WLSP: Leading as a team of one

Localization managers often find themselves working solo or with a small team due to downsizing or new team formations. Leading from this position requires distinct skills, and brings unique opportunities and challenges. In this session, localization leaders will share how they’ve developed their leadership skills while operating as a team of one. You’ll gain insights from their experiences and hear recommendations for those in similar situations. Their advice is valuable not only for anyone seeking ways to lead beyond traditional hierarchies.

Join us to discuss this and more with industry experts. Bring your questions – Q&A will follow.

Meet the panelists:

Vanessa Darling | Sr. Localization Program Manager, Predictive Insights

Vanessa Darling is a seasoned localization professional with over 20 years in the industry. For the past 5 years, she has led the localization program at Predictive Index, a talent optimization platform based near Boston, MA. A true linguist at heart, Vanessa has held many localization positions over the years, working in France, Spain, Luxembourg and the US, and is also a conference interpreter.

Kathleen Whalon | Kathleen Whalon, Localization Program Manager, AllTrails

Head of Localization at AllTrails, Kathleen Whalon created and developed the Localization team. She scaled international programming during rapid growth, launching 10 new languages single-handedly. Kathleen transitioned from being an international flight attendant to joining AllTrails as one of its first 25 employees. A passionate outdoors enthusiast, she recently hiked the Italian Alps. Kathleen’s journey to becoming a Localization Manager illustrates her talent for identifying international customer issues and providing quick and efficient solutions.

Moderator

Carrie Fischer | Globalization Services Manager, Subway

One of the charter members of Women in Localization when it first started in Silicon Valley, Carrie is the Globalization Services Manager at Subway, headquartered in Shelton, CT. She is responsible for all globalization-related strategies for the company. She has over 25 years of localization experience and has held previous localization positions at companies such as Bodybuilding.com, Hyperion/Oracle and Transparent Language. She has presented and moderated many sessions for various industry-related events such as LocWorld, SlatorCon, and others. She is a mentor through Mentor Ease, Women in Localization’s mentorship platform. Carrie lives in Boise, Idaho with her son, Christopher. In her personal time, she enjoys playing tennis, bodybuilding and spending time with her animals.