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Phil Shawe: The view from the top

It’s been a steady climb over three decades for TransPerfect. A company that started in a college dorm room is now a massive operation and, according to the recently released Nimdzi 100 report, the largest language company in the world, as well as the only one with an annual revenue of more than one billion US dollars. With more than 30 years of growth under his belt, TransPerfect co-founder and CEO Phil Shawe can take a moment to pause and enjoy the view from the top. But there isn’t time to rest and reflect for long. With the language and localization industry undergoing a technological transformation, companies are taking steps now to prepare for the future. TransPerfect is no exception. 

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Top 20 Translation & Localization Companies in India 2023

Inventiva | May 1, 2023

 

No. 1:  TransPerfect

TransPerfect is a global translation and localization company with headquarters in New York, USA. The company was founded in 1992 by Phil Shawe and Liz Elting and has since grown into one of the largest language service providers in the world, with over 90 offices worldwide, including several locations in India.

TransPerfect offers a wide range of translation and localization services, including document translation, website localization, multimedia localization, interpretation, and language consulting.

The company specializes in providing high-quality, customized solutions for clients across various industries, including healthcare, legal, finance, and technology.

TransPerfect’s language experts and project managers have expertise in over 170 languages and work closely with clients to ensure that their content is accurately translated and culturally adapted to meet the needs of their target audience.

The company also offers advanced translation technology and tools to ensure consistent quality and faster turnaround times.

In addition to its role as a leading translation and localization company, TransPerfect is also involved in various community outreach programs, including programs for underprivileged children and disaster relief efforts.

The company has received numerous awards and accolades for its contributions to the language services industry, including the Best Translation Company Award from the International Business Awards.

TransPerfect continues to be a leading provider of translation and localization services, offering customized solutions to meet the unique needs of its clients and helping businesses effectively communicate with audiences across different languages and cultures.

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TransPerfect Reports Results, Big Tech in NLP Race

Slator | February 10, 2023

 

Florian and Esther discuss the language industry news of the week, with TransPerfect sharing its financial results for 2022. The Super Agency grew by 4.6% to USD 1.16bn in 2022. CEO, Phil Shawe, disclosed that half the growth was organic and the other half was attributed to M&A.

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TransPerfect Revenues Climb to USD 1.16 Billion in 2022, up 4.6% Year-on-Year

Slator | February 6, 2023

 

US-based TransPerfect has released its financial results for 2022. After hitting a milestone in 2021 — when TransPerfect became the first language service provider (LSP) ever to record annual revenues of USD 1bn or more —, the Super Agency grew by 4.6% to USD 1.16bn in 2022.

In dollar terms, TransPerfect grew by USD 51m, with the company once again retaining its title as the world’s largest LSP by revenue. TransPerfect’s President and CEO, Phil Shawe, told Slator, “about half our growth was organic and about half could be attributed to recent M&A partners.”

As a privately-owned company headquartered in the US, TransPerfect is not required to disclose revenues publicly, but has chosen to do so on a regular basis.

Discussing regional activity, Shawe said, “Based on the strong US dollar, we experienced what we hope is an anomaly: some global divisions grew when measuring in their respective local currencies, but actually contracted when converting that same performance into US dollars for accounting purposes.”

On a vertical basis, Shawe highlighted the travel sector as delivering strong growth in 2022. “Perhaps relatedly, our interpretation business also grew significantly and outperformed expectations for the year,” he added. Other outperforming divisions included Trial Interactive eClinical and TransPerfect Legal Solutions (TLS), which “both had record growth years,” with the latter growing 11% in 2022.

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TransPerfect Acquires Hiventy, Accelerating Expansion in Media Localization

Slator | October 17, 2022

 

TransPerfect has acquired French media localization provider, Hiventy. The deal closed on October 14, 2022 after a public process overseen by the commercial courts in Paris, with TransPerfect officially acquiring the assets of Hiventy Group.

Prior to the sale, Hiventy was 90% owned by a French entity of H.I.G. Capital, the private equity firm backing rival LSP, Lionbridge. The French commercial courts ordered and oversaw the sale of the company after it fell into overindebtedness.

One of the industry’s most active buyers, TransPerfect previously acquired Spain-based dubbing studio, Polford, in November 2021. CEO Phil Shawe told Slator, “Media localization continues to be a growth sector for TransPerfect. With the addition of the Hiventy team, we hope to accelerate that growth for the combined companies.”

Hiventy, which has been in the media localization space for over 35 years, has annual revenues of around USD 42m, according to CEO Shawe. On the rationale for the acquisition, Shawe cited three factors: increased visibility for TransPerfect in the entertainment industry, a broader global footprint, and new service lines.

The acquisition of Hiventy “significantly increases [TransPerfect’s] presence in media and entertainment, especially in Europe — and in France specifically, an important market for dubbing and subtitling,” Shawe explained.

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TransPerfect Acquires Virtual Data Room Company Sterling Technology

Slator | August 30, 2022

 

On August 29, 2022, TransPerfect announced its acquisition of Sterling Technology, a provider of virtual data room (VDR) solutions based in the UK.

VDR solutions provide a highly-secure environment for content to be shared, most commonly to allow various parties to collaborate on the sensitive documents required for corporate dealmaking — a high-stakes activity usually shrouded in secrecy.

Although the terms of the transaction were undisclosed, TransPerfect CEO Phil Shawe told Slator that the “the valuation reflected Sterling’s position as a successful business providing a SaaS software solution.”

Likewise, TransPerfect declined to share revenue figures for Sterling. However, UK regulatory filings suggest that Sterling generates less than GBP 10.2m (USD 12m) in annual revenue.

Asked about the origins of the deal, Shawe said that Sterling had engaged an adviser to facilitate a sale and that “TransPerfect was invited to participate in the sale process,” which he described as a “competitive bidding process.”

The CEO of Sterling, Geoff Keating, will continue to lead Sterling Technology and will join TransPerfect’s senior management team. “Decisions related to specific technical integration and roadmap will be driven by Geoff and his team,” Shawe said.

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Survival By Growth — Phil Shawe on Maintaining TransPerfect’s Momentum

Slator | September 25, 2019

 

“Why is it important to grow?” Phil Shawe asked the sold-out SlatorCon San Francisco 2019 audience as he outlined the principles he credits for TransPerfect’s success. The answer of choice from a participant: Survival.

TransPerfect CEO Shawe said if anybody ever does the math on a typical language service provider (LSP), and that LSP wants to give its employees a 5% raise each year, and there’s zero growth while efficiency stays constant, then that LSP will be out of business in five to seven years.

“You could get more efficient and you don’t have to grow. But even with the greatest MT in the world, eventually, your efficiency flattens out,” Shawe said.

First: Keep Growing

One of their biggest challenges, however, is what Shawe likes to refer to as the law of diminishing returns. As he defines it: “It’s very, very difficult, once you get larger, to maintain a high growth rate.”

“When we were a USD 5m company, or USD 10m company, or a USD 50m company even, we could grow 20% per year,” he said, adding that growing at the same rate becomes more difficult as the company reaches the “high levels.”

So how have they maintained a high growth rate throughout the years?

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TransPerfect CEO Phil Shawe Explains How Leaders Spend Their Day

Forbes | May 16, 2019

 

What does it take to go from the owner of a new business to the CEO of a global corporation?

Phil Shawe is the CEO of TransPerfect, a translation service based in New York City.

Shawe set up the company with a former business partner while attending business school in New York City 27 years ago.

Over the years, his company evolved from a dorm room idea into a global corporation.

In 2018, TransPerfect generated $705 million in revenue. It currently employs 5,000 people around the world.

As a leader, Shawe had to acquire new management and leadership skills to meet the company’s needs.

“When a company is small, as the entrepreneur or the leader, you’re having personal interaction with most of the people on … a daily basis,” Shawe said.

“You’re able to ensure the culture and the spirit of client service that you’re looking for is permeated throughout the business via your own actions.”

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NoMad Tower signs TransPerfect as next major tenant

New York Post | February 18, 2019

 

NoMad Tower has landed its second major new tenant since it shed its old 1250 Broadway identity: translation services and tech firm TransPerfect. The company just signed a 15-year lease for 123,500 square feet and will move from 3 Park Ave.

The lobby on West 32nd Street has been moved to West 31st Street, oriented toward the NoMad neighborhood full of new hotels and restaurants. The building boasts a redesigned facade on lower floors and tenant amenities including a 100-seat amphitheater.

TransPerfect will be on five floors and have a private ground-floor lobby and entrance. Company CEO Phil Shawe noted that of 5,000 employees worldwide, “over 800 are located in New York City.” He said the new location provides the space it needs right now and “the opportunity for future growth.”

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Helping People Overcome Adversity Translates Into Exciting Corporate Philanthropy

TransPerfect Global Strives to Give Back and Reach Beyond

Thrive Global | October 4, 2018

 

TransPerfect, often touted as the world’s largest provider of language and technology solutions for business, believes in recognizing excellence and supporting those who challenge their limits, break barriers and records — and it does just that through its philanthropy.

This past August, the translation firm sponsored the TransPerfect Victory Lap 5k Run/Walk which raised more than $120,000 for the V Foundation for Cancer Research. This first-time event held in New York’s Riverside Park had a great turnout and enthusiastic support from employees, clients, friends, and even members of the New York City running community.

“Cancer doesn’t discriminate – it will likely impact all our lives at some point,” the company’s CEO Philip Shawe said. “It’s inspiring and humbling to see the TransPerfect family once again come together to raise money and to support important research.”

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Former model ditches runway for 700-mile desert run

Metro | September 9, 2018

 

“Adventure kind of knocked on my door, and showed me a way to get out of the cage,” says Graglia, whose passion for the sport began on runs through Central Park about seven years ago. “I felt trapped modeling, but through modeling I discovered my passion.”

To finish the TransPerfect Atacama Desert Crossing Project Graglia will look to cover 50 to 60 miles a day for two weeks. It’s a combo of crazy and challenging for Graglia, who just a few weeks ago won California’s notorious Badwater 135, a 135-mile run from Death Valley to the top of Mount Whitney labeled “The World’s Toughest Foot Race.” He’s also had to conquer extreme cold, in minus-40-degree Yukon in 2016.

“Moving in 130-degree weather is extremely uncomfortable, that’s why this is called the most dangerous race,” Graglia explains. “But the cold is probably more dangerous.”

Ultramarathons — races over 26.2 miles — are also expensive, with little prize money offered compared with other sports. So sponsorship and some luck are necessary. Graglia, who  works as a yoga instructor at the high-end Ashram Retreat, found both several weeks ago when he crossed paths with New York City businessman Phil Shawe, CEO of global business translation services giant TransPerfect, who was at the spa “renewing his body and spirit.” The two hit it off to the point Shawe offered to sponsor Graglia’s race.

“One thing led to another and the conversation turned to me doing these races, and this crazy desert,” Graglia says. “Then everything escalated to the point where Phil said, ‘Let’s talk and see if we could make this happen.’ From there his help made this quest a reality.”

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This Manhattan firm is proving translation is a human industry

New York Post | September 7, 2018

 

Business is booming for a Manhattan firm that provides translation services to global companies.

TransPerfect, the world’s largest language-translation-services firm, generated huge profits and growth this year, adding 290 jobs so far, an increase from 252 during the same period last year.

Revenues are up 20 percent and on pace to surpass $700 million, up from $615 million last year, said CEO Phil Shawe.

And profit is up 40 percent.

“We haven’t grown like this for a long time. It might our biggest year ever,” Shawe said of the business he started from an NYU dorm in 1992.

Shawe said the strong economic climate is encouraging clients to invest in their businesses, which is “trickling down” to TransPerfect.

“They can execute their international growth plans. That’s good news for us,” Shawe said.

“People are always looking to run their business more efficiently. We can do any language in any format that can be published easily.”

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TransPerfect business booming after years-long ‘custody’ battle

New York Post | July 13, 2018

 

Phil Shawe is proof you can survive a breakup with your business partner — even if the partner is your ex.

Shawe gained control of the “family” business, TransPerfect, earlier this year after a nasty, “War of the Roses”-type court battle with his fiancee — and tells The Post business has hardly been better.

The privately held firm is going to report this week that revenue in the first half of 2018 jumped 19 percent — and that revenue for the year is projected to surpass $700 million.

“The company has enjoyed six months of certainty,” Shawe said from TransPerfect’s New York City headquarters. “The last time we grew like this, we were a $100 million company.”

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TransPerfect Sale Clears Final Hurdle

Slator | May 4, 2018

 

One of the most acrimonious boardroom battles in recent American corporate history is over. On May 3, 2018, the Delaware Supreme Court affirmed the Court of Chancery’s final judgment to approve the sale of TransPerfect to co-founder (and now sole) CEO Phil Shawe.

In a May 3, 2018 email to TransPerfect staff obtained by Slator, Pincus called the Supreme Court’s decision the “last major step in the process” and expects the sale to close on May 7, 2018.

“Personally, I feel both pleased and vindicated to have won the auction and to now be in a position to ensure that TransPerfect’s successful business model will be maintained into the foreseeable future,” Shawe said in an email statement to Slator. “However, at this time, I simply want to thank the TransPerfect staff; it is our team who deserves profuse praise for driving the company’s unparalleled performance.”

TransPerfect’s performance throughout the saga was indeed impressive. The company’s revenues grew from USD 401m when the battle began in 2013 to USD 549m in 2016. Even more remarkably, the company managed to grow by another 12% to USD 614.8m in 2017, a year that saw mass departures amid the company’s executive ranks and precious management attention absorbed by the legal case.

TransPerfect can now claim the bragging rights of being the world’s largest language service provider by revenue as per the Slator Language Service Provider Index (LSPI) released on May 3, 2018.

Upon completion of the sale, TransPerfect will be released from its current M&A restrictions and is expected to return to the acquisition trail.

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TransPerfect Recognized for Hiring Hearing-Impaired Employees

The Hearing Review | November 14, 2017

 

TransPerfect—a NYC-based translation services company—along with the company’s Regional Operations Manager, Shpendi Saliu, has been recognized with an award given by Lexington Vocational Services Center, Inc. for its efforts to hire hearing-impaired employees, the company announced.

According to the announcement, Lexington students come from all over New York’s five boroughs, and a number of students have other disabilities in addition to deafness, including mobility and mental impairments. Lexington is said to prepare students to continue on to college, vocational education, job training, or a placement that will support them to live a responsible, productive life.

“Recounting TransPerfect’s heartfelt testimonies is what our program is all about—coming together to share worlds, words, and wisdom,” said a Lexington Vocational Services Center spokesperson. “We look forward to continue working with Shpendi and TransPerfect to broaden horizons and bridge atmospheres of ambition and independence for our deaf consumers.”

Based on the success of the company’s pilot program, TransPerfect has expanded their efforts with a goal to significantly increase hiring of deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals over the course of the next year.

Phil Shawe, TransPerfect co-CEO, commented, “After hearing V.R. Ferose’s presentation ‘From Success to Significance’ about SAP and his journey to create a successful software testing work program for autistic individuals, I was inspired to consider new sources of talent for TransPerfect. When Shpendi told me about Lexington Vocational Services Center and the incredible work some of their graduates were doing in our e-discovery division, TransPerfect Legal Solutions, I encouraged him to build a full program. The results of partnership have been overwhelmingly positive—we even have managers learning sign language—and we are excited to increase our commitment to providing career opportunities for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.”

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UF law grad wins $65K argument

The Gainsville Sun | July 21, 2017

 

A University of Florida law graduate took home $65,000 in a competition Thursday.

Steven Hermosa delivered a first-place argument to a mock-Supreme Court panel in the Philip Shawe Scholarship Competition in New York’s historic Brooklyn Borough Hall.

The challenge that asked second- and third-year law students to defend Shawe and his right to hold shares in TransPerfect, the translation service he co-founded, after the Delaware Supreme Court decided to sell the company following infighting between Shawe and co-founder Elizabeth Etlilng.

One of three finalists who presented arguments to judges, including courtroom personality Alan Dershowitz, Hermosa argued that the Delaware court’s decision was unconstitutional, as law requires a “public purpose” for government to seize property — or in this case, a company.

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8 Ways To Make a Great First Impression During A Job Interview

Hiring managers reveal what always impresses them, and what will ensure you’ll never get an offer, no matter how qualified you are.

Fast Company | June 22, 2017

Forming a first impression of someone takes seconds, and that can feel impossible to nail when you’re in a job interview. Luckily, most hiring managers take more time to form their opinion. A study published in the Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology found that the first 15 minutes are when an impression is made during an interview, and that’s enough time to connect and sell yourself.

We spoke with hiring managers and found out what impresses them. Here are eight things to do to help you land the job.

SUMMARIZE YOUR EXPERIENCE

Without looking at your resume, be able to tell the hiring manager a summary of your career path, says Phil Shawe, co-CEO of TransPerfect, a global content management and translation services company. Include factors that influenced your choice of schools, the jobs you took, the moves you made, and the life experiences that make you ready to start a new chapter with your interviewer’s company, he suggests.

“From my experience, if someone cannot give a coherent summary about themselves, then they will have a hard time being an ambassador of their department internally, and a difficult time achieving further success,” says Shawe.

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How To Mentor A Remote Employee

Mentoring a remote employee is similar to mentoring someone in-house, with a few key differences.

Fast Company | June 15, 2017

 

Full or part-time remote work is growing trend. Gallup’s “2017 State of the American Workplace” report found that nearly four in 10 employees does some work from home.

Gallup’s research found remote workers overall to be slightly more engaged than their in-office counterparts. However, the report also indicated that those who spend more time working remotely rather than in the office may miss “important social and collaborative opportunities that are integral to engagement and well-being.”

But Jody Greenstone Miller, CEO of Business Talent Group, says that managing remote workers isn’t much different than managing other employees. By building relationships and mentoring workers, you can develop employees and keep them feeling very much a part of the team, she says. And while mentoring people who work elsewhere offers some challenges, it’s not much different than mentoring people you see regularly, she says.

To create an effective remote mentoring program, focus on four key pillars.

SET THE SAME EXPECTATIONS

Remote workers need to be on the same page as in-office workers in terms of expectations and policies, says Phil Shawe, cofounder and co-CEO of TransPerfect, a translation technology company. Lay out the rules on employee spending, vacation time, business trips, etc. for everyone, regardless of their location. “You don’t want to have a different set of standards for remote and non-remote workers,” he says. To understand how well you’re developing your employee, you need to know that you’re starting with a basic level of knowledge about the company and its policies.

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22 Books to Help You Get Ahead in Business and Life

If you’re the kind of person perpetually on a mission to improve yourself, a good book can provide stellar inspiration and guidance.

Inc. | June 3, 2017


If you’re the kind of person perpetually on a mission to improve yourself, a good book can provide stellar inspiration and guidance. Here are top picks from nearly two dozen high-achieving executives.

  1. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey

“A seminal moment in my career occurred after reading [this book]. It clearly puts in focus that what people tend to work on more are activities that don’t drive success. He graphs the urgency and importance of all activities on an XY axis to form quadrants, and stressed that the urgent stuff will always get done (as there’s an immediate negative repercussion otherwise). Covey teaches readers to focus their time on things that are high importance, low urgency, as these are the things that really matter. Once, I filled in this blank: ‘My company would be doing much better if I only had time to ________.’ Then I committed some time each day to those important, but not urgent, activities. My overall productivity as a manager and business owner soared.”

–Phil Shawe, co-founder and CEO of translation services company TransPerfect

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