What I’d Do Differently After 35 Years in Localization with Josep "Pep" Bonet

Josep Bonet didn’t plan to lead teams across the European Commission and the World Trade Organization.

But that’s exactly what happened. From teaching math to schoolgirls in Spain to managing hundreds of language professionals in global institutions, Josep’s story is a masterclass in growth, humility, and leadership.

In this Merging Minds episode, host Javi Diaz sits down with Pep, as friends call him, to talk about lessons from his long and meaningful career. The conversation is funny, real, and packed with insights for anyone navigating the localization industry today.

From Chemistry to Localization

Pep started out as a chemist in Valencia. But when job opportunities didn’t align with his passions, he pivoted—teaching math, then landing a job in translation through a European Commission recruitment campaign.

“I thought there was no life after localization. But there is—and it’s full of good books, culture, and time with my wife.”

What began as a need became a career spanning three decades, evolving with every tech shift the industry saw—from dictaphones to machine translation and now AI.

Lessons from Leadership

One of the core themes in this episode is leadership—not just how it’s earned, but how it evolves. Josep’s style was never about grand gestures. He changed systems by walking the halls, listening to people, and guiding them with calm confidence.

“I’m not Zuckerberg. I don’t like to break things. I like to improve slowly—and then you look back after a year and everything’s different.”

Pep never studied to be a leader. But by showing up, offering ideas, and caring about his team, others saw his potential before he did.

What He’d Do Differently

Looking back, Pep reflects on the things he would have done another way:

Ask for mentorship earlier

“The first day, no one told me what to do. Later we built a mentoring system. But I wish I had asked for help sooner.”

Invest in soft skills

Early in his career, Pep focused more on tasks than people. Over time, he realized the value of understanding emotions, conflicts, and the human side of management.‍

Stay curious, always

“Learning doesn’t stop. Whether it’s a seminar, a book, or a talk with a colleague, you’ve got to stay flexible.”

He also emphasized that learning from bad bosses was just as valuable as learning from good ones.

You see what to avoid—and what kind of leader not to become.

AI, Change, and the Heart of Localization

Pep is no stranger to change. He saw the arrival of computers, translation memories, and now AI.

But through it all, one thing has remained the same:

“The machines don’t do the work. Humans do. The pride in doing a good job hasn’t changed.”

He urges us to stay human—even while embracing tools that speed up or enhance our work. The danger, he warns, is turning the craft into a black box.

“Once people understand how something works, it stops being scary.”

Pep believes it’s not about resisting change—it’s about understanding it, so you can use it well.

The Part He Misses Most

Now retired, Pep admits there are things he doesn’t miss—early meetings, repetitive tasks, or office politics. But the heart of it? That’s harder to leave behind.

“I miss the coffee chats, the energy of creating something new, and the chance to serve people through my work.”

He still advises companies like Nimdzi, attends events, and keeps a pulse on the industry—but says the scale and daily rhythm of team life is something special.

Final Thoughts for the Next Generation

For those just getting started, Pep’s advice is simple:

• Be present. Show up.
• Don’t wait for permission—take initiative.
• Learn from everyone, even the difficult ones.
• Stay curious and flexible.
• And above all, remember that people come first.

“You don’t need to know everything. You just need to give direction, listen well, and care.”

Want more leadership stories from the localization world?

Explore more Merging Minds episodes and keep the conversation going. Because behind every great system, platform, or process, there’s a human story worth telling.