In this episode, we go behind the scenes of one of the world’s most international language events — the Polyglot Conference — and talk about something most people never see: the business reality behind it.

My guest is Richard Simcott — known for speaking dozens of languages, but in this episode, we focus on something deeper. What does it actually take to carry a global event on your shoulders for more than 13 years? The pressure, the pivots, the financial risks, the emotional weight — and the resilience to keep going.

LINKS

Survey (and the chance of winning a free business mentoring session with Anja)

https://forms.gle/936nzZwq58BNeG3F6

More Real Talk about Life as an entrepreneur on Instagram and LinkedIn

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stories/anja_from_alemania/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anja-from-alemania/

Connect with Richard & The Polyglot Conference

Richard Simcott: https://speakingfluently.com/

Connect with Richard on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakingfluently

Polyglot Conference: https://polyglotconference.com/

Most New Year’s resolutions don’t fail because of a lack of discipline — they fail because change is often approached in the wrong way.

In this episode, I reflect on a deeply honest New Year’s Eve dinner with entrepreneur friends in Barcelona, where we had the kind of conversations founders rarely have out loud. Instead of talking about goals and resolutions, we asked each other better questions — questions that create clarity, alignment, and sustainable success.

I’m bringing those questions into today’s episode so you can reflect on your own direction, decisions, and priorities for 2026. If you’re tired of setting goals that don’t stick and want a more intentional, grounded way to shape the year ahead, this episode is for you.

Grab a notebook, take a breath, and let’s mentor up for a successful 2026.

LINKS

Survey (and the chance of winning a free business mentoring session with Anja)

https://forms.gle/936nzZwq58BNeG3F6

More Real Talk about Life as an entrepreneur on Instagram and LinkedIn

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stories/anja_from_alemania/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anja-from-alemania/

In this episode of Mentor Up, I sit down with Hyunwoo Sun, one of the most respected entrepreneurs in the global language-learning industry.

Hyunwoo has spent over 16 years building a brand that became #1 in its niche worldwide, publishing 50+ books and 80+ courses, all while staying deeply present as a father and leader. But this conversation isn’t about hustle, shortcuts, or overnight success.

We talk about what it really takes to build something that lasts: calm leadership, long-term thinking, knowing when to step back as a founder, and why impact matters more than metrics. Hyunwoo shares why he never started with a traditional business plan, how his definition of success has evolved, and what most founders misunderstand about growth, business models, and freedom.

We also explore the future of language learning, the role of AI, and what will remain deeply human no matter how advanced technology becomes.

This episode was recorded in Taiwan, right after our first Language Business Retreat, making it both a strategic deep dive and a reflection on what happens when experienced entrepreneurs come together to mentor, learn, and zoom out from day-to-day operations.

Interested in joining the next Language Business Retreat in November 2026 in Italy? Add your name to the waitlist, and we’ll let you know as soon as spots open: https://tally.so/r/ob6LxN

OTHER LINKS

Follow me on Instagram and LinkedIn for more Real Talk about Life as an entrepreneur.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anja-from-alemania/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stories/anja_from_alemania/

Connect with Hyunwoo and his brand Talk to me in Korean

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hyunwoosun_ttmik/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@talktomeinkorean