To wrap up our blog series on working with multicultural, remote, and distributed teams for the future of work, we’d like to address a topic that has been talked about more and more in recent months: futureproofing. The idea is not to predict every shift or challenge that might come your way, but rather to create a team that’s agile, prepared, and resilient enough to handle whatever is thrown at it. Futureproofing shouldn’t be an afterthought; it should be embedded into the core of your business strategy.
What Is Futureproofing, really?
Futureproofing is about preparing for change before you even know it’s coming or what it is. In a world where the only constant is change (as mentioned in our previous blog), being proactive can save your team a lot of headaches. Whether it’s a sudden market shift, a new technology, or a global event that disrupts your workflow, how your team responds is the true measure of how futureproof your company is. The goal of futureproofing is to build a solid foundation so that when change does come, your team remains stable and can continue to thrive.
I hope the following insights, drawn from the shifts I’ve observed in the T&I industry over the past year, inspire you to start futureproofing your team too:
1. Thoughtful Investments, Not Impulsive Decisions
When industries start to shift, it’s easy to feel like you have to adopt the latest tool, bring in new expertise, or attend every conference that promises to clarify emerging trends. While these can be useful, it’s important to carefully evaluate how they align with your company’s specific needs and long-term goals. Impulsive decisions driven by fear and anxiety can appear helpful in the moment, but they often lead to wasted money, time, and resources—precious assets you’ll need during challenging times.
If you’re a CEO or someone in charge of top-level decisions, take a moment to analyze the situation before diving into new investments. Listen to the experts around you, and when I say experts, I don’t just mean the tech gurus. Listen to your commercial team. What do they think your clients’ next move will be? Are you prepared to make that shift with them and to sell new services? Talk to your operations managers. What do they think your team will need to stay competitive? Consult your human resources and vendor management teams. How do they plan to respond to different scenarios? What skills or tools might they need? Check with your finance team. Quantifiable data will be your compass during these times. And of course, don’t forget your IT team. If the shift involves new technology, are they ready to handle it, or should you invest in training your current staff before turning to external hires?
Information is key, and it starts at home. Before rushing to external solutions, leverage the insight and experience of the team that already knows your business inside out.
2. Build Around Your Team: Invest in What You Have
I strongly recommend reinforcing the capabilities of your current team. These people already know your business story and they’re invested in your company’s success because it directly affects their future too. When you invest in your workers, you’re investing in the long-term success of your company, so think about offering more to your team in terms of professional development. Could they benefit from certifications or additional training? The more skilled and versatile your team members become, the harder it will be to replace them—both from within and by your competitors.
Also, you want your employees to feel motivated, empowered, and even challenged to do more and become more valuable. The alternative is a team that feels stuck, waiting for inevitable changes they can’t control. Remember, humans are at the core of what we do—and they are your most valuable asset.
Futureproofing isn’t about constant replacement; it’s about ensuring that your existing team is capable of adapting.
3. Keep Communication Open
When your futureproofing always happens behind closed doors, you are losing opportunities. Keep your team in the loop. Transparency is key. If you’re trying new things, making investments, or preparing for changes, let them know. Even if your progress is slow, informing your team will give them peace of mind and reassurance that you’re taking action. Open communication builds trust, and it keeps your employees engaged with the process.
However, be prepared to face dissatisfaction. Not everyone will agree with your approach, and that’s okay. In fact, you should welcome concerns and feedback. Listen to your team’s worries; there may be something you’re overlooking. By creating an open environment for dialogue, you’re not only futureproofing your strategy but also ensuring that everyone feels heard and valued.
4. Building Resilience Around Your Strengths
Every team has unique strengths, and futureproofing should revolve around them. Are you already great at project management or localization engineering? Does your linguistic quality stand out from competitors? Whatever your team’s distinguishing factors are, capitalize on them. Invest in improving the areas where you’re already strong, and use those strengths as the foundation for future growth.
5. Stay Ahead of External Influences
While strengthening your internal team is crucial, futureproofing also means keeping an eye on external factors. Whether it’s shifts in the global economy, changes in your industry, or new technology that could disrupt your processes, staying informed will help you plan ahead. This foresight allows you to make smart decisions, like setting aside a cash reserve for potential budget cuts or preparing counteroffers if your client needs change.
In uncertain times, creativity and flexibility are key. If your clients start reducing their budgets, could you offer something unique—perhaps adapting the scope to the service provided to align with their new needs or establishing a streamlined workflow that saves them money? Thinking outside the box will give you a competitive edge when external forces start to shake things up.
Final Thoughts: Preparing for the Unknown
Ultimately, futureproofing is about making sure your team is prepared to face challenges with confidence and agility. Whether it’s internal restructuring or external market shifts, having a strong, adaptable team is the best way to ensure long-term success. By investing in your people, fostering open communication, and keeping a close eye on both internal and external factors, you’ll be ready to handle whatever the future throws your way.
In the fast-paced localization and gaming industries, change is inevitable. But with the right mindset, the right strategies, and the right team, you can navigate these changes and come out stronger on the other side.
About the author:
Angie Tapia is a professional in translation, localization, project management and language services. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Translation and Interpreting and a Master’s in Administration and Project Management. Her career includes a pivotal role as the Head of Language Services at the Lima 2019 Pan American and Parapan American Games, where she led a team of 50 language services professionals and over 300 volunteers, providing over five million translated words and a thousand hours of interpreting. Angie’s work extends to academia, where she has served as a university professor since 2015. Currently, she channels her passion for innovation, technology and localization into her position as a Customer Success Manager at Terra Localizations, where she tailors solutions and streamlines processes for the videogame industry.