When you think of resilience, determination, and success in the business world, one name that comes to mind is Robin Ayoub. From a challenging upbringing in war-torn Beirut to becoming a prominent leader in the global language industry, Robin’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and adaptability. In this special role-reversal interview on the Knack for Business podcast, Robin finds himself not as the interviewer but as the interviewee, sharing his remarkable story with hosts Bernie Franzgrote and Wayne Pratt. What follows is an inspiring conversation about overcoming adversity, embracing change, and navigating the complexities of business growth.
Early Life in Beirut: A Story of Survival
Robin’s story begins in Beirut, Lebanon, during the height of the Lebanese Civil War. Born into a family of seven, Robin’s early years were marked by the chaos and unpredictability of a country at war. “We were constantly moving,” Robin recalls, “wherever the civil war got too hot, we moved to another town.” Amidst this turbulence, Robin was forced to grow up quickly. By the age of eight, he was already learning how to contribute to the family’s survival by knitting sweaters alongside his mother and selling them door-to-door.
This early experience instilled a strong sense of responsibility in Robin. “I learned to survive at a very young age,” he says. “We didn’t have a lot of money, and we certainly weren’t part of the Lebanese aristocracy. But we had to find a way to make it through each day.” The lessons from these formative years would later shape Robin’s approach to business—never giving up and always finding a way to move forward.
The Big Leap: From Lebanon to Canada
After living through the civil war for over a decade, Robin made the life-changing decision to leave Lebanon and move to Canada. Arriving in a new country without speaking a word of English, Robin had to learn quickly. “When I got to Canada, I spoke French and Arabic. I realized very fast that to make it here, I needed to learn English—and learn it fast.” With no formal training, Robin immersed himself in the language, learning through trial and error, and with the help of supportive colleagues.
Robin’s adaptability and willingness to embrace new challenges were key to his success in Canada. He recalls his early years working for an insurance company, where he wrote computer programs but struggled with the English instructions. “I knew computer languages but didn’t know how to explain what I had created. My co-workers rallied around me, and slowly, I picked up the language.”
From Technologist to Entrepreneur: The Birth of Lexi-Tech
Robin’s career in Canada took off when he transitioned from the technology sector to the language industry. His foray into this new world began serendipitously during a conversation on a flight with a business leader in the translation field. Although Robin had a background in computer science, he saw an opportunity in the translation business and decided to pivot.
Joining Lexi-Tech as head of business development, Robin’s mission was to grow the company—and grow it he did. Over the course of five years, Robin’s strategic leadership saw Lexi-Tech transform from a small local business into a global player in the language services industry. His approach? “Go hard at the top of the ticket. Don’t start small. Aim high, and you’ll get there faster.”
Under Robin’s leadership, Lexi-Tech’s success eventually led to its acquisition by CLS Communication, and later integration into Lionbridge Technologies, where Robin now serves as Vice President of Sales and General Manager for Canada.
Embracing Change and Leading by Example
Throughout his career, Robin has consistently led by example, whether in his leadership roles or as a mentor to others. “I’ll never ask anyone to do something I’m not willing to do myself,” he explains. This hands-on approach, combined with his ability to motivate and inspire, has made Robin a respected leader in the language industry.
One of the key themes of the Knack for Business interview was Robin’s ability to embrace change. From adapting to life in a new country to navigating the ever-evolving world of technology and business, Robin’s resilience has been a constant force driving his success. “People fear change,” he says, “but change is inevitable. It’s how you respond to it that defines your future.”
The Power of AI and the Future of the Language Industry
As a leader in the language services industry, Robin is keenly aware of the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and its implications for the future. While some fear that AI will replace jobs, Robin sees it as an opportunity for growth and innovation. “AI isn’t going to replace people,” he asserts. “It’s going to replace those who don’t know how to use it.”
Robin emphasizes the importance of staying ahead of technological trends and continuously updating one’s skills. “In today’s world, the competition is between those who understand AI and those who don’t. The key is to learn how to work with it and make it an asset.”
Giving Back: Mentorship and the Fireside Chat
In addition to his corporate roles, Robin is passionate about giving back to the community and mentoring the next generation of business leaders. Through his Localization Fireside Chat podcast, Robin has created a platform for open, relaxed conversations about the language industry, AI, and leadership. “I wanted to create something that feels like sitting down for coffee with a friend,” Robin says. “The goal is to share knowledge and inspire others.”
Conclusion: A Journey of Resilience and Success
Robin Ayoub’s journey from the ashes of Beirut to the boardroom is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through resilience, determination, and a willingness to embrace change. Whether overcoming the challenges of war, adapting to life in a new country, or leading a global company through technological shifts, Robin’s story is one of unwavering perseverance.
As he continues to lead, innovate, and inspire, Robin remains committed to helping others find their path to success. His message is clear: “Never give up. Go over, go under, go around, or go through if you have to—but never give up.”
I hope you enjoyed reading this blog post, until next time this is Robin Ayoub signing off
Robin
Robin Ayoub 
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