Nwobodo Favour Chisimdi, a Nigerian polyglot sensation, has captivated many with her ability to speak nine foreign languages without ever stepping foot outside of Nigeria.
From Korean to Swahili, Shona to Indonesian, she has dedicated herself to mastering multiple languages, proving that the sky is truly the limit when it comes to linguistic prowess.
Favour’s journey to becoming a polyglot began with a simple introduction to Korean movies by a friend. Little did she know that this initial spark would ignite a passion for languages that would lead her down a path of language acquisition and cultural understanding. It was her uncle’s marriage to a Zimbabwean that further fueled her desire to learn new languages, eventually expanding her repertoire to include Spanish, German, French, Chinese, English, and Igbo.
Despite the challenges that come with learning multiple languages, Favour’s dedication and commitment to mastering each one has been unwavering. Her decision to establish Empress Linguistics Services in 2019 further showcases her passion for languages and her desire to help companies establish a global presence through professional language and content solutions.
How and when did Nwobodo Favour Chisimdi start being a polyglot?
In 2022, during an interview with BellaNaija, a local website in Nigeria, Favour shared her passion for languages and how it all started. She recalled how her interest in languages was sparked by watching a Korean movie that a friend recommended to her.
This simple suggestion opened up a whole new world for Favour as she delved into learning the Korean language, even changing her laptop’s keyboard to Korean to immerse herself further.
Her fascination with languages deepened when her uncle married a Zimbabwean, exposing her to the beautiful Shona language, which captivated her. From then on, Favour’s journey into the world of languages began to unfold.
During her time at the Federal Government College in Enugu, Favour used to save her lunch fees to go to a nearby cyber cafe to learn different languages. Later, she decided to enroll in a language school to cultivate her proficiency in various languages.
Despite her mother’s wishes for her to focus solely on her academic studies and pursue a career in surgery, Favour’s father supported her passion for languages by providing her with a modem to continue her learning journey. Favour managed to excel in her studies and also become adept in multiple languages, showcasing her dedication and determination.
After completing her education, Favour realized the potential of leveraging her language skills in the medical field, particularly in communicating effectively with non-English speaking patients. However, her ambitions evolved as she recognized the broader impact she could make by facilitating international trade in Africa through language services. This realization led her to establish Empress Linguistics Services, where she helped businesses thrive by bridging language barriers and enhancing communication on a global scale.
Favour’s journey into the world of business and linguistics has been nothing short of remarkable. Starting off as a business specialist for top companies in Nigeria, she utilized her linguistic skills to help these businesses operate more effectively. As her reputation grew, she began working with banks in Nigeria to strengthen the international trade sector, further emphasizing the importance of language in the business world.
When she made the decision to shift her focus towards the health sector, Nwobodo’s impact on the business sector was undeniable and her contributions will be remembered far into the future. Empress Linguistics Services, initially a side hustle, has now transformed into a full-fledged company, thanks to Nwobodo’s vision and determination.
The turning point for ELS came when Nwobodo realized they could offer something unique in the linguistics sector – not just translations, but a focus on transforming businesses and enhancing financial strategies. With goals to strengthen international trade in Africa and break down linguistic barriers, ELS is making a significant impact in the business world.
Collaborating with top business schools and receiving interest from major hotels and companies in Nigeria, ELS is on the path to becoming a leader in the field of linguistics and business. Her passion and innovative approach have set her apart, and her journey is a true testament to the power of combining language and business for success.
Now, ELS is an international organisation that partners with businesses and banks to enhance their international trade and educational sectors. It also helps businesses by providing translation, subtitling, and transcription services for their courses, allowing them to reach a wider audience of non-English speakers from various countries.
Additionally, ELS also implements the Linguistics in Business System (LIBS) in companies, and serves as a linguistic aide for African conferences in Nigeria, offering translations, interpretations, and more.
Favour as the director of ELS, is dedicated to ensuring that the company delivers top-notch services to its clients. She is committed to providing 100% satisfaction and is known for her perfectionism, earning the nickname “Empress Perfect.”
Businesses and organizations seeking linguistic services can easily reach out to ELS through their customer service, where they can discuss their needs and leave the rest up to the dedicated team at ELS. With a focus on excellence and attention to detail, ELS is a trusted partner for businesses looking to expand their reach and enhance their global presence.
Favour’s dedication to her work is truly inspiring. She describes herself as a very disciplined person who always gives 100% in everything she does, whether it’s leading her teams in Empress Linguistics Services (ELS), Women With Kids Win (WWKW), or working with the Tony Elumelu Foundation.
Balancing these responsibilities is not easy, and some days she feels exhausted, but she takes pride in her work and strives to do even more. Her collaborations with Harvard Business School and Lagos Business School, as well as being nominated for Forbes Africa 30 under 30 under Business, are just a few highlights of her impressive accomplishments.
ELS has worked with top organizations and companies across Africa, while Women With Kids Win has secured partnerships with leading tech and cryptocurrency companies, along with establishing a cryptocurrency academy to empower 10,000 women with digital skills.
As Favour continues to expand her language skills and work towards becoming a polyglot powerhouse, one thing is clear: her journey to mastering multiple languages is a testament to her unwavering determination and passion for learning. With each new language she adds to her repertoire, Favour continues to inspire others to push boundaries and embrace the beauty of language and culture.