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Philip Pound

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Digital Learning Reimagined: Aspire by OUP & Learnlight

Digital Learning Reimagined: Aspire by OUP & Learnlight

Send us a textToday's podcast guests are Santiago Ruiz de Velasco, Managing Director of OUP’s English Language Teaching division Benjamin Joseph, CEO and Co-founder of Learnlight.Higher education institutions (HEIs) face the challenge of supporting non-native English speakers, including students and researchers, by providing courses that effectively and flexibly enhance their skills in a way that aligns with academic demands. A recent study indicates that the higher education sector may miss valuable contributions from researchers and students due to language barriers; many non-native speakers spend additional time navigating academic texts, preparing for presentations, and working on group projects.Aspire was created to tackle these issues directly by offering a comprehensive English language training program, available in both digital and virtual instructor-led formats for individuals and groups. These sessions are led by globally renowned trainers who have undergone specialized professional development crafted by Oxford University Press.Key Benefits of Aspire:Proven and Reliable Methods: Aspire is built on Learnlight's proprietary science, including the Learnlight Empowerment Method™ and Flipped Classroom approach, which have been proven to accelerate proficiency by 40%, ensuring timely, measurable results. This is complemented by content from Oxford University Press, a globally respected academic publisher with over 500 years of experience.Instruction by Experts: Aspire provides high-quality, practical instruction tailored to professional settings, delivered by exceptional trainers who meet Learnlight's rigorous performance metrics and have completed specialized training with Oxford University Press.Assessments and Certifications: Learners start with the Oxford Placement Test to find the right learning path and complete regular progress tests. After passing the final assessment, they receive a co-branded certificate from Oxford University Press and Learnlight, a solid credential of their language proficiency.Innovative Learning Tools: Aspire provides access to resources like the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary and Learnlight’s extensive learning tools, including its AI-powered Fluency Lab, daily conversation practice, grammar guides, and magazines for ongoing learning.For HEI’s looking to find out how this transformative program can support students and researchers with language learning, you can register your interest here.Sign up to our mailing list https://eflmagazine.com/the-efl-magazine-business-podcast/https://linktr.ee/eflmagazinehttps://www.facebook.com/groups/theeflmagazinebusinesspodcast

Episodes

Digital Learning Reimagined: Aspire by OUP & Learnlight

Digital Learning Reimagined: Aspire by OUP & Learnlight

Send us a textToday's podcast guests are Santiago Ruiz de Velasco, Managing Director of OUP’s English Language Teaching division Benjamin Joseph, CEO and Co-founder of Learnlight.Higher education institutions (HEIs) face the challenge of supporting non-native English speakers, including students and researchers, by providing courses that effectively and flexibly enhance their skills in a way that aligns with academic demands. A recent study indicates that the higher education sector may miss valuable contributions from researchers and students due to language barriers; many non-native speakers spend additional time navigating academic texts, preparing for presentations, and working on group projects.Aspire was created to tackle these issues directly by offering a comprehensive English language training program, available in both digital and virtual instructor-led formats for individuals and groups. These sessions are led by globally renowned trainers who have undergone specialized professional development crafted by Oxford University Press.Key Benefits of Aspire:Proven and Reliable Methods: Aspire is built on Learnlight's proprietary science, including the Learnlight Empowerment Method™ and Flipped Classroom approach, which have been proven to accelerate proficiency by 40%, ensuring timely, measurable results. This is complemented by content from Oxford University Press, a globally respected academic publisher with over 500 years of experience.Instruction by Experts: Aspire provides high-quality, practical instruction tailored to professional settings, delivered by exceptional trainers who meet Learnlight's rigorous performance metrics and have completed specialized training with Oxford University Press.Assessments and Certifications: Learners start with the Oxford Placement Test to find the right learning path and complete regular progress tests. After passing the final assessment, they receive a co-branded certificate from Oxford University Press and Learnlight, a solid credential of their language proficiency.Innovative Learning Tools: Aspire provides access to resources like the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary and Learnlight’s extensive learning tools, including its AI-powered Fluency Lab, daily conversation practice, grammar guides, and magazines for ongoing learning.For HEI’s looking to find out how this transformative program can support students and researchers with language learning, you can register your interest here.Sign up to our mailing list https://eflmagazine.com/the-efl-magazine-business-podcast/https://linktr.ee/eflmagazinehttps://www.facebook.com/groups/theeflmagazinebusinesspodcast

Adventures in Spain: Harrison Fowler on Founding RVF International

Adventures in Spain: Harrison Fowler on Founding RVF International

Send us a textIn 2015, Harrison moved from the U.S. to Spain for a life-changing gap year teaching abroad. During that first year, he met his wife, and not long after, he founded RVF International in Madrid. Since then, RVF has helped nearly 2,000 people make the move to Spain, and its mission is to continue supporting and empowering even more adventurers on their journey abroad.RVF Website Link: https://rvfinternational.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rvfinternational/?hl=enTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rvfinternationalLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rvfinternational?trk=ppro_cprofYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rvfinternational1825/featuredFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/RVF.International/Sign up to our mailing list https://eflmagazine.com/the-efl-magazine-business-podcast/https://linktr.ee/eflmagazinehttps://www.facebook.com/groups/theeflmagazinebusinesspodcast

Crafting Powerful Media for Your Business with Laura Wilkes

Crafting Powerful Media for Your Business with Laura Wilkes

Send us a textLaura Wilkes is a video and podcast producer who helps educators record content to grow their community. Before becoming a producer and setting up Communicating for Impact, Laura taught English, trained teachers, and led academic teams across the world for fifteen years. Laura is also the producer for the TESOL Pop podcast, which provides bite-sized episodes on teaching, trends, and careers for educators.website: https://communicating-for-impact.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-wilkes-video-podcast-producer/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/communicating_for_impact/Sign up to our mailing list https://eflmagazine.com/the-efl-magazine-business-podcast/https://linktr.ee/eflmagazinehttps://www.facebook.com/groups/theeflmagazinebusinesspodcast

From JET to CEO: Ryan Hagglund on Building Successful Schools

From JET to CEO: Ryan Hagglund on Building Successful Schools

Send us a textRyan Hagglund is the owner of MY English School , which operates nine locations in Yamagata and Hyogo prefectures, serving over 1,200 students, as well as Yamagata’s only English immersion kindergarten. MY also organizes conferences and teacher training events through Independent Owners and Teachers and manages orders for the English Teachers’ Book Service , which gives a 20% discount to all schools and independent teachers.Originally from Oregon, Ryan holds a BA in Sociology and Theatre from Seattle Pacific University, an MA in TEFL/TESL from the University of Birmingham, and an MAT with Oregon State teaching certification from Willamette University. He came to Japan on the JET Program in 1998, later taught full-time at a private high school, and took over MY English School in 2008. Ryan also served as an adjunct instructor at Yamagata University (2008-2017) and as a coordinator for ETJ Sendai and president of the JALT School Owners SIG.Sign up to our mailing list https://eflmagazine.com/the-efl-magazine-business-podcast/https://linktr.ee/eflmagazinehttps://www.facebook.com/groups/theeflmagazinebusinesspodcast

Frank Foley: A Media and Publishing Journey in Japan

Frank Foley: A Media and Publishing Journey in Japan

Send us a textFrank Foley has lived and worked in Japan for 33 years, with 22 as Japan Country Manager. His career in Japan began at News Corporation, where he spent 17 years. Initially, he worked in publishing at HarperCollins Publishers, leading sales for trade and educational books across Asia for six years. He later shifted to News Corp's cable and satellite division, where he played a pivotal role in launching and managing Fox Channel Japan and the National Geographic Channel. While at National Geographic, he forged a partnership with Cengage Publishing that eventually developed into the ELL game-changing company, National Geographic Learning. Frank then transitioned to the character licensing industry, overseeing Asia-Pacific operations for HIT Entertainment, the former owner of iconic kids' brands like Thomas & Friends, Bob the Builder, and Pingu. He also led Japan operations for well-known family and entertainment brands, including Guinness World Records and Universal Music. Currently, Frank is the Japan Country Manager for The East India Company Ltd.Stories From The GenbaSign up to our mailing list https://eflmagazine.com/the-efl-magazine-business-podcast/https://linktr.ee/eflmagazinehttps://www.facebook.com/groups/theeflmagazinebusinesspodcast

Adam Kardos: School Owner, Publisher, and App Entrepreneur

Adam Kardos: School Owner, Publisher, and App Entrepreneur

Send us a textAdam Kardos, owner of EA Kids and founder of AAS Press, is a teacher trainer and curriculum writer based in Hyogo. He has published textbooks and readers for young learners including Spring Country and Here Come the Unicorns, winners of the Language Learner Literature award. He has also produced the Gamerize Dictionary, a gamified learner dictionary appLinks:Opening and Running and English GakudoGamerize DictionaryAAS Press Music MedleyAwesome Adventure Series CourseIntroduction to Awesome Phonics AdventuresSign up to our mailing list https://eflmagazine.com/the-efl-magazine-business-podcast/https://linktr.ee/eflmagazinehttps://www.facebook.com/groups/theeflmagazinebusinesspodcast

An Interview with Barry O'Callaghan of Rise Global

An Interview with Barry O'Callaghan of Rise Global

Send us a textBarry O'Callaghan is an accomplished Irish business executive and financier. Currently serving as the Chairman and CEO of Rise Global, he has left an indelible mark on the corporate landscape. Prior to his role at Rise Global, Barry held the position of CEO at Riverdeep, where he orchestrated a remarkable transformation.Under Barry's leadership, Riverdeep, initially a modest educational software company, underwent a remarkable evolution, culminating in its ascent to become the largest K-12 publishing company within the American education system. This achievement was realized through a strategic series of acquisitions orchestrated by Barry, demonstrating his astute business acumen and visionary leadership.Sign up to our mailing list https://eflmagazine.com/the-efl-magazine-business-podcast/https://linktr.ee/eflmagazinehttps://www.facebook.com/groups/theeflmagazinebusinesspodcast

Financial Planning for Your Retirement in Japan, with Ben Shearon

Financial Planning for Your Retirement in Japan, with Ben Shearon

Send us a textBen Shearon is a retired university English teacher based in Sendai. He was born in Germany and grew up in Spain but claims to be British. After living in Spain, the UK, and China, he moved to Japan in 2000 and has been here ever since. In 2013 Ben started the RetireJapan website to share information in English about personal finance, investing, and retirement for people living in Japan. It has since grown into an online community with a forum, newsletter, YouTube channel, and a number of publications and courses. In his spare time Ben helps his wife run a children’s language school, publishes a textbook series for Japanese junior high school students (the Fluency Course), and enjoys losing at Brazilian jiu-jitsu.Sign up to our mailing list https://eflmagazine.com/the-efl-magazine-business-podcast/https://linktr.ee/eflmagazinehttps://www.facebook.com/groups/theeflmagazinebusinesspodcast

From 0 to $70k per Month Teaching Students Academic Writing, with Marek Kiczkowiak

From 0 to $70k per Month Teaching Students Academic Writing, with Marek Kiczkowiak

Send us a textMarek Kiczkowiak has been in ELT since 2009. He has CELTA, DELTA and a PhD. He currently runs an educational company, Academic English Now, where he helps PhD students and researchers write research papers. He grew the company from 0 to 70k/month and now shares his insights with English teachers who want to start a widely profitable teaching English business.Alex HormoziBlue Ocean StrategyCrossing the ChasmJim CollinsSign up to our mailing list https://eflmagazine.com/the-efl-magazine-business-podcast/https://linktr.ee/eflmagazinehttps://www.facebook.com/groups/theeflmagazinebusinesspodcast

Founder and CEO of Two Education Companies in Japan: Basil Tonks

Founder and CEO of Two Education Companies in Japan: Basil Tonks

Send us a textBorn in Trinidad and Tobago in 1966, Basil moved to Canada in 1969. After graduating from the University of Toronto, he pursued Asian Studies at the Graduate School of the University of British Columbia. Since coming to Japan in 1992, Basil has been extensively involved in education, serving as principal of an English language school, materials developer, teacher trainer, radio host, educational consultant, and more. Currently, he is Founder and CEO at two companies, the Educational Venture Corporation and Maxwell Education Group, and Founder and Chief Revenue Officer at a third company, Potential PlusSign up to our mailing list https://eflmagazine.com/the-efl-magazine-business-podcast/https://linktr.ee/eflmagazinehttps://www.facebook.com/groups/theeflmagazinebusinesspodcast

Becoming a Successful ELT Entrepreneur in Mexico City, with Zoe Smith

Becoming a Successful ELT Entrepreneur in Mexico City, with Zoe Smith

Send us a textOriginally from the UK, Founder Zoe Smith created Mexico City based BE School when she saw a gap in the market for English Programs that were based specifically on growing Business Skills and Confidence for Mexican Professionals. BE School works with dozens of International corporations with customized courses tailored for individual and industry needs; the ethos is to enhance confidence through effective communication, thereby creating global ambassadors for the companies it serves.Sign up to our mailing list https://eflmagazine.com/the-efl-magazine-business-podcast/https://linktr.ee/eflmagazinehttps://www.facebook.com/groups/theeflmagazinebusinesspodcast

A Chat with Sakurako Oshima: Entrepreneur, Teacher, and Successful Author

A Chat with Sakurako Oshima: Entrepreneur, Teacher, and Successful Author

Send us a textIn 2007, Sakurako Oshima set up her own company specialising in English education for adults. Her mission is to provide powerful support to as many people as possible through lessons, consulting, coaching, and books in order to achieve the respective goals of various people who need English, such as those who use English for work, those who want to be stationed abroad, those who want to study overseas' universities and graduate schools, and those who dream of moving abroad.Since 2006, she has been working as a writer and has published a total of fifteen books.Website： http://officebii.com/index.htmlBlog： https://ameblo.jp/sarahalohaFacebook： https://www.facebook.com/office.bi.iTwitter： https://twitter.com/SakurashinjuInstagram： https://www.instagram.com/sakurako_english/Sign up to our mailing list https://eflmagazine.com/the-efl-magazine-business-podcast/https://linktr.ee/eflmagazinehttps://www.facebook.com/groups/theeflmagazinebusinesspodcast

Lessons in Business from Building a Thriving Test-Prep Company, with Mike Bergin

Lessons in Business from Building a Thriving Test-Prep Company, with Mike Bergin

Send us a textAfter nearly 30 years of intensive experience in every aspect of test preparation, Mike Bergin knows what works in tutoring and what doesn’t. A nationally recognized leader in education, Mike founded Chariot Learning in 2009 to deliver on the promise of what truly transformative individualized education can and should be. Besides overseeing Chariot Learning’s national programs, Mike is an ACT Certified Educator who trains teachers across the country to implement critical skills and college and career readiness standards.Mike is proud to be the founding President of the Board of Directors of the National Test Prep Association, a non-profit dedicated to promoting the highest ethical standards and best practices in the test prep industry while advocating for the appropriate administration and use of standardized tests for admissions and assessment purposes. Mike is also the creator of the SAT/ACT TestFlip program, founder of the free testing and admissions answer site TestBright, co-host of Tests and the Rest, the college admissions industry podcast, and publisher of Tutor: The Newsletter.Lastly, Mike is the co-author of the Amazon bestseller Crash and Learn: Lessons in Business.Sign up to our mailing list https://eflmagazine.com/the-efl-magazine-business-podcast/https://linktr.ee/eflmagazinehttps://www.facebook.com/groups/theeflmagazinebusinesspodcast

Building an EdTech Company with 1.5 Million Registered Users, with Jarrad Merlo

Building an EdTech Company with 1.5 Million Registered Users, with Jarrad Merlo

Send us a textJarrad Merlo is the principal consultant of Nouns n' Verbs.com where he helps schools, publishers and companies digitise their language learning and testing products, content, assessment, media, marketing, teaching and strategy. He co-founded and spent the last ten years building an EdTech company called E2 that specialises in B2C and B2B high-stakes English exam prep that has registered over 1.5 million users. He is also the face of E2's YouTube channels that have over 2.5 million subscribers. He has a wealth of knowledge about technology start-ups and scale-ups and all things applied linguistics and technology.The EFL Magazine Entrepreneur ConferenceSign up to our mailing list https://eflmagazine.com/the-efl-magazine-business-podcast/https://linktr.ee/eflmagazinehttps://www.facebook.com/groups/theeflmagazinebusinesspodcast

Getting Your Money to Work for You through Strategic Investing, with Nicola Prentis

Getting Your Money to Work for You through Strategic Investing, with Nicola Prentis

Send us a textNicola Prentis started off in ELT as a teacher, bouncing around the world wherever she most wanted to go at the time: Czech Republic, Turkey, Australia, Spain, Thailand. She started writing EFL materials as a way to transition into working from her sofa and settled in Spain around 2012. Once she realised she could sell ideas to magazines, she branched out into writing about travel, food, parenting, even Brxit and Love Island for publications including Cosmo, The Independent and the Wall Street Journal (OK, it was only one article in each of those!). After a brief period of speaking at conferences, she realised she wasn't going to earn any more from writing than she had from teaching and the shine had faded from sitting at home not talking to anyone all day. At the same time, she began wondering what she could do with her savings, carefully scrimped over 20 years. The answer led her into teaching herself about investing from a starting point of utter cluelessness. That was quickly followed by the realisation that many, many people in ELT had the same lack of knowledge about investing and that all her years of teaching and creating educational materials were about to come in handy... the result is The Chilled Investor. A beginner course on investing that can take anyone from clueless to clued up in 6 weeks. www.chilledinvestor.com to sign up to the newsletter to be the first to hear about it.The EFL Magazine Entrepreneur Conference is taking place on the 27th and 28th of August. Sign up here for the latest news on the conferenceSign up to our mailing list https://eflmagazine.com/the-efl-magazine-business-podcast/https://linktr.ee/eflmagazinehttps://www.facebook.com/groups/theeflmagazinebusinesspodcast

Becoming a Prosperous Online Teacher within 12 Months, with Jeff Johnson

Becoming a Prosperous Online Teacher within 12 Months, with Jeff Johnson

Send us a textJeff Johnson made the break into online teaching almost 2 years years ago and hasn't looked back since. By using his experience in education and aptitude for strategic planning, Jeff has carved out a thriving business within 2 years by being focused, measured, patient and on message with his offering. Jeff has hired a teacher recently, and is seeing his business continue to grow and expand its offerings.From Jeff:"I'm passionate about helping students remove what may be their biggest obstacle when it comes to advancing their education or career.Over the last 10 years, I've helped hundreds of students from over 100 countries improve their English-language skills.Using a simple step-by-step approach, I help students focus on their English-language learning despite the competing demands of friends, family and work. I also assist them in developing a clear strategy for success on the IELTS Exam.My greatest joy is celebrating their achievements and seeing them attend the university of their choice or land their dream job."www.esljeff.caSign up here for updates about the conferenceSign up to our mailing list https://eflmagazine.com/the-efl-magazine-business-podcast/https://linktr.ee/eflmagazinehttps://www.facebook.com/groups/theeflmagazinebusinesspodcast

Giving Power Back to Online Teachers through Collective Ownership, with John Hayes

Giving Power Back to Online Teachers through Collective Ownership, with John Hayes

Send us a textJohn Hayes is the creator of MyCoolClass Co-operative, a UK based learning platform cooperative owned collectively by its members. He is former private detective from California and has been living in Poland for the past 6 years teaching English online and at language schools. John has traveled to 32 countries and has a background in activism, community organizing, and project management.As an advocate for democracy in the workplace, John started MyCoolClass to give power back to online teachers through collective ownership. He says that venture capital exploits their workers and teachers are ready for something better. Main Website: https://mycoolclass.comCooperative Website: https://coop.mycoolclass.comCommunity Shares: https://www.fundsurfer.com/community-share/mycoolclass-learning-platform-owned-by-teachers-not-venture-capital-help-us-grow Sign up to our mailing list https://eflmagazine.com/the-efl-magazine-business-podcast/https://linktr.ee/eflmagazinehttps://www.facebook.com/groups/theeflmagazinebusinesspodcast

A Chat with Jane Dancaster, Managing Director of Wimbledon School of English

A Chat with Jane Dancaster, Managing Director of Wimbledon School of English

Send us a textJane Dancaster is currently Managing Director of Wimbledon School of English (one of the UK’s top English language schools). She started her EFL career as a teacher 35 years ago and has worked in English language teaching and management both overseas and in the UK in a variety of organisations ranging from a co-operative school to a well-known group. Jane was Chair of English UK London for 15 years and has recently retired from the board of English UK where she had been a Trustee since 2004. She cares passionately about our industry and is still actively involved in supporting and promoting English Language Teaching. If you’re interested in working at or with WSE, please contact Jane jane@wimbledon-school.ac.ukwww.wimbledon-school.ac.ukSign up to our mailing list https://eflmagazine.com/the-efl-magazine-business-podcast/https://linktr.ee/eflmagazinehttps://www.facebook.com/groups/theeflmagazinebusinesspodcast

Self-Publishing and Building a Successful Publishing Company, with Dorothy Zemach

Self-Publishing and Building a Successful Publishing Company, with Dorothy Zemach

Send us a textToday's guest is Dorothy Zemach. Dorothy and I chat about her career, self-publishing, and running a successful publishing company. She also, give tips, advice, and encouragement to those who might want to write and publish an ELT bookDorothy Zemach taught ESL and other foreign languages for over 20 years, in Asia, Africa, and the US. She holds an MA in TESL from SIT in Vermont, USA. Now she concentrates on writing, editing, and publishing ELT materials and textbooks and conducting teacher training workshops. Her areas of specialty and interest are teaching writing, teaching reading, academic English, testing, and humor. She is a frequent plenary speaker at international conferences and is active on social media. In 2012, Dorothy launched Wayzgoose Press, a small independent publishing imprint for fiction, non-fiction, and educational materials, and teaches an online course on Self-Publishing for ELT Professionals through iTDihttps://www.facebook.com/dorothy.zemachWayzgoose PressSelf-Publishing for Professionals courseDiscussion Starters by Keith FolseWriting for the Real WorldSign up to our mailing list https://eflmagazine.com/the-efl-magazine-business-podcast/https://linktr.ee/eflmagazinehttps://www.facebook.com/groups/theeflmagazinebusinesspodcast

The Path to Building a Successful Online Teaching Platform, with Alex Asher

The Path to Building a Successful Online Teaching Platform, with Alex Asher

Send us a textAlex Asher is the CEO of Learncube. Originally from New Zealand and now living in London, Alex has successfully steered learn cube to the successful company it is today.We chat about Alex's life as an entrepreneur. In the chat he reflects on an initial business failure and the lessons he has learned from the experience. We also cover the important skills you need to master to succeed in business and the history and future of LearncubeAbout LearncubeWe provide two key solutions:1. An award-winning virtual classroom (API) made for interactive tutoring 2. All-in-one platform for managing scheduling, content, users, reports, payments and more.Our customers include Babbel.com, Preply, Oxford University Press, Kern Training, Littera Education and many more.Many of our largest customers have built their own sophisticated platforms but don’t want the hassle of trying to build a virtual classroom from scratch (video-conferencing, interactive whiteboards, teaching tools, lesson library, etc) and definitely don’t have the time to maintain it.Instead, they choose the LearnCube Virtual Classroom because our multi-tab whiteboards, library and teaching tools are incredibly easy to use. LearnCube’s infrastructure is also made for scale and we provide real visibility into the online classroom for reporting & safeguarding reasons.Many of our SMB customers choose our all-in-one solution when their approach of patching together Zoom, and multiple other systems, starts to break down. They also want to push their brand and provide a more professional, cohesive, education-focused experience.LearnCube’s white-label Online School solution does this out of the box and handles class scheduling (with automated reminders), advanced content management, user management, smart reporting, and online payment.The EFL Magazine Business MastermindSign up to our mailing list https://eflmagazine.com/the-efl-magazine-business-podcast/https://linktr.ee/eflmagazinehttps://www.facebook.com/groups/theeflmagazinebusinesspodcast