Managing conflict isn’t easy—especially when you're leading a multicultural or international team. In this episode, Janine is joined again by leadership expert Mary Huycke to explore practical, culturally aware tools for resolving workplace conflict. Learn how culture impacts communication, why conflict styles vary, and how to navigate disagreement professionally—even if English isn’t your first language. Mary shares clear ground rules for handling conflict, plus online tools to better understand your own conflict style. Whether you're a non-native English-speaking manager or executive, this episode will help you grow your leadership confidence, improve team communication, and handle tough conversations more effectively   💡 Missed Part 1? Listen to last week’s episode on "Managing Change in Global Teams". 📩 Connect with Janine: janine@eslproonline.com   e-mail: janine@eslproonline.com | LinkedIn: Janine O’Shea

Leadership Skills – Part 1 Why do teams resist change? In this episode, Janine speaks with leadership expert Mary Huycke to explore four common reasons people resist change—and how leaders can respond effectively. Whether you're a non-native English speaker, international manager, or working in a cross-cultural team, you'll learn practical change management strategies, communication tips, and insights on how effectively managing change is a key to leadership 👉 Don’t miss Part 2 on managing conflict—coming next week! 📩 Connect: LinkedIn: Janine O’Shea | mailto:janine@eslproonline.com

  In Part 2 of our deep dive into the Color Vowel® pronunciation methodology, we explore the second key component: stress — how it shapes the rhythm of spoken English and why it's essential for clear, confident communication. We also take a closer look at Blue Canoe, the groundbreaking app that uses AI technology to analyze your speech and give real-time, personalized feedback based on the Color Vowel® system. Learn how this app is transforming pronunciation practice by turning it into a brain-friendly, game-like experience. Whether you're a language learner, teacher, or just curious about the intersection of language, learning, and technology, this episode will give you practical insights into mastering spoken English in a whole new way. 🎧 Tune in now and discover how stress and AI are reshaping pronunciation learning.  

Welcome to Colorful Voices, the podcast that celebrates the rich tapestry of accents —because your accent is not a problem, it’s part of your story. Hosted by experts in language and pronunciation, this show explores how we can embrace our unique voices while unlocking clearer, more confident communication through the Color Vowel® Approach. You'll learn how the innovative Color Vowel® methodology helps speakers of all backgrounds focus on the 16 vowel sounds, rhythm and stress—not perfection—making English more accessible, musical, and enjoyable to speak. Colorful Voices invites you to hear English in a whole new way—one vowel, one color at a time.

Discover how your accent is a cultural fingerprint—an expression of where you come from and who you are. Your accent makes you memorable. We'll talk about the value of accents, but also share some key areas to focus on that can irritate native speakers. We'll also offer a step-by-step exercise that you can do on your own that will help you refine your accent, if you choose to do so. The focus should be "Can my work colleagues and friends understand me", not eliminating your accent. If you’d like to receive more tips to advance your career, feel free to connect with Janine O’Shea on LinkedIn.  Reach out to me at [janine@eslproonline/https://www.linkedin.com/in/janineoshea for more resources and updates! Music: Bensound License code: PZ6BWBHXHYSWHFIQ

In this follow-up episode of Speak Up & Blend In, we dive deeper into the subtle skills that make or break your success in U.S. business meetings—especially in fast-paced tech environments. If you’ve ever wondered how to express your opinion clearly without sounding pushy, or how to challenge an idea without creating tension, this episode is for you. You’ll learn: How to be assertive, not aggressive: Speak with confidence, clarity, and respect Phrases and tone strategies for disagreeing politely How to manage a meeting effectively, whether you're leading or contributing Cultural expectations around decision-making, turn-taking, and follow-up Whether you're an engineer, PM, or team lead, mastering these communication strategies will help you build credibility, foster collaboration, and navigate U.S. workplace dynamics with ease. Tune in, level up your meeting game, and speak like you belong—because you do. If you’d like to receive more tips to advance your career feel free to connect with Janine O’Shea on Linked In.  Reach out to me at [janine@eslproonline/https://www.linkedin.com/in/janineoshea for more resources and updates! Music: Bensound License code: PZ6BWBHXHYSWHFIQ  

Meetings in the U.S. are more than just bullet points and agendas—they’re also where small talk and subtle communication shape how you're perceived. In this episode, we explore how to strike the right balance between casual conversation and the subtle art of workplace conversation. You'll learn how to break the ice before a meeting starts. Listen to real-life scenarios, expert insights, and tips to help you navigate small talk with confidence. Because in the workplace, the little things can lead to big connections. Music by https://www.bensound.com/ Unbreakable Resolve by Lunar Years  License code: I75W4QFXYYNN4H8Z

Speaking the language is just the beginning. In this episode, we explore why true success in multicultural workplaces, global travel, and everyday life requires more than just English proficiency—it demands cultural fluency. Learn how to read between the lines, navigate unspoken norms, and avoid common cultural missteps. Featuring real-world examples and expert insights, this episode will help you become not just a better communicator, but a more globally competent one.   If you’d like to receive more tips to advance your career feel free to connect with Janine O’Shea on Linked In. 

Speaking the language is just the beginning. In this episode, we explore why true success in multicultural workplaces, global travel, and everyday life requires more than just English proficiency—it demands cultural fluency. Learn how to read between the lines, navigate unspoken norms, and avoid common cultural missteps. Featuring real-world examples and expert insights, this episode will help you become not just a better communicator but a more globally competent one. If you’d like to receive more tips to advance your career feel free to connect with Janine O’Shea on Linked In.    Music: bensound.comLicense code: 2OPUVZQMBKVRIWN1

Are you ready to level up your job search? In this enlightening episode, Tech Communications Coach, Janine O’Shea, chats with Boyd Schorzman, founding partner of Schorzman & Associates, a top executive recruiting firm. Boyd will spill the secrets on how to build a resume and cover letter that actually gets results. We’re talking real, actionable tips: the perfect resume length, what font size to use (yes, it matters!), and how to make your experience pop—even if English isn’t your first language. Plus, we dive into how to work with recruiters like a pro, avoid common pitfalls, and shine in interviews. 🔥 What you’ll walk away with: The exact resume format recruiters love How to write a cover letter that grabs attention Font size and layout tips that make your doc easy to read How to connect with recruiters—and make a great impression Interview tips to boost your confidence and show off your strengths Whether you're just starting your career or chasing that next big role, this episode is packed with advice to help you stand out and land the job. Hit play and let’s go get it! If you’d like to receive more tips to advance your career feel free to connect with Janine O'Shea on Linked In.  Music by https://www.bensound.com/ Unbreakable Resolve by Lunar Years  License code: I75W4QFXYYNN4H8Z

Ever wondered what it really takes to get hired in the tech field or at Amazon? In this episode, Tech Communications Coach, Janine O’Shea, chats with a Senior Data Scientist who’s been through the process—and lived to tell the tale. Together, they’ll break down the interview structure in the tech industry, share what it takes to make it to the next step and dive deep into the mysterious “bar raiser” role at Amazon that often makes or breaks candidates. Perfect for international job seekers and non-native English speakers, this conversation sheds light on how to prepare for one of the toughest hiring processes in tech—especially when English isn’t your first language. You’ll hear firsthand what interviewers are really looking for and how to showcase your strengths with clarity and confidence. ️ What you’ll learn: What to expect during a tech industry interview How the “bar raiser” fits into the process at Amazon —and why they matter Common mistakes candidates make (and how to avoid them) Language strategies to communicate effectively under pressure Tune in and get one step closer to your dream job in the tech industry. Whether you’re aiming for Amazon or just want to sharpen your interview skills, this episode is packed with real-world advice and encouragement. Don’t miss it! If you’d like to receive more tips to advance your career feel free to connect with Janine O'Shea on Linked In.    Music by https://www.bensound.com/ Unbreakable Resolve by Lunar Years  License code: I75W4QFXYYNN4H8Z

Join me for the Intro of my Podcast aimed at Tech Professionals " Elevate Your English and Accelerate Your Career". Tech executives, managers, and professionals can get tips to navigate the finer nuances of English communication and U.S. culture in the workplace.    Music by https://www.bensound.com/ Unbreakable Resolve by Lunar Years  License code: I75W4QFXYYNN4H8Z