🎧 Episode 108: Scaling or Just Playing CEO Dress-Up? with Mario Krivokapic

In 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: [email protected]

🔥 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the AI under the hood, and how Awtomated is enabling businesses to move faster, scale smarter, and reduce dependency on outdated manual processes.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/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: [email protected]

🔥 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: [email protected]

🔥 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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

Inefficient localization processes cost businesses millions in wasted resources, poor decision-making, and failed AI implementations. In this episode of the Localization Fireside Chat, I sit down with Vincent Henderson, VP of Language AI Strategy at Lionbridge, to discuss how Lionbridge’s Aurora AI is transforming localization. 💡 What you’ll learn in this episode: ✅ How Aurora AI is revolutionizing localization workflows ✅ The critical role of AI-driven automation in quality and efficiency ✅ TRUST and REACH frameworks: strategic AI implementation ✅ The surprising accuracy of AI versus human translations ✅ How Lionbridge ensures data security and integrity in AI deployments 📌 Chapters: ⏱ 0:00 - Introduction & Welcome ⏱ 1:23 - Meet Vincent Henderson & Lionbridge ⏱ 15:22 - Understanding Aurora AI’s Transformative Impact ⏱ 23:19 - The TRUST and REACH AI Frameworks Explained ⏱ 35:49 - AI vs Human Translations: Data-Driven Insights ⏱ 41:20 - Ensuring Data Security in AI Localization ⏱ 46:20 - Insights into Emerging AI Technologies ⏱ 57:31 - Closing Thoughts & How to Connect 📢 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: [email protected]

Dirty data costs businesses millions in wasted resources, poor decision-making, and failed AI implementations. In this episode of the Localization Fireside Chat, I sit down with Yasmine Gardner, CEO of Data Scrubber, to discuss how AI-driven automation can clean, validate, and optimize data in seconds. 💡 What you’ll learn in this episode: ✅ The true cost of dirty data on businesses ✅ How Data Scrubber works to clean up spreadsheets in seconds ✅ Real-time demo showcasing its power ✅ Why AI-powered data cleaning is the future of business efficiency ✅ How to ensure data governance and accuracy in your organization

🚀 Watch this demo and see how you can fix your data instantly!

📌 Chapters:

⏱ 0:00 - Introduction & Welcome

⏱ 1:17 - Meet Yasmine Gardner & Data Scrubber

⏱ 2:43 - What Business Problem Does Data Scrubber Solve?

⏱ 3:58 - The True Cost of Bad Data

⏱ 5:22 - Why Most Companies Are NOT Ready for AI

⏱ 6:48 - How Data Scrubber Fixes Your Data Instantly

⏱ 9:25 - Live Demo: Cleaning a Spreadsheet in Seconds

⏱ 12:51 - Can Data Scrubber Handle Large Datasets?

⏱ 14:20 - Cleaning Emails & Marketing Data

⏱ 16:46 - Ask Your Data: AI-Driven Insights

⏱ 17:34 - How Data Scrubber is Deployed (Cloud vs. On-Prem)

⏱ 20:22 - Removing Duplicates & Automating Accuracy

⏱ 23:53 - The Importance of Data Governance

⏱ 25:44 - Can Data Scrubber Remove Personal Identifiable Information?

⏱ 29:36 - Where Is Data Scrubber Today? Business Growth & Funding

⏱ 32:04 - The Power of Simple Tech Solutions

⏱ 35:10 - Closing Thoughts & How to Connect

📢 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: [email protected]

💡 How is Multilingualism transforming global citizenship?

In this landmark 100th episode of the Localization Fireside Chat, Robin Ayoub hosts Kit Hall (Director at Language Connects Foundation, ACTFL) and Erisa Hysi (CEO & language advocate) to discuss the crucial role language learning plays in fostering cultural understanding, global communication, and resolving international conflicts. Discover how multilingualism bridges cultural gaps, ACTFL's impactful initiatives, and AI’s evolving role in language education.

We cover: ✅ Why multilingualism is essential for global citizenship ✅ Initiatives by ACTFL and the Language Connects Foundation ✅ Real-world examples of language barriers in diplomacy ✅ AI’s supportive role in language education ✅ Investing in language education for a multilingual future workforce

📌 Timestamps (Chapters): 00:00 – Welcome & Introductions 01:18 – Kit Hall on ACTFL & Language Connects Foundation 02:40 – Erisa Hysi’s Passion for Multilingualism 04:18 – Languages as Solutions to Global Conflicts 06:01 – Kit Hall’s Journey & Commitment to Language Advocacy 09:26 – Multilingualism & Cultural Understanding 16:46 – ACTFL’s Initiatives for Language Educators 23:46 – Career Pathways: Translator to Educator 34:23 – AI's Impact on Language Learning & Teaching 38:34 – Overcoming Challenges in Language Education 42:04 – Call to Action for the Language Industry 47:21 – Supporting Educators at ACTFL's Annual Conference 49:14 – Closing Remarks & Final Takeaways

🔔 Subscribe for more insightful discussions on languages, localization, and global communication!

Stay Connected with Us! 📺 Watch more episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@L10NFiresideChat 🎙️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5OoURgc29R31XPGzOWL9iX 🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/localization-fireside-chat/id1688770183 🌐 Connect with Kit Hall: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krhallcfre/ 🌐 Connect with Erisa Hysi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erisa-hysi-856a8642/ 🌐 Connect with Robin Ayoub: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinayoub/

💡 How is AI transforming the translation industry? In this episode of the Localization Fireside Chat, I sit down with Jean-François Richard, CEO of Terminotix, to explore the evolution of translation technology, AI's role in localization, and the future of CAT tools. With over 40 years of experience, Jean-François shares insights on how Terminotix is pioneering modular translation solutions, AI-driven tools like TAIGR, and on-premise vs. cloud-based translation systems. We cover: ✅ The evolution of translation from typewriters to AI-powered tools ✅ How TAIGR (Translation AI Groundings Retrieval) enhances AI-powered translation ✅ Why modular and on-premise solutions matter for security-conscious enterprises ✅ AI’s role in reducing post-editing frustration for translators ✅ The future of machine translation and context-aware AI 💬 Do you think AI will ever fully replace human translators? Or will human expertise always be essential? Share your thoughts in the comments! 📌 Timestamps (Chapters): 00:00 – Introduction & Welcome 02:11 – Jean-François Richard’s journey in translation technology 06:54 – The evolution of translation: from typewriters to AI 12:00 – What makes Terminotix’s solutions unique? 17:23 – The role of AI in translation and TAIGR technology 23:39 – Modularization vs. all-in-one translation suites 28:59 – The case for on-premise AI translation solutions 34:32 – AI’s impact on post-editing and translation quality 40:31 – The biggest challenges facing the language industry 45:57 – Future trends in translation AI & where Terminotix is heading 50:38 – Closing thoughts & final takeaways 🔔 Subscribe for more industry-leading conversations on AI, localization, and translation! Stay Connected with Us! 📺 Watch more episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@L10NFiresideChat​ 🎙️ Listen to the podcast episode: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_-3EJ_0ZR5gkKMYTH8KwmF2IOwlTSucd​ 🌍 Follow Robin Ayoub on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinayoub​ 🔗 Learn more about Terminotix: https://www.terminotix.com​ Feel free to explore these links to stay connected and learn more about our content and initiatives!