He Localized Windows, Skype & Teams at Microsoft for 20 Years. Now He's Saving Dying Languages.

He Localized Windows, Skype & Teams at Microsoft for 20 Years. Now He's Saving Dying Languages.

Author: Robin Ayoub March 31, 2026 Duration: 50:09
Soeren Eberhardt spent over 20 years at Microsoft contributing to global launches of Windows, Skype, and Microsoft Teams. Today he's Localization Director at Translation Commons and contributing to the Mayan Languages Preservation Project, using synthetic data generation to build machine translation for Q'eqchi' and other under-resourced languages. In this episode Robin and Soeren cover the full arc: from stumbling into localization via comparative literature, to scaling brand voice across 39 languages, to why AI is only as smart as the people who wield it.

Hosted by Robin Ayoub, the Localization Fireside Chat is a series of discussions that delve into the practical and evolving world of making content resonate globally. This podcast moves beyond theory to explore the real intersections of language, technology, and business strategy. Episodes feature candid conversations with practitioners and thinkers who are navigating the complexities of translation, cultural adaptation, and the growing influence of artificial intelligence. You'll hear about the challenges of scaling a business internationally, the nuances of adapting a brand's voice for different markets, and the human decisions behind automated processes. It’s designed for anyone curious about how communication bridges borders, from entrepreneurs building their first global campaign to seasoned professionals refining their approach. The tone is conversational and insightful, focusing on actionable ideas and the stories that define the language industry's future. Tune in for a nuanced look at how we build understanding in a multilingual world, one conversation at a time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Localization Fireside Chat
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