María Paz Valente is the CEO and owner of Traducir·e Translation Services, a small language service provider (LSP) in Buenos Aires. Here, she discusses what 20 years of experience in the language industry has taught her about creativity, resilience, and embracing change.

Why do you enjoy reading MultiLingual magazine? 

MultiLingual magazine has been an invaluable resource for staying up-to-date with the industry’s evolution. Its articles on emerging technologies, such as AI-driven solutions, are particularly inspiring. These insights help me adapt our strategies to offer cutting-edge solutions while keeping the human touch intact. In our industry, staying informed isn’t just useful — it’s essential.

How did you get involved in the translation business?

My journey started at a young age, driven by my mother’s determination for me to learn English. It was my teacher, Susana, who sparked a deep love for the language and planted the seed of my dream to become a translator. For me, learning English was never just about mastering a language — it was about unlocking opportunities and discovering the world beyond my small town.

Years later, after earning my degree in translation, I moved to New Zealand and worked at a translation agency. That experience deepened my understanding of the business, and I completely fell in love with the industry. Fast forward to today, and I’m leading Traducir·e, where we bring that same passion and commitment to each project.

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

Over the past 20 years, the industry has transformed dramatically. When I started, manual translation was the norm, and tools like Trados felt groundbreaking. I still remember my Legal Translation professor introducing it to us.

Now, artificial intelligence (AI), machine translation (MT), and neural networks have reshaped the landscape. Speed and accuracy are paramount, and clients expect more than translations. Creativity, quality, and context have become central to our work. It’s a challenging but exciting time to be in this industry.

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

I started freelancing immediately after earning my degree. At the time, I was working at a legal office, and their clients became my first clients. My first project was a sworn translation for a large multinational, and I must’ve reviewed it at least 10 times — it was nerve-wracking but worth it! That client remains one of our main partners today, so I guess I didn’t do too bad. This experience taught me the importance of precision and trust, which remain pillars of our work.

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

The localization industry is both challenging and full of opportunities. Embracing new technologies, like AI, is crucial — but so is understanding that these tools enhance, but don’t replace, human expertise.  

I remember my teacher warning us that computer-assisted technology (CAT) tools would take our jobs. It didn’t happen then, and it won’t happen now with AI. Instead, the need for cultural sensitivity, creativity, and expert judgment is stronger than ever. If you love languages and are willing to adapt and innovate, this industry offers endless possibilities.  

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

That’s a tough one! My passion for languages and this industry has only grown stronger over the years. For me, happiness and fulfillment are key, so I see myself continuing to lead my company, building stronger connections within the industry, and advocating for cultural sensitivity in global communication.  

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

The future lies in the perfect synergy between technology and human expertise. While AI will continue to revolutionize the way we work, human translators will remain irreplaceable, particularly for creative and high-stakes projects. To stay relevant, it’s about balancing innovation with timeless principles like cultural sensitivity and context. Change is constant in this industry, and the key is to adapt, collaborate, and embrace it.