Elodie Leoni

I attribute my success to continuous learning, perseverance, the opportunities my company gave me, and the support of the people around me.

When I moved to the United States from France 11 years ago, I barely spoke English and had to start my career from scratch. I knew that many of my qualifications and experience from France wouldn't automatically be recognized, so I committed myself to learning everything I could. Along the way, I earned certifications as a Localization Project Manager, Project Management Professional (PMP), Six Sigma Black Belt, and Scrum Master because I wanted to make sure I had the skills to meet every new challenge and every opportunity that came my way.

I'm incredibly grateful that my company believed in me and gave me opportunities to grow. Each new role challenged me to learn more, take on greater responsibility, and become a better leader. Today, I lead a global team of more than 80 language professional, something I never imagined when I first arrived in the U.S.

More recently, Kevin, my partner has also been an incredible source of encouragement. During some of the biggest milestones in my career, having someone who believes in me, celebrates my successes, and supports me through the challenges has given me the confidence to continue pushing myself.

What I'm most proud of is the journey itself. I went from working in customer service with limited English to leading international teams, implementing innovative AI-driven localization workflows, and serving as a board director. My story has taught me that growth comes from saying yes to opportunities, working hard, staying curious, and never stopping learning.

The best career advice I've ever received was simple: work hard, and opportunities will follow.

That advice has stayed with me throughout my career. Every opportunity I've had came because I was willing to put in the work, continue learning, and be prepared when the next challenge came along. I never expected promotions or leadership roles to simply happen, I earned them by consistently delivering my best, learning new skills, and saying yes to opportunities that pushed me outside my comfort zone.

Looking back, I don't think there's a shortcut to success. Talent helps, but dedication, curiosity, and hard work are what create long-term growth.

My advice would be to persevere and never give up. There will be moments when you feel discouraged, when you face rejection, or when people underestimate you. Those moments can make it tempting to quit, but they're often the moments that define your future.

As a woman and an immigrant, I had to overcome many assumptions. When I first arrived in the United States, I barely spoke English, and I often felt like I had to work twice as hard to prove what I was capable of. Instead of letting that discourage me, I invested in myself. I earned certifications, kept learning, and continued taking on new challenges.

Over time, something changed. People stopped seeing my limitations and started recognizing my expertise. Today, when I speak, people listen, not because I demand it, but because I've earned their trust through hard work, knowledge, and consistency.

So my advice is simple: don't let rejection define you. Let it motivate you. Keep learning, keep growing, and keep showing up. Your work will eventually speak louder than anyone's doubts.

One of the biggest challenges—and at the same time one of the greatest opportunities, in localization is artificial intelligence.

AI is transforming the way we work. It allows us to translate content faster, reduce costs, and focus human expertise where it adds the most value. The challenge is making sure we use AI responsibly. I don't believe AI should replace people; I believe it should empower them. The best results come from combining technology with human knowledge, cultural understanding, and creativity.

Another challenge is keeping up with how quickly our industry is evolving. New tools, workflows, and technologies emerge constantly, which means continuous learning is no longer optional, it's essential. That's one of the reasons I continue investing in my own education and certifications.

For me, the greatest opportunity is helping shape that future. I enjoy finding ways to improve processes, embrace innovation, and create workflows that allow technology and people to work together. I believe organizations that successfully combine AI with human expertise will deliver the highest quality while continuing to invest in the talented professionals who make localization possible.

The value that matters most to me is purpose. I want to know that the work I do contributes to something meaningful and aligns with my personal values.

One of the reasons I love working in my industry is that our mission extends beyond business. We help people discover the underwater world while promoting ocean conservation and environmental responsibility. Knowing that my work supports a purpose I genuinely believe in gives me motivation every day. I would rather work for a company whose values align with mine than simply pursue the highest paycheck.

Integrity and respect for people are equally important to me. As AI continues to transform localization, I believe it's our responsibility to use it thoughtfully. My goal has never been to replace talented translators, but to use technology as a tool that helps them do their work more efficiently while preserving the human expertise that makes localization successful.

Outside of work, I value my family and the time we spend together. As passionate as I am about my career, I also believe that success means finding a healthy balance between professional achievement and personal life. Having people who support and encourage me reminds me why I work so hard in the first place.

Ultimately, I want my career to reflect the same values I try to live by every day: purpose, integrity, continuous learning, respect for others, and gratitude for the people who share life's journey with me.