11: Fiona Gray: Translator and Chair the Institute of Translation and Interpreting

Fiona Gray shares why she studied languages, and how she became a translator and the Chair of the Institute of Translation and Interpreting

In this conversation Fiona Gray, a translator and Chair of the Institute of Translation and Interpreting, shares her journey in language learning and translation.

Fiona shares her experiences studying multiple languages, her transition into professional translation and her passion for tourism and creative translation. Fiona also highlights the importance of community within the translation profession, the impact of AI on the industry, and the role of the ITI in supporting translators. She offers valuable insights for aspiring translators and emphasizes the need for continuous professional development.

Key Takeaways

Living and working abroad is essential for language learning – immersion helped Fiona embrace mistakes as a natural and even enjoyable part of learning a language.
A love for languages – her deep love of languages shaped her entire academic path, from school through a master’s in literary translation.
From in-house to self-employed– early in-house roles guided Fiona into freelancing, where she now specialises in lifestyle, travel, tourism, premium brand translation – with Luxembourg becoming an unexpected niche.
The value of community – community is central to her work, and she has taken on increasing leadership roles at the ITI, now serving as its chair.
AI is transforming translation, but it’s also a tool – Fiona sees AI as both a disruptor and a tool, with many translators looking to understand and adapt to the changes it brings. ITI offer support and courses around AI and changes to the translation industry.

About Fiona Gray

Fiona Gray MITI helps brands and businesses based in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Luxembourg to find their voice in English through creative copy and compelling content that makes their German words travel. She has over a decade of experience in the translation industry and has been freelancing for the past nine years. Fiona is Chair of the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI), having served on the ITI Board of Directors since 2022. She won the ITI Mentor of the Year Award in 2023 and was named Linguist of the Year at the ATC Language Industry Awards 2024.

Website: https://www.fionagraycreative.co.uk/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/fiona-gray/

Institute of Translation and Interpreting

The Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI) is the only UK-based independent professional membership association for practising translators, interpreters and all those involved in the language services sector. ITI offers a professional home for language professionals, helping them to create and nurture a fulfilling career, upholding standards for professional conduct through training and education, and increasing public recognition of the value of the translation and interpreting professions through advocacy and engagement.

Connect with Fiona and the ITI

Website: https://www.iti.org.uk/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/institute-of-translation-and-interpreting/
ITI Directory: https://www.iti.org.uk/find-professional-translator-interpreter.html
Translation & AI course: https://www.iti.org.uk/resource/future-proofing-the-profession-inside-the-pioneering-translation-and-ai-course.html
Public Services Committee: https://www.iti.org.uk/resource/psi-opportunity-to-influence-government.html

About Sonia Kampshoff

Sonia is an experienced, multilingual digital marketing consultant focusing on Google Ads and advertising on social media. She works with small and medium-sized companies, agencies and charities across ecommerce and lead generation accounts, supporting them from strategy and planning all the way through optimisation and management.

Languages are integral to her identity and career, so much so that in September 2025 she created and hosts this podcast, telling stories of people who merge their language skills with the work they do – and inspiring many more to learn languages and build a career on these valuable soft skills.