SO NICE TO MEET YOU!
I do a big mix of things for work because I like variety.
But all of them have in common: communication, human interaction, words, listening, understanding, clear expression, writing, 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 can 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
Experience across many sectors: Tech, Finance, Healthcare, Public Affairs, Film, Music, Hospitality + Tourism, Education, Professional Services, Energy, Nonprofit
Fluent Spanish-speaker (me puedes hablar en castellano y luego lo redacto todo en inglés – así de fácil)
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 learned to speak Spanish fluently in Spain (and am now learning French because I live here) – so I know what it’s like to sweat, make mistakes and feel embarrassed!
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
A FEW FAST FACTS ABOUT ME
GEOGRAPHY
I was born in New York City and raised in NJ, but I’ve been roaming the globe for while. I’ve had the good fortune of living in some very beautiful and interesting places – California, New Orleans, Barcelona – I am now in (old) Orléans, France.
EDUCATION
I did a double major in Sociology + Spanish at the University of New Orleans (Phi Beta Kappa) am a Cambridge-certified English language instructor and a certified NLP coach. I’ve had a very interesting mix of jobs – university teacher, software marketing manager, waitress, visual artist, public speaker, counselor for teenage girls, project manager. I definitely know all kinds of people and industries!
(NON-WORK) LIFE
The boundaries between work and life are kind of blurred for me, which is not always a good thing, since I don’t often know when to disconnect! I’m working on it ; ) 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.