Allison: Global Business Executive Leading with French

Meet Allison—a Sales Leader for the U.S. and Asia Pacific regions working in the Life Sciences sector.

Even in meetings or interactions where English is the predominant language, demonstrating that you know another language, are learning another language, or are bilingual will only serve to accelerate your credibility, trust, and relationship development.

Languages: English & French

Grew Up In: Anna, IL

Degrees Held:

• BA in French from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
• MBA from Middlebury Institute of International Studies (MIIS)
  

How have your language and cultural skills supported and/or enhanced your professional opportunities?

My language and cultural skills have always been at the core of my career, from my initial post-graduate Marketing role at a large, multi-national bank to my current Business Development role with a global provider of biopharmaceutical professional consulting, development, and outsourcing solutions.

I’m also deeply passionate about a not-for-profit organization “Women in Localization.” We are a global organization dedicated to professional and personal development for women in the translation industry, and have more than 15,000 members worldwide. With the increased use of Artificial Intelligence, a huge focus for us has been upskilling to ensure that our members remain competitive and leading edge in the market.

I have such fond memories of my first French class in high school, taught by Madame Marie Feist, with whom I traveled to Europe for the first time and who taught me all four years. The very first French words we learned were “Monsieur Jean-Claude ! Monsieur Jean-Claude !”

That simple phrase formed the foundation for my entire career, from studying abroad in France in college, to working with global companies focused on serving customers and patients around the world. In addition to language skills, this has required deep cultural and emotional intelligence. While no one can understand the cultural norms of every country and region, my high school French experience emphasized an appreciation that these exist, along with the commitment and enthusiasm to learn more.

What advice would you share with current language learners or those considering studying a language?

I would encourage learners to focus on aspects beyond language itself. Understand the culture beyond just the language. How does history help shape the future of a country? What are the economic drivers within a country? How are trends in Healthcare, Food Supply, Technology, Immigration, etc., affecting the culture? How does the country take care of its people? Understanding some of these aspects will enrich the learning of any language, while ensuring ongoing relevance that Artificial Intelligence could never address.

It’s often said that English is the language of global business, and because of that, language skills aren’t necessary to succeed. Do you agree or disagree? Why?

Whoever said that has never sat in meetings in Japan, China, or South Korea! Even in meetings or interactions where English is the predominant language, demonstrating that you know another language, are learning another language, or are bilingual will only serve to accelerate your credibility, trust, and relationship development. Honoring local customs and cultural nuances will take you even further still!

Do you have an interesting, moving, or humorous anecdote featuring your language or cultural skills to share?

France continues to hold a very special place in my soul, and I look forward to returning in my retirement years. Climbing the steps to the top of the Eiffel Tower remains my favorite work-out and I encourage anyone visiting to take the stairs rather than the elevators. The views are truly “magnifique”! Allons-y !

Check out our Connect with French page—or explore another language of your choosing—for information about university programs, scholarship opportunities, testimonials, and more! Then tell us how you put your language skills to work @LangConnectsFdn on social media.

Know a multilingual professional who's using language skills in their work or career? Refer them to us for consideration in an upcoming Professional Profile.