Interpreting on food sustainability for the Chairman of Barilla Group and Barilla Foundation, Guido Barilla

“We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.”

I was reminded of this sentiment recently whilst interpreting for the Chairman of Barilla Group and Barilla Foundation, Guido Barilla, during an assignment on food sustainability.

The discussion was titled “Resetting the Food System from Farm to Fork: Setting the Stage for the 2021 U.N. Food Systems Summit”, organised by Barilla Group Centre for Food & Nutrition – analysts which measure the complexity of current agri-food systems to foster change towards healthier and more sustainable lifestyles – and Food Tank: The Food Think Tank, a global community pushing for food system change.

I received these kind words following the event from the client, Marchmont Communications:

“You’ve all been highly professional and it’s been a pleasure working with you. I really appreciated you being flexible and responsive to help ensure everything worked smoothly.”

Thank you, it was a pleasure to work with the team!

NEW Video Alert! Watch my new professional video and find out why I love my job so much!

“Translation is not a matter of words only: It is a matter of making intelligible a whole culture” – Anthony Burgess

I’ve been privileged in my career to have had some incredible experiences and meet many wonderful and inspiring people. I’ve travelled around the world to conferences, EWCs and more.

I promised some exciting new content earlier this week after my post about video marketing, and I am delighted to share with you a new video that shows a snapshot of my career highlights and my journey as an interpreter with some behind-the-scenes looks of me in action!

I truly love my job and this industry, but interpreting is more than just about the language – knowledge, contextualization, preparation, rapid analysis, subtly of expression, savoir-faire, diplomacy, soft skills, human relations and teamwork come into play. And of course, a smile!

I put my heart into every assignment. In return, I get from every experience the awareness of making intelligible the different cultures I embrace.

So, my wish to all of you today is to find the same motivation in what you do. Sit back, brew a fresh coffee and enjoy!

Happy watching!

The Value of Video in Developing Your Brand

Did you know?

Did you know that 84% of marketers say #videos have increased traffic to their sites, and 93% of brands report gaining new customers due to sharing videos on social media? 🎥

This year, we’ve discovered just how important video is for connecting and communicating with our clients and colleagues – who knows how long we’ve spent on Zoom calls and #RSI platforms this year?! – but if you’re looking to further develop your personal or business #branding, video is an incredibly efficient way to ‘lift the curtain’ on your business and share your unique personality with your followers and potential clients.

Customer engagement with videos has risen incredibly fast in a short time and is continuing to grow.

Increasing my video content is something I have certainly committed to this year I can’t recommend it highly enough if you’re looking to up your social media game!

Keep an eye out this week for what could be my best one to date…

Maintaining your professional image up-to-date – professional photoshoots

Recently I spoke about the importance of maintaining up-to-date professional headshots, and I like to practice what I preach! 📷

Taken before lockdown, I’ve just had my new set of professional photography through and I’m so pleased with them!

Inspired by Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, I have decided to make some changes to my wardrobe and look for some new signature colours. The goal was all about being and feeling natural and relaxed and to respect, not alter, my features.

Given that they’re my daily companions at the moment, you may have noticed that I decided to include our favourite microphones and headsets to remain current! I’d love to know what you think.

A big thank you must go to my wonderful style coach Stefania Bartolomei who did my makeup and coached me through the shoot, and, of course, thank you Domininkas Zalys for taking these wonderful shots! ✨

Interpreting means big events and expensive booths, right? 🤔 Not always!

Interpreting means big events and expensive booths, right? 🤔

If this year has taught us anything, it is that isn’t always the case…

I work with many individuals and companies who need interpreting services for intimate meetings, presentations or interview scenarios and those are some of my favourite assignments.

With these assignments, I have the opportunity to really get to know my clients and their business, and that’s unique and very special to me. This was the case recently when I interpreted for an investment company who had been shortlisted to present their company services and equity capabilities to an Italian pension fund.

It was a privilege to play a role in this critical appointment and I’m thrilled at the prospect of working with them as they continue their successes in the Italian market.

What are your favourite kinds of assignments?

Let me know in the comments below 👇