Brand Disruptors Podcast

#49 Breaking Barriers: Language, Leadership & Inclusion in Construction with Monique Lewis

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In this powerful episode of Brand Disruptors, I sat down with Monique Lewis — Founder and CEO of Next 2 Native Language Learning — to talk about what’s really happening in the construction industry when language is treated as an afterthought.

Monique is a bilingual corporate language trainer who didn’t set out to become a business owner. But when a sudden pay gap lit a fire under her, she created a solution that’s now transforming workplaces — especially for Hispanic-owned and immigrant-led construction teams.

This episode goes deep into:

  • The hidden dangers of language barriers in construction
  • Why companies can't afford to ignore multilingual communication
  • How Monique’s lived experience as a bilingual Black woman and mother fuels her mission
  • The responsibility leaders have to ensure every team member feels safe, seen, and supported

    • This isn’t just about language. It’s about leadership. Equity. And building safer, smarter job sites where everyone thrives.

    In This Episode You’ll Learn:

    • How language training impacts safety, retention, and productivity
    • Why “you’re in America, speak English” is outdated and dangerous
    • What it takes to create inclusive, high-performing crews — even in traditionally resistant industries
    • Monique’s story of going from part-time ESL instructor to full-time founder in under a year
      • ...more
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      Brand Disruptors PodcastBy Mia LaMotte
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