Localization Fireside Chat

Episode NotesIn this returning episode, Robin Ayoub sits down with Bruno Herrmann, Founder of LT Innovate, to reflect on the current state of the localization and language industry.Key topics include:Why value creation must precede technology decisionsThe risks of AI driven hype without clear purposeMoving from experimentation to real world implementationThe ongoing problem of commoditization in localizationRedefining supplier client relationships as partnershipsLeadership lessons for 2025 and beyond▶ Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/OSBfh2vAmcY CreditsHost: Robin Ayoub, Founder, Localization Fireside ChatConnect and watch moreWebsite: www.L10NFiresideChat.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5OoURgc29R31XPGzOWL9iXBe a guest: https://calendly.com/robin-ayoub/localization-fireside-chat-podcast-recordingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinayoub/Support the showShare the episode with a friend. Subscribe on YouTube and Spotify. Leave a short review.DisclaimerViews are for education and discussion. Apply judgment in your own context.Tags#L10NFiresideChat #localization #hiring #recruiting #leadership #ai Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

AI is moving fast in localization. But speed without structure comes at a real cost.In this episode of the Localization Fireside Chat, Robin Ayoub sits down with Anna Albinsson, CEO of Gridly, for a grounded conversation on what it truly means to be AI-first in localization and content operations.Anna shares her perspective on the industry’s shift from service-based models to technology-driven platforms, why structured content is the foundation for scalable AI, and why quality can quickly degrade when automation is introduced without discipline. She explains why humans remain essential in AI-enabled workflows, especially when it comes to protecting language quality and supporting long-tail languages.This is not a hype-driven discussion. It is a practical look at AI orchestration, speed versus quality, and what organizations must get right if they want AI to deliver real, sustainable value in localization.In this episode, we cover:Why the localization industry is shifting from services to technologyWhat being AI-first actually means in practiceThe role of structured content in successful AI adoptionSpeed versus quality and where localization breaks firstWhy humans remain critical in AI-driven workflowsThe concept of AI orchestration in localizationHow organizations can scale without sacrificing language qualityWhat the future holds for localization platforms like GridlyListen on your favorite podcast streaming platform and subscribe for more unscripted conversations on localization, AI, leadership, and global growth. CreditsHost: Robin Ayoub, Founder, Localization Fireside ChatConnect and watch moreWebsite: www.L10NFiresideChat.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5OoURgc29R31XPGzOWL9iXBe a guest: https://calendly.com/robin-ayoub/localization-fireside-chat-podcast-recordingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinayoub/Support the showShare the episode with a friend. Subscribe on YouTube and Spotify. Leave a short review.DisclaimerViews are for education and discussion. Apply judgment in your own context.Tags#L10NFiresideChat #localization #hiring #recruiting #leadership #ai Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What does it really take to build something that works?In this episode of the Localization Fireside Chat, Robin Ayoub welcomes Marcus Gaughan, Founder and CEO of Minds On Fire, for an honest conversation about entrepreneurship, execution, and learning through failure.Marcus shares his journey from scientific experimentation to founding Minds On Fire, the pivots that shaped his business, and why ambition alone is never enough. The discussion dives into platform thinking, founder mindset, and why focusing on people and execution is what ultimately drives progress.A must listen for founders, operators, and business leaders navigating growth in today’s market. CreditsHost: Robin Ayoub, Founder, Localization Fireside ChatConnect and watch moreWebsite: www.L10NFiresideChat.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5OoURgc29R31XPGzOWL9iXBe a guest: https://calendly.com/robin-ayoub/localization-fireside-chat-podcast-recordingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinayoub/Support the showShare the episode with a friend. Subscribe on YouTube and Spotify. Leave a short review.DisclaimerViews are for education and discussion. Apply judgment in your own context.Tags#L10NFiresideChat #localization #hiring #recruiting #leadership #ai Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Guest: Hanna Bauer, Founder and CEO, HeartnomicsHost: Robin Ayoub, Founder, Localization Fireside ChatTopics include:Childhood illness and resiliencePurpose driven leadershipNavigating uncertaintyHuman centered growthThe Heartnomics philosophy  CreditsHost: Robin Ayoub, Founder, Localization Fireside ChatConnect and watch moreWebsite: www.L10NFiresideChat.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5OoURgc29R31XPGzOWL9iXBe a guest: https://calendly.com/robin-ayoub/localization-fireside-chat-podcast-recordingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinayoub/Support the showShare the episode with a friend. Subscribe on YouTube and Spotify. Leave a short review.DisclaimerViews are for education and discussion. Apply judgment in your own context.Tags#L10NFiresideChat #localization #hiring #recruiting #leadership #ai Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Guest: Sophie Ouellet, Translator and Lecturer, Laval UniversityHost: Robin Ayoub, Founder, Localization Fireside ChatTopics discussed:AI and human translationFreelance realities in the AI eraValue versus cost in language servicesTeaching, research, and lifelong learningWhy human expertise still matters CreditsHost: Robin Ayoub, Founder, Localization Fireside ChatConnect and watch moreWebsite: www.L10NFiresideChat.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5OoURgc29R31XPGzOWL9iXBe a guest: https://calendly.com/robin-ayoub/localization-fireside-chat-podcast-recordingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinayoub/Support the showShare the episode with a friend. Subscribe on YouTube and Spotify. Leave a short review.DisclaimerViews are for education and discussion. Apply judgment in your own context.Tags#L10NFiresideChat #localization #hiring #recruiting #leadership #ai Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this conversation, Robin Ayoub welcomes Nikki Barua, Co Founder of FlipWork, entrepreneur, and change leader, for an in depth discussion on leadership, reinvention, and the human side of AI driven transformation.Key topics covered include:• Reinvention as a continuous leadership skill• Identity shifts during career and life transitions• Moving from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship• Accountability and ownership in leadership• Why AI is reshaping how we think about work• Skills and mindsets that will remain uniquely human🎥 Prefer video? Watch the full conversation on YouTube:https://youtu.be/EVJ3pQHeVz4 CreditsHost: Robin Ayoub, Founder, Localization Fireside ChatConnect and watch moreWebsite: www.L10NFiresideChat.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5OoURgc29R31XPGzOWL9iXBe a guest: https://calendly.com/robin-ayoub/localization-fireside-chat-podcast-recordingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinayoub/Support the showShare the episode with a friend. Subscribe on YouTube and Spotify. Leave a short review.DisclaimerViews are for education and discussion. Apply judgment in your own context.Tags#L10NFiresideChat #localization #hiring #recruiting #leadership #ai Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Localization Fireside Chat, Robin Ayoub sits down with Ben Perreau, Founder of Parafoil, to explore what leadership really looks like in today’s organizations and why so many managers feel unprepared for the role.Ben shares his unconventional journey from music journalism to working closely with senior executives and early career managers. Drawing from real world experience, he introduces the concept of the “accidental manager” and explains why the majority of managers step into leadership roles without formal training, clear feedback, or proper support.A central theme of the conversation is feedback. Ben explains how traditional performance reviews fail managers and why leadership development requires continuous, timely insight rather than annual assessments. He discusses how better feedback loops can help managers grow faster, communicate more effectively, and build healthier team cultures.The discussion also touches on the realities of modern leadership, including managing larger teams, navigating change after the pandemic, and balancing performance with empathy. Ben challenges the assumption that leadership is the natural next step for high performers and argues for alternative career paths that allow technical experts to thrive without being forced into people management.Robin and Ben close the conversation by reflecting on what effective leadership really requires today, humility, learning, and the willingness to improve through feedback.This episode is especially relevant for new managers, experienced leaders, HR professionals, and anyone thinking about stepping into a leadership role. CreditsHost: Robin Ayoub, Founder, Localization Fireside ChatConnect and watch moreWebsite: www.L10NFiresideChat.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5OoURgc29R31XPGzOWL9iXBe a guest: https://calendly.com/robin-ayoub/localization-fireside-chat-podcast-recordingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinayoub/Support the showShare the episode with a friend. Subscribe on YouTube and Spotify. Leave a short review.DisclaimerViews are for education and discussion. Apply judgment in your own context.Tags#L10NFiresideChat #localization #hiring #recruiting #leadership #ai Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Guest: Allison Ferch, Executive Director, GALAHost: Robin Ayoub, Founder, Localization Fireside ChatYouTube video:https://youtu.be/zVq4UJKYgYA CreditsHost: Robin Ayoub, Founder, Localization Fireside ChatConnect and watch moreWebsite: www.L10NFiresideChat.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5OoURgc29R31XPGzOWL9iXBe a guest: https://calendly.com/robin-ayoub/localization-fireside-chat-podcast-recordingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinayoub/Support the showShare the episode with a friend. Subscribe on YouTube and Spotify. Leave a short review.DisclaimerViews are for education and discussion. Apply judgment in your own context.Tags#L10NFiresideChat #localization #hiring #recruiting #leadership #ai Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

• Guest: Councillor Dipika Damerla, City of Mississauga, Ward 7• Host: Robin Ayoub, Founder of Localization Fireside Chat• Topic: Region of Peel 2026 Budget and Mississauga property taxes• Focus: Transparency, accountability, policing costs, public spending CreditsHost: Robin Ayoub, Founder, Localization Fireside ChatConnect and watch moreWebsite: www.L10NFiresideChat.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5OoURgc29R31XPGzOWL9iXBe a guest: https://calendly.com/robin-ayoub/localization-fireside-chat-podcast-recordingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinayoub/Support the showShare the episode with a friend. Subscribe on YouTube and Spotify. Leave a short review.DisclaimerViews are for education and discussion. Apply judgment in your own context.Tags#L10NFiresideChat #localization #hiring #recruiting #leadership #ai Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Localization Fireside Chat, Robin Ayoub welcomes Stephen Clarke, Founder of RTG Group, for a thoughtful and challenging conversation about the future of giving and social impact.Despite trillions of dollars donated globally every year, major societal issues such as hunger and homelessness continue to grow. Stephen explains why the traditional charity and non-profit model is structurally limited and why a different approach is needed.Drawing on decades of experience as a business strategist and social entrepreneur, Stephen introduces his Receiving Through Giving model, a for-profit social impact framework built on transparency, sustainability, and collaboration. The conversation explores how businesses, investors, and communities can work together to create measurable impact while remaining financially viable.This episode is a must-listen for leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone questioning how real change actually happens. CreditsHost: Robin Ayoub, Founder, Localization Fireside ChatConnect and watch moreWebsite: www.L10NFiresideChat.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5OoURgc29R31XPGzOWL9iXBe a guest: https://calendly.com/robin-ayoub/localization-fireside-chat-podcast-recordingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinayoub/Support the showShare the episode with a friend. Subscribe on YouTube and Spotify. Leave a short review.DisclaimerViews are for education and discussion. Apply judgment in your own context.Tags#L10NFiresideChat #localization #hiring #recruiting #leadership #ai Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Localization Fireside Chat, Robin Ayoub speaks with Brian Samson, Founder of Plugg Technologies, about how nearshoring is reshaping the way companies build and scale global teams.Brian explains the real differences between nearshoring, offshoring, and outsourcing, and why time zone alignment and collaboration now look more important than pure cost savings. Drawing from more than two decades of experience in staffing, in house recruiting, and entrepreneurship, he shares why Latin America has become a strategic nearshoring region for North American companies.The conversation also covers founder autonomy versus outside capital, how companies can move talent closer to the core of the business, the role of AI and automation in hiring workflows, and why strong relationships remain central to long term business success.This episode is ideal for founders, executives, HR leaders, and operators exploring global hiring, remote teams, and nearshoring strategies. CreditsHost: Robin Ayoub, Founder, Localization Fireside ChatConnect and watch moreWebsite: www.L10NFiresideChat.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5OoURgc29R31XPGzOWL9iXBe a guest: https://calendly.com/robin-ayoub/localization-fireside-chat-podcast-recordingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinayoub/Support the showShare the episode with a friend. Subscribe on YouTube and Spotify. Leave a short review.DisclaimerViews are for education and discussion. Apply judgment in your own context.Tags#L10NFiresideChat #localization #hiring #recruiting #leadership #ai Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this bilingual episode of Localization Fireside Chat, Robin Ayoub is joined by Juan Carlos Rovetta, CEO of Kainotera, for a practical conversation on Agentic AI, smart automation, and why humans must remain in control of decision making.This discussion goes beyond AI hype and focuses on real business use cases, responsible automation, and human-in-the-loop systems. Juan shares how agentic AI can automate complex workflows while knowing when to defer decisions to people.🎧 This is a bilingual episode in English and Spanish.Please enable CC for English subtitles.GuestJuan Carlos RovettaCEO, KainoteraHostRobin AyoubFounder, Localization Fireside Chat CreditsHost: Robin Ayoub, Founder, Localization Fireside ChatConnect and watch moreWebsite: www.L10NFiresideChat.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5OoURgc29R31XPGzOWL9iXBe a guest: https://calendly.com/robin-ayoub/localization-fireside-chat-podcast-recordingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinayoub/Support the showShare the episode with a friend. Subscribe on YouTube and Spotify. Leave a short review.DisclaimerViews are for education and discussion. Apply judgment in your own context.Tags#L10NFiresideChat #localization #hiring #recruiting #leadership #ai Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Simplecast Final Episode Description (with YouTube link included)In this episode, Robin Ayoub sits down with Councillor Dipika Damerla (Ward 7, Mississauga) for a grounded conversation on a topic many cities are facing: Should municipalities raise foreign national flags at City Hall?🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube:https://youtu.be/7zz2h2IAtFcWe explore how this discussion affects unity, division, and how public funds should be prioritized for the people who live in the city. From service delivery and taxation to short term rental rules and e scooter regulation, this episode touches the day to day decisions that shape community life.What you will learn• The foreign flag debate in Mississauga• How municipalities manage cultural requests• Balancing diversity with neutrality in government• Where taxpayer funds are best focused• Airbnb rules and licensing requirements• E bikes, scooters, and city safety considerations• How council decisions impact residents directlyA respectful and informative civic conversation with real context instead of noise.If you enjoyed this conversation, share it with others, leave a rating, and subscribe to the Localization Fireside Chat for more thoughtful dialogue on public policy, leadership, and community topics.#Mississauga #CityHall #ForeignFlags #LocalizationFiresideChat #DipikaDamerla #PublicService #Canada CreditsHost: Robin Ayoub, Founder, Localization Fireside ChatConnect and watch moreWebsite: www.L10NFiresideChat.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5OoURgc29R31XPGzOWL9iXBe a guest: https://calendly.com/robin-ayoub/localization-fireside-chat-podcast-recordingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinayoub/Support the showShare the episode with a friend. Subscribe on YouTube and Spotify. Leave a short review.DisclaimerViews are for education and discussion. Apply judgment in your own context.Tags#L10NFiresideChat #localization #hiring #recruiting #leadership #ai Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this Localization Fireside Chat, we sit down with Natalia Rivero, CEO de Ecogas, for an inspiring conversation about leadership, resilience, and the power of preparation.Natalia shares how she became the first woman CEO in an industry historically led by men, what it means to lead a highly regulated energy company in Argentina, and the cultural transformation that Ecogas is experiencing under her leadership.We talk about work-life balance, being a mother while building an executive career, the importance of education and continuous learning, and how women can prepare, grow, and lead confidently.This conversation is filled with honesty, encouragement, and motivation for leaders, mothers, professionals, and anyone who wants to step into more — regardless of industry.What you will learn• Cómo llegó Natalia a convertirse en CEO de Ecogas• El rol de la mujer en posiciones ejecutivas• Liderazgo con propósito y escucha activa• Transformación cultural en compañías grandes• Agilidad organizacional y gestión en industrias reguladas• Balance entre carrera, familia, educación y desarrollo personal• Consejos para mujeres que quieren llegar más lejosGuestNatalia RiveroCEO — EcogasLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalia-rivero-68049b35/HostLocalization Fireside ChatHosted by: Ceci Maldonado (Guest Host)Produced by: Localization Fireside Chat Team CreditsHost: Robin Ayoub, Founder, Localization Fireside ChatConnect and watch moreWebsite: www.L10NFiresideChat.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5OoURgc29R31XPGzOWL9iXBe a guest: https://calendly.com/robin-ayoub/localization-fireside-chat-podcast-recordingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinayoub/Support the showShare the episode with a friend. Subscribe on YouTube and Spotify. Leave a short review.DisclaimerViews are for education and discussion. Apply judgment in your own context.Tags#L10NFiresideChat #localization #hiring #recruiting #leadership #ai Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Localization Fireside Chat, Robin Ayoub talks with Jacob Crocket, Founder of HireAligned, about how hiring is moving beyond resumes and instinct. Jacob explains how AI Guided Culture Assessments help companies understand their real cultural DNA, align talent with teams, and reduce turnover through better fit based hiring.We dig into why fit first, skills second can improve retention, how culture can be measured through data, and why companies must move away from gut based hiring decisions if they want strong, lasting teams.A valuable discussion for founders, HR leaders, hiring managers, and anyone who builds teams.Watch on YouTubehttps://youtu.be/44ukXZ_g3LQChapters00:00 Intro and welcome00:27 Episode reach and growth update01:23 Meet Jacob Crocket02:14 Data and AI background03:07 Healthcare AI story and insight04:28 Startup life and people alignment05:21 Corporate vs startup culture06:43 Running a business solo07:34 Taxes, accounting, and realities08:52 Why Jacob became a founder10:44 From healthcare to hiring tech11:39 Meaning and belonging in work12:05 Learning agility, curiosity, growth13:26 Misalignment and friction at work14:22 When company and employee both feel wrong fit15:38 Hiring patterns and turnover17:00 Big org vs startup hiring dynamic17:57 Mapping culture with AI18:24 Culture baseline through conversation19:20 Real values vs wall values20:11 Measuring cultural behaviors21:38 Amazon turnover culture example23:31 AI and healthy skepticism24:17 Dishes analogy for AI usage25:36 88 percent retention improvement case26:48 Hiring by location culture patterns27:44 Alignment and belonging28:13 Bias, culture, and fairness29:36 Alignment vs prejudice30:56 Data driven bias mitigation31:47 Women and workplace equity32:43 CEO culture reality check34:06 Leadership blind spots35:01 Gut feeling hires gone wrong36:00 Resume bloat and AI screening37:53 Fit first screening approach38:51 Hiring mindset shift39:46 Bad interview questions41:05 Behavioral evidence wins42:30 Connect with Jacob42:55 Closing remarksGuestJacob Crocket | Founder, HireAlignedLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobfcrockett/Website: https://www.hirealigned.comHostRobin Ayoub | Localization Fireside ChatPodcast: https://localization-fireside-chat.simplecast.comYouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@LocalizationFiresideChatWebsite: https://www.robinayoub.com CreditsHost: Robin Ayoub, Founder, Localization Fireside ChatConnect and watch moreWebsite: www.L10NFiresideChat.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5OoURgc29R31XPGzOWL9iXBe a guest: https://calendly.com/robin-ayoub/localization-fireside-chat-podcast-recordingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinayoub/Support the showShare the episode with a friend. Subscribe on YouTube and Spotify. Leave a short review.DisclaimerViews are for education and discussion. Apply judgment in your own context.Tags#L10NFiresideChat #localization #hiring #recruiting #leadership #ai Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In Episode 134, Robin Ayoub speaks with Sukhi Dhillon Alberga, B.A. (Hons), J.D., the lawyer and founder behind Counselurdocs, a legal tech solution designed to simplify complex legal agreements for startups, founders, and law firms.We explore how she built the platform, how the Law Society of Ontario innovation approval changed the journey, and how automation can empower business owners to understand contracts clearly while maintaining legal integrity.Topics covered:• Legal tech transformation• Reducing risk and saving time• Automating shareholder agreements, NDAs, employment contracts, and more• Legal training for students and junior lawyers• Why templates are not enough• Where AI fits and where humans must stay involvedLinks and ResourcesWatch the video version on YouTube:https://youtu.be/Fne6Or7kxqkCounselurdocs website:https://counselurdocs.comConnect with Sukhi on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/sukhi-dhillon-alberga/Promo Videos:Startups and Incubators Video: https://watch.wave.video/O21CIpj5kdzdTOEyLaw Firms Promo Video: https://watch.wave.video/y63JP4M0c89iqzu5If this episode helped you think differently about legal tech and startups, share it with a founder or lawyer you know. Follow Localization Fireside Chat for more thought provoking conversations. CreditsHost: Robin Ayoub, Founder, Localization Fireside ChatConnect and watch moreWebsite: www.L10NFiresideChat.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5OoURgc29R31XPGzOWL9iXBe a guest: https://calendly.com/robin-ayoub/localization-fireside-chat-podcast-recordingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinayoub/Support the showShare the episode with a friend. Subscribe on YouTube and Spotify. Leave a short review.DisclaimerViews are for education and discussion. Apply judgment in your own context.Tags#L10NFiresideChat #localization #hiring #recruiting #leadership #ai Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In Episode 133, Robin Ayoub sits down with Marsha Clark, Champion for Women, Identity and Self Worth. Together they unpack the realities, challenges and victories of women in leadership roles, discussing what confidence really looks like and how power and voice evolve through self awareness and experience.This episode brings a real, unfiltered exchange that many women will resonate with. Themes include leadership identity, self worth, confidence building, women navigating professional spaces and how to rise with grace and strength.Listen if you want inspiration, honest perspective and a meaningful leadership conversation. CreditsHost: Robin Ayoub, Founder, Localization Fireside ChatConnect and watch moreWebsite: www.L10NFiresideChat.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5OoURgc29R31XPGzOWL9iXBe a guest: https://calendly.com/robin-ayoub/localization-fireside-chat-podcast-recordingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinayoub/Support the showShare the episode with a friend. Subscribe on YouTube and Spotify. Leave a short review.DisclaimerViews are for education and discussion. Apply judgment in your own context.Tags#L10NFiresideChat #localization #hiring #recruiting #leadership #ai Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Localization Fireside Chat, Robin Ayoub sits down with Victor Varnado — a comedian, producer, writer, cartoonist, and founder of Magic Bookifier, an AI-powered writing assistant designed to help creators draft books faster and stay focused.Victor went from performing stand-up on major shows like Conan and Jimmy Kimmel Live to building tech products and entrepreneurship through Supreme Robot. His creativity blends with technology in a unique way, driving forward tools for writers, students, and neurodivergent thinkers.We explore:• Comedy as a communication + creativity superpower• How Magic Bookifier guides users to draft books faster• ADHD, cognitive overload and writing workflows• The future of AI as utility, not novelty• Ethical use of AI in creative work• Why AI assists — not replaces — human voice• How his wife solved a real crime using AI tools• The bridge between entertainment, tech, and innovationThis episode is inspiring, thought-provoking, and loaded with practical takeaways for creators, writers, and anyone building with AI.🔗 Links & Guest InfoGuest: Victor VarnadoLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victorvarnado/Magic Bookifier: https://magicbookifier.com (replace if needed)Company: Supreme RobotHostRobin Ayoub | Localization Fireside ChatYouTube: @LocalizationFiresideChatPodcast Platform: https://localization-fireside-chat.simplecast.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinayoub/ CreditsHost: Robin Ayoub, Founder, Localization Fireside ChatConnect and watch moreWebsite: www.L10NFiresideChat.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5OoURgc29R31XPGzOWL9iXBe a guest: https://calendly.com/robin-ayoub/localization-fireside-chat-podcast-recordingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinayoub/Support the showShare the episode with a friend. Subscribe on YouTube and Spotify. Leave a short review.DisclaimerViews are for education and discussion. Apply judgment in your own context.Tags#L10NFiresideChat #localization #hiring #recruiting #leadership #ai Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In Episode 131 of the Localization Fireside Chat, David Smith, founder of ElderBerry.work, joins Robin Ayoub to discuss one of the most overlooked opportunities in hiring today — the power of 45 plus talent and how senior expertise can accelerate business growth faster than traditional hiring models.We explore why companies are losing knowledge capital, how fractional leaders help founders move faster with better decisions, and why AI cannot replace the judgment, pattern recognition, and intuition that only experience shapes.This conversation is for founders, hiring managers, HR leaders, and anyone thinking seriously about the future of work and talent strategy.Key Takeaways• 45 plus experience is undervalued and often underutilized• Fractional leadership reduces risk and increases execution clarity• AI is powerful for operations, but decisions require human judgment• Why mentorship and experience reduce expensive hiring mistakes• Practical ways SMBs can tap into senior talent affordablyChapters00:00 Intro02:15 Why companies overlook 45 plus experience06:40 What fractional leadership really solves11:20 Experience vs speed in early stage growth15:55 Hiring judgment vs hiring labor21:10 Future of work and the gray talent economy27:30 Where AI helps and where it should not lead33:15 How to engage senior expertise quickly39:40 David’s mission with ElderBerry.work45:00 Final thoughtsGuestDavid SmithFounder, ElderBerry.workLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-y-smith-03917880/HostRobin Ayoub, Localization Fireside ChatBe a guest: https://calendly.com/robin-ayoub/localization-fireside-chat-podcast-recordingWebsite: http://www.L10NFiresideChat.com CreditsHost: Robin Ayoub, Founder, Localization Fireside ChatConnect and watch moreWebsite: www.L10NFiresideChat.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5OoURgc29R31XPGzOWL9iXBe a guest: https://calendly.com/robin-ayoub/localization-fireside-chat-podcast-recordingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinayoub/Support the showShare the episode with a friend. Subscribe on YouTube and Spotify. Leave a short review.DisclaimerViews are for education and discussion. Apply judgment in your own context.Tags#L10NFiresideChat #localization #hiring #recruiting #leadership #ai Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In Episode 130 of the Localization Fireside Chat, Joshua (Josh) Hill of SuperHired breaks down why so many hiring processes feel broken, even with AI everywhere.Josh shares lessons from the Army and from leading teams in high pressure environments, then applies them to recruiting, Talent Density, and modern HR.You will hear why bot versus bot recruiting is killing signal, why your resume has barely evolved since Leonardo da Vinci, and how to think about work as a product so you attract and keep the right people, not just the loudest ones.What you will learnWhy AI made a broken hiring system even noisierHow bot versus bot recruiting buries real talent and contextWhy the classic resume is a 500 year old artifact that needs a redesignWhat Talent Density really is, far beyond buzzwordsHow to think about work as a product and employees as customersWhere AI belongs in hiring, for analysis and ops, not human judgmentPractical steps for founders, HR and recruiting leaders who want fewer bad hires and more high performing teamsChapters00:00 Intro02:10 Why hiring feels broken in the age of AI07:05 Bot versus bot recruiting and the resume problem12:40 Leonardo da Vinci and the 500 year old CV18:05 Talent Density explained in simple terms22:30 Work as a product and employees as customers28:15 Using AI as a tool, not a gatekeeper34:00 Fixing interviews and discovery on both sides40:10 Advice for founders, HR and recruiting leaders44:30 Final takeaways and where to connectGuestJoshua (Josh) Hill, Co founder, SuperHiredLinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-hill-24b760a6/HostRobin Ayoub, Founder, Localization Fireside ChatWatch more and connectWebsite, http://www.L10NFiresideChat.comSpotify, https://open.spotify.com/show/5OoURgc29R31XPGzOWL9iXApple Podcasts, https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/localization-fireside-chat/id1688770183Be a guest, https://calendly.com/robin-ayoub/localization-fireside-chat-podcast-recordingLinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinayoub/DisclaimerOpinions are shared for education and discussion. This is not hiring, legal, or financial advice. Always apply judgment in your own context. CreditsHost: Robin Ayoub, Founder, Localization Fireside ChatConnect and watch moreWebsite: www.L10NFiresideChat.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5OoURgc29R31XPGzOWL9iXBe a guest: https://calendly.com/robin-ayoub/localization-fireside-chat-podcast-recordingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinayoub/Support the showShare the episode with a friend. Subscribe on YouTube and Spotify. Leave a short review.DisclaimerViews are for education and discussion. Apply judgment in your own context.Tags#L10NFiresideChat #localization #hiring #recruiting #leadership #ai Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.