I’ve always loved to talk… and write… and learn. Legend has it that I started talking really early… and have never stopped rambling on ever since. If you know me, then you’ll know I talk a lot. I used to amaze everybody with the way I tried to learn new words and pronounce them correctly. Then I got obsessed with reading and writing. Like, really obsessed. To the point where my parents had to enrol me in school before I was actually old enough because they just couldn’t deal with my constant nagging them to let me go.
Soon after, I was writing cheesy short stories in every notebook I could get my hands on. I even managed to get into the fifth grade one year early by amazing the school inspector with some freshly written poetry (ah, the early 80’s, the educational system was pretty relaxed back then).
It wasn’t long before I realized I could do all this in other languages too! I remember getting my first English book when I was nine years old and feeling the sudden need to learn every single word. Later, I made the (not very popular) decision to learn German too.
But when the time came for me to choose my college degree, I knew I wasn’t that into the classic language and literature studies. I really wanted to communicate and help others do the same. I chose to study Translation and have been immersed in the world of languages ever since.
As a young graduate, I started working in the international marketing department of a software company. I was amazed to see all the effort being put into the marketing materials and how difficult it was to establish a strategy before heading off to international events and trying to expand into other markets. I also realized the importance of getting everything right in order to avoid cultural faux pas and making a bad impression. I kept thinking there had to be a better way to have content translated into several languages, correctly and efficiently.
Shortly after, I discovered translation project management and that was my world for about a decade. I juggled different tools, setups and workflows for dozens of clients around the world, managing nearly 10,000 translation projects.
In 2015, I decided to set up my own business as a freelance translator. In under a year, I was able to set up shop and was accepted as a regular collaborator for over 70 language service providers in 14 different countries.
I got really committed to professional development, both mine and others’. I’ve undergone training in specific subject areas, learned about personal branding, marketing and business management, and I share my knowledge and experience with my peers through my blog, social media and by delivering training and presentations.
Now, I’m working directly with brands, helping them to create strong, consistent communication strategies that will take them beyond their countries’ borders.
I’m not really sure that’s what 5-year-old me had in mind, but I’m sure having a blast doing it.
Find out how I can help your brand expand into other markets.
Photography: yourhappypics.com
