Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in interpreting and translation but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Nabil Cherif, Founder and Interpreter Coach of Bridging the Gap Interpreting, LLC, located in Kansas City, KS, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business consists of bridging gaps and building ramps. Bridging the Gap Interpreting, LLC is a language services agency built by interpreters for interpreters. This means that there is a clear and unmistakable vision and belief that "Nothing is better than being Understood." The clients served range from the manufacturing industry to legal industries, education, medical, and non-profit/community services clients.
Tell us about yourself
I was born in Tunisia, and I migrated to several countries before settling in Kansas City in 2000. I worked a variety of jobs, 21 total, one of which was as an interpreter. Fluent in French, Arabic, and working Spanish, I witnessed firsthand the positive impacts of interpreting, one to be of service, but just as importantly, to be the bridge that helps others to not just be heard but understood. I formed Bridging the Gap Interpreting, LLC in 2007. Owning and operating a business was only a start because, over the years, I have continued to grow both personally and professionally. I am a black belt martial artist in Karate Shotokan and have trained extensively to become a certified personal trainer and transformation specialist with the International Sports Science Association. I am also a certified motivational teacher and speaker with the John Maxwell Team, and I am in the process of publishing my first book, which is a love letter to the world, focusing on entrepreneurship, experience, and education, the integral foundations which support my passion for helping others bridge gaps they encounter on their own personal journey.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment, and most recent, as a business owner, was being able to celebrate my fifteenth business anniversary with Emily, my wife and business partner, my clients, interpreters, friends, and family. My success is their success, and I am grateful for everything that they have helped me achieve directly and indirectly.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Being a business owner can be thrilling one moment and nerve-racking the next. Both feelings are connected to the release of endorphins, which means that the body is reacting in the same way, but the mind is interpreting the signal differently. As a business owner, balance is hard but so very important.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
There are many aspects that are necessary for starting, running, and a growing a business, but if I were to narrow it down to three, they would be:
- Passion - Starting a business requires passion. Passion ensures that you are properly motivated to press through difficult times.
- Drive - Running a business is different from starting one. It requires you to get out and hustle every single day, which is facilitated by drive.
- Implementation - Growing a business is not achieved by passion and drive; certainly, they are elements, but the implementation of processes and standards ensures that what is started is repeatable, again and again.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://kansascityinterpreting.com/
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/kansascityinterpreting/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_btgi/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bridging-the-gap-interpreting-llc/