The Native Experience Podcast: Translation, localization and multicultural marketing discussions LEXIGO.COM

On this episode of The Native Experience podcast, we have the honor of welcoming Edwin Trebels, the Translations Director at the Philadelphia Church of God.

Edwin brings us on an inspiring journey through his life, showcasing the deep connection between language, leadership, and cultural sensitivity. With a career spanning two decades in the field of localization, he has translated millions of words and played a pivotal role in connecting communities across linguistic divides.

In our conversation, we dive into the rich tapestry of Edwin's life, colored by international living experiences, a love for music, and thirst for self-improvement. Edwin also shares invaluable insights into the dynamics of global interaction, emphasizing the importance of cultural awareness in our professional lives.

Whether you're a language enthusiast, a leader in your field, or simply looking for inspiration to navigate the cultural currents of our world, this episode is for you. Don't miss out on the wisdom and life lessons shared by Edwin in this rich and enlightening conversation.

If you haven’t already, make sure to subscribe to the podcast ASAP so you don’t miss an episode.

Want to know how to authentically reach, include and engage your audiences in their native language and culture? The Native Experience Marketing (NX) book unveils the innovative NX framework, empowering professionals to develop culturally and linguistically authentic marketing strategies. Learn more about it here!


ABOUT OUR GUEST:

As the Translations Director at the Philadelphia Church of God (PCG), a global non-profit, Edwin Trebels directs the localization department which offers localization from English into nine languages. He’s worked in localization for almost 20 years. In 2023, his team translated and published about four and half million words, divided by nine languages, and interpreted about two million words.

Edwin is mostly engaged in, and loves, project/vendor/change management and strategy, but has a strong focus on prepress, training and some marketing on the side.

Outside of work, Edwin loves spending time with his wife, four children (12, 9, 5 and 11 months), family and friends. They have three dogs (mainly due to him), two rats and a cat (mainly due to his wife) and he’s been smoking BBQ food most weekends.


ABOUT THE NATIVE EXPERIENCE:

In each episode, we invite professionals who have successfully localized their products or services, worked with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse communities to achieve equity, and/or have personal experiences that shed light on unique cultural nuances. Our guests share their empowering stories, lessons, and insights to inspire you to provide native communication in your own endeavors.

At LEXIGO, we believe that providing authentic and meaningful communication is essential to building strong connections with new audiences and markets. This is why we've created this podcast – to empower you, by sharing the experiences, knowledge, and passion of experts in the localisation and language world.

We believe that each guest's story will not only inspire you, but also provide valuable information on how to effectively communicate and connect with diverse audiences.

Whether you're a business owner, marketer, comms professional, translator or cultural enthusiast, or simply someone who values meaningful communication, join us on this journey as we explore the power of native experiences and how they can shape our world!

LINKS:
Visit our websiteGet the Native Experience Marketing bookContact us: nx@lexigo.com

On this episode of The Native Experience podcast, we have the pleasure of speaking with Sheron Sultan, founder of Yatimba!


We navigate the complex dance of identities that comes with a multicultural background, which Sheron personifies with her African, German, and Indian heritage. We also discuss the importance of breaking cultural stereotypes and fostering cultural awareness, especially among youth. 


Sheron shares her personal experiences of self-definition in the face of societal pressures and her journey from South Africa to Australia, and how, with Yatimba!, she’s encouraging school children to take pride in their cultural traditions, languages and names.


Sheron's passion for cultural diversity, her advocacy for embracing one's identity, and her approach to cultural education make this episode a rich and enlightening experience. 


If you haven’t already, make sure to subscribe to the podcast ASAP so you don’t miss an episode.


Want to know how to authentically reach, include and engage your audiences in their native language and culture? The Native Experience Marketing (NX) book unveils the innovative NX framework, empowering professionals to develop culturally and linguistically authentic marketing strategies. Learn more about it here!


ABOUT OUR GUEST:


Sheron, a South African native with a blend of African, German, and Indian heritage, has consistently embraced her multicultural identity. From an early age, she confronted the challenges of self-definition in a society that demanded conformity, embarking on a purposeful journey to devise strategies that not only empowered herself but also served as inspiration for others.


Since 2010, Sheron has been serving as a student well-being facilitator and the driving force behind Yatimba!, an organization committed to fostering wellness, self-development, cultural awareness, and movement programs. Her dedication to aiding others has seen her collaborate with youth centers and community organizations across New South Wales, Australia.


Sheron's background and personal odyssey have ignited her fervor for championing diversity, resilience, and self-discovery. Through her multifaceted approach, she endeavors to cultivate an inclusive and supportive environment, leaving an enduring impact on the well-being and development of the youth she engages with. 


ABOUT THE NATIVE EXPERIENCE:


In each episode, we invite professionals who have successfully localized their products or services, worked with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse communities to achieve equity, and/or have personal experiences that shed light on unique cultural nuances. Our guests share their empowering stories, lessons, and insights to inspire you to provide native communication in your own endeavors.


At LEXIGO, we believe that providing authentic and meaningful communication is essential to building strong connections with new audiences and markets. This is why we've created this podcast – to empower you, by sharing the experiences, knowledge, and passion of experts in the localisation and language world.


We believe that each guest's story will not only inspire you, but also provide valuable information on how to effectively communicate and connect with diverse audiences.


Whether you're a business owner, marketer, comms professional, translator or cultural enthusiast, or simply someone who values meaningful communication, join us on this journey as we explore the power of native experiences and how they can shape our world!


LINKS:


Lexigo.comnx@lexigo.com

On this episode of The Native Experience Podcast, we have the pleasure of welcoming Tim Brookes, the founder of the Endangered Alphabets Project. 


Join us as we discuss Tim's work preserving endangered alphabets and the cultures they represent. Tim shares his stories collaborating with the Abenaki people - the Indigenous people of the Northeastern Woodlands of Canada - and their powerful connection between language, culture, and identity.



We tackle the pressing issues facing indigenous communities in raising awareness about their languages and scripts, and how Tim's artistic endeavors blend advocacy with education. We also talk about World Endangered Writing Day and Tim’s latest book, Writing Beyond Writing: Lessons from Endangered Alphabets.


Tim Brookes is a true champion of native experiences and is the guiding light for endangered alphabets. Tune in and prepare to be moved by a narrative that goes beyond the ink and into the heart of humanity’s diverse expressions. 


Want to know how to authentically reach, include and engage your audiences in their native language and culture? The Native Experience Marketing (NX) book unveils the innovative NX framework, empowering professionals to develop culturally and linguistically authentic marketing strategies. Learn more about it here!


ABOUT OUR GUEST:


Tim Brookes was born in England and educated at Oxford before moving to the United States in 1980. 


An editor, guitarist, teacher, soccer coach and author of 17 books and numerous articles and essays, he founded the Endangered Alphabets Project in 2010 with his first exhibition of carvings in indigenous and minority scripts. 


Since then he has exhibited and spoken about the Endangered Alphabets at more than 150 colleges, universities, libraries, museums, and galleries including Oxford, Cambridge, Yale, Harvard, the Smithsonian Institution and the Library of Congress, while working with a wide range of cultures to create games and educational materials for learning minority scripts. 


His latest book is Writing Beyond Writing: Lessons from Endangered Alphabets.


ABOUT THE NATIVE EXPERIENCE:


In each episode, we invite professionals who have successfully localized their products or services, worked with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse communities to achieve equity, and/or have personal experiences that shed light on unique cultural nuances. Our guests share their empowering stories, lessons, and insights to inspire you to provide native communication in your own endeavors.


At LEXIGO, we believe that providing authentic and meaningful communication is essential to building strong connections with new audiences and markets. This is why we've created this podcast – to empower you, by sharing the experiences, knowledge, and passion of experts in the localisation and language world.


We believe that each guest's story will not only inspire you, but also provide valuable information on how to effectively communicate and connect with diverse audiences.


Whether you're a business owner, marketer, comms professional, translator or cultural enthusiast, or simply someone who values meaningful communication, join us on this journey as we explore the power of native experiences and how they can shape our world!


LINKS:


Lexigo.comnx@lexigo.comwww.lexigo.com/nx

On this episode of The Native Experience Podcast, we welcome Ruhee Meghani, Lead Facilitator & Founder of Allied Collective - Australia’s first inclusive facilitation & wellbeing agency specializing in training, consultation and coaching for leaders & organizations.


Join the conversation as we unravel the language of inclusion and the rich tapestry of well-being. Our dialogue spans Ruhee's eclectic expertise in psychology, business, yoga, and human-centered design, highlighting how our backgrounds shape our perceptions of wellness and opportunity. 


From Mumbai to Melbourne, Ruhee's personal journey is a testament to the profound impact of cultural context on our approach to health, ethics and inclusivity. We explore the intersection of well-being and access, discussing how our shared humanity and curiosity are the true drivers of innovation and change.


We hope this conversation with Ruhee stirs your curiosity and underscores the significance of nurturing a society that cherishes every voice.


If you haven’t already, make sure to subscribe to the podcast ASAP so you don’t miss an episode.


Want to know how to authentically reach, include and engage your audiences in their native language and culture? The Native Experience Marketing (NX) book unveils the innovative NX framework, empowering professionals to develop culturally and linguistically authentic marketing strategies. Learn more about it here!


ABOUT OUR GUEST:


Renowned for her straightforward communication style, which complements her strong drive and persistence in achieving equity goals, Ruhee Meghani is the founder of Allied Collective - Australia’s first inclusive facilitation & wellbeing agency specializing in training, consultation and coaching for leaders & organizations. 


With a strong academic background in Business Management & Marketing, psychology, she has excelled in diverse sectors such as advertising, sports management, technology, hospitality, retail, and the wellness industry. 


Ruhee's experience of being a Yoga teacher & facilitator for over 11 years and passion for human centered design helps her to bring a deep understanding of wellness philosophy within her facilitation skills.


ABOUT THE NATIVE EXPERIENCE:


In each episode, we invite professionals who have successfully localized their products or services, worked with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse communities to achieve equity, and/or have personal experiences that shed light on unique cultural nuances. Our guests share their empowering stories, lessons, and insights to inspire you to provide native communication in your own endeavors.

At LEXIGO, we believe that providing authentic and meaningful communication is essential to building strong connections with new audiences and markets. This is why we've created this podcast – to empower you, by sharing the experiences, knowledge, and passion of experts in the localisation and language world.


We believe that each guest's story will not only inspire you, but also provide valuable information on how to effectively communicate and connect with diverse audiences.


Whether you're a business owner, marketer, comms professional, translator or cultural enthusiast, or simply someone who values meaningful communication, join us on this journey as we explore the power of native experiences and how they can shape our world!


LINKS:


Lexigo.comnx@lexigo.comwww.lexigo.com/nx 

On this episode of The Native Experience Podcast, we welcome back Mike Todd, Senior Advisor of Consumer Products with Dearin & Associates.


If you haven’t already, we encourage you to go back and listen to part 1 of our conversation with Mike, where we explore his varied career; from working on nuclear submarines to selling washing machines. In part 2, we explore the intricacies of marketing a lifestyle brand across cultures, and why understanding regional accents is more than just a party trick—it's essential for authenticity in a global marketplace.


We underscore the importance of accents and dialects in connecting us to our roots and each other. From the amusing confusion of mispronunciations to the evolving landscape of broadcast media embracing regional voices, we highlight the vibrancy and importance of linguistic diversity. With a nod to science fiction's foresight and a call to amplify the stories of diverse communities, we propose a year of listening deeply to voices from all walks of life, enriching our global dialogue.


If you haven’t already, make sure to subscribe to the podcast ASAP so you don’t miss an episode.


ABOUT OUR GUEST:


Mike Todd is a Senior Adviser for Consumer Products at Dearin & Associates. He specializes in assisting consumer products companies in expanding their operations and market presence on a global scale. 


Mike’s role involves leveraging market insights, strategic planning, and cross-functional collaboration to facilitate the growth and international expansion of these companies.


With more than 30 years of experience working with consumer products companies internationally, Mike is acutely aware of the challenges business owners face as they try to scale abroad. He provides world-class consultancy services to companies that want to work internationally.


Beyond being a Consumer Products guru, Mike has also worked in the Navy on a nuclear submarine and has visited every continent (including the North Pole!) 


ABOUT THE NATIVE EXPERIENCE:


In each episode, we invite professionals who have successfully localized their products or services, worked with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse communities to achieve equity, and/or have personal experiences that shed light on unique cultural nuances. Our guests share their empowering stories, lessons, and insights to inspire you to provide native communication in your own endeavors.


At LEXIGO, we believe that providing authentic and meaningful communication is essential to building strong connections with new audiences and markets. This is why we've created this podcast – to empower you, by sharing the experiences, knowledge, and passion of experts in the localisation and language world.


We believe that each guest's story will not only inspire you, but also provide valuable information on how to effectively communicate and connect with diverse audiences.


Whether you're a business owner, marketer, comms professional, translator or cultural enthusiast, or simply someone who values meaningful communication, join us on this journey as we explore the power of native experiences and how they can shape our world!


LINKS:
Connect with Mike on LinkedInLexigo.comnx@lexigo.com

On this episode of The Native Experience, we welcome Antonio de Palma, Localization Quality Program Manager at Avetta. 


Antonio takes us on a journey through the fascinating world of localization, drawing from his rich background in data-driven work and experiences with AAA games. He emphasizes the pivotal role of localization in crafting native experiences and the inherent culture of diversity and inclusion within the localization industry.


We dive into Antonio's unique challenges and rewarding triumphs he has encountered doing localization work, navigating cultural and linguistic nuances to reach solutions that catered to all stakeholders. Antonio shares his inspirational journey post a layoff, his networking prowess that led him to Avetta, and his strategy to balance passion with financial stability.


We also discuss the transformative role of technology within the localization industry, the criticality of staying abreast with technological advancements, and the potential career growth it can fuel.


Antonio's insights promise to enrich your understanding of the localization domain, whether you're a veteran in the industry or a newcomer seeking insights. 


Make sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss out on future episodes!


ABOUT OUR GUEST:


Antonio De Palma is a Localization Quality Program Manager for Avetta with over 8 years of experience in the tech and entertainment industry, he specializes in building and scaling end-to-end Localization and Internationalization programs. 


He’s trained individual contributors and delivered foundational programs such as Vendor Management, Internationalization, Terminology and Translation Memory Management, Inclusive Language, Accessibility, and Vendor Engagement.


With a focus on flexibility and execution, Antonio guided Localization teams to successfully reach core company goals for their international market. He’s delivered AAA games that sold over 7 million copies and connected users worldwide with the #1 messaging app in history.


Antonio has embedded pre-localization and localizability checks in the readiness process, reducing turnaround time by 20-45% and saving hundreds of thousands of dollars in post-production corrections.


ABOUT THE NATIVE EXPERIENCE:


In each episode, we invite professionals who have successfully localized their products or services, worked with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse communities to achieve equity, and/or have personal experiences that shed light on unique cultural nuances. Our guests share their empowering stories, lessons, and insights to inspire you to provide native communication in your own endeavors.


At LEXIGO, we believe that providing authentic and meaningful communication is essential to building strong connections with new audiences and markets. This is why we've created this podcast – to empower you, by sharing the experiences, knowledge, and passion of experts in the localisation and language world.


We believe that each guest's story will not only inspire you, but also provide valuable information on how to effectively communicate and connect with diverse audiences.


Whether you're a business owner, marketer, comms professional, translator or cultural enthusiast, or simply someone who values meaningful communication, join us on this journey as we explore the power of native experiences and how they can shape our world!


LINKS:


Lexigo.comnx@lexigo.com