Tea break with Sarah Iseli, Head of Operations Apostroph Bern

A happy soul with a hidden dark side?

Sarah talks so enthusiastically about her home town that she makes it sound like the perfect place to grow up. But just wait until you hear about our bright and cheerful colleague’s taste in books – you might be surprised! Maybe she has a hidden dark side after all?! 😉

Portrait of a woman

Apostroph: You grew up in the canton of Bern in Switzerland. Where exactly feels like home to you? And what have you seen of the big wide world?

The lake is what feels like home to me. Biel is right by Lake Biel at the foot of the southern Jura Mountains. The lake, the Aare tributary and the vineyards are right on my doorstep. What’s not to like? Biel has such a Mediterranean feel to it. And it’s a cosmopolitan place bursting with creativity thanks to the mix of two languages. The alternative art scene here is absolutely buzzing.

I’m sad to say that I haven’t seen as much of the world as I would like. I love travelling but I only leave Lake Biel between November and March because there couldn’t be anywhere more beautiful during the spring, summer and autumn months.

How did you come across Apostroph and what prompted you to stay?

To be honest, I was just looking for a job at the time. A decade ago, I didn’t really know what exactly the role would entail. But it turned out to be a fun place to work and I’ve truly learnt so much at Apostroph already. And I’m looking forward to seeing what the future holds here!

What do you like about languages and translation?

When you grow up bilingually like me, you develop a deeper understanding of how communication works and a special sense of the power of language to connect. I find it all absolutely fascinating! The projects we work on are so varied. They can be highly confidential one day and funny or exciting the next.

Which part of your job do you most look forward to when you wake up in the morning?

Pretty much all of it. And I’m not just saying that! You can ask my colleagues if you don’t believe me. I start each day full of positivity.

Do you have any funny stories from your time at Apostroph?

Too many to mention! But I’m not going to share any of them here to avoid anyone’s ears burning. ;-) But you can feel free to ask me separately and I might be able to tell you a tale or two!

You know what they say about all work and no play. What do you like doing in your free time?

I enjoy exercising, eating, cooking and spending time with my cat! And I relax by playing Candy Crush every now and then. I also spend a lot of time out in the garden and around the lake. Luckily, I don’t need to worry too much about balancing out my work because I genuinely love what I do. That means I don’t get stressed – there’s only good stress around here for me.

What book is on your bedside table and what’s your favourite listening on a relaxing Sunday morning?

I’m not much of a bookworm really. When I do pick up a book, though, it has to be something gruesome and gory. A good crime novel or thriller. You know, the really dark ones...

Did you enjoy reading this post? Would you like to read more about the people of Apostroph? 

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