The B.E. Fluent Show

You have prepared. You know your subject. You walk into the room with conviction. Then you use one word — one familiar, comfortable, perfectly French word — and the room shifts. Not visibly. Not dramatically. But something slips. That slip has a name: faux-ami. False friend. And in this episode, we are going to find it, name it, and take away its power. What You Will Learn in This Episode•       Why faux-amis exist — and why the answer goes back 1,000 years•       The real cost of faux-amis in leadership settings: credibility, trust, and pipeline•       10 high-stakes false friends that francophone professionals use every day•       Specific examples from the boardroom, the HR office, and the client call•       A three-part strategy to replace the wrong reflex with the right one — permanently The History Behind the TrapIn 1066, the Normans conquered England — and French became the language of power for nearly 300 years. The law, the court, commerce, governance: all conducted in French. Over time, English absorbed thousands of French words. But the meanings drifted. The spellings stayed. The traps were set. Linguist Bernard Cerquiglini — one of France's foremost language authorities — argued that English is, in many ways, French that has been living abroad long enough to forget where it came from. His work gives us the intellectual framework for understanding why faux-amis are not vocabulary errors. They are history living inside language. Even the word budget comes from bougette — a small French leather pouch carried by the treasury. Every board presentation built around a budget is, unknowingly, built around a French purse.This episode covers some "faux amis":•       Actually •       Eventually •       Sensible•       Demand •       Assist •       Pretend •       Agenda (meeting items) or hidden objectiveAnd moreYour Free Resource — The 14-Day Leadership DrillThe 14-Day Leadership Drill gives you one precision language habit per day, built specifically for francophone professionals operating in English at leadership level. Five minutes a day. Fourteen days. Free. → Download your free 14-Day Leadership DrillAbout Your HostLeonilda is a Leadership Development Coach for non-native English speakers — helping HR professionals, L&D managers, and executives communicate with precision, presence, and authority in global environments. TEDx speaker. Featured in Marie Claire. Seen on BSmart and Yahoo Finance. Creator of Boardroom English® — tailored for professionals ready to lead in English. Connect With Leonilda•       LinkedIn•       Website•       Instagram

After two months of silence, Leonilda Renaldo returns with the real reason she went quiet — not the polished version, the honest one.Eight years ago she had a dream: to speak at a TEDx event about the most powerful leadership tool she knows. Not artificial intelligence. Authentic intelligence — the ability to show up fully, without performing, without shrinking, in any room, in any language.This month, that dream became real.In this episode Leonilda shares what those eight years taught her, what the TEDx stage confirmed, and why every French-speaking professional trying to close the gap between who they are in French and who they show up as in English is doing their own version of the same journey.This is not a language problem. It is a leadership competence. And it can be built.YOUR ONE ACTION FROM THIS EPISODEThink of one moment this week where you held back in English — where you said the shorter, safer version of what you really meant. Say the full version out loud today. That gap is your work. This season, we close it together.FREE RESOURCEDownload the 14-Day English Leadership Drill — free, 5 minutes a day, built around the leadership scenarios where that gap costs you the most.WORK WITH LEONILDAReady to go further? Book your free 15-minute discovery call: https://leonildarenaldo-befluentaudit.youcanbook.me/ABOUT LEONILDA RENALDOCommunication coach · TEDx Speaker · Founder of Leo Dynamics · Host of The BE Fluent Podcast · Featured in Marie Claire, BSmart and Yahoo Finance · leodynamics.comCONNECTWebsite: leodynamics.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lrenaldo/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leonildarenaldo/Keywords: English leadership communication, speak English with confidence, French-speaking professionals, authentic communication at work, English for non-native leaders, executive presence in English, business English coaching, English coaching Switzerland, English coaching France, TEDx speaker, BE Fluent podcast, Leonilda Renaldo, Leo Dynamics#BeFluent #EnglishLeadership #CommunicationCoaching #FrenchSpeakingProfessionals #LeadInEnglish #AuthenticCommunication #ExecutivePresence #ThoughtLeadership #PersonalBrand #TEDxSpeaker

Don't just get an A in English. Get four.If you've ever held back in a meeting, stumbled over your words on a call, or felt like your ideas weren't landing the way they should — this episode is for you.It's not about being perfect. It's about being purposeful.Leonilda Renaldo is breaking down the exact framework she uses with aspiring leaders to transform the way they show up in English. No more memorising random vocabulary. No more hoping you'll "get better." This is strategic. This is intentional. And it works.🔑 The Four A's in LeoDynamic's Boardroom English® Method:ASSESS — Stop guessing. Get clear on who you need to communicate with, what you need to say, and why. Are you trying to inspire? Inform? Influence? That answer changes everything.ANCHOR — Small actions become habits. Habits become behaviours. Behaviours become your personality. We're talking micro-actions that stack up and make impactful English communication automatic.ADJUST — Communication isn't a monologue. It's a dance. "It takes two to tango," and in this episode Leonilda breaks down exactly how to flex, adapt, and flow with whoever is in front of you.ACQUIRE — This is where it all clicks. You stop imitating. You stop hiding. You embrace your imperfections and step into the kind of autonomy that makes you unstoppable.💬 The line you need to hear:"You're not aiming to hide your imperfections. You're embracing them and heading towards excellence."📌 Also in this episode:• Why English should be a tool, not an objective: Tune into this client story episode • How to ask for clarity without sounding lost• Everything you need to know about The Booster — the 5-week intensive starting March 3rd🔗 Connect with Leonilda:[Linkedin] [Instagram][WEBSITE]Your homework: Rate and review this episode or showSubscribe to the show so you don't miss any of our episodesSign up to our newsletter for eventsIf this episode resonated, share it with someone who's been holding back. They need to hear this. #LeadershipCommunication #EnglishForLeaders #AuthenticLeadership #ProfessionalDevelopment #EnglishBooster #ExecutivePresence #PersonalBranding

DescriptionBreaking Barriers: How One Environmental Expert Transformed Fear into Professional FlowWhen Natacha Nowak needed to advocate for sustainability in the pharmaceutical sector, perfect grammar wasn't her problem—being heard was. In this episode, discover how she shifted from hesitant speaker to confident communicator by focusing on the one element most language learners miss: strategic communication skills that build personal brand authority.Whether you're in sustainability, tech, finance, or any field where English opens doors, Natacha's journey reveals why fluency isn't about perfection—it's about presence, clarity, and the confidence to share your expertise with the world.What you'll learn:The mindset shift from "correct English" to "compelling English"How to position your expertise even when English isn't your first languageWhy personal branding accelerates both language skills and career growthAre you ready to be more strategic in your communication in the global workplace? Sign up to our bi-weekly newsletter for updates on events, courses, podcast episodes: https://leodynamics.newzenler.com/f/newsletter-sign-upKeywords Keywords: English for professionals, career acceleration, personal branding, professional communication, executive presence, language confidence, thought leadership, professional development, strategic communication#ProfessionalEnglish #CareerGrowth #PersonalBranding #ExecutivePresence #ProfessionalDevelopment #LanguageConfidence #ThoughtLeadershipBooster Program Join the March 2026 Booster Program – A transformative 4-Week journey for professionals ready to use English as their competitive advantage. Build the communication skills and personal brand that position you as a leader in your field.Information here or send us an email [email protected] Pour plus d'information sur le Booster, c'est par ici --> en français https://www.leodynamics.com/english-booster-with-leonildaConnect with Leonilda Renaldo on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lrenaldoInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/leonildarenaldo/Email: [email protected]: https://www.leodynamics.comBook an appointment and get a speaking audit FREE: https://leonildarenaldo-be-app.youcanbook.me/

You're about to spend the holidays speaking your native language with family—and you might be worried your English will get rusty. What if I told you this break is exactly what your business English needs?In this episode, you'll discover why the time you spend NOT speaking English could be the most valuable work you do for your communication skills all year. I'm sharing practical exercises you can do while fully immersed in your native language that will transform how you show up in English when you return to work in January.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:- Why observation is your secret communication weapon (and what to watch for at family gatherings)- The storytelling structure you already know in your native language—and how to translate it to English presentations- How to build emotional range by mapping feelings in both languages- Why rest isn't regression—it's the strategy that creates January breakthroughs- The specific exercises you can do over the holidays to strengthen your English (without speaking a word of it)━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Introduction: The worry about getting "rusty"01:15 - The Power of Observation: Learning from family communicators02:45 - The Storytelling Reset: Structure over words04:20 - The Emotional Vocabulary Breakthrough: Building your range06:15 - Why Rest Is Strategy07:30 - Your Holiday Challenge + Free Resource━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━🎁 FREE Download THE BILINGUAL EMOTION MAPThis map helps you bridge those feelings to English—so when you return to work, you don't just speak English, you FEEL in English.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━YOUR TURN:After listening share your insight:- Tag me on LinkedIn: @Leonilda Renaldo- Instagram: @leonildarenaldo- Use hashtag: #BilingualEmotionMapI'll feature the best insights in our January episode!━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━OTHER RESOURCES:📧 Join our bi-weekly newsletter for updates on events and courses📞 Ready to close the gap between who you are in your native language and who you are in English? Book your strategy call with Leonilda🌐 LeoDynamics Websitewww.leodynamics.com/en━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ABOUT THE BE FLUENT SHOW:Your ultimate resource for mastering business English, boosting your career, and gaining recognition in the global marketplace. Hosted by Leonilda Renaldo, expert in business communication.⭐ ENJOYING THE SHOW?If this episode helped you, here's how you can support:Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━© 2025 LeoDynamics | All Rights Reserved

Description You prepare what you'll say. You know your material. But when the moment comes to speak up in that leadership meeting... silence.Most people think it's a confidence problem or a communication skills gap. It's neither.In this episode, leadership communication expert Leonilda Renaldo reveals the hidden emotional patterns that keep high-performers silent in meetings—and why your brain treats speaking up as a survival threat.Discover the real reason behind your hesitation, how past emotional experiences shape your present-day communication, and the proven strategies to create internal safety so your voice is clear when stakes are high.Perfect for: Leaders who overthink before speaking, professionals whose perfectionism intensifies under pressure, anyone who has brilliant ideas after meetings end.What You'll LearnWhy emotions are "energy in motion" and how they drive your brain's response to perceived danger in meetingsWhy language proficiency isn't blocking your voice—emotional patterns arePractical tracking methods to map your patterns and measure progressTimestamps00:00 - Why capable leaders stay silent 01:40 - Building your internal safe space for assertive communication 03:35 - The pattern-tracking strategy that creates breakthroughs 05:03 - Measuring communication winsKeywordsemotional patterns in leadership speaking up in meetings leadership communication emotional intelligence at work assertive communication  executive presence overcoming self-doubt emotional awareness high-stakes communication perfectionism at work leadership mindsetAbout Leonilda RenaldoLeonilda helps leaders close the credibility gap. Her clients lead C-suite meetings, earn significantly more, and step into international roles by transforming the emotional patterns that kept them silent. LeoDynamics Website Connect on LinkedInConnect on InstagramTake ActionTrack your patterns: Next meeting, notice what emotions show up right before you want to speak. Don't judge them—just observe. That awareness is the first step to transformation.Share your insight: What emotional pattern have you noticed in your own communication? Tag us on socials with your biggest takeaway using #voiceunderpressureBook your strategy call to go deeperResources Join our newsletter for updates on events and coursesLink to brain freeze episode as a complementary resource🎧 Never miss an episode: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts/Spotify/YouTube and turn on notifications⭐ Enjoying the show? Leave a 5-star review and help other leaders discover these strategies. Your review helps us reach more professionals who need to hear this message.

Doubt as Data: How to Turn Doubt Into Your SuperpowerYou’re Not Lacking Confidence — You’re Missing InformationWebsite: https://www.leodynamics.com/en/Get your free Cheat Sheet: https://leodynamics.newzenler.com/f/free-cheat-sheet-download-turning-data-into-your-superpowerDescription:What if your doubt isn’t a problem to fix, but a message to decode? In this short masterclass episode of The Be Fluent Show, host Leonilda Renaldo introduces a powerful new way to approach fear, hesitation, and self-doubt—especially when speaking English in global meetings, presentations, or high-stakes conversations.Through a real client story and a practical pen-and-paper method, Leonilda reveals why your body speaks six seconds before your mouth does—and how understanding this unlocks clarity, calm, and confidence in any language.🌍 What you’ll learn in this episode:· Why doubt and confidence are cousins—and how to use both· The “Joy vs. Stress” 2-column exercise that transforms fear into clarity· The mistake most professionals make when trying to sound confident· How writing your emotions down creates space for creativity, adaptability, and presence· A post-event reflection method that builds data-driven confidence over timeWhether you’re leading meetings, presenting to international clients, or navigating complex global relationships, this episode helps you stop suppressing doubt—and start turning it into your greatest communication advantage.👉 Listen now, download the cheat sheet, and learn how to turn doubt into data—and data into confidence.Keywords: business English confidence, global communication skills, leadership presence, English for professionals, presentation confidence, mindset for speaking English, international workplace communicationLet’s keep the conversation going: send us your questions on [email protected] and sign up for our bi-weekly newsletter to stay updated on events and courses.📩 https://leodynamics.newzenler.com/f/newsletter-sign-upTo find out how we can help you influence your next conversation go here: https://www.leodynamics.com/en/landing-enIf you’re ready to go deeper, book your strategy call with Leonilda today: https://leonildarenaldo-strategycall.youcanbook.meFollow Leonilda on LinkedIn and Instagram: Leonilda RenaldoWebsite: https://www.leodynamics.com/en/  

Connect with Leonilda Renaldo, Founder of LeoDynamicsby email: [email protected] Linkedinon Instagram @leonildarenaldovisit our websiteEpisode DescriptionHow do you make complex ideas land in a global workplace?In this conversation, market-research consultant Marinette Dalbard shares how she turns data into human stories that drive better decisions — and how learning to express those insights in English transformed her professional confidence.Marinette’s story is special: she’s not only a leader in consumer-insight design, she’s also a former LeoDynamics client who learned to bridge the credibility gap many non-native English professionals feel. Together we explore how the skills that make great research — clarity, curiosity, and structure — are the same ones that make powerful communication.You’ll learn:How to use constraints as creative fuelWhy “quick & dirty” kills credibility — and what to do insteadA simple “So what?” framework to make your message stickHow to sound credible (not perfect) in high-stakes English conversationsIf you’re an HR or L&D leader, an executive in transition, or a global professional ready to speak up with impact, this episode will help you connect the dots between insight design and confident communication.Connect with Marinette Dalbard on LinkedInAre you a woman in Market Research? Join Marinette and I at Geneva's WIRe kick off event on November 13, 2025. Register before November 10th, 2025🎁 Free resource: Download The BE Fluent Cheat Sheet — 28 Smart Phrases to Speak with CredibilitySign-up to our bi-weekly newsletter to stay updated on events and coursesKeywords: credibility gap · executive communication · non-native English · market research · insight storytelling · hybrid research · leadership presence · clarity over complexity

Two Tongues, Two Voices: The Case of Jodie FosterYou’re Not the Same Person in English – And That’s PowerfulDescription:Have you ever felt like a different person when you speak English? You’re not alone—and that’s not a flaw. In this short masterclass episode of The Be Fluent Show, host Leonilda Renaldo reveals how Oscar-winning actress Jodie Foster waited 20 years to perform in French again—and what that story teaches us about credibility, identity, and confidence in global communication.🌍 What you’ll learn in this episode:· Why fluency and confidence are not twins—and how to strengthen both· How language shapes your identity and leadership presence· A 3-step reflection exercise to discover your authentic “English self”· How to stop waiting to sound perfect and start leading with impact in EnglishWhether you’re a professional, manager, or executive navigating global work relationships, this episode helps you release the pressure to be the same person in every language—and embrace your power to communicate, lead, and connect across cultures.👉 Listen now, do the reflection exercise, and step into your most confident English-speaking self.Keywords: English for leaders, business English confidence, global communication skills, bilingual leadership, professional English speaking, executive presence in English, leadership communicationGet your free Vocabulary Resource: https://leodynamics.newzenler.com/f/free-vocabulary-resource-download-ep3Let’s keep the conversation going: send us your questions on [email protected] and sign up for our bi-weekly newsletter to stay updated on events and courses.📩 https://leodynamics.newzenler.com/f/newsletter-sign-upTo find out how we can help you influence your next conversation go here: https://www.leodynamics.com/en/landing-enIf you’re ready to go deeper, book your strategy call with Leonilda today: https://leonildarenaldo-strategycall.youcanbook.meFollow Leonilda on LinkedIn and Instagram: Leonilda RenaldoWebsite: https://www.leodynamics.com/en/

Description: What does it really take to build confidence and communicate with impact—even when nerves are present? In this episode of The BE Fluent Show, host Leonilda Renaldo talks with Voice and Communication Coach Helen von Dadelszen about how courageous action, intentional preparation, and effective use of your voice can transform public speaking and professional presence.🌟 What you’ll learn:Why nerves are a normal part of public speaking—and how to manage themWhat Helen calls "soundtrack" and how it holds you back from taking action for what you want to achieveThe “action → competence → confidence” loop and how it worksPractical techniques: preparation routines, breathing, and intentional use of your voiceHow curiosity leads professionals into courageous action👉 Tune in now to discover how to overcome nerves, take courageous action, and express yourself with clarity and confidence in any professional setting.Get your free Vocabulary Resource: https://leodynamics.newzenler.com/f/vocabularyresourceLet’s keep the conversation going: send us your questions on [email protected] and sign up for our bi-weekly newsletter to stay updated on events and courses.📩 https://leodynamics.newzenler.com/f/newsletter-sign-upKeywords: confidence, courageous action, public speaking, voice coaching, anxiety management, communication skills, professional growth, leadershipGet Helen’s book Courageous Action: https://courageousaction.ch/Follow Helen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-von-dadelszen/To find out how we can help you influence your next conversation go here: https://www.leodynamics.com/en/landing-enIf you’re ready to go deeper, book your strategy call with Leonilda today: https://leonildarenaldo-strategycall.youcanbook.meFollow Leonilda on LinkedIn and Instagram: Leonilda RenaldoWebsite: https://www.leodynamics.com/en/

Description:What does it really take to collaborate well—not just share tasks, but create something greater together? In this episode of The Be Fluent Show, host Leonilda Renaldo talks with creative catalyst Steph Fonteyn about the power of creativity, authenticity, and inner work in building strong, effective teams.🌍 What you’ll learn:•⁠ ⁠Why creativity is a leadership skill, not just an artistic one•⁠ ⁠How authenticity builds trust and connection•⁠ ⁠Practical strategies for psychological safety and true collaboration•⁠ ⁠Why embracing imperfection sparks innovation and growth👉 Tune in now to discover how to unlock your creativity, foster collaboration, and lead with authenticity.Let’s keep the conversation going: send us your questions and sign up for our bi-weekly newsletter to stay updated on events and courses.📩 https://leodynamics.newzenler.com/f/newsletter-sign-upKeywords: collaboration, creativity at work, authentic leadership, psychological safety, team building, workplace culture, professional growthBook your strategy call: https://leonildarenaldo-strategycall.youcanbook.meFollow on LinkedIn or Instagram: Leonilda RenaldoWebsite: https://www.leodynamics.com/en/

Bounce Back When Your Mind Goes Blank – 5 Phrases for Instant ConfidenceDescription:Have you ever frozen mid-sentence during a meeting or presentation—your mind goes blank, panic sets in, and you wish you could disappear? You’re not alone. In this empowering 5-minute episode of The Be Fluent Show, host Leonilda Renaldo shares five simple, powerful phrases and a mindset shift to help you recover smoothly, stay calm, and speak with confidence—even when the words don’t come right away.🌍 What you’ll learn in this episode:•⁠ ⁠Why going blank happens to everyone—even native speakers and TED Talkers•⁠ ⁠5 professional, easy-to-use phrases to reset and continue speaking naturally•⁠ ⁠The secret to sounding confident without perfect grammar•⁠ ⁠How a simple pause can turn panic into leadership presenceWhether you’re an executive, team leader, or global professional, this episode will give you practical tools to stay composed, sound credible, and lead conversations—even when English feels tricky.👉 Listen now, practice the phrases, and learn to own your voice—not hide from it.Keywords: English for leaders, business English confidence, overcome blank moments, professional English speaking, executive presence in English, leadership communication, fluent English for businessBook your strategy call today: https://leonildarenaldo-strategycall.youcanbook.meFollow us on LinkedIn or Instagram: Leonilda RenaldoCheck out our Website: https://www.leodynamics.com/en/

Stop Saying “Sorry for My English” – Speak with Confidence in Global BusinessDescription:Do you often start meetings with “Sorry for my English”? In international business, that apology doesn’t make you sound polite—it makes you sound less confident. In this short 5-minute episode of The Be Fluent Show, host Leonilda Renaldo shares why saying sorry damages your credibility and how to replace it with powerful, professional phrases that boost trust, authority, and leadership presence.🌍 What you’ll learn in this episode:Why apologizing for your English lowers your influence in meetings and presentations3 confident phrases to use instead of “Sorry for my English”How to shift focus from accent and grammar to value and contributionA practical challenge to help you stop apologizing and start leading in EnglishWhether you’re a manager, executive, or professional building global business relationships, this episode gives you the words and confidence to communicate with impact—without shrinking your presence.👉 Listen now, practice the phrases, and let your English reflect progress, not perfection.Keywords: English for leaders, business English confidence, global communication skills, stop apologizing in English, professional English speaking, executive presence in English, leadership communicationBook your strategy call today: https://leonildarenaldo-strategycall.youcanbook.meFollow us on Linkedin or Instagram: Leonilda RenaldoCheck out our website: https://www.leodynamics.com/en/

In this 90-second trailer, you’ll discover why this show exists, who it’s for, and what makes it different. Whether you’re a non-native English speaker navigating the boardroom, a manager preparing for global visibility, or an HR/L&D leader searching for impactful training solutions, this trailer will give you a taste of what’s to come.Expect short, practical episodes with actionable strategies, cultural insights, and real stories to help you:Speak with confidence in EnglishLead with credibility across culturesBuild presence without perfection👉 If you’re ready to own your voice, this is your starting point.