Published by Leonardo Calcagno
Who are you:
I’m Susa Bernard. I’m an entrepreneur, a fashion blogger, and a Starbucks aficionado. I teach English – the language I love.
Your current job:
I run my own company Susa English. I provide English lessons face to face, on Skype and on the phone. I’ve created my own 9-level method focused on a clear and quickly operational grammar base along with personalized vocabulary. My goal is to make people excited about speaking English. It opens up the world to you.
In which city are you located?
Quebec City – the French-Canadian city that is getting more and more excited about communicating in English.
A word to define what kind of worker you are:
I’m hard-working. I make a lot of effort to find what works best for each of my clients. When I teach, I try to find the delicate balance between pushing yourself to obtain results and being relaxed and enjoying the process without pressure.
What tools are essential to your life (app, software, etc..)
I use Skype daily to teach lessons. Video conferencing is a growing trend in language learning.
What does your office space look like?
I run my language school at home so my office space is my dining table. I keep the area neutral yet inviting looking.
What kind of music do you listen when you are working?
When I teach, there’s no music, obviously. We talk a lot. We have fun with role plays. My student should always talk more than I do.
Do you have a way to organize your day to maximize your work?
My work day is centered around my clients’ needs and availability to take lessons. I typically teach in the morning and evening, also often times at various times in between, and so once I have a break I try to make the most of it by doing some sports or heading out to Starbucks. To be the best and most inspiring teacher, I need to load my own batteries.
What tips would you give to improve productivity?
I’ve always been quite disciplined. I’d say that set no more than three goals at a time, and finish what you’ve started. Take one step and one project at a time. Stay focused on what’s the most important for you right now. Don’t work around the clock. Taking some real off time just for you pays off in the end.
You’re better than your colleagues to:
Everyone has their talents. Who am I to say anything about me being better? I know that the happiest work and personal life comes from making the most of my natural strengths. Encouraging others, not thinking that I’m better than them, makes life an interesting journey.
What is the best advice anyone has given you?
“No one is perfect yet we can do great things when we believe in ourselves “. This is the kind of attitude I try to foster within myself and my students alike.
What is your best tip for saving time?
Prioritize. Set your goals and values straight, and then spend time on things that really matter.
What is your routine start and end of the day?
I wake up, take a shower, put on a light make-up, get dressed in the outfit I’ve laid out the night before and then I have breakfast. Since my work is very social, interacting with people all day long, my morning time is my quality moment just for me. I savor my coffee and muesli with some Netflix entertainment. Right now I’m into Gilmore Girls.
At the end of the day, I hop on my stepper. I work out for an hour. I read blogs on my tablet while stepping away. I need sports to feel great and energized.
Aside from your computer and your phone, what gadget can you not you go without?
My evening winding down, definitely, needs television. Since I’ve talked all day, it’s nice to be able to sit back and relax with good shows or movies.