Meet Meredith Kasper

We were lucky to catch up with Meredith Kasper recently and have shared our conversation below.

Meredith, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Overcoming imposter syndrome as a non-native Spanish speaker, particularly when teaching the language, is no easy feat. At times, it’s tempting to feel like an imposter, doubting my qualifications to be in the role of an educator when I didn’t grow up speaking Spanish. My journey towards overcoming these feelings was marked by my exploration of my own experience in learning Spanish. I truly understand that learning another language is a humbling, embarrassing, frustrating and rewarding experience. I have been able to share my personal journey with my students which has helped them overcome their own fears about learning another language. While I may not have all the answers to every grammar question or find myself occasionally stumped by specific words, I realized that these moments don’t define my capabilities as a teacher. Instead, they serve as reminders of the ongoing and dynamic nature of language learning. Over the years, I’ve become confident that I am not an imposter but rather a facilitator on a shared journey of linguistic discovery.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
In 2016, Custom Spanish Courses emerged from my realization of a gap in Spanish language courses. Despite the availability of numerous high-quality general Spanish courses, there was a lack of vocabulary tailored to various professions. Fueled by my deep passion for teaching, I find immense joy in witnessing people’s confidence soar as they navigate the intricacies of learning Spanish.

The motivation behind starting my business was clear: traditional Spanish classes weren’t hitting the mark for many individuals who needed practical phrases for their workplaces. Recognizing this need, I crafted vocabulary-specific courses for diverse professions, including law enforcement, teachers, medical providers, and more.

Teaching these courses is not just a job; it’s a source of genuine fulfillment. I take pride in helping individuals embark on their language learning journey, providing them with the tools they need to succeed in their professional settings. Custom Spanish Courses is more than a business – it’s a passion project dedicated to making language learning an enriching and unique experience for participants.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
In today’s fiercely competitive landscape, the abundance of advice on essential skills and qualities for success can indeed be overwhelming. However, if I were to distill it down to just three crucial attributes, I would emphasize:

Resilience: The ability to persevere in the face of setbacks and challenges is paramount. Without resilience, it’s easy to become discouraged when things don’t go as planned. By maintaining a resilient mindset, individuals can bounce back from failures and keep moving forward toward their goals.

Adaptability: In a rapidly changing world, the capacity to adapt to new situations and environments is invaluable. Those who can quickly learn and adjust to evolving circumstances are better equipped to thrive amidst uncertainty. Adaptability allows individuals to remain agile and responsive, essential qualities in today’s dynamic business landscape.

Empathy: Understanding and connecting with others on a human level is essential for building strong relationships and fostering collaboration. Empathy enables effective communication, conflict resolution, and the ability to anticipate and meet the needs of others. In an interconnected world where relationships drive success, empathy is a fundamental skill that cannot be overlooked.

By prioritizing resilience, adaptability, and empathy, individuals can navigate the complexities of today’s competitive environment with confidence and effectiveness.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?

Marketing has proven to be my most significant challenge. Given the specificity of my niche, identifying the right individuals who can effectively disseminate information about my courses to law enforcement officers, 911 dispatch, teachers, and different medical providers has been a hurdle. I’ve explored various avenues, including cold calls, in-person visits, email campaigns, distributing flyers, and utilizing website and online ads. However, the results have been mixed, leading to a lot of trial and error.

Currently, I’m collaborating with someone to refine my marketing strategies and develop targeted advertisements. While I’m uncertain about the ultimate outcome, I remain optimistic. Increasing awareness about Custom Spanish Courses among a broader audience is crucial for growth and success.

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