Press and Media
Official Bios
Full bio
Julia Poger – AKA Your Secret Decoder Ring – is a Business, Conference and Diplomatic Interpreter working with Russian, who specializes in unspoken intent and communication in context, to give companies a secret advantage in their conversations.
At a time when people have become more entrenched in their positions, talking past each other, genuine conversations become almost impossible. People simply use fixed phrases and think they are communicating – which makes it all the more difficult to get things done. Julia is a communications specialist who, thanks to her knowledge of her languages and cultures, focuses on the underlying intent and context of the conversations, to be able to tease out the real issues and consequences of what someone is saying.
After having received her MA in Conference Interpreting from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in Monterey (MIIS), Julia has worked for over 30 years with governments, NGOs, businesses, and international organizations to help conversations flow smoothly at meetings from international summits to scientific discussions, from business meetings to international arbitration, from building nuclear power plants to putting on a show. She is a proud member of the International Association of Conference Interpreters, the only worldwide professional association of conference interpreters, with over 3000 members in over 100 countries. She has been invited to train or be on examining juries for both novice and experienced interpreters in schools and venues in 7 countries (Belgium, France, Russia, Switzerland, UK, Ukraine, and the US in her alma mater). She has also taught interpreting skills to groups and individuals across the US, in Mexico, Russia and Ukraine, and has been invited to present at several conferences and events.
Julia loves to travel, can be dropped in a country where she doesn’t speak the language – and will be able to order a meal like a native in a matter of hours (though she is sometimes surprised by what she receives!).
Short Bio
Julia Poger – AKA Your Secret Decoder Ring – is a Business, Conference and Diplomatic Interpreter working with Russian, who specializes in unspoken intent and communication in context, to give companies a secret advantage in their conversations. Julia is a communications specialist who is able to tease out the real issues and consequences of what someone is saying. Julia has worked for over 30 years with governments, NGOs, businesses, and international organizations to help conversations flow smoothly at meetings from international summits to scientific discussions, from business meetings to international arbitration, from building nuclear power plants to putting on a show. She is a proud member of the International Association of Conference Interpreters, and has been invited to train or be on examining juries for both novice and experienced interpreters in schools and venues in 7 countries. Julia loves to travel, can be dropped in a country where she doesn’t speak the language – and will be able to order a meal like a native in a matter of hours (though she is sometimes surprised by what she receives!).
Micro Bio
Julia Poger – AKA Your Secret Decoder Ring – is a Business, Conference and Diplomatic Interpreter working with Russian, who specializes in unspoken intent and communication in context, to give companies a secret advantage in their conversations.
Approved photos
You are free to use these photos digitally with my and the photographer’s permission as long as you include the photographer’s credit, credit Julian Wakefield at Teralon Media, and send me a link at j.poger@aiic.net to where they are being used.
You are free to use these photos digitally with my and the photographer’s permission as long as you include the photographer’s credit, credit Emma J Smith at PixelLit, and send me a link at j.poger@aiic.net to where they are being used.
Speaking Engagements
Here is a list of past speaking engagements:
I can discuss all things interpreting - but more importantly, the mindset and intent behind getting your message across.
Podcasts:
Mind over Matters: Change Your Mindset, Help Your Client, 2020
Troublesome Terps: Know Your Worth with Julia Poger, 2020
ATA SLD Division: Running Your Business Like a Business, 2019
Conference Speaker:
Chartered Institute of Linguists Panel: What Interpreters Need to Know About Working Online 2022; Moving Events Online, 2021
TerpSummit: Know Your Worth: Understanding Marketing and Negotiating for Interpreters 2021; Social Media and Personal Branding 2022
UTIC on the International Association of Conference Interpreters, 2021
Chartered Institute of Linguists panel on moving events online, 2021
Innovation in Interpreting: Social Media and Interpreters 2021
Global Dialog: Panel member on international practices in conference interpreting, discussing international associations, training, ethics, moving online; 2018-present
Cosines Pi International Interpreting Contest: Jury Member; 2017-present
Conference Masterclass:
Cosines Pi International Interpreting Contest: English Intonation 2017; Structure in Consecutive Interpreting 2018; Picasso in your Notes 2019; Marketing vs Self-Promotion 2020; B Careful: Taming Your English 2022
Global Dialog: Master Class on: Marketing 2019; Negotiating 2020
Reviews:
“What a breath of fresh air Julia is. One thing that caught my attention was the intent with which Julia listened to my questions. This is quite rare & formed the basis for an engaging conversation.”
Peter Crewe-Brown, podcast host
“Well, I was going to listen in later... but I couldn't wait. I knew it would be good - and it certainly didn't disappoint! It was absolutely brilliant. I'll be listening to it again later to pick up on several points that I don't want to forget.”
Pam Clark, listener
“She is definitely an easy interesting guest.”
Beverly McMaster, listener
“Let me thank you for this morning’s wonderful, wonderful webinar/taster. Julia, your amazing warmth and your expertise really made my day.”
Sarah Cuminetti, attendee
The plain, honest tone of her communications and the ease with which candid, fun remarks were intertwined with serious content.
The relevance of the examples provided when trying to prove a point or showcase a concept.
Lovely delivery with some very useful tips on social media presence, which is something I hadn't consciously worked on.
attendees, TerpSummit 2022
Voted 2020 Show of the Year and Guest of the Year by listeners of the Troublesome Terps Podcast