How to Transition Careers and Launch a Language App

TL;DR

Rui and Joel share their recent experiences, including appearing on TV, transitioning from a long-term job, and launching a new language app. They discuss the challenges and opportunities of leaving a stable career to focus on their passion project, Practice Portuguese, which now includes a partnership with TAP Airlines and a new mobile app.

Transcript

Record here, record there... Check. Check. Lights, check. Camera, check. You look like an elephant moving. Ow, shoulder cramp. More water... Do you have water? (formal) Advertising Água de Monchique So chic! Which has a very high pH and is very good. Makes all the difference. Today we're here like on Good Morning America. Good Morning Lisbon! Good ... Read More

Key Insights

• Rui and Joel appeared on a TV show to discuss digital businesses, including their project, Practice Portuguese.
• Joel transitioned from working at TAP Airlines to focusing fully on Practice Portuguese, which coincided with a new partnership with TAP.
• Practice Portuguese has developed a mobile app that includes features like a translator for European Portuguese and Smart Review flashcards.
• The app allows users to access lessons, Shorties, and other learning tools, even offline.
• Rui and Joel experienced the COVID-19 testing process as part of their TV appearance preparation.
• Their partnership with TAP Airlines includes providing language content for in-flight entertainment systems.
• The app is still in beta but aims to provide a comprehensive learning experience for European Portuguese.
• Rui and Joel are also engaging more with their audience through social media, aiming to reach new milestones and features.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Rui and Joel prepare for their TV appearance?

Rui and Joel prepared for their TV appearance by undergoing COVID-19 testing, which was a requirement for participating in the show. They shared their experience of the testing process, highlighting the discomfort but necessity of the procedure. The appearance was an opportunity to discuss their project, Practice Portuguese, and gain exposure in the digital business space.

Q: What is the significance of Joel's career transition?

Joel's career transition from TAP Airlines to focusing full-time on Practice Portuguese marks a significant shift in his professional life. After 14 years with TAP, he decided to dedicate himself entirely to their language learning project, coinciding with a new partnership with TAP that features their content on in-flight entertainment systems. This transition allows him to focus on expanding and improving Practice Portuguese.

Q: What features does the Practice Portuguese app offer?

The Practice Portuguese app offers various features designed to enhance language learning, including a translator specifically for European Portuguese, Smart Review flashcards using spaced repetition, and access to lessons and Shorties. The app allows for offline use, enabling learners to study without an internet connection. It aims to provide a comprehensive learning experience, even including audio features with different voices.

Q: How does the partnership with TAP Airlines benefit Practice Portuguese?

The partnership with TAP Airlines benefits Practice Portuguese by providing exposure to a wider audience through in-flight entertainment systems. Passengers can access language learning content during their flights, promoting both Portuguese culture and language. This collaboration aligns with TAP's promotion of Portuguese culture and offers travelers a chance to learn basic language skills before reaching their destination.

Q: What challenges did Rui and Joel face during their TV appearance?

During their TV appearance, Rui and Joel faced challenges such as nervousness and the pressure of speaking in Portuguese on live television. Joel experienced stuttering at the beginning of the segment, which added to the stress. Despite these challenges, the opportunity allowed them to showcase Practice Portuguese and discuss their digital business, ultimately providing valuable exposure.

Q: How is Practice Portuguese engaging with its audience on social media?

Practice Portuguese is actively engaging with its audience on social media platforms like Instagram. They aim to reach 10,000 followers to unlock features like the swipe-up option in Instastories, which would allow them to share direct links to their content. This increased engagement helps build a community around their language learning project and keeps users informed about new developments and features.

Q: What future developments are planned for the Practice Portuguese app?

Future developments for the Practice Portuguese app include refining existing features, fixing bugs, and enhancing user experience based on feedback. Although the app is currently in beta, the team plans to officially launch it soon, offering comprehensive language learning tools. They aim to provide a seamless and effective learning experience for users interested in European Portuguese.

Q: What role does the Practice Portuguese app play in the language learning process?

The Practice Portuguese app plays a crucial role in the language learning process by offering a range of tools and resources tailored to learning European Portuguese. It includes a translator, Smart Review flashcards, and access to lessons and Shorties, all designed to reinforce language skills. The app's offline capabilities ensure that learners can continue studying without needing an internet connection, making it a versatile tool for language acquisition.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Rui and Joel discuss their recent TV appearance, where they talked about digital businesses, including their language learning project, Practice Portuguese. They shared the challenges of being on live TV and the preparation involved, including COVID-19 testing.

• Joel announced his departure from TAP Airlines to focus entirely on Practice Portuguese. This transition was marked by a new partnership with TAP, where Practice Portuguese content is now featured in the airline's in-flight entertainment.

• The Practice Portuguese team is excited about their upcoming app launch, which will offer features like a European Portuguese translator, Smart Review flashcards, and offline access to lessons and Shorties. The app is currently in beta, with plans for further development and user engagement.