The Language Leaders Podcast

Where English Learning Is Heading: Pearson’s President of English Language Learning on the Forces Reshaping Global ELT

What happens when one of the world’s largest education providers looks hard at the future of English language learning? What does that future look like from the inside? Sharon Hague, President of Pearson’s English Language Learning division, reveals the shifts already reshaping the industry and the ones most leaders are not yet prepared for. In this conversation, you’ll explore: • What the real barrier to progress in ELT is, and why it is not what most people assume • How AI-empowered tools could redraw learner expectations across every market • Why English proficiency may become more economically decisive, not less, despite instant translation tools 👉 Tune in today.

Scaling with Soul: Mickey Soto Firrell’s Journey from Mechanic to Language CEO

What’s the secret to scaling a language company without losing its soul — or its standards? In this episode of the Language Leaders Podcast, Mickey Soto Firrell, founder and CEO of Teachify, shares his remarkable journey from mechanic to teacher to founder — and how he built something increasingly rare: a dedicated team of language trainers connected by community. You’ll learn: * Why teacher culture is Teachify’s secret weapon – and how it’s helped retain both clients and staff * How Mickey navigates the Fundae system, Spanish work culture, and compliance challenges * Why real flexibility, smart use of AI, and strong client relationships still win in B2B 👉 Tune in today.

AI Teaching Tools & Trends for 2025: Insights from ELSA, Babbel and More at the AI Tutor Summit

Is your AI tutor solving the right problem or just adding noise? In this special Language Leaders episode, four innovators share how they’re building AI tutors that don’t just talk, but teach. They support real pedagogy, personalisation and progress at scale. From B2C apps to corporate training and blended classrooms, this episode explores what makes an AI tutor effective and where it really adds value. You’ll learn: * How ELSA evolved from phoneme-level feedback to adaptive AI tutors used by 50M+ learners * Why scaffolding is key to learner depth and engagement, with insights from Language Coach AI’s Carla Wyburn * How Babbel’s AI tutor bridges the ‘proficiency gap’ between structured lessons and real-world speaking * Why Geoff Stead believes the next generation can't just be 'answer bots'. 👉 Tune in today.

Bootstrapping at Scale: How François Fourmentin Built One of France’s Top Language Companies

What does it take to grow a solo startup into a leading consumer language brand, all without outside funding? François Fourmentin, CEO and co-founder of Cercle des Langues, shares how he scaled from tutoring teens to building a tech-enabled company now serving thousands of adult learners across France. You’ll learn how he: * Bootstrapped the business from day one, pivoting fast and staying lean; * Used technology to support strong pedagogy and streamline the teacher-student learning journey; * Scaled culture intentionally by embedding values into hiring, training and performance systems. 👉 Tune in today.

AI and the Future of Language Education: What Do Your Peers Think Will Happen in 2025?

How is AI reshaping the future of language learning? Join top language education leaders as they reveal insights into the most important trends of 2025, including AI. What do these trends mean for learners, educators, and language businesses? Our expert guests share their insights on: * AI’s Impact on Language Education – How AI-driven tools are being integrated into learning while still preserving the value of human connection. * The Changing Market for Language Education – How companies are adapting their services and marketing strategies in response to AI advancements. * Leadership Insights for Language Innovators – Practical advice on navigating change, fostering innovation, and ensuring technology enhances effective learning. This thought-provoking conversation features: * Tim Jordan - SVP of Product at Berlitz * Heather Lo - Head of Product of Learnlight * Stacy Richter - CEO of Live Lingua * Vincent Gest - Founder of WEFIT * Shoera Sels - AI Lead of BLCC * Daniel Delgado - COO of Twenix * Luka Smyth - Founder of Papo * Gerardo Onega - Director of Marketing & Innovation at Vaughan * Miriam Plieninger - Veteran Edtech Consultant If you lead a language business, product or team, you won't want to miss this. 👉 Tune in today.