NICE TO MEET YOU!
I do a big mix of things for work because I like variety.
All my services have in common: communication, human interaction, words, listening, understanding, clear expression, writing and creating connections.
What qualifies me?
One part passion. One part experience. One part skills.
I love clear, positive communication, the art of writing, words, expression, languages. I have 20+ years of experience in communications and language learning.
My mission is to help people to communicate smoothly, clearly and confidently, so they enjoy positive, fruitful and successful connections with the world.
Looking for my professional specs? Here you go…
15+ years experience as a copywriter, digital marketer + business communications strategist – both in-house and as a freelancer
Deep knowledge of the technology/software/start-up industry
Multi-sector experience: Tech, Finance, Healthcare, Biotech, Legal, HR, Film, Music, Hospitality, Education, Insurance, Energy, Nonprofit
Fluent Spanish-speaker (siempre me puedes hablar en castellano y luego lo redacto todo en inglés – así de fácil). More or less fluent in French ; )
Cambridge-certified teacher of English to speakers of other languages (CELTA)
20 years experience teaching English (classroom, 1-on-1 and small group) internationally + in the US
University-level curriculum development and instruction in the US
I speak Spanish and French fluently as a non-native speaker – I know what it’s like to sweat, make mistakes and feel embarrassed!
Need an English fluency coach to help you feel more relaxed in meetings, more confident when you pitch your company in English? Find out more
I’ve got another whole side of my business devoted to personal coaching. And since you definitely get my coaching skills on your life and business when we work together, it makes sense to mention it here! Find out more at sonjashahan.com
HOW I ENDED UP HERE
GEOGRAPHY
Born in New York City, raised in New Jersey and have had the very good fortune to live in some amazing places – California, New Orleans, Barcelona. I now live in (old) Orléans, France.
EDUCATION
Double major in Sociology + Spanish at the University of New Orleans. Cambridge-certified English language instructor and certified NLP coach. I’ve had a very interesting mix of jobs – university teacher, software marketing manager, bartender, visual artist, public speaker, counselor to teenage girls, project manager. I definitely know all kinds of people and industries!
(NON-WORK) LIFE
The boundaries between my work and life are a bit blurred. I spend a lot of time interacting, listening, communicating, reading, writing, traveling, meditating. I’ve been studying Buddhist philosophy for years, so that’s my frame when it comes to understanding people, life, relationships and every situation I find myself in.