Real stories: how local nuances bring global brands to life
Have you ever considered how differently beauty standards and body ideals are perceived from one country to another? Or how, during the pandemic, brands had to navigate not only cultural nuances but also rapidly changing local regulations? These are just some of our favorite real-world challenges explored in the latest episode of the Globally Speaking Podcast.
Our host, Stuart Davison, Creative Director at RWS, sits down with creative colleagues at RWS, Sukhi Jhitta, James Marshall, and Silvia Sánchez Fernandez, to uncover how global brands can craft campaigns that truly connect across cultures. You'll hear how they see AI stepping in as a creative partner, helping to speed things up while keeping human authenticity at the heart of emotionally rich campaigns. Our team will even share some behind-the-scenes stories from their time at Cannes Lions 2025.
Their key advice? Harness the power of storytelling and involve local experts early. Doing so is essential not only for building authenticity but also for successfully navigating today's complex global challenges.
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Beyond words: the rise of voice in a hands-free world
We’re excited to unveil our brand-new Globally Speaking identity! Experience it firsthand in our latest episode!
This time, our host Matt Hardy sits down with Gil Hetz, VP of AI at aiOla, to explore the rise of voice as the future of human–machine interaction. Why is speech becoming the go-to interface? Because it’s faster, more natural, and simply more practical, especially when your hands are full, whether you’re on a factory floor or in a busy retail space.
Gil reveals how aiOla’s technology is breaking barriers on multiple fronts. It seamlessly handles accents, background noise, and real-time processing, making voice interactions smooth and reliable, in any environment. This innovation is already powering real-world scenarios and boosting productivity and safety where it matters most.
Whether you’re in tech, operations, or just curious about what's next, this episode is your front-row seat to the voice revolution. Learn more about shaping the future with on-device processing and multilingual models - and building machines that don’t just understand speech but act on it.
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Keeping it real: Authentic brand storytelling when AI joins the team
Ready to rethink creativity in the age of AI? Step into our latest episode of the Globally Speaking Podcast, where host Çetin Amirak welcomes Dirk Simpson, Transcreation Lead at Accenture Song, for a compelling exploration of how artificial intelligence is rewriting the rules of creativity and brand storytelling worldwide.
Dirk offers a behind-the-scenes look at how brands connect with people across languages, cultures, and continents. While AI unlocks new levels of personalization, it also raises big questions about authenticity, emotional impact, and cultural sensitivity. Together, Çetin and Dirk dig into the evolving relationship between human creativity and machine intelligence, showing how brands can harness AI’s speed and efficiency without losing the cultural nuance and human touch that make brand stories magical.
Drawing on real-world examples, including the reinvention of iconic campaigns like Coca-Cola’s ‘The Holiday Magic is Coming’, they dive into the risks and opportunities for brands navigating this new era.
How do you keep stories authentic when algorithms are in the mix? Can AI ever match the emotional spark of a great idea? Tune in for bold insights, fresh perspectives, and actionable advice to help your brand’s stories resonate in a world where creativity and technology go hand in hand.
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Creative Series: Stories with heart — the art of storytelling
In this special Creative Series edition of Globally Speaking, join us as we dive into the art of storytelling with James Murphy, founder and Creative Director of London’s Hocus Pocus animation studio. Explore how James and his team expertly blend visual storytelling with linguistic finesse to craft authentic, culturally sensitive narratives that resonate with global audiences.
James shares Hocus Pocus’ commitment to authenticity in projects like the BAFTA-nominated series Ready Eddie GO!, produced for Sky Kids, which features the real voices of autistic and neurodiverse children from around the world. He also offers insights on how to approach translation and adaptation thoughtfully when working with such meaningful content.
In this exclusive conversation with our Creative Director, Stuart Davison, James also dives into the evolving role of emerging technologies like AI in storytelling - including his perspective on AI-generated voices and their potential impact on the creative process.
Tune in to discover how creativity, cultural empathy, and powerful narratives come together to truly connect with audiences.
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Women leading the way - Breaking barriers in AI and Tech
Happy International Women's Day! In this special Globally Speaking episode, our host Amanda Newton, President of Global Content Services at RWS, sits down with three remarkable leaders in AI and technology:
• Pia F. Bresnan, Senior Globalization Manager at Uber
• Giselle Tran, Senior Manager, Language Experience & Technology at Sage
• Jennifer Vela-Valido, Localization Quality Program & Innovation Manager at Spotify and Chapters Program Director at Women in Localization
Together on this special episode, they explore their unique career journeys, the challenges they've overcome, and the triumphs they've celebrated in an industry long dominated by men. Hear their perspectives on how women and gender-diverse individuals can shape the future of AI, advocating for equitable representation, and ensuring technology serves diverse global communities. Gain insights into navigating gender biases, fostering inclusivity, and the importance of curiosity and mentorship.
Join us for an inspiring conversation on resilience, leadership, and the power of representation. Be part of the movement to foster a more inclusive and innovative tech industry this International Women’s Day!
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