An Inspired Chat with Tricia Horton

We recently had the chance to connect with Tricia Horton and have shared our conversation below.

Tricia, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about your customers?
One of the most surprising things I’ve learned about my customers is that what they often think they need in English isn’t always what actually helps them move forward. Many come to me asking for more “advanced” vocabulary or complicated grammar, but what really makes the difference is learning simple, practical expressions they can actually use every day.

It’s always eye-opening to see their confidence grow when they realize that clear, effective communication beats overcomplicated language every time. For me, that’s the most rewarding part — watching them discover that their progress isn’t about memorizing endless lists, but about finding the right tools to communicate with impact.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m an English coach and teacher, and I also create courses based on all of my years of experience in teaching. What I’d love people to remember about me is that I truly believe in them — and through that fierce belief, they’re able to achieve their goals with me.

What makes my approach unique is that I know exactly what people need when it comes to English. There’s no wasted time on vocabulary they’ll never use. Instead, we focus on everyday expressions and natural English so they can actually reach their goals. My students often tell me they feel comfortable and protected with me — and that’s something I take great pride in.

I work with both professionals and everyday learners. When I first moved to Spain, I realized I could not only help with communication skills but also with self-esteem. For me, empowering students to feel good about their small achievements is key. That moment when their eyes light up because they realize they are communicating in English — that’s priceless. Not everyone can afford private classes, so creating digital courses was my way of reaching more people while still giving them the tools to succeed.

Integrity and feelings are at the heart of how I teach. I want my students to feel safe with me, and when they tell me how motivating and different my classes are compared to other teachers, it truly makes my heart sing.

Right now, I’m pitching my different courses, and I’m also working on a line of motivational t-shirts and mugs to encourage learners to immerse themselves in English daily — with my guidance. My main focus combines digital courses, business English, mindset development, and growing my community, because I firmly believe that without the right mindset, learning becomes so much harder.

If I had to sum up what makes my approach special, I’d say this: I know what an English student needs. They may come to me thinking they know what they want, but when they put their trust in my hands, that’s when the real magic happens.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
What breaks the bonds between people — and what restores them?

For me, the answer is simple: trust and respect.

Bonds often break when there’s a lack of integrity and transparency. Sometimes it’s one big event, but more often it’s the small, repeated behaviors — not listening, not following through, not being honest — that slowly chip away at a relationship.

Restoring those bonds isn’t easy. It means starting from scratch, communicating clearly, and being willing to collaborate on both sides. Respect is at the heart of it.

As an English coach, this principle is at the core of how I work. When I tell my students they won’t be fluent after one class, they actually appreciate the honesty. It’s discipline and continuity that bring real results, and that transparency builds trust.

I’ve seen this play out in small moments too. Once, during a power outage, I couldn’t hold a scheduled class. By communicating openly with my student and reassuring her we’d continue as soon as possible, she felt respected — and our bond strengthened instead of breaking.

In the end, trust and respect are the seeds that allow every relationship — professional, personal, or educational — to grow. 🌱

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear that held me back the most was being judged and caring too much about what others thought of me — feeling like an imposter. Once I started focusing on growth instead of perfection, I realized that fear was only a story I was telling myself.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
The public version of me is real and authentic — I love to be myself. But because I’m very sensitive, cultural differences have sometimes made me keep that part of me to myself.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
If I retired tomorrow, I think my customers would miss more than just my lessons — they’d miss my energy, my smile, and the motivation I bring to every class. I love seeing them light up when they achieve something new in English, and being part of that journey is what makes our connection so special.

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