Technology is transforming every industry, but the biggest roadblock isn’t the technology itself — it’s communication. Engineers and executives often don’t speak the same technical language, which means big ideas get lost in translation, budgets get wasted, and projects fail before they even get off the ground. That’s where what I like to call “tech translators” come in. They connect the dots, helping technical teams and leadership stay aligned.
I know this struggle all too well. At my previous job at Volvo, I led AI initiatives and saw firsthand how technical ideas were misunderstood in executive meetings, leading to misalignment and missed opportunities. This experience highlighted the need for better communication between technical and business teams. Recognizing this challenge, I decided to deepen my understanding of business by pursuing an MBA, which gave me the tools to communicate technology’s impact in a way that resonates with executives. That decision completely changed my approach, and it’s why I believe tech translators are critical to every company investing in data and technology.
If you want to future-proof your career and make a bigger impact, here’s how you can become an indispensable tech translator.
1. Learn the business basics
Too often, tech teams build amazing solutions that never get adopted because they don’t tie back to business priorities. Understanding core business principles — finance, operations, and strategy — helps you connect the dots between technology and real-world results.
At Volvo, my team worked on an AI-powered recommendation system for the online cars configurator. While we focused on accuracy and relevance from a technical perspective, business leaders cared more about cost savings and efficiency. Once we demonstrated how much the system could reduce stockout of cars, it became a priority.
My tip: A few online business courses, some reading on corporate finance, or even an MBA can go a long way in strengthening your ability to bridge the gap between technology and business. In this case, knowledge is power — and connection.
2. Be a bridge between tech and strategy
Being a tech translator means having a foot in both worlds. You need to understand the business objectives while also keeping up with technical developments. That means showing up to both business strategy meetings and technical standups.
At my current company, I work with product managers, engineers, and marketing teams. I help marketing craft messaging that’s both engaging and accurate while ensuring our data and automation strategies align with business needs.
My tip: Sitting in on meetings outside your core team — whether it’s product roadmap discussions, business reviews, or shadowing sales calls — can help you understand customer pain points and the bigger business picture. Offer to explain technical projects to business leaders and vice versa.
3. Make technology understandable through storytelling
Even the most technical discussions benefit through storytelling. Humans remember stories more than raw data, and in a room filled with both technical engineers and business leaders, finding the right balance is key.
For example, rather than simply stating, “We reduced processing time from weeks to days,” tell the story of a customer who struggled with inefficiencies, how a specific integration challenge was solved, and what that meant for their business. This approach maintains technical depth while making a tangible impact.
My tip: Structure technical discussions as narratives. Whether it’s a case study, an engineering challenge, or a breakthrough, frame the details within a story that connects the dots for everyone in the room.
4. Stay ahead of tech and business trends
Technology is evolving fast and staying relevant means keeping up with both technical advances and business trends. I balance deep dives into research with staying plugged into industry conversations to make sure I see the full picture.
I run internal knowledge-sharing sessions where we break down new trends and discuss how they apply to our business.
My tip: Staying ahead means keeping up with research papers, following business news, and participating in industry forums. Engaging with different perspectives can provide valuable insights into emerging trends. Consider exploring a mix of sources — hackathons where young developers adopt zeitgeist technologies, technical blogs, leading tech publications like MIT Technology Review, and innovation-focused communities. Following influential thinkers on social media and monitoring leaderboards on platforms like Hugging Face and Hacker News can also help you stay ahead. The more perspectives you have, the better.
The most successful professionals in the data-driven future won’t just build systems. They’ll be the ones who can explain them, align them with business goals, and push them into real-world use. Becoming a tech translator isn’t just a nice skill — it’s a game-changer for your career.
For companies, the message is clear: If you don’t have tech translators, you’re wasting your technology investment. For individuals, the opportunity is huge. Master these skills, and you’ll be indispensable in any data-driven organization.