Vanja Keindl is a passionate linguist, entrepreneur, and the driving force behind VERBA Quality Translations. As the Founder and CEO of VERBA CENTAR in Croatia and VERBA Aps in Denmark, she has built a global reputation for delivering high-quality, culturally nuanced translations. With a background in German studies and information sciences, Vanja combines linguistic expertise with cutting-edge technology to provide seamless communication solutions for businesses worldwide. In this interview, she shares her journey, insights into the translation industry, and how VERBA stands out in a rapidly evolving market.
Early Life & Education
We were curious about Vanja Keindl’s background, so we asked her to share something about her early life and educational qualifications.
Vanja Keindl: I’ve always been a naturally curious person with a strong desire to learn and explore. Whether through reading, discovering innovative technological solutions, or traveling to experience different cultures and traditions, I find great value in broadening my perspective. However, what excites me most are challenges—especially the sense of fulfillment that comes from overcoming them and turning them into something meaningful and useful.
My passion for languages began in high school, where I studied English, German, Italian, and Latin. I was fascinated by how words across different languages often share similar roots. This curiosity soon evolved into a deeper understanding of the power of language. Words have the ability to inspire a wide range of emotions and serve as essential tools across nearly every industry.
Growing up in Croatia, a small but dynamic country with significant potential for international collaboration, I recognized early on the importance of effective communication in fostering global partnerships. This realization led me to pursue a master’s degree in German studies and information sciences. This academic foundation not only deepened my linguistic expertise but also equipped me with the technological insight necessary to navigate the evolving landscape of the language services industry.
Inspiration Behind VERBA
We then wanted to know what inspired her to start VERBA Quality Translations.
Vanja Keindl: My journey with VERBA began with a deep curiosity, a passion for languages, and a keen understanding of global markets. From the very start, I was fascinated by the power of words—not just as tools of communication, but as catalysts for emotion, influence, and connection. In both life and business, the right words can inspire trust, foster relationships, and drive success. Those who rely on language to achieve their business goals understand this well.
As linguists, our role goes far beyond translation; we bridge cultures, adapt ideas, and ensure that every message resonates with its intended audience. This requires more than linguistic accuracy—it demands sensitivity to cultural nuances, industry expertise, and a deep understanding of context.
I was drawn to the creativity and precision this profession requires. My journey started as a translator, but my passion led me to take on new challenges—mentoring, managing translation projects, and overseeing quality assurance at every stage, from the initial request to final delivery. Today, I lead VERBA CENTAR d.o.o. in Croatia and VERBA Aps in Denmark, where our team of 30 in-house language experts ensures excellence in project management and quality control. We also collaborate with around 600 specialized external linguists worldwide, each bringing their expertise in specific language combinations and industries.
Building VERBA has been a journey of passion and dedication—one driven by the belief that words when chosen with care, have the power to transform businesses and connect people across borders.
Standing Out in Translation Services
Curious about her company’s unique approach, we inquired What makes VERBA Quality Translations stand out in the competitive world of language services?
Vanja Keindl: At VERBA, we take pride in being a boutique translation agency—small enough to provide a personalized approach to every client, yet equipped with the expertise and technology to deliver exceptional results.
Our dedicated project managers, all with a master’s degree in linguistics, serve as knowledgeable advisors, ensuring every translation meets the highest standards of accuracy and cultural relevance. We combine this human expertise with modern technology, allowing us to streamline processes and exceed client expectations.
Quality is at the heart of everything we do. Our workflows adhere to the rigorous standards of ISO 9001, ISO 17100, and ISO 18587, reflecting our commitment to precision and excellence. But beyond certifications, what truly sets us apart is our deep understanding of industry-specific terminology, linguistic nuances, and the needs of diverse target audiences.
By relying on specialized, highly experienced linguists, we ensure that every translation is not just accurate but also aligned with the style, tone, and technical demands of each field. This combination of expertise, technology, and personal attention is what makes VERBA a trusted partner in the world of language services.
Ensuring Quality & Accuracy
To understand her commitment to excellence, we asked How does she ensure quality and accuracy in your translations?
Vanja Keindl: Ensuring the highest quality and accuracy in translations is a meticulous, multi-layered process. Every translation undergoes a rigorous three-step quality check by native speakers to eliminate errors and ensure linguistic and cultural precision.
For highly specialized fields such as medicine or law, we offer expert verification by professionals in those industries, ensuring the terminology is precise and aligned with industry standards. Additionally, we leverage advanced software solutions and AI technologies to detect formal inconsistencies and project-specific errors. While human expertise remains at the core of our work, these tools serve as an extra layer of assurance, catching details that might otherwise go unnoticed.
By combining expert linguists, subject matter specialists, and cutting-edge technology, we deliver translations that are not only accurate but also refined, contextually appropriate, and tailored to our clients’ needs.
Impact of AI on Translation
With technology evolving rapidly, we wanted her insights on how technology, like AI, impacted the translation business.
Vanja Keindl: Technology and the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence have transformed the translation industry in profound ways. AI-powered tools now speed up the translation process, reduce manual workload, and even assist in finding creative linguistic solutions. As a result, the role of the translator has evolved significantly from what it once was.
While modern translation tools can produce satisfactory results in many language combinations, they don’t eliminate the need for human expertise. In fact, the growing volume of language content—easily generated at minimal cost—has made the role of linguists even more critical. Professionals are now responsible for preparing files, building project-specific instructions, developing client-specific terminology databases, and ensuring accuracy in style, terminology, and overall correctness.
More than ever, translations must be adapted to the specific purpose and target audience to be effective. This is where human expertise is irreplaceable. Today’s language professionals don’t just translate—they refine, localize, and enhance content to ensure it is clear, impactful, and aligned with the client’s goals. In a world where content is abundant, quality and precision are what truly make a difference.
Future Trends in Translation
Looking toward the future, we asked What trends she sees shaping the future of translation services?
Vanja Keindl: In 2024, technology took center stage, bringing both opportunities and challenges to the localization industry. The rapid evolution of AI, automation, and digital platforms reshaped workflows, pushing language service providers to refine their processes and redefine their role in global communication.
This trend will only accelerate in 2025. Machine translation and large language models (LLM) are making translation workflows faster and more efficient, while translation memories help maintain consistency and quality across projects. At the same time, the demand for human expertise remains strong—ensuring accuracy, cultural relevance, and strategic adaptation.
Interpreting is also evolving, with digital platforms making it more accessible than ever, enabling seamless communication across borders.
Meanwhile, SEO translation is becoming essential for businesses looking to expand globally, ensuring their content is optimized for both search engines and local audiences.
Another key shift is the growing emphasis on accessibility. With the EU Accessibility Directive coming into effect in June, demand for adapted content—such as subtitles, audio descriptions, and inclusive multimedia—will rise. Additionally, multimedia localization is gaining momentum, driven by the explosion of digital content, e-learning platforms, and global streaming services.
To stay ahead, language service providers must go beyond translation. They are becoming strategic partners in international business, helping companies navigate linguistic, cultural, and technological challenges to connect with global audiences effectively.
Leadership & Team Motivation
Diving into her leadership approach, we inquired about her leadership philosophy and how she motivates her team.
Vanja Keindl: In any business, success is built on the people around you—dedicated employees, motivated partners, and trusted suppliers. Each person in the service delivery chain adds value, and as a leader, it’s essential to understand what drives them and create an environment where they can thrive.
Motivation is not one-size-fits-all. While fair compensation is important, true engagement comes from a well-rounded approach: a healthy work-life balance, opportunities for learning and growth, constructive feedback, and meaningful recognition. Everyone wants to feel valued, and a positive work atmosphere, built on trust and open communication, plays a crucial role in achieving that.
A few years ago, we introduced a vendor evaluation system to provide structured feedback to our external collaborators and language experts. This initiative has been incredibly effective, helping them refine their skills, grow professionally, and receive well-deserved recognition for their work. When people feel appreciated and have the chance to develop, they bring their best to the table—which, in turn, drives the success of the entire team.
Balancing Business & Client Relationships
Balancing business success and client relationships is crucial, so we asked how she balances managing a successful business with maintaining personal connections with clients.
Vanja Keindl: We have the capacity and expertise to serve global companies, yet we remain agile enough to provide each client with a personalized experience. At the heart of our approach is a simple truth: business is about people.
In today’s digital world, where automation and AI-driven communication are becoming the norm, genuine human connection is more valuable than ever. Finding the right solutions often requires thinking outside the box, making quick decisions, and truly understanding a client’s unique needs. That’s why direct, meaningful communication remains one of our top priorities.
When working with clients from diverse cultures and industries, a tailored approach is essential. By taking the time to understand their specific expectations, preferences, and business environments, we ensure that our solutions are not only efficient but also aligned with their goals. Balancing technology with a human touch is what allows us to build lasting partnerships based on trust and collaboration.
Vision for VERBA
Thinking long-term, we wanted to know What’s her vision for VERBA Quality Translations in the next five years.
Vanja Keindl: The future of the translation industry is evolving rapidly, and while it’s difficult to predict every change, one thing is certain—the role of linguists will continue to adapt. At VERBA, we see specialization as the key to the future. Industries like healthcare, law, marketing, technology, and IT require deep expertise, and we are committed to continuously investing in education and professional development to meet these demands.
Over the next five years, we will focus on expanding our specialized services, tailoring them to the unique needs of our clients. We will also embrace cutting-edge technology to enhance speed, accuracy, and reliability while maintaining the human expertise that sets us apart. By staying agile, innovative, and dedicated to quality, we aim to strengthen our position as a trusted language service provider and strategic partner for businesses worldwide.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Finally, for aspiring entrepreneurs, we asked her What advice would she give to someone starting a business in the translation industry.
Vanja Keindl: Building a successful career in the translation industry takes more than just language skills—it demands a mindset of continuous learning, adaptability, and innovation. The market is constantly evolving, and those who stay ahead of industry trends, master new technologies and develop specialized expertise will have a competitive edge.
To thrive in this field, invest in ongoing education, embrace change, and always put your clients first. The most successful professionals are those who proactively seek opportunities, refine their craft, and uphold the highest standards of quality. If you’re willing to evolve and stay committed to excellence, the translation industry offers endless possibilities for growth and success.
Thank You, Vanja Keindl—Wishing You Continued Success!
Thank you, Vanja Keindl, for sharing your inspiring journey and valuable insights with us. Your passion for language, dedication to excellence, and commitment to bridging global communication gaps through VERBA are truly commendable. It has been a pleasure learning about your experiences, and we appreciate your time and wisdom. We wish you continued success in your mission to connect the world through the power of translation!