Sudeepthi Garlapati of Naarg Data Media Services: From Biotechnology Researcher to Visionary Entrepreneur in Translation and Localization Industry
Photo credit: Sudeepthi Garlapati.
Sudeepthi Garlapati, a biotechnology researcher turned entrepreneur, is the founder and leader of Naarg Data Media Services, a comprehensive digital media and translation company. With a Master’s in biotechnology, she combines a research-driven approach with a deep passion for languages. Under Sudeepthi’s leadership, Naarg has quickly collaborated with renowned brands like Tata, Ebix, Google, Amazon, Netflix, Medikontor, Grupo Bimbo, Keywords, and more, solidifying its reputation in the industry.
Can you tell our readers about your background?
Certainly! My professional journey began in academia as a research scholar at Hyderabad Central University. During my time as a research scholar, I developed a keen interest in communication and the critical role it plays in making knowledge accessible and impactful. This led me to explore languages, and that further inspired my journey into the translation and localization field.
What inspired you to start your business?
When I was working as a research scholar at Hyderabad Central University, I noticed a pattern within the system that needed improvement, many of which could be addressed through effective communication. I heard this saying that when you speak a language that others understand, it reaches their minds, but if you speak their native language, it touches their heart. That sentiment stuck with me, and then I began my journey as an independent translator.
While working as an independent translator, I realized a gap in the availability of skilled professionals and companies that could consistently deliver high-quality results. This realization hit me hard and inspired me to build a team of talented linguists. That’s how I transitioned from research to entrepreneurship, founding Naarg Data Media Services to provide high-quality translation and localization solutions. At present, we have grown into a comprehensive service provider, supporting clients around the world in reaching diverse audiences effectively.
Where is your business based?
Our business is based in Hyderabad, but we operate fully remotely, allowing our team to work from anywhere.
How did you start your business? What were the first steps you took?
At first, I started working as an independent translator, working with a handful of clients and focusing on delivering high-quality translations. Upon noticing the gap in the availability of skilled professionals in this industry, I came up with the idea of scaling my services into a full-fledged translation and localization company. Then, I started assembling a small team of trusted linguists and started setting up the process that ensured consistent quality. From there, I started focusing on building relationships with clients across different industries and then gradually expanding our services.
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness for your business?
The most effective way has been through building strategic partnerships and leveraging content marketing. We collaborated with some reputed global brands like Netflix, Amazon, Tata, etc., which also helped to amplify our reach, allowing us to showcase our expertise in a practical context.
What have been your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?
The biggest challenge in the translation and localization industry has always been balancing scalability with quality. The more we grew and took on more global clients, maintaining high standards across diverse languages and cultural contexts became increasingly complex. Then, to overcome this, we invested heavily in robust quality assurance processes. We also gathered a highly skilled team of linguists and localization experts. These steps helped us stay agile and meet our client’s needs without compromising on quality.
How do you stay focused?
I try to set specific, achievable goals for the business and break down larger projects into smaller, manageable tasks. Prioritization and daily planning also help keep my attention on what matters the most, and that is ensuring quality and meeting client expectations. I also stop and celebrate small wins with my team, which keeps us all motivated and aligned. Keeping my focus sharp and energy isn’t much of a problem, as I am working for a purpose, which is to bridge cultural gaps and help businesses succeed globally.
How do you differentiate your business from the competition?
We try to blend both cultural nuances and technological innovation. Our team is a mix of native linguists and cultural experts who thoroughly understand the subtleties of each market we serve. One thing that we do not compromise is delivering quality work, and for that, we invest in advanced translation technology that ensures efficiency without compromising quality. The quality of work we deliver defines us as a whole, and that is the one thing that differentiates us from everyone.
What has been your most effective marketing strategy to grow your business?
We try to create and share insightful, industry-specific content, and that has turned out to be one of the most effective marketing strategies so far. We have a content-driven approach that attracts clients who value our expertise. All these strategies together have fueled our growth and helped us build strong, lasting client relationships.
What's your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs?
One best piece of advice I would like to give to all the budding new entrepreneurs is to try to focus on delivering genuine value and building a reputation quality from day one. Take your time to develop your expertise and surround yourself with talented people who share your commitment to excellence. Don’t rush towards anything and focus instead on creating reliable, scalable processes and earning the trust of your clients.
What's your favorite app, blog, and book? Why?
I have a favorite book, and that is ‘Atomic Habits’. This particular book is a game changer for anyone looking to make meaningful changes in their life. It is perfect for anyone looking for self-improvement as it emphasizes small, incremental changes and shows how minor adjustments can lead to significant transformations over time.
What's your favorite business tool or resource? Why?
One of my favorite business tools or resources that help us in our industry is the translation management system (TMS). It allows us to handle large volumes of content while ensuring consistency and quality across languages.
Who is your business role model? Why?
Mr. Ratan Tata has always been my business role model. He had this extraordinary integrity, vision, and philanthropic spirit. And it’s not just his business acumen that makes him a role model; it's his deep sense of responsibility toward society and employees. Mr. Ratan Tata reminded us of the importance of long-term vision and resilience and showed us that success can go hand in hand with compassion and social impact.
How do you balance work and life?
As a founder, there are times when you have to put in more effort and work to finish a project by the deadline, and there are weeks when you can be more flexible. So, it is difficult to set aside a certain period for leisure and relaxation. However, I always make it a priority to set boundaries and maintain a structured schedule. This ensures that I have dedicated time for both work and personal life. Trusting my team to handle day-to-day operations allows me to step back when needed and focus on the bigger picture.
What’s your favorite way to decompress?
One of my favorite ways to decompress is to block out time for unwinding. I always ensure to step away from screens and engage in activities like reading or practicing mindfulness. It is a small but intentional step that helps keep oneself grounded and mentally refreshed.
What do you have planned for the next six months?
For the next six months, we are planning to find a harmonious blend of personal well-being and professional advancement. For our business, we are planning to drive innovation scalability, which will lead to sustainable growth and make a positive mark in the industry. And on a personal level, it will be all about ongoing learning, self-development, and forming meaningful relationships.
How can our readers connect with you?
Here are my social channels:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sudeepthigarlapati/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SudeepthiG
Website: Naarg Data Media Services
