Georg Ell is the CEO of Phrase, a company that specializes in localization technology and supports well-known clients like Uber and Shopify. With two decades of experience in the tech industry, Georg has held leadership roles at major companies including Tesla, Microsoft, and Yammer. His career began at Microsoft as the pioneer quota-carrying salesperson for the company’s enterprise cloud business in Europe. Over the years, he has gained experience leading large teams, shaping company cultures, and driving growth in diverse and fast-changing environments. Georg also holds a degree from Cambridge and contributes his expertise to several venture and advisory boards.
In this episode, Georg shares how his early fascination with technology and adaptability helped shape his career path. He discusses how localization is evolving from a technical task to a strategic tool enhanced by AI, making content more personalized and culturally relevant worldwide. Georg also dives into how Phrase cultivates a high-performance culture built on respect, transparency, and clear communication, especially in remote and international settings. He emphasizes the importance of human-centered technology and ethical AI that supports connection rather than replaces people. Throughout the conversation, Georg reflects on leadership values that prioritize decency, trust, and continuous learning—offering insights grounded in real-world experience that highlight both the challenges and opportunities of modern tech leadership.
