Podcast

Firing on All Syllables

Invaluable tips from the world's most influential leaders. Hosted by Gary Kalaci.

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AI Adoption in an Age of Change: Leadership, Curiosity, and Adaptability with Maren Lau – Ep56

AI adoption is moving quickly, and the organizations pulling ahead aren't waiting for the perfect tool. They're testing, learning and adapting as the technology evolves. So what does it take to lead when certainty is increasingly hard to come by?

In this episode of Firing On All Syllables, Apertera CEO Gary Kalaci sits down with Maren Lau, Regional Vice President, Latin America, and Business Messaging and Enterprise Lead, Global Business Group at Meta, to explore AI adoption, technological change, leadership and the value of curiosity and adaptability.

Drawing on her experience leading through transformation at Meta, Maren shares why successful AI adoption starts with solving real customer problems, why organizations need to be willing to adopt and adapt, and how an entrepreneurial mindset can help leaders make decisions as technology continues to evolve. She also reflects on her own career and the opportunities that come from being willing to step into the unknown.

In this episode:
• Why the companies pulling ahead aren't waiting for the perfect AI tool
• How curiosity and adaptability can help organizations navigate technological change
• Why AI adoption requires leaders to become more comfortable with uncertainty
• Maren's advice for building a career: "Raise your hand for the opportunity, not for the title."

43 min listen
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The Future of AI Translation: Beyond Word Counts, with Renato Beninatto – Ep55

AI translation is reshaping the language services industry, but faster output doesn’t necessarily mean less complexity. What happens when the value of translation moves beyond word counts?

In this episode of Firing On All Syllables, Apertera (formerly Alexa Translations) CEO Gary Kalaci sits down with Renato Beninatto, Co-founder & Chairman of Nimdzi Insights and CEO of LocWorld, to explore the future of AI translation, the evolving role of professional expertise, and why managing complexity and risk is becoming increasingly important.

With more than three decades in the language industry, Renato has helped shape how organizations think about translation, localization, and global growth. He shares his perspective on what AI is really changing, where professional expertise creates the most value, and what the next generation of language services companies will need to get right.

In this episode:
• Why AI is making language services more complex, not less
• Why the industry needs to move beyond word counts and focus on outcomes
• Where professional expertise adds the greatest value alongside AI
• Why risk mitigation is becoming increasingly important in high-stakes translation

38 min listen
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Leadership in the Legal Industry: Building Community, Purpose & Impact with Kerri Parslow – Ep54

Leadership in the legal industry is about more than professional success. It’s about building community, creating impact, and inspiring people to do work that matters.

In this episode of Firing On All Syllables, Gary Kalaci speaks with Kerri Parslow, family lawyer and founder of Law Suits, about leadership, resilience, career evolution, and the power of community within the legal profession.

They discuss:
• The story behind launching Law Suits in support of cancer research
• How legal leaders can use their platforms to drive meaningful impact
• Why community and relationships matter in professional services
• Career pivots, reinvention, and taking calculated risks
• What leadership really looks like beyond titles and accolades

If you work in legal or professional services, this conversation offers thoughtful perspectives on leadership, resilience, and building something bigger than yourself.

32 min listen
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Leadership in Regulated Industries: Perspective, AI, and the Future of Legal Work – With Lisa Mather – Ep53

Global experience, cultural nuance, and evolving business demands are reshaping how legal leaders operate. As AI accelerates change, one thing remains constant: judgment, perspective, and human connection still drive value.

In this episode of Firing On All Syllables, Gary Kalaci speaks with Lisa Mather, General Counsel with global experience across North America, the APAC region, and the Middle East, about leadership in regulated environments and the future of legal work.

They discuss:
How global experience shapes legal judgment and decision-making
Why AI is expanding access to legal knowledge and what that means for lawyers
The shift from reactive legal support to embedded, strategic partnership
How cultural context and language impact business relationships
Why true connection still matters in a digital-first world

If you're a legal leader, executive, or professional operating in regulated industries, this conversation offers a practical perspective on navigating change, exercising judgment, and staying relevant as the role of legal continues to evolve.

36 min listen
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