What Great Leaders Have in Common
Throughout my career, I’ve worked in seven different companies, each with its own culture and challenges. But when I think about the leaders who stood out—the ones who could share ideas, persuade other departments, and command a room—they all had one trait in common: clear pronunciation. Their words carried weight, their ideas were understood, and their presence was felt.
My Struggle with Pronunciation and Confidence
For a long time, I struggled with my own pronunciation. I worried about how I sounded, and whether others would notice my accent. This anxiety made me less confident when speaking up in meetings or presenting my ideas. I often wondered if my ideas were weak, but my written content and presentations were always strong. The real issue was my accent anxiety, not my ability.
“Proper pronunciation is a powerful tool for building credibility, trust, and influence in the workplace.”
— MIT Sloan Management Review
How I Overcame Accent Anxiety
Over time, I realized that my lack of confidence wasn’t about my ideas—it was about how I delivered them. I started working on my pronunciation, practicing regularly, and seeking feedback. As my pronunciation improved, so did my confidence. I became more persuasive, more charismatic, and more comfortable sharing my thoughts.
Why I Built AccentAbility
Now that I’ve moved back to Korea, I don’t get as many chances to speak English at work. That’s why I created AccentAbility: to help others build confidence through clear pronunciation, and to keep myself improving even when I’m not surrounded by English speakers. If you’ve ever felt held back by your accent, you’re not alone—and you can change it.
Ready to see real progress?
