20 (or so) questions on how Charles Ek works
This series of posts was inspired by Lifehacker’s How I Work series, which I’ve been reading for quite some time and thoroughly enjoy. It’s about time we discover how our colleagues work and get to know them a little better.
If you want to participate in this fun series, send us an email at info@linguagreca.com so we can send you the Word template where you can fill in your answers and your bio (incl. your site/blog/social media links) and then send it back to us as an attachment along with your photo (optional but preferred). If you don’t like any of the questions, just delete them and add your own. You can read the previous interviews here.
Location: Central London
Desired location: Norwegian countryside. The more deserted and difficult-to-get location, the better. I guess it means I’ve been living in London for too long!
Current work title: Polish English Translator and Interpreter
Desired work title: Polish English Translator and Interpreter. Not much change here, hopefully!
Languages you have studied or currently speak: Polish, English, French, and I’m currently learning Norwegian.
The project you’re most proud of: Actually, the one I’m most proud of is my Business School for Translators course. It required a different set of skills, a new approach and a lot of courage. Preparing the course was a great opportunity for me to revisit and structure my business knowledge, and delivering it later was a test for my public speaking skills.
Your current computer setup: I have a 2-year-old PC with two monitors, a 4-year-old Dell laptop (which will have to be replaced next year) and an Asus Transformer tablet.
Do you own a smartphone? I’ve recently bought my first Apple product which is the new iPhone. I’m absolutely delighted, it’s a huge improvement as compared to my previous clunky HTC. Now I feel that I have my entire office with me at all times.
Favorite time of the day: I usually get up very early in the morning, so my favourite time of the day is between 5 and 8 a.m. No kidding!
Favorite gadget (apart from computer & smartphone): I don’t know if it still counts as a gadget, but I love carrying small notepads around. There’s always a new idea worth noting down and somehow I don’t feel like using my smartphone to do that.
Next conference/event you’re planning to attend: It’s going to be the “Forensic Linguistics and Interpreting: where do they meet?” event I organize as a Committee Member of the Interpreting Division at the Chartered Institute of Linguists. Forensic linguistics is one of my areas of interest!
How many hours per day do you usually work: About 7 hours translating and between 2 and 4 hours on blogging and my Business School. But it doesn’t really feel like working!
Are you an introvert or an extrovert? Believe it or not, I’m an introvert. Public speaking or presenting at conferences always consumes all my energy and then I have to regain balance in my office, alone.
Are you an early-riser or a night-owl? Sometimes I’m rising so early that I could be considered a night owl!
What do you listen to while you work? Silence. I can’t imagine translating and listening to anything at all. When I listen to music, that’s the relaxation time.
And a few non-work related questions to get more personal 🙂
Your babies or pets, incl. names and ages: No babies or pets yet, I’m planning to relocate before taking these important decisions.
Next city/country you want to visit: Budapest is on my list for the conference in May.
Favorite vacation place: Norway, forever and for always!
Favorite book: I find it difficult to decide between “Ender’s Game” and “Hyperion”, both science fiction.
Favorite song: “Lightning Song” by Anathema, a progressive rock band.
What are you currently reading? “Soft Systems Methodology in Action” – not very inspiring, I know!
Author bio
Marta Stelmaszak is a Polish – English translator and interpreter with six years of experience, specialising in law, IT, marketing, and business. She is a member of the Management Committee of the Interpreting Division at the Chartered Institute of Linguists and a Co-head of the UK Chapter of the International Association of Professional Translators and Interpreters. She is also an Associate of the Institute of Translation and Interpreting, a qualified business mentor, a member of the Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurship and the Chartered Institute of Marketing. She is currently studying for master’s degree in Management, Information Systems and Innovation at the London School of Economics and Political Science. Recently, she’s been awarded with the Higher Education Social Entrepreneurship Award.
Marta runs the Business School for Translators, a blog for translators and interpreters with an entrepreneurial angle recently turned into an online course. Marta is active on Twitter and Facebook where she’s sharing information related to the business side of being a translator or interpreter.
About the author
Catherine Christaki has been a full-time English-Greek translator since 2001 and co-owner of Lingua Greca Translations since 2012. She specializes in Information Technology, Medical, and Technical texts and loves writing for the Adventures in Technical Translation blog. She regularly shares her experience and insight on social media and blogging for translators, giving interviews and presenting at conferences. Connect with her on Twitter @LinguaGreca.
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Thanks for sharing Marta. It’s pleasure to get to know you a little better.
Thank you, Karen! I found the whole series fascinating and I’m glad I can be part of it.
Very nice answers. I had to laugh about the gadget. I always carry a journal with me and I love writing with fountain pens. 🙂
Not even the nicest iPhone can make up for it. At least not regarding creative conception and memorizing.