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.

• Living 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.

Fiona 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/

The 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.

• Website: https://www.iti.org.uk/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/institute-of-translation-and-interpreting/
• ITI Directory: https://www.iti.org.uk/find-professional-translator-interpreter.html
• Translation & AI course:

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.

• Overcoming 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.

Jamie 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.

• Jamie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-brown-8a436540/
• Jamie's website: https://www.jamiebrown.info/
• What3words: https://what3words.com/

Sonia 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.

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workingwithlanguages
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soniakampshoff/
• Website: https://moreperfect.digital/
• Email:

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.

• Military 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.

After 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.

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesley-vendevielle-879968239/
• Website: https://www.talkdutchtoday.nl/

Sonia 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.

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workingwithlanguages
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soniakampshoff/
• Website: https://moreperfect.digital/
• Email: sonia@moreperfect.digital

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