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
Podcast Episodes
Certified Translation Finally Being Automated or Just Rebranded? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:07
In this episode of the Localization Fireside Chat, Robin Ayoub speaks with Dylan J. Hartmann, Founder of AcudocX, about one of the most persistent challenges in the language industry: why certified translation remains ma…
When Titles Stop Working | Alignment Over Applause with Barbara Stone [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:53
What happens when the titles, promotions, and external markers of success stop working?In this episode of the Localization Fireside Chat, Robin Ayoub sits down with Barbara Stone, leadership coach, former EVP and CFO, an…
GenAI: From Strategy to Execution [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:37
In this episode of Localization Fireside Chat, Robin Ayoub speaks with Minyang (MJ) Jiang about what it really takes to move GenAI from strategy into execution. The conversation focuses on leadership, organizational chan…
POD-When the CEO Gets Sick: Leadership Under Crisis [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:22
Most companies plan for market risk, financial risk, and operational risk. Almost none plan for what happens when the CEO gets sick. In this episode of Localization Fireside Chat, Robin Ayoub sits down with Deborah Krier…