Merging Minds
Welcome to Merging Minds podcast, your supportive guide to claiming your power in the rapidly evolving landscape of AI-powered localization. Join our dynamic hosts Gabriel Fairman and Javi Diaz, as they dissect the latest tech, ignite unbiased conversations on navigating the future of work, and empower you to thrive in the face of change where neurons meet algorithms. From demystifying AI with unconventional, innovative thinkers, to translation and localization industry experts, and to unlocking true leadership potential, you’ll discover practical strategies and inspiration to confidently chart your course as we’re deciphering the language of both tech and human minds. Whether you're a seasoned translator, a curious linguist, a creative, researcher, or a business leader, The Merging Minds is your vibrant hub and compass in the digital labyrinth where our thoughts cross paths with data streams.
Episodes
June 17, 2025 • 37 mins
What happens when a tech-savvy CEO joins a global regatta with zero technology?
Isabelle Andrieu, co-founder of Translated, talked in Merging Minds with Javi Diaz to share the mind-blowing story of how she and her husband circumnavigated the globe without GPS, Wi-Fi, or modern gear.
The goal? To reconnect with what makes us human.
From recruiting linguists as sailors to launching multimodal AI projects for the European Commissio...
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June 10, 2025 • 28 mins
In this episode of Merging Minds, Javi Diaz talks to Jordan Evans, CEO of Language Network and Managing Director of HireGlobo, to explore how a family translation business became a global powerhouse through vision, heart, and strategic acquisitions.
Jordan shares his journey from software startups to language services, revealing how being fired and helping his mom retire sparked his unexpected path in localization.
Jordan also op...
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May 27, 2025 • 35 mins
In this episode, Javi chats with Veronica Hylak. AI expert, founder, and product strategist.
Veronica shares her inspiring journey from working with AI for the U.S. government to building successful products in the localization industry.
They discuss the challenges of being a founder without VC backing, the importance of transparent AI, and how to balance innovation with keeping things human.
Veronica also shares her thoughts on...
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May 20, 2025 • 37 mins
In this powerful episode of Merging Minds, Javi Diaz sits down with Dieter Runge, co-founder of Boostlingo, to explore the human story behind one of localization tech’s standout platforms.
Dieter shares how his journey from filmmaking in San Francisco to managing global e-learning programs led him to launch Boostlingo, a mobile-first language access platform designed to democratize interpreting services.
From startup fears to pay...
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May 13, 2025 • 43 mins
In this new episode of Merging Minds, Javi Diaz sits down with industry icon Renato Beninatto for a raw and insightful conversation about the past, present, and future of localization.
With humor and honesty, Renato shares his journey from a young translator with a typewriter to a global thought leader who’s seen and predicted every major industry shift.Podcast powered by Bureau Works, a cloud localization platform that
makes comp...
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May 6, 2025 • 42 mins
Luis Miguel Musi, founder of AvantPage, joins Javi on Merging Minds to explore the power of empathy, leadership, and purpose.
With over 30 years in the localization industry, Luis shares the story behind building one of the most respected LSPs, where people stay for 10+ years and grow into leadership.
They discuss how emotional intelligence and therapy helped Luis become a better boss and father.
He opens up about the challenges...
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April 21, 2025 • 34 mins
In this episode of Merging Minds, Javi Diaz sits down with Josep "Pep" Bonet, a veteran of the localization industry who recently retired after 35 years of service at organizations like the European Commission and the WTO.
Together, they reflect on a career that began with handwritten translations and evolved alongside AI and digital transformation.
Pep shares heartfelt insights on:
- The role of mentorship—both good and bad—in ...
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April 15, 2025 • 34 mins
In this powerful episode of Merging Minds, Javi Diaz sits down with Saúl Villegas, CEO of Directum and co-founder of Juntos, the leading association for Latin American localization professionals.
Saúl shares his inspiring journey from lawyer to language entrepreneur and reveals how LATAM is claiming its seat at the global table—not just as a production hub, but as a source of leadership and innovation.
Together, they unpack the i...
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April 8, 2025 • 35 mins
In this episode of Merging Minds, Petra Mesic talks about her humble beginning in the localization industry till leadership.
She also shares hard truths about leadership burnout, what makes a truly effective localization strategy, and how companies are skipping the hard work in favor of shortcuts that don’t work.Podcast powered by Bureau Works, a cloud localization platform that
makes complex translation tasks simple and predictab...
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April 8, 2025 • 47 mins
Javi Diaz hosts three localization legends: Agustín, Alfredo De Almeida, and Jorge Santos.
With nearly 100 years of combined experience, they share what it was like to translate Microsoft in the 90s, how AI is shaping localization today, and why they’re writing a book together.The group talks about their journey from floppy disks and faxes to LLMs and machine translation.
They explore the big shifts in the industry—and how not ev...
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March 25, 2025 • 36 mins
How do you lead a global team while fostering inclusivity and innovation?
In this episode of Merging Minds, Javi Diaz sits down with Alex Katsambas, Senior Head of Language Ops & Development at Farfetch, to discuss leadership, career growth, and breaking barriers in the localization industry.
Alex shares insights on:
- The challenges of building and scaling international teams
- The role of inclusivity in localization and leader...
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March 18, 2025 • 34 mins
What does it mean to be a millennial leader in localization today?
In this episode of Merging Minds, Javi Diaz sits down with Jourik Ciesielski, CTO at Yamagata Europe and co-founder of K International, to discuss leadership, AI in localization, and the industry's biggest challenges.
From breaking outdated processes to redefining the role of linguists in an AI-driven world, Jourik shares sharp insights on how technology is reshap...
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February 25, 2025 • 35 mins
What does it take to go from an ambitious entrepreneur to a global VP in a Fortune 500 company?
In this episode of Merging Minds, Javi Diaz sits down with Anna Schlegel, one of the most influential leaders in localization and tech.
From founding her first company in San Francisco at 23 to shaping globalization strategies for some of the biggest tech giants, Anna shares her unfiltered insights on leadership, gender barriers, and c...
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February 18, 2025 • 30 mins
What does it take to become a solutions architect in the localization industry?
In this episode of Merging Minds, Javi Diaz sits down with Bill Lafferty, a seasoned expert with over 25 years in translation and technology.
From starting as a Japanese translator to co-founding a company and transitioning into solutions architecture, Bill shares his career journey, insights on leadership, and the essential skills needed for success ...
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February 11, 2025 • 34 mins
Giulia Greco shares her incredible journey from Italy to Canada, becoming the Head of Localization at Shopify.
She opens up about leadership, career transitions, and embracing change in an evolving industry.
Her insights on adaptability and growth will inspire anyone navigating a career in localization or tech.
Javi and Giulia discuss the realities of working in startups, the importance of mentorship, and the challenge of stayin...
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January 28, 2025 • 31 mins
In this episode of Merging Minds, Javi sits down with Edith Bendermacher to explore her inspiring journey in the localization industry.
Edith shares her experiences of moving across countries, navigating leadership roles, and overcoming challenges like imposter syndrome.
With over a decade of experience at NetApp, she discusses the importance of mentorship, empathy in leadership, and fostering inclusivity in the workplace.
Join ...
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December 10, 2024 • 32 mins
In this episode of Merging Minds, Javi Diaz sits down with Gus Lucardi, founder of Trusted Translations, to discuss his entrepreneurial journey, leadership lessons, and insights into the evolving translation industry.
Gus shares advice for emerging leaders, reflects on the balance between innovation and ethical business practices, and talks about the opportunities that shaped his career.
Discover how Gus stays ahead in technology...
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December 3, 2024 • 31 mins
In this episode of Merging Minds, Javi Diaz interviews Cecilia Maldonado, an inspiring leader in the localization industry.
Cecilia shares her journey from translator to entrepreneur, her experiences balancing family and career, and her passion for empowering women through the organization Women in Localization.
Discover insights on leadership, personal growth, and creating change in the localization industry.Podcast powered by B...
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November 26, 2024 • 35 mins
In this episode of Merging Minds, Javi sits down with David Brackett, a millennial leader and entrepreneur, to explore his fascinating journey in leadership and company culture. David shares his experiences as a certified interpreter, a tour guide, and a company founder, giving us an inside look at the challenges and triumphs along the way.
The discussion highlights the importance of maintaining a strong company culture while scal...
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November 12, 2024 • 61 mins
I've rarely seen a session at the ATA (American Translators Association) with the level of audience engagement we witnessed in this talk at ATA 52 in Portland—it was incredible!
With a packed room and people standing all around, it was clear that the topic of fair pay in the age of AI is crucial for translators.
As AI tools improve and reduce the need for edits, translators are left with important questions:
- How can they be fa...
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