Priya Morioka has carved out a niche for herself in the business world as a versatile general manager and marketer. As Chief Operating Officer at Global Language Connections, her career has spanned multiple industries, including consumer goods, food service, and communications. Her global experience is enriched by her upbringing in a culturally diverse family, which instilled in her an early appreciation for the nuances of cross-cultural communication. Morioka’s educational background includes an undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Business and a master’s degree from the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business. Her journey reflects a commitment to helping entities understand each other through a shared language.  This interview explores her professional journey, the challenges she faced, and the valuable insights she gained along the way.

Professional Growth and Adaptability

What does your typical day look like as a leader balancing business operations, compliance oversight, and stakeholder engagement? How do you prioritize what matters most?

I use our annual plan, which we break down into quarterly and monthly goals, as a guide for my schedule and daily focus. When conflicts or unexpected challenges arise, I weigh them against these priorities to decide what needs immediate attention. I also rely on my team and their feedback, and address issues collaboratively to keep us aligned and moving forward.

In a fast-changing regulatory, technical, and cultural environment, how do you stay informed and adapt your work to meet new expectations and standards?

I stay firmly rooted in our vision while continuously seeking updates on changes and trends. I participate in external industry groups to stay ahead of developments and bring those insights back to the company. We ensure that we listen to our clients, employees, and other stakeholders to understand their current and future needs, as well as the concerns they have. This helps us adapt quickly and influence the landscape where we can.

Navigating Challenges

Can you describe a time when your organization faced heightened scrutiny or structural challenges? How did you navigate that moment with transparency and focus?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, most of our in-person business came to a halt. Our contracts with clients were primarily in person, and they held contracts with remote vendors; therefore, in many instances, we could not switch our offerings. Therefore, in addition to offering remote services whenever possible. We sought alternative ways for employees to work. We were able to fill a need for elders in the community who didn’t speak English and were unaware that they could attend doctor’s appointments for critical conditions, such as diabetes and hypertension monitoring, during the COVID-19 pandemic, and had missed these appointments. We paired our linguists with them as healthcare navigators to schedule and attend the appointments. Because the work was unfunded and the linguists needed and deserved to be paid, we secured grants and started a GoFundMe to bridge the gap. Throughout, we focused on transparency and clear communication with everyone involved.

Balancing Growth and Values

What is one difficult decision you’ve had to make in recent months that required balancing legal, financial, and mission-driven considerations? What did you learn from the experience?

Recently, we’ve been evaluating a long-standing partner who has been incredibly supportive of our business. As we’ve grown, it has become clear that they may not be able to support us in the same way going forward. This has been a difficult decision, as it requires us to weigh our business needs against our loyalty to this partner. I’ve learned that growth sometimes means making tough decisions to ensure we’re aligning with partners who can meet our evolving needs while still treating everyone with fairness and respect.

Have you ever had a role that felt especially challenging or misaligned with your values? What lessons from that experience inform how you lead today?

As the company has grown, I’ve recognized the need to bring in additional support in specialized areas. While it was initially hard to let go of some control, I learned the value of trusting others and leaning on their expertise. This has made me a more collaborative leader.

Building Trust and Integrity

What personal qualities or systems do you believe have contributed most to your ability to build trust, especially in roles requiring high integrity and responsibility?

I lead with the assumption that people have good intentions in their words and actions. I also hold myself to high standards of integrity and work ethic, which sets the tone for trust and accountability in the organization.

What advice would you offer to professionals entering the corporate space, especially those working at the intersection of regulation, innovation, and stakeholder impact?

Don’t give up on your dreams and passions. The corporate world can be demanding, but staying true to your vision and values makes the work more meaningful and rewarding.

Insights and Expertise

Tell us about a technical or operational skill you’ve mastered on your own—how did it shape your ability to lead in high-stakes corporate environments?

My background has primarily been in selling and managing products, rather than services, so I had to learn how to translate those skills into a service-based environment. I also had more experience in consumer vs business-to-business management. Adapting from marketing consumer products to a service delivery model required me to adjust and refine the frameworks I knew to understand client needs and how to deliver the best possible experience, even in challenging environments.

Who have been the key mentors or supporters who influenced how you think about ethics, sustainability, and resilience in corporate work?

My parents, who instilled a deep sense of faith and that foundation, are the greatest influence, and I’ve made it a point to surround myself with supportive people who challenge and inspire me to lead with integrity.

Vision and Future

What are your future goals for Global Language Connections and the broader impact you hope to achieve?

Our vision at Global Language Connections is to continue to help entities understand each other through a shared language.  We want to expand our reach to more communities and industries, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in culturally competent language services. This will not only help individuals but also enhance the workforce by tapping into a diverse pool of talent that is often overlooked. This work is fundamental to fostering inclusivity and understanding in global business.

What legacy do you hope to leave in your field?

I hope to leave a legacy of innovation and empathy in business, where language and cultural barriers are not obstacles but pathways to greater understanding and collaboration. By setting new standards for how companies engage with diverse communities, I aspire to inspire future leaders to prioritize cultural competence and inclusivity in their strategies.

What advice do you have for the next generation of leaders in the industry?

Stay curious and never stop learning. The world is constantly changing, and adaptability is crucial. Embrace challenges as opportunities to grow and remain true to your values. They will guide you in making decisions that not only benefit your organization but also have a positive impact on society.

In conclusion, Priya Morioka’s journey illustrates a profound commitment to using business as a means to foster cross-cultural understanding and community empowerment. Her work at Global Language Connections serves as a model for how language services can bridge divides and enrich both personal and professional interactions. Morioka’s insights offer valuable guidance for aspiring leaders striving to make a meaningful impact in the global marketplace.