
504. How English helped her say yes to a whole new life
From The InFluency Podcast by Hadar Shemesh
March 13, 2026 · 42 min · Episode 504
About this episode
Jelena shares her transformative journey from isolation to confidence through learning English.
In this interview, I'm bringing Jelena to the stage! Jelena is one of my New Sound and Beyond students from Serbia, who now lives in the US. When she arrived, she could barely leave her apartment. She avoided grocery stores, doctor's appointments, and meetings with her supervisor. Today? She's a research fellow, teaches salsa in English, and has a thriving social life she once thought to be impossible. In this conversation, she shares: What it really felt like to be isolated and dependent on her husband's English The turning point that proved she could communicate outside a "safe environment" Why pronunciation work was the key that unlocked her confidence How mindset shifts that changed everything What she'd recommend to anyone stuck in the same loop she was in This is the kind of conversation I love having: a public catch-up with a former student who is living proof that English doesn't have to be an obstacle to the life you want. 👉 Learn more about New Sound: https://bit.ly/4uqgMuD 👉 Practice with my Sprints for free: https://bit.ly/43pCotf Jelena's story is not unique, it's what's possible. If you've ever avoided a doctor's appointment, stayed silent in a meeting, or felt…
People in this episode
Host: Hadar Shemesh
Guest: Jelena
Topics covered
- language learning
- confidence building
- personal growth
- overcoming isolation
- English communication
Keywords
- English learning
- confidence
- isolation
- personal development
- language skills
Mentioned in this episode
Places: Serbia, US
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