Sean Marlow joins Capita TI from our new acquisition (ITR), as a Pre-sales Language Solutions Consultant. With a quarter of century’s experience in the language services industry, Sean talks to us about the challenges our industry faces, and how important languages are for customer engagement.
What’s your background?
25 years in the translation industry, as a translator, project manager, account development manager and pre-sales consultant.
What localisation experience do you have?
I’ve worked with a team of engineers and linguists localising a range of software and user experience products, from in-car navigation systems, mobile phone applications, to control software for satellite communications. Now that really was rocket science!
What do you find particularly challenging in this industry?
The rate of change, particularly of the technology that supports localisation and translation workflows – it’s increasing exponentially – staying ahead is an absolute mission.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?
Based on the past 25 years, somewhere in the localisation industry still…
What makes you get out of bed in the morning?
Offering someone who is passionate about their product the chance to see it succeed in a new market.
What are your hobbies outside of work?
With a teenaged son and two large dogs in the house, time outside of work is at a premium, but if I had to name two things, it would be listening to music and rugby.
Do you speak any other languages?
I get by in German and Russian, and understand Swedish, Czech and French if the other person is particularly patient.
Who inspires you?
Anyone who is good at what they do. I don’t care if it’s underwater basket-weaving, if they’re passionate and gifted in that field, then I’m inspired!
Any funny language stories to share?
In a rather noble restaurant in Kiruna, Northern Sweden, the head chef was explaining the dish that the assembled delegation had just partaken of.
His speech didn’t have quite the effect on his audience that he had intended. Despite sharing the excellent command of English that most Swedes have, the chef’s pronunciation of “moose” and “mouse” had somehow got confused.
Any tips for those starting out on their localisation journey?
Speaking a language, which may come naturally, and working using languages, which needs to be trained, are two quite separate things.
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