Bite-size insights for the localizer on the go. In these pieces, we discuss the current state of the industry, as well as the different topics and ideas that are currently impacting it.
Episode 1
The Challenges of Continuous Localization – with Melvin Su
In our first installment of the Speed Bumps series, Ghio Anton (Translation & Localization Management, Class of 2020) sits down with Melvin Su of Autodesk to discuss the various challenges of “CL,” or continuous localization. Continuous Localization is an approach where various localization processes, such as the translation and replacement of strings, occur automatically. The speedbumps discussed in this episode relate to the challenges of technology, program management, and quality in the context of continuous localization.
You can find the transcript for this episode here.
To listen to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, click here.
Episode 2
Localization Evangelization – with Lian (Julian) Zhu
Mindset is critical when it comes to localization. Join Summer and Star (Translation and Localization Management students from MIIS) as they speak with Lian (Julian) Zhu from Internest Inc.. They discuss the importance of localization and why it is sad that it is seen as an afterthought. Clients often spend a long time designing products and then they come to you and ask for a complete localization in two business days. How can we share realistic expectations with clients?
You can find the transcript for this episode here.
To listen to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, click here.
Episode 3
Localization, from China to International – with Felicia Huang
Ever wonder what skills you need to localize a website? Listen as Vicky Yu (Translation & Localization Management, Class of 2020) interviews Felicia Huang, a localizer from Nordic Naturals, a nutrient and supplement provider. They will discuss some of the challenges of website localization and address Felicia’s unlikely journey into the localization industry.
You can find the transcript for this episode here.
To listen to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, click here.
Episode 4
Challenges in Getting Funding – with Chiyo Mori
Silvia Avary-Silveira, Head of Localization at Juniper Networks, describes the challenges of getting funding with Siliva and Alex (Translation and Localization Management 2020 graduates from MIIS). They discuss strategies on how to petition funding from stakeholders and their potential speedbumps. Listen in to learn how to get the funding your team needs.
You can find the transcript for this episode here.
To listen to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, click here.
Episode 5
Global Talents and Technology – with Marie Flacassier and Burckhardt Rueffer
Everyone’s journey into the localization industry is distinct. Join Kaixin as she discusses career paths with Marie Flacassier, the co-founder and COO of BeatBabel, and Burckhardt Reuffer, co-founder and CEO of BeatBabel, a translation and localization company based in San Diego, California. As veterans of the localization industry, Marie and Burckhardt share their perspective on some of the challenges the industry currently faces.
You can find the transcript for this episode here.
To listen to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, click here.
Episode 6
Global Voices Where Speech Technology Meets Localization – with Alicia Dominick
In this podcast, Sherine Emara, Nadya Rodionova, Kimberly Zie interviewed MIIS alumna, Alicia Dominick, who is a Linguist and Project Manager at SoundHound. They discuss Alicia’s path from linguist to project manager and she gives tips on how to be a versatile, team player. Technological skills are crucial in the localization industry, and sometimes serve as a speedbump for professionals without a strong computer science background.
You can find the transcript for this episode here.
To listen to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, click here.
Episode 7
Work-Life Balance – with Kayla Muñoz
How can you balance your social life and employment while functioning in the Localization industry? Listen in as Vanessa Prolow and Lina Yan Ning (both 2020 graduates from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies) discuss balance with Kayla Muñoz, a localization manager at Desmos, a math software developer.
You can find the transcript for this episode here.
To listen to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, click here.
Episode 8
Issues at the End of the Chain – with Kayla Muñoz
Freelance translation and interpretation is no walk in the park. Not every project is straight-forward and not all project managers are created equal. Listen in as Salim Martell (May 2020 graduate of the Translation and Localization Management Program at MIIS) and Chiyo Mori (Japanese Interpretation professor at MIIS and freelancer) while they discuss the unique challenges freelancers face when completing projects for localization providers.
You can find the transcript for this episode here.
To listen to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, click here.
Episode 9
Working as a Production Manager – with Thomas Huang
In this episode, we explore the responsibilities and challenges of a product manager with Thomas Hung who is a project management lead at West cost operation. Production Management is a multifaceted role that requires a person to develop multiple core competencies. If you are curious about the responsibilities of the production manager, and what does it take to manage multiple operations and challenging clients? How is it different from project management? Listen to Thomas as he talks about his career trajectory and how he handles daily challenges as a project management lead.
You can find the transcript for this episode here.
To listen to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, click here.
Episode 10
The Challenges of Managing Diverse Languages – with David Mohr
Have you ever wonder what it is like to manage different unique languages in which you have yet to develop full proficiency? David Mohr, an international quality engineer at Adobe, is responsible for supporting 26 languages and dealing with internationalization-related issues in adobe products. In this episode, David shared a myriad of linguistic and cultural challenges he has encountered in his work, how he built himself up by putting in the efforts to solve these issues, and how important it is to develop a deep understanding and have respect for cultures different from your own.
You can find the transcript for this episode here.
To listen to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, click here.
