Welcome back to “The Voices Behind the Words: Member Spotlight” – our interview series shining a light on the diverse stories and experiences of our members. 

Our next interview is with Jakov Miličević, CEO / Team Lead at Verbosari.

1. Please can you share three interesting facts about your company?
   1. Did you know that “Verbosari” comes from a Latin verb that means “to speak a lot”? It’s fitting, considering we’re in the business of words! With a name that encourages us to chat more than a coffee shop on a Monday morning, we take pride in our ability to articulate ideas clearly and creatively. So, if you ever need to talk — or should we say, “Verbosari”? — you know who to call!
   2. Verbosari is more than just a name; it’s a brainchild of linguists who were once university colleagues. We’re a team of language experts who know the ins and outs of both source and target languages better than most people know their morning coffee orders. Our shared knowledge and passion for language make us a unique collective, ready to tackle any translation challenge with flair and expertise!
   3. Here’s a fun fact: Verbosari has never had a physical office! Since day one, we’ve embraced the remote work lifestyle, operating on a four-day workweek with seven-hour days. This flexible approach not only boosts our productivity but also keeps our spirits high (and our pyjama pants handy!). Who needs a water cooler when you have virtual huddles and coffee breaks in the comfort of your own home?

2. What aspect of your company do you believe sets it apart from others in the industry?

What sets Verbosari apart from others in the industry is our unwavering commitment to quality, ethical standards, and professional principles. Unlike typical translation agencies, we originated from a project led by a group of university colleagues who shared a deep passion for languages and effective communication. This collaborative foundation fosters a strong sense of teamwork and camaraderie that allows us to tackle projects with both creativity and integrity.

Our team consists of seasoned language experts who excel in understanding the nuances of both the source and target languages. We prioritise quality above all else, utilising a rigorous quality assurance process that incorporates multiple expert reviews to ensure every translation is not only accurate but also culturally relevant and contextually nuanced. We believe that quality is not just an outcome but a commitment we make to our clients, which is why we adhere to high ethical standards in all our practices.

At Verbosari, we don’t just translate words; we build meaningful connections grounded in trust, respect, and professionalism, making us a standout player in the localization landscape.

3. What would people never guess you do in your role?

Well, aside from wrestling with spreadsheets and ensuring our team of linguistic superheroes stays on track, I double as the CEO, Team Leader, and Senior Translator—basically, I’m the Swiss Army knife of our operation! You’d be amazed at how often I switch from leading strategic meetings to diving headfirst into translation projects, all while trying to convince my coffee machine to produce the magical elixir that fuels my multitasking abilities!

But here’s the kicker: I also have the unofficial title of “Motivational Speaker” for my team—mostly because I have a knack for cheering them on with ridiculous pep talks that sometimes involve interpreting famous movie quotes into our target languages! Imagine inspiring your team with a dramatic rendition of “May the Force be with you” translated into five different languages during a deadline crunch. It’s entertaining—and surprisingly effective—team bonding! So while people may see me as the serious CEO, they’d never guess I moonlight as the fun translator and cheerleader for our amazing team.

4. What’s the most interesting or unusual client request you’ve ever received?

A client asked us to translate a children’s book about a talking potato who goes on an epic adventure to find the lost “spud” of destiny. Yes, you heard that right—a quest for a legendary potato!

Not only did we have to get into the mindset of a vegetable (a surprisingly philosophical one at that), but the client also wanted us to make sure that every pun about potatoes made sense in all the target languages. Talk about peeling back layers! We quickly discovered that humour about tubers doesn’t always translate well, leading to some truly hilarious brainstorming sessions where we debated the linguistic merits of “mash” versus “fry” puns.

In the end, we not only delivered the translation but also came up with some silly suggestions for names that could make the spud sound even more heroic. Let’s just say, it was a memorable project that left us all in stitches and with a newfound appreciation for the adventures of root vegetables! Who knew translating could lead to such a “mash-tastic” experience?

5. If you were 18 now and thinking about going to university, what would you study? Would you choose a different field, knowing what you know now?

I have to say I’d probably take a hard left turn and dive into the culinary arts instead! Forget textbooks and lectures; I’d trade them in for chef’s whites and a well-worn passport! The thought of exploring gastronomy cultures and travelling the world to savour diverse flavours sounds far more enticing than sitting in lecture halls.

Imagine hopping from Italy to Japan, tasting authentic pasta one day and mastering sushi the next! I could have a life filled with food markets in Barcelona, street food in Thailand, and Michelin-starred kitchens in France—all while gathering tales that would make anyone drool with envy. Plus, who needs a degree when you can have a master’s in culinary creativity?

Knowing what I know now, I might even host a travel show where I can not only indulge in delicious dishes but also share stories about the cultures behind them—think Anthony Bourdain but with a dash of puns and flair! So while university has its perks, the world of gastronomy sounds like a delicious adventure I wouldn’t want to miss. Bon appétit!

6. What’s one thing you wish more people knew about the language industry?

One thing I really wish more people understood about the language industry is just how complex and intricate the translation process truly is. It’s not just about swapping words from one language to another; it’s a mental gymnastic performance that requires deep cultural understanding, context, and nuance. Translators are real language experts with brains that function like high-powered computers—processing, analysing, and reconstructing information in ways that machines simply can’t replicate.

We juggle multiple layers of meaning, idiomatic expressions, and cultural references, all while maintaining the original tone and intent of the message. While technology and machine translation have made some strides, there is an artistry to translation that involves creative thinking and emotional intelligence, which simply can’t be programmed. We’re not just filling in blanks; we’re crafting messages that resonate culturally and contextually, ensuring that the essence of the original content is preserved.

Moreover, it would be fantastic for everyone to recognize the dedication and passion behind the profession. Language experts often work under tight deadlines, face complex subject matters, and continually seek to hone their skills, all while remaining invisible to the readers enjoying their work. We are the unsung heroes, bridging communication gaps and ensuring that ideas, cultures, and emotions traverse borders smoothly.

So, the next time you read an expertly translated text or enjoy a film in your language of choice, take a moment to appreciate the hard work and finesse that goes into it. Remember, behind those eloquently crafted words is a dedicated professional who poured their heart, expertise, and countless hours into making that experience possible!

Share your thoughts on Jakov’s story on our LinkedIn post!

Company name: Verbosari
Name: Jakov Miličević
Job title: CEO/Team Lead