Experienced localization manager Julio Leal believes that, when choosing a career path, following your passions will inevitably lead to success and fulfillment. As Head of Localization at pet care company Rover, he’s excited about the future of a growing and changing industry.  

Why do you enjoy reading MultiLingual magazine?

I enjoy it because the magazine serves as a comprehensive platform that brings together diverse perspectives from across the translation and localization industry. The magazine delves into both well-known and niche topics, shedding light on areas that might otherwise go unnoticed. This breadth of content allows me to gain insights into various facets of the industry that I might not encounter in my daily work.

Moreover, the magazine is instrumental in keeping me updated on the latest advancements, trends, and technologies. For anyone responsible for a localization program, staying informed is absolutely crucial. It enables me to make strategic decisions and adapt to the ever-evolving landscape of our field. Each issue offers valuable learnings that I can apply directly to my work.

How did you get involved in the translation business?

My journey into the translation business began with my academic pursuits. I majored in Translation and Interpretation Studies at university, driven by a deep passion for languages and cross-cultural communication. From those early days, I was certain that this was the industry where I wanted to build my career.

After graduating, I started working as a project manager at a small translation agency. Those early days were pivotal — they allowed me to immerse myself in the multifaceted world of localization. I was involved in various aspects of the process, from coordinating with translators and clients to managing timelines and quality control. The more I learned about the intricacies of localization, the more my enthusiasm grew. Each new project reinforced my decision to stay in the industry, and I became increasingly convinced that I was on the right path.

Since you entered the translation industry, how has the business landscape changed?

While the core roles within the translation industry — translators, project managers, engineers, buyers, and language service providers — remain largely the same, the dynamics among these players have evolved significantly. The advent of new technologies, particularly machine translation (MT) and artificial intelligence (AI), has been a major disruptor. These innovations have transformed not just how we work, but also how we collaborate and communicate with one another.

Processes that were once manual are now automated, increasing efficiency but also requiring us to adapt to new tools and workflows. Despite the uncertainties that such rapid technological advancements can bring, I view these changes as exciting opportunities for growth and innovation. I believe it’s essential for all of us in the industry to adapt, expand our skill sets, and find new ways to add value in an evolving landscape. Embracing change allows us to stay relevant and continue contributing meaningfully to the field.

Could you share your experience working with your first client or on your first project?

During the final year of my university studies, I had the opportunity to intern at a small translation agency. One of the most exciting moments was being assigned to work on projects for Oracle, a major client of the agency. My role involved translating the user interface of Oracle’s software products for the Spanish market.

This was a significant responsibility, especially for someone just starting out. It provided me with hands-on experience in dealing with complex technical content and taught me the importance of accuracy and cultural adaptation in localization. Collaborating with seasoned translators and project managers, I gained invaluable insights into industry best practices. This first project not only honed my translation skills, but also solidified my interest in specializing in technical localization.

Do you believe it’s a good time to enter the translation business?

Absolutely! If you have a passion for languages and communication, now is a great time to enter the translation business. I firmly believe in following one’s passions — when you do what you love, success and fulfillment naturally follow. The industry is evolving rapidly due to technological advancements like AI and MT, which may seem daunting but also present new opportunities for innovation and specialization.

Challenges are inevitable in any field, but waiting for the “perfect moment” often means missing out on valuable experiences. The best time to start is always now. Embracing the current landscape allows you to be part of shaping the future of the industry while doing work that you find meaningful and rewarding.

Where do you see yourself professionally in the next 10 years?

Envisioning a decade ahead is indeed challenging, but what I can say is that I’m thoroughly enjoying my current role at Rover. The company is on an exciting trajectory, and I’m enthusiastic about contributing to its growth and success. My focus is on leveraging my skills to make a meaningful impact here.

Over the next few years, I aim to deepen my expertise in localization and perhaps take on more leadership responsibilities within the company. While it’s hard to predict the exact path, I see myself continuing to grow professionally alongside Rover, embracing new challenges and opportunities as they arise. Being part of Rover’s bright future is something I’m genuinely looking forward to.

What predictions do you have for the future of the translation industry?

As we move towards a future increasingly influenced by automation, I predict that the human element in translation will become even more valuable. While AI and MT will handle more of the routine, high-volume tasks, the need for human expertise in nuanced, context-rich translations will grow.

Cultural understanding, emotional intelligence, and the ability to capture subtle meanings are areas where human translators excel and machines struggle. I believe we’ll see a shift towards a more collaborative model, where technology aids human translators rather than replaces them. This will open up new roles and specializations within the industry, such as focusing on transcreation and localization strategies that require deep cultural insight.