Meet Gilian Martina | Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gilian Martina and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Gilian, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I had no intention of having my own business, ever. “Why do people need to have their own business? Can’t they just work, retire, and die?” Those were my own words many years ago.
The trigger that made me start my business was a request from my very first employer, the Public Prosecutor’s Office, to interpret during a criminal trial in Bonaire, a neighbouring island in the Dutch Caribbean. It occurred to me that I can make significant earnings from opportunities in the sector by starting a business. So, I did, and it has been a rewarding journey.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a child, I regularly got this vision where I saw myself standing between two persons who cannot understand each other. In my mid-teens I discovered that there is a profession called interpreter-translator and decided to prepare myself professionally to become one.
Interpreting and translating give me a great sense of satisfaction. I truly enjoy being able to help others express themselves and, in doing so, making sure they feel heard and understood. However, it took some time before I discovered that there are many more ingredients involved in the act of translation than words.
While preparing to become a certified trainer and coach, as part of the John Maxwell certification program, I realized that we can translate ideas into plans, a faint desire into a strong belief and, the most powerful type of translation of all—translating a deep desire into actions that subsequently lead to the realization of one’s dreams.
When I started my business, I was doing what I was good at. However, I was always aware of what really makes my heart sing: coaching and training. I stopped taking on certain assignments, so I could work exclusively on my coaching business, which I officially launched on May 29 with ‘Five Steps to Personal Fulfilment’, my first online coaching course. I’ve helped many people get clarity and regain a sense of purpose with this program. It’s now available in English and will soon be translated into other languages.
What sets me apart in my industry is my broad-based knowledge and ability to relate effectively with people from different cultures and backgrounds. Being raised in Curaçao, I was exposed to the European, Latin, Caribbean, and American cultures in almost equal proportions.
In addition, as an interpreter you must adopt a non-judgmental attitude. This was a tough one for me as I was used to place everyone and everything in the box that they ‘belong’. It was a rewarding journey though because this same attitude is an absolute must for coaches.
To top it off, I’d like to mention that I speak five languages fluently. This is a major asset, because I can help many more clients, while communicating in their native tongue, the language of the heart.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would definitely take my friends to the places that make me proud of being a Curaçaoan. Our first stop would be the capital: Willemstad, which consists of Punda and Otrobanda. The Queen Emma bridge connects these two parts and is only accessible for pedestrians, cyclists, and emergency vehicles.
This pontoon bridge was built in 1888. Cars can also drive from Punda to Otrobanda and vice-versa, but they have to drive over the Juliana bridge, a four-lane road arch bridge reaching a height of 56.4 m (185 ft.). Hopefully, when driving over the bridge, we can get a glimpse of Venezuela, which is just 80 km (49.7 miles) away.
We would try the different cuisines that Curaçao offers. From stewed goat and iguana soup to fine dining, we have it all!
We would take pictures at several murals, go to local museums, and visit the oldest synagogue in the Western hemisphere that is still in use, Mikvé Israel.
Dancing is very important in our culture, so we would definitely check out some popular spots on the island and dance the night away to the tunes of local, regional and international artists. The rhythm and the language don’t matter, whether it’s zouk from the French Caribbean, Soca from the English-speaking Caribbean; merengue, bolero, bachata and son from the Spanish speaking Caribbean islands, our own Salsa Antiana (Antillean salsa), Ritmo kombiná (combined rhythm) or tumba, we can dance all of it. In fact, I will probably ask them to come when we have our very own North Sea Jazz Festival, a delightful musical treat.
My friends won’t leave without going to the beach and experiencing the Curaçao of the 19th century at Wacao Experience.
There is no way this visit can be complete without me showing them the social challenges that we have, just like any other city. I firmly believe that, as human beings, we are connected through our joys and our pains. But, to conclude the trip, I would take them to the Curaçao Liqueur Distillery at Landhuis Chobolobo, so they can witness the distillation process.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Website: www.gilian.life
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gilianandreamartina/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gilian-martina-7a4a6a39
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GilianAMartina
Image Credits
Jason Rafaël