In this thought-provoking episode, hosts Edita Bandur (Business English Teacher) and Darko Mareš (Portrait Photographer) welcome Meri Maroutian, an English teacher and equity advocate who confronts the systemic bias favoring native speakers in language teaching professions.

Meri provides a comprehensive analysis of how native speaker ideology affects hiring practices, compensation, and professional recognition for qualified non-native English teachers. Through personal anecdotes and research-backed observations, she illustrates how accent discrimination perpetuates unfair advantages for native speakers regardless of teaching qualifications.

The conversation challenges listeners to examine their own assumptions about language competence and teaching ability, offering practical strategies through Meri's masterclass series for combating these deeply ingrained biases.

Key moments:

• The impact of accent bias on job opportunities and career advancement
• How non-native speakers often possess superior teaching skills due to their learning experience
• The mythology of "speaking like a native" and its harmful implications
• Systemic barriers that prevent qualified teachers from advancing
• Concrete steps toward dismantling native speaker privilege in education

A crucial conversation for language teachers, educational administrators, and anyone involved in hiring decisions for language instruction—challenging entrenched beliefs about who makes an effective English teacher.

Connect with Meri and her community:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/merimaroutian/

Website: https://thenonnativespeaker.com/

Defeating Systemic Bias course: https://thenonnativespeaker.com/register/defeating-systemic-bias-in-elt/

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In this podcasting-focused episode, hosts Edita Bandur (Business English Teacher) and Darko Mareš (Portrait Photographer) welcome Anja Lordanić-Mustać, who shares her hands-on experience transitioning from Croatian co-hosting to launching a successful English solo podcast and becoming a podcast mentor.

Anja offers practical guidance based on real experience, covering everything from platform selection to promotion strategies. Through specific examples from her journey, she explains the unexpected technical and creative challenges podcasters face, particularly when transitioning between languages and formats.

The conversation becomes especially valuable when Anja discusses common misconceptions about podcasting, such as the relationship between hosting platforms and Spotify distribution, and why consistency matters more than perfection in building an audience.

Key moments:

• The pros and cons of co-hosting versus solo podcasting
• Technical aspects of hosting platforms and distribution strategies
• Why starting without established credibility is actually possible
• Practical promotion strategies that actually work for new podcasters
• Repurposing content efficiently to maintain consistency

A practical conversation for aspiring podcasters looking to start their show, existing content creators considering audio format, and anyone interested in the business side of building a successful podcast without massive startup investment.

Connect and learn from Anja:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anjalordanic/

Her podcast: https://www.freelancebusinessunlocked.com/

Her free podcasting masterclass: https://anja-lordanic-mustac.kit.com/free-podcasting-masterclass

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In this episode, hosts Edita Bandur (Business English Teacher) and Darko Mareš (Portrait Photographer) welcome Leo Prada, a project manager who shares his journey from Argentina to Croatia, offering practical tips on building international relationships across cultures.

Leo provides honest accounts of his transition from construction work to tech project management, demonstrating how networking skills transfer across industries and continents. Through specific examples, he illustrates the cultural nuances that can either enhance or hinder networking efforts, particularly when navigating between Latin American and European business environments.

What makes this conversation especially valuable is Leo's practical approach to building meaningful connections rather than collecting contacts, with specific strategies he's tested while adapting to Croatian professional culture.

Key moments:

• Transitioning careers while building networks across language barriers
• Cultural differences in networking between Argentina and Croatia
• Practical LinkedIn strategies for quality over quantity connections
• Navigating dietary restrictions and cultural expectations while networking
• The "Meet Leo's Contacts" project and its impact on relationship building

A practical conversation for expatriates building professional networks in new countries, professionals working with international colleagues, and anyone interested in the real-world challenges of cross-cultural networking.

Leo on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leandroprada/

Meet Leo's Contacts project: https://www.meetleoscontacts.ar/index.html

Leo's Bento links: https://bento.me/leoprada

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In this sales-focused episode, hosts Edita Bandur (Business English Teacher) and Darko Mareš (Portrait Photographer) welcome Danijel Bićanić, a sales trainer with 20 years of experience who shares his perspective on sales as a fundamental communication and influence skill that extends far beyond traditional "selling."

Danijel challenges common misconceptions about sales, presenting it instead as a sophisticated blend of psychology, communication, and genuine problem-solving. Through examples from various industries, he demonstrates how sales principles apply universally - from education to healthcare to creative fields.

The conversation becomes particularly valuable when Danijel discusses post-COVID changes in sales approaches, including how video content has become a crucial tool for building relationships, and how active listening skills determine success more than persuasive talking.

Key moments:

• Reframing sales as opinion-changing and positive influence
• The critical importance of listening over talking in sales success
• How COVID permanently shifted sales from in-person to virtual environments
• Cultural differences that affect sales approaches across regions
• Using video creatively for social selling and relationship building

A practical conversation for sales professionals looking to refine their approach, business owners who need to sell their services, and anyone interested in improving their influence and communication skills in professional settings.

Contact links for Danijel:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danijelbicanic/

Website: https://bicanic-consulting.eu/

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In this language-focused episode, hosts Edita Bandur (Business English Teacher) and Darko Mareš (Portrait Photographer) welcome Mihaela Jekić, a cultural engagement specialist working to build community among South Slavic language speakers and help people navigate the complex waters of linguistic and cultural integration.

Mihaela offers a nuanced perspective on multilingualism, sharing her personal experiences of living across European countries and the challenges of maintaining multiple cultural identities. Through specific examples, she illustrates how understanding local expressions and customs goes far beyond basic language skills and becomes crucial for genuine integration.

The conversation takes unexpected turns through food culture and accent perceptions, with Mihaela demonstrating how seemingly simple topics like regional dishes reveal deep cultural connections and can become powerful tools for building bridges across communities.

Key moments:

• The complex relationship between South Slavic languages and regional identity
• How accents carry cultural weight beyond mere pronunciation
• Practical approaches to cultural integration while maintaining heritage
• Food as a universal language for cross-cultural connection
• Building communities among diaspora speakers of related languages

A thoughtful conversation for expatriates navigating cultural integration, language learners interested in cultural context, and anyone curious about how multilingualism shapes identity in an interconnected world.

Connect with Mihaela on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjekic/

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In this networking-focused episode, hosts Edita Bandur (Business English Teacher) and Darko Mareš (Portrait Photographer) tackle the nuances of creating genuine connections, with audience participation highlighting common challenges and misconceptions.

The conversation covers practical aspects of professional introductions, from crafting first messages that don't sound sales-y to navigating the cultural differences that affect online communication. Through real-time audience questions, they address the everyday anxieties many people experience with digital networking - from fear of phone calls to handling "seen" notifications.

What makes this episode particularly useful is their discussion of distinguishing authentic connection attempts from automated spam, with specific techniques for maintaining a personal touch in professional outreach.

Key moments:

• Crafting effective first messages that generate real responses
• When to use video/audio messages versus text in professional settings
• Cultural considerations for international networking
• Strategies for filtering genuine connections from sales pitches
• Why phone call anxiety is increasing and how to overcome it

A practical conversation for professionals looking to improve their online networking, introverts trying to connect digitally, and anyone who's ever wondered how to stand out in a crowded LinkedIn inbox while maintaining authentic relationships.

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In this business-focused episode, hosts Edita Bandur (Business English Teacher) and Darko Mareš (Portrait Photographer) welcome Klara Frančišković (Virtual Assistant), who shares her transition from corporate employee to successful virtual assistant specializing in customer experience.

Klara provides a realistic look at the virtual assistant industry, addressing common misconceptions while offering practical advice for both new VAs and businesses considering hiring one. Through her three years of experience, she illustrates how building trust with international clients requires more than just technical skills - it demands cultural awareness and consistent communication.

The conversation becomes particularly valuable when Klara discusses her specialty in customer support, explaining how to maintain the personal touch that distinguishes human service from automated responses, and why this balance matters more now than ever.

Key moments:

• The reality of transitioning from stable employment to solopreneurship
• Essential skills beyond admin work that successful VAs develop
• Building trust with US clients while based in Croatia
• Balancing automation tools with genuine customer connection
• Launching a podcast as a business development strategy

A practical conversation for professionals considering virtual assistant work, business owners looking to hire VAs, and entrepreneurs interested in building remote service businesses that compete on quality and personal connection.

Klara's contact links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/klara-franciskovic/

Website: https://expertise.hr/

Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXC_6L_FroE_uYhcKaSiLSA

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In this inspiring episode, hosts Edita Bandur (Business English Teacher) and Darko Mareš (Portrait Photographer) welcome Kalaivani Pallavanraja from India, who shares her transformation from traditional housewife to Business English Trainer - a journey that gained momentum during the pandemic.

Kalaivani (Vani) offers candidly honest accounts of the challenges she faced: gaining family support for a non-traditional career path, and building confidence as a non-native English teacher. Through specific examples, she illustrates how networking on LinkedIn became a crucial tool for professional development and client acquisition.

The conversation becomes particularly valuable when Vani discusses practical aspects of online teaching she's learned through trial and error, including maintaining professionalism in home-based virtual classrooms and balancing work with family responsibilities.

Key moments:

• Turning pandemic disruption into an opportunity for career change
• Overcoming traditional family expectations to pursue professional growth
• Practical strategies for building teaching confidence as a non-native speaker
• LinkedIn networking approaches that generate real teaching opportunities
• Managing work-life balance when your classroom is at home

A motivating conversation for women considering career transitions, non-native English speakers entering the teaching profession, and anyone interested in how life's disruptions can become catalysts for unexpected professional growth.

Connect with Kalaivani on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kalaivanipallavanraja/

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In this art-focused episode, hosts Edita Bandur (Business English Teacher) and Darko Mareš (Portrait Photographer) welcome illustrator and printmaker Marta Vučković, who shares her practical journey of building an artistic presence online while staying true to her environmental values.

Marta offers a refreshingly honest look at the challenges artists face when marketing their work, particularly on Instagram. Through specific examples from her own experience, she illustrates how learning English dramatically expanded her audience beyond Croatia, opening unexpected opportunities while creating new pressures.

The conversation takes a particularly thoughtful turn when addressing AI's impact on illustration, with Marta providing a nuanced perspective that acknowledges both legitimate concerns and potential benefits without falling into either blind enthusiasm or rejection.

Key moments:

• How language skills directly impact an artist's market reach and opportunities
• Practical Instagram strategies that have actually worked for a working artist
• Balancing artistic integrity with the demands of social media algorithms
• Navigating the complicated ethics of exposure versus exploitation
• Maintaining environmental sustainability principles in art production

A straight-talking conversation for artists trying to build their online presence, creators concerned about AI's impact on their field, and anyone interested in the everyday reality of making a living through creative work in the digital age.

Contact info for Marta:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mintline.art/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marta-vuckovic-6046591bb/

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In this forward-looking episode, hosts Edita Bandur (Business English Teacher) and Darko Mareš (Portrait Photographer) share their practical forecasts for education, visual media, and AI in the coming year, focusing on shifts they're already seeing in their respective fields.

The conversation examines the growing tension between highly polished content and the rising demand for authenticity, with specific examples of how this plays out in both photography and language education. Rather than making grand technological predictions, they focus on the human elements that will shape how we use these tools.

Particularly interesting is their discussion of Global English and how cultural awareness is becoming inseparable from language education, with practical implications for both students and teachers navigating international communication.

Key moments:

• How AI tools are already changing lesson planning and photo editing workflows
• The shift toward realism in visual media after years of heavy filtering
• Personalized learning approaches that blend technology with human connection
• The evolving balance between polished professionalism and authentic communication
• Community-building strategies for independent educators facing market changes

A grounded conversation about near-term changes in education and visual media, ideal for teachers, content creators, and professionals looking to adapt their approaches for the coming year without getting caught up in far-fetched futurism.

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