Four languages, three countries, a career built on a passion for communication
Emilia Marciniec is not just a Project Manager at Overseas Translations; she has worked as a translator for organisations such as the WHO, the Centre for Access to Football in Europe and the Royal College of Anaesthetists, among others, and has worked at the intersection of linguistics, technology and global communication. Her education at universities in Argentina, Russia and the United Kingdom has given her a unique perspective on cultural diversity and the importance of language in business.
But beyond her career, Emilia is a professional who has found her voice in the workplace without giving up her authenticity. In this conversation, we talk to her about leadership, equity and the challenge of balancing personal and professional life in a world that always seems to demand more.
There is a lot of talk about equity at work, but have you really felt it in your experience?
“My experience in the workplace has been very enriching. I have had the opportunity to grow professionally in environments where talent, effort and dedication are valued. Personally, I have not felt that my gender has been an obstacle in my career, although I am aware that the challenges can vary depending on the context or the industry.
Fortunately, I have worked with teams that prioritise equity and respect, which has allowed me to develop fully in my career.”
Being a woman in the workplace: an advantage, a challenge or simply part of the journey?
For many women, professional experience comes with additional challenges, from the need to constantly prove their worth to the challenge of making themselves heard in environments traditionally dominated by men. But is it always like that? Emilia shares her view.
“My experience in the workplace has been very enriching. I have had the opportunity to grow professionally in environments where talent, effort and dedication are valued. Personally, I have not felt that my gender has been an obstacle in my career, although I am aware that the challenges can vary depending on the context or the industry.
Fortunately, I have worked with teams that prioritise equity and respect, which has allowed me to develop fully in my career.”
Responsibilities beyond the title: what does it really mean to stand out in your field?
Being a Project Manager does not just mean holding a position of responsibility; it means influencing, connecting and adding value. In the world of project management and translation, where details make the difference, what does it mean for Emilia to be a reference in her sector?
“For me, being a reference in the field of language services means making sure everything works as well as possible, both for clients and for the teams I work with.
As a Project Manager and translator, my day-to-day is about connecting people, managing the details and making sure everything flows smoothly.
In my professional environment, I earn my place by being clear in my communication, always looking for solutions and building relationships of trust.
I believe the best way to stand out is to show through actions what you know how to do, keep an open mind so you keep learning, and work as a team to achieve the best results.”
Does recognition depend on gender or on work well done?
Many women have felt at some point that they have to work twice as hard to be taken seriously. Others have found environments where their work speaks for itself. What has Emilia’s experience been?
“The truth is that I have had a very positive experience and have always felt valued in my work. I have been lucky to be in environments where effort and quality of work are recognised, regardless of gender.
I know that in some fields there can be challenges for women, and it is true that we sometimes feel we have to prove more. In my case, I have always focused on doing my job well, communicating clearly and building relationships based on trust and respect. That has allowed me to grow without feeling that my gender has been an obstacle.”
The eternal struggle for balance: can you have it all without giving anything up?
Professional career, personal life, wellbeing… There is a lot of talk about “having it all”, but is it really possible? For Emilia, the key has been to change perspective and understand what really matters.
“I have learned that balance between personal and professional life is key, and moving to Spain has been a big change in that sense. In the United Kingdom, and especially in London, I felt a lot of pressure not to fall behind: everyone seemed to be competing to advance in their career, tick boxes and earn X amount of money before a certain age.
Here in Spain, on the other hand, the approach is very different. Work is important, yes, but it is not everything and does not define people’s lives. Now I live to work, not work to live. I have learned to look after myself every day, making room for activities that are just for me, such as travelling, cooking, photography or simply switching off for a while.
I also pay more attention to eating well and practising wellbeing in small things, which directly affects my attitude and performance at work. And above all, I have left behind that mentality of comparing myself with others. As they say, “comparison is the thief of joy”, and I prefer to enjoy my own path rather than run a race that is not mine.”
The real challenges do not always have to do with gender
For many women, career obstacles are shaped by prejudice or invisible barriers. But what if the biggest challenge was not being a woman, but the demands of work itself?
“The truth is that, so far, I have not faced challenges related to my gender in my career. I have been lucky to be in environments where what really counts is work, skills and dedication.
In my experience, my professional development has been more focused on the challenges of the work itself, and not on my gender. So, although I have had my challenges, none of them has been linked to being a woman.”
Do women and men work differently, or is it just a myth?
There is a lot of talk about different leadership styles by gender: that women are more collaborative, that men make decisions faster… But is that really so?
“I believe there is no single way to lead or work, regardless of gender. Women and men can have different styles, but that does not mean one is better than the other.
Throughout my career, I have noticed that women tend to be more collaborative and have a great ability to manage multiple tasks at the same time. But I have also worked with men who are excellent at making quick decisions and very direct in their communication.
As for the way of working and making decisions, what matters most to me is adaptability. Every team is different and every project has its own pace. In the end, what really enriches any work is the diversity of approaches and how we complement each other.”
The values that make the difference
Beyond technical skills, what really defines a professional are the values they work and relate to others by. For Emilia, there are principles that are not negotiable.
“I believe that in the workplace and in life, the most important things are mutual respect, honesty and empathy. It is key to be able to trust the people you work with, to know they value your time and your ideas.
In the way I work, I always try to keep clear and open communication, and I am very aware of the importance of listening.
As for my principles, I place great value on collaboration and constant learning. I like being surrounded by people with whom I can grow, both professionally and personally.
I also try to keep a balance between my professional and personal life. For me, being authentic and committed to what I do is fundamental, but without losing sight of what makes me feel good outside of work.”
Beyond work: passions that inspire
Balance between professional and personal life does not just mean switching off from work, but connecting with what truly fulfils us. What inspires Emilia outside the working world?
“Beyond work, my great passion has always been language and curiosity about the world and its cultures. This fascination led me to study languages at university, and it is still what drives me today.
My curiosity shows in how I connect with people and the world through photography, poetry, food and, above all, travel. Travelling, whether near or far, fulfils me completely; every trip recharges me and inspires me in a unique way.
I find time for my passions because, for me, it is essential to maintain a balance between my personal and professional life. Devoting myself to what inspires me is non-negotiable, every day.
Although I enjoy my work and am committed to it, I always make sure I set aside time for my hobbies, because they are what keep me balanced and allow me to switch off.
Everything I explore outside work influences how I see the world and, in some way, how I approach my work too. New experiences, creativity and constant learning are part of my day-to-day.
What I learn through my travels and passions helps me keep an open and flexible mind, which is key when facing professional challenges.
Those moments of disconnection are what recharge my creativity and let me see things from different angles.”
A message for the next generation of women in business
There is no single path to success, but there are principles that can help you walk it with confidence. What advice would Emilia give to the women coming after her?
“My advice for the next generation of women in business would be to stay true to themselves and not be afraid to stand out for their authenticity. Confidence in your skills is key, but so is knowing how to surround yourself with people who inspire and support you.
Do not let obstacles, internal or external, divert you from your path. Every challenge is an opportunity for growth, and although the road can sometimes be complicated, the important thing is to keep learning and evolving.
Also, do not forget the importance of balancing your professional and personal life. Success is measured not only by what you achieve in your career, but also by how you feel and what you are able to enjoy outside work.
In short: be brave, be authentic, and never stop learning.”
Conclusion
Emilia’s story reminds us that success has no single formula. It means much more than working hard; it means doing so with purpose. It means finding our voice without losing our essence. Knowing how to balance, learn and grow without comparing ourselves to others.
At Overseas, we thank Emilia for sharing her experience and reflections. We firmly believe in the value of fostering spaces where women’s talent can shine without barriers and where every professional can grow while staying true to themselves.
Thank you, Emilia, for being part of this journey and for inspiring us with your vision and commitment.
