Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I’d personally send you a thank you email.
In this episode, I'm speaking with Victoria Patenaude, a communications coach who helps immigrants find their voice. Literally.
For most immigrants, especially the non-native English speakers, they think the reason they struggle to express themselves clearly is due to a limited vocabulary, poor grammar, or a bad accent. Well, Victoria thinks otherwise.
And she's not just talking as a coach, she has the lived experience. Victoria grew up constantly code-switching between Polish, Greek, and English cultural contexts. By her twenties, she was what she calls “a very careful person.”
That hypervigilance followed her through university and through moves between Quebec and the United States. Even as a successful professional with advanced degrees, she still carried the emotional burden of never feeling quite confident in her communication.
Her breakthrough came when she realized confidence isn't something you earn through perfect pronunciation. It's a choice you can make right now, regardless of your skill level.
Now she helps other immigrants break free from the same patterns.
In this conversation, Victoria and I chat about a teenage years embarrassment that led years of anxiety whenever she tried to speak French. We also explore:
How we pass on our immigration-induced anxiety to our kids
The science behind her method of coaching
Practical tips you can try out for building language confidence
And why we need to stop assuming negative intent when we have cultural misunderstandings
Official Links
✅ Connect with Victoria Patenaude on LinkedIn
✅ Work with Victoria on your communication skills
✅ Check out her TEDx talk on Why We’re Connected To The Internet, But Not Each Other
One Ask
If you found this story helpful, please forward or share it to one immigrant out there.
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