479. 4 true stories of English transformation that will inspire you

Hey, everyone, it's Adar. I'm so excited to share with you today's episode because today you are going to listen to a student success panel I hosted just a few days ago inside my English Fluency Festival. In the panel, you are going to hear the transformation stories of my students and what is now possible for them thanks to English no longer being an obstacle. They're going to share their experience inside of New Sound, my signature pronunciation coaching program, and they're going to tell personal stories about what has helped them evolve and develop. I believe that there is nothing better than seeing real people getting real results. And this is exactly what I want you to experience today. So let's go ahead and welcome my dear students, Alejandra, Robin, Monico and Yessica. Please welcome to the stage Yessica. Welcome, Robin. Welcome, Robin and Monico. Hello.

Hello, hello. Hello.

How are you doing? How are you feeling?

Amazing. So excited to be here.

So I think how the way we're gonna start is let's do just like first a quick round of introduction. So say where you're at, like who you are where you're at right now and maybe a little bit about why. You know what, that's already going to take you into the story. So let's just like quickly introduce yourself and maybe how long you've been in my world in doing this work with me. So, Jessica, would you like to start?

Of course. I am in Texas, the beautiful state of Texas. I am a mother of two, my daughter is 12 and my son is eight. I joined two years ago. So this is actually my two year anniversary month. I started New Sound September of 2023. And I'm excited for my journey and to share my journey with everyone.

And we're excited to hear it. And Robin, what about you?

That's such a coincidence because I think right now is my one year anniversary with Beyond A New Sound in September. Yeah. So, yeah, I'm living in Belgium and I've never lived in an English speaking country, but I love languages. I'm a language teacher also. Dutch language teacher. And English. Yeah, it's like the second language language love, I guess, of my life.

And. Okay, so we're going to get into your journey in a little bit. So we have Jessica and Robin and Monico.

Wow.

Thank you so much, Kadar. Hi, guys. How you doing? Well, you know, I'm in the city, like unique New York. Unique New York.

The Big Apple.

The Big Apple never sleeps. Exactly. And I'm really happy to be here. I'm really excited thank you so much. But yeah, I just want to share my story, you know. That is really amazing. I have been here for more than two years. It's not my anniversary, but it's like, you know.

Yes, for sure. Tell me a little bit more about what was your biggest trick struggle before deciding that it's time to make a change?

Wow, that is a great question. My biggest struggle was to talk, speak. Especially because I'm living in a English speaking country, you know. So for me it was really hard. Even with my friends, people all the time. I said not English, just Spanish, even though if I know some words. But it was really hard for me. Really, really, really hard.

How it is immigrating to the US and still not being exposed enough to English. Like English like you, you're not using English on a regular basis. Like, is this something that, is that you feel was like a good experience or do you feel like it was inhibiting you or preventing you from getting to your next level in English?

Well, basically because I have been working in restaurants, you know, and I have been working with people, most people is Spanish people like me. So I had not that one. I had not that opportunity to talk with the speaker. Natives, native speakers. So it was really hard.

Yeah, because I hear it a lot, I hear it a lot that people living in the U.S. but they're not, they don't have a lot of opportunities to, to speak in English. And then because of that fear and that gap, they don't expose themselves or expand their circle of friends or you know, like their, the, the where they work. So I think that this is something that a lot of people see and I think people can resonate with that struggle. So you felt that you couldn't speak, you couldn't communicate. And what was, tell me about that moment where you said no more like I want to change what, what happened there?

Well, it was in the pandemic time. It was for me. I was watching your videos. I said, I thought, I really thought that. No, you know, I never take a course online, never in my life. And to tell you the truth, I was like, yes or not. Probably there's not, you know, you're not spending $2 or $3, but every penny that I just spent to invest in myself, I'm really happy. And I had to say thanks. Thank you so much. It worked. It worked so a lot. I'm really happy for that one.

So we can, we can, you know, like, we see that it works because now you're speaking and you're hosting groups and you were at a place where you couldn't, you know, like, you didn't have the confidence to speak. And then. And then you decided to make a decision. Okay, so I'm going to come back to you and talk about what worked for you in particular. But, Robin, do you. Do you want to tell us what was the moment where you said, oh, I need to. Something needs to change for me?

Yes. Well, I told you, I'm a Dutch language teacher, but I'm also online a vocal coach since a few years. Since more than two years now. And so every month, I'm hosting an open mic and I'm giving direct feedback on the singers. And I just noticed that I still didn't have a lot of confidence or not enough confidence to my liking. And honestly, that's. I think that's the main reason why I joined beyond and then New Sound. But also, I was just interesting in learning more English and. And I was following some people on the Internet as well, especially when I went into burnout last year. And so especially when New Sound started, I started to experience joy again in being in the program. And, yeah, I think it was a great decision, even just for my mental health and my physical health, because I had a purpose again. And, well, there was so much interesting stuff to learn. Yeah.

Yeah. Tell me as a vocal coach and a language teacher. Right. And I think the. You know, we do a lot, like, we talk about the voice a lot, and we definitely talk about the difference between languages. What was the biggest insight for you when it comes to the work that we do inside of New Sound that helped you also in your professional life and in the work that you do?

There were a lot of insights. It's hard to tell. Well, oh, there's so much like the first thing I was thinking about, but it was not maybe the most important thing in my personal or professional life. But more insight in all the sounds in English and how they are all different? Actually, we think. We think some sounds are the same as in our own language, but I just realized that even sounds that I thought were the same in my language were not quite exactly the same as in English. And, yeah, just that insight and starting to really hear the difference and practice the difference made me feel more confident in my English. Yeah, that's one part.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I think, like, this idea, like, having clarity and being in control and like, just understanding and so it's not intuition. Like, you can make sense of it. I think this is also something that is a game changer for. I. I see that Often it, it changes the way people not only perceive English, but also their own language. Right. Because all of a sudden you start hearing things in your own language as well. Incredible. And Jessica, what about you? Like, what do you, what was your. The trigger?

Yeah, well, everything started during the pandemic too. I remember telling my husband, I wish there was a place where I can just log in and learn. Like, and I searched for that. I went to a community college, to universities around us, to community groups around me, and I just couldn't find that one place. Like, just go there. I remember clearly telling my husband, I need a place where I can just go and learn about anything and everything. Not necessarily English, although I knew English was an insecurity of mine. And I found it. And I'm so lucky that I found it because like I tell other students, we're not just. I mean, obviously the main purpose is to improve our English, our pronunciation, our dialogue. But at the end of the day, I think you come in here to a community that is just going to make you better in every sense of the word. Like, I am a better person. I have gained new skills. Like technology was not my thing. And now I've learned so much about technology because we have amazing students that are IT software engineers and we have just such a diverse community. And when it comes to careers as well, that you're learning about everything. I mean, I'm a part of book clubs. But anyway, where did it start? So during the pandemic there were, after the pandemic we had this rush and I work in the staffing sector in corporate America and we had this rush to hire, I think it was around 20, 21. And so I was promoted. I had already been with the company for eight years right after college, and I was still insecure. And I was promoted into this position where I needed to do a lot of talking. So before that all my positions were kind of like back office. And now I needed to be in front of the client, like client facing. And every time I would step into a room or into a meeting, I immediately would notice, just my self confidence would drop. And that's where I remember telling myself, I need to do something about this. I don't know what it is, but I need to start somewhere. And so I hired a Native American, Native American pronunciation coach. She was, she's in Utah. And so I started lessons with her and you know, she started teaching me about the American R and all of that, which were new concepts to me. Although I, I have a college degree here in America. So, so it was, it was. I loved it. It was great. But then she introduced me to one of your videos. I don't know. The video was about dip songs. I don't know what it was about. But then I started clicking and then you started talking about mindset, and I was like, I need that. That is exactly what I need. And so it was around August when, when she had introduced me to your videos and then you opened up new sound and then just the rest is history.

So, like, it was really about the combination of being able, like, because you wanted to feel more confident speaking to other people. And you worked on the technical aspect and it probably helped. But it wasn't until that came with the mindset work and with really like integrating it into the work that you do that you realize this is my. My next level in a way.

Absolutely. And IPA has completely changed my mind. Like, my coach did not believe in ipa. Like, because when I heard you talking about it, I took it to her. I said, I want to learn about the ipa, because that makes complete sense. She's like, no, you know, we don't. We don't touch on that. She had her own strategy. So I feel like you just give us the tools to be able to pronounce any word we can and, and, you know, say anything we want. But the most powerful thing about your program is the mindset coaching. I know we're all here for pronunciation. And let me say something, I was very skeptical. Like, when, when I was joining the. The program, I was like, is this gonna be worth it? Like, am I going to get my money's worth? That was my question. And I'm sure that's the question a lot.

Very valid question. Yeah.

Because I'm always running. I mean, I have two kids, I have a full time job. I'm running all the time. And I was like, am I going to get what I need from this? And let me tell you, the team has just exceeded all my expectations. My only regret is that I didn't find you sooner. So.

Wow, Jessica. It's been, it's, you know, like, and you've been such a dedicated student and so passionate about this work, especially around mindset. And I think that it's, and this is what I always say, like, it's impossible to go through any transformation, even if it's just pronunciation or grammar or like, you know, fluency, without understanding the things that hold us back. And I know that Monica and Robin, like, also, this was also a part of their experience and their journey. So I want to hear a little bit more. Monica, you said that when you went through the mindset module, at that point you're like, yes, like, got it. This is landing. Tell me why it was. It was so meaningful to you. And tell me how were you able to connect it to the pronunciation work and the fluency work that you did?

Well, as I said, right at that moment, it was for me, like, what am I doing here? I need to practice. I need to talk. I need to speak with people. So that day it changed something in my mind. I was driving and I was thinking in English. I know that I can do this one. I know. So it's just. Just to jump in and say something to people. They gonna understand me because I can't talk. One day I went to the show to shop something and the guy, I told the guy, excuse me, do you know somebody speak Spanish here? And he said to me, why? Because, you know, I need to speak in Spanish. I can speak English. What are you doing now? Speaking English, right? I said, yes, go ahead. Don't worry about that one. I gonna understand you. That's great. And he said, experience, by the way.

I just want to say. Want to acknowledge the guy because I think this is like a good, positive experience. And I know that people living in an, you know, an English speaking country may have had negative experiences around being people, being impatient or people. So we also need to acknowledge, and I love it that you recognize it and it also shows your mindset that you remember it, because we tend to forget the good stuff. So I love it that this was like a. A moment that you remember. Okay. And then, yes, please go ahead.

And then I said, okay, I can do this one. I'm not getting anymore. So one day I was, you know, working and a guy who is native, he. We were talking and then he laughed at me. And I said, what do you love him for? And he said, I'm not laughing because you're English. I'm laughing because your accent. I said, oh, okay. Thank you. After a year, exactly a year, we were working because he just left and he come back and we were talking in English for about six, seven, eight minutes. And he said to me, wait a minute, you're a student in English? I said, yes, I'm in a program. Wow, Amazing. You speak much better than before. He said, congratulations. I said, I got this, buddy.

Yeah, amazing.

I love it. You know?

Yeah. And how do you, how do you incorporate? Like so. So the mindset is always. You feel like you're very proactive. You take a Chance, you're not afraid anymore, which is incredible. How was your. How were you able to combine your daily routine because you were working and, you know, like, I'm sure you're a busy guy, and how were you able to manage, like doing the course and also having a life and having a job and all of that?

Well, this one, this course hit me more than that one. You know, now I create that new habits in my life, beautiful habits that I have now. My daily life is so different. Let me tell you that 10 years ago, probably, if you see me, I was angry guy, you know, all the time people say that to me. Probably I said, okay, they're wrong. But I was wrong. I had to accept that one. And I had a friend of mine that helps me a lot in mindset as well. So I'm always had to say, say to him, thank you so much to him all the time, because he did it. And I said, okay, if I want this one for my life, it's about me. It's not about others. So I had to take, take advantage on this one. And as I said, every single penny that I just invest in myself is priceless. You know what I mean?

Yes, I always say that as well because, like, if. If to spend money on anything, then do it on yourself, because this is the best investment there is always, like significant roi return on investment when you invest on yourself rather than on shoes or. Or maybe not books, because it's still investment in yourself. But clothes and things that, you know, they come and go. But then when you change habits, when you do something that helps you transform, when you learn new things, like the sounds and intonation and rhythm, it always stays there. And it's just going to kind of like enhance your ability to connect, to communicate. So I think you're spot on with that. Robin, what about you? Like, I think you know from. From what I remember about your experience in New Sound, like, there was always. There were often times where I saw you would push, get to some kind of a limit, and you were able to push through. So I think for you, mindset was. Was a big component in your journey. So do you want to talk about that a little bit more?

Yes. Yes. Yeah. I've been thinking a lot of my own students, and especially the difference between some people that I've taught who were actually very, very good in Dutch and really super intelligent and doing really well in tests, but at the same time who were lacking in confidence versus some people who were extremely confident and making a lot of mistakes, but they were out there and they were speaking no matter what. And when I had these people in my classrooms for a year or sometimes more, it was very clear to me that the people who spoke a lot and who had a lot of confidence, they did a lot of things in their lives and they got a lot of support because they went out and asked for it. And finally, to get ahead in life, it seems like confidence was more important than their Dutch. And of course, I think the same counts for English. So, yeah, it's. I think it's a good thing to focus on mindsets and to take it not only in that one module, but to have it as a part of your complete journey and start to become aware of how you can enhance your confidence. And there as well, I found a lot of tools and opportunities, and I'm still on the journey, honestly.

Honestly, we all are. But do you think confidence can be developed?

Yes, definitely. And I felt it especially at the end of New Sound. I remember during the course there is this module all around Mindset, and I did all the exercises, and I felt a bit disappointed at the end of that week because I had done exercises like that already in the past and now as well, I didn't really feel that I had gained in confidence. But at the end of New Sound, all at once, I realized that I had finally grown in confidence, and I still do. And, yeah, that's a very big breakthrough for me personally.

Yeah, incredible. I think so. Like, I think, you know, like, really there are a lot of small breakthroughs that happen in. In a journey like New Sound. Again, it could happen in other areas as well. So I don't want to just, like, assign it to New Sound, but I think that, like, when you get out of your comfort zone, many. In many, many, many situations, and every little win is not the breakthrough. Right. But when you combine all of them together, this is where it starts to kind of like the compound effect of the work that you do, which I think what makes it so beautiful. Jessica, I have a question for you. Why do you think prosody is important for people to understand and to use when communicating in English? And how do you see it helping you, working in corporate America and speaking in public?

Yeah, I think it. I had never heard of the word prosody before. I had never really understood what prosody meant before New Sound. And then when you explained it, it made total sense. I mean, I think prosody just connects you to other individuals in a way that makes that bond stronger. So if I go in there already, you know, Being shy, doubting myself, limiting my voice because of my negative thoughts. I'm pretty much gonna sound like a robot, you know, when I go in there, and they're gonna think, like, what is wrong with her? Like, does she not want to be here? Because I just sound so robotic. And when you started talking about bringing emotion, you know, to your voice like that, that music side of. Of your voice and how that connects with individuals, I think sometimes the music of your voice says more than words, right? Energy, 100%. So I think that has changed the game for me, especially the way I connect with clients, because I was always comparing myself to my director or the VP of the department or my other. I wanted to be like them. And I'm the only Hispanic in that community. In my team, I'm the only minority. So I was always looking to be more like them, sound more like them. And then you have taught us such an important point here about self love, you know, be yourself. Don't nobody else wants you to be like them. You know, I wouldn't want another Yesica sitting next to me all the time. So just be yourself. Bring your authentic self to. To every room. And. And when you do that, I think prosody kind of just kicks in at that moment. You know, you. You bring that music to your own rhythm. You're not trying to play anyone else's beat. You're playing your own beat. So that has changed everything in my work life and even in my personal life.

I love that so much. And I think that prosody connects so deeply with mindset because. Or confidence in general, because to be able to use your voice. And what is prosody for? Maybe for people who don't know? Prosody is intonation, rhythm, stress, the connected speech, tone of voice, right? So, like, you can think of it in a technical way. Okay, now you go up, now you go down. But what are. Like, what is it designed to do? It's designed to. To convey a message, right? It's designed to make a point. It's designed to make people feel. It's designed to make you sound interesting so that people keep listening, right? And first of all, like, to be able to take up space like that and to be confident in the point that you're trying to make. You know, you have to. You have to be comfortable with yourself, and you have to be confident. So that is the first thing. And I think the second thing is that because a lot of people are capable of using their voice more, but because they're not comfortable in English they think their English is not good enough or they're self conscious about their English. It's almost like they're turning down the volume or turning down the expressiveness of speech because they're, they're not there yet or they don't feel like it's their language to use. And I think that learning that and giving yourself permission to use your voice more and to learn about the differences between your language and English, I think that is such a gift for people. Because what is better in the world than being able to have persuasion and impact and, you know, and to, to have people listen to you when you speak. And it's possible, even if you speak in a second language, a lot of people don't think that it would ever be possible for them. And I think it's. Yes, it's, it absolutely can. So this is why I think it interacts together so well. And, and I want to. Monica, I want to ask you now, like, what is, what are some of the sounds that you've learned, pronunciation specifically, or intonation rhythm, stress, that were the most kind of, like, revealing to you or that really, really helped you improve your clarity?

Well, do you know leather? R. It wasn't easy for me. R is like a, you know, Spanish speaker. So for me, as always, I say red, red, red all the time. This is not right. You know, one day I went to the store and I told the guy, can you just give me a Gatorade, please? He's like, no, what is that? I said, gatorade. You know? He said, I don't understand. What are you saying? I said, gatorade. It's a beverage. Oh, you mean Gatorade. I said, what is the difference? It is a big difference. Yeah. So I struggle a lot with that one. I'm working on that one. You know, it's like, it is about time. It's not like I had to do this one in two months. No, it is just about time.

Yeah.

And I'm really happy for my life.

I think what's beautiful about the story that you told is that even, like, when you learn this, these things, even if you don't necessarily implement it immediately because what you said, like, it takes time to use it spontaneously all the time. But even when you don't, when you come into, go into a situation where someone doesn't understand you, it's really easy to know why that is when you have the tools, right? Like when you know, oh, I know the sounds, I know how to change that, and then you make a change. I think this is also that thing about having it in your skill set, in your abilities, and then you're able to, to. To shift from any situation that may feel uncomfortable. Was there. Did you enjoy doing the exercises, the pronunciation exercises, Monica?

Yes, of course. I'm trying, you know, to watch all the videos and I'm doing. So I'm not actually, I'm not trying. I'm doing my best, you know, I'm watching videos and I said, wow, it sounds really different. The other day Christina said to me, repeat this one. Please repeat it. I said, okay. So it's really amazing how really your method works or your. Yeah, thank you. I have to say, just.

And yeah, sorry, go ahead.

No, go ahead. Sorry. It's my fault. It was my fault. Sorry, go ahead.

No, no, I just wanted to ask because you were also making videos as soon as you joined. And like, how was it for you to use videos to. To connect with the community and to express yourself?

Well, it is just, you know, for me it is like, okay, I just have had to do this one because I really want it right? And do it. Doing videos is for me, simple. I don't edit anything. It's just like that. Just be myself. And wow, I have beautiful stories about that one. Because nowadays, the other day I was sending a voice message and then I was in the ferry, you know, to cross to Manhattan, and there's many people and I was talking and I was like, wow, I don't really care now that the people listening to me and said, judge me or whatever, you know, I'm really happy for that one. It's something that.

It wasn't like that before.

No, no, no, no, no, no. Really, No, I was like, no, no, I couldn't do that before. But nowadays it's like, wow, it is. It is amazing the way that you can communicate with others just, you know, don't translate in your mind. Because at the beginning you're like. And then people notice that you're not speaking English, but now it's much better. I'm not translating in my mind. I'm just, you know.

Yeah, I love it. I love it. Like, I think this is so meaningful, like this idea that you were embarrassed or ashamed of how you sounded to others because even if you were not speaking to them, like someone like that idea, like, I don't even want people to hear me speak on the phone. There is. It's so, so charged. Like, there is so much that. Because if this is how you feel when people overhear you, how did it must feel when you were actually speaking to other people, and this is why you weren't. Right. Like, for a long time, you weren't speaking as much as you should have.

Much better. Sorry to cut you off. Much better now. Guy just asked me something on the same, you know, furry. And I just answer him, and we start a conversation for more than five minutes. So he never said that to me. What did you say? I don't really understand. We. I just went with the flow, and it was really good. So I said, unfortunately, the Friday was over. Right. And I had to say goodbye, but it was a great chat, so I'm really happy.

Robin, like, what was. What was. No, I'm gonna ask it differently. Like, what is something that you think English learners don't know that could be a game changer for them for their journey? Like, most English learners don't know that could change. And I'm speaking about that because you are also a teacher, and I think you can also speak from the perspective of how you support your students.

All right, I'm going to say something that I think Monico just spoke about and Jessica really embodies, I think. And also the student. My students that I spoke about, who are very confident. Confident, I think, you. And they don't really think about their English anymore. They are more about the connection with the people that they are speaking to, and they're invested in making a connection and being themselves, and they are not really overwhelmed with certain thoughts of insecurity anymore. And that's a journey as well. But I feel like a lot of people who are your students sadar. Get there. And I think that's. That's so beautiful. And I think maybe it's also a goal of your business.

I was like, hell, yes. Like, this is why we do this. Thank you for saying that. Like, I was like, can you say that again in my head? So. So you're saying, like, really? Because that's the essence of communication, that we want to be able to speak, to be present with other people and to be ourselves. And the thoughts about English and not being good enough or even, like, maybe not having enough experience. Experience to be able to get there or enough practice makes them think about their English.

Yeah.

Instead of, you know, like, what it's really about. It's like you and I, you and me now, having a conversation. I need something. You need something. We hold space for each other.

Yeah. And it doesn't really depend on your level in English or the level that you think you have, because I've met some people who are really good in English, really advanced levels, but they are still insecure and a bit overwhelmed with thoughts of the quality of their English. And there are also people who maybe according to some levels, official levels, are not super advanced, but who are able to be there and to go into the flow, as Monaco said of the conversation. And yeah, it's just, just beautiful also, because people are beautiful and I don't want a lot of copycats of Americans that I want Monico's and Jessicas and Hadars in this world.

Yeah, thank you. And this, like, exactly. So. So if you're already talking about it, can you talk about the importance of community? I always talk about how important it is to, to get through, to get to your next level too, or to the other side when you're not alone, like how important that is. So if you can say something about that, Robin, and then all of you can mention, can talk about it.

Yeah, yeah. There are a lot of opportunities in beyond and in New Sound to go to conversation groups or meetups, classes, and of course to share videos or audio or whatever, a picture with a story with the community. And there are so many beautiful testimonies of people. I'm kind of touched also by, by the pictures of people meeting up in real life after years, years of communication through the communities.

And.

Yeah, it's clear that we need people to, to grow and to support each other. And AI isn't enough, clearly.

Yeah, yeah, I love that. And also, like, it forces you to get past or to get over the, the, the judgment or the concerns that you have because you, you end up showing up in front of people, whether it's a video or in a conversation group. Right. When it's just you and yourself, it's not enough that it's. Yeah, like, of course, the connection and the speaking practice, but also when we practice on our own or with a robot, there isn't the fear or the fear of the shame that we need to manage, learn how to manage to be able to do this thing only when there are people. And it's important to feel safe to be able to do that so that you can show up in a vulnerable way. And I think this is why the community is such an essential part of, of the work, of this, of this work. Now you don't have to take part in the community. We have a lot of students in New Sound who only do the core content. They barely join the live sessions. And it's still extremely useful because that's the method. But whoever does engage, like, we see higher retention Rates. We see higher completion rates when people make it. Also, like, they, they take advantage of the whole, you know, of the community and the guidance and the coaching, the support.

Yeah, the coaches as well. The coaches are so important as well because they keep the safe spaces, they keep the community safe. And also they have challenges every now and then, even when, when I post a video and at some point there will be a coach who says, okay, and now, could you do this? Are you willing to do this or that? And that also pushes me to grow.

Right. We don't let you guys rest. We don't let you get too comfortable. It just like, it, it gets us to. It gets us excited about, you know, what else is possible for you guys. Yeah, I love that. Robin, Jessica, you've been also, like really active and a big part. Like you join conversation groups and, and so talk a little bit about that need, that circle of support that we talk about.

Yeah, I didn't know I needed this community because I already have enough friends outside of the community. My daughter's mom's friends are my friends. So I have a big community outside. So I was like. When I heard the concept about your community, I was like, no, I'm just here for the English and, you know, to improve myself skills. I'm not here for the involvement of the community. But let me tell you, that has been the biggest gift and the biggest reward of this whole entire program. I didn't know I needed my closest friends now. So how did I start my journey? So in new sound, you're going to be encouraged to find a speaking partner. And I was like, another task, you know, because I, to be honest with you, I saw this as homework, you know, a task. I needed to log in my, my work, log in my time. And I reached out to a couple of people. We had like a spreadsheet, and I got my first speaking partner in Norelli in California, which we still connect. And it was just a task. I need to put it in my calendar. We gotta meet every week. And that's how my community started, with no deli. I mean, and obviously I was joining the sessions. But where it went from there is just the incredible side of this program that you don't get to see now, but you will once you're in the program. So, you know, we met. That first three months is going to be rough, guys. Like, you're going to have to put in the work, put in the time. You're just like, I don't want to do anything else. Like, don't give Me another task, but it's so worth it. So it was like kind of like this part time job that I had this program because I needed to log in the time during the weekends too. That was actually where I would log in the most time because I'm so busy during the week.

So you would catch up on the weekend?

Yeah. So if you have kids, if you have work, like, it can totally be done. Like if I can do it, you.

Can do it too.

So. Because I was just so eager to learn and let me tell you, you're going to love all the lessons. So then, like, it wouldn't be such drainful to. To do it because I loved what I was.

It wasn't a chore. It wasn't like, oh crap, I need to do my homework.

Yeah, like the dark for me, the dark. L gave me the heart. Like, I was like, I'm never going to be able to make this. Oh no. It's like, where does that even come from? So I struggled with that noise or with that sound for months. And let me tell you. So, so then I finished with new sound. I only made a few friends there because I was so focused on the work. My mindset hadn't really shifted yet. Like I was starting to hear your mindset coach and I was like, that sounds really interesting, but it hadn't. I hadn't seen soaked it in yet. I think I was just doing a lot. Then I went to beyond and you will have like a month free access to. And that's really where the journey started, the community. Oh my gosh. It we. I went to the Barcelona meetup and I met now my best friend here in the community, Rocio. We have met every week for a whole year now and we have weekly meetings. I have another best friend in the Ukraine, Tanya. We meet every week for more than half a year now. And just the entire community, I mean, I have Battelle, Alon, Bushra, Lissandra. I mean I can go just on and on and on. And these are people that just inspire me to be better. Like, just encourage me to become a host, to be a part of lessons. This has become a hobby now. Like it's not a task or a chore or something that I need to check off my list. Like, I do this with passion because this is really what I love, love to do. I mean, I love learning too. And, and I think everyone's purpose here is to learn, but just the way that you're encouraged to just strive for more, do more. I'm hosting sessions lsat sessions. So now, because you encourage us to pursue our dreams, like those dreams that have been there, but we don't have time.

We.

We don't have the courage to take the first step. So law school has always been there. I thought, I want to pursue law school. But then I got married, I had kids. My. My job is intense, and I never had time. But you're like, you gotta make the time for what's important to you. So now I am studying for the law school admissions test, and I will be taking it next year. Yeah. So I'm here for the long run. I think I'll be here forever because I just love this community, oh, so much. And everyone is amazing. We're all here to support. Support each other. No one can do anything great alone. And I. I have learned that in. In my life. Like, you need a community. Oh. Oh. I need to advertise. So I'm advertising my book club within New Sound. So I'm just going to give you a taste of what beyond is like. So I'm. I'm coming in to the. To the New Sound program every week. I'll be hosting one session per week, and we're going to be reading the Atomic Habits by Amazing. And one of the chapters is all about finding a group of people that will encourage you to dream bigger, to go that extra level, to get encouragement from. And when I was reading that chapter, I said, I. I want this. Yeah, I got it. Like, I'm so happy and so privileged to have found this community because not everyone gets to find it. You know, there was a time when I was craving for that and I didn't know who you were. I didn't know you existed, and your program existed. So it has changed everything.

Oh, my goodness. Wow. It's like. It's so amazing, Jessica. It's. It's so amazing to listen to you talk about it and also to see the difference between how it was at the beginning and how it is now. And I love the idea of the Atomic Habits. It's like the first time I hear about it. So, like, good. And I think the New sounders who join us now, like, will absolutely love it before we wrap up. And I see that Alejandra might have. Can maybe join us. So, Alejandra, if you can maybe write to me in the chat, I will bring her up when her camera is on. But if you could give one piece of advice to anyone who is maybe on the fence. They can't decide whether or not they should join New Sound. Right. Like, maybe they're thinking about it. What would it be? Monica, if you want to start, what would it be? One piece of advice that you would give students. I'm gonna unmute you. Sorry, I muted because there was, like, some background noise. I don't know where it was coming from.

All right, thank you so much. If I want to keep an spice to people, I just want to say, don't hesitate. You can do it. Anybody can do it. You can do it in, like, whatever you want. So just. Just do it. That's. It is easy to say it. I know, because, you know, sometimes we're avoid those. We feel that we cannot do it, but we can. So don't hesitate and do it. That's my piece of advice.

And it, you know, like, just do it can sound, like, very simple, but it's something that I carry with me all the time, like, whenever there is something that I'm afraid to do. But in my heart, I know that if I don't do it, I'm gonna have that voice, and it's just gonna get louder and louder. So, like, that idea of, like, just do it. Just do it now. Why wait? Like, if, you know, I think Jessica, you said, like, I wish I had found it sooner, you know? And I have a lot of students who've been following me for many years, and they're like, I don't know, maybe one day, and then they realize that, oh, okay, you can make so much progress in three months. And the progress that I talk about is not because we learn now all this new vocabulary that now you can use is because we really. What we do is we minimize. Like, we help you understand how to bring the language that you already know to the surface. Because at the end of the day, like, when all of you joined, it's not like you didn't know any English, and all of a sudden you're making videos and. And all of that. Like, that wasn't the thing. The thing was, how do you take all that passive knowledge that you have that you can use that is not being expressed and use it confidently and spontaneously? And I think that is it. And the. Just.

Can I say something else? Sorry. Okay. I just want to say, just picture yourself from now in two years, because it's not going to happen in two months, but from now in two years, how's gonna be that possible? Yeah, it's gonna be possible. Now I'm hosting as well as Jessica said, and I had met many people around the world. It is really amazing. Well, you know, with Laura, we just you know, support each other, have that confidence. Because I just met her for about year nine months probably and she just really inspired me a lot. And there's something that I really want to do every single day to practice, practice, practice and be here. So, yeah, it's up to us, you know, because you give us the tools, but it is up to us. That is true.

It's so true. Like, that is, that is the point. Like, there are no magic solutions without hard work. Like without being diligent. There are no, you know, it's not a chip that you install and then all of a sudden you're a fluent speaker, unfortunately and, or fortunately. Because I think the. The journey of becoming fluent is one of the most. It's like one of the biggest personal development journeys I can think of. There are so many things that you have to face about who you are and what you do. So I think this is something that we need to always remember. And this is why I think going on this journey and especially New Sound, because it takes you, it considers you as a human being. It's not just, oh, you need to learn all these things. It's really about, okay, we understand the mental challenges and the psychological challenges and the physical challenges and the productivity challenges that you might have. And we want to make sure that we include it in the work that we do. So that's amazing. I'm going to call before I lose her again. I'm just going to say hi to Alejandra, so welcome her so you guys can meet her and then she will share a little bit about her story before we wrap up. We don't have a lot more time. Hello, my dear. Welcome.

How are you, Heather?

I'm good. It's so good to see you. How are you doing?

My story is basically Ms. Alejandra Tillman. I have been living in the US for 15 years and I work as a medical interpreter. I found New sound because I need to improve some things in my pronunciation. It has been a great experience. It was the Mother's Day gift that I gave to myself and I am really glad that I. It shows me the things that were missing in English. I went to college, I went to high school to study English. I took ESL class and on all these things, I didn't find the knowledge that hadar provide through this training. I recommend you to take it. Each open a lot of doors for you and you just have to trust that you are in great hands. And the most important thing that I appreciate about a New Sound is the confidence part that we can accomplish. We can improving our English journey. And it is possible. And with the right tools, it is possible. I really appreciate of the opportunity that I had to complete the new program and also having had the opportunity to use as well. And I love the sprints. I love a lot of the trainings that Heather give us. And I encourage you to take training. It's a marvelous opportunity and you will appreciate it over time.

I love that. Alejandra, thank you so much. I know it was kind of like crushed. I know you have some stuff to take care of work, but I really, really appreciate you could take the time and come and share a little bit your story. If you need to go, then it's fine. If you want to stay with us until the end, that's fine as well. Again, I know it's like the middle of your work day, so thank you so, so much.

Yes, I am in the middle of surgery. Sorry for that. But yeah, I wanted to share my story is we can publish things in the country where we are. Don't think that you can do it. You can. It's like, just set your goals, work hard, and you will see the result.

Yeah. Yeah. And again, like, I think that work hard is a theme. Like, no one's expecting you not to do the work, but it can be fun, it can be engaging. You can feel like it's effective and you do not have to do it alone. And that is the thing. And if we want to see change.

This is something that I like about New sand and the community is like, practice English without being ashamed. Because too many times we don't want to talk because we are afraid that people judge us. But this community allows you to do that. Don't be afraid to talk. Like, take opportunity and people will be there to correct you, to help you and do it in a kind way.

Yeah. What was the reason for that you decided to join New Sound?

Because for my job, I knew that I need to improve my pronunciation. I live in the US for 15 years, but still I didn't feel like English was a second nature. I. And this. These career that I choose, like, you have to perform well in English, you know, and for respect to the patients, for respect to the doctors, the health professionals. And for the reason I decided that I had to find help, you know, And I wanted to take classes like in a school. But it's right now I don't have the time to go to school. No, it was to me much better an online option. And for that reason, I took to take New Sound.

And what was the most insightful thing that you've learned in New sound that you can actually put into practice at work?

Everything, you know, how you. How to pronounce the sounds in the right way. You have position, your tongue. And the confidence part is really important. I did realize how important is the confidence part. You know, it's like, I. I am applying right now for certified interpreter. You know, in the past, I never thought that that could be a possibility for me. You know, wow. It's like, okay, I can do it. Probably won't be perfect at the beginning, but I know that I can do it. You know, it's like.

Yeah, that.

That things are possible for us.

And, you know, like, it's.

It's not.

It seems obvious, but sometimes to say things are possible for me is groundbreaking, you know, because you. You, like, sometimes you're born into the belief or the circumstances that you always feel like it's not possible for you, like it is for others, but not for. Not for me. It is for them. They're native speakers, or they have this or they have that. And I think that the shift starts with first the belief it's possible for me. I believe in myself, and then I'll make it happen one way or another. And I think this is a little bit of what you're talking about, and I love that.

Another thing that I learned about New sand is, like, you, with the knowledge, you are really aware of how people pronounce, you know?

Yeah.

It's like you are not guessing anymore.

Yeah. And for you, it's critical when you listen to English and you have to quickly translate it or interpret it. Yeah. Okay. All right. Alejandra, thank you so, so much.

Thank you.

Thank you for your opportunity to talk.

I really appreciate it.

Thank you. Bye, my dear. Bye. Thank you. So, Robin, if you. If you want to now, say, I'm going to remove you, because I know you have to go. Okay, good. Robin, what is one thing that you would tell students if you. If you know, or people who are on the fence about joining New Sound or wondering if this course is not just another English course?

Oh, well, it's definitely not just another English course. And I think if you've been here, you probably have a hunch of that. But I wanted to say something for the people who think, oh, it sounds like a very intense course, and I don't have the time, and I'm not sure if I'll have the energy. And maybe also some people who, like me, find it really complicated to organize and plan Time and prioritize. That was one part that I. That was really important for me in New Sound. It's so well structured and organized for you. You don't have to organize, plan and prioritize. The team has done that for you. So every week is another theme. So you don't get bored. People with adhd, you don't get bored. And also every day, every week, you get a daily recommended practice that you can check off, which is also really fulfilling for neurodivergent people. And even if. If it's then still too much or too overwhelming, you can always reach out to the super kind and open coaches. So if you think, oh, it's going to be too much for me, there's a clear plan and there's a lot, but there's also a recommendation for priority prioritizing. And that's what I followed. And that made it really possible for me to complete New Sound. So, yeah, I think that's really. Maybe not so much talked about, but for me, it was huge. And I can imagine for neurodivergent people or people with very limited energy, it's. It's huge. It's so good.

Thank you for mentioning that. Yeah. Because I think, first of all, we. We have put a lot of thought into how to make it easier for people because we know that it's so easy to give up or to procrastinate or to say, well, I'll come back to it later. The moment you. Something is not clear, right. Like, the moment where it's a little hard to wait, where's that link? And it takes another second to find it. People have very short attention span and we know that. So it's kind of like, how can we grab them and make sure that it's like, nothing's confusing, so there are no excuses. There isn't a second where you're like, I'm gonna come back to it later, because then we know that they don't, and then they quit and then they don't feel the progress. So you saying that is really reassuring. That. Yes. Like, that was. That worked, you know, and.

Yeah. And I think there was also a lesson about perfectionism because that can also be a part of some people's minds. And in any case, you have a lot to say about perfectionism, so. And I think your team knows all about it as well. So if you feel overwhelmed, I'm kind of talking to myself now as well, like, oh, no, I can't do it anymore because I can't do this, that and that. So I might as well quit. You can always reach out and explain your problem, and I think the team will always make sure that you continue because it's the consistency that brings the results. We all know it. But for some people, yeah, they. That's the problem. It's difficult to be consistent and to keep on going even with all the resilience and power that they already had in their lives. But there are so many opportunities to reach out and find the support. So, yeah. Yeah, that's what I wanted to say.

Thank you. And Jessica, how would you wrap up in, like, final words, words of advice? Yeah.

You know, Hadar, I think one of your secret ingredients to making this program such a success is that you take us through a journey of self acceptance and, and, and we're here for the English. Right. Or at least when. When we first, you know, joined these first sessions, it's all about, like, improving your pronunciation and your English. But what I have figured in my two years here is that it's really about self acceptance, self love, and self compassion. Because I came in with this idea of I want to sound like my colleagues, my director, my vp. I want to sound like them. And that was the wrong way to tackle this goal of mine or that wrong mindset. It's all about accepting who you are. There's one lesson in your mindset coaching that you think your daughter was looking in the mirror and you asked her, do you love yourself? And she gave you an answer and you said your response should be, heck, yes. I love myself just the way I am in whatever timeline of your journey that you're in. Because we're always wanting to do better, be better. But I think this program just really emphasizes the importance of give yourself permission to acknowledge how far you have come. I think we're all here because we're overachievers. Like, we're already winning 1,000%.

Yeah.

So the fact that you're pursuing something to better yourself already says a lot about you. And if you really make that decision, if you're still in the. I don't know. You do know, honestly, like, you know what the right decision is. Like, you should enroll. You should put in the time. Any investment in yourself is not a wrong investment like anything. This is some. This is a journey that will change your life in a small way or a big way. And it's all about what you. You make of it, you know, like, I can come into this community and, and just participate here every now and then, you know, but if you really want to make the best out of this journey, you're gonna put in your 100%, whether anyone notices or not, you know, because sometimes people will notice and sometimes people won't. But at the end of the day is, can you go to bed and saying, I've done my best. Because that's another thing that I use. I used to beat myself up every day for. I could have done more. I should have studied more. I should have put in more time. And at the end of the day is, have I done the best that I can with the amount of time that I have and the resources that I have? And if the answer is yes, then you won. You won for that day. And tomorrow is another opportunity to do better, you know, to get involved, to do things differently. So it's. I think this is more than just English. It's a journey of self acceptance and. And just becoming a better version of yourself.

Amen to that. When 1000%. Yeah, I know, right? Like, I. I don't think I can add anything to that. And thank you for that perspective. That is not my thoughts. It's your thoughts. And to listen to it, it's like, such a gift to me as a coach and. And as. As a person who's a part of this beautiful thing. You guys, I want to say thank you so, so much for taking the time to share your story and. And to talk about your experience in New Sound and in our community and your personal experience with English. I do know how meaningful it is to hear that and to understand what goes behind what we see as, oh, she's such a great speaker. Oh, he's such a, you know, confident person. Like, there's a lot that goes behind it. It's not just, like, the end result. And thank you for opening the window to that. And to be like, well, it hasn't always been like that. I love you all so very much, and I am really looking forward to continuing working with you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, everyone and our lovely audience for watching and for participating and for writing all the beautiful comments and they super, super enjoyed. So thank you so much for listening. And that's it. I hope to see everyone in New Sound who is watching and who's, like, also looking for. For that transformation, and if not, you know where to find me. And I will find you. Thank you so much, guys. Monico, Jessica, Robin and Alejandra who is not here, but thank you so much.

Thank you. And thank you, Jessica and Monico and Alejandra.

Thank you, Jessica. Thank you. Robin Hadar. Thank you so much. From the bottom of my heart. Thank you. Thank you so much.

It's an honor to be here, honestly, and I'm so happy to be a part of this community.

Same.

Thank you so, so much. Bye, everyone. Thank you.

Have an amazing day. Thank you so much.