Based in Austin and Prague, Michael Grant is a lifelong “language geek” fluent in Czech, German, and French along with his native English. In Prague in the 1990s he founded Austin Communication Services, a leading language service provider during the Czech Republic’s post-communist transition to a market economy. Michael translates commercial, legal, and financial documents for major corporate and government clients in North America and Europe.
An inveterate explorer with a passion for connecting people, businesses, and ideas, Michael is also an independent export agent and micro-globalization expert. Michael brings a unique intercultural competence to bear in assisting independent businesses through the transition from local champion to global player. He provides clients with comprehensive support through the stages of researching, planning, and executing export and collaboration strategies. Michael has worked with companies in the energy efficiency, business services, and food & beverage sectors.
Michael earned the Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP) credential from the National Association of Small Business International Trade Educators (NASBITE) in 2007. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in French from the University of Texas at Austin.
Michael is active in the international community of Central Texas as an Associate of the Texas Camino Real District Export Council and organizing committee member for the Austin International Multicultural Festival. He is also a founding board member of the Ujamaa Community Foundation of Austin, a local non-profit that promotes entrepreneurship in the African-American community and organizes the annual Black Heritage Festival. In addition to his many other activities, he is proud to have been a catalyst for at least two international marriages.
Michael frequently speaks and writes on trade and international business issues. His blog can be found at eurobubba.com.