¶ Introducing the Reflection Room Series
Hello Branded Bunch . Guess what ? There's something brand new brewing here at Brand the Interpreter . Starting today , I'm introducing a brand new series called the .
Reflection Room .
In this unique format , you're going to hear two fictional hosts . That's right , the hosts are fictional , but they're witty and they're thoughtful . Think of them as brandy interpreters , co-hosts , who will take you on a journey through the stories and themes of our main episodes .
Their engaging back and forth will unpack key moments , offering deeper insights and fresh perspectives you will want to be a part of . These shorter reflective episodes are designed to give you more to think about and connect , but in a bite-sized format . The reflection rooms will drop shortly after each main episode , with me and the guests , with me and the guests .
Of course . I'd love to hear your thoughts , so make sure , after you hear it , to drop a comment or send me a message and let me know what you think of the Reflection Room . And , as always , thank you for being a part of this journey . Here's to exploring more interpreter stories in a whole new way . Are you ready ? Welcome to the Reflection Room .
Welcome to this deep jive . We're going to unpack a story . It's not just about building a business , but about building a life and a partnership .
Okay .
And a legacy of language justice . Yeah a legacy . We're going to be Anna and Jordi Varelas , a Salvadorian couple who found love in the middle of a civil war . Oh , wow . And then they went on and created a really thriving interpreting and translation business in Chicago .
That's quite a journey . What's so captivating about their story is how it kind of brings together personal resilience and a deep understanding of how important language access is . You know it's not just a business story . It's really a story about human connection .
Right , ok , so let's set the scene here . It's 1989 , San Salvador . Imagine your high school sweethearts and your whole future is ahead of you , and then , all of a sudden , your world is just totally turned upside down by a civil war .
I can't even imagine .
That's what happened to Anna and Geordi . Geordi had to flee to stay with his brother , while Anna and her family they ended up taking refuge in a walk-in closet during this final offensive . Oh my God , can you even imagine ?
It's just . It's hard to even fathom the fear and the uncertainty that they must have felt , especially without all the ways that we have to communicate instantly today .
Right .
Like no internet or social media to even stay connected . Just the hope that they would see each other again someday .
And speaking of reunions , get this . Anna's family decides to go visit relatives in Chicago .
Okay .
And guess who's already there ? Who , jordi Wow . Fate brought them back together , and that chance encounter in Chicago really foreshadowed the path that they would end up on .
Yeah , you see , when Jordi first got to Chicago , he was just really struck by all the struggles that his fellow Salvadorans were having and just trying to understand news from home .
Right .
There was this huge language barrier , and it created this sense of isolation and desperation really , and so it was just this powerful realization of how crucial language access really is .
It's like that experience planted a seed .
Absolutely , it really did .
It showed him like firsthand how communication , or the lack of communication , can have such a profound impact on people's lives 100% .
So Geordie initially went on to work as a bail bondsman , but that seed you know that seed was planted . He stayed with him . Meanwhile , Anna was already doing some translation work and she would share her stories about what it was like to be an interpreter , and I think that really sparked something in Jordi .
It's fascinating how those individual experiences eventually converged right . Yeah , they saw this need , a shared passion and this opportunity to create something that was meaningful together .
And that is exactly what they did . They joined forces , you know . They combined Anna's expertise with Jordi's entrepreneurial spirit and that's how they created JV Language Solutions . But it wasn't just about building a business , you know , it was about building it as a married couple . That adds a whole other level of complexity , wouldn't you say ?
Right . Building a business with your spouse , it must be like navigating a whole other level of partnership right .
Yeah .
What do they have to say about the challenges and the rewards of something like that ?
Well , they're very open about the fact that it's not always easy . They really stress the importance of clear communication , which is probably important for any partnership , right , but even more so when you're running a business together . They also talked about the need to respect each other's strengths and then strategically kind of divide the responsibilities .
You know , it's about finding that synergy where you're both kind of using your strengths and then supporting each other where you have weaknesses .
So I'm curious did they share any specific examples about how they divide those responsibilities or any advice for other couples who might be considering going down that same path ?
Oh , they did .
Okay , great .
Jordi . He focuses on the sales and marketing side of the business .
Okay .
While Anna she manages the finances and operations . They also talked about setting individual quotas and then celebrating each other's successes .
I love that .
Which I think is a great way to kind of keep that healthy sense of competition , you know keep the motivation up , even within a marriage .
That's a great point . It sounds like they have found a way to make it work , but it's not without its challenges . What about those times when disagreements come up both in the business and in their personal life ? How do they navigate that ?
Well , they admit to having their disagreements , even arguments , which is totally normal for any couple , of course , let alone one that's running a business together but they really emphasize that once they're on the job , professionalism always comes first .
It's like they have this unspoken agreement to put the clients and their shared mission first , even when things maybe get a little heated . Personally , Right .
That level of commitment and professionalism is really impressive . It speaks volumes about how dedicated they are to what they do . It really does . And speaking of dedication , their passion for language justice really shines through in everything that they do , especially when you see them working within the nonprofit sector .
Right . For them , language access isn't just a service . It's a fundamental right . It's a cornerstone of a truly inclusive society inclusive society . They see their work as a way to empower communities and create a space where everyone has a voice , regardless of what language they speak .
That's a powerful way to think about it .
Yeah .
It's not just about providing like translation or interpretation . It's about fostering real equality and ensuring that everybody has that opportunity to participate fully in civic life .
A hundred percent notice illustrate that Anna shares this really vivid example of a city council meeting where indigenous speakers are given ample time to express themselves in Mixteco , spanish and English . And it wasn't just a token gesture .
It was about creating an environment where those speakers felt really heard , respected and like their perspectives were actually valued .
It's about going beyond just checking a box right . It's about creating that culture of inclusion where language diversity is not just tolerated but celebrated .
Exactly , and they're not afraid to push back against clients who view interpretation as just a formality , a box to be ticked . They advocate for best practices and they challenge those who just treat language access as an afterthought instead of a core element of inclusivity .
So they're not just providing a service , they're really advocating for a change in mindset , a shift in how people view language and its role in creating a more just and equitable society .
Yeah , that's a great way to put it , and that advocacy is really intertwined with their belief in community empowerment . You know they've seen firsthand how language barriers can silence entire communities and prevent them from getting vital resources and advocating for what they need .
That's such a powerful point . It's like language access becomes a gateway to so many other forms of empowerment .
It does .
Whether it's access to health care , education or just feeling like you belong in your community .
And they're quick to point out that it's not about giving voices to the voiceless . It's about amplifying voices that have been ignored for so long .
It's about recognizing that those voices have always been there , but they haven't always been given the space or the resources to be heard .
Exactly , and their work with these nonprofits has helped marginalized communities gain a voice and actually be able to participate more fully in civic life . They talk about how satisfying it is to be able to see that tangible impact of their work on these communities .
It's inspiring to hear how their own personal journey has fueled this commitment to social impact .
Yeah .
They've clearly taken their own experiences and turned it into a driving force for creating this positive change .
Absolutely , and it's so fascinating how they managed to keep that personal connection while also building this successful business .
Right .
I'm kind of curious did they talk about how they handle disagreements , especially given the unique dynamic of their partnership ?
That's a great question because even with shared passion and values , I imagine there must still be moments where navigating those personal and professional boundaries can get a little tricky .
Oh for sure . Well , they did touch on that and they actually have a pretty good sense of humor about it . Jordy jokes that he's the boss but , then quickly adds that Anna is the boss when it's convenient for him .
Oh , I love that . Of course it's a joke , but it hints at the playful way they navigate their roles and responsibilities . You know what I mean ?
I it hints at the playful way they navigate their roles and responsibilities . You know what I mean . I love that it sounds like they don't shy away from the complexities of their partnership , but they approach it with a really healthy dose of humor and self-awareness Exactly .
And they emphasize that their shared passion for language , justice and their commitment to their clients that's what helps them overcome any disagreements that they have Right no-transcript , especially with AI-powered interpretation .
¶ Navigating the Future of Language Services
What do you think ? How do Anna and Jordi view these advancements ? Do they see it as a threat to their profession or an opportunity ?
That's a great question . We'll find out in part two of this deep dive . Stay tuned .
Welcome back to our deep dive into the inspiring world of Anna and Jordi Vidalis . We left off talking about how they view the rise of AI in the interpreting world Threat or opportunity ? What do they think ?
I'm really curious to hear their take on this whole AI thing . I mean , technology is advancing so fast these days . It's got to be on their minds .
Yeah , you're right . Their perspective is really interesting . It's nuanced . They see the potential benefits , like how AI can improve accessibility and make language services more affordable . They even mentioned a platform called Wordly Wordly . Yeah , they say it uses AI for interpretation during city council meetings , so it's already out there .
Wow , that's wild . So they acknowledge that AI can broaden access , especially when traditional interpreting isn't feasible for whatever reason .
Exactly . But they're also very clear about this Technology should never totally replace human interpreters . They talk about cultural sensitivity , nuanced understanding , that connection you get with a human AI just can't replicate it .
That makes a lot of sense . Language isn't just words on a page right . It's about understanding emotions , context , cultural cues , all the stuff that makes communication real and meaningful .
You hit the nail on the head , and they brought up a really important point about AI potentially making existing inequalities worse , like if we rely too much on technology , what about those communities who can't even access it in the first place ?
That's a huge concern . We can't let the excitement over tech overshadow the need for equal and inclusive language access for everyone . So it sounds like Anne and Jordi are pushing for a balanced approach , using AI's strengths while holding on to the human element , the cultural sensitivity .
Yeah , absolutely . They believe interpreters are crucial in this whole evolution . They even encourage their fellow interpreters to , you know , keep learning about new tech , stay ahead of the curve , see how it can be used effectively .
So it's not about being afraid of change . It's about adapting , finding ways to use tech to make the work even better .
Exactly , and you know what they actually think . The demand for good , skilled human interpreters will increase as technology gets more advanced .
Really , that's interesting .
Because more organizations are starting to understand that real , authentic communication needs that cultural piece , that sensitivity AI can't quite grasp , so they'll need those human skills even more .
It's kind of a paradox , isn't it ?
Yeah .
Technology creates a need for even more specialized human skills .
Exactly . They see this as a unique chance for interpreters to really lead the way in language justice . As the field changes , they can fight for fair working conditions , make sure things are done ethically and push for interpreting to be seen as the highly skilled profession it is .
That's so important . As things evolve , interpreters need to have a voice in shaping the future and ensuring that their profession's core values are protected . But with all this new stuff happening , the pressure to keep up , I imagine there must be some real challenges along the way , right .
Oh , there definitely are . Anna and Jordi are very honest about that . Running a business , especially one in a field that's always changing , takes a ton of resilience and being able to adapt .
So what are some of the biggest hurdles they've had to overcome ?
They talked about the long hours , the constant pressure to stay competitive , the need to always be learning and adapting , finding and keeping qualified interpreters who are passionate about language justice . That's a big one too .
I can imagine it's got to be tough to find people who not only have the language skills but also that sensitivity , that commitment to ethical practices . That's a special combination .
It really is . They also mentioned the financial risks that come with running a business , especially when you depend so much on contracts and funding . But even with all those challenges , they seem to have this unshakable belief in what they do , this joy that just shines through .
That's what's so inspiring . Right , they've faced obstacles , setbacks , all the uncertainty of being entrepreneurs , but they built a successful business without compromising their values , their dedication to language justice .
And they did all that while raising a family and staying strong as partners . They even mentioned their daughter helps out with the business sometimes .
Wow , that's amazing . A true family affair Shows you the power of shared passion and purpose . It sounds like they found that sweet spot , integrating work and life in a way that's meaningful and sustainable .
Absolutely . They created something bigger than just a business . It reflects who they are at their core , what they believe in the impact they want to make .
So looking forward , what's next for JAV Language Solutions ? What are their hopes for the future ?
That's exactly what we'll explore in the last part of this deep dive . Stay tuned .
Welcome back to the Deep Dive . We're wrapping up our look at Anna and Jordi Videlis , you know , going from escaping a civil war to building a business that fights for language justice right here in Chicago .
Yeah , it's pretty amazing . Their story really shows the power of resilience , love and a deep commitment to making the world a more inclusive place . But we're not quite done yet . We've explored their past , We've dug into their present and now it's time to look ahead .
What's on the horizon for JAV language solutions and what wisdom can they share with aspiring interpreters and entrepreneurs out there ?
I'm especially interested in their thoughts on the future of language services . It's such a fast-paced industry and , with tech becoming so important , things are changing constantly . What do they see coming and what advice do they have for people navigating this new landscape ?
Well , they really stressed continuous learning . You know , the interpreting world never stands still , especially with technology constantly integrating , so staying ahead of the curve is key .
So it's not enough to just be fluent in the languages you interpret . You also have to understand different industries , keep up with tech and sharpen those business skills . Sounds like a lot to handle .
It is , and they really urge aspiring interpreters to find mentors , go to conferences and never stop training . It's about being a lifelong learner , always looking for ways to improve your skills and knowledge .
Sounds like they believe in the power of community , not just within the language services field , but in the broader business world too .
Absolutely . They talked a lot about networking and building relationships in the interpreting community . They see collaboration and sharing knowledge as essential to the growth of the whole profession .
It's like a rising tide , lifts all boats right , Sharing resources , advocating for better work conditions and setting high standards for the industry .
Exactly For those who are thinking about starting their own business , especially in language services . They had some great advice . Having a clear vision is crucial , they said .
What do they mean by that , Like beyond wanting to start a business ? What kind of vision are we talking about ?
They said , it's all about defining your core values . What are the principles that will drive your business decisions ? What niche do you want to focus on ? And , maybe the biggest question , what kind of impact do you hope to make ? It's about making sure your business is in sync with a mission that truly resonates with you personally .
So it's not just about profit , it's about making a difference .
Right on . And they didn't forget about the practical side either . Having a solid business plan is a must , they said . About the practical side either . Having a solid business plan is a must , they said . Outlining your services , target market , financial projections , marketing strategy those are all critical steps .
So it's about blending those big dreams with a down-to-earth understanding of how business works .
Exactly . They really encourage aspiring entrepreneurs to tap into all the available resources and support systems , things like small business incubators , mentorship programs and networking events . Having a supportive community can make a world of difference .
Yeah , building that network of advisors , mentors and collaborators can provide guidance and encouragement when you need it most . Starting a business can feel lonely , but having a support system makes it less daunting .
They also stress the importance of perseverance . Building a business takes time , hard work and resilience . There will be bumps in the road , challenges , setbacks , doubts . It's about staying focused on your vision and trusting your ability to get through those tough times .
It's about having grit , that determination to keep pushing forward even when things get rough , right to keep pushing forward even when things get rough Right .
They urged entrepreneurs to find joy in the journey , celebrate the small wins and remember why you started in the first place .
It's about staying connected to that sense of purpose , finding fulfillment in the work itself . That's what will keep you going through the highs and lows of building something new .
They made a point that really stuck with me the changing landscape of language services isn't just about technology . It's about people .
It's about remembering that behind every translation , every interpretation , there's a human story , a need to connect , to communicate , to be understood .
Exactly . They believe that interpreters have this incredible power to bridge divides , build understanding and empower communities , all through the power of language .
It's not just about words on a page . It's about conveying , meaning , creating spaces where everyone feels heard and respected .
And they're hopeful about the future of the field . They believe the need for skilled interpreters will just keep growing as more organizations see the value of authentic , culturally sensitive communication .
It's exciting to think about the possibilities . There will be challenges , sure , but there's also so much potential to make a positive impact .
¶ Building Bridges to Language Justice
As we wrap up our deep dive into Anna and Jordi's story , I think it's a good time to reflect on a question they asked how can you contribute to language justice in your own community ?
It's a thought-provoking question that encourages us to look around , see the language barriers that exist and consider how we can help bridge those gaps .
Whether it's advocating for better language access policies , supporting organizations that champion language justice , or simply being more mindful of the diverse language needs in our communities , we all have a role to play .
Anna Jordy's story shows us that , even in the face of huge obstacles , love , resilience and a shared passion for making a difference can ripple outward , creating positive change far beyond ourselves .
Their journey isn't just about building a business . It's about building bridges to a more inclusive and equitable future . It's a powerful reminder of human connection , the importance of finding your own voice and the unwavering belief that everyone deserves to be heard and understood .
And that's what the deep dive is all about right , Exploring these amazing stories , learning from others and discovering new ways to make the world a little brighter , a little more connected . Thanks for joining us , Thank you .