What made you want to do the work you do? Please share the full story.
My work is driven by a passion for quality and a commitment to excellence. I was inspired to build ASTA-USA Translation Services, Inc. because I saw a gap in the market for reliable and high-quality translation services. This vision motivates me as I strive to elevate our services and create lasting relationships with employees, clients, and partners. Ultimately, my goal is to transform ideas into tangible solutions that meet client expectations and exceed them.
Tell us 3 surprisingly easy and 3 surprisingly difficult things about your business.
Some surprisingly difficult aspects of my work:
1. Marketing: Our services are highly specialized, and it can be extremely challenging to be in front of prospective clients when they need us. Finding effective ways to reach our target audience is a constant hurdle.
2. Disciplining an Employee: While this is a rare occurrence, it’s never easy. I genuinely care about my employees, and when it comes to disciplinary actions, it’s a tough situation that weighs heavily on me.
3. Late Payer Collection: This is a self-explanatory challenge. We pride ourselves on delivering superior service on time or ahead of schedule, so dealing with late payers can drain our resources and affect our overall efficiency.
What are the 3 things you like best about your work and why?
1. Smooth and Efficient Operations: We have well-established guidelines and policies that are strictly executed, which leads to a high level of efficiency in our operations. This structure allows us to focus on delivering quality services without unnecessary disruptions.
2. Ease of Scheduling Employee Functions: I’m fortunate to have built a culture of trust within my team. The employees communicate well with each other, making it easy to coordinate functions and activities that foster team bonding and collaboration.
3. Administrative Work: I have developed an excellent administrative system in collaboration with my best partner. This system streamlines our processes, allowing us to focus on what truly matters while minimizing the burden of paperwork and logistics.
What are your greatest 3 skills and how have they helped you succeed?
My greatest skills are curiosity, listening, and patience, and each has played a significant role in my success.
First, my curiosity drives me to seek greater knowledge and explore new ideas. This skill has allowed me to identify opportunities and innovate within my field, keeping my business competitive and aligned with market trends.
Second, listening is essential for understanding the needs and perspectives of others. By actively engaging with my team, clients, and partners, I can adapt my approach and tailor our services to better meet their expectations. This fosters strong relationships and enhances collaboration, which is vital in a service-oriented industry.
Lastly, patience is crucial in navigating challenges and ensuring that I’m making the right decisions. In business, not everything happens overnight. Taking the time to assess situations thoughtfully allows me to implement strategies that yield long-term success, rather than rushing into decisions that may not align with my vision.
Together, these skills create a solid foundation for my leadership and have been instrumental in driving both personal and professional growth.
Tell us about a time you were dead wrong about something.
There was a time when I was dead wrong about a decision I made during the hiring process. I rushed into hiring an individual without thoroughly vetting their background and character or seeking approval from my team. Unfortunately, this person turned out to be dishonest and created tension within the rest of my management team.
The situation was challenging and ultimately resulted in a setback for our team dynamics. To overcome it, I took immediate action to address the issue. I had open discussions with my management team to acknowledge the mistake and work collaboratively on a solution. We focused on restoring trust and fostering a positive environment by emphasizing transparency and communication.
This experience taught me invaluable lessons about the importance of patience and thoroughness in the hiring process. I learned that taking the time to evaluate candidates not only based on skills but also on their values and integrity is crucial. Since then, I’ve implemented more rigorous hiring practices, ensuring that I make well-informed decisions that contribute positively to the team’s culture.
How do you get yourself out of a funk? Please share the details.
When I feel overwhelmed or unfocused, I make it a priority to walk away from any distractions. I have a few go-to strategies that help me clear my mind and regain my focus:
• Going for a hike in nature: Being outdoors allows me to reconnect with the environment, breathe fresh air, and find peace in the beauty around me.
• Spending time on the lake: Whether it’s relaxing by the water or engaging in some activities, the lake offers a serene escape that helps me recharge.
• Driving my race car on the race track: There’s something exhilarating about racing that helps me focus and channel my energy in a productive way. It’s a thrilling way to shake off any funk.
• Relaxing with a good business book: Listening to a business book not only helps me unwind but also stimulates my mind and provides new insights that can inspire me as I return to my tasks.
These activities play a crucial role in helping me reset and regain my focus when I need it most.
What is a habit you try to stick to and how has it helped you?
One habit that significantly enhances my productivity is meticulous planning. Outlining my goals and tasks not only clarifies my priorities but also sets a clear roadmap for my day. This proactive approach allows me to allocate my time and resources efficiently.
Additionally, I practice effective delegation. Trusting my executive team with responsibilities empowers them and frees me to focus on strategic initiatives. By surrounding myself with capable individuals and allowing them to take ownership, we create a collaborative environment where everyone can thrive.
Moreover, I prioritize healthy and morally sound living habits. Maintaining a balanced lifestyle, including regular physical activities, proper nutrition, and ethical decision-making, keep my energy levels and mind clear. This rounded approach ensures that I remain focused and motivated, enabling me to tackle challenges confidently.
These habits create a strong foundation for my productivity and overall success.
How do you celebrate your victories?
When it comes to celebrating my victories, I love to surround myself with great friends and family. I believe that sharing moments of success with loved ones makes them even more special. We often gather over cocktails, enjoy some fine Bordeaux wines, and, of course, indulge in those delicious steaks! It’s a wonderful way to reflect on our achievements and create lasting memories together.
What is your favorite book and why?
It’s difficult to choose just one favorite book, as there are so many that have positively influenced me. However, I can highlight a few that stand out:
One of my all-time favorites is “In Search of Excellence” by Tom Peters and Bob Waterman. This book delves into the principles of successful organizations and emphasizes the importance of strong leadership and a commitment to quality service. It has profoundly shaped my understanding of what it takes to build a thriving business.
Another impactful read is “Seeds of Greatness” by Denis Waitley. This book focuses on personal development and the mindset needed to achieve success. It helped me cultivate a positive outlook and motivated me to pursue my goals with greater determination.
Lastly, “Inquebrantables” by Daniel Habif has also been incredibly inspiring. This book emphasizes resilience and the power of the human spirit to overcome challenges. Habif’s insights on perseverance resonate with me and reinforce the importance of maintaining a strong mindset in both personal and professional endeavors.
Each of these works has contributed to my growth and development, shaping my beliefs and approaches in meaningful ways.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
If I could offer advice to my younger self, it would be to spend less time around individuals who do not share the same high values, priorities, and motivations. Surrounding myself with like-minded people is crucial for personal and professional growth.
Engaging with those who inspire and challenge me has always propelled my journey forward. Conversely, investing time in relationships that do not align with my aspirations can drain energy and divert focus from my goals.
I would encourage my younger self to seek out mentors and peers who elevate my thinking and encourage my ambitions. Building a network of supportive, driven individuals creates an environment where ideas can flourish and success becomes more attainable. Ultimately, aligning with those who share my vision and values is key to realizing my potential and making a meaningful impact.
Who has been your biggest mentor in life (personal or professional) and how have they helped you?
My biggest mentor in life has been my mother. She instilled in me the importance of maintaining a positive outlook, encouraging me to view challenges as opportunities and to find the good in every situation and in other individuals. Her unwavering optimism has shaped my perspective and has been a guiding force throughout my personal and professional journey.
In addition to my mother, I consider myself a mentor to my own growth through constant self-reflection and analysis. I believe that being aware of my strengths and areas for improvement is essential for personal development. This practice allows me to learn from my experiences, adapt my approaches, and strive for continuous improvement.
Together, these influences have equipped me with the resilience and positivity needed to navigate life’s challenges while remaining focused on my goals.
Just for fun, what is your favorite food?
My favorite food is a prime-grade steak. I find it not only delicious but also nutritious and satisfying. There’s something truly enjoyable about a perfectly cooked steak that makes it a go-to choice for me. It makes me happy inside.