What does it really take to become a trusted and valuable professional on a global team? In today's workplace, having strong technical skills isn't always enough. If you work remotely for an international company, especially a U.S.-based organization, your ability to communicate proactively, take ownership, solve problems, build trust, and adapt to AI can have a major impact on your professional success. In this episode of the Real English Conversations Podcast, Curtis talks with Marc Snegg, founder and CEO of Ground Game, about what it really takes to succeed as an international professional on a high-performing global team. Marc has more than 25 years of experience building businesses and organizations and has participated in more than $200 million in commercial real estate transactions. His work with Ground Game focuses on helping U.S. companies build high-performing global teams across sales, revenue operations, marketing, operations, HR, IT, and customer success. But Marc's approach isn't simply about outsourcing work to people in other countries. He believes companies can build fully integrated global teams by combining exceptional talent with strong management, clear systems, shared culture, and meaningful opportunities for professional growth. In this conversation, Marc shares practical advice about communication across cultures, building trust with managers, being proactive at work, using AI to become more valuable, developing a service mindset, and finding ways to improve the organization around you. And for international professionals who sometimes hesitate to speak up in meetings or worry about making mistakes, Marc gives a very practical set of actions you can begin using tomorrow. This is an especially valuable episode for anyone who wants to improve their Business English, workplace communication, confidence, leadership skills, and career opportunities in an international environment. 🌎 What Does It Take to Succeed on a Global Team? Many international professionals have excellent technical skills, but working successfully with an international company requires more than simply completing your assigned tasks. Marc explains that communication, ownership, and responsibility are what begin to separate a good employee from someone who becomes highly valuable to an organization. That includes communicating proactively, asking questions when you're stuck, raising problems early, offering thoughtful recommendations, and trying to understand the bigger context of the organization. Trust is also built through small, repeated actions: doing what you say you're going to do, consistently showing up and keeping your commitments. 💬 The Communication Mistakes International Professionals Can Make One of the most valuable sections of this episode focuses on cross-cultural communication. Marc explains that some professionals may come from cultures where communication with managers is more hierarchical or where people are more reserved about raising problems or asking questions. In a U.S. workplace, however, Marc says proactive communication can be highly valued. Instead of waiting until the last minute to tell your manager there's a problem, he recommends communicating early and explaining: What happened → What you've tried → What the problem is → What you recommend → What you need This demonstrates that you've already thought about the problem rather than simply handing it to your manager to solve. 💡 An important Business English lesson: Instead of saying: "I don't know how to do this. What should I do?" You can communicate more professionally by saying something like: "I've been working on this, and I've run into a problem. Here's what I've tried, here's what I think we could do next, and here's what I need to move forward." That difference can dramatically change how your communication is perceived. 🤝 How Do You Become a Trusted Professional? Marc explains that trust isn't usually created through one huge achievement. It's built through small, repetitive actions. Do what you say you'll do. Show up. Communicate. Raise problems early. Ask for feedback. Be coachable. And don't wait for someone else to tell you how you can improve. Marc encourages professionals to proactively ask: "Tell me something I can improve." That willingness to receive feedback and put it into practice can help build stronger relationships with managers, colleagues, and the organization. 🤖 How AI Can Make You More Valuable at Work AI is one of the most important themes in this conversation. Marc's advice isn't simply to be afraid of AI replacing your job. Instead, he encourages professionals to learn how to work with AI and build with it. He describes tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini as potential thought partners and intelligent tutors that can help professionals think through problems, learn new information, explore solutions, and improve the way they work. But Marc takes this one step further. He believes professionals should not only learn how to use AI — they should learn how to build with AI. For example, if you're repeatedly doing a manual task at work, you can use AI to explore whether a tool or workflow could automate or simplify part of that process. The more capable you become at interacting with and building with AI, Marc argues, the more value you can potentially bring to your organization. 🧠 AI + Human Coaching Ground Game is already using AI as part of its coaching and development systems. Marc describes a sales coaching system that listens to calls and provides feedback on what someone did well and what they could improve. That feedback can then become a starting point for live coaching conversations. Marc explains that combining AI feedback with human coaching has helped people develop their skills more quickly. This creates an interesting model for the future of professional development: AI can provide information, analysis, and feedback — while humans provide context, judgment, relationships, and coaching. 💎 The Four Ground Game Core Values Marc also explains the four principles that guide Ground Game: Dignity Every person has inherent value regardless of their country, position or title. For Marc, dignity means treating people with respect while also being honest and willing to provide direct feedback when something needs to improve. Service Leadership is about serving others. Marc describes service as looking for ways to solve problems, share information, document what you learn, take on new challenges, and make the organization stronger. Creativity Don't simply accept: "That's the way we've always done it." Creativity means looking for better ways to solve problems, testing new ideas, experimenting with new tools and empowering the people closest to the work to improve it. Client Focus The purpose of a business is to solve problems for its clients. That means listening carefully, understanding the client's needs, communicating clearly, and taking responsibility when something goes wrong. For Marc, it's not simply about being busy or completing activities — it's about delivering results and creating value. 📈 The Power of Definiteness of Purpose Ground Game's leadership and mindset curriculum is inspired by the 13 principles from Napoleon Hill's Think and Grow Rich. Marc focuses particularly on the idea of having a definite purpose. He explains that rather than having a vague desire for something, you can become much more focused by defining exactly what you want, when you want it, what you're willing to give in exchange for it, and what your plan of action will be. He also describes the practice of repeatedly reading your goal and visualizing what achieving it would look and feel like. For Marc, this isn't simply a historical business philosophy — it's something he incorporates into Ground Game's culture and revisits with his team. 🚀 Marc's 3 Practical Actions for International Professionals Near the end of the conversation, Marc gives listeners a very practical challenge. If you're an international professional who has strong skills and good English but still hesitates in meetings or doesn't feel completely confident on a global team, Marc recommends several simple actions. 1️⃣ Turn Your Camera On When you're working remotely, make your presence visible. Marc believes keeping your camera on demonstrates engagement and helps recreate some of the connection that naturally happens when people work together in person. 2️⃣ Speak at Least Once in Every Meeting You don't need to dominate the meeting. Ask a thoughtful question. Offer an observation. Summarize something you've heard. Volunteer for a next step. Or simply share an idea. The important thing is to participate. 3️⃣ Send Proactive Updates & Bring One Improvement Idea Keep your manager informed about: What you've completed What you're working on What's blocking you What you recommend doing next And then look for one small thing you can improve. Maybe the team is losing time, repeating manual work, or making the same mistake. Use AI to explore a possible solution and bring the idea forward. You don't need to reinvent the entire company. Just demonstrate that you're engaged, proactive, and thinking about how to make things better. 🎯 What You'll Learn in This Episode By listening to this conversation, you'll learn: ✅ What separates a task-completing employee from a highly trusted global professional ✅ Why proactive communication is so important when working remotely ✅ How to communicate problems to your manager without simply handing them the problem ✅ How cultural differences can influence workplace communication ✅ Why honesty and transparency can build professional trust ✅ How to become more coachable and actively seek feedback ✅ How to use ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini as workplace thought partners ✅ Why learning to build with AI could increase your professional value ✅ How human coaching and AI feedback can work together ✅ What Dignity, Service, Creativity and Client Focus look like in practice ✅ How a service mindset can improve leadership and career development ✅ How to apply the principle of definiteness of purpose to your professional goals ✅ Three practical actions you can start using immediately to become more engaged on a global team 💬 Memorable Communication Lesson One of the clearest lessons from Marc's conversation is: Don't disappear when there's a problem. Communicate early. If you don't know something, be honest. If you're stuck, explain what you've tried. If you need help, ask. If you have an idea, share it. If you make a mistake, take responsibility. And if you see something that could be improved, raise your hand. These behaviors don't require perfect English. They require clarity, courage, preparation, and proactive communication. 👤 About Marc Snegg Marc Snegg is the founder and CEO of Ground Game, where he helps U.S. companies build high-performing global teams across sales, revenue operations, marketing, operations, HR, IT, and customer success. Marc is a serial entrepreneur and organization builder with more than 25 years of experience and has participated in more than $200 million in commercial real estate transactions. His work combines global talent, management systems, culture, professional development, and increasingly AI-powered workflows. Marc's approach is centered on creating integrated teams where talented international professionals can contribute meaningfully, develop their skills, and create measurable value. 🔗 Connect with Marc Snegg 🌐 Ground Game: https://www.groundgamesales.com/ 🌎 Ground Game Global: https://www.groundgameglobal.com/ 💼 Marc Snegg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcsnegg/ Marc also mentioned the Ground Game Global Playbook and additional resources for professionals interested in global teams and sales development. 🎙️ Learn with Teacher Curtis & Real English Conversations Are you working for an international company or living in an English-speaking country? Do you understand English but still hesitate in meetings, struggle to express your ideas or wish you could communicate more naturally and confidently? That's exactly what I help professionals work on. ⭐ Book a Trial English Lesson https://realenglishconversations.com/memberships/member-plans/fluency-programs/trial-lesson/ 🚀 90-Day Next Level English Challenge — 50% OFF Podcast listeners can get 50% OFF the 90-Day Next Level English Challenge. Use coupon code: 90DAY50 https://realenglishconversations.com/memberships/our-courses/90-day-next-level-english/ This program is designed to help you speak more clearly, confidently, and naturally, reduce hesitation, improve pronunciation and speaking flow, and develop stronger communication habits for professional situations. 📚 Explore My English Courses https://realenglishconversations.com/memberships/our-courses/ 🎧 Podcast + Phrasal Verb Audio Course Bundle https://courses.realenglishconversations.com/rec-course-bundle 🌐 Real English Conversations https://realenglishconversations.com 🎧 Listen & Follow the Podcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/76ihNoEcjms6485Vt1ng5q Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/real-english-conversations-podcast-real-english-for/id977345837 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@realenglishconversations Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rec.real.english/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RealEnglishConversationsOnline LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtis-davies-07928646/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/RealEnglishConversationsPodcast ⭐ If You Enjoyed This Episode... Don't just listen to this episode — practice what you learned. The next time you're in an English meeting, try speaking at least once. The next time you're stuck on a problem, communicate it early instead of waiting. The next time you complete a task, ask yourself: "How could I improve this?" And the next time you use AI, don't just ask it for an answer. Try using it as a thought partner, tutor or builder. If you enjoyed this conversation with Marc Snegg, follow the Real English Conversations Podcast, leave a review and share this episode with another international professional or English learner who could benefit from it. Thanks for listening!

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to experience another country as a local rather than as a tourist? In this special episode from the archives, Curtis and Former co-host Amy talk about their incredible three-month experience in Colombia. They traveled to Barranquilla on Colombia's Caribbean coast to experience Carnival, but instead of simply staying in hotels and visiting tourist attractions, they stayed with friends and their families. That allowed them to experience Colombian culture from the inside—from everyday social activities and local food to music, dancing, street parties, and Carnival celebrations. They even had the opportunity to learn cumbia with a group preparing for the Carnival parades and were invited to participate in the festivities. But this episode isn't only about travel. It's also a fantastic English listening lesson. You'll hear Curtis and Former co-host Amy naturally describing experiences, telling stories, asking questions, expressing opinions, comparing cultures, and explaining things to each other—all without the scripted language you normally find in English textbooks. And near the end of the conversation, they discuss one of the most interesting questions for language learners: Does living in another country automatically make you fluent in the language? Former Co-host Amy shares her honest experience of spending time in full Spanish immersion and explains why simply being surrounded by a language wasn't enough to produce the level of improvement she expected. She realized that additional input—such as reading, studying, and getting more exposure to the language—was necessary to maximize the benefits of immersion. That's an important lesson for anyone learning English today. 🎯 In This Episode You'll Learn: ✅ How to improve your English listening through real travel conversations ✅ How native speakers describe travel experiences and tell stories naturally ✅ Vocabulary and expressions connected to travel, culture and everyday life ✅ How to talk about cultural differences and experiences ✅ Why staying with local people can create a very different travel experience ✅ How to describe festivals, music, dancing and local traditions in English ✅ How to use English to explain personal experiences and memorable moments ✅ What happens when you spend extended time immersed in another language ✅ Why language immersion alone may not be enough to achieve fluency ✅ Why reading, studying, and additional exposure can make immersion much more effective  Colombia, Carnival & Cultural Immersion Curtis and Former Co-host Amy traveled to Barranquilla because they wanted to experience its famous Carnival, described in the conversation as the world's second-largest carnival after Rio de Janeiro. But arriving early and staying with local friends allowed them to experience much more than the Carnival itself. They talk about: 🎵 The incredible amount of music throughout Barranquilla 🍕 Going out with local friends for movies, pizza, and drinks 🍳 Trying traditional Colombian arepas 💃 Learning cumbia with a Carnival group 🥁 Experiencing local music and dance 🎉 Street parties and Carnival celebrations 🔊 Massive sound systems and DJs playing in the streets 🏖️ Spending time in Santa Marta 🌅 Enjoying the beaches and sunsets 🏛️ Their short visit to Cartagena One of the biggest lessons from the trip was that some of their most memorable experiences came from living like locals rather than simply visiting tourist attractions. 💬 English Learning Lesson: Immersion Doesn't Automatically Create Fluency One of the most valuable parts of this conversation for language learners comes near the end. Curtis asks Former Co-Host Amy what effect three months in a Spanish-speaking environment had on her language learning. Her answer is surprisingly honest. She explains that during the periods when she was staying with Spanish-speaking families, she was communicating in Spanish throughout the day. This helped her become much more comfortable using the grammar and vocabulary she already knew. However, she realized afterward that she needed additional input—such as reading, studying, and getting more exposure—to continue learning and expanding her language skills. The lesson for English learners: Don't rely on conversation alone. A powerful learning routine combines: Listening + Speaking + Reading + Vocabulary + Study + Real-world Practice That's how you turn the English you recognize into English you can actually use. 📚 English Vocabulary & Expressions From the Conversation Listen carefully for natural expressions and vocabulary related to: get to know a city hang out language exchange day-to-day living typical food shenanigans part of the culture participate in turn something down full commitment in the spirit of get revenge block party street vendors spectator full immersion language barrier input exposure fluency These are the kinds of words and expressions that help you move beyond textbook English and understand how English is actually used in everyday conversation. 💡 A Powerful English Learning Lesson Don't just study English. Experience it. Real conversations give you something textbooks often can't: context. When you hear vocabulary inside a story, you can understand not only what a word means, but also how, when, and why native speakers use it. Curtis explains that these conversations are designed to help listeners improve their listening skills and learn the vocabulary and phrases native speakers use in real everyday life. So don't worry if you don't understand every single word the first time. Listen once for the overall story. Then listen again and focus on: 👉 vocabulary 👉 pronunciation 👉 expressions 👉 sentence structure 👉 how the speakers connect their ideas That's how you can turn a podcast episode into an actual English lesson. 🎙️ Learn English with Teacher Curtis & Real English Conversations If you're serious about becoming more fluent, confident, and natural in English, I can help you take the next step. ⭐ Book a Trial English Lesson Start with a personalized lesson focused on your specific English goals: https://realenglishconversations.com/memberships/member-plans/fluency-programs/trial-lesson/ 🚀 90-Day Next Level English Challenge — 50% OFF If you're ready for serious one-on-one support, you can join my 90-Day Next Level English Challenge. Use coupon code: 90DAY50 for 50% OFF. https://realenglishconversations.com/memberships/our-courses/90-day-next-level-english/ 📚 Explore My English Courses https://realenglishconversations.com/memberships/our-courses/ 🎧 Podcast + Phrasal Verb Audio Course Bundle https://courses.realenglishconversations.com/rec-course-bundle 🌐 Real English Conversations https://realenglishconversations.com 🎧 Listen to the Podcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/76ihNoEcjms6485Vt1ng5q Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/real-english-conversations-podcast-real-english-for/id977345837 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@realenglishconversations 📱 Follow Real English Conversations Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rec.real.english/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RealEnglishConversationsOnline LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtis-davies-07928646/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/RealEnglishConversationsPodcast ⭐ If You Enjoyed This Episode... Don't just listen—use the episode to improve your English. Listen again, write down 5 new expressions, repeat some of the sentences out loud, and try using the new vocabulary in your own conversations. And if you enjoyed the episode, please follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with another English learner who could benefit from authentic English listening practice. Thanks for listening to the Real English Conversations Podcast! — Teacher Curtis

Why are some professionals able to communicate an idea and immediately make people listen, connect, and remember it—while others struggle to get their message across? In this powerful episode of the Real English Conversations Podcast, Curtis Davies sits down with Emmy-nominated filmmaker, author, keynote speaker, story strategy consultant, and Chief Storytelling Officer Rain Bennett to explore one of the most important skills for today's global professionals: storytelling. Rain has conducted more than 1,000 interviews and spent more than 20 years working with stories, filmmaking, communication, and human connection. Through those experiences, he has discovered a powerful truth: stories have incredible power to connect and influence people—but only when we understand how to deliver the right story to the right audience. This is especially important for international professionals communicating in English. Whether you're giving a presentation, participating in a business meeting, interviewing for a job, networking, leading a team, selling an idea, or simply trying to communicate more naturally in English, storytelling can help you move beyond simply "speaking English" and start creating genuine connections with the people you're communicating with. Rain explains why effective communication isn't just about what YOU want to say. It's about understanding the person receiving your message, finding common ground, and creating alignment. You'll also discover how storytelling goes far beyond marketing. Rain explains his concept of a "narrative operating system" and how organizations can create a consistent story that influences everything from hiring and sales to leadership, partnerships, products, and company culture. 🎯 In This Episode You'll Learn: ✅ Why storytelling is one of the most powerful communication skills for professionals ✅ How storytelling can help international professionals communicate more naturally in English ✅ Why knowing what to say isn't enough—you also need to know how to deliver it ✅ How to find powerful stories hidden inside your everyday experiences ✅ The simple practice that can help you build a personal "bank" of stories ✅ Why the best stories focus on transformation rather than simply describing what happened ✅ How to find "connective tissue" with people who have completely different experiences from you ✅ Why curiosity is one of the most important skills in communication ✅ How storytelling can help you stand out during job interviews and professional conversations ✅ Why businesses need a consistent narrative across departments and communication channels ✅ How storytelling builds trust with employees, customers, partners, and other stakeholders ✅ Why trying to say too much can actually make your communication less effective 💡 A Powerful Communication Lesson One of Rain's key messages throughout the conversation is that effective communication begins with the listener. Instead of simply telling people how great you, your company, your product, or your skills are, look for the point of connection. What matters to the person you're speaking with? What experiences, interests, goals, or challenges can create alignment? This approach can completely change the way you communicate in English—especially in professional situations such as interviews, networking, presentations, and meetings. 📖 About Rain Bennett Rain Bennett is an Emmy-nominated filmmaker, author, keynote speaker, story strategy consultant, and Chief Storytelling Officer at Elemmir. He hosts The Storytelling Lab, a weekly podcast featuring tips, insights, and success stories from some of the world's top storytellers. After conducting more than 1,000 interviews and spending more than two decades working with stories, Rain has developed a deep understanding of how stories influence human connection and communication. His latest book, The Chief Storytelling Officer, explores how organizations can build a narrative operating system that weaves storytelling throughout every department of a business—not just marketing and communications. As Rain explains, every interaction inside and outside an organization contributes to the overall story a company is telling. 📚 Get Rain's New Book The Chief Storytelling Officer Learn how storytelling can become an essential part of your organization's culture, communication, leadership, and business strategy. 🌐 Rain Bennett https://www.rainbennett.com 🎙️ The Storytelling Lab Podcast https://thestorytellinglabpodcast.com 💼 LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/feed/in/rainbennett 📸 Instagram https://instagram.com/rainbennett 🎥 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@chiefstorytellingofficer 🎙️ Learn with Teacher Curtis & Real English Conversations 💬 Want to improve your English for professional success? Work directly with Curtis through personalized coaching designed to help you communicate clearly, confidently, and naturally in real-world professional situations. 👉 Book your trial session https://realenglishconversations.com/memberships/member-plans/fluency-programs/trial-lesson/ 🔥 Join the 90-Day English Challenge (50% OFF with code: 90DAY50) https://realenglishconversations.com/memberships/our-courses/90-day-next-level-english/ 🎧 PODCAST + PHRASAL VERB AUDIO COURSE BUNDLE https://courses.realenglishconversations.com/rec-course-bundle 📚 Explore All English Courses https://realenglishconversations.com/memberships/our-courses/ 🌐 Real English Conversations Website https://realenglishconversations.com 🎧 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/76ihNoEcjms6485Vt1ng5q 🎧 Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/real-english-conversations-podcast-real-english-for/id977345837 📺 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@realenglishconversations 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rec.real.english/ 📘 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RealEnglishConversationsOnline 💼 LinkedIn — Curtis Davies https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtis-davies-07928646/ 💖 Support the Podcast on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/RealEnglishConversationsPodcast ⭐ If You Enjoyed This Episode... Follow the Real English Conversations Podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Leave a review—it helps more international professionals and English learners discover the show. And share this episode with someone who wants to become a more confident, natural, and effective communicator in English. Remember: You don't just need better English. You need a better way to connect.

Why do so many intelligent, ambitious professionals know exactly what they should be doing—but still struggle to take action? In this powerful episode of the Real English Conversations Podcast, Curtis Davies sits down with decorated Army veteran, award-winning international speaker, executive coach, and author Mark Reynolds to explore the connection between confidence, competence, mindset, and taking action. Mark explains why high achievers can become trapped between constantly trying to "fix their mindset" and searching for the perfect strategy, tactic, or productivity hack—and why lasting change requires both. Drawing from his military leadership experience, corporate career, coaching work, and book How to Make Every Day GREAT!, Mark shares practical frameworks for overcoming limiting beliefs, developing confidence, performing under pressure, and creating meaningful progress in both your professional and personal life. The conversation also has a strong connection to English learners and global professionals. Mark and Curtis discuss why real-time feedback, practice, competency, and actually using your skills are essential for building confidence—whether you're learning English, preparing for a presentation, leading a team, interviewing for a job, or stepping into a bigger professional role. If you've ever felt like you're capable of more but something is holding you back, this episode will give you a practical framework for identifying what's missing and taking your next step. 🎯 In This Episode You'll Learn: ✅ Why high achievers get stuck between mindset work and tactics ✅ The connection between confidence and competence ✅ How limiting beliefs can quietly control your professional decisions ✅ Why you shouldn't confuse your thoughts with facts ✅ How to recognize whether you're facing a clarity, skill, or courage problem ✅ Why real-time feedback is essential for building confidence ✅ How to become more confident by taking smaller, achievable actions ✅ How military leadership principles can be applied to professional life ✅ How to stay calm and effective when you're under pressure ✅ Why you should stop measuring yourself against other people's success ✅ How to turn setbacks and rejection into opportunities ✅ Why rest and energy are essential to high performance ✅ The GREAT framework from Mark's book How to Make Every Day GREAT! ✅ Why your calendar reveals what you truly prioritize ✅ How to create more clarity around the life and career you actually want 💡 The GREAT Framework One of the key ideas Mark shares from his book is his GREAT framework for creating a better day and a better life: G — Goals Know what you want to accomplish. R — Rest Give yourself the recovery necessary to perform at your best. E — Energy Make sure you have the physical and mental energy to take action. A — Action Stop waiting for everything to be perfect and do something. T — Time Make time for the people, priorities, and experiences that matter most. As Mark explains, if something genuinely matters to you, it should be reflected in how you spend your time. 💬 Memorable Quotes "Confidence really builds when you have a belief like this is what I want. I know how to do it. And I can figure it out." — Mark Reynolds "At some point you also still just have to speak it. No amount of reading is going to replace taking action." — Mark Reynolds And one of the biggest takeaways from the conversation: If you're not getting the results you want, first figure out whether you lack clarity, competency, or courage. 👤 About Mark Reynolds Mark Reynolds is a decorated Army veteran, award-winning international speaker, executive coach, and Certified High Performance Coach who helps high achievers build confidence, overcome limiting beliefs, and perform at a higher level. His approach combines mindset, practical action, leadership, and high-performance principles to help ambitious professionals stop getting stuck and start creating meaningful results. Mark is also the author of How to Make Every Day GREAT!, a practical framework for creating greater clarity, energy, productivity, and fulfillment in everyday life. During the conversation, Mark shares how lessons from his military career—including leadership, mentorship, feedback, discipline, and performing under pressure—continue to influence his coaching philosophy today. 🔗 Connect with Mark Reynolds 🌐 Website https://markreynolds.tv/ 💼 LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/successauditor/ 📚 Mark's Book — How to Make Every Day GREAT! Available on Amazon and wherever books are sold. 🎙️ Learn with Teacher Curtis & Real English Conversations 💬 Want to improve your English for professional success? Work directly with Curtis through personalized coaching designed to help you communicate clearly, confidently, and naturally in real-world professional situations. 👉 Book your trial session https://realenglishconversations.com/memberships/member-plans/fluency-programs/trial-lesson/ 🔥 Join the 90-Day English Challenge 50% OFF with code: 90DAY50 https://realenglishconversations.com/memberships/our-courses/90-day-next-level-english/ 🎧 Podcast & Phrasal Verb Audio Course Bundle https://courses.realenglishconversations.com/rec-course-bundle 📚 More English Courses https://realenglishconversations.com/memberships/our-courses/ 🌐 Connect with Real English Conversations 🌐 Website https://realenglishconversations.com 🎧 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/76ihNoEcjms6485Vt1ng5q 🎧 Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/real-english-conversations-podcast-real-english-for/id977345837 📺 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@realenglishconversations 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rec.real.english/ 📘 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RealEnglishConversationsOnline 💼 LinkedIn — Curtis Davies https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtis-davies-07928646/ 💖 Support the podcast on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/RealEnglishConversationsPodcast ⭐ If You Enjoyed This Episode... ⭐ Follow the Real English Conversations Podcast on your favorite platform. ⭐ Leave a review—it helps more global professionals and English learners discover the show. ⭐ Share this episode with someone who knows they're capable of more but needs the confidence and courage to take the next step. Your English doesn't have to be perfect before you take action. Your confidence grows when you use your skills, get feedback, and keep moving forward.

Have you ever wondered what your English teacher did before becoming a teacher? In this special re-released episode from the Real English Conversations Podcast archives, Curtis Davies and former co-host Amy share the story of their entrepreneurial journey long before they began helping English learners around the world. Before teaching English full-time, they owned and operated their own delivery business in Canada. Running a small business taught them valuable lessons in communication, customer service, problem-solving, leadership, and calculated risk-taking, skills that continue to shape how they teach English today. Whether you're an entrepreneur, business professional, immigrant, or someone considering a career change, you'll discover that many of the communication skills needed for business success are the same as those needed to communicate confidently in English. Although this episode originally aired in 2021, the lessons are just as relevant today. 🎯 In This Episode You'll Learn: ✅ How Curtis and Amy became entrepreneurs before becoming English teachers ✅ The realities of owning and operating a delivery business in Canada ✅ Why entrepreneurship teaches communication better than many classrooms ✅ Customer service lessons that improve your English communication ✅ How to place a delivery order over the phone like a Native speaker ✅ Why career changes can open unexpected opportunities ✅ The importance of adaptability and resilience ✅ Practical communication habits every professional can develop 💬 Memorable Quote "Every career teaches you something valuable—and the skills you develop today may become the foundation for your next opportunity." 👤 About Curtis Davies Curtis Davies is the founder of Real English Conversations and has helped English learners from more than 100 countries communicate naturally and confidently for over 12 years. His podcast has surpassed 15 million downloads worldwide, helping immigrants, international professionals, and business English learners improve their fluency through authentic conversations with world-class guests and practical communication strategies. 🎙️ Learn with Teacher Curtis & Real English Conversations 💬 Want to improve your English for professional success? Work directly with Curtis through personalized coaching designed to help you communicate clearly, confidently, and naturally in real-world professional situations. 👉 Book your trial session https://realenglishconversations.com/memberships/member-plans/fluency-programs/trial-lesson/ 🔥 Join the 90-Day English Challenge (50% OFF with code: 90DAY50) https://realenglishconversations.com/memberships/our-courses/90-day-next-level-english/ 🎧 Podcast + Phrasal Verb Audio Course Bundle https://courses.realenglishconversations.com/rec-course-bundle 📚 All Courses https://realenglishconversations.com/memberships/our-courses/ 🌐 Website https://realenglishconversations.com 🎧 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/76ihNoEcjms6485Vt1ng5q 🎧 Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/real-english-conversations-podcast-real-english-for/id977345837 📺 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@realenglishconversations 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rec.real.english/ 📘 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RealEnglishConversationsOnline 💼 LinkedIn — Curtis Davies https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtis-davies-07928646/ 💖 Support the podcast on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/RealEnglishConversationsPodcast ⭐ If you enjoyed this episode... ⭐ Follow the podcast on your favorite platform. ⭐ Leave a review—it helps more English learners discover the show. ⭐ Share this episode with someone who's thinking about changing careers, starting a business, or improving their professional English communication.

Have you ever felt nervous speaking English in meetings, presentations, or job interviews—even though you know what you want to say? In this practical and inspiring episode of the Real English Conversations Podcast, Curtis Davies sits down with executive communication coach, speaker, actor, and presentation expert Andrew Hurteau to explore what separates average communicators from truly memorable ones. Drawing on more than 25 years of coaching business leaders, performers, and professionals around the world, including executives from Meta, Dolby, Gartner, The North Face, Kaiser Permanente, and many others, Andrew shares powerful strategies for becoming a more confident, authentic, and engaging communicator. Whether English is your first language or your second, you'll discover why effective communication isn't about sounding perfect; it's about connecting with your audience, owning your message, and allowing your personality to shine through. If you want to communicate with greater confidence at work, deliver stronger presentations, lead meetings more effectively, or simply become a more natural English speaker, this episode is packed with practical advice you can apply immediately. 🎯 In This Episode You'll Learn: ✅ Why authenticity is more powerful than perfection ✅ How to overcome fear and anxiety when speaking English ✅ The biggest mistake professionals make during presentations ✅ Why storytelling creates stronger communication than memorized scripts ✅ Practical techniques to become a more engaging speaker ✅ How body language and vocal delivery influence your message ✅ Why confidence is a skill anyone can develop ✅ Communication habits that help professionals stand out in today's workplace 💬 Memorable Quote "Your audience doesn't need perfection—they need you." — Andrew Hurteau 👤 About Andrew Hurteau Andrew Hurteau is an executive communication coach, presentation specialist, speaker, actor, and associate of Butterfield Speaks. For more than 25 years, he has helped professionals, executives, and business leaders become more confident, authentic, and impactful communicators. His clients include leaders and teams from organizations such as Meta, Dolby, Gartner, The North Face, Kaiser Permanente, Samsara, and many others. Andrew combines his background in professional theatre, storytelling, and executive coaching to help people communicate with clarity, confidence, and genuine human connection. 🔗 Connect with Andrew Hurteau 🌐 Website https://www.butterfieldspeaks.com/ https://www.butterfieldspeaks.com/andrew 💼 LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-hurteau-2a812061/   🎙️ Learn with Teacher Curtis & Real English Conversations 💬 Want to improve your English for professional success? Work directly with Curtis through personalized coaching designed to help you communicate clearly, confidently, and naturally in real-world professional situations. 👉 Book your trial session https://realenglishconversations.com/memberships/member-plans/fluency-programs/trial-lesson/ 🔥 Join the 90-Day English Challenge (50% OFF with code: 90DAY50) https://realenglishconversations.com/memberships/our-courses/90-day-next-level-english/ 🎧 Podcast + Phrasal Verb Audio Course Bundle https://courses.realenglishconversations.com/rec-course-bundle 📚 All Courses https://realenglishconversations.com/memberships/our-courses/ 🌐 Website https://realenglishconversations.com 🎧 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/76ihNoEcjms6485Vt1ng5q 🎧 Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/real-english-conversations-podcast-real-english-for/id977345837 📺 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@realenglishconversations 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rec.real.english/ 📘 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RealEnglishConversationsOnline 💼 LinkedIn — Curtis Davies https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtis-davies-07928646/ 💖 Support the podcast on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/RealEnglishConversationsPodcast If you enjoyed this episode... ⭐ Follow the podcast on your favorite platform. ⭐ Leave a review—it helps more English learners discover the show. ⭐ Share this episode with a friend, colleague, or English learner who wants to communicate with more confidence and make a lasting impression.

Why do so many intelligent professionals still struggle with confidence—even when their English is already good? In this inspiring episode of the Real English Conversations Podcast, Curtis Davies sits down with TEDx speaker, comedian, communication coach, and entrepreneur Sam Ghanem to explore one of the biggest challenges facing international professionals today: believing in yourself when it matters most. Sam shares her powerful journey from chasing external validation to discovering authentic confidence, explaining why confidence isn't about perfection—it's about presence, self-awareness, and showing up as your true self. Whether you're preparing for job interviews, giving presentations, leading meetings, networking, or simply trying to express yourself more naturally in English, this conversation will help you develop the mindset and communication habits of truly confident professionals. You'll also discover why your voice matters, how to overcome imposter syndrome, and why "the room gets better when you're in it." 🎯 In This Episode You'll Learn: ✅ Why high-achieving professionals still experience self-doubt ✅ The difference between confidence and authenticity ✅ How to overcome imposter syndrome and negative self-talk ✅ Why perfection is hurting your communication ✅ How to become a more natural public speaker ✅ The mindset shift that transforms networking ✅ Practical strategies to improve confidence in English conversations ✅ Why your presence matters more than perfect English 💬 Memorable Quote "The room gets better when you're in it. Your only job is to show up and take up space." — Sam Ghanem 👤 About Sam Ghanem Sam Ghanem is a TEDx speaker, comedian, communication coach, entrepreneur, and keynote speaker who helps professionals communicate with authenticity, confidence, and impact. Combining years of experience in public speaking, business leadership, comedy, and personal development, Sam teaches people how to overcome self-doubt, become better communicators, and build genuine confidence that lasts. 🔗 Connect with Sam Ghanem Watch Sam Ghanem's TEDx Talk: It's Contagious | The Way You Treat Yourself Spreads Here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVSfKUcWFe8 Follow Sam Ghanem Online 🌐 Website https://iamsamghanem.com 🎥 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@iamsamghanem 💼 LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/samghanemmiba 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/iamsamghanem 🎙️Learn with Teacher Curtis & Real English Conversations 💬 Want to improve your English for professional success? Work directly with Curtis through personalized coaching designed to help you communicate clearly, confidently, and naturally in real-world professional situations. 👉 Book your trial session https://realenglishconversations.com/memberships/member-plans/fluency-programs/trial-lesson/ 🔥 Join the 90-Day English Challenge (50% OFF with code: 90DAY50) https://realenglishconversations.com/memberships/our-courses/90-day-next-level-english/ PODCAST AND PHRASAL VERB AUDIO COURSE BUNDLE  https://courses.realenglishconversations.com/rec-course-bundle https://realenglishconversations.com/memberships/our-courses/  🌐 Website https://realenglishconversations.com 🎧 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/76ihNoEcjms6485Vt1ng5q 🎧 Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/real-english-conversations-podcast-real-english-for/id977345837 📺 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@realenglishconversations 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rec.real.english/ 📘 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RealEnglishConversationsOnline 💼 LinkedIn — Curtis Davies https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtis-davies-07928646/ 💖 Support the podcast on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/RealEnglishConversationsPodcast If you enjoyed this episode... ⭐ Follow the podcast on your favorite platform. ⭐ Leave a review—it helps more English learners discover the show. ⭐ Share this episode with someone who needs a little more confidence today.

Do you feel embarrassed by your English accent? Many English learners believe they must sound like a native speaker before they can succeed professionally. But is that really true? In this special re-release from the Real English Conversations archives, Curtis Davies and former co-host Amy Whitney explore one of the biggest misconceptions in English learning: that eliminating your accent is the key to confidence. You'll discover why clear communication is far more important than sounding native, how confidence and pronunciation work together, and practical strategies to become easier to understand without losing your identity. Whether you're preparing for meetings, presentations, job interviews, or everyday conversations, this episode will help you focus on the communication skills that truly matter. In this episode you'll learn: ✅ Why sounding like a native speaker isn't the real goal ✅ The connection between confidence and pronunciation ✅ When your accent actually needs improvement—and when it doesn't ✅ Why your accent is part of your identity ✅ Curtis' STIR framework for improving pronunciation naturally ✅ How tone, rhythm and intonation make your English sound more natural ✅ Practical ways to become easier to understand at work and in everyday conversations About Real English Conversations The Real English Conversations Podcast helps intermediate and advanced English learners communicate clearly, confidently, and naturally in professional and everyday situations. Hosted by English Confidence Coach Curtis Davies, each episode provides practical communication strategies, expert interviews, and real-world English to help you succeed in international careers and English-speaking environments. 🎙️Learn with Teacher Curtis & Real English Conversations 💬 Want to improve your English for professional success? Work directly with Curtis through personalized coaching designed to help you communicate clearly, confidently, and naturally in real-world professional situations. 👉 Book your trial session https://realenglishconversations.com/memberships/member-plans/fluency-programs/trial-lesson/ 🔥 Join the 90-Day English Challenge (50% OFF with code: 90DAY50) https://realenglishconversations.com/memberships/our-courses/90-day-next-level-english/ PODCAST AND PHRASAL VERB AUDIO COURSE BUNDLE  https://courses.realenglishconversations.com/rec-course-bundle https://realenglishconversations.com/memberships/our-courses/  🌐 Website https://realenglishconversations.com 🎧 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/76ihNoEcjms6485Vt1ng5q 🎧 Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/real-english-conversations-podcast-real-english-for/id977345837 📺 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@realenglishconversations 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rec.real.english/ 📘 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RealEnglishConversationsOnline 💼 LinkedIn — Curtis Davies https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtis-davies-07928646/ 💖 Support the podcast on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/RealEnglishConversationsPodcast If you enjoyed this episode... ⭐ Follow the podcast on your favorite platform. ⭐ Leave a review—it helps more English learners discover the show. ⭐ Share this episode with someone who needs a little more confidence today.

What does it really take to become a great teacher, and what can English learners learn from the classroom? In this inspiring episode of the Real English Conversations Podcast, Curtis Davies sits down with long-time friend Mike Foster, a Canadian high school Physical & Health Education teacher from British Columbia. Mike's journey wasn't straightforward. After graduating with degrees in Kinesiology and Education, A strike and government negotiations delayed his teaching opportunities, forcing him to gain experience in unexpected places, from lifeguarding and outdoor education to coaching young people with autism, before finally becoming the teacher he had always dreamed of being. Together, Curtis and Mike explore confidence, perseverance, resilience, learning styles, neurodiversity, motivation, and why some of life's biggest setbacks often become our greatest opportunities. Whether you're learning English, changing careers, or simply trying to become more confident, this episode will remind you that success isn't about taking the perfect path—it's about continuing to move forward. In this episode, you'll learn: ✅ Why perseverance often matters more than talent ✅ How setbacks prepare us for future success ✅ What teaching students with autism taught Mike about empathy and communication ✅ Why teenagers today struggle with confidence more than previous generations ✅ The hidden impact of smartphones and social media on learning ✅ The biggest mistake almost every learner makes ✅ How successful learners develop resilience ✅ Why it's okay to change careers—and why happiness should define success Key Takeaways • Confidence grows through experience—not perfection. • Every setback can become valuable preparation for the future. • Great teachers first build trust before they teach. • Every learner is different, and understanding how you learn changes everything. • Don't quit on a bad day. • Success isn't measured by money—it's measured by purpose and happiness. 🎙️Learn with Teacher Curtis & Real English Conversations 💬 Want to improve your English for professional success? Work directly with Curtis through personalized coaching designed to help you communicate clearly, confidently, and naturally in real-world professional situations. 👉 Book your trial session https://realenglishconversations.com/memberships/member-plans/fluency-programs/trial-lesson/ 🔥 Join the 90-Day English Challenge (50% OFF with code: 90DAY50) https://realenglishconversations.com/memberships/our-courses/90-day-next-level-english/ PODCAST AND PHRASAL VERB AUDIO COURSE BUNDLE  https://courses.realenglishconversations.com/rec-course-bundle https://realenglishconversations.com/memberships/our-courses/  🌐 Website https://realenglishconversations.com 🎧 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/76ihNoEcjms6485Vt1ng5q 🎧 Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/real-english-conversations-podcast-real-english-for/id977345837 📺 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@realenglishconversations 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rec.real.english/ 📘 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RealEnglishConversationsOnline 💼 LinkedIn — Curtis Davies https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtis-davies-07928646/ 💖 Support the podcast on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/RealEnglishConversationsPodcast If you enjoyed this episode... ⭐ Follow the podcast on your favorite platform. ⭐ Leave a review—it helps more English learners discover the show. ⭐ Share this episode with someone who needs a little more confidence today.

In this latest episode of The Real English Conversations podcast, Curtis welcomes special guest James Murgatroyd from Holler Digital, reminiscing about their high school days and James's recent trip to London to see his favorite band, Galliano. James shares his experience of walking around London, enjoying classic British foods, and doing radio shows together.   The conversation turns to their shared passion for music and DJing, with a look back at their high school DJ sessions and radio show takeovers.   Overall, the conversation highlights the enduring love for music and the evolution of technology in DJing and music consumption.   Tune in for engaging discussions and valuable lessons for real-world English use!   Connect With James Murgatroyd Here:   https://hollerdigital.com/   🎙️ Connect with Teacher Curtis & Real English Conversations 💬 Want to improve your English for professional success? We currently have space for new students to work directly with Teacher Curtis through personalized coaching designed to help you speak clearly, confidently, and effectively at work. 🔥 Join the 90-Day English Challenge Now 50% OFF with coupon code 90DAY50 https://realenglishconversations.com/memberships/our-courses/90-day-next-level-english/ 👉 Book your trial session https://realenglishconversations.com/memberships/member-plans/fluency-programs/trial-lesson/ PODCAST AND PHRASAL VERB AUDIO COURSE BUNDLE  https://courses.realenglishconversations.com/rec-course-bundle https://realenglishconversations.com/memberships/our-courses/  🌐 Website https://realenglishconversations.com 🎧 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/76ihNoEcjms6485Vt1ng5q 🎧 Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/real-english-conversations-podcast-real-english-for/id977345837 📺 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@realenglishconversations 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rec.real.english/ 📘 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RealEnglishConversationsOnline 💼 LinkedIn — Curtis Davies https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtis-davies-07928646/ 💖 Support the podcast on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/RealEnglishConversationsPodcast If you enjoyed this episode... ⭐ Follow the podcast on your favorite platform. ⭐ Leave a review—it helps more English learners discover the show. ⭐ Share this episode with someone who needs a little more confidence today.