Welcome to Loc Lessons, the podcast from the Association of Translation Companies hosted by Chair Corinne Saynor Smith and Vice-Chair James Brown, exploring trends and talking shop with voices from across the language services world.
ATC Loc Lessons brings industry insights without the jargon in lively conversations with guests from across the language services industry. From emerging trends to everyday challenges, we dive into the issues shaping localisation, translation and interpreting, always with a friendly, down-to-earth approach.
Episode 13 - Celebrating 50 Years of ATC: An interview with Geoffrey Bowden
A look back at how language technology and the language services landscape has evolved over the last 50 years
To celebrate the ATC's 50th anniversary as trade association, hosts James Brown and Corinne Smith have invited Geoffrey Bowden to speak on the Loc Lessons Podcast.
Geoffrey shares his journey from his early days in public relations to becoming a pivotal player in the ATC, serving as its General Secretary from 1980 until 2018. He looks back at the early, pre-digital days of running the trade association, using hand-compiled mailing lists and printing physical member directories to advertise member services.
Together with Corinne and James, Geoffrey also reflects on the challenges and transformations faced by the industry, especially with the rise of new technologies and artificial intelligence. He draws parallels between today's anxieties around AI and past waves of disruption – fax machines, the early internet, cassette tapes, and the digitisation of the printing industry – arguing that each new technology has reshaped roles rather than eliminated them.
23 Jul 2026
Episode 12: Language rights are human rights: How Clear Global supports underserved communities through language technology
Language rights are human rights: How Clear Global supports underserved communities through language technology
In this special Loc Lessons episode, Corinne Smith is joined by Jolanta Wantuła, Project Management Unit Manager at Clear Global (https://clearglobal.org/), a non-profit organisation whose mission it is to help people get vital information and be heard – whatever language they speak.
Jolanta shares how Clear Global builds language technology to bridge communication gaps in crisis response, and to support communities of underserved languages. From building voice data sets in low-resource languages, to creating foundational data platforms to map and understand global language distribution, to working with a community of over 200,000 Translators without Borders volunteers, this inspirational episode highlights how supporting language rights is essential for human rights and social inclusion.
If you'd like to explore any of these topics in more detail, check out the links below:
More information about the Language Use Data Platform
More information about TWB Voice
The Human-centered technology design in humanitarian action playbook
Guide on How to hold organizations accountable for their use of digital technology
2 Jul 2026
Episode 11 - Celebrating 50 Years of ATC: An interview with Isabella Moore CBE
To celebrate the ATC's 50th anniversary as trade association, hosts James Brown and Corinne Smith have invited Isabella Moore CBE to speak on the Loc Lessons Podcast. One the "ATC Originals", Isabella's company Comtec joined the ATC as a member company in the early eighties.
In this fascinating conversation, Isabella shares what it was like to be a member in the early days (especially as a female business owner in a male-dominated industry), and what the translation process used to look like before the arrival of emails and CAT tools.
Corinne, James and Isabella also discuss the continuing need for business skills to survive in a competitive industry, how AI is changing the way work is done today, and how client expectations around quality seem to be shifting from "quality is a given" to "good enough will do".
19 May 2026
Episode 10 - How LSCs are Using AI Today with Gabriel Karandyšovský
A deep dive into the latest ATC Research Insights on how language service companies are using AI today and what's driving adoption
The latest ATC Language Industry Report What Kind of LSC Are You is out now. The report maps where the language industry stands in terms of AI adoption, and what exactly is driving it.
The report draws on interviews with LSCs of different sizes, ranging from smaller companies with a dozen employees to some of the top UK (and global) LSCs with hundreds of people on staff and dedicated tech teams.
The research shows that the field is broadly split into Innovators, Followers and Power Users, and covers pathways and opportunities for all three groups.
In this episode of Loc Lessons, hosts Corinne Smith and James Brown are joined by ATC researcher Gabriel Karandyšovský to explore the report's findings. Together they discuss the shifting attitudes towards and drivers for AI adoption in LSCs, the need to balance business growth with looking after people, and the importance of conducting internal AI audits to create efficiencies and reduce risk.
As AI becomes more integrated into localisation workflows, client conversations are shifting towards governance. Language service companies need to be ahead of the game so they can advise and guide clients on the risks and limitations of AI in localisation.
23 Mar 2026
Episode 9 - Finding the Why in AI: How to approach AI adoption in language service companies
In episode 9 of the Loc Lessons podcast, hosts James Brown and Corinne Smith are joined by Rob Martin, founder of Magic Beans Agency, a company that's on a mission to empower language service companies and their people to grow and thrive.
With new AI tools being launched practically every week, where do language service companies even begin to figure out what tools are right for their business? Where should they focus their energy and attention to make sure AI adoption is not just a trend followed, but an informed strategy based on clear objectives?
Together, Corinne, James and Rob discuss how they see the language services landscape right now, the importance of AI upskilling to stay competitive, and the continued need to educate clients on the opportunities and risks of AI in content creation and localisation.
For companies feeling unsure where to get started with AI, Rob recommends focusing on the fundamental questions first: what kind of clients do I want to work with, what verticals do I want to serve, what added value do I deliver for my clients? With these questions answered, it's much easier to develop a strategy and to figure out if and how AI tools can help to deliver on that strategy.
9 Mar 2026
Episode 8 - Mastering Client Relationships with Bernadette Byrne
From transactional to transformational: How to skilfully onboard, manage and nurture clients for long-term success
In this episode of LocLessons, hosts James Brown and Corinne Smith are joined by Bernadette Byrne, Managing Partner at Six Worldwide and client relationship expert extraordinaire. Bernadette shares tips and tricks on how to build long-lasting partnerships that span the entire client lifecycle: from choosing the right prospects to focus on, to initial contact and client onboarding, to growing into a trusted advisor and value-add partner over time.
Bernadette stresses that winning clients is just the beginning, and that onboarding should be treated as a discovery process, rather than a mere administrative task. By being curious and asking the right questions early on, LSCs have a much better chance of understanding what the client needs, who the key stakeholders are, and what challenges they face – building a strong foundation for a long-term partnership right from the off.
9 Feb 2026
Episode 7 - UK Market Insights and Predictions for 2026 with Gabriel Karandyšovský
Breaking down the latest ATC Language Industry Snapshot with Gabriel Karandyšovský
In Episode 7 of the ATC LocLessons podcast, James Brown is joined by ATC researcher Gabriel Karandyšovský to discuss the current state of the language services industry.
Despite economic uncertainty, geopolitical pressures and rapid technological change, ATC members are adapting rather than standing still: adjusting strategies, experimenting, and finding ways to move forward. James and Gabriel explore how language service companies are adapting as conversations around AI are shifting from hype to practical reality.
Gabriel also shares his thoughts on where the language industry might be headed in 2026. One prediction is that LSCs could find new opportunities by moving 'upstream': helping clients define intent, impact and audience needs, rather than focusing solely on the mechanics of translation.
16 Dec 2025
Episode 6 - 2025 in review and a sneak peek at 2026
A look back at ATC's highlights in 2025, and what's to come next year.
In this last episode of the year, Corinne and James are joined by Commercial Collaborations Lead Sarah Bawa Mason and ATC's newest team member Anja Jones, who recently joined the association as Community and Communications Manager.
Together, they chat about their personal ATC highlights from this year, including successful pan-industry collaborations, continued work on sustainability reporting, and connecting IRL with fellow members at the ATC's in-person events.
Looking forward, the team discuss what's in the pipeline for 2026, an exciting year ahead as the ATC will celebrate its 50th anniversary. From regional brunches to the big annual conference in October, an array of events are being planned across the UK in 2026 that will celebrate the past while firmly looking towards the future.
Corinne also shares her vision for developing ATC's community engagement in 2026. In the spirit of favouring collaboration over competition, she explains her plans for creating a community platform where ATC members can come together to support each other and draw on each other's experiences.
1 Dec 2025
Episode 5 - Recruitment in localisation, reimagined with Alex Ross-Scott
Recruitment in localisation, reimagined: Alex Ross-Scott on how to hire and be hired in the evolving language services industry
Corinne and James sit down with language services recruitment specialist Alex Ross-Scott to explore the evolving world of recruitment in the language services industry, from how LSCs can sharpen their employer brand, to what candidates can do to stand out in a crowded market. Alex shares insights on the skills that matter most in today's AI-driven landscape, the balance between technology and authenticity, and why empathy, communication, and adaptability are critical for both employers and job seekers. Whether you're hiring, job hunting, or just curious about the future of talent in localisation, this episode is packed with practical takeaways and big-picture perspectives.
17 Nov 2025
Episode 4 - THRIVE 2025 Takeaways with James and Corinne
Takeaways from ATC Unconference THRIVE 2025: Corinne and James talk you through what went on - on the stage and behind the scenes
In October 2025, the ATC community came together at the iconic People's History Museum in Manchester for ATC THRIVE 2025, a two-day unconference exploring how language service companies can grow through collaboration, technology, and genuine relationships. The theme? Building a sales-first mindset supported by marketing, technology, and teamwork to ensure language service companies are ready for whatever comes next.
Across panels, workshops, discussions, and the first-ever ATC Open Mic session, one message stood out loud and clear: growth happens when we put people and purpose at the heart of our sales strategies. From Bernadette Byrne's masterclass on building long-term client relationships to Richard Michie's keynote on marketing strategy delivered with a pinch of Northern charm, via insightful panels and discussions, the sessions offered one clear takeaway: there are no silver bullets; growth is hard work, a shared mindset, and a genuinely human affair.
20 Oct 2025
Episode 3 - UK Market Insights with Gabriel Karandyšovský
Challenges, change & cautious optimism: Researcher Gabriel Karandyšovský on the future of localisation and what's up in the UK market.
In this episode of Loc Lessons, Corinne and James are joined by researcher, writer, and consultant Gabriel Karandyšovský, the man behind the ATC's quarterly UK Language Industry Reports. Gabriel shares fresh insights into the state of the UK language services sector, from how companies are navigating AI's impact on pricing and efficiency, to why UK LSCs remain more resilient and optimistic compared to their European counterparts. The discussion explores client expectations, the challenges of securing new business, and the opportunities for LSCs to stand out by staying proactive, adaptable, and client-focused. With a mix of realism and cautious optimism, Gabriel highlights how the industry can not only survive but thrive in an era of rapid change.
30 Sept 2025
Episode 2 - THRIVE Special with Corinne and James
ATC Loc Lessons: Down-to-earth conversations with industry voices on the trends shaping translation, localisation and the wider language services world.
In this special episode of Loc Lessons, Corinne and James turn the spotlight on Thrive 2025, the ATC's upcoming unconference taking place in October in Manchester. They share the story behind Thrive's fresh, interactive format designed to move beyond traditional conference routines and to deliver actionable takeaways attendees can put to work straight away. From skills for the future of the language services industry, to AI as an opportunity, to the all-important role of marketing, Corinne and James preview the packed programme, headline speakers, and engaging workshops that await. With networking, awards, and peer-to-peer learning at its heart, Thrive 2025 is a must.
29 Sept 2025
Episode 1 - Community, credibility & collaboration with Raisa McNab
Community, credibility & collaboration: Kicking off Loc Lessons with ATC CEO Raisa McNab on why the ATC matters now more than ever.
In this very first episode of Loc Lessons, Corinne and are joined by none other than the ATC's CEO, Raisa McNab. Together, they reflect on why the ATC matters today, the role it plays in supporting members through industry transformation, and how the association continues to build credibility and open up opportunities for language service companies. From training and hidden member benefits, to collaborations with client-side organisations and the evolving UK Language Industry Report, Raisa shares insights on how the ATC is championing its members in a time of rapid change. They also look ahead to Thrive 2025 in Manchester and even give a sneak peek at the ATC's upcoming 50th anniversary celebrations. It's the perfect episode to kick off the series, setting the stage for candid conversations, practical takeaways, and a closer look at the community driving the UK's language services sector.
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