MEDIJATOR Lana Šiljeg

Guest Lana ŠiljegHosted by Srđan ŠimacMay 3, 2026

Lana Šiljeg

About this episode

What you'll hear in this conversation

Lana Šiljeg introduces herself not by her profession but as "a human, a divine being with a number of roles... Primarily, an educator... an uplifter." This sets the stage for a conversation that delves beyond typical business metrics. As a Business English trainer and founder of West and Education and English and Co., Lana guides individuals and teams through the nuances of international communication. Her approach reveals how mastering a language like English isn't just about vocabulary and grammar; it's about confidence, cultural understanding, and the ability to truly express oneself in high-stakes business environments. Readers will leave this conversation considering how much unspoken fear and unaddressed self-sabotage might be holding back their own teams in global interactions.

Insights from the conversation

What to take from this episode

Lana opens her introduction by stating that "people tend to present themselves by their profession, which is quite limiting," choosing instead to define herself as "a human, a divine being with a number of roles" and an "uplifter." How you introduce yourself sets the tone for every interaction; leading with your humanity and core values can be more powerful than any job title.

Research suggests teachers rank low in job satisfaction due to delayed results, but Lana disagrees, explaining "I don't just teach English... this is like more than that. It's about self-empowerment." The immediate impact of teaching, especially communication skills, often lies in the visible shift in a student's confidence and self-expression, a more meaningful metric than simple knowledge acquisition.

Lana observes that the Croatian education system often discourages individualism and self-expression, creating a barrier that a foreign language only amplifies. Learning a new language often exposes and helps overcome deeper, cultural communication blocks, making the role of an educator broader than just teaching grammar.

Company owners frequently call Lana because "managers withdraw" during negotiations with foreign partners, directly leading to "poor negotiation results and lower sales." A lack of confidence in English is not merely a linguistic challenge; it's a direct business impediment that can cost companies sales and opportunities.

Even in their native language, people rarely dare to say, "I didn't understand," a reluctance that escalates dramatically when speaking English, for fear of appearing incompetent. The perceived risk of appearing uninformed by asking for clarification often outweighs the actual risk, leading to misunderstandings that are far more damaging than admitting a lack of comprehension.

Lana believes "native speakers should have more understanding, to slow down their speech," noting that when asked, they often do. Effective cross-cultural communication is a two-way street; native speakers also bear responsibility for adapting their pace and clarity to ensure mutual understanding.

Lana's initial ambition was art history and philosophy, but her mother advised her to "choose anything with art history so you don't starve," leading her to English after experiencing courses abroad. Career paths aren't always linear or driven by initial passion; sometimes, practical advice and early exposure to new experiences can shape a more impactful professional direction.

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