Business English coaching by Sustainability professional with 20 years of corporate experience

Find out more about Fleur

• When and why did you develop an interest in your chosen field?

  Having lived in many different countries, I already learned English as a foreign language at a young age; my first kindergarten was American while living in Tunisia! Most of my university degree was also in English, however my interest for Business English really started when I worked for BP in Aberdeen, Scotland. Working at such a British well-established corporation taught me how to speak formally and contribute effectively in many different business settings, with engineers, control room operators as well as financial teams and senior management. Later in Colombia, my workplace turned into a language school with me mentoring my colleagues on how to speak and write English while I was learning Spanish from them. Since I came to Canada over 15 years ago, I've continued to mentor international coworkers on how best to express themselves.

• What makes you passionate about your subject?

  I grew up in a multilingual environment in which we spoke French and Dutch at the kitchen table, have lived as a child and later as an adult in 8 countries, and traveled for holidays to over 30 countries, so my upbringing made me very open to different cultures. I love connecting with people from all over the world, cherishing the things we have in common and learning about local cultures which makes us unique. One of my favourite travel experiences is how in a tiny village in Bolivia, I was asked at the end of a tour by the Spanish-speaking guide whether I could help him prepare for his English test that he had the following day... I ended up staying for two more hours at the ruins going over his class materials and hitching a ride on his motorcycle back into town - the huge smile that he greeted me with when he told me that he had passed the exam, was the best reward ever!
  
  Speaking four languages fluently (native Dutch and French, English and Spanish), I believe that being well-versed in a language allows you to connect to other people, whether it's while travelling or at work, so that you better understand others and they in turn can get to know who you are. The English language has a rich vocabulary and sometimes complicated grammar, so having a good grasp of it in a business context, can truly enhance someone's professional development and help them be successful, whether it's to pitch sales to new clients, serve international customers, liaise with global organizations, or to be considered for a promotion.

• What do you like about tutoring? What makes you a "Superprof"?

  My coaching style of providing fully customised 1:1 sessions provides a huge diversity in topics that I discuss with my students. On a typical day, I may review an article about how AI creates both opportunities and societal risks, followed by a discussion of a video on how carbon emissions are impacting climate change, and end with providing advice on a company presentation to a prospective client. I love it when students are engaged with the material as it stimulates them to explore how best to express their thoughts in English, and receiving a warm smile at the end of a session makes my day!
  
  I believe the combination of my life experience and my desire to create a true connection to students makes me a Superprof. Given both my technical and managerial background as well as my general interest in what happens in the world, I feel comfortable discussing any topic and I challenge students to grow their confidence in using English in a variety of circumstances. Most importantly, I listen to my students and aim to support them in their journey as best as I can.

• Do you have any role models; a teacher that inspired you? Please explain.

  I had an amazing tutoring experience in Colombia, where for three years Sra Alicia patiently taught me Spanish, providing me with clear grammatical pointers on how to improve my language understanding, whilst allowing me to choose my own materials (including the lyrics of Juanes, a famous Colombian singer) which connected most to my interests. More than only teaching me the language though, she provided a wealth of life experience which helped me to better integrate in the local culture and also become a better person. I try to provide the same coaching experience to my students!

• What are your keys to success?

  A strong belief in your own abilities and dedication are I believe key to success, whether it's in life in general or to learn a language. By breeding confidence in my students and providing structured support on how to apply Business English relevant to their situation, I hope to instill in my students a desire to succeed and feel good about using English on a daily basis!