Imagine being in an important meeting where you have a great idea—but you hold back because you’re unsure about your English. Many EFL/ESL professionals see their English communication skills as a weakness. This belief can wreak havoc on your confidence. When you feel unsure, it becomes even harder to speak up, share ideas, or present in meetings.
But what if your English skills are not a weakness? What if, in the right context, they are a powerful strength?
Warren Buffett is a legendary investor, and his advice on life and success is equally iconic. His wisdom, however, also applies perfectly to language learning as a part of professional growth. In this four-part series I want to explore four principles that Buffet says impact your success – that separate the “winners” from the “hopefuls”.
Which brings me to the quotation above, the first of Buffet’s four axioms.
As a Business English Communication coach, I often remind my clients that learning English isn’t just about vocabulary or grammar—it’s about building the communication habits that drive career success.
The foundation for building those communication habits can be significantly influenced by the people you surround yourself. Your environment and who you spend your time with shapes not only how you speak, but also how you lead and succeed. In business and in life.
Why Who You Associate With Matters
Think about the people you interact with daily. Do they inspire you to grow, improve your communication, and encourage you to share your ideas? Or do they make you feel hesitant and unsure?
I had a client who regularly interacted with customers in English, but her co-workers spoke only in her native language. Although she was an expert in her field, she struggled to communicate with English-speaking customers confidently. In addition to our coaching sessions, I helped her join an English-speaking community of professionals and recommended relevant videos to engage with outside of our sessions.
This consistent exposure to experienced English speakers was a turning point. By immersing herself in English and observing how others communicated, she improved her fluency and gained the confidence to initiate projects with customers. Within months, she was communicating more clearly, leading the sales process, and strengthening her professional relationships both inside and outside the company.
The lesson?
If you want to improve your English communication and career, surround yourself with people who elevate you.
3 Practical Ways to Apply This Lesson Today
Here are three simple but powerful ways to put Buffett’s advice into action:
1. Choose Communication Role Models
Identify coaches, mentors or even colleagues who communicate clearly and confidently in English. It doesn’t have to be 1:1 coaching – you can set up a regular weekly lunch with someone and practice business or even general conversation. Or find an inspirational speaker on YouTube. Whomever you choose, pay attention to how they explain complex ideas, handle questions, and express themselves. Observe their language, tone, and style—then practice and mirror those skills in your own conversations.
2. Engage in Growth Conversations
Seek out peers who challenge your thinking and offer constructive feedback. Conversations with people who ask thoughtful questions and push your ideas forward not only strengthen your English fluency but also deepen your business insights. Be intentional about having conversations that stretch your abilities.
For example, you can join a community where you can practice and learn from others. Consider groups like Toastmasters, online forums, or professional networks where you can engage with experienced communicators and receive valuable feedback.
3. Invest in Meaningful Connections
Build relationships with people you admire and respect. These are the people who will not only help you improve your language but also inspire you to grow professionally. Networking isn’t just about who you know—it’s about building meaningful relationships that support your personal and professional development.
Want to put this into action? Try scheduling regular coffee chats or virtual meetings with colleagues you admire. Be intentional about building relationships that offer both language practice and professional growth.
Your Circle Shapes Your Success
I’ve seen firsthand how surrounding yourself with the right people accelerates both language fluency and career growth. Your environment influences your habits, your mindset, and your ability to communicate with clarity and confidence.
If you want to improve your English communication, take a moment to ask yourself:
Who am I surrounding myself with?
Make sure your circle encourages both your language growth and career success. The right people won’t just help you improve your English—they’ll help you unlock new opportunities and reach your full potential.
And stay tuned for Parts 2 to 4!
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