Found In Translation: Our Favorite Reads

CLI is dedicated to providing interpreting services, so it should come as no surprise that, well, we love language. And our company is full of book lovers. In honor of National Read a Book Day, here are books that CLI’s leadership love. Who knows! Maybe you’ll find your new favorite book . . .

Found in Translation: How Language Shapes Our Lives and Transforms the World by Nataly Kelly and Jost Zetzsche

What was so compelling about this book?

Kristin Quinlan, CEO: Although I’ve been in the language services industry for years, I was still captivated to read about how interpreters and translators impact our society in ways big and small — and not just medical interpreters.

For example, one time the mistranslation of a single word on a global HSBC marketing campaign caused a $10 million rebranding initiative! And did you know there’s an elite team of highly trained interpreters (who are also certified flight controllers) at the International Space Station? One of them, Irina Yashkova, interpreted for 30 space expeditions and more than 50 spacewalks!

Who would you recommend this book to?

Kristin: Anyone who is interested in language, wants to explore real-life anecdotes of interpreters and translators, or is curious about the intersection of language, culture, history, and politics.

The Leader Who Had No Title: A Modern Fable on Real Success in Business and in Life by Robin Sharma

What made you choose this book?

Art Garcia, Director of IT: What I love about this book is the perspective from the author on how to make the most positive impact on people around you. Sharma claims that success cannot be measured with the position you have reached. This book taught me that no matter what position you have in an organization, you have the power to show leadership to help other people.

Some of the quotes that I found interesting in the book are:

“Be so good at what you do that no one can ignore you.”

Do you know that it takes almost 10,000 hours to master something? It was pretty interesting to realize that success is created through accomplishing small tasks, which over the time produce huge accomplishments.

“Leave every person who intersects your path better, happier, and more engaged than you found them.”

I found this very valuable, as it reminds me of the importance of helping people around you; this could be working with a CLI employee, a customer, or even an interpreter.

I can count this book as one that brought changes in me.

Who would you recommend this book to?

Art: Anyone who is interested in leadership principles or needs a little bit of inspiration.

Can’t get enough?

A few other book recommendations from CLI employees:

• If you’re in the mood for a memoir: How to Write an Autobiographical Novel: Essays by Alexander Chee
• For poetry fans: Unearth [The Flowers] by Thea Matthews
• If you’re craving short stories: Her Body and Other Parties: Stories by Carmen Maria Machado

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