Episodes
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The real backbone of sustainable language operations is terminology governance.
We need to look beyond term lists and databases to explore how organizations can build clear decision‑making structures around their key concepts, who should own what, and how to keep everyone aligned from marketing and product to localization and technical communication.
Before we implement a terminology strategy, we must think about practical governance models, typical stakeholder roles, and approval workflows, connecting them to the everyday reality of translators, terminologists, and LSPs. What goes wrong when governance is missing? You tell me! What starts working when terminology becomes a managed corporate asset instead of an afterthought? It's a terminology dream you can make possible.
If you work in the language industry and want your terminology to stop being a firefight and start being a strategic tool, this episode is for you.
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In this episode of The Language Worker, I talk about corporate terminology in simple, practical terms: what it is, how it shows up in your daily work, and why it’s not “just jargon” if you treat it with care in every scenario.
From internal emails and training materials to contracts, marketing copy, UX text and multilingual content, the words your organization chooses shape how people understand what you do and how you work together.
I connect this to terminology management because having a simple term list or termbase helps your brand voice stay consistent across products, services, and languages. Inconsistent terminology creates problems for teams, clients, and translators, especially when you’re working on localization and global content.
A set of agreed-upon terms can reduce misunderstandings, speed up reviews, improve translation quality, and even strengthen your SEO content strategy by aligning keywords with how you actually talk about your business. Every company (large or small, public or private, product or service) should look at terminology as part of strategy, not as an afterthought at the end of the content or translation process.
If you care about clear communication, customer experience, international markets, or being found online for the right keywords, this one is for you.
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Missing episodes?
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In this episode of The Language Worker, I talk to down with Italian translator and B2B case study writer Chiara Vecchi, MA AITI, to explore how case studies can become one of the most powerful marketing assets in a language or B2B business.
Drawing on her background as an English and German into Italian translator in beauty, cosmetics, medical, travel and hospitality, Chiara explains how she helps B2B brands showcase real-life client stories that resonate with Italian decision-makers and drive new business.
We unpack what a B2B case study service actually looks like: from selecting the right clients to interview, through gathering information in a structured way, to writing polished narratives that can be repurposed across websites, blogs, newsletters and sales conversations.
Chiara walks us through her process for stepping into the end client’s shoes, asking the right questions, and turning a successful project into a story that builds trust, proves ROI and positions her clients as the obvious choice in their market.
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Interpreting is one of those jobs in the language Industry that are becoming more and more talked about.
I invited Doris Pingi, an OPI - Over the Phone Interpreter - because I think it's about time to bring this profession to the forefront.
I heard about it for the first time almost 20 years ago, while living in California, one of my clients was looking for OPIs to create a new team that would cater the needs of Portuguese speakers who needed linguistic support in the US.
Talking to Doris was an amazing opportunity to learn more about this very particular skill from the point of view of someone who lives and breaths Language and Emotional intensity while living her professional dream.
Buckle up, this gets real and intense.
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How is AI changing the way companies think about translation, quality, and multilingual content? In this episode, I talked to Hristina Karagueorguieva, localization manager, to see what goes on before choosing tools, vendors, and workflows.
We explore questions like: What really changes when a company starts using AI for translation instead of relying only on humans? How do you decide who should translate your content: freelancers, small agencies, or big providers? What do you need to have in place before you choose tools and partners, and how do you prepare if your company suddenly needs to grow into many new markets?
I also ask Hristina what “good quality” means now that we expect basic things like spelling and grammar to be correct by default. We talk about why simply counting errors is no longer enough, how people actually read and feel content, and why we need to rethink quality so it reflects real user experience and business goals—not just word‑for‑word correctness.
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This episode I bring together a language industry veteran and a software developer to explore how WordBox came about and how it changes the way we collect and truly learn new words in any language.
Paul shares his early beginnings in the language space, reflecting on how his first steps in the industry shaped his life. Kirill talks about leaving Russia and moving to Barcelona, how that move changed his relationship with languages, and how the two of them eventually met there and now work side by side on WordBox to support learners around the world.
They talk about how WordBox becomes a single, safe home for every unfamiliar word you want to keep. WordBox lets learners add words manually, via AI, or by exchanging lists with others, then dive into meanings, examples, synonyms, antonyms, and pronunciation, and finally review everything through flashcards, short-story contexts, and exercises.
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Learn SEO and make your content stand out immediately!
I talked to SEO Translator Maja about how learning SEO changed her business and the services she can now offer to her clients. There are many agencies hired, many websites tested and discarded... Now, Maja takes control of her website and helps her clients do the same. Learn quick tips you can implement right now. Help potential clients find you and your freelance business! Use it for your website, your blog, or your LinkedIn profile.
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Have you thought about the biggest trends shaping the language industry in 2026? I will break down four key trends that every freelance language professional and every LSP or content-focused company needs to watch closely this year: tech integration, collaboration, expansion, and deep knowledge.
You will hear how increased tech integration and interactive learning tools are changing how linguists and companies work, train, and deliver multilingual content at scale. Rita explains why collaboration is accelerating, from LSP mergers to groups of freelancers forming “pretend companies” that stay independent while pooling resources, niche expertise, and capacity.
This video also explores expansion: freelancers and companies diversifying services (subtitling, e-learning, game localization) and actively targeting new markets and direct clients around the world.
If you are a freelance translator, subtitler, localization specialist, LSP owner, or a company relying on multilingual communication, this 2026 outlook will help you make smarter decisions about skills, services, and partnerships. Watch until the end, share your thoughts in the comments, and use these trends to position yourself or your organization for long-term success in the language business.
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In this episode, my guest is a former nurse who reinvented herself as a medical translator and communicator after health issues forced her to leave her career in its original format. She shares how a childhood steeped in first aid and Red Cross training led to decades in nursing across several countries, and how ending her career left her feeling completely lost until languages opened a new door. Kathrin explains how she niched down into medical and life sciences translation, built on medical English, clinical experience, and SEO‑savvy branding to become a specialist rather than a generalist translator. We also talk about her groundbreaking project “How to Speak Cancer”: a volunteer‑driven book and movement that makes cancer communication clearer for patients, caregivers, and medical communicators, now being translated into 18+ languages by 30+ volunteers. She also introduces MetTalks, her webinar‑meets‑podcast series on medical communication, and her new co‑authored book on making clinical trials more human and accessible.
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It’s fascinating to discover the stories behind the people we “only” bump into on social media.
For years I knew that Rosário was the driving force behind Sintagma, but we had never actually sat down to talk calmly about how everything happened behind the scenes – and it was definitely worth the wait.
In this episode, I sit down with Rosário Valadas Vieira, founder and director of Sintagma, one of the key names in subtitling and audiovisual translation in Portugal.
We talk about her journey, how Sintagma was born, how the Portuguese multimedia industry has grown and reinvented itself, and how streaming platforms have transformed subtitling, dubbing and accessibility work.
If you work with languages, audiovisual content, localisation, or dream of subtitling films and series, this conversation takes you right into the real backstage of the Portuguese market and shows you, without filters, the skills it needs today.
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What is it like to be a Project Manager in the Language Industry?
What really happens on both sides of the “PM vs vendor” relationship in the language industry?
In this episode of The Language Worker, Rita talks with Gabriella (vendor, translator, agency owner) and Lucia (project manager) about how freelancers and LSPs can finally stop seeing each other as “us vs them” and start working as a real team.
Through their joint podcast project, they share how their friendship began in an LSP, why Gabriella fully embraces the “vendor” role, and why Lucia is “the PM of PMs” thanks to her experience in project management, vendor management, sales, and account management.
They also discuss how AI and tools like ChatGPT can support, not replace, human work, and how better communication can prevent blame, rants, and frustration on both sides. You will hear practical insights on:
How PMs are often limited by company policies and why blaming them rarely solves anything.
How freelancers can negotiate, ask questions, and think beyond per‑word rates (e.g. hourly rates for MTPE and revision).
How their podcast is opening up previously “taboo” topics like referrals, NDAs, AI, and expectations between vendors, PMs, and clients.
Perfect for freelance translators, PMs, vendor managers, and language professionals who want more transparency, empathy, and collaboration in the localization ecosystem.
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In this episode of The Language Worker, discover the inspiring path of Ana Dias, a legal translator who transitioned from practicing law to working full-time in translation—without ever leaving her legal background behind.
Ana shares how a law degree became a powerful asset in her translation career, how she learned translation in practice, and why legal reasoning, precision, and cultural awareness are essential in her daily work.
She also talks about diversifying beyond legal texts into sustainability, hospitality, and marketing, using creativity and curiosity to grow as a professional. This conversation is packed with insights on specialization, client relationships, word‑of‑mouth referrals, continuous learning, and the importance of intellectual humility for translators and interpreters.
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Ready to level up your freelance business?
In this episode of The Language Worker Podcast, Rita Prazeres Gonçalves chats with Martina, co-founder of Lemon Twist, about turning project management pain points into real solutions for freelancers.
Discover how Martina’s journey from freelance language professional to tech entrepreneur led her to develop Lemon Twist—a tailor-made TMS (Translation Management System) that helps solo translators and linguists manage projects efficiently, stay organized, and deliver top results to clients.
If you want to make your freelance workflow smoother, work smarter (not harder), and explore the path from language expert to founder, this episode is for you!
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In this episode, I talk to Sara Reis, a specialist in creative translation, content writing, and linguistic solutions for tourism, marketing, and lifestyle brands.
Explore Sara’s journey from childhood word lover to launching her own studio that fuses linguistic excellence with aesthetic design!
Discover honest insights about building a brand, graphic design for translators, networking, and finding your niche in an evolving industry.
With inspiration for freelancers and language professionals alike, this conversation proves why creativity and translation truly are two faces of the same passion.
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This episode dives deep into Olga Beravaya's journey from St. Petersburg to driving cutting-edge research and enterprise impact in California and beyond.
Whether you work in translation, language services, or artificial intelligence, this in-depth conversation covers practical career progression, the role of knowledge graphs and machine translation, and strategic advice for business leaders embracing AI in global content strategy.
Discover the latest trends in the language technology industry and insights into localization, NLP, and AI translation in this exclusive interview with Olga a leading expert currently spearheading innovation at Smartling.
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This episode of The Language Worker Podcast features translator Laura Jones, who specializes in French, Spanish, and Welsh to English, as well as English to Welsh translation. Laura shares her unique insights and experience working with clients in the beauty, travel, and lifestyle industries—exploring how translation and proofreading can enhance brand storytelling and resonate with target audiences across cultures.
Listeners will discover how Laura crafts engaging and authentic content that reflects brand personalities, as well as practical advice for linguists entering the world of luxury, fashion, and lifestyle translation. The episode also highlights community-building among translators, the challenges of working in specialist industries, and the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing within the ITI Beauty, Fashion and Luxury Network.
This episode offers valuable perspectives for translators, freelancers, and anyone interested in effective multilingual communication within the luxury, fashion, and lifestyle sectors.
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This episode of The Language Worker features a conversation with Anja Jones. We discuss her background, her views on the language industry, and her new project, Human(e) Language.
We talked about Anja's journey in the industry, starting with the launch of AJT in Cornwall in 2010 and building it into one of the UK's most respected language service providers.
She shared how her start as a freelance translator shaped her vision for AJT. She wanted to create pathways for graduates and newcomers by offering them meaningful work and mentorship in an industry that can be difficult to break into.
As the industry evolved, so did AJT. Anja discussed the impact of AI and large language models, emphasizing the ongoing need for human creativity and cultural sensitivity. She also emphasized the ethical dilemmas posed by AI, from copyright issues to the environmental footprint, and called for greater regulation and responsibility within the sector.
Following the closure of AJT, Anja reflected on what truly matters in language services. This led to her latest venture, Human(e) Language. Although details are still emerging, Anja described Human(e) Language as a project grounded in her core belief that language work must be human-centered, ethical, and sustainable.
Tune in to hear Anja’s insights on leadership, ethical entrepreneurship, and the future of the language industry. Her story is a powerful reminder that success is not just about growth, but also about making a meaningful, positive impact.
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After other adventures in the area of Language Services, William Hartley created his company Certling.
Certling is reshaping the way you access certified translations for your study, work, and immigration needs.
Gone are the days of lengthy processes and high costs. With Certling, it's as simple as a few clicks to get your certified translation. The platform streamlines the entire experience, from instant quotes to rapid delivery. No more waiting weeks for essential documents.
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According to Mathijs Sonnemans, his job is to make people happy by building awesome products:
What’s the value of innovation if no one can access or truly benefit from it? After studying computer science and philosophy, and spending years developing software, I’ve learned that "coding" is the easy part. The real magic happens when you turn that code into a product that genuinely helps people, excites them, and is supported by a sustainable business.
Language technology is where I’ve found my home. It’s a field that brings together the subtlety of human communication with the precision of tech—something that’s far from easy. I’ve become an expert in this space, and my mission is clear: to make language technology more powerful, intuitive, and accessible, so it can keep making a positive impact.
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As a woman in the Language Business myself, I feel it’s very important to showcase the work other fellow women who have been forging the path for present and future generations of girls to understand how powerful they are.
I thought it would great to have two women who have their own companies to share their experience and also the ins and outs of their specific fields – Life Sciences and Fashion/Beauty.
Mafalda Cortes Pereira
Mafalda is the Managing Director at MULTIvertentes, a LocLunch Ambassador, and manager at Women in Localization (Portugal)
Tiziana Bottone
Owner of Translate With Style, dedicated to Language services for beauty and fashion brands with a creative touch, and manager at Women in Localization (Madrid).
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