When Jordan Evans took over his mother’s interpreting company, he wasn’t just stepping into a role he was redefining what legacy leadership can look like in the localization industry.
In his conversation with Javi Diaz on Merging Minds, Jordan opens up about the pivotal moments, values, and lessons that turned a small family business into a thriving global network.
With a mix of humility, clarity, and entrepreneurial grit, he walks us through a journey that’s both deeply personal and strategically bold.
From Getting Fired to Finding Purpose
Jordan’s background wasn’t in linguistics. It was in software startups.
But after being unexpectedly let go from an early-stage tech company, he found himself at a crossroads.
That’s when he began consulting for his mom, a Spanish interpreter who had built Language Network from the ground up over three decades.
“I realized I really am enjoying this industry. I think I can help grow the company and I can help her retire,” Jordan shared.
That decision marked a turning point.
What began as a support role quickly evolved into a vision for scaling the business while preserving its heart.
Betting on Himself: The Power of Acquisition
Jordan didn’t inherit the company. He bought it. And that bold move set the tone for what would come next.
“I had to figure out how to buy it, what price to pay. That opened my eyes to the power of acquisition.”
From there, he initiated six strategic acquisitions, each rooted in a clear intention: to create a stronger, more adaptable network of language service providers while preserving the values of the people behind them.
Three game-changing moves Jordan led:
Scaling Without Losing Culture
Growth often comes at the cost of culture. But not for Jordan.
He made a point to maintain and even evolve the values that shaped the company’s origins.
“Our values are heart. Humility, empathy, adaptability, respect, and action. We hire and fire based on them.”
He describes a delicate dance: honoring legacy while introducing innovation.
With family still involved (his sister remains part of the business), Jordan emphasizes the importance of trust and shared values during times of change.
He views each acquisition as a merger of more than just operations.
It’s about merging minds, a nod to the podcast’s very title.
Empathy and Performance: Not Either-Or
One of the most memorable parts of the episode is Jordan’s take on leadership.
He talks candidly about the challenge of balancing empathy with the demands of performance.
“Running a business is like driving a train. You've got a destination. But there are people on board with different speeds, perspectives, and needs.”
As a leader, he believes in self-awareness, in apologizing when needed, and in giving team members room to grow.
He encourages psychological assessments, like DISC and Myers-Briggs, to help his team better understand each other.
“Assume everyone’s trying to do their best. That mindset shifts everything.”
Lessons from the Trenches
Jordan didn’t sugarcoat the ups and downs. From startup failures to moments of doubt, he reminds us that leadership is a constantly evolving process.
“If I stop evolving, I’ll block the company. The day I stop growing is the day someone else should take over as CEO.”
Still, he’s never wanted to quit. And that passion shows.
His advice to his 25-year-old self?
- You don’t have to prove anything
- It’s okay not to fit in
- Just follow what excites you. And do it well
Final Thoughts
Jordan’s episode isn’t just a story of business growth.
It’s about leadership grounded in values, adaptability, and human connection.
It’s a testament to what’s possible when you build with intention and lead with empathy.
At Bureau Works, stories like these remind us why we created Merging Minds: to highlight voices that challenge the status quo and inspire a more human future in localization and beyond.
“With openness, there’s always possibility,” Jordan says.
And if his journey tells us anything, it’s that heart still scales.
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