At Translate.One, we believe that the heart of our company is our people. That’s why we’re excited to share our Meet the Team blog series, where we’ll be highlighting a different team member in each post!

In this fun and engaging series, we ask each team member 15 questions—from their favorite hobbies to the best advice they’ve ever received. It’s a lighthearted way to get to know the incredible individuals who help us deliver top-notch translation and localization services every day.

Next one on our list is our Quality Process Supervisor, Friedrich Gustav Schmid Junior!

1. Gustav, where are you located?

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

2. How long have you been with the company?

Since June 2022.

3. How long have you been working in the localization industry?

Since 1990, alongside the book publishing industry.

4. What does your role entail?

In the localization industry, a Quality Process Supervisor is vital for ensuring translated content is accurate, consistent, and culturally relevant. They develop and implement rigorous LQA frameworks, defining linguistic guidelines and error classifications. This role involves evaluating localized assets, providing constructive feedback to linguists, and analyzing quality data to identify and resolve recurring issues. They also optimize localization workflows and collaborate with project managers, vendors, and clients. Ultimately, they’re responsible for guaranteeing localized content is not just linguistically precise, but also impactful and appropriate for diverse global audiences, thereby driving continuous improvement in all aspects of the localization quality process.

5.What do you enjoy most about your role?

There’s a deep satisfaction in dissecting a problem, tracing it back to its fundamental origin, and then designing a system or process that effectively mitigates that risk for the future. It’s about proactive improvement rather than just reactive firefighting. This approach ensures greater efficiency, higher quality outcomes, and ultimately, a more robust and reliable process in the long run.

6. Can you tell us about your educational background and how it contributed to where you are today?

I am Friedrich Gustav Schmid, Jr., a linguistic quality manager, editor, and writer with extensive experience in editorial production and multi-language quality control. I am currently a Quality Process Supervisor at Translate.One. I hold dual Brazilian and German citizenship and am a registered journalist. My expertise covers managing linguistic quality across multiple languages, including analyzing translation team performance, overseeing resource allocation, and resolving style guide issues. I am skilled in editing and reviewing English-to-Brazilian Portuguese translations, ensuring semantic accuracy and adherence to editorial standards. I also excel in copyediting and orthographic review for online publications. My technical skills include advanced knowledge of editorial productivity tools, such as Phrase and SDL Trados Studio, along with experience in DTP software, including InDesign and QuarkXPress. My professional background includes key roles as Senior Quality Operations Coordinator at Welocalize, Inc., as well as various editorial and review positions at Unipro, Editora Harper-Collins, and Fluxxo Comunicação. Academically, I hold degrees in Social Communication and Literature (Portuguese Literature), along with a specialization in General Philosophy and postgraduate studies in Brazilian Portuguese Language.

7. What’s a fun fact about you that not many people know?

If Larry David had a Brazilian doppelgänger who loved football a little too much, you’d probably get me. My unfiltered honesty might not win me popularity contests, but it’s why the few friends I still have stick around. And speaking of passion, let’s just say I’m still riding high from Flamengo’s decisive victory over Chelsea in the Club World Cup – a topic I generally avoid in professional settings (you know, for the sake of online collaboration harmony).

8. What’s your favorite activity or hobby outside of work?

Playing basketball, watching Flamengo football mathes, wandering, listing to music.

9. If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

To determine the date of my death.

10. What’s your favorite book, movie, or TV show?

Book: The Name of the Rose (Umberto Eco); Movie: Gone with the Wind; TV show: Dexter.

11. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

The East.

12. What’s your proudest accomplishment (personal or professional)?

Raising my daughter and enjoying a 30-year marriage.

13. Do you have any pets? If so, tell us about them.

Yes, two cats: Yussain Bolt and Michael Phelps, Olympic Athletes (Rio 2016 Games) 🙂

14. Do you have a favorite quote or mantra?

Bolo Hare. Haribol means, “chant the name of the Lord.” Bol means to chant or speak. Hari means, “He who steals away the distresses of his devotees and ultimately steals their minds by His excellent transcendental qualities.” Praising and chanting is very similar.

15. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

Don’t give up.

16. Is there a cause or charity you are passionate about supporting?

Educating people.