Claire Adams
Head of Projects
What's the most enjoyable part of your job?
The people and the challenges. It is great to be part of such a dedicated and valued team, and the daily challenges keep us all on our toes. Having said that, I do love working with translations. It is something that I am passionate about and that is a constant challenge… in a good way.
Tell us three facts about yourself, one of which is a lie.
- My next ambition is to get my motorbike licence and become a biker chick.
- I once spent a year living as a cowgirl on a ranch in Houston, Texas.
- I have signed up to be part of the Utterly Butterly wing-walking team.
What do you consider your biggest
achievement is so far?
Getting to my age without ever having a filling!
What is your favourite song?
Always look on the bright side of life, do do, do do, do do! Or, ‘Don’t worry, be happy’
by Bobby McFerrin. Most inspiring!
What is your biggest ambition?
To never have to have a filling, ever!
What's your favourite film?
My all time favourite film is Life is Beautiful which is an Italian comedy but with a very serious story line. It is such a beautiful film that can make you laugh and cry all the way through.
What's your chosen tipple?
Vodka! When mixed with something else you can hardly taste the alcohol at all, which is why I like it. I never got accustomed to the taste of alcohol.
What was your worst ever fashion disaster?
Back in the 80’s there were so many to choose from. At the time they were all the height of fashion of course, but I am not so sure that purple leggings with yellow spots or reversible mickey mouse jumpers would evoke the same reactions these days (come on, I was only a kid)!
Top tip:
Keep on top of all the little jobs on an ongoing basis and you will rarely be faced with insurmountable tasks.
Biography
Claire followed her passion for languages by studying a BA (Hons) degree in Spanish with European Cultural Studies and used this as a stepping stone to study an MA in Applied Translation Studies at the University of Leeds. After graduating she started her career in the translation industry as a project manager for an LSP based in Ascot, Berkshire where she spent three years learning all aspects of translation, proofreading, project management, DTP and sales. This was a good chance to get a grounding within the industry and then her experience was consolidated by taking up a project management position within one of the world’s largest translation companies. After less than one year working as a project manager there, Claire was promoted to the position of Translation Manager, a role in which she was responsible for managing a team of 20 in-house linguists, advising the division and its customers on potential project risks, best practises and workflows, also taking responsibility for the quality, turn-around time and profitability on all projects. Following a three-year period in that position Claire then moved to her current position of Head of Projects at Applied Language Solutions, the fastest growing translation company in the world.