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Recently, Google dropped a quiet but monumental announcement: Google Meet will soon support real-time translation. It may seem like a product feature update, but it’s actually a glimpse into the future of how the internet and global business will function. Were on the cusp of a world where every conversation on the internet, regardless of language, can happen in real time. And that changes everything. For B2B enterprises, this isn’t about novelty. It’s about unlocking collaboration, creativity, and commerce at a global scale. Language wont be as big of a limitation Language has long been one of the final friction points in cross-border collaboration. Even as video calls and messaging platforms brought teams closer together, they still relied on a common language, most often English, as the conduit. That created limitations on who could participate, how much nuance was retained, and how ideas flowed. With real-time translation, we move from a world of adaptation to one of direct contribution. Suddenly, a designer in Buenos Aires, a strategist in Nairobi, and a developer in Tokyo can jump into the same conversation without stopping to translate or interpret. Everyone speaks, and is understood, in their own language. This isnt just a productivity boost. Its a structural shift in how we think, ideate, and build together. Collaboration without borders What happens when you remove the communication tax from global teamwork? You get more voices in the room. More diversity in thought. More creativity, sparked by perspectives that were once hard to access in real time. Enterprise companies will be able to: Run global design sprints with fully multilingual teams Support customers in their native language with real empathy Develop cross-cultural products with richer user insights The internet becomes not just a place to publish or consume, but a space to co-create. Together. Instantly. Here comes a new kind of global enterprise This technological leap doesnt just make business more efficientit makes it more human. Companies will no longer have to localize after the fact. Theyll build global from day one, with the input and collaboration of people around the world. Imagine: Sales teams conducting live pitches in any language, without intermediaries International vendor partnerships operating in sync, not in silos Internal documentation, onboarding, and training auto-translating in real time This is about scaling relationships, not just transactions. Culture, context, and the human layer Of course, language is more than just words. It’s culture, tone, idioms, and nuance. Real-time translation won’t always get that right. And thats where intentional leadership comes in. Companies will need to: Equip teams with cultural fluency alongside technical fluency Stay alert to how AI translation might flatten or distort meaning Create norms and rituals that preserve empathy and clarity Technology can connect us instantly. But connection without understanding is just noise. The opportunity lies in blending speed with sensitivity. What B2B enterprises can do today Real-time translation is arriving fast. To stay ahead, enterprise leaders can: Audit your communication tools: Are they ready for multilingual functionality? Rethink your hiring lens: Global talent is no longer gated by English fluency Train teams to collaborate across cultures, not just across time zones Start small: Pilot real-time translation in internal meetings or support channels Be prepared for errors The future of work isnt just distributedits multilingual, multicultural, and massively connected. Real-time translation is the infrastructure that will make it all possible. Remember technology should elevate human connection, not replace it. Real-time communication, across every language, brings us closer to that vision. Not just faster meetings or wider reach, but deeper collaboration, richer relationships, and a more inclusive world of work. The internet just got a lot more fluent. Lets build what comes next. George Brooks is founder and CEO of Crema.
Category:
E-Commerce
Metas artificial intelligence tool might be a little too easy to use. The discover feed for Meta AI, the social media giant’s one-stop shop for AI image creation and chatbot brainstorming sessions, is full of what appears to be peoples deepest, darkest personal queriesunknowingly shared for all to see. The feed is accessible via Facebook and is mostly a collection of harmless user-generated AI images, such as Tony Stark designing Air Jordan sneakers and Donald Trump surrounded by a pit of flames. But interspersed throughout the fire hose of content is a significant amount of chatbot prompts from users who may have no idea that their activity is public. Examples include a user asking for tips on how to ask Asian women if they date older men, what to do if you have red bumps on certain parts of your body, and how to improve bowel movements. Many of the queries include the chatbots responses and follow-ups from the users, resulting in full-on conversations about highly inappropriate topics. And since Meta AIs discover feed is meant to be a social experience, users can comment on the conversationstherefore, many of the most inappropriate threads also include comments from well-intentioned users trying to alert people that their potentially embarrassing posts are public. One Meta AI user even asked Meta’s chatbot if it is aware of the problem and how it plans to fix itself: “YOU are the app. What do YOU think?” Meta did not immediately respond to Fast Company‘s request for comment. Breaking a few eggs in the AI arms race Meta AI does warn users when theyre about to post something publicly, but the interface is new and may not be familiar to Facebook users who are newly encountering the discover feed. The intimate and inappropriate nature of the chats offers an interesting window into the types of queries that people plug into AI tools when they think no one is watching. Meta, like all other Big Tech giants, is investing heavily in generative artificial intelligence, most recently preparing a research lab that it reportedly hopes will lead to the AI holy grail of “superintelligence.” But the company has seen missteps along the way. As Fast Company reported earlier this year, its AI studiowhich allows users to create AI characterswas prone to creating bots that were sexually suggestive and sometimes appeared to be underage. Don’t expect Meta to slow down, however. The parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp said in its most recent earnings report that it expects capital expenditures of a staggering $64 billion to $72 billion this year. In the short term, it may need to use some of that money to make the merging of social media with generative AI a little less awkward.
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E-Commerce
At the Exceptional Women Alliance, we empower high-level women to mentor one another, encouraging personal and professional fulfillment through meaningful connections. This month, I am delighted to interview Marissa Andrada, culture master and kindness catalyst at the firm bearing her name. Marissa shares her valuable insights on all things fashion, empowerment, and the importance of self-expression in the workplacewhy dressing confidently is about who you are, not just what you wear. Q: How has your personal relationship with fashion evolved alongside your career growth? Marissa Andrada: Early in my career, the companies I worked in had a power profile, e.g. a language to use, a certain style of clothing to wear. I was coached to adapt to this power profile as a way of fitting in and making it. I felt like I could only show up as a small part of me and it impacted my ability to bring my full self to work. I had to carefully curate my outfits each day. Because I wasnt dressing authentically, it became exhausting to get ready every morning, overthinking how not to be too much. However, navigating that phase taught me so muchit helped me to build resilience, reinforce my personal values, and deepen my understanding of how culture shapes belonging. Today, I intentionally create and advocate for cultures that embrace authenticity and celebrate individual style. I can now use my experience to empower others and help evolve workplace fashion norms and labels. I have seen firsthand the impact of connection through style and self-expression. Q: Many people feel pressure to dress the part at work. What advice would you give someone trying to stay authentic while navigating professional expectations? Andrada: If you are in a culture with a specific dress code that feels limiting, look for small and personally meaningful ways to express your individuality. For example, sport a pair of funky socks that only you can see, rock a statement ring, wear your favorite drop earrings, a cool watch, special belt, or your post-gym ponytail (sans Nikes). The key is to find little moments of joy and self-expression even within the boundaries of a formalized dress code. The small touches will remind you and those around you of who you are. Pro tip? Gamify the experience each dayhave fun with it. Q: In your experience, how does feeling good in what you wear impact how you show up as a leader? Andrada: Oh wow, this is a great question because, when you show up for yourself, when YOU feel good, it radiates through everything you dohow you walk and carry yourself, how you talk and greet others, how you inspire those around you, and how you lead. Feeling good transforms your energy. Feeling confident in your appearance is not about aesthetics, it is about ownership and honoring yourself. When you can do that for yourself, it gives permission for others to do the same. Q: How can organizations better embrace and support authentic self-expression through fashion in the workplace? Andrada: It starts with leadership. Culture is a reflection of leadership. When leaders set the tone and lead by example, it has a ripple effect on the rest of the team and ultimately the organization. It is about values and outcomes, not conformity. When companies create true cultures of belonging, dress codes naturally evolve and allow more room for authentic self-expression. When employees feel seen, accepted, and empowered, they will perform at their best, and that includes how they express themselves through style. Q: Who or what inspires your approach to fashion, style, and leadership today? Andrada: I am inspired daily by life itself. Each day is a new opportunity for me to discover something or someone new, whether its a new designer or a future business leader. My regular interactions always lead to new energy and inspire my approach to fashion, style, and leadership. I love the creativity of using what I wear as an extension of my energy. While I follow whats happening on the runway, I am equally inspired by street fashion. I love a high-low combo too as it reflects my perspective on leadershipbeing bold but remaining real. A touch of aspiration while being relatable and attainable. Q: What advice would you give your younger self about fashion, work, and self-confidence? Andrada: I would tell her that it will get easier and to continue to follow and lead with heart. Your style is an expression of you and your true spirit, and you should never have to hide that but embrace and celebrate it in the ways you can at any given moment. Confidence isnt about being fashionable, its about being true to yourself. Through Marissa, its clearly visible that fashion isnt just about clothes, and if you saw her in person you would know what I mean! It is about confidence, identity, connection, and empowerment. Through style and spirit, we can create cultures of inclusion and vibrancy. Larraine Segil is founder, chair and CEO of the Exceptional Women Alliance.
Category:
E-Commerce
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