A born entrepreneur and leader, Alain J Roy built ASTA-USA Translation Services, Inc. from the ground up while fostering an environment of growth and opportunity for its employees and partners. His commitment to quality and customer service excellence is inspiring. Beyond his pursuit of absolute quality and innovation, AJ has an innate desire for adventure. When he dresses down from his business attire, he can be found at the controls of a race car, an airplane, a motorcycle, a boat, or a horse competing in a rodeo event. He has a curious, passionate, and daring nature — his friends and colleagues often call him “the most interesting man in the world.”
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My typical day begins at sunrise when I take a moment to appreciate the quiet and plan for the day ahead. I start by reviewing my agenda and the overall operations of ASTA-USA Translation Services, ensuring that everyone clearly understands our goals and objectives.
Once we all agree, I dedicate time to responding to employee, colleague, and partner inquiries. Communication is vital, and I prioritize being accessible to those who work with and collaborate on my ventures. I then coordinate assignments for my executive team, aligning our efforts to meet client expectations.
As someone who firmly believes in excellent customer service, I regularly check in with clients, employees, and partners to assess their satisfaction. Their feedback is invaluable for fostering a culture of growth and opportunity.
When I feel confident about our progress, I set aside time to plan future strategies and initiatives. I also make space for personal reflection, self-care, and family, which keeps me grounded and energized. This balance between leadership and personal fulfillment is key to my productivity and success.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Bringing ideas to life starts with my innate curiosity. This trait allows me to identify opportunities that others might overlook. I believe staying connected with people, industries, and economic trends is essential, as it helps me understand the landscape in which my businesses operate.
I focus on engaging with my team and industry peers to create an environment where innovative ideas can thrive. By actively looking for ways to improve our communication and services, I ensure our offerings meet the changing needs of our clients.
What’s one trend that excites you?
One trend that truly excites me is the advancement in communication technologies. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the evolution of tools and platforms that facilitate seamless communication is remarkable. This trend enhances collaboration across borders and allows for greater accessibility to a broader range of industries.
In my line of work, these advancements open up new possibilities for providing high-quality translation services. They enable us to reach a broader audience and respond to client needs more effectively. The potential for real-time translation and AI-driven communication tools is particularly fascinating, as they can break down language barriers and foster understanding among diverse cultures.
Embracing these innovations allows us to stay ahead of the curve and continually improve our services. I’m excited about the future possibilities and how they can enhance relationships and create new opportunities for growth in our industry.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
One habit that significantly enhances my productivity is meticulous planning. Outlining my goals and tasks not only clarifies my priorities but also sets a clear roadmap for my day. This proactive approach allows me to allocate my time and resources efficiently.
Additionally, I practice effective delegation. Trusting my executive team with responsibilities empowers them and frees me to focus on strategic initiatives. By surrounding myself with capable individuals and allowing them to take ownership, we create a collaborative environment where everyone can thrive.
Moreover, I prioritize healthy and morally sound living habits. Maintaining a balanced lifestyle, including regular physical activities, proper nutrition, and ethical decision-making, keep my energy levels and mind clear. This rounded approach ensures that I remain focused and motivated, enabling me to tackle challenges confidently.
These habits create a strong foundation for my productivity and overall success.
What advice would you give your younger self?
If I could offer advice to my younger self, it would be to spend less time around individuals who do not share the same high values, priorities, and motivations. Surrounding myself with like-minded people is crucial for personal and professional growth.
Engaging with those who inspire and challenge me has always propelled my journey forward. Conversely, investing time in relationships that do not align with my aspirations can drain energy and divert focus from my goals.
I would encourage my younger self to seek out mentors and peers who elevate my thinking and encourage my ambitions. Building a network of supportive, driven individuals creates an environment where ideas can flourish and success becomes more attainable. Ultimately, aligning with those who share my vision and values is key to realizing my potential and making a meaningful impact.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you.
One belief I hold that often meets skepticism is that an individual can develop many skills and succeed across various domains—be it in sports, personal development, or business. Many people think one must specialize in a single area to grow and succeed. Still, I firmly believe that curiosity and dedication can lead to excellence in multiple fields.
Additionally, I often hear business owners and managers express the sentiment that finding good employees is nearly impossible. I disagree with that perspective. There are countless talented and capable individuals out there; it’s often about how we treat them and create an environment that fosters their growth and engagement.
When employees feel valued and supported, their performance improves significantly. Building a culture of respect and encouragement can attract and retain the right people, leading to a thriving organization. By nurturing talent and promoting a positive workplace, we can unlock the potential of individuals and achieve remarkable results together.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
The one thing I consistently do and recommend to others is to prioritize continued education. In today’s fast-paced world, staying informed and adaptable is crucial. I encourage people to read books, listen to audiobooks, and watch educational materials and shows that spark their curiosity and expand their knowledge.
It’s also important to verify the information presented to you. Critical thinking and discernment are key in an age where information is abundant but not always accurate. By actively seeking out diverse sources and perspectives, we can enrich our understanding and make more informed decisions.
Continued education fosters personal growth, keeps our skills sharp, and opens doors to new opportunities. Whether it’s related to your profession or a personal interest, dedicating time to learn can have a profound impact on your life and career. I truly believe that a commitment to lifelong learning is one of the most valuable investments anyone can make.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
When I feel overwhelmed or unfocused, I make it a priority to walk away from any distractions. I have a few go-to strategies that help me clear my mind and regain my focus:
• Going for a hike in nature: Being outdoors allows me to reconnect with the environment, breathe fresh air, and find peace in the beauty around me.
• Spending time on the lake: Whether it’s relaxing by the water or engaging in some activities, the lake offers a serene escape that helps me recharge.
• Driving my race car on the race track: There’s something exhilarating about racing that helps me focus and channel my energy in a productive way. It’s a thrilling way to shake off any funk.
• Relaxing with a good business book: Listening to a business book not only helps me unwind but also stimulates my mind and provides new insights that can inspire me as I return to my tasks.
These activities play a crucial role in helping me reset and regain my focus when I need it most.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
One strategy that has significantly helped me grow my business and advance in my career is what I like to call “jumping off cliffs and building my wings on the way down.” This approach embodies a willingness to take calculated risks and embrace uncertainty.
Rather than waiting for the perfect moment or having every detail figured out, I’ve learned to take bold steps forward, even when there are unknowns. This has often led to unexpected opportunities and valuable learning experiences. By being proactive and adaptable, I’ve been able to navigate challenges and seize chances that have ultimately propelled my growth.
This mindset encourages creativity and innovation, allowing me to push boundaries and explore new possibilities in both my business and career.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
There was a time when I was dead wrong about a decision I made during the hiring process. I rushed into hiring an individual without thoroughly vetting their background and character or seeking approval from my team. Unfortunately, this person turned out to be dishonest and created tension within the rest of my management team.
The situation was challenging and ultimately resulted in a setback for our team dynamics. To overcome this, I took immediate action to address the issue. I had open discussions with my management team to acknowledge the mistake and work collaboratively on a solution. We focused on restoring trust and fostering a positive environment by emphasizing transparency and communication.
This experience taught me invaluable lessons about the importance of patience and thoroughness in the hiring process. I learned that taking the time to evaluate candidates not only based on skills but also on their values and integrity is crucial. Since then, I’ve implemented more rigorous hiring practices, ensuring that I make well-informed decisions that contribute positively to the team’s culture.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
One piece of software that significantly helps me be productive is my email software. It serves as a vital tool for communication and plays a crucial role in preserving records. By organizing conversations, important documents, and timelines, I can easily refer back to previous discussions and maintain clear lines of communication with my team, partners, and clients.
Having an efficient email system in place allows me to stay on top of tasks, manage my schedule effectively, and ensure that important information is always accessible. Overall, it streamlines my workflow and enhances my productivity.
What is the best $100 you recently spent?
The best $100 I recently spent was on a series of books focused on business development, specifically related to delivering superior service and quality products. Investing in these resources was invaluable to me.
These books not only confirmed and solidified the motivations that have always driven me but also provided deeper insights into my passions. As a child, I had a strong desire to end each day with a sense of accomplishment and appreciation. There was always something within me that refused to settle for “good enough.”
Reading these books allowed me to validate my inner feelings and provided guidance on how to channel that drive into my work. They reinforced my belief that excellence is attainable and necessary, and they equipped me with strategies to enhance our services further. This investment not only enriched my knowledge but also reignited my commitment to continuous improvement in my business practices.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast from which you’ve received much value?
It’s difficult to choose just one favorite book or podcast, as there are so many that have positively influenced me. However, I can highlight a few that stand out:
One of my all-time favorites is “In Search of Excellence” by Tom Peters and Bob Waterman. This book delves into the principles of successful organizations and emphasizes the importance of strong leadership and a commitment to quality service. It has profoundly shaped my understanding of what it takes to build a thriving business.
Another impactful read is “Seeds of Greatness” by Denis Waitley. This book focuses on personal development and the mindset needed to achieve success. It helped me cultivate a positive outlook and motivated me to pursue my goals with greater determination.
Lastly, “Inquebrantables” by Daniel Habif has also been incredibly inspiring. This book emphasizes resilience and the power of the human spirit to overcome challenges. Habif’s insights on perseverance resonate with me and reinforce the importance of maintaining a strong mindset in both personal and professional endeavors.
Each of these works has contributed to my growth and development, shaping my beliefs and approaches in meaningful ways.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
Strangely enough, I’m not a big fan of TV shows or movies, but there are a couple of films that have truly touched me.
One of them is “Patch Adams,” featuring Robin Williams. This movie resonates with me because it emphasizes selflessness and perseverance, showcasing the power of compassion and humor in healing. It serves as a reminder of the impact we can have on others when we approach life with kindness and empathy.
Another film that left a lasting impression is “The Art of Racing in the Rain.” It beautifully illustrates a variety of life lessons, such as embracing the moment, resilience, determination, hope, and transformation. The perspective of the story, told through the eyes of a dog, adds a unique layer that reminds us to cherish our experiences and persevere through challenges.
Both movies have offered valuable insights that I carry with me in my daily life.
Key learnings:
This is a tough one for me, as my favorite points would really depend on what resonates most with the readers. However, I can highlight a few key themes that I believe stand out:
- Curiosity: My innate curiosity drives me to seek greater knowledge, fostering innovation and a commitment to excellence in my work.
- Continuous Self-Reflection: I prioritize self-reflection and analysis, which allows me to learn from my experiences and strive for personal and professional growth.
- Resilience and Determination: Films like “The Art of Racing in the Rain” remind me of the importance of resilience and embracing life’s moments, which I carry into my daily life.