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 RHB. Music arranged by Ryan Anselment