🔥 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!

📌 Navigating International Business: Tariffs, Risks & Market Expansion | Localization Fireside Chat Podcast 🔔 Subscribe for more insights on global business, localization, and AI: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@LocalizationFiresideChat 🌍 In this episode of the Localization Fireside Chat, I sit down with Adil Husain, CEO of Emerging Strategy, to discuss how businesses can navigate international markets, mitigate risks, and adapt to evolving global trade policies. From understanding tariffs to leveraging AI in market intelligence, this episode is packed with insights for companies looking to expand beyond borders. 🚀 What you'll learn in this episode: ✔️ How global businesses manage risk & tariffs ✔️ The impact of AI on market research ✔️ Strategies for successful international expansion ✔️ Case studies of companies adapting to foreign markets ✔️ Insights on localization vs. standardization in business strategy 📖 CHAPTERS: 00:00 Intro – Welcome to the Podcast 00:23 The Role of Emerging Strategy in Global Markets 02:42 Shifting to a Fully Virtual Organization 04:31 Who Uses Emerging Strategy’s Services? 06:56 Risk Mitigation & Avoiding Costly Mistakes in International Business 09:14 Standardization vs. Localization: Finding the Right Balance 11:05 Case Study: Netflix’s Localization Strategy in India 14:25 How Geopolitics & U.S. Tariffs Impact Business Expansion 16:51 The Role of AI in Market Research & Business Intelligence 20:44 Emerging Markets: Where Are the Growth Hotspots? 24:21 How AI is Transforming Market Intelligence & Global Business 28:02 Human Expertise vs. AI in International Business Strategy 32:19 The Future of Emerging Strategy & Global Expansion 38:24 Final Advice: The Key to Winning in International Markets 40:53 Closing Thoughts & How to Connect with Adil Husain 🔗 CONNECT WITH US: 🎙 Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5OoURgc29R31XPGzOWL9iX 🍏 Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/localization-fireside-chat/id1688770183 📢 Follow Robin Ayoub on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinayoub/ 📺 More Videos on Localization & Business: https://www.youtube.com/@LocalizationFiresideChat 🌍 Visit Emerging Strategy: https://www.emerging-strategy.com 📩 Interested in global expansion or localization strategy? Let's connect! 📣 HASHTAGS & TAGS FOR DISCOVERABILITY: #InternationalBusiness #GlobalExpansion #Localization #MarketStrategy #Tariffs #EmergingMarkets #AI #MarketIntelligence #LocalizationFiresideChat #BusinessPodcast #RiskManagement #GlobalTrade #BusinessGrowth #ExpansionStrategy

🚀**How can translators increase productivity, improve quality, and stay competitive in an AI-driven world?** In this episode of the Localization Fireside Chat, I sit down with Philippe Mercier, CEO of WordScope, to discuss how AI and CAT tools are transforming the translation industry.

Philippe shares how WordScope integrates AI, machine translation, and terminology management into a seamless CAT tool, helping translators work more efficiently while maintaining high-quality standards.

📌 Key Takeaways:

✅ How AI-powered CAT tools enhance translator productivity

✅ The impact of AI on the future of the translation industry

✅ Why some translators are doubling their income using AI

✅ Overcoming resistance to AI adoption in translation

✅ The balance between AI automation and human expertise

🎥 Watch Now & Discover the Future of Translation!

📢 Chapters for Easy Navigation:

00:00 – Introduction to the Localization Fireside Chat

02:00 – Meet Philippe Mercier: His Journey in Translation & AI

06:00 – What is WordScope & How It’s Changing the Game

10:00 – The Evolution of CAT Tools & AI Integration

15:00 – Translator Productivity: Can AI Really Double Your Income?

20:00 – The Role of AI in Quality Control & Proofreading

25:00 – Addressing Translator Concerns: AI as a Tool, Not a Threat

30:00 – Future of AI & CAT Tools in the Translation Industry

35:00 – What’s Next for WordScope?

40:00 – Final Thoughts & How to Get Started with AI-Powered CAT Tools

🔗 Watch the full interview here: https://youtu.be/nNeidETM2qU

📌 Connect with us:

🌍 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

🔗 Follow Robin Ayoub on LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinayoub/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinayoub/)

📧 Business Inquiries: [email protected]

📢 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more insights on AI, translation, and localization!

-Skip the Pitch Deck: Ride the AI Wave and Monetize Your Business Idea Fast- Join us for an insightful conversation with David Hirschfeld, a 35-year software development veteran and CEO of TEKYZ, as we dive into the revolutionary Launch 1st Method. Discover how startups can skip the traditional pitch deck, harness the power of AI, and monetize ideas faster than ever before. David shares lessons from his career, including overcoming startup failures, building scalable systems, and using AI to transform workflows. If you're a founder, entrepreneur, or just curious about AI's potential in business, this episode is packed with actionable strategies you won't want to miss! 💡 What You'll Learn - The secrets to pre-launch sales and early customer funding. - How AI can revolutionize business workflows. - Real-world examples of startup success and failure. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more game-changing insights from industry leaders! 📌 Chapters 0:00 - Introduction 1:14 - David’s background and journey into software development 3:04 - Why startups fail and the Launch 1st Method explained 6:35 - Turning failures into success: David’s lessons from entrepreneurship 9:20 - Finding product-market fit: Identifying real customer pain points 13:33 - Commercializing business ideas fast: Pre-sales and MVPs 18:25 - Simplifying software development: Real-world use cases 23:33 - AI in workflow automation: Agentic workflows explained 29:09 - Human vs. AI: Current and future roles in software development 36:10 - Avoiding offshore pitfalls: Finding competent teams 42:30 - Referral partner programs: Building scalable business networks 47:16 - Closing thoughts: David’s advice for startups and AI integration 📎 Relevant Links - TEKYZ: https://www.tekyz.com - Scaling Smarter Episodes: https://tekyz.podbean.com - Schedule an Interview: www.scalingsmarter.net - David Hirschfeld’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dhirschfeld - TEKYZ Twitter: https://x.com/tekyzinc - David Hirschfeld’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dmhirschfeld ### Robin Ayoub -https://www.linkedin.com/company/localization-fireside-chat/?viewAsMember=true - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinayoub - The Localization Fireside Chat: www.L10Nfiresidechat.com - Email: [email protected]