Next up in our series “The Voices Behind the Words: Member Spotlight” where we shine a light on the diverse stories and experiences of our members, is Justine Bastos, CEO at Loop Translations. In this spotlight, Justine shares her perspective on building a people-first LSP shaped by project management experience, transparency, and care.
1. Please can you share three interesting facts about your company?
- Built by folks with decade-long experience in LSP operations, so we think like project managers, not just vendors.
- Loop has a big heart: every month, we donate a portion of our profit to a cause. August profits supported a Braga organization helping families prepare kids for the school year (backpacks, clothes, supplies). From September to December, a portion of profits goes to a Portugal-based organization that feeds people in need.
- We keep a pro-bono/reduced-fee lane for NGOs and sensitive legal/immigration cases – accuracy with heart.
2. What aspect of your company do you believe sets it apart from others in the industry?
After many years in the industry as a Project Manager myself, I understand what clients look for. My team is trained to anticipate needs and raise the right questions before the client even has to ask. Speed in communication and full transparency are key, and that’s how we operate.
3. What is something about your role that people might be surprised to learn?
My first instinct is to say, “What’s that?” While Loop is built on long experience, we’re a new LSP pouring our energy into lift-off. Every day, we learn and optimize within work hours. Our motto: no heroics – urgent is urgent, but panic is optional. We aim to go offline when the clock strikes 6 pm, staying reachable by phone and jumping in after hours only when it’s truly mission-critical. That said, we’re ready (and have) worked evenings and nights when clients face real urgency.
4. What’s your go-to karaoke song and why?
“I Will Survive.” As every LSP knows, deadlines sometimes sprint faster than the wall clock. When 10 out of 10 jobs share the same due time (it happens!), we blast it and sing. It’s the perfect PM arc: panic, plan, deliver, encore.
5. If you hadn’t pursued a career in the language industry, what alternative career path might you have taken?
Probably making children’s books full-time: I’ve written a few for friends and family. Also, learning projects: storytelling, structure, and lots of sticky notes still apply.
6. If you could change one thing about the language industry today, what would it be?
It’s different from what it was, and that’s okay. We’re in an era of adapting to a new world. LSPs that act as integrators and advisors (not just “file movers”) will thrive. At Loop, we also support AI device creators with language recognition and prompting. It’s not always traditional translation, but it’s absolutely language work, and part of the future.
Company name: Loop Translations
Name: Justine Neilande Ferreira Bastos
Job title: CEO
