Jen Dewar on Talking Yourself Into Doing Scary Things

What is it like to leave the familiarity of higher ed to join a tech company with a vision to change how the world thinks about language testing? Jen Dewar , Senior Director of Strategic Engagement for the Duolingo English Test , shares how to break through, climb steep learning curves, learn from setbacks ... and why you don't win or lose—you only win or learn. References Luis von Ahn , co-founder and CEO of Duolingo on How I Built This with Guy Raz and The Tim Ferriss Show . Shout out to future ALP guest, Laura Kaub , UNHCR University Access Advisor Learn more about Duolingo's work with refugees through the UNHCR Rapid Descent Walkout song : Groove Is in the Heart by Deee-Lite Best recent read : All That She Carried: The Journey of Ashley's Sack, a Black Family Keepsake by Tiya Miles Eager to read next: Astor: The Rise and Fall of an American Fortune , narrated by Anderson Cooper. Favorite podcast : The Daily , Washington Post and WSJ The Journal ... also, if you're into art fraud and art theft, Last Seen Favorite thing to make in the kitchen: Anything, because she can only focus on what she is making. Taking and keeping notes : A Duolingo pen and conference giveaway notepads. Memorable bit of advice : "Two tears in a bucket, mother***it" ... and that's the closest we've gotten to an Explicit rating so far. Bucket list : "I don’t have a bucket list, which speaks to how lucky I’ve been. I’ve gotten to do so many great things; more than I ever could have imagined or anybody who raised me could have imagined for me.” The ALP is supported by Human Capital Education . Music arranged by Ryan Anselment

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