIn 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 someone just going through the motions.💡 What you’ll learn in this episode: ✅ Why many “scaling” companies are just stuck in performative leadership ✅ The hard questions every founder should ask themselves ✅ Coaching red flags (and what real coaching looks like) ✅ How to shift from stuck to sustainable growth ✅ What mindset drives real transformation — not just LinkedIn buzz📌 Chapters: ⏱ 0:00 – Meet Mario Krivokapic ⏱ 3:10 – Coaching vs. Coddling ⏱ 11:45 – Are You Scaling or Just Busy? ⏱ 19:00 – Executive Blind Spots ⏱ 28:25 – Leadership Habits That Hurt Growth ⏱ 38:50 – Mastering the Mindset Shift ⏱ 51:00 – Final Thoughts + What Next📢 Connect With Us: 🎙 Listen to the Localization Fireside Chat Podcast: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5OoURgc29R31XPGzOWL9iX Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/localization-fireside-chat/id1688770183🌎 Visit My Blog: https://www.robinayoub.blog📩 Let’s Connect: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinayoub/ Email: rsayoub@gmail.com
🔥 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 processes.💡 What you’ll learn in this episode:✅ What Awtomated actually does—and how it fits into the L10N tech stack✅ Why localization automation is no longer optional✅ How to scale without hiring a giant PM team✅ What AI can—and can’t—replace in the LSP world✅ Lessons from launching a B2B SaaS product in the language industry📌 Chapters:⏱ 0:00 – Meet Rishi and Holesh⏱ 2:15 – Why They Built Awtomated⏱ 10:45 – Real-World Localization Pain Points⏱ 15:00 – Live Product Demo⏱ 27:30 – Human-in-the-Loop vs. Fully Automated Workflows⏱ 36:20 – Building for Scale in Localization⏱ 47:10 – Advice for Founders, Buyers, and Industry Pros⏱ 59:00 – Final Thoughts & The Future of L10N Ops🔗 Connect With Us:🎙 Listen to the Localization Fireside Chat Podcast:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5OoURgc29R31XPGzOWL9iXApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/localization-fireside-chat/id1688770183🌐 Visit My Blog: https://www.robinayoub.blog🔗 Let’s Connect: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinayoub/📧 Email: rsayoub@gmail.com
🔥 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 you’ll learn in this episode: ✅ Why Andrew is exiting Slator and what’s next for the brand ✅ The inside story of Slator’s founding and its rise to industry dominance ✅ How AcudocX is disrupting the B2B and B2C certified document space ✅ What small LSPs and freelancers can learn from AcudocX’s success ✅ Andrew’s advice for navigating career transitions and embracing entrepreneurship📌 Chapters: ⏱ 0:00 – Introduction & Meet Andrew Smart ⏱ 1:45 – Slator’s Founding Story and Growth Journey ⏱ 8:30 – Why Andrew Is Selling His Shares in Slator ⏱ 15:20 – Slator vs. CSA vs. Nimdzi: Market Perspectives ⏱ 22:10 – AcudocX: Solving a Massive Industry Pain Point ⏱ 30:05 – From Translator to Tech Innovator: AcudocX’s Origin Story ⏱ 40:00 – How AcudocX Is Helping LSPs and Freelancers Scale Faster ⏱ 50:15 – Andrew’s Advice on Risk, Career Change, and Entrepreneurship ⏱ 59:30 – Final Thoughts & Industry Outlook📢 Connect With Us: 🎙 Listen to the Localization Fireside Chat Podcast: Spotify: Listen on Spotify Apple Podcasts: Listen on Apple Podcasts🌎 Visit My Blog: https://www.robinayoub.blog📩 Let’s Connect: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinayoub/ Email: rsayoub@gmail.com
🔥 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 learn in this episode: ✅ Why Mexico City raised the bar for industry events ✅ What the “standardization” controversy revealed about global perspectives ✅ The power of Latin America in shaping the next phase of localization ✅ How workshops and networking redefined ROI at this year’s summit ✅ What to expect from Vamos Juntos Buenos Aires 2026📌 Chapters: ⏱ 0:00 – Introduction & Meet Charles Campbell ⏱ 1:20 – Behind the Scenes of Vamos Juntos ⏱ 4:15 – Why Mexico City? A Unique Industry Destination ⏱ 6:05 – Keynotes, Workshops & Sold-Out Sessions ⏱ 9:45 – “Standards Are Dead”? Debate Highlights ⏱ 13:30 – Market Turbulence or Transformation? ⏱ 16:45 – From Fax Machines to AI Translation ⏱ 19:20 – Rooftop Parties, Earthquakes & Tequila ⏱ 22:10 – Technology Tracks & Buyer Panels (Meta, Uber, Salesforce) ⏱ 26:00 – Missing Gov’t Presence, University Engagement ⏱ 30:00 – Looking Ahead: Buenos Aires 2026 ⏱ 34:45 – Charles on TBO & The State of the Market ⏱ 39:45 – Final Thoughts & Industry Optimism📢 Connect With Us: 🎙 Listen to the Localization Fireside Chat Podcast: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5OoURgc29R31XPGzOWL9iX?si=608c4ad8d55b4e3d Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/localization-fireside-chat/id1688770183🌎 Visit My Blog: Website: https://www.robinayoub.blog📩 Let’s Connect: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinayoub/ Email: rsayoub@gmail.com
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 “intelligent” as you think ✅ The real danger behind unchecked automation ✅ How academia and industry can better align ✅ What Canada needs to do to stay competitive in AI ✅ Why critical thinking is the skill of the future 📌 Chapters: ⏱ 0:00 – Introduction & Welcome ⏱ 2:05 – Meet Dr. Sidney Shapiro ⏱ 5:40 – The Rise of Vibe Coders ⏱ 10:15 – AI vs. Human Judgment ⏱ 15:30 – Context, Memory & Mistranslation ⏱ 21:00 – Canada's AI Gap: Policy vs. Reality ⏱ 27:45 – Translation Tech, Memory, and Ethics ⏱ 35:20 – Why Explainable AI Is Still Out of Reach ⏱ 42:10 – Real ROI in AI Deployments ⏱ 51:50 – The Truth About Synthetic Data ⏱ 56:30 – Final Thoughts & Future of AI 📢 Connect With Us: 🎙 Listen to the Localization Fireside Chat Podcast: 🔗 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5OoURgc29R31XPGzOWL9iX?si=608c4ad8d55b4e3d 🔗 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/localization-fireside-chat/id1688770183 🌎 Visit My Blog: 🔗 www.robinayoub.blog 📩 Let’s Connect: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinayoub/ 📧 Email: rsayoub@gmail.com
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, discipline, and career success ✅ Why storytelling and community fuel her purpose ✅ Her refreshing take on AI: "My brainstorming friend" ✅ How she’s empowering women and creators across Canada 📌 Chapters: ⏱ 0:00 – Introduction & Welcome⏱ 1:23 – Meet Christine Blanchette ⏱ 3:50 – From Hobby Farm to the Big Stage ⏱ 6:40 – The Birth of Run With It ⏱ 10:10 – Facing Rejection and Staying the Course ⏱ 15:42 – Bilingual Roots and Staying Connected to Quebec ⏱ 19:34 – AI in Media: Tool or Threat? ⏱ 27:00 – Women in Media: Breaking Barriers ⏱ 36:20 – Christine’s Advice: Hustle with Heart ⏱ 41:00 – Final Thoughts & Where to Follow Her 📢 Connect With Us: 🎙 Listen to the Localization Fireside Chat Podcast: 🔗 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5OoURgc29R31XPGzOWL9iX?si=608c4ad8d55b4e3d 🔗 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/localization-fireside-chat/id1688770183 🌎 Visit My Blog: 🔗 www.robinayoub.blog 📩 Let’s Connect: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinayoub/ 📧 Email: rsayoub@gmail.com