In this the second part of the two-part episode of 'John Scott Lawton's English, You Know', I again interview Slovak national Michaela Smith about her fascinating career, initially in the Commercial Hospitality sector, in particular, which has seen her live, work and travel to many different countries. More recently, Michaela has trained to become a Leadership and Transformational Coach to share her vast experiences of working with people to help others progress in their careers and to develop personally. 

In this second episode, we follow Michaela on her exciting journey from Vietnam to work in Japan for 3 years, before a move to England in rather difficult personal circumstances. 

We also discuss Michaela's new work aspirations as she establishes herself as a Leadership and Transformational Coach, sharing her many years of experience of managing and coping with change in both personal and professional contexts. Her vast experiences of leading and managing multi-national, multi-cultural and multi-lingual teams will be a tremendous resource on which she can draw when coaching and supporting others to fulfil their potential. Michaela explains the concept of 'Mindful Leadership' and what it means for current and future leaders and managers.

We both hope the podcast is of interest and value to anyone who has lived abroad or is considering it as a career option. Such a move is certainly not for everyone, but Michaela's open and very frank approach illustrates some of the issues that will be faced if people do choose to work away from what they consider home.

In a deeply personal account, Michaela explains the importance of self-reflection and self-care; taking time out to enjoy nature, one's hobbies and especially one's close family and friends.

You can find out about the professional coaching services Michaela Smith now provides at: https://michaela-smith.com/ and her LinkedIn profile describing her career in the Commercial Hospitality sector as a Marketing and Sales Director can be found at https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaela-smith-896a5735/

For more information about this podcast series, or to make any comments or to ask any questions relating to English Language learning, please contact me at [email protected]  or visit my LinkedIn profile at https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-scott-lawton/ or my company page at https://www.linkedin.com/company/john-scott-lawton-consulting/?viewAsMember=true

Please use a sound comment if using the Anchor App, if possible, to ask any questions or to comment on the language used in this podcast.

Finally, please take a look at my website where I post additional content to support this podcast series: https://johnscottlawtonsenglishyouknow.wordpress.com/

In this two-part episode of 'John Scott Lawton's English, You Know', I interview Slovak national Michaela Smith about her fascinating career, initially in the Commercial Hospitality sector, in particular, which has seen her live, work and travel to many different countries. More recently, Michaela has trained to become a Leadership and Transformational Coach to share her vast experiences to help others progress in their careers and to develop personally. This is explored more fully in the second podcast.

In this first part, I ask Michaela what motivated her to want to leave Slovakia as a young woman to work abroad, initially in Tenerife in Spain, before coming back to Slovakia a number of years later. We discuss the changes that happen to us when we have such experiences and what it means to us psychologically, emotionally and practically in terms of the effects our travels might have on our relationships with our friends and family.

From Slovakia, Michaela describes her move to Dubai and how she quickly settled into the Arabic culture, warmly welcoming the more direct styles of communication that she readily adopted to be an effective manager in the country. We talk about the importance of being sensitive to other cultures, but also the need to reflect on our attitudes and behaviours and the need to embrace and adapt to different working styles.

After Dubai, Michaela travelled to Vietnam to work for four years and she describes very eloquently and openly how she found that transition more of a culture shock than going to the Middle East from Slovakia. We explore why that was and talk about some of the difficulties that can be faced when living and working abroad.

In the second episode, we follow Michaela on her exciting journey to work in Japan before a move to England in rather difficult circumstances. We also discuss Michaela's new work aspirations as she establishes herself as a Leadership and Transformational Coach, sharing her many years of experience of managing and coping with change in both personal and professional circumstances.

We hope the podcast is of interest and value to anyone who has lived abroad or is considering it as a career option. Such a move is not for everyone, but Michaela's open and very frank approach illustrates some of the issues that will be faced if people do choose to work away from what they consider home.

You can find out about the coaching services Michaela Smith now provides at: https://michaela-smith.com/ and her LinkedIn profile describing her career in the Commercial Hospitality sector as a Marketing and Sales Director can be found at https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaela-smith-896a5735/

For more information about this podcast series, or to make any comments or to ask any questions relating to English Language learning, please contact me at [email protected]  or visit my LinkedIn profile at https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-scott-lawton/ or my company page at https://www.linkedin.com/company/john-scott-lawton-consulting/?viewAsMember=true

Please use a sound comment if using the Anchor App, if possible, to ask any questions or to comment on the language used in this podcast.

Finally, please take a look at my website where I post additional content to support this podcast series: https://johnscottlawtonsenglishyouknow.wordpress.com/

Welcome back to my podcast series. After a short summer break, I'm here again, this time interviewing Lívia Hlavačková, a Slovak author, who writes in both Slovak and English. This is the second part of a two-part episode. The first part is available with all my other podcast links.

Lívia is a medical doctor by training, but spends her days writing all sorts of text. She makes her living with medical writing, and she shares interesting medical topics in blogs and her regular newsletter and she loves writing fiction, mostly fantasy. She has written and published many short stories and also a fantasy trilogy called 'Gwind', all in Slovak. The first part of the trilogy was rewritten and a new edition was published in 2020; the second part will be published in 2021; and the third part is planned for 2022. The first part of the trilogy can be found in most bookstores in Slovakia and also online.

You can find out more about Lívia's writing via these websites:

Webpage: https://www.hlavackova.sk/

Newsletter: https://hlavackova.substack.com/

On Lívia's webpage you will easily find links to her books and short stories and bookshops. Alternatively, just follow these links:

Martinus Bookstore: https://www.martinus.sk/?uItem=810499

Pre skoly: https://www.preskoly.sk/p/574978-gwind/

Funtastic: https://www.funtastic.sk/Gwind-1-Nezabijes-Hlavackova-Livia-d38669.htm

For more information about this podcast series, or to make any comments or to ask any questions relating to English Language learning, please contact me at [email protected]  or visit my LinkedIn profile at https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-scott-lawton/ or my company page at https://www.linkedin.com/company/john-scott-lawton-consulting/?viewAsMember=true

Please use a sound comment if using the Anchor App, if possible, to ask any questions or to comment on the language used in this podcast.

Finally, please take a look at my website where I post additional content to support this podcast series: https://johnscottlawtonsenglishyouknow.wordpress.com/

Welcome back to my podcast series. After a short summer break, I'm here again, this time interviewing Lívia Hlavačková, a Slovak author, who writes in both Slovak and English.

Lívia is a medical doctor by training, but spends her days writing all sorts of text. She makes her living with medical writing, and she shares interesting medical topics in blogs and her regular newsletter and she loves writing fiction, mostly fantasy. She has written and published many short stories and also a fantasy trilogy called 'Gwind', all in Slovak. The first part of the trilogy was rewritten and a new edition was published in 2020; the second part will be published in 2021; and the third part is planned for 2022. The first part of the trilogy can be found in most bookstores in Slovakia and also online.

You can find out more about Lívia's writing via these websites:

Webpage: https://www.hlavackova.sk/

Newsletter: https://hlavackova.substack.com/

On Lívia's webpage you will easily find links to her books and short stories and bookshops. Alternatively, just follow these links:

Martinus Bookstore: https://www.martinus.sk/?uItem=810499

Pre skoly: https://www.preskoly.sk/p/574978-gwind/

Funtastic: https://www.funtastic.sk/Gwind-1-Nezabijes-Hlavackova-Livia-d38669.htm

For more information about this podcast series, or to make any comments or to ask any questions relating to English Language learning, please contact me at [email protected] or visit my LinkedIn profile at https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-scott-lawton/ or my company page at https://www.linkedin.com/company/john-scott-lawton-consulting/?viewAsMember=true

Please use a sound comment if using the Anchor App, if possible, to ask any questions or to comment on the language used in this podcast.

Finally, please take a look at my website where I post additional content to support this podcast series: https://johnscottlawtonsenglishyouknow.wordpress.com/

In this episode of 'John Scott Lawton's English, you know' I interview Asif Bhana as we talk about men's mental health issues.

We both talk openly about our experiences of encountering stress and anxiety in our own lives, often brought about through overwork or burnout. Why do we let this happen to us and what effects does it have on our mental and physical health, as well as on our friends and close family members?

We consider the need for men to talk more openly about their feelings, particularly in relation to their health, but also talk about some of the barriers that exist, or are perceived to exist, which prevent men from seeking help.

If you encounter anxiety, stress, depression, or suicidal thoughts, we would both encourage you to seek help and support immediately from any of the organisations listed here. This help could take the form of a phone call, Instant Messaging, informational resources online, or arrangements for a face to face meeting. Please make use of the resources that are available to you and find out what services or organisations are established in your country to assist people experiencing difficulties which have an impact on people's mental health.

General background information: 

Men's Mental Health - the Mental Health Foundation: 

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/a-to-z/m/men-and-mental-health 

Loss, bereavement, anxiety, stress or suicidal thoughts. In the UK, please call the Samaritans, available 24 hours a day on 116 123 (free of charge) or go online to:

The Samaritans: https://www.samaritans.org/ 

Ten Practical Ways to look after your Mental Health - download free of charge at:

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/how-to-mental-health

The International Association for Suicide Prevention - information, resources, World Mental Health Day, Suicide Awareness:

http://www.iasp.info/

Young People and Suicide Prevention:

https://www.papyrus-uk.org/

Mental Health First Aid - USA https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/about/

Mental Health First Aid - England https://mhfaengland.org/ - Training Courses

‘Ash’ Asif Bhana is a seasoned Business Consultant and Coach with over 20 years’ experience working across a variety of sectors. While based in the UK, he supports many different clients around the world both individually and in group settings. He specialises in helping people reach their professional and personal potential through coaching their strengths and developing their English language skills. He has a passion for world cuisine and enjoys discovering new culture and landscapes.

For more information about this podcast series, or to make any comments or to ask any questions relating to English Language learning, please contact me at [email protected] or visit my LinkedIn profile at https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-scott-lawton/ or my company page at https://www.linkedin.com/company/john-scott-lawton-consulting/?viewAsMember=true

Please use a sound comment if using the Anchor App, if possible, to ask any questions or to comment on the language used in this podcast.

Finally, please take a look at my website where I post additional content to support this podcast series: https://johnscottlawtonsenglishyouknow.wordpress.com/

In this episode, I continue the exploration of the use of idioms in the English Language and talk to language enthusiast, Ivana about comparative idioms in the Slovak language, as well as her understanding of some familiar and less familiar idioms.

So, if you've ever wondered what it means when people warn you, "not to burn your bridges"; or indeed when something is described as being, "like water under the bridge", here's your chance to find out. "Don't miss the boat on this one" - take a listen and see if these descriptions help you  make sense of these idioms, once and for all.

For more information about this podcast series, or to make any comments or to ask any questions relating to English Language learning, please contact me at [email protected] or visit my LinkedIn profile at https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-scott-lawton/ or my company page at https://www.linkedin.com/company/john-scott-lawton-consulting/?viewAsMember=true

Please use a sound comment if using the Anchor App, if possible, to ask any questions or to comment on the language used in this podcast.

Finally, please take a look at my website where I post additional content to support this podcast series: https://johnscottlawtonsenglishyouknow.wordpress.com/

In this episode of my current podcast mini-series on English Language idioms, I speak to Slovak first language speaker Lucia Minačová about her love of reading in the English Language and how she sometimes finds idioms hard to comprehend, given their complexity.

Lucia challenges me to come up with explanations that make sense to her and we briefly discuss how frequently idioms are used in the Slovak language, compared to English.

So, if you've ever wondered what it means to, "get on like a house on fire" with someone; or need to "break the ice" with a colleague; or perhaps they, "suck the air out of the room", listen in to hear my explanations. Other idioms such as being politely asked to, "make yourself at home"; to be "keeping something up your sleeve" or "under your hat"; or to be described as being, " as fit as a butcher's dog" - are covered.

If you want to know what it means to be likened to someone who is as "green as a cucumber," or "as white as a sheet" "once every blue moon", then this podcast is definitely for you.

For more information about this podcast series, or to make any comments or to ask any questions relating to English Language learning, please contact me at [email protected] or visit my LinkedIn profile at https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-scott-lawton/ or my company page at https://www.linkedin.com/company/john-scott-lawton-consulting/?viewAsMember=true

Please use a sound comment if using the Anchor App, if possible, to ask any questions or to comment on the language used in this podcast.

Finally, please take a look at my website where I post additional content to support this podcast series: https://johnscottlawtonsenglishyouknow.wordpress.com/

In this episode, I interview former colleague Asif Bhana about English Language Idioms involving parts of the human body - dead or alive!

What do idioms such as, 'I'm only pulling your leg', or, 'I'm all ears', actually mean? What is somebody actually trying to say when they've just got a new job and tell you that they've finally, 'got their foot in the door'?

The use of such idioms can be entertaining but confusing for foreign speakers of English, so, hopefully this short series of podcasts will go some way to explaining them and to showing how they can be used meaningfully in context.

‘Ash’ Asif Bhana is a seasoned Business Consultant and Coach with over 20 years’ experience working across a variety of sectors. While based in the UK, he supports many different clients around the world both individually and in group settings. He specialises in helping people reach their professional and personal potential through coaching their strengths and developing their English language skills. He has a passion for world cuisine and enjoys discovering new culture and landscapes.

For more information about this podcast series, or to make any comments or to ask any questions relating to English Language learning, please contact me at [email protected] or visit my LinkedIn profile at https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-scott-lawton/ or my company page at https://www.linkedin.com/company/john-scott-lawton-consulting/?viewAsMember=true

Please use a sound comment if using the Anchor App, if possible, to ask any questions or to comment on the language used in this podcast.

Finally, please take a look at my website where I post additional content to support this podcast series: https://johnscottlawtonsenglishyouknow.wordpress.com/

In this episode, I again interview Sandra Hamrouni, an experienced English as a Foreign Language Teacher, about the use and origins of idioms in the English language. We explain where they might have originated from, although the derivation is not always clear.

We use example idioms from two thematic areas here - music and the Devil - in the second of a series of short programmes to assist English Language learners get to grips with these sometimes problematic phrases, or idioms.

Idioms such as, 'it's music to my ears' and '... better the Devil you know (than the one you don't)' are explained. Sample sentences are given as to how they might be used in everyday conversations. Others include: 'between the devil and the deep blue sea', but that one is not the Devil you might be thinking of!

Sandra has taught English or managed English language programmes in many countries including Mexico, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Spain, Tunisia, Syria, Oman, Bahrain, the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Cyprus, Algeria and the United Kingdom. We first met before we both went out to teach English in Kenya for Voluntary Services Overseas, a long time ago!

For more information about this podcast series, or to make any comments or to ask any questions relating to English Language learning, please contact me at [email protected] or visit my LinkedIn profile at https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-scott-lawton/ or my company page at https://www.linkedin.com/company/john-scott-lawton-consulting/?viewAsMember=true

Please use a sound comment if using the Anchor App, if possible, to ask any questions or to comment on the language used in this podcast.

Finally, please take a look at my website where I post additional content to support this podcast series: https://johnscottlawtonsenglishyouknow.wordpress.com/

In this episode, I interview Sandra Hamrouni, an experienced English as a Foreign Language Teacher, about the use and origins of idioms in the English language. We explain where they might have originated from, although the derivation is not always clear.

We use example idioms from two thematic areas here - animals and food - in the first of a series of short programmes to assist English Language learners get to grips with these sometimes problematic phrases.

Idioms such as, 'the elephant in the room', commonly used in business meetings nowadays and, 'low hanging fruit', frequently used by marketing teams, will be explored and explained. Sample sentences are given as to how they might be used in everyday conversations.

Sandra has taught English or managed English language programmes in many countries including Mexico, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Spain, Tunisia, Syria, Oman, Bahrain, the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Cyprus, Algeria and the United Kingdom. We first met before we both went out to teach English in Kenya for Voluntary Services Overseas, a long time ago!

For more information about this podcast series, or to make any comments or to ask any questions relating to English Language learning, please contact me at [email protected] or visit my LinkedIn profile at https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-scott-lawton/ or my company page at https://www.linkedin.com/company/john-scott-lawton-consulting/?viewAsMember=true

Finally, please take a look at my website where I post additional content to support this podcast series: https://johnscottlawtonsenglishyouknow.wordpress.com/