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: Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Desired location: An English speaking country
Current work title: Freelance translator and trainer, consultant
Desired work title: Speaker and Trainer
Languages you have studied or currently speak: German (native speaker), English (fluent), Dutch (reading ability is fluent)
The projects you’re most proud of: Participating at “Diversification in the Language Industry”, my Kindle book “Improve Your Productivity” and the feedback I received for my webinars at ProZ.com
Your current computer setup: Notebook and back-up notebook
Do you own a smartphone? No
Favorite time of the day: Early morning hours and the dark evenings in autumn/winter (they all have their charm, but most of all I love it when it’s quiet out there)
Favorite gadget: Well, not really a ‘gadget’, but I love my journal and my fountain pens to fill it with ideas, action lists, and thoughts.
Next conference/event you’re planning to attend: In 2014 I want to attend at least one conference and/or Freelance Box event in London and one other translator conference anywhere in Europe
How many hours per day do you usually work: Depends, between 6 and 9 hours
Are you an introvert or an extrovert? I guess, I can say that I am definitely an extrovert.
Are you an early-riser or a night-owl? Early-riser when I manage to sleep, but as a night-owl I have the best creative ideas.
What do you listen to while you work? I enjoy the silence. Exceptions depending on the projects: either soothing music (classical music, Phil Coulter or Enya) or something very happy and active – then I go for actual Pop Music, INXS or even Linkin Park.
And a few non-work related questions to get more personal.
Your babies or pets, incl. names and ages: 1 former stray dog called Kuki (6 yrs), and six cats – Tinka and Susi (13 yrs), Mamoru (8 yrs), Mei Ling (6 yrs), Fritz and Belle (3 yrs). – Well, I am in animal rescue… that explains, I guess.
Next city/country you want to visit: Waalwijk, The Netherlands
Favorite vacation place: Scotland
Favorite book: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
Favorite song: Sheep can safely graze by Johann Sebastian Bach
What are you currently reading? The Law of Success by Napoleon Hill
Author bio
Désirée Staude started to work as a part-time freelance translator in 2008. In 2011, she founded her own company in order to work full-time as a freelancer and enjoy an ever more diversified working life. She specialises in marketing and website as well as software localisation. Désirée enjoys her second (or rather third) career as a trainer/consultant regarding personal development and effectiveness. Follow/connect with her on Twitter: @StaudeTranslate and LinkedIn.
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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