Interview Spotlight with Clio Schils
Next up in the ELIA’s Roots: Stories from Our Past Board Members series, is Clio Schils.
In this series, we celebrate the people who have helped shape our association’s journey and take a look back at their memories, achievements, challenges, milestones, and more!
Let’s take a look at Clio’s unique perspective on serving the ELIA community between 2016 and 2021.
- What inspired you to join ELIA?
When I first learned about ELIA, I was immediately captivated by its mission. Over the years, ELIA has maintained the atmosphere of a close-knit family, where members share similar struggles and challenges. They eagerly anticipate ELIA events to find solutions, connect with peers, exchange ideas, and build invaluable new relationships.
- What do you remember most about the early days of ELIA?
As a general highlight, I would emphasize the continued success in organizing and managing our events, always selecting excellent venues with our audience in mind. Taking over the presidency from Francoise Bajon was undoubtedly the biggest milestone, and serving as President for six years was a true privilege.
Regarding challenges, they were similar to those faced by other organizations: ensuring growth in our member base and aligning our budget with actuals. The most significant challenge I encountered was in February 2020 when COVID-19 struck. We were just a week away from our ELIA Together event in Italy, with everything organized and paid for for 300 attendees, and we had to cancel. I vividly remember the Sunday meeting with the board as we figured out how to manage the situation, and we succeeded, but it was not easy!
- What key milestones did you witness or contribute to during your time with ELIA?
One initiative I am particularly proud of is the Focus series, which we launched to provide a more targeted event agenda for different segments of our industry, such as freelancers and executives.
As mentioned earlier, I had the privilege of organizing and moderating the Focus for Executives event for several years. Each edition took attendees to beautiful Mediterranean locations, where they could learn from experienced speakers and enjoy excellent networking opportunities over fine dining.
- How has ELIA contributed to your personal or professional growth?
Personally, my time on the board has been incredibly educational. I’ve gained a deep understanding of what it means to be a Board Member, including our responsibilities and the accountability we bear to ensure the organization’s profitability and the sustainability of our member base.
This experience has taught me the importance of strategic planning, financial oversight, and member engagement. It has also highlighted the need for effective communication and collaboration within the board to navigate challenges and seize opportunities. Serving on the board has been a journey of growth and learning, and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to ELIA’s success.
- What impact has ELIA had on your company’s development?
The impact that ELIA has had on my company’s development is significant. The extensive range of webinars, information sessions, and Focus events are invaluable sources of education and insight that every member company should utilize to the fullest. These resources provide crucial knowledge and best practices that can drive growth and innovation within our organizations.
I recognize that the true impact lies in how well we leverage these opportunities.
Therefore, I need to do a better job of bringing this to the attention of everyone in my company, including project managers, managers, and other team members. Ensuring that they are aware of and engaged with these resources is essential. That is my promise😊!
- In your opinion, what has been ELIA’s greatest achievement?
ELIA has achieved numerous milestones over the years. One of the greatest achievements has been maintaining the organization’s vitality in a competitive environment. Despite various challenges, ELIA has consistently hosted sold-out events, thanks to the impeccable organization by Dimitra and the dedicated team. These events have provided members with invaluable opportunities for learning, networking, and growth.
Additionally, ELIA’s webinars have been a crucial source of education and information, helping members stay updated with industry trends and best practices. Another significant achievement is the successful launch of initiatives like ELIA Exchange, which have brought innovative ideas to life and further enriched the Member experience.
These accomplishments reflect ELIA’s commitment to supporting its Members and fostering a collaborative and dynamic community. The organization’s ability to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing landscape is a testament to its resilience and dedication.
- How do you see ELIA’s role evolving in the future?
My take would be to keep doing what you are doing now. This involves not only maintaining the high quality of events and resources but also actively promoting the benefits of ELIA membership to a broader audience.
Expanding our reach means leveraging various channels to connect with potential members, showcasing success stories, and highlighting the unique value that ELIA offers. It’s about creating a compelling narrative that resonates with industry professionals and demonstrates how ELIA can support their professional development and business growth. By doing so, we can ensure that ELIA remains a vibrant and thriving community.
We recognize that the future is already here. The translation profession, including freelance translators, is profoundly affected by the integration of AI into all facets of our personal and professional lives. While AI is not replacing linguists, it is transforming the field such that linguists who harness AI will replace those who do not. This will be a key focus for ELIA moving forward, in my opinion.
- What advice would you give to current and future ELIA members and leaders?
To prioritize the challenges faced by our members, we must continuously adapt our programs and agendas to the rapidly evolving technological landscape. Additionally, serving as a Board Member is a significant commitment that demands time and dedication; it should not be viewed as a side activity when considering running for election😉.
- What is your fondest memory of your time with ELIA?
There are too many fond memories to recount. My entire tenure with the organization was truly a pleasure. Serving on the board as President, alongside Richard Brooks as Treasurer and Geert Vanderhaege as Vice-President, was not only an invaluable learning experience but also a genuine delight.
- Is there anything else you would like to share?
Please continue doing what you are doing and ensure that ELIA retains the unique DNA that makes this organization stand out. The sense of community, the shared mission, and the supportive environment are what make ELIA special. It’s crucial to maintain these core values as you navigate future challenges and opportunities. Keep fostering the spirit of collaboration and innovation that has always defined ELIA, and continue to provide a platform where members can connect, learn, and grow together.
What are your thoughts on this weeks’ edition? Check out the LinkedIn post and let us know what you think!
We’ve expanded this series to all our ELIA Members. If you’re an ELIA Member company and would like to share your own story of being a part of ELIA, please fill out this form. Your experiences continue to inspire and guide our community and we would love to share them!
Read our previous articles of the series here and stay tuned for our next spotlight article!
