Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Working With Languages
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ep 1: From Translations to Marketing, then to Podcasting: Working With Languages | 04 Sep 2025 | 00:27:15 | |
In this first episode, I’m interviewed by my podcast producer, Lucy Lucraft. We discuss my multilingual background, growing up speaking German and Italian, and how this foundation in languages shaped my career path. I share my journey from being a translator and localising software to specialising in digital marketing and advertising on Google and social media. We delve into how cultural nuances are crucial in international marketing, the role of AI in the industry, and my experience working with technology companies. I also explain why I started this podcast: to explore the many ways people use their language skills in their professional lives. Key Takeaways
About Sonia Kampshoff 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. Connect with Sonia
This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft. If you enjoyed this episode please share it with someone who may also enjoy it, and leave a 5* rating and review! Buy me a coffee to say thank you: https://buymeacoffee.com/workingwithlanguages | |||
| Introducing: Working With Languages | 21 Aug 2025 | 00:01:03 | |
Hello, I'm Sonia Kampshoff, and I'd like to welcome you to Working with Languages. I started this podcast to explore what it really means to build a career with language skills today. It goes far beyond the traditional roles of translation and teaching. I’m fascinated by how languages empower us to connect and achieve specific goals in almost any professional environment. In each episode, I sit down with a new guest to discuss their unique career path. Here’s what we'll explore together:
If you're ready to be inspired, I invite you to join our conversations. Listen and subscribe to Working with Languages now on your favourite podcast app! About Sonia KampshoffSonia 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 she launched this podcast in September 2025, 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. Connect with Sonia
| |||
| Ep 3: Languages, Leadership and Culture with Victoire Galtress | 18 Sep 2025 | 00:29:24 | |
In this engaging conversation, Victoire Galtres shares her journey from a multicultural upbringing to her current role in leadership and culture within a casual dining restaurant chain. She discusses the importance of language, cultural experiences, and how her background in acting enhances her leadership skills. Vic also emphasizes the significance of diversity, inclusion, and empowering women in the workplace, while exploring the impact of technology and AI on modern work environments. The discussion concludes with reflections on the power of human connection beyond words. Key Takeaway
About Victoire Galtress Victoire Galtress is the Head of Leadership & Culture a casual dining restaurant chain, and the founder of Tomorrow's Daughter where she offers bespoke executive and life coaching for women one-on-one and in a small group setting. Originally from France, she spent her childhood between France and Australia with her parents and three sisters. She now lives in the UK with her British husband and three sons. Connect with Victoire:
About Sonia Kampshoff 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... | |||
| Ep 2: From Studying Law to a Career in Film and TV Subtitling with Stefanie Mellano | 11 Sep 2025 | 00:25:32 | |
In this episode, I chat with Stefanie Mellano, a UK-native now based in Northern Italy, who works as a film and TV subtitles translator. Stefanie shares her journey from studying law to pursuing her passion for the Italian language and building a freelance career in subtitling. We explore the technical and creative skills required for subtitling, the importance of specialisation, and how she balances translating for large streaming services with working with independent producers. Key Takeaways
About Stefanie Mellano Stefanie is a freelance subtitle translator specialising in the film, TV, tourism, and business sectors.
About Sonia Kampshoff 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. Connect with Sonia:
| |||
| 11: Fiona Gray: Translator and Chair the Institute of Translation and Interpreting | 11 Dec 2025 | 00:37:40 | |
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. Key Takeaways
About Fiona Gray 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.
Institute of Translation and Interpreting 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. Connect with Fiona and the ITI
| |||
| 10: Growing what3words Into 61 Languages, With Linguist & Composer Jamie Brown | 27 Nov 2025 | 00:47:00 | |
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. Key Takeaways
About Jamie Brown 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. Connect with Jamie Brown
About Sonia Kampshoff 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. Connect with Sonia | |||
| 9: From The Air Force To Teaching Dutch Language & Culture with Wesley Vendeville | 13 Nov 2025 | 00:27:23 | |
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. Key Takeaways
About the guest 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. Connect with Wesley
About Sonia Kampshoff 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. Connect with Sonia
| |||
| 8: From Europe To Asia And Back: How Languages Create Opportunities - With Anders Hansen | 30 Oct 2025 | 00:45:55 | |
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. Key TakeawaysLanguages 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. About our guestAnders 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. Connect with Anders
About Sonia Kampshoff 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. Connect with Sonia | |||
| Ep 7: Navigating Languages, Leadership, and Technology in Travel with Fritz Oberhummer | 16 Oct 2025 | 00:38:32 | |
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. Key Takeaways
About the Guest 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. Episode Links
About Sonia Kampshoff 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... | |||
| Ep 6: Yoast - Building Smarter SEO Tools with Manuel Augustin & Marina Koleva | 09 Oct 2025 | 00:33:51 | |
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. Key Takeaways
About the Guest 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. Episode Links
About Sonia Kampshoff 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. Connect with Sonia
| |||
| Ep 5: Copywriting, Culture and Building a Business Abroad with Dominique van Werkhoven | 02 Oct 2025 | 00:34:27 | |
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. Key Takeaways
About Dominique van Werkhoven 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. Connect with Dominique
About Sonia Kampshoff 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. Connect with Sonia
| |||
| Ep 4: Swapping Homes and Connecting Cultures with Claire Lutton of HomeExchange | 25 Sep 2025 | 00:20:32 | |
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. Key Takeaways
About Claire Lutton and HomeExchange 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. Connect with HomeExchange
About Sonia Kampshoff 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. Connect with Sonia
| |||
| 13: Weglot: Translating Websites Instantly With AI - Elizabeth Pokorny | 29 Jan 2026 | 00:32:51 | |
In this episode your host Sonia Kampshoff sits down with Elizabeth Prokorny, the Head of Content and Brand at Weglot. After exploring Elizabeth's journey in language learning and her career path from the UK to The Netherlands and then France, she discusses Weglot's AI-powered website translation tool, all that goes into translating websites and the importance of tailoring content for each country. Elizabeth also gives us examples of website translation (some have 800,00 words!) to SEO elements and the importance of content localization. And she shares insights into the company's structure, culture and future developments, emphasizing the role of customer feedback in shaping their offerings. Lastly she shares that Weglot is developing directory of multilingual SEO experts to support Weglot's clients in making their translated websites feel more local. Key Takeaways
About Elizabeth Pokorny Elizabeth Pokorny is Head of Brand and Content at Weglot, where she leads global brand storytelling and content strategy around international expansion. With over a decade of experience in B2B content, SEO, and brand positioning, she focuses on building clear, confident narratives that help companies grow across markets. Elizabeth is particularly interested in how brands can balance technology, accuracy, and personality to communicate more effectively across languages. About WeglotWeglot is an AI-powered website translation tool that instantly translates your site. Put your translation quality on autopilot and let Weglot effortlessly generate translations that reflect your brand tone and style. Weglot’s AI learns from your past edits, brand tone of voice, and target audience to give you quality website translation, fast and hands-off. When needed, bring humans into the process to refine and edit when it adds value. Technical setup? It’s fully automated. Your translated site is displayed under SEO-friendly language URLs, helping you rank higher and be found by users, AI engines, and international audiences no matter what language they search in. Connect with Weglot
| |||
| 12: From Corporate Work To Multilingual Humanist Celebrant - Mair Garland | 15 Jan 2026 | 00:34:52 | |
Today I talk to Mair Garland who after 10 years shifted from the corporate world into leading non-religious baby naming ceremonies, weddings and funerals ceremonies as a humanist celebrant. Mair shares how she grew up in Wales speaking both English and Welsh. After studying French and Linguistics at the University of Oxford, which included a year abroad in France, she found work at an international organisation where her languages set her apart. What started as a part-time side project, her work as a celebrant has become a business she loves which brings many referrals through word-of-mouth. Key Takeaways
About Mair Garland Originally from Wales, Mair is a proud native speaker of Cymraeg (Welsh) and works as a humanist celebrant in London, offering non-religious baby naming ceremonies, weddings and funerals. Mair specialises in bilingual ceremonies in both Welsh and French. Connect with Mair
About Sonia Kampshoff 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. Connect with Sonia
| |||