We had the good fortune of connecting with Anna Gandrabura and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Anna, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The key to our success, both personally and for my company English For IT™, is really about passion, value and a commitment to making a difference. I’ve always believed in the power of education to open doors, and it’s this belief that drove me to focus on the unique needs within the tech industry. Our approach is deeply rooted in understanding these needs and constantly innovating to meet them better. What sets us apart is our continuous drive to evolve and use technology in ways that genuinely enhance learning. So, it’s a mix of passion for education, a focus on innovation, and building a supportive community that has been central to our success. On top of that, it’s that constant value you deliver to your community. On a personal note, success comes when you are in a constant state of growth. You commit to evolve no matter how much you already know. Otherwise, if you stop learning, you will most likely face the stagnation phase. To sum it up, some of the most important factors behind success are passion for what do you, delivering value to your audience/community, commitment to do it no matter what because you are here to make a difference.
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
English For IT™ is more than just a language teaching service; it’s a bridge connecting the world of technology with the power of effective communication. What sets us apart is our specialized focus on the tech industry, an area often underserved by traditional language education because it is so new, and traditional educational institutions can’t really keep up with its fast-paced growth. We’re not just teaching English and soft skills; we’re empowering IT professionals and companies worldwide to communicate more effectively across cultures, unlock opportunities, and foster international collaboration.
I’m particularly proud of how we’ve managed to blend cutting-edge learning methodologies with the specific needs of the tech community. Our approach is personalized, highly relevant, and deeply rooted in real-world application. This alignment with the tech industry’s dynamic nature is something I find incredibly exciting.
Getting to where we are today was by no means easy. The journey has been filled with challenges, from understanding the nuanced needs of our audience to continuously adapting our offerings in a fast-paced industry. One of the biggest hurdles was making sure our content remained at the forefront of technological advancement and language learning. We overcame these challenges through continuous innovation, feedback loops with our community, and a commitment to our mission.
The lessons learned along the way are numerous, but a few stand out: the importance of resilience, the power of a growth mindset, and the value of community. These principles have not only shaped our business strategy but have also guided me personally as an entrepreneur.
Ultimately, I want the world to know that English For IT™ is more than a language service; it’s a driver for global connection and understanding within the tech community. Our story is about making a meaningful impact, one professional at a time, and continually striving to bridge language barriers in the tech world.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Miami is filled with incredible places to explore, but it really depends on what you’re looking for. Let’s assume my friend, much like me, wants to experience a bit of everything. 🙂
We’d start with a walk on Brickell Key, which is part of my daily routine and something I absolutely love. Walking meditation is fantastic for clearing your mind after a long day. Besides being good for your mental health, it offers stunning views of a beautiful sunset and the city skyline.
Since we’re already in Brickell, dinner at LPM is a must—it’s one of the best restaurants in the neighborhood. Afterwards, we’d head to Sugar rooftop at the East Hotel for drinks.
A day will be dedicated to just lounging in my building’s pool, hitting the gym, and relaxing in the sauna. The Miami lifestyle has so much to offer. Nearly every building in the Brickell, Downtown, and Midtown areas boasts amazing amenities, so much so that you might find no reason to leave, especially with conveniences like a small store right on the premises.
We’ll need a couple of days to enjoy Miami Beach properly, not just for the beach but also for some delicious food! We’ll start with breakfast at Pura Vida, a signature spot for healthy eating in Miami and almost a landmark. Around 5-6 pm, we’ll head to South Pointe Park to watch cruise ships sail by—an incredible sight when these massive vessels pass just 150 feet away. Enjoying an Aperol Spritz at Smith and Wolensky as we watch the ships is also a fantastic idea. Another fun activity is renting a bike to ride along the ocean, with a stop at the beach club at 1 Hotel, which resembles the beach clubs in Tulum, Mexico.
My friends are always amazed by Miami’s diversity when they visit. After they’ve seen the Brickell and Downtown areas, which showcase the city’s skyscrapers, I take them to Wynwood, and the reaction is always a resounding “WOW.” It’s a paradise for street art enthusiasts and foodies alike, with some of the best restaurants located there: Pastis, Doya, and my favorite taco spot, Taco Stand, not to mention the beloved Miami bakery, Zak the Baker.
Experiencing Miami isn’t complete without going clubbing and boating. If possible, we’ll do both! Head to Club Space for a sunrise session after a good night’s sleep—the club runs until noon or later, so you can party during the day without sacrificing sleep.
Key Biscayne is a must-visit for playing tennis at Crandon Park, hitting the beach, and enjoying some tasty homemade Spanish food at the beach café.
If there’s still energy and time left, I’d take my friend to the Everglades National Park for an airboat tour or to explore Little Havana and enjoy the famous Cuban sandwich at the one and only Versailles.
We’d wrap up the week with another walk on Brickell Key, of course!
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My shoutout goes to my team at English For IT™ and our learners worldwide. Their relentless pursuit of growth, feedback, and engagement has been the driving force behind our continuous improvement, pivots, iterations, and success. Their stories of personal and professional transformation are what truly inspire me every day.
I must also acknowledge the influence of several books that have not only helped me grow as a person and a professional but also inspired me to create products with my company that thousands of people use worldwide.
‘Atomic Habits’ by James Clear inspired me to create my very first English For Tech course. Using the tips and the main idea from the book, I structured the course so that learners could build a habit of learning English daily. I used the bite-sized learning technique to make this possible. The course turned out to be not only educational but also motivational, just like ‘Atomic Habits.’
Another book that I am ready to reread at any time is ‘177 Mental Toughness Secrets of the World Class,’ which is full of advice to help you, as a founder, dream bigger, become more resilient, transform yourself. Reading the book for me was almost like reading mantras on every page, which is a powerful thing.
Website: https://english4it.online/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annglish_/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annagandrabura/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/anna_gandrabura
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/EnglishForIT
Other: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/power-skills-for-success/id1716445041
https://open.spotify.com/show/0nGG8xhh4jzGXabnTkYay0?si=AZnFJmPjTA6Hnul6Y922tw