Why Launching a Business is Scarier Than Skydiving

What this episode covers

"It’s 5,000 metres high, and I promise you: it is much scarier to launch a business than it is to jump out of a plane. When you launch, you are open to being judged, and you can fail, but that 80% fear is exactly what drives you to succeed." We chat with Smart Cookie co-founder Martina Montreal. Martina is a language educator and the co-founder of SmartCookie. Since 2016, she has taught over 1,000 students, using that experience to go all-in on building a "second brain" that eliminates administrative chaos for teachers. Martina advocates for the power of patience and taking professional leaps, even when launching a business feels scary. In this episode, we chat about: The power of "nàixīn" [耐心]: why patience is the most demanding requirement for both language learning and business. Overcoming the cost of inaction: how saying "yes" to an unplanned Spanish class changed Martina’s entire career. How a background in abstract logic fueled the creation of a "second brain" for teachers, Why Smart Cookie focuses on eliminating administrative fat rather than overcomplicating with features. Why true professional strength is built through failure, not playing it safe. Why rest is not a luxury: the role trashy television plays in entrepreneurship. *Prefer video? Watch the episode on YouTube. FOR MORE FROM MARTINA MONREAL: 1. Connect on LinkedIn 2. Visit her website 3. Check out Smart Cookie OUR PARTNER: COMMUNICATING FOR IMPACT The Creative House for Leading Educators & Experts. Amplify your work with high-end video and podcasts that get results. Create impactful videos and podcasts with their programmes and done-for-you production services. Start your series here. SUPPORT US: 🫶 Integrate your brand with our podcast in an effort to improve language education. ⭐ Leave a review where you listen. WORK WITH US: 1. Book a free 1:1 chat with us to strategize your teaching business. 2. Learn how to monetize your teaching skills with TAP. 3. Our CPD Courses. THE THRIVING TEACHERPRENEUR Get inspired to start and grow your own education business. Weekly insights, stories, and reflections on education entrepreneurship. Subscribe on Substack here.

Share this episode

Similar Episodes

Why Live and Evergreen Models Both Fall Short

Feb 4, 2026 ·18m

FV 134 : Dédé l’Ardéchois (Part 1): local heritage and history of the railway

Jun 15, 2022 ·39m

FYW 245 : French slang expressions (4)

Jun 15, 2022 ·8m

FYW 244 : When is “ne” optional in French ?

May 25, 2022 ·20m

FYW 243 : When to capitalise a word in French ?

May 19, 2022 ·16m

FV 133 : (Part 2) The “vin de pomme” from Pays Basque

May 15, 2022 ·34m

Similar Podcasts

MG Show MG Show The MG Show, hosted by Jeffrey Pedersen and Shannon Townsend, is a leading alternative media platform dedicated to uncovering the truth behind today’s most pressing political issues. Launched in 2019, the show has grown exponentially, offering unfiltered insights, comprehensive research, and real-time analysis. With a commitment to independent journalism and factual integrity, the MG Show empowers its audience with knowledge and encourages active participation in the political discourse. French Your Way Jessica: Native French teacher founder of French Your Way Boost your French listening skills and test your comprehension with this one of a kind series of podcasts. Get the chance to listen to a real conversation between native speakers talking at normal speed AND customise your learning experience through carefully designed sets of questions (2 levels of difficulty) available for download at www.frenchvoicespodcast.com. All interviews also come with the transcript. French teacher Jessica interviews native speakers of French from around the world who share a bit of their life and passion. Where else would you meet in one same place a French yoga teacher based in Melbourne, a soap manufacturer from Provence, or a couple cycling around the world? HOMELAND HOMELAND The Church is a body not a building. It's the bride of Jesus Christ! Jesus is coming back for a mature bride. That means it's time for the church of Jesus Christ to move from milk to meat. This is the hour of maturity!HOMELAND is an announcement that the church is being set free. Only the church has the ability to transform the world. The kingdom's of this world will become the kingdoms of our Lord and Savior!All of creation has been waiting for this moment! Sons and daughters of God are rising up and taking their seat! LIGHTS, CAMERA, SMILE! Creatives Club Media Lights, Camera, Smile, is a podcast for anyone with a dream to share something with the world, out of the overflow of themselves - be it their mind, their heart, their personalities, and much more. Each of us are alive in this moment in time, with an innate ability to have ideas and create various things to benefit both ourselves and the people around us for a reason, and here, you will find the encouragement, the inspiration, and the motivation to do just that. Hosted by Cicily, founder of Creatives Club, she dives into various topics surrounding creativity and business. Exploring entrepreneurship for creatives in a corporate reality, sharing tips and tricks in a media centered company, answering questions regarding what a creative actually is are just a few of the things discussed on this podcast. Be encouraged to create for yourself as Cicily gets vulnerable by pivoting the camera to herself for the first time.To submit questions for Cicily to answer, or have her address certain t

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Teacher Talking Time?

This episode is 59 minutes long.

When was this Teacher Talking Time episode published?

This episode was published on April 30, 2026.

What is this episode about?

"It’s 5,000 metres high, and I promise you: it is much scarier to launch a business than it is to jump out of a plane. When you launch, you are open to being judged, and you can fail, but that 80% fear is exactly what drives you to succeed." We chat...

Can I download this Teacher Talking Time episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.