From Interpreting to Language Learning Design – Dr Natalia Tilton

How does a product manager combine tech with languages? And what skills are involved, if not required, to thrive in this career? Hélène Sanchez tells us how she combines these

‘I dream of a world where no one is disadvantaged because of language differences or deficiencies. And you?’

A bold, heart-warming statement Dr Natalia Tilton shares on her LinkedIn profile. Natalia, today’s guest, is a language learning design specialist who started her career in interpreting for institutions like the UN before moving into community interpreting training (she explains what it is in her episode).

Her PhD thesis focused on research around language learning anxiety – we all feel anxious speaking a learnt language we are not as good in as our own native language – and how that affects interpreters and immigrants alike.

Currently her focus is on developing language learning curricula and programmes – some government-backed – for immigrants and refugees, helping them integrate more effectively into their new country and rebuilding their lives. She is also working on an app helping nurses coming to Germany learn medical German so they can pass their nursing test and be able to work there.

About Dr Natalia Tilton

Dr. Natalia Tilton is an EdTech consultant, curriculum designer and inclusion educator. She leads programs for language access, multilingualism, and AI-supported language learning. She holds a PhD in Linguistics and Migration Studies and has worked with institutions including Babbel+, DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service), the Goethe-Institut and the University of Potsdam.

Most recently, Natalia worked with Babbel+, developing AI-supported curricula with the German Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) for adult migrant learners.

Natalia is passionate about language access and has trained thousands of community interpreters across Germany since the 2015 refugee crisis.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalia-tilton-phd-7b403279

About Sonia Kampshoff

Sonia is a translator turned multilingual digital marketer specialising in paid media, and now also a podcaster. Growing up bilingual, languages have been a constant in her life. In 2025 she launched a podcast where together with her guests she explores the huge variety of jobs and career opportunities open to people with language skills. She is available to speak on podcasts and stages about marketing, languages, work and podcasting.