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Found in Translation

Jacqueline Gerena·Jun 1, 2026· 1 minute

Many people don’t realize that leadership sometimes starts long before a job title.

Growing up, I often translated for my family at doctor’s appointments and helped navigate systems that weren’t always easy to understand. At the time, I didn’t think of it as leadership. I was simply helping.

Looking back now, I see how those moments shaped me. They taught me responsibility, empathy, and how important it is to make systems work for people—not the other way around.

Sometimes the experiences that shape our leadership begin long before we realize it.

I'd love to hear from you -- what are some early skills you learned that ended up being valuable in your career?