Dieter Runge

Dieter Runge Co-Founder / VP Global Strategy & Growth, Boostlingo Australia | LinkedIn GALA has given me access to important organizations, individuals, and ideas that have influenced and guided my path over the past decade.

In your view, what is the primary function and purpose of GALA? How can the association have a positive impact on its members? 

As a language tech exec/startup co-founder, GALA was instrumental in giving me a direct, fast on-ramp to the global language industry. I’ve stayed engaged for a decade now, in large part because a key value for me has been access, in all aspects of that word. Access to people, ideas, and information that matter to me and my team, and to what we have been trying to build. The GALA network spans enterprises, LSPs, interpreters, researchers, and technology and product builders. These are my people. Every year there’s a renewed opportunity to reconnect, reset, and re-energize with this community where we can level set and see what works, what doesn’t, and who’s moving the field forward in new and innovative ways. It’s been a consistent place to find solid, practical guidance and dialogue around technology shifts and evolving business models.

One of GALA’s greatest strengths is in creating moments for members to be candid, ask pointed questions, exchange ideas, and share stories and pictures of our kids, vacations, and dogs. The annual conference is the dependable meeting point. Fewer than a handful of industry events genuinely attract this kind of community reliably, as an assured global meeting place and touchpoint each year. I have always discovered a refreshed view of the market, felt grateful for the chance to re-bond with beloved colleagues, and been elated to depart with a new list of folks I intend to follow up with when I return home.

How have you engaged with GALA as a member?

Since 2016, I think I’ve only missed one GALA conference …and that was due to COVID-related international travel restrictions. I’ve presented, exhibited, hosted panels, participated in SIGs, joined webinars, hosted trivia games, and participated in conference program committees at GALA. I am working on obtaining ALL of the GALA Scouts badges. ;-)

Why would you make a good GALA board member? What will you bring to the table?

GALA is the one place that has consistently given interpreting technology and services a proper home. I can represent this sector well. That said, my passion for the language industry has always extended well beyond the realm of interpreting. BB (Before Boostlingo) I worked at a few LSP super agencies and smaller sized LSPs helping them build their business in international markets. I’ll tap that experience to support GALA in delivering practical value for our members! (And grow membership!)

Which segment(s) of GALA's membership do you represent? What perspective will you bring?

I represent enterprise globalization and language services sectors through a language technology /software lens. I’m here to try and help GALA members find and make smart, informed, and balanced language technology decisions and prepare for the “not so distant future” technology and market revolutions coming our way!

What is one thing that every language industry professional needs to hear right now?

Industry transformation is underway again! Your competitive edge and survival depends on keeping pace and finding your special place in the new language business economy.