Nimdzi LIVE!

Join us for a live stream featuring Michael Souto from Gridly as we examine how game localization used to be done. Think manual workflows, minimal planning, and a fair share of developer skepticism.

We’ll explore how the industry has evolved over the years, what’s improved, and which challenges persist. Michael will also share insights into common mistakes that continue to crop up in modern game localization, along with practical tips to help teams avoid them.

We’ll also discuss why early planning and cross-team collaboration are essential to a successful localization process and how to better educate developers on localization best practices.

About Michael: Michael spent over a decade as a game producer, working on multiple game titles including TimeSplitters 2 and the Commandos franchise, gaining first-hand experience of the challenges of game development, content creation, and publishing workflows. This time in game production gave him an insider’s understanding of how localization often becomes a bottleneck in development and how teams struggle to integrate it efficiently.

Recognizing these pain points, he transitioned into localization products and services with LocalizeDirect, where he helped studios streamline their localization processes and reduce the stress of managing multilingual content. He worked closely with game developers, publishers, and localization professionals, ensuring that localization services were designed to fit the needs of fast-moving game development cycles.

Later, as part of Gridly, Michael took his expertise a step further - focusing on localization efficiency through technology. Moving from a product and loc provider role (LocalizeDirect) to a solely product-focused role (Gridly), he has gained deep insights into how localization tools, automation, and AI-driven workflows can improve efficiency in game localization and beyond.

As a business development leader, Michael is constantly in touch with localization professionals across industries - not just in gaming, but also in SaaS, e-commerce, multimedia, and more. His role involves understanding clients’ pain points, challenges, and expectations, allowing him to see common struggles across industries and identify best practices that work universally.

About Nimdzi Live: There is a shadow industry driving the growth of ALL global brands: Localization. Let’s talk globalization, localization, translation, interpretation, language, and culture, with an emphasis on how it affects your business, whether you have a scrappy start-up or are working in a top global brand.

Would you like to be a guest on Nimdzi Live? Or you know somebody who should? Email [email protected] or reach out to [email protected] so we can coordinate!

In this episode of Nimdzi Live, we dive into the world of cultural intelligence and next-generation localization with Jordan Koziol-Repia of Kiwa Digital, a pioneering force based in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Discover how Kiwa is blending Indigenous knowledge, digital storytelling, and voice technology to break language barriers and create inclusive, multilingual content across the globe. KIWA Digital is transforming the way stories are told and preserved.

At the core of KIWA’s innovation is VoiceQ, the gold standard in dubbing and localization software. Used by industry giants like Netflix, Disney, Amazon, DreamWorks, and major gaming and broadcast studios, VoiceQ is revolutionizing how content is dubbed, adapted, and synchronized across languages and cultures.

Tune in to explore:
- How cultural intelligence powers global content strategies.
- The rise of Indigenous storytelling in digital media.
- How VoiceQ is accelerating dubbing workflows with AI.
- Best practices for seamless multilingual localization.

About Jordan: Jordan’s journey from Wairoa to Auckland reflects his passion for Māori media, storytelling, and tech innovation. With nearly 15 years at KIWA Digital, he’s led dubbing projects for global giants via VoiceQ. Rooted in whanaungatanga and Tikanga Māori, Jordan uplifts others through culture-driven tech and creative excellence.

About Nimdzi Live: There is a shadow industry driving the growth of ALL global brands: Localization. Let’s talk globalization, localization, translation, interpretation, language, and culture, with an emphasis on how it affects your business, whether you have a scrappy start-up or are working in a top global brand.

Would you like to be a guest on Nimdzi Live? Or you know somebody who should? Email [email protected] or reach out to [email protected] so we can coordinate!

VAMOS JUNTOS 2025 in Mexico City was a huge success. Let's hear from some of the panelists on what went down and what is planned for next year in VAMOS JUNTOS 2026 Buenos Aires.

About Charles: He is the founder and sole owner of Two, a leading talent, translation, and localization company with offices in Argentina, Peru, Ukraine, Vietnam, and Mexico.

About Kathy: Originally from New Zealand, he has lived in South America for 26 years and has spoken at industry events across the globe, including Berlin, London, New York, Riyadh, and Buenos Aires.

He serves on the boards of JUNTOS and AASL, holds a BA in Spanish from the University of Auckland (top of his class, 1997), and has completed postgraduate studies at Harvard and Universidad Austral.

About Nimdzi Live:
There is a shadow industry driving the growth of ALL global brands: Localization. Let’s talk globalization, localization, translation, interpretation, language, and culture, with an emphasis on how it affects your business, whether you have a scrappy start-up or are working in a top global brand.

Would you like to be a guest on Nimdzi Live? Or you know somebody who should? Email [email protected] or reach out to [email protected] so we can coordinate!

In this episode of Nimdzi Live, Alexander Murauski and Denis Zhilko discuss why using raw machine translation (MT) for localization can be a risky move.

They break down how different language models (LLMs) can produce translations that vary widely in quality. Relying on these imperfect translations can lead to serious problems and poor results, especially when delivering accurate and effective content.

Tune in to learn why it’s essential to carefully evaluate raw MT output before using it in your localization projects.

About Aleksander: is the CEO of Alconost, with over 18 years of experience helping companies tackle translation and localization challenges. A former web developer and product manager, he also creates software solutions like Nitro, a 24/7 translation service, and Pikaban, an ad creative generator. He’s passionate about UI/UX and video storytelling.

About Denis: is a problem solver who thrives on bringing order to chaos. He’s always open to meeting new people and gaining fresh perspectives.

About Alconost: is a localization partner that’s been helping companies of all sizes go global since 2004. From translation and cultural adaptation to multilingual content updates and engineering, they cover it all. With support for 120+ languages, Alconost combines linguistic expertise and technology to deliver flexible, scalable solutions that fit any budget.

About Nimdzi Live: There is a shadow industry driving the growth of ALL global brands: Localization. Let’s talk globalization, localization, translation, interpretation, language, and culture, with an emphasis on how it affects your business, whether you have a scrappy start-up or are working in a top global brand.

Would you like to be a guest on Nimdzi Live, or do you know somebody who should? Email [email protected] or reach out to [email protected] so we can coordinate!

Join us for a new episode featuring Luciano Arruda, Director of Globalization Programs at Automation Anywhere. Luciano brings a wealth of experience from leading globalization initiatives at top tech companies like Adobe, Google, Uber, and Automation Anywhere. He’ll share real-world strategies for applying automation and AI to streamline globalization workflows, enhance multilingual support, and optimize international operations.

About Luciano: Luciano is an experienced professional specializing in scaling platforms and globalization initiatives to drive international growth. With a background in sales and strategic partnerships, he has overseen a $5M annual sales portfolio, led the Global Sales Program at Silicon Valley Disposition, and co-developed the Global Gateway Program with Robo Co-Op (Japan) to support refugee mobility and digital skills.

Luciano’s technical expertise includes managing Internationalization Engineering Teams at Adobe, Google, Uber, and Automation Anywhere. He has released over 100 product versions in up to 90 languages, optimized international payment systems, and implemented multilingual AI support.

Currently, he leads efforts in applying Generative AI and automation to globalization workflows, pushing the boundaries of innovation in the industry. Luciano holds unrestricted work authorization in the U.S., Europe, and Brazil.

About Nimdzi Live: There is a shadow industry driving the growth of ALL global brands: Localization. Let’s talk globalization, localization, translation, interpretation, language, and culture, with an emphasis on how it affects your business, whether you have a scrappy start-up or are working in a top global brand.

Would you like to be a guest on Nimdzi Live? Or you know somebody who should? Email [email protected] or reach out to [email protected] so we can coordinate!

Now that President Trump has officially signed the Executive Order designating English as the official language of the United States, the full text of the order reveals significant policy changes — including the revocation of Executive Order 13166, which for decades guaranteed language access for Limited English Proficient (LEP) individuals receiving federally funded services.

In this episode of Nimdzi LIVE!, we sit down with Carol Velandia Pardo, a nationally recognized expert in language access policy and the founder of Equal Access Language Services, and Dr. Bill Rivers, our country's leading lobbyist and advocate for language access, to break down what this order means for language service providers, interpreters, translators, and the millions of Americans who rely on multilingual access to essential services.

What happens next? How will agencies respond? And what can language professionals, advocates, and community leaders do to protect language access rights?

In this special episode, we sit down with Dr. Bill Rivers, leading expert on U.S. language policy, to break down the implications of Trump’s new executive order declaring English the official language of the United States. What does this mean for language service providers, translators, and millions of LEP individuals across the country?

About Nimdzi Live: 

There is a shadow industry driving the growth of ALL global brands: Localization. Let’s talk globalization, localization, translation, interpretation, language, and culture, with an emphasis on how it affects your business, whether you have a scrappy start-up or are working in a top global brand. 

Would you like to be a guest on Nimdzi Live? Or you know somebody who should? Email [email protected] or reach out to [email protected] so we can coordinate!

Still want more? Check out some other resources available from Nimdzi and MultiLingual Media below:

️ NIMDZI INSIGHTS: https://nimdzi.com

We are a team of over ~50 analysts, consultants, and educators delivering research-based advisory and consulting specialized in international business, globalization, social justice studies, M&A culturalization, localization, gaming and media localization.

THE LANGUAGE TECHNOLOGY LANDSCAPE: https://www.nimdzi.com/language-technology-atlas/

The Nimdzi Language Technology Atlas maps over 800 different technology solutions across a number of key product categories. The report highlights trends and things to watch out for. This is the only map you will ever need to navigate your way across the language technology landscape.

THE NIMDZI 100 RANKING AND MARKET ANALYSIS: https://www.nimdzi.com/nimdzi-100/

The Nimdzi 100 is one of our flagship publications. It includes a ranking of the top 100 LSPs by revenue, a watchlist of large players that don’t disclose their revenues, and a detailed overview of the size and state of the language services industry. The Nimdzi 100 is widely considered an industry standard and is read by tens of thousands of people in the translation and localization space and beyond. LSPs, localization buyers, investors, savvy job seekers, and analysts will benefit from this free resource.

THE NIMDZI INTERPRETING INDEX: https://www.nimdzi.com/interpreting-index-top-interpreting-companies/

The Nimdzi Interpreting Index is an in-depth report on the state of the global interpreting market that analyzes trends, market forces, and includes a ranking of the top 35 interpreting LSPs by revenue.

Entrepreneurship is a journey that often requires skills and mindsets we weren’t taught growing up. In this episode of Nimdzi LIVE!, Joshua Monge shares his personal story of navigating the challenges of building and scaling businesses, from his upbringing in a working-class family to becoming a trusted Fractional COO. We’ll explore the evolving complexities of running a successful business, the mindset shifts needed to thrive as a founder, and practical strategies for addressing growing pains while planning for long-term success.

Our guest:
Joshua Monge is a seasoned Fractional COO with over 20 years of leadership experience across industries like Food & Beverage, Finance, Manufacturing, and Economic Development. Specializing in operations audits, process mapping, and EOS integration, Joshua helps businesses scale effectively, focusing on companies with $500K to $5M in revenue. As the former Director of Economic Development for the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce, he spearheaded initiatives that created 600 jobs and generated over $3 million in economic activity. When he's not optimizing workflows or mentoring CEOs, Joshua enjoys permaculture gardening, culinary arts, and quality time with his family.

See also:
https://thinkadaptbuild.com/

About Nimdzi Live:
There is a shadow industry driving the growth of ALL global brands: Localization. Let’s talk globalization, localization, translation, interpretation, language, and culture, with an emphasis on how it affects your business, whether you have a scrappy start-up or are working in a top global brand.

Would you like to be a guest on Nimdzi Live? Or you know somebody who should? DM Tucker or reach out to [email protected] so we can coordinate!

In today’s dizzyingly fast digital landscape, where AI-powered solutions and LLM-driven products are the norm, success hinges on mastering how to operationalize, productize, and optimize these technologies for global markets.

This session provides actionable strategies to build globally inclusive AI systems, leveraging AI-powered, H2-Augmented, Data-Driven and International User Experience (iUX)-focused strategies, to streamline localization workflows and ensure out-of-the-box international usability and compliance.

We’ll explore best practices for building AI/LLM products with universal inclusivity built-in to avoid technical, design, content, and architectural debt that can cripple scalability and create costly rework. By integrating AI-powered infrastructures, companies can automate labor-intensive processes, from content translation to compliance checks, speeding up time to market and ensuring consistency.

We’ll also dig into practical strategies for operationalizing and scaling AI-powered localization for Web 3.0 products. Learn how to build globally inclusive AI/LLM systems that avoid technical, design, content, and architectural debt, ensuring faster time to market and scalable compliance. We’ll dive into role-based localization governance to empower your teams and provide hands-on insights with a live AI audit using the GaaS-COPILOT framework to ensure global readiness across languages, cultures, and markets.

About Mohamed: 'Mo' Ly is the visionary Founder & CEO of GaaS OnDemand, revolutionizing the Globalization industry. With English as his seventh language (and a persistent ESL), Mo began his career as a translator over two decades ago before answering a higher calling to transform how businesses approach global expansion. His unique perspective has driven GaaS to pioneer AI-powered solutions that break down budget barriers and accelerate clients' global launch capabilities.

Mo's expertise spans Localization (L10n), Internationalization (I18n), Accessibility (A11y), and global Security (S6y). As a global growth architect, he leads with thought leadership, transformative innovation and next-practices, driving some of the world's leading brands in their global launch capability maturity journeys while operationalizing, productizing, and monetizing localization and international UX (iUX).

Under his leadership, GaaS has developed the innovative GaaS-COPILOT framework, setting new standards for AI-driven globalization and international product readiness for Web 3.0 digital products. Mo holds an MBA from Georgetown University's McDonough School of Business and is the revolutionary mind behind ERGOASTRA, the Everywhere Office.

When not spearheading global brands and emerging startups to expand their global reach, resonance, and impact, in pursuit of greater marketshare, walletshare, and heartshare, across languages, borders, and currencies, Mo coaches expats and international students in navigating the global job market and career journey.

About Nimdzi Live: There is a shadow industry driving the growth of ALL global brands: Localization. Let’s talk globalization, localization, translation, interpretation, language, and culture, with an emphasis on how it affects your business, whether you have a scrappy start-up or are working in a top global brand.

Would you like to be a guest on Nimdzi Live? Or you know somebody who should? Email [email protected] or reach out to [email protected] so we can coordinate!

Dive into the evolving role of artificial intelligence in medical interpretation with Jenny Esno, Cesar Palacio, and Giovanna Lester. Together, they explore how AI reshapes trust between interpreters, patients, and healthcare professionals, highlighting the opportunities and challenges in this critical field.

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