Bridging Cultures: How Theresa Slater Transformed Interpreting Services

Theresa Slater, the president of Empire Interpreting Services, shares her inspiring entrepreneurial journey in this podcast. She emphasizes the importance of resilience and determination, drawing on personal experiences that shaped her path from challenging beginnings to building a successful business with over 300 interpreters. Throughout the conversation, Theresa discusses the significance of trusting one's instincts and seizing opportunities, illustrating how a pivotal government contract transformed her company. She reflects on the challenges of navigating the interpreting industry and the value of providing quality services to the underserved Deaf community. Listeners are encouraged to recognize that success can take many forms, and with persistence and courage, anyone can overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.

Theresa Slater, the president and founder of Empire Interpreting Services, shares her remarkable entrepreneurial journey, highlighting resilience, instinct, and the importance of seizing opportunities. Slater's story is not just about building a successful business; it's a narrative of overcoming personal challenges, including her unconventional upbringing and the struggles of starting a business without traditional education. She reflects on pivotal moments, such as receiving encouragement from her father to pursue her dreams and how the advice, 'this too shall pass,' has guided her through tough times. Slater's insights on the imposter syndrome that many entrepreneurs face resonate deeply as she recounts how self-doubt and societal expectations initially hindered her path.

As the conversation progresses, Slater delves into the specifics of her business's growth, including the transition from sign language interpreting to offering a wide range of spoken language services. She emphasizes the significance of cultural understanding in business and how her journey in the interpreting world has shaped her perspective on communication and community. Slater also discusses the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and her determination to avoid layoffs, showcasing her commitment to her team and her business's values. Her candid reflections on personal sacrifices during this time reveal the difficult decisions entrepreneurs often face in the pursuit of stability and growth.

The episode culminates in a discussion about Slater's new book, 'The Language of an Interpreter's Entrepreneurial Journey,' an autobiography that aims to inspire others by detailing her life's lessons and the importance of trusting one's instincts. Listeners are left empowered, encouraged to embrace their unique journeys and understand that success can be defined in myriad ways, not just through business ownership. Slater's story serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring entrepreneurs, reinforcing that perseverance, adaptability, and a strong sense of purpose are key to navigating life and business.