Leading a Successful Global Team

This month we would like to introduce Mariela, a Team Lead at Multilingual Connections. Mariela joined our team as a Transcription Project Manager with many years of experience in multimedia and translation under her belt. And over the last six years, she has worked on hundreds of creative projects and has contributed immensely to our company’s success. As a Team Lead, she not only leads a global team of project managers but also uses her experience to create guidelines, pricing strategies, and workflows for large projects.

Meet Mariela, Team Lead at Multilingual Connections: 

Why and how did you start working in the translation industry?

After high school, I went into law school and quickly realized I wasn’t cut out for it. I had studied English my whole life, so I decided to switch to translation. I received a Legal Translation degree, but I again realized that I like creative translation more. Then, through a referral from a friend and colleague, I got a job translating Argentinian TV show scripts into English, which I did for many years among other freelance translation work until I joined Multilingual Connections. 

What is your key to success in leading a global team?

During the last year, I worked with colleagues in different time zones and cultures more than ever and it’s been a great learning experience for me. I try to be aware and sensitive to each person’s specific situation, especially now during the pandemic, which has and continues to have a different effect on each person’s daily life. Some project managers are parents like myself and are struggling to keep up with homeschooling, others work late at night due to time zone differences, others have internet issues at home. It’s important for me to check in and work closely with each of them so that each team member feels supported and we can find creative solutions together. Open and regular communication is key while working remotely. 

What do you like the most about working at Multilingual Connections?

I’m thankful for being able to work in the language industry, doing what I like with wonderful people in a company that feels like family. The past 6 years have been filled with lots of meaningful learning experiences and opportunities. I would not have it any other way. 

What should every client know about localizing their video content?

Ideally, you should have your international audience and end goal in mind at the time of producing video content. Thinking about your future needs for voiceover or subtitling from the start will help you achieve a better result that will look and feel natural to your international audience and will have the intended impact. 

However, we know this is not always possible and that there may be cost considerations to decide what’s possible. At Multilingual Connections, we listen to our client’s needs and work closely with them to help them decide what service will work best for their purpose and budget. 

What values drive you?

Understanding and flexibility. Working with a global team and a variety of clients from different industries requires understanding, putting yourself in other people’s shoes to get where they are coming from, and also flexibility and creativity to come up with solutions and remain calm at stressful times. 

What do you like to do outside of work?

I like warm weather (yeah, Chicago is not ideal for that, right?), so as soon as it’s nice out I’ll take every opportunity to go out for walks or take my kids to the park. 

I also like dancing, so I sign up for Zumba classes whenever I have time (been doing that virtually for the last couple of months). 

I’ve also enjoyed cooking lately, which I find pretty cathartic. 

What are your favorite podcasts/books?

I like historical romance novels. I’ve been reading the Outlander series for the last few years as well as watching the show. 

I usually listen to podcasts that are related to the language and translation industry when I come across them.

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?

I would enjoy learning to design and make shoes. 

Thank you Mariela for the interview and for your invaluable contributions to Multilingual Connections’ success over the last 6 years!