Today we’d like to introduce you to David Garcia Gonzalez
Hi David, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in Gijón, a small town in northern Spain, with an early fascination for language and accents. I initially chose the conventional path, studying law, but quickly realised it wasn’t for me. I longed for work that connected me with people and cultures in a meaningful way. This drive eventually brought me to London, a city that opened my eyes to the possibilities in language services and localisation.
In London, I gained experience with companies like Technicolor and VisionText, managing translation and audiovisual projects. These roles were eye-opening—localisation wasn’t just about translating words; it was about making content resonate on a cultural level. The idea that language could bridge cultures and create connection captivated me, leading me to take a leap of faith in 2008 by starting my own company, GoLocalise. My goal was clear: help brands ‘go global’ while staying true to the local voice.
Starting out was no easy feat. As a one-man operation, I wore every hat—client relations, project management, even late-night problem-solving. Long hours and financial strain came with the territory, but I was committed to building a reputation for quality and cultural sensitivity. Slowly but surely, GoLocalise began to grow, thanks to the support of talented translators and voice-over artists who shared my vision.
A key turning point came in 2010 when I hired my first full-time employee, Martina. Her role allowed me to step back and focus on strategic growth. Shortly after, we moved into a dedicated office in Stockwell, complete with recording studios, marking our transition from a small passion project to an established business.
Our growth came with its challenges. In 2014, our largest client, responsible for nearly half of our revenue, unexpectedly pulled back, causing a major financial hit. It felt like the ground had shifted under my feet. To stay afloat, I took out a personal loan, which pushed me to rethink and fortify my approach to business. This period led me to seek mentors and dive deeper into business education, ultimately making GoLocalise more resilient and agile.
Over time, we broadened our client base and refined our processes, with a focus on delivering top-notch work across industries like eLearning, film, and marketing. Today, as I live in the U.S. with my partner, I manage GoLocalise remotely, supported by a capable team that upholds our values and quality standards.
Looking back, my journey from Gijón to running an internationally recognised localisation agency has been one of growth, resilience, and adaptability. Each step along the way has taught me valuable lessons about business, relationships, and staying true to one’s passion.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the most defining challenges in my journey was the financial strain of GoLocalise’s early years. Passion and grit fueled my initial vision, but as months turned to years, the demands became overwhelming. Working twelve to sixteen hours a day just to keep the business afloat became the norm, yet I realised that sheer determination wasn’t sustainable. Running a business is a marathon, not a sprint, and I needed a stronger foundation to turn GoLocalise into a lasting venture.
The biggest test came out of the blue. Almost overnight, a major client lost a key contract, which meant nearly half of our revenue disappeared. It was an unsettling moment that highlighted the risks of relying on a few big clients. I realised that if GoLocalise was to have a stable future, we needed a more diversified client base.
Taking out a personal loan to bridge the gap was a tough but necessary decision. It wasn’t just about weathering the immediate crisis; it was about committing to building a more resilient business. This period of financial strain became a turning point for me. I threw myself into learning about sales, marketing, and client acquisition, seeking out mentors, and adopting new strategies to diversify our revenue streams. It wasn’t about quick fixes but about rethinking the business from the ground up.
Then came the COVID-19 pandemic. Like countless other businesses, we faced sudden and severe challenges. Lockdowns halted client production, and our work pipeline evaporated overnight. Every day felt like walking on a tightrope, with uncertainty weighing heavily on the team and me. For months, I managed GoLocalise alone in my London apartment, separated from loved ones, facing not just financial pressure but emotional strain as well.
To keep going, we had to innovate. My small but dedicated team and I brainstormed ways to add value for clients, repurposing existing content and finding creative uses for animations and voice-overs. We weren’t just surviving; we were adapting to a new, unpredictable landscape. Each small win reinforced that resilience and adaptability could carry us through the toughest times.
This phase also underscored the value of team dynamics. When challenges hit, everyone’s true character shows. My team went above and beyond, proactively reaching out to clients and keeping projects moving despite the hurdles. As a leader, I saw that these weren’t just employees; they were my partners in overcoming challenges. Together, we relied on each other not only to keep GoLocalise operational but to stay focused and motivated.
Reflecting on these experiences, I’m grateful for the resilience we built along the way. I’ve faced financial strain, the loss of major clients, and a global pandemic, each time learning how to adapt and lean on my team. These challenges have become the backbone of our business, teaching me that real stability comes from facing adversity head-on. With each obstacle overcome, I’ve gained a clearer understanding of what it truly means to be “bulletproof.” In my journey, becoming bulletproof is less about being invincible and more about building resilience, adaptability, and a deep-rooted belief in my purpose and team.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My business, GoLocalise, is all about connecting brands with audiences worldwide by making content feel native to each culture. We specialise in localisation, voice-over, and translation services. While it may sound straightforward, there’s much more to it. What drives us isn’t just translating words; it’s bringing content to life in a way that resonates deeply and personally with each audience.
A big part of what we do is ensuring that content doesn’t just sound right but feels authentic. Whether it’s a corporate video, an eLearning module, or a major ad campaign, our goal is to create an experience that feels tailor-made for the audience. This requires more than a literal translation—it involves adapting tone, context, and cultural nuances so that messages feel as if they were crafted specifically for that market from the outset.
At GoLocalise, we’ve created an environment that prioritises quality and fosters strong connections with our clients. We don’t just bring in freelancers for one-off projects; we build long-term partnerships, which in turn builds trust with our clients. They know they’re working with a team that genuinely cares about their message, and that trust is reflected in the relationships we’ve built over the years.
Since moving to the U.S., my role within GoLocalise has shifted. Where I once handled the day-to-day details, I’m now focused on the bigger picture—growth, strategy, and positioning the company to thrive in a constantly changing industry. Working remotely has pushed me to think strategically about every aspect of the business, from streamlining processes to nurturing a team that can operate independently. This has been a game-changer, giving me time to explore new markets and opportunities.
In many ways, stepping back from the daily grind has allowed me to pursue innovations that keep us at the forefront of localisation, especially as technology continues to evolve. Running a global business is challenging, but it’s incredibly rewarding to see the impact of our work, helping brands connect across borders, one language and one story at a time.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
For me, success isn’t about hitting a single target—it’s about creating a sustainable and fulfilling life where work aligns with personal values. Success means balancing passion with results, finding ways to do work that’s both meaningful and rewarding. Beyond the financial metrics and milestones, I believe real success comes from building something that leaves a lasting positive impact on others.
At GoLocalise, success has meant continuous evolution. It’s been about growing steadily while adapting to challenges, ensuring we never compromise on the quality of our work or the core values that define us. Expanding our reach and team, while staying committed to these standards, has shown me that success is not a linear path. It’s more like a journey, one that requires flexibility, persistence, and the courage to make adjustments along the way.
On a personal level, success also includes the freedom to prioritise relationships and spend time with family. Moving to the U.S. to be with my partner, Aaron, was a major shift, but it’s given me a chance to experience life from a new perspective while still being fully involved in my business. This sense of balance—knowing that I’m present both at work and in my personal life—is something I deeply value. It’s been a reminder that real success isn’t just about what you accomplish but also about how you shape your life around the things that matter most.
Another part of success, to me, is having a sense of resilience and preparedness. I’ve come to understand that challenges are a given, but if you build a solid foundation—clear values, a strong team, and a sense of purpose—you can navigate those challenges with confidence. Creating GoLocalise on this foundation has given me a sense of calm and trust in our ability to adapt, which has been especially valuable in times of uncertainty.
Ultimately, success is about living authentically, making choices that reflect my values and create a fulfilling life. It’s about enjoying the small wins, the daily joy of meaningful work, and the satisfaction of building something impactful. Success doesn’t always have to be a grand vision—it can be found in the simple assurance that each day, you’re moving closer to your goals and making a difference along the way.
Pricing:
- Voice Overs from $550
- Translations from $110
- Subtitles from $200
Contact Info:
- Website: https://golocalise.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/go.localise/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GolocaliseLtd
- Twitter: https://x.com/GoLocalise
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/golocalise
- Other: Get a copy of my book and read my story: https://www.amazon.com/Chancing-Your-Arm-made-Britain/dp/1781337756/
