At Translate.One, we believe that the heart of our company is our people. That’s why we’re excited to introduce our new Meet the Team blog series, where we’ll be highlighting a different team member in each post!

In this fun and engaging series, we ask each team member 15 questions—from their favorite hobbies to the best advice they’ve ever received. It’s a lighthearted way to get to know the incredible individuals who help us deliver top-notch translation and localization services every day.

First one on our list is our VP of Operations, Soraya Barrera Coello!

1. Soraya, where are you located?

I live in Cambridge, UK.

2. How long have you been with the company?

10 months.

3. How long have you been working in the localization industry?

13 years.

4. What does your role entail?

This is a hard one, I was brought in to help harmonize the Operations department of all different companies that Translate.One was acquiring. This year I have been focused on doing an in depth audit of all 6 companies, finding efficiencies and putting a harmonization plan together. We are now ready to kick off the harmonization plan and start building the team and company spirit for Translate.One as a whole.

5. What do you enjoy most about your role?

Learning about the different companies, talking to people all around the world and helping them develop and grow as professionals.

6. What’s a fun fact about you that not many people know?

I always wanted to be an actress, so when I was looking into a degree to do at university I entered translation and interpreting because I thought interpreting meant acting! LOL! Let’s say the first day of class was very eye opening but as I always say, everything happens for a reason and I would not change this career path at all.

7. What’s your favorite way to start the day?

The gym!!!!! Lifting heavy weights or going out for a long walk while listening to podcasts or audio books, is for me the best way to start the day. It leaves me with high endorphins and ready to face the challenges of the day ahead.

8. If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

To stop time. I believe we spend too much time on our phones and computers that we forget to enjoy the simple things, or nice moments with our loved ones. It will also work great if we are ever late with a delivery to a customer. 😉

9. What’s your favorite book, movie, or TV show?

A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks.

10. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

Anywhere with good food and weather.

11. What’s your proudest accomplishment (personal or professional)?

I will have to say that it is starting my podcast “Females Thriving Over 30”. I started it last year when being in my mid 30s I felt I was very behind and not were society expected me to be by 35. I wanted to create a platform for women to share their stories of resilience and success after 30. The idea is to empower women to embrace their own journey and to break free from society’s pressures, especially those around age and success. Have a listen!!!! I promise you won’t regret it.

12. Do you have any pets? If so, tell us about them.

Yes! I have 3 cats. Moflete is a Persian Chinchilla that looooooves to follow me everywhere I go. Shadow is a Persian Chinchilla – Regular cat mixed cat and she was my first ever cat, and Croqueta is a stray cat we adopted, so don’t know what breed she is.

13. Do you have a favorite quote or mantra?

Be Kind –  we don’t always know what people we are talking to are going through in that specific moment. We should always lead with kindness in all aspects of our lives. At the end of the day, once we are gone from this Earth, people is not going to remember what we looked like, but they will definitely remember the way we made them feel.

14. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

Treat others the way you would like to be treated.

15. Is there a cause or charity you are passionate about supporting?

Yes! Cancer Research. My sister was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at 20 years old. Thanks to the advances in Medicine she is now Cancer Free, and since then I have been tirelessly working towards raising fund for research.