What does it take to scale a business in diverse global markets while navigating cultural and operational complexities? In our latest episode of Connected Conversations, we had the privilege of speaking with Mark Shriner, Co-Founder and CEO of Breeze Docs. With decades of experience in the localization industry, Mark offers a wealth of knowledge on scaling businesses, leveraging technology, and fostering innovation.
Mark’s journey spans continents and industries, from leading localization efforts in Asia and North America to building SaaS platforms that transform how businesses respond to RFPs. In this blog, we’ll explore the key takeaways from Mark’s conversation, highlighting the lessons that can inspire entrepreneurs, localization professionals, and global business leaders.
Mark’s career in localization and business development has been nothing short of remarkable. He shares how his leadership roles in organizations like CLS Communication and thebigword shaped his understanding of the industry’s complexities.
During his time living in Tokyo from 2012 to 2017, Mark established a consultancy that helped businesses expand across Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and China. His insights emphasize the importance of adapting localization strategies to meet the cultural and operational needs of each market.
“Localization is about more than translation,” Mark explains. “It’s about building bridges that resonate with diverse audiences while staying true to your brand’s identity.”
Mark’s entrepreneurial spirit shines through in his latest venture, Breeze Docs, a SaaS platform designed to simplify the RFP response process for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). He highlights how advanced technologies like AI and natural language processing (NLP) have revolutionized workflows, enabling businesses to respond to RFPs more efficiently and effectively.
“Winning RFPs requires more than just compliance,” Mark shares. “It’s about showcasing your value while making the process seamless.” Breeze Docs equips SMBs with tools to compete with larger enterprises by reducing the time and complexity involved in creating proposals.
Expanding into international markets is no small feat, but Mark’s experience provides a roadmap for overcoming the challenges. He discusses the importance of adaptability, cultural awareness, and strategic planning when entering new regions like Asia, Europe, and North America.
Mark shares anecdotes from his time assisting companies with market expansion in Asia, showcasing the value of local expertise and the need to tailor approaches for specific markets. “The key is to listen and adapt,” he notes. “Understanding the cultural nuances of your target market is as critical as having the right product.”
A central theme of the episode is Mark’s philosophy on leadership: adaptability, cultural awareness, and a commitment to continuous education. He highlights the role of equitable education in fostering global progress and the need for leaders to remain open to learning from their experiences and surroundings.
“Lifelong learning isn’t optional in today’s fast-paced world,” Mark asserts. “It’s what keeps you relevant and effective, no matter where your journey takes you.”
Mark also shares his passion for podcasting, from creating the successful Secure Talk Cybersecurity Podcast to his current role as host of The Grow Fast Podcast. For Mark, storytelling is a powerful tool for inspiring action and sharing valuable insights.
“Stories connect us,” he explains. “They’re a way to distill complex ideas into something relatable and actionable.”
Through podcasting, Mark continues to engage with sales and marketing leaders, sharing practical strategies and lessons that resonate with a wide audience.
Mark Shriner’s episode is a masterclass in entrepreneurship, global business strategy, and localization. His experiences—from leading in the localization industry to founding innovative SaaS solutions—offer actionable insights for anyone looking to grow and succeed in today’s interconnected world.
Whether you’re navigating the complexities of international markets or exploring new ways to leverage technology, Mark’s lessons remind us of the importance of adaptability, cultural understanding, and innovation.
Catch the full episode of Connected Conversations to hear Mark’s inspiring journey and learn how to apply his strategies to your own business endeavors.
Podcast Episode Online Links:
🟡 Website: https://ad-astrainc.com/podcast/driving-smb-growth-and-localization-success-with-mark-shriner
🔴 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GjSTtMMkdA
🟢 Spotify: https://shorturl.at/yHGXJ
⚫ Apple Podcast: https://shorturl.at/ZfSo6
🔵 Amazon Music: https://shorturl.at/Ukx6B