Connect and Thrive!

On the #linguablog, we share Kemi’s unique story, as she takes us through her journey of learning French due to an embarrassing incident at a meeting a few years ago. Enjoy!

Kemi began working at IntraWestCo Africa in 2018. She was known for her creativity and sharp strategies and this led to her promotion as the regional head, sales and marketing. From Lagos, she was transferred to lead from the regional office in Accra as her role required her to oversee campaigns across multiple Francophone countries

While her English was flawless, she quickly realized that the language barrier was holding her back from truly connecting with her colleagues and clients in Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal, and Burkina Faso.

She remembers the turning point vividly: during a high-stakes dinner with a major client in Abidjan, Kemi struggled to follow the rapid French conversation at the table. She had relied on her basic knowledge of French from high school, assuming it would suffice, but the reality was different. The words she remembered were too formal, her grammar was shaky, and her vocabulary wasn’t equipped for the dynamic flow of business discussions. She was confident she’d be able to make meaningful contributions and unfortunately, asked the interpreter not to show up for the meeting!

When it was her turn to speak, she hesitated, fumbling over basic phrases she had memorized the night before. Though polite, the client’s smile hinted at disappointment. The expectation was, that as regional head, language would not be a barrier to communication.

That night, Kemi decided things had to change. She wrote down her “why” in bold letters: To connect with my team, win clients’ trust, and position myself as a leader in this region.

Know your WHY.

With her goal in mind, Kemi enrolled for French classes. She took late evening lessons after work. She used an app for 20 minutes during her commute, practiced phrases while cooking dinner. She even started watching French films and listening to #Afrobeat songs with French lyrics to make learning fun. She also dedicated a few weeks traveling between Accra and Abidjan, immersing herself in the local culture and practicing her French with native speakers to enhance her fluency.

Several months later, Kemi found herself at another business meeting, this time in Dakar. When she confidently opened the meeting with a greeting in French, the atmosphere shifted. Her clients lit up, responding warmly and engaging with her more openly than before. Kemi realized that her efforts weren’t just about mastering a language—they were about building bridges, earning trust, and showing respect for her clients’ culture.

Thrive!

Today, Kemi is still improving her French and is more confident as she navigates her meetings along the west coast., seamlessly switching between English and French. Her “why” didn’t just keep her motivated—it transformed her career and elevated her confidence.

Are you ready to transform your career and open doors to new opportunities like Kemi did? Start your language learning journey today with Linguatopia.
At Linguatopia, we specialize in helping busy professionals master French with practical, engaging lessons tailored to your goals. Don’t let the language barrier hold you back— let us help you break through.

👉 Boost your business French and sign up Language Services — Linguatopian- language services and take the first step toward your success!