Almira Zainutdinova

Hello, and welcome to my Meer profile! Born in the heart of Eurasia, a region celebrated for its extraordinary ethnic diversity and cultural fusion, I was raised in a vibrant blend of traditions. With Russian and Tatar as my mother tongues, I grew up immersed in the rich heritage of the unique multicultural tapestry, where Kazakhs, Russians, Tatars, Germans, Koreans, and many others have lived side by side for generations. This was as intricate and beautiful as the patterns on my grandmother's cherished kerchief.

I learned to read very early. One day, tired of my numerous requests to read me another book, my mother said gently: "You know the letters. Why not try putting them together into syllables, and then into words?" Shrugging my shoulders, I went to my room where, moving my lips, I read the first sentences, and after a few minutes, I ran into the kitchen, where she was preparing dinner, with a joyful cry: "I’ve learned to read, listen to how I do it!" Several years later, she took me by the hand to the local children's library, where I became a frequent visitor, even being awarded a "Young Book Lover" badge for my love of reading.

I started writing small articles for children's journals and newspapers, and I still remember the impatience and thrill of anticipation as I awaited the postman's delivery, followed by the pure happiness of seeing my work published.

When I was 12 years old, my horizon broadened. Growing up in a small place during the post-Soviet era, far from global influences, my world felt happy yet limited. However, everything changed the moment we began learning English as a second language. One of the most vivid memories I have is when our English teacher, stylishly dressed, walked into class and suddenly addressed us in English. The sound was so foreign and mesmerizing, and it felt like an entirely new world unfolding before me through this language.

For a kid raised in a small mining town where life was difficult due to the political and economic consequences of the USSR's collapse, this new sound was more than just words. It was a door to new experiences, cultures, and endless possibilities. I remain profoundly grateful for all she did, as without her, I wouldn't be where I am today.

That early passion for languages led me to pursue a Bachelor's in English and German languages, followed by Master's degrees in both Neuroscience of Language and Emotional Intelligence. My career began in academia as a Professor of English Philology and Translation Studies, and then expanded into work with international human rights organizations such as the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe as an interpreter and cultural mediator.

This experience opened new doors, leading me to Southern Europe, where I worked on major projects for companies like Microsoft, Airbus, and Caterpillar, eventually leading Linguistic Quads for various large-scale projects.

For the past 12 years, I've been working as Head of the Languages Area at one of Spain's largest engineering companies. Throughout my professional journey, I've shared my expertise as a Subject Matter Expert in business communications, team leadership, emotional intelligence, and AI training for writers and MT training for translators.

After years of leading teams, I decided to share my insights in a book titled Si me ves con ojeras, es por liderar no por Netflix (If you see me with dark circles, it's from leading, not Netflix).

Today, I continue to give back to the community as a visiting lecturer and educational facilitator, helping to inspire and guide the next generation of professionals by disseminating knowledge and experience. At the same time, I am working on a personal project about my family's story, which I see as a tribute to past generations.

Articles by Almira Zainutdinova

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