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

If you enjoyed this episode please share it with someone who may like it too, and subscribe to the podcast on your podcast platform.

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.

Languages 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.

Anders 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.

• Anders on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/anders-hansen
• Anders Hikes Sardinia on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andershikessardinia
• Anders and Caroline's rental holiday home in Sardinia: https://airbnb.com/h/villabuonasperanza

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:

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.

• Languages 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

Fritz 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.

• Fritz on LinkedIn: Fritz Oberhummer
• His personal website: oberhummer.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.

• LinkedIn: Sonia Kampshoff
• Instagram:

In this episode of Working with Languages, host Sonia speaks with Marina Koleva (linguist and developer) and Manuel Augustin (product owner and plugin release lead) from Yoast. Together, they explore how linguistics, technology, and SEO intersect.

From mastering multiple languages to building features in the Yoast SEO plugin, Marina and Manuel share insights into how language expertise drives better search optimization tools. They also discuss the challenges of adding new languages like Japanese to the plugin, the role of AI in SEO, and why human editing is still essential for high-quality online content.

• Language knowledge doesn’t need to be perfect to be useful - even partial familiarity with a language can open career opportunities and problem-solving approaches.
• AI enhances SEO tools by suggesting improvements like optimized titles, but still requires a human eye for originality, nuance, and tone.
• Working with languages builds adaptability - the more you get used to linguistic “discomfort,” the easier it becomes to tackle new systems.
• Not all AI replaces traditional methods - rule-based processing remains essential, especially in areas like counting words and sentence structure.
• Human creativity remains central to SEO - automation assists, but originality and cultural context still define high-quality, optimized content.

Manuel and Marina both work at Yoast on their multilingual SEO plugin for WordPress and other website building platforms. They are linguists and also developers - as they tell us in this conversations, at Yoast all linguists need to know about web development, and all developers need to know a bit about languages and linguistics.

• Yoast website: yoast.com
• Manuel on LinkedIn: Manuel Augustin
• Marina Koleva' profile on Yoast: Marina Koleva

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.

• LinkedIn: Sonia Kampshoff
• Instagram: WorkingWithLanguages
• Website: MorePerfect.Digital
• Email: sonia@moreperfect.digital

If you enjoyed this episode please share it with someone who may like it too, and subscribe to the podcast.

In this episode, Sonia sits down with Dominique van Werkhoven, a London-born copywriter now based in the Netherlands, to explore the intersections of language, culture, and entrepreneurship. From growing up in a multicultural household to immersing herself in French, Dutch, and Austrian German, Dominique shares her journey of learning languages by living them.

She also opens up about co-founding The Werks, a copywriting and web development business she runs with her husband, and how they support small businesses, solopreneurs, and nonprofits in being seen, heard, and valued. Together, they discuss the realities of moving countries, the role of patience and persistence in language learning, and how technology like AI is reshaping the future of copywriting.

• Immersion is key: Dominique emphasizes that the fastest way to learn a language is by living in the country and using it daily.
• Building The Works: Combining copywriting and web development creates a streamlined service for small businesses that need strategy as much as execution.
• Collaboration over transaction: Dominique values partnerships with clients, working alongside them to bring their vision to life rather than just delivering outputs.
• AI as a support tool: Rather than replacing copywriters, AI can provide inspiration and structure—human creativity and strategy remain essential.

Dominique is a multilingual copywriter who co-founded the agency The Werks with her website developer husband Gideon. She grew up in the UK and has lived in Paris and Vienna. Currently she lives in The Netherlands with her husband and three children.

• The Werks website: thewerks.nl
• The Werks on Instagram: WeAreTheWerks
• The Werks on LinkedIn: The-Werks-NL
• Dominique on LinkedIn: Dominique-van-Werkhoven

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.

• LinkedIn: Sonia Kampshoff
• Website: MorePerfect.Digital
• Instgram: WorkingWithLanguages
• Email: sonia@moreperfect.digital

If you enjoyed this episode please share it with someone who may like it too, and subscribe to the podcast.

In this episode, I have a special conversation with Claire Lutton, the US team lead for member support at HomeExchange, a French B Corp company. As a member myself for the past three years, it was a pleasure to delve into how this platform creates such personal and unique travel experiences. We discuss how swapping homes is not just about finding a place to stay, but about connecting with people, living like a local, and even finding support in unexpected situations.

• A Personal Way to Travel: Home swapping offers a more personal and respectful alternative to hotels, allowing you to immerse yourself in a local culture and connect with your host.
• More Than Just Holidays: The platform can be a vital resource for more than just travel, providing accommodation for emergencies, family reunions, or even as a temporary workspace with a change of scenery.
• A Strong, Supportive Community: With a very low cancellation rate, the platform is built on a foundation of mutual respect. In the rare event of a cancellation, the support team successfully finds a replacement in over 90% of cases.
• Bridging Language Gaps: HomeExchange effectively supports its global community by using integrated translation tools and a 24/7 SOS service to handle urgent issues in any language, ensuring members always feel supported. I also integrates with a very easy-to-use and helpful chatbot.

Claire Lutton is the Team Lead of the Member Support Team for the US at HomeExchange. Originally from France, she has lived in the US for over two decades and has always worked in roles that utilise her bilingual skills.

• HomeExchange: homeexchange.com
• If you'd like to sign up, feel free to use this referral code to earn some Guest Pints: sonia-daeb9

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.

• LinkedIn: Sonia Kampshoff
• Website: MorePerfect.Digital
• Instgram: WorkingWithLanguages
• Email: sonia@moreperfect.digital

If you enjoyed this episode please share it with someone who may like it too, and subscribe to the podcast.