Episode Transcript
[00:00:00] Speaker A: Hidden gems brilliant language professionals operating behind the scenes compiled by Eddie Arrieta and Kathy Martin in every industry, there are the well known names, company founders, top business executives, frequent conference speakers and social media aficionados.
Their high profile activities earned them lots of attention, but they are far from the only ones making an impact behind the scenes. Countless hardworking and passionate professionals are creating, innovating and improving outcomes on a daily basis in the language industry. These hidden gems are the project managers, freelancers, team leaders and consultants whose bright ideas and extraordinary work ethic lead to more efficient organizations, higher quality products and farther reaching services.
Here, we feature ten individuals from around the globe who are nominated by their colleagues in recognition of their exceptional talent and dedication.
We asked them to discuss their career choices, skill development and what drives them to make a difference every day. Ahmed Abdul Majid Strategic Solutions executive at Masterword Houston, Texas United States what led you to the language industry and your current position?
[00:01:17] Speaker B: My journey into the language industry began out of necessity when I arrived in the US as a refugee. Knowing that my medical degree from Iraq wouldn't be immediately transferable, I needed a way to sustain myself while I navigated this new reality. My background in medicine and strong english skills naturally led me to a job as a medical interpreter. That experience opened my eyes to the critical role language plays in healthcare access, especially for non english speakers. Over time, I saw how my unique perspective as both a doctor and a refugee could make a real difference. I knew then that I had found my new purpose. Eventually, I pursued a masters degree in health administration to better understand the us healthcare system and joined Masterword, where I could leverage my experience and passion on a larger scale as a strategic solutions executive. My journey wasnt planned, but every step has felt like a natural progression towards a field where I can contribute to improving lives through language access.
[00:02:21] Speaker A: What do you enjoy most about your work?
[00:02:23] Speaker B: What I enjoy most is the chance to create meaningful change in people's lives. My work gives me the opportunity to help non english speakers navigate critical services like healthcare and education. It's incredibly fulfilling to know that I'm making a difference, especially for refugees who, as I have done, are trying to rebuild their lives in a new country. My position also allows me flexibility to volunteer directly with other community impact organizations. Through my role on the board of the Partnership for the Advancement and immersion of Refugees pair Houston, I've been privileged to support Houston's refugee students towards reaching their academic potential and becoming community leaders. I was also honored to be chosen to lead multiple translation projects for ideas beyond borders to bring seminal works by authors like Steven Pinker on critical thinking to arabic speaking audiences in regions where access to such materials is limited. My work allows me to meet with various community leaders and impact makers within our community, and I get to bring these connections together as a network so that we can use the different resources we have available to us to meaningfully serve our common community.
[00:03:37] Speaker A: What qualities do you need to thrive in your job?
[00:03:39] Speaker B: To thrive in strategic client management in the language industry, you need a combination of empathy, flexibility, and persistence. Empathy is essential because understanding the challenges that refugees and non english speakers face is the foundation of everything we do. Flexibility is also critical as the needs of our communities and the tools we use to serve them are constantly changing. With the rise of AI technology solutions in healthcare being a prime example, being able to adapt and approach problems from different angles is key to finding solutions. Persistence is the final piece. Especially in periods of rapid change, I find the ability to stay responsive and focused on long term relationships and long term impact is key.
[00:04:27] Speaker A: Ahmad's journey from a physician in Iraq to a leader in the language services sector in the United States exemplifies resilience, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference in others lives.
Beyond his professional achievements, Ahmed has made an indelible impact through his involvement with several nonprofit organizations that support refugee communities.
In particular, under Ahmed's guidance, Pears programs have not only helped refugee students navigate the american school system, but have also empowered them to excel academically.
Today, as a key member of Masterword, Ahmed continues to advocate for the equitable treatment of non english speakers in all areas of life.
Daniele Cocozza, director of enterprise operations at Translated Rome what led you to the language industry and your current position?
[00:05:20] Speaker C: It was, in a way, a happy accident that led me to the language industry. My passion has always been sports, and I initially set out to build a career in that field. However, a last minute decision during university years led me to translation studies. I thought that pursuing a degree in languages might offer broader opportunities. It turned out to be the right decision as it allowed me to apply the principles I learned in sports integrity, discipline, accountability, and strategic thinking to leading global cross functional teams in the localization industry. My career journey was fairly conventional.
I once aspired to work for the European Commission and even worked for a short period there, only to realize it wasnt the right fit for me. After a couple of years freelancing, which also didnt feel quite right, I found my place at translated. Starting as a project manager, I discovered that the fast paced, challenging environment was exactly what I had been looking for over the years, I have been fortunate to work with managers who pushed me to grow and learn, allowing me to constantly stretch my abilities and evolve into my current role as director of enterprise operations.
[00:06:36] Speaker A: What do you enjoy most about your work?
[00:06:39] Speaker C: I am motivated by the opportunity to stay on the leading edge of the industry and use that knowledge to shape the strategy of our team. I find it fulfilling to anticipate trends, push boundaries, adapt to new challenges and contribute to the companys growth with a vision that comes to life through the efforts of a dedicated team. I also enjoy the dynamic challenge of developing high performing teams and fostering an environment where accountability and continuous improvement drive success for not only the team, but also our customers. Watching team members take ownership of their roles and excel beyond their own expectations is incredibly gratifying. The process of designing operational and technical solutions tailored to our customers localization needs is another fascinating part of my role. It's about more than just solving problems, it's about innovating and setting new standards in an industry that is evolving. Finally, I find it rewarding to drive profitability and operational excellence.
Establishing workflows that balance efficiency with high quality outcomes is a constant puzzle that keeps me engaged. The challenge of harmonizing these elements while developing new production verticals and expanding our offerings keeps me motivated.
[00:07:59] Speaker A: What qualities do you need to thrive in your job?
[00:08:02] Speaker C: First is the ability to abstract and think outside the box. The language industry is ever changing and success often relies on envisioning innovative solutions to complex challenges. This requires a mindset that looks beyond the obvious and embraces creative problem solving. Equally important is the ability to navigate ambiguity and lead with clarity.
Our work is shaped by frequent shifts in customer needs, technology and global market dynamics. Thriving in this environment demands both adaptability and the capacity to offer clear, decisive guidance through periods of uncertainty. Integrity and discipline are also essential.
Staying true to our values and maintaining a consistent approach ensures that we build trust with our clients and teams while staying aligned with our long term goals. Perseverance, too, plays a key role. The road to success is rarely linear, and remaining committed to our goals, even in the face of setbacks, helps us maintain momentum and achieve sustained success. Lastly, active listening and a good amount of patience are crucial.
Understanding the needs and concerns of customers, colleagues and team members requires careful attention and a willingness to invest the time necessary to build strong, trusting relationships.
[00:09:27] Speaker A: Danielle is a testament to the idea that actions speak louder than words.
His leadership, marked by quiet dedication and practical thinking, has profoundly influenced our company.
Fresh from university, Daniele joined our team initially more enthusiastic than skilled.
However, his excellent soft skills, motivation, determination, and a solid work ethic quickly distinguished him.
Over time, his relentless pursuit of knowledge made him an expert in translation, industry processes and technologies.
Today, Daniele is recognized for his effective management style.
Under his leadership, we shifted from providing basic translations for small businesses to managing intricate, comprehensive localization programs. Mohammed Hussein, CEO at PGLS Washington, DC, USA and Nairobi, Kenya what led you to the language industry and your current position?
[00:10:26] Speaker B: I was born and raised in northern Virginia in a multilingual household.
My parents were immigrants from Somalia and instilled in me the importance of language and culture. At home, we spoke Somali and I learned Arabic. As a kid, I spent six years in the Middle east studying Arabic formally. During that time, I taught English, became certified in teaching, and dabbled in translation and interpretation. Despite all that, I was a pre med major with no intention of going into the language industry, but entrepreneurship was in my DNA. When I returned to the US, a friend approached me with an opportunity to do quality control work in Arabic and Somali. I embraced the challenge and on my 24th birthday incorporated Piedmont global language solutions in my parents basement. The name is a tribute to both my roots in Virginia's Piedmont region and my ancestral ties to Somalia, an italian colony until 1960.
Piedmont, meaning foothill, symbolizes the starting point for many of our clients journeys where we help them ascend to new heights. This blend of personal history and professional ambition laid the foundation for pgLs, a company anchored in heritage yet driven by global impact.
[00:11:49] Speaker A: What do you enjoy most about your work?
[00:11:51] Speaker B: What I find most rewarding in my role is the challenge of delivering world class language solutions in an increasingly complex global environment. Its about more than just overcoming obstacles, its about staying true to my core values while creating a space where my team can thrive. Each day we have the unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on thousands of lives, whether through facilitating critical communication in healthcare or supporting multilingual education. The knowledge that our work helps bridge gaps and fosters understanding across cultures is profoundly fulfilling.
[00:12:28] Speaker A: What qualities do you need to thrive in your job?
[00:12:31] Speaker B: To thrive as a CEO, you need a delicate balance of various skills and traits. There are constant pulls for my attention, and I have to be able to balance a lot of competing priorities while maintaining my own energy and inspiring my team. These ten qualities have helped me grow pgls into what it is today.
High emotional intelligence is a must. Being able to understand and manage emotions, both mine and others, is critical for effective leadership. Communication is at the heart of everything we do, and being able to inspire and motivate the team is essential.
Optimism fuels resilience, enabling me to navigate challenges with a positive outlook. While critical thinking helps me make informed decisions quickly, mental bandwidth, essentially the capacity to handle multiple complex tasks at once, is vital in our fast paced environment. Patience and grit keep me grounded during tough times and a strong tolerance for calculated risk lets me take on opportunities others might avoid. At the end of the day, being reliable is non negotiable. My team and clients know they can always count on me to deliver no matter what.
[00:13:45] Speaker A: Working with Mohammed is a unique blend of collaboration and inspiration.
Hes a leader who believes in the power of optimism, helping us see that anything is possible while fully acknowledging the constraints we face.
Mohammed is always willing to be a true thought partner, engaging deeply in discussions and valuing his teams input.
He doesnt see todays limitations as barriers, but as opportunities to expand and invest in our needed resources.
His commitment to removing roadblocks ensures we can achieve our goals and continue to grow beyond our current capabilities.
Maislabaka Makos, freelance translator and french curriculum specialist at Lesothos Ministry of Education and Training, National Curriculum Development Center, Massaru, Lesotho what led you to the language industry and your current position?
[00:14:37] Speaker D: My passion for languages and education naturally led me to the language industry.
Growing up, I was always fascinated by the power of language to bridge cultures and communicate ideas. My love for French in particular, deepened as I pursued my bachelor of education. With French as my major, I realized the importance of preserving the integrity and richness of the language. Having taught French at the high school level for ten years, this passion drove me to become a french curriculum specialist where I focus on developing effective, culturally relevant educational materials that make the language accessible and engaging for learners simultaneously. My interest in translation grew as I recognized the crucial role it plays in connecting people across linguistic barriers. As a Sasouta French English freelance translator, I am able to combine my linguistic skills with my dedication to accuracy and nuance, ensuring that messages are conveyed with clarity and respect for the original context. Being part of the language industry allows me to contribute to a world where communication is seamless and understanding is deepened, which is both fulfilling and inspiring.
[00:15:50] Speaker A: What do you enjoy most about your work?
[00:15:53] Speaker D: As a curriculum specialist, I love the challenge of creating educational materials that are not only effective, but also engaging and culturally relevant. The process of designing curriculum requires a deep understanding of language pedagogy and the needs of learners, which keeps me constantly learning and evolving. Theres a unique joy in knowing that the resources I create will help students connect with the french language in meaningful ways, opening doors to new opportunities and cultural understanding. In my work as a SASU to freelance translator and member of women in localization, I relish the precision and creativity required to convey the essence of a message from one language to another. Translation is not just about substituting words, its about capturing the nuance, tone and cultural context of the original texts. I enjoy the problem solving aspect of translation, where every project presents a new challenge and the opportunity to deepen my linguistic skills. Being able to contribute to cross cultural communication and making information accessible to a broader audience is incredibly rewarding, and it's what keeps me passionate about my work every day.
[00:17:07] Speaker A: What qualities do you need to thrive in your job?
[00:17:10] Speaker D: First and foremost, linguistic proficiency in French and English is crucial. I need to be fluent and comfortable with the nuances of grammar, vocabulary and cultural expressions in all three languages. Attention to detail is another vital quality. Whether I am developing curricula or translating texts, accuracy is paramount to avoid misunderstandings and ensure clarity. Alongside this, cultural awareness plays a significant role. Understanding the cultural context of both languages helps me create materials and translations that resonate with my audience. Creativity is essential in both roles. As a curriculum specialist, I need to design engaging, effective educational resources, while as a translator, I must convey the original text meaning in tone accurately across languages.
Adaptability is also important as ill face different projects, learning needs and linguistic challenges. Strong research skills help me stay current with linguistic trends and educational practices, ensuring my work is relevant. Effective communication and time management are necessary to balance diverse tasks and meet deadlines. Lastly, a passion for language and education drives my dedication, motivating me to continually improve and excel in my work.
[00:18:36] Speaker A: Shes a hard worker and passionate about translation.
Shes good at what she does and driven.
She and a group of young women formed the project to help women from developing countries and the everyday challenges they face.
Smith Nord, freelance translator at Creole Solutions, Port au Prince, Haiti what led you to the language industry and your current position?
[00:19:00] Speaker E: I have always been passionate about foreign languages, especially English, when I was in grade eleven in 2004, the US Marines came to Haiti following political unrest and a lot of my friends who knew English were hired as interpreters. So that is exactly when I felt the need to learn English to become an interpreter as well. Following the 2010 earthquake that hit Haiti, a lot of non governmental organizations, NGO's and companies with English speaking staff came to help the devastated country. Even though I did not land a job in 2004 as an interpreter, I managed to find one in 2010. After this experience as an interpreter, I knew that I wanted to be in the language industry because I noticed there was a lack of qualified linguists. As I have always dreamt of doing freelancing. My current position as a freelance translator has made it possible what do you.
[00:19:53] Speaker A: Enjoy most about your work?
[00:19:55] Speaker E: What I enjoy the most about my work is the fact that I am able to make an impressive impact by making content that was only in English available to Haitian Creole speakers, which is aligned with my motto, helping those from English speaking countries communicate with my haitian folks, all while being a regular person. I also love the fact that I am able to collaborate with different people from all over the globe at different agencies while being in the comfort of my home and pajamas.
[00:20:22] Speaker A: What qualities do you need to thrive in your job?
[00:20:25] Speaker E: I need to be organized when it comes to handling multiple projects at the same time. In such situations, I tend to take all projects coming in and reduce my sleep time to meet the deadlines. I need to stay updated on the latest technology so I can remain competitive in the market. I also need to be a continuous learner of my language payers, especially Haitian Creole, which is an evolving language.
[00:20:50] Speaker A: Smith has been a dedicated member of Creole solutions for over a decade, standing with us since our early days as a small team of three.
His meticulous approach to translation ensures that every project meets the highest standards before delivery.
Smith's commitment to quality is unwavering, and he's a trusted mentor to new translators, helping them grow and uphold our company's values.
Smith embodies the spirit of Conbit, our core belief in teamwork and collective effort, making him an integral part of our collaborative culture. Marco Russo, AI language specialist at creative words, Lecce, Italy what led you to the language industry and your current position?
[00:21:32] Speaker F: From a young age, ive always had a deep passion for languages and translation.
Even during my school years, I was constantly fascinated by how languages work and how meaning can be conveyed across different cultures. Alongside this, I developed a strong interest in technology and the potential it has to automate repetitive tasks, making processes more efficient. The emergence of artificial intelligence, particularly generative AI, provided the perfect opportunity for me to blend these two passions. So after being a freelance translator and then an in house lead linguist for a few years, I recently switched to the AI language specialist role.
[00:22:19] Speaker A: What do you enjoy most about your work?
[00:22:22] Speaker F: When I was still a linguist, what I enjoyed most was being part of an industry that plays a crucial role in breaking down language barriers and facilitating communication across different cultures. In my new role, I still find great satisfaction in contributing to global communication, but I also love the challenge of bridging the gap between human creativity and the efficiency of AI driven tools. This new role allows me to combine my linguistic expertise with cutting edge technology, making the work both dynamic and deeply rewarding.
[00:22:57] Speaker A: What qualities do you need to thrive in your job?
[00:23:00] Speaker F: Willingness to continually learn about new tools and advancements, particularly in AI, is vital. Problem solving skills and creativity are also important as they enable you to overcome the complexities of language and technology integration.
Lastly, being flexible, adaptable, and open to innovation is key in an industry that is rapidly evolving with technological advancements.
[00:23:29] Speaker A: Marco perfectly embodies the profile that the language services industry needs.
After studying and working as a linguist specializing in subtitling, he fully embraced the challenge of developing additional technical skills such as programming and putting his language expertise to use to support the company on its journey to becoming a langops company. Merlindia, a Romulus freelance translator at Creole Solutions and clear words translation Columbus, Ohio, United States what led you to the language industry and your current position?
[00:24:03] Speaker G: Ever since I was a little girl, I've been deeply passionate about reading and writing. This love for language naturally led me to pursue a degree in linguistics at university, where I developed a strong foundation in the complexities of language and its various forms. My academic journey further fueled my interest in literary translation, and I chose to specialize in this area, honing my skills to bridge cultures and languages. After completing my studies, I began translating documents and books into French and Haitian Creole, a decision that opened exciting opportunities in the field. In 2017, I took a bold step and launched my own freelance translation business. Today, I work as a freelance translator and editor for several companies, delivering high quality translations that meet the diverse needs of my clients. My work allows me to combine my love for language with my desire to help others communicate effectively across linguistic barriers. Each project is a new challenge, and I continue to be inspired by the endless possibilities that translation offers.
[00:25:05] Speaker A: What do you enjoy most about your work?
[00:25:08] Speaker G: I love that every time I translate a text, I have the opportunity to learn something new. The field of translation is incredibly exciting, filled with discoveries that keep me engaged and curious. The texts I work on allow me to travel across different cultures, expanding my general knowledge and understanding of the world. As a translator, the learning process is never ending. Each text, each document brings with it a unique blend of excitement and challenge. There are moments of frustration and stress, of course, but these are outweighed by the immense satisfaction that comes from a job well done. The sense of accomplishment I feel when I successfully break down communication barriers and help people connect is unparalleled. Translation is more than just a profession for me. It's a passion that continuously fuels my desire to grow and improve. Every project is an opportunity to delve into new subjects and refine my skills, making the journey both rewarding and fulfilling. In the end, the joy of bridging languages and cultures makes all the effort worthwhile and I wouldnt trade it for anything else.
[00:26:13] Speaker A: What qualities do you need to thrive in your job?
[00:26:15] Speaker G: To grow as a translator, I need to embrace more challenges and tackle techs that push me beyond my comfort zone. Building confidence is key to my development and I recognize that taking on diverse and demanding projects is essential for my progress. By doing so, I can explore new literary landscapes, refine my skills, and ultimately reach my full potential as a translator. These opportunities will not only expand my horizons, but also enable me to blossom in this profession. I am committed to stepping out of my comfort zone, seeking out projects that challenge me creatively and intellectually. This approach will help me grow as a translator and a professional, allowing me to make meaningful contributions to the literary world. Embracing these challenges is a crucial step towards achieving my goals and I am ready to take on whatever comes my way. With determination and a willingness to explore the unknown, I am confident that I can carve out a successful and fulfilling career in literary translation.
[00:27:14] Speaker A: Merlin Dia, affectionately known as Dina, is an invaluable asset to our team. Her passion and meticulous attention to detail make her an exceptional translator, consistently delivering high quality work.
Beyond her professional contributions, Dina is a true community leader.
She initiated our annual Christmas drive to support children in Haiti, demonstrating her deep commitment to making a positive impact.
Her involvement in various community events we sponsor further highlights her dedication to service.
Deenas team spirit, coupled with her unwavering dedication to her work and community makes her a truly remarkable individual and colleague. Richard Sykes, senior consultant, business services at Memoq, Toronto, Canada what led you to the language industry and your current position.
[00:28:06] Speaker B: To earn some extra cash? In 1982, I work for a german businessman doing backstage technical interpretation for american theater companies touring Europe. The american lighting designers and the european backstage teams had different visions of what constitutes quality, so I had to negotiate compromise. That's when I discovered localization, although I didn't know it at the time. Later, after completing a german degree in business administration, I joined a distributor of Borland software that translated the products into German. That's when I discovered software localization in the classical sense. After immigrating to Canada in 1994, I held a series of jobs on the buyer and the supplier sides of the industry. When the.com bubble burst, no localization jobs were to be had. I did in master of business administration, intending to escape out of the industry. But I experienced an epiphany and realized that localization was in my blood. But I needed a new perspective, so I focused on technology.
I leveraged my german language skills to do some technical and pre sales marketing for several german translation technology providers. I also wrote articles for multilingual being immersed in translation technology eventually led me.
[00:29:28] Speaker A: To mimic what do you enjoy most about your work?
[00:29:31] Speaker B: In the late 1980s, when I got into localization, there was little accumulated industry knowledge and there were few best practices. We figured everything out from the bottom up. These were the days when we had to calculate how long it would take a package of floppy disks with the resource files to get to Ireland and back by package courier to add to the total localization turnaround time, or how long it would take a product box to get produced with localized screenshots. This has changed, but on the other hand, 35 years later, we still have software developers hard coding strings. So there are still some old problems to be addressed, but many new problems as well. There are many new and bright minds in the industry addressing them, but the basic methods of problem solving have not changed much. I take the greatest pleasure in mentoring less experienced industry professionals, whether they are my colleagues, representatives of customers, or individuals who come to events such as the localization institute's translation Technology Roundtable or the Toronto Localization on conference, both of which I co organize and moderate. In addition to my work at memic.
[00:30:43] Speaker A: What qualities do you need to thrive in your job?
[00:30:45] Speaker B: Curiosity is the most important quality for thriving in the localization industry.
Curiosity drives translation professionals to engage in lifelong learning that keeps the industry evolving. A sense of personal pride and accuracy is second to curiosity. Accuracy is vital to our industry. Although the real world sometimes demands that we learn to compromise when good enough suffices, thats hard to do when accuracy is in our nature, it can require sophisticated judgment that can take years to acquire one of the first things I had to learn when I began writing more for publication was to detach my ego from my writing. It was not easy. Finally, I have learned over the years that problems are not resolved by opinions, they are resolved by solutions. Therefore, I strive to have no opinions, but to offer constructive and creative solution options to those who seek them and let others make informed decisions. In that way, they learn and grow and are empowered to thrive on their own.
[00:31:49] Speaker A: Richard is an example of a person whose commitment is relentless and whose work is filled with passion and deep respect for the customers he works with. Hes the person you need to get things done hes worked in multiple roles in his career in the localization industry, managing teams, as well as working with technical documentation and requests for proposal.
Hes always combined his people skills with his domain knowledge and stayed focused on adding value for the customer. Lisa Spue, senior project manager at Folio Online, Cape Town, South Africa what led you to the language industry and your current position?
[00:32:29] Speaker H: Young adults rarely know exactly what they want to do with the rest of their lives. I'm the exception. Remember those friendship notes that you used to pass in class? When I started correcting my friends grammar in those notes in grade five with a red pen, I knew that language had chosen me. This was not a complete surprise. My mother was a passionate and much loved Afrikaans teacher, and I grew up in a home filled with books and words. At school, my enthusiasm for language, especially my mother tongue, Afrikaans, blossomed both in class and at a steadvods and public speaking events. After school, I obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in humanities and a postgraduate diploma in translation from Stellenbosch University. I started my career as a language practitioner in stakeholder communications before joining Folio online in 2019. While my work prior to joining Folio was interesting and dynamic, it lacked a human element as I never truly experienced its impact on our target audiences. My current position and the portfolios I manage allow for constant collaboration with others to ensure that the work we do and the services we offer have a tangible, positive effect on people's lives.
[00:33:51] Speaker A: What do you enjoy most about your work?
[00:33:54] Speaker H: My work at Folio online combines my passion for language with my love for people. Meeting interesting people from across the globe and learning about different cultures and languages is priceless. However, my greatest joy is facilitating communication and empowering people from the ground up. My two main portfolios are voiceovers and Folio Intertel. Voiceovers localize multimedia content for audiences of all ages. This provides information beyond the written word, which overcomes barriers caused by different literacy levels, and its a bonus that the voiceover portfolio connects me with my love of theatre. Folio Intertel, in turn, is Folio onlines telephonic and on site medical interpreting service, which offers interpreting assistance in 40 languages, including South African Sign Language SAzl. Through managing this service, I have come to realize the massive impact of qualified Sazal interpreters. Without these interpreters assistance, the deaf communitys access to medical services is severely hampered while their social and cultural upliftment is also restricted. Knowing that this essential service breaks down language barriers so that patients can communicate effectively with medical professionals is something I am immensely proud of. It inspires me to continue advocating for equal access in the south african public healthcare system.
[00:35:27] Speaker A: What qualities do you need to thrive in your job?
[00:35:30] Speaker H: It goes without saying that linguistic skills are essential, but the importance of good interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence cannot be overstated either. You need to have excellent verbal and nonverbal communication skills. Further, vital requirements are meticulous time management, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to keep a level head while working under pressure. While not necessarily a quality, you also need to keep abreast of the latest industry trends and technological advancements to ensure that you have the very latest tools at your disposal to assist clients as efficiently as possible. To this end, you need a curious mind and an eagerness to constantly upskill.
[00:36:17] Speaker A: Lisa provides unbelievable support to the deaf community with the organization of sign language interpreters.
Her work is literally life saving. Jorge Lina Venturi, business development manager and talent strategist at TBO Talent Cordoba, Argentina what led you to the language industry and your current position?
[00:36:38] Speaker I: I originally came from the information technology world, but I always had a love for languages.
Back in 2014, I crossed paths with Charles Campbell, the founder and president of TBO, who offered me a jobs as a project manager. I quickly fell in love with the industry and my passion for engaging with clients and making them happy helped me thrive. Moving from project management to business development felt like a natural progression, allowing me to help our clients with a managers mindset. A few years ago, Charles reached out to me again to discuss an exciting solution, the talent, and offered me a position as a business developer. Thats how I became the talent lady.
[00:37:21] Speaker A: What do you enjoy most about your work?
[00:37:24] Speaker I: I genuinely enjoy meeting new clients and talking about our solutions and what we do. Being part of TBO feels like being part of a big family.
Organizing our talent forums is a blast as finding new speakers and panelists is always exciting. Plus, I love connecting with our peers at events and conferences.
[00:37:45] Speaker A: What qualities do you need to thrive in your job?
[00:37:48] Speaker I: For me, passion and discipline are everything.
Keeping a positive attitude is so important because in our line of work, a no isn't the end, its just a chance to rethink and try again. Being a team player is crucial. Theres a saying I really like. If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. Its a great reminder that teamwork makes all the difference.
[00:38:12] Speaker A: Jorge Lina is doing a great job at showing what organizations can do for our community, putting together the most important voices of our industry to discuss amazing and sometimes controversial topics from their own valuable experiences.
This is an incredible opportunity for multiple audiences to learn from the best. This article was compiled by Eddie Arrieta, CEO at multilingual Media, and Cathy Martin, managing editor. Originally published at Multilingual magazine, issue 231, August 2024.
