Working With Languages

Sonia Kampshoff
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On Working with Languages I explore with my guest how we can use our language skills to build a meaningful career in various industries

  1. Ep 14: EQ and Communication in Leadership with Maria Rush

    6D AGO

    Ep 14: EQ and Communication in Leadership with Maria Rush

    In this episode, leadership mentor Maria Rush shares how emotional intelligence, connection, and clear communication can reshape modern leadership. She reveals why traditional 'command and control' approaches no longer work, why deeper connection, vulnerability, and emotional awareness matter more than ever, and how expanding our emotional vocabulary can transform both professional and personal relationships. Key TakeawaysGrowing up above the arctic circle shaped Maria's perspective: living through extreme seasons - midnight sun in summer and polar nights in winter - gave Maria a deep appreciation for nature, resilience, and community.Maria followed a non-linear career built around human connection: although Maria worked across languages, design, and various industries in Sweden and the UK, the common thread has always been her interest in people and communication.Today’s leadership needs are changing: many people feel disconnected in their relationships - at work, at home, and with partners. Maria sees a strong desire for more emotionally intelligent, people-centred leadership.A shift away from old models of authority: traditional 'do as you're told' leadership no longer resonates. People now seek inclusion, trust, and a sense of being valued.Emotional vocabulary is a language of its own: Maria highlights the need to expand our emotional vocabulary to express needs clearly. She even created word lists in English and later Swedish to better articulate feelings.Younger generations are driving positive change: she mentors people in their 20s who are increasingly open to self-development and emotional awareness - seeking help earlier and expecting healthier communication. About Maria RushFor the past 25 years Maria has worked as a leadership mentor, entrepreneur, and an international employee in state organisations and private businesses promoting self-leadership, emotional intelligence, and solution-focused communication. With her genuine interest in people and how we connect deeper with ourselves and others through self-awareness and better communication skills, Maria has helped redefine the way we create thriving relationships irrespective of gender, background, and generation. Whether you’re a parent, partner or professional, Maria helps you become the modern leader people are truly looking for today - authentic, empathetic and adaptable. Connect with MariaMaria's website: mariarush.co.uk Maria on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mariadhrush Women Don't Rush podcast on IG: @womendontrushpodcast Offer for this podcast's listeners: Maria is offering you all, my lovely listeners, a 15% discount on her online group programme starting in April called The Connected Leadership Programme: https://www.mariarush.co.uk/the-connected-leadership-programme Use discount code WWL15 to claim your 15% off. Valid till 13th April 2026. About Sonia KampshoffSonia is an

    47 min
  2. 13: Weglot: Translating Websites Instantly With AI - Elizabeth Pokorny

    JAN 29

    13: Weglot: Translating Websites Instantly With AI - Elizabeth Pokorny

    In this episode your host Sonia Kampshoff sits down with Elizabeth Prokorny, the Head of Content and Brand at Weglot. After exploring Elizabeth's journey in language learning and her career path from the UK to The Netherlands and then France, she discusses Weglot's AI-powered website translation tool, all that goes into translating websites and the importance of tailoring content for each country. Elizabeth also gives us examples of website translation (some have 800,00 words!) to SEO elements and the importance of content localization. And she shares insights into the company's structure, culture and future developments, emphasizing the role of customer feedback in shaping their offerings. Lastly she shares that Weglot is developing directory of multilingual SEO experts to support Weglot's clients in making their translated websites feel more local. Key TakeawaysElizabeth tells about different working cultures in the UK, The Netherlands and France, including giving and receiving feedbackWeglot uses AI to enhance translation speed and quality while maintaining human oversight.Content localization is crucial for effective communication in different markets. Elizabeth gives the example of 'trainers' and 'sneakers' - they mean the same but 'trainers' is used in the UK while 'sneakers' is used in the US, so ecommerce websites need to ensure they use the correct terms in each country to match what people search for online in each country.Future developments at Weglot will focus on improving AI translation and SEO tools as well as their international experts directory.She also highlights how customer feedback is essential for product development and service enhancement - their international experts directory is an example of that. About Elizabeth PokornyElizabeth Pokorny is Head of Brand and Content at Weglot, where she leads global brand storytelling and content strategy around international expansion. With over a decade of experience in B2B content, SEO, and brand positioning, she focuses on building clear, confident narratives that help companies grow across markets. Elizabeth is particularly interested in how brands can balance technology, accuracy, and personality to communicate more effectively across languages. About WeglotWeglot is an AI-powered website translation tool that instantly translates your site. Put your translation quality on autopilot and let Weglot effortlessly generate translations that reflect your brand tone and style. Weglot’s AI learns from your past edits, brand tone of voice, and target audience to give you quality website translation, fast and hands-off. When needed, bring humans into the process to refine and edit when it adds value. Technical setup? It’s fully automated. Your translated site is displayed under SEO-friendly language URLs, helping you rank higher and be found by users, AI engines, and international audiences no matter what language they search in. Connect with WeglotWeglot: https://www.weglot.comWeglot events: https://www.weglot.com/eventsInternational expert directory: a...

    33 min
  3. 12: From Corporate Work To Multilingual Humanist Celebrant - Mair Garland

    JAN 15

    12: From Corporate Work To Multilingual Humanist Celebrant - Mair Garland

    Today I talk to Mair Garland who after 10 years shifted from the corporate world into leading non-religious baby naming ceremonies, weddings and funerals ceremonies as a humanist celebrant. Mair shares how she grew up in Wales speaking both English and Welsh. After studying French and Linguistics at the University of Oxford, which included a year abroad in France, she found work at an international organisation where her languages set her apart. What started as a part-time side project, her work as a celebrant has become a business she loves which brings many referrals through word-of-mouth. Key TakeawaysGrowing up bilingual in Welsh and English shaped Mair’s linguistic identity and her instinctive use of language in emotional moments.A year abroad in France transformed her French from academic to natural and immersive, influencing her confidence and cultural adaptation.Her decade-long corporate career allowed her to integrate language skills in unexpected ways, especially within a multinational company.As a humanist celebrant, Mair now blends languages and cultural traditions to create deeply personalised ceremonies for weddings, funerals, and baby naming ceremonies.Her work is highly collaborative and creative: she co-creates scripts with couples or families, crafting personalised stories, vows, and symbolism.There is growing demand for multicultural and multilingual ceremonies, even outside Wales and France, especially among mixed-background couples and families. About Mair GarlandOriginally from Wales, Mair is a proud native speaker of Cymraeg (Welsh) and works as a humanist celebrant in London, offering non-religious baby naming ceremonies, weddings and funerals. Mair specialises in bilingual ceremonies in both Welsh and French. Connect with MairWebsite: www.garlandceremonies.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/garlandceremonies About Sonia KampshoffSonia is an experienced, multilingual digital marketing consultant focusing on Google Ads and advertising on social media. She works with small and medium-sized companies, agencies and charities across ecommerce and lead generation accounts, supporting them from strategy and planning all the way through optimisation and management. Languages are integral to her identity and career, so much so that in September 2025 she created and hosts this podcast, telling stories of people who merge their language skills with the work they do - and inspiring many more to learn languages and build a career on these valuable soft skills. Connect with SoniaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/workingwithlanguagesLinkedIn: a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/soniakampshoff/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    35 min
  4. 11: Fiona Gray: Translator and Chair the Institute of Translation and Interpreting

    12/11/2025

    11: Fiona Gray: Translator and Chair the Institute of Translation and Interpreting

    In this conversation Fiona Gray, a translator and Chair of the Institute of Translation and Interpreting, shares her journey in language learning and translation. Fiona shares her experiences studying multiple languages, her transition into professional translation and her passion for tourism and creative translation. Fiona also highlights the importance of community within the translation profession, the impact of AI on the industry, and the role of the ITI in supporting translators. She offers valuable insights for aspiring translators and emphasizes the need for continuous professional development. Key TakeawaysLiving and working abroad is essential for language learning - immersion helped Fiona embrace mistakes as a natural and even enjoyable part of learning a language.A love for languages - her deep love of languages shaped her entire academic path, from school through a master’s in literary translation.From in-house to self-employed - early in-house roles guided Fiona into freelancing, where she now specialises in lifestyle, travel, tourism, premium brand translation - with Luxembourg becoming an unexpected niche.The value of community - community is central to her work, and she has taken on increasing leadership roles at the ITI, now serving as its chair.AI is transforming translation, but it’s also a tool - Fiona sees AI as both a disruptor and a tool, with many translators looking to understand and adapt to the changes it brings. ITI offer support and courses around AI and changes to the translation industry. About Fiona GrayFiona Gray MITI helps brands and businesses based in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Luxembourg to find their voice in English through creative copy and compelling content that makes their German words travel. She has over a decade of experience in the translation industry and has been freelancing for the past nine years. Fiona is Chair of the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI), having served on the ITI Board of Directors since 2022. She won the ITI Mentor of the Year Award in 2023 and was named Linguist of the Year at the ATC Language Industry Awards 2024. Website: https://www.fionagraycreative.co.uk/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/fiona-gray/ Institute of Translation and InterpretingThe Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI) is the only UK-based independent professional membership association for practising translators, interpreters and all those involved in the language services sector. ITI offers a professional home for language professionals, helping them to create and nurture a fulfilling career, upholding standards for professional conduct through training and education, and increasing public recognition of the value of the translation and interpreting professions through advocacy and engagement. Connect with Fiona and the ITIWebsite: https://www.iti.org.uk/span class="ql-ui"...

    38 min
  5. 10: Growing what3words Into 61 Languages, With Linguist & Composer Jamie Brown

    11/27/2025

    10: Growing what3words Into 61 Languages, With Linguist & Composer Jamie Brown

    In this episode Sonia speaks with Jamie Brown, a linguist, composer, and former Chief Language Services Officer at what3words, the company that makes it easy to identify a specific location. Jamie shares his journey from growing up with a stammer to managing the development of 61 language versions of what3words across the world. He also reveals how his early passion for how languages are spoken and put together, his background in music composition and his curiosity for culture all shaped his career. From composing a Requiem in Cornish to leading multilingual teams across continents, Jamie’s story shows the power of language to connect people globally. Key TakeawaysOvercoming barriers through curiosity - Jamie’s stammer led him to study how language works beneath the surface, eventually becoming his career’s foundation.Language as connection - his transition from music to linguistics highlights how both are a form of communication.Building languages at scale - at what3words Jamie led teams creating 61 language versions, each built from scratch to reflect local linguistics and culture.Cultural sensitivity matters - from Tamil beliefs about turtles to Spanish dialectal differences, linguistic nuance is crucial in localisation.Resilience and opportunity - saying yes to unexpected chances - like a Facebook post about 'languages and Excel' - can shape an extraordinary career. About Jamie BrownJamie is a composer, linguist, localisation consultant and TEDx speaker. From early on he was interested in languages and how they work. As a stutterer from a young age he says he was trying to find a language he would stutter in less - which led him to music and composing, a language where few words are spoken. After living in Brazil for a year, he completed a Masters in Linguistics and thanks to a friend's Facebook post he started working at what3words as their Chief Language Services Officer where he managed the creation of the language system in 61 languages. Connect with Jamie BrownJamie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-brown-8a436540/Jamie's website: https://www.jamiebrown.info/What3words: https://what3words.com/ About Sonia KampshoffSonia is an experienced, multilingual digital marketing consultant focusing on Google Ads and advertising on social media. She works with small and medium-sized companies, agencies and charities across ecommerce and lead generation accounts, supporting them from strategy and planning all the way through optimisation and management. Languages are integral to her identity and career, so much so that in September 2025 she created and hosts this podcast, telling stories of people who merge their language skills with the work they do - and inspiring many more to learn languages and build a career on these valuable soft skills. Connect with Soniaspan...

    47 min
  6. 9: From The Air Force To Teaching Dutch Language & Culture with Wesley Vendeville

    11/13/2025

    9: From The Air Force To Teaching Dutch Language & Culture with Wesley Vendeville

    In this episode host Sonia Kampshoff speaks with Wesley van der Wille, a Dutch language and culture coach whose unique career path took him from the Dutch Air Force to founding his own language coaching business, Talk Dutch Today. Wesley shares how his 16 years in the military and his experience working with NATO shaped his understanding of communication, culture, and adaptability - skills that now define his empathetic, human-cantered approach to language coaching. Together, they discuss cultural nuances, Dutch quirks, personal transformation, and how Wesley helps expats not only learn Dutch but feel at home in it. Key TakeawaysMilitary communication skills like clarity and adaptability can translate powerfully into teaching and coaching.Language coaching goes beyond grammar - it’s about mindset, confidence, and connection.Personalized learning works best - every student’s goals, background, and learning style matter.Cultural awareness is key to learning Dutch authentically and communicating effectively.Empathy and understanding are the most valuable tools for any teacher or coach. About the guestAfter spending 16 in the Dutch Air Force and at NATO, Wesley decided to move on when he realised he was burning out. He went on a gap year where he travelled and read all books he had ever wanted to read. And when he was ready to get back into the workforce... he first had to figure out what he wanted to do next. He stumbled into language learning partly because it allowed him to work remotely. He remembers how confused the internal recruiter at Berlitz was at receiving his army CV. Since then he set up a flourishing language tutoring business aimed at expats in The Netherland wanting to pass certifications, progress at work or simply integrate better in the local community. Connect with WesleyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesley-vendevielle-879968239/Website: https://www.talkdutchtoday.nl/ About Sonia KampshoffSonia is an experienced, multilingual digital marketing consultant focusing on Google Ads and advertising on social media. She works with small and medium-sized companies, agencies and charities across ecommerce and lead generation accounts, supporting them from strategy and planning all the way through optimisation and management. Languages are integral to her identity and career, so much so that in September 2025 she created and hosts this podcast, telling stories of people who merge their language skills with the work they do - and inspiring many more to learn languages and build a career on these valuable soft skills. Connect with SoniaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/workingwithlanguagesLinkedIn: a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/soniakampshoff/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    27 min
  7. 8: From Europe To Asia And Back: How Languages Create Opportunities - With Anders Hansen

    10/30/2025

    8: From Europe To Asia And Back: How Languages Create Opportunities - With Anders Hansen

    In this conversation, Anders Hansen shares his fascinating journey through language learning, cultural immersion, and career transitions across various countries. From his early years in Denmark and Portugal to his experiences in the UK, Singapore, China and now Italy, Anders emphasizes the importance of language in opening doors and building connections. He discusses his sales career, the challenges of adapting to new cultures, and his eventual move to Sardinia, where he embraces the local language and culture while working in the solar power industry and as a hiking guide. The conversation also touches on the role of AI in language learning and business, culminating in Anders' reflections on life lessons and future aspirations. Key TakeawaysLanguages bring opportunities - Anders shares the career opportunities he had thanks to his languages skills. Learning from mistakes - he arrived to Shanghai in China with a busy job, communicating in English, and didn't prioritise learning Mandarin Chinese - and left the country 8 years later when he realised the lack of the local language was a disadvantage in his private and professional life. Making his own opportunities - with solid experience in sales and speaking multiple languages, he was able to work and thrive in various different industries by being intentional in what he chose to do. Fluency is a feeling - the moment you stop “buffering” when speaking in a foreign language - when thoughts and language flow naturally - marks a turning point in confidence and belonging. About our guestAnders Hansen is a sales leader and certified Italian hiking guide (Guida Ambientale Escursionistica) based in Sardinia, combining more than 25 years of international business experience with a lifelong passion for the outdoors. Born in Denmark and raised between the forests of Northern Zealand and the coastline of southern Portugal, Anders developed an early love for hiking and the natural world - a passion that has accompanied him through studies in London and Sydney and professional chapters in Europe, Asia, and now Italy. Known for his optimism, empathy, and trustworthiness, he helps people and businesses grow, whether by promoting renewable energy solutions with Vivisolar or by guiding hikers through Sardinia’s wild landscapes. Connect with AndersAnders on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/anders-hansenAnders Hikes Sardinia on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andershikessardiniaAnders and Caroline's rental holiday home in Sardinia: https://airbnb.com/h/villabuonasperanza About Sonia KampshoffSonia is an experienced, multilingual digital marketing consultant focusing on Google Ads and advertising on social media. She works with small and medium-sized companies, agencies and charities across ecommerce and lead generation accounts, supporting them from strategy and planning all the way through optimisation and management. Languages are integral to her identity and career, so much so that in September 2025 she created and hosts this podcast, telling stories of people who merge their language skills with the work they do - and inspiring many more to learn languages and build a career on these valuable soft skills. Connect with Soniali...

    46 min
  8. Ep 7: Navigating Languages, Leadership, and Technology in Travel with Fritz Oberhummer

    10/16/2025

    Ep 7: Navigating Languages, Leadership, and Technology in Travel with Fritz Oberhummer

    In this episode, Sonia Kampshoff welcomes Fritz Oberhummer, Head of Solution Architecture for EMEA at Sabre Corp, to share his fascinating journey through languages, cultures, and technology in the travel industry. From growing up in an Austrian ski resort to navigating life and work in London, Madrid, and beyond, Fritz reflects on how language shapes not only communication but also cultural understanding and business relationships. He also explores how AI is transforming the travel industry, from booking experiences to biometric travel, and what this means for the future of travellers worldwide. Key TakeawaysLanguages for conflict resolution in business: cultural nuances, workplace dynamics, and even mealtime conversations vary widely across countries and must be adapted to.Living abroad is the best way to learn a language: it takes three to four years of immersion to deeply understand both the language and its cultural context.TV shows as cultural teachers: watching local TV series helped Fritz and his family not only learn Spanish but also understand the deeper cultural references and humour.AI is reshaping travel: from facial recognition at airports to AI-driven personal travel agents, technology is making journeys more seamless and personalized.The way we interact with AI matters: speaking to AI rather than typing can produce more context-rich and useful results.AI will disrupt jobs as well as industries: while AI brings efficiency and convenience, it also poses challenges for global workforces, especially in industries like customer service and call centres.The resurgence of hand-made goods: the AI revolution will bring us to want and purchase more hand-made, authentic goods About the GuestFritz Oberhummer is the Head of Solution Architecture for EMEA at Sabre Corp, a global leader in technology for the travel industry. Originally from Austria, his family runs a hotel in the third generation. From early on he was surrounded by international visitors, sparking his lifelong passion for languages and cultures. His career has taken him across the US, UK, Spain, and Germany, giving him first-hand experience of how language and cultural understanding shape global business. Today, he combines his deep knowledge of technology and strategy to bridge the gap between commercial needs and technical solutions, while also exploring how innovations like AI and biometrics are redefining the travel experience. Episode LinksFritz on LinkedIn: Fritz OberhummerHis personal website: oberhummer.com About Sonia KampshoffSonia is an experienced, multilingual digital marketing consultant focusing on Google Ads and advertising on social media. She works with small and medium-sized companies, agencies and charities across ecommerce and lead generation accounts, supporting them from strategy and planning all the way through...

    39 min
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On Working with Languages I explore with my guest how we can use our language skills to build a meaningful career in various industries

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  • Creator
    Sonia Kampshoff
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Sonia Kampshoff
  • Show Website
    Working With Languages