Never Stop Learning with Stefano Lodola
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Polyglot Stefano Lodola is the creator of Think in Italian, an online language learning resource aimed at facilitating intuitive and spontaneous acquisition of the Italian language. Stefano, who is a member of the International Association of Hyperglots, places a strong emphasis on immersive educational methods. His background is in Industrial Engineering, and he holds an MBA in Strategy and Marketing. He combines his love of languages with his technical knowledge to create a unique learning environment and his method is based on his personal experience learning 13 languages and overcoming obstacles that he encountered.
1.Can you tell our readers about your background?
I’m Stefano Lodola, a polyglot, and the founder of Think in Italian, an online language learning platform designed to make mastering Italian feel natural and intuitive. As a member of the International Association of Hyperglots, I am also focused on learning through immersive processes.
With a background in Industrial Engineering and an MBA in Strategy and Marketing, I’ve combined my technical know-how with a love for languages to create a one-of-a-kind learning experience. This approach is shaped by my own journey of learning 13 languages and filling the gaps I encountered along the way.
2.What inspired you to start your business?
Growing up, I feel isolated from the world. Raised and born in Italy, I have discovered the joy in learning different languages and being able to converse with people from different backgrounds, which always amazes me, until now. Having experienced traveling, I was also more inspired by creating a platform that would be convenient to all, provisioning quality lessons, and affordable prices for language acquisition tips and tricks; all can be learned despite distance across ocean.
But looking now, I also think it’s more on “who” inspired me too. I remember when I was just starting to share and teach my ways to learn language effectively, I never expected that there would actually be people who would consider my lessons helpful to them. It was such a humbling and heartwarming moment to know that my mechanisms to learn different languages, or share how they should learn Italian, would also be likewise handy for them. The believers who stood with me, when all I had was the passion for teaching, they also inspired me to start my business.
3.Where is your business based?
My business is available online. In my website it is based at 1309 Coffeen Ave, Suite 1200, Sheridan WY, USA, 82801. I travel a lot, from Italy to Asian countries, considering that my business is digital, it can be monitored everywhere, so long as the internet is up.
4.How did you start your business? What were the first steps you took?
I started out as a freelance teacher and translator, working one-on-one with clients. I had the honor of instructing close to 300 pupils at first, which was demanding and tremendously fulfilling. Their encouraging words were a major source of inspiration for me to go further. Many of them discovered that my approaches to language learning were not only beneficial but also really effective, which gave me the idea to develop my own language learning software.
I worked alone at first, figuring everything out on my own, from creating a structure that would make it simple for users to navigate the platform to making sure it would actually be a useful resource for anyone learning Italian. I sought guidance before converting my idea into a fully operational firm.
Certainly, before launching my vision and transforming it into a business, I sought help from mentors, asked feedback from existing students, and did SWOT analysis and a little forecasting of many possibilities; it took me a series of consultations before officially launching.
5.What has been the most effective way of raising awareness for your business?
I explored digital marketing with a focus on maximizing organic leads and expanding my reach. For me, this meant optimizing every piece of content to ensure that it really resonated with potential clients and students. I wanted anyone searching for Italian language resources to not just find my platform, but to immediately see the value I bring through my courses, practice tests, and audio lessons.
My goal has always been to help students master Italian with confidence, so I put a lot of thought into how I present my content online. By focusing on SEO and creating high-quality, engaging materials, I’ve been able to connect with learners who are serious about improving their Italian skills. It’s about more than just getting clicks—it’s about making sure that those who land on my site see it as a valuable resource that can truly help them learn Italian like a pro.
6.What have been your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?
When I was just starting out, one of my biggest challenges was maintaining my online presence. Everything was new to me—digital marketing, web development, content optimization, video editing—you name it, I had to learn it from scratch. Things were really taking off for my business around October 2003, and I was close to hitting $10k in monthly recurring revenue. But then, out of nowhere, I got hit by a Google algorithm change. My traffic dropped, and it felt like I was back at square one.
Understanding how SEO works became my biggest hurdle. To overcome it, I took matters into my own hands and became my own mentor. I immersed myself in learning everything I could about building a system that would boost brand awareness for my online language learning platform. I didn’t just stop there; I also tapped into the wisdom of some amazing digital marketers who were generous enough to share their insights online.
It was a tough period, but by embracing continued learning and staying adaptable, I was able to rebuild and strengthen my online presence.
7.How do you stay focused?
I’m really grounded in my “why” and my “to whom.” When I started my business, I had a clear vision and a strong desire to help people. Sure, there have been times of disappointment and unmet expectations, and I’ve definitely had moments where I lost focus. But I always remind myself of my core purpose, which keeps me on track.
I view every bit of progress—whether big or small—as a step toward improving my business and moving closer to my vision of creating an accessible and effective language platform for students who want top-notch Italian lessons. To stay focused, I make a point of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. It’s crucial for me to step back, recharge, and come back with a clear mind, ready to tackle the next challenge.
I always appreciate small wins, because it makes me focused to do things at present, and do well in the future.
8.How do you differentiate your business from the competition?
I truly believe in the value and effectiveness of my Italian language learning strategies. While there are plenty of online platforms out there teaching Italian, my business stands out because of its innovative approach to blended natural language acquisition. This method is rooted in my belief that “we all master languages by listening and mimicking.”
What sets us apart is the integration of cutting-edge technology, like our AI tutor, which enhances the learning experience. This holistic approach ensures that students not only learn Italian effectively but also enjoy the process.
Of course, while I’m confident in the comparative advantage my platform offers, it ultimately comes down to the clients’ choice. The results speak for themselves, but it's the clients' decision that matters most in determining the true impact of our methods.
9.What has been your most effective marketing strategy to grow your business?
To attract more customers, I went all in on SEO. There was a time when my site became the top destination for learning Italian, drawing in an impressive 130,000 visits a month.
But I didn’t just focus on pleasing Google with keyword-stuffed content. I wanted to make sure that what I offered was genuinely valuable. So, instead of cranking out those generic “best xyz” lists that you see everywhere, I dedicated myself to creating hundreds of in-depth grammar notes and practical study tips.
My aim was to draw in people who are really committed to learning Italian. By providing detailed, useful content, I was able to connect with those serious learners who are looking for more than just surface-level information. It’s all about offering real value and building a resource that truly supports students in their language journey.
10.What's your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs?
Never stop learning. While the saying “No man is an island” is spot on, it’s also crucial to remember that continually acquiring new skills can make a huge difference in your life and business. It's about understanding that you don’t just rely on others to support your business—you also need to invest in yourself first.
I’ve learned this the hard way. I’ve worked with remote workers who looked great on paper but didn’t live up to expectations. Some even engaged in shady practices and ended up being unproductive. These experiences taught me that you have to know and trust yourself before you can effectively invest in and rely on others.
So, keep learning and growing—both personally and professionally. It will not only help you build a stronger foundation but also make you more discerning when choosing who to work with.
11.What's your favorite app, blog, and book? Why?
I’m all about using online music streaming apps to keep my sanity intact while managing my business. There’s something about having a playlist ready to go that helps me stay focused and relaxed, no matter how busy things get. Music really is my secret weapon for keeping stress at bay and boosting my productivity.
When it comes to reading, Medium is my favorite place to explore. The platform offers such a wide range of blogs on topics like tech, linguistics, culture, and finance. It’s fantastic for diving into different subjects and staying informed about trends and ideas that matter to me. Plus, the variety keeps things interesting and helps me discover new perspectives.
And as for books, Simon Sinek’s Start with Why is a must-read. It’s incredibly valuable for anyone starting out in business. The book really drives home the idea that understanding and staying true to your core purpose can make all the difference. It’s like having a compass that keeps you on track, reminding you why you started in the first place and helping you navigate through challenges with a clear sense of direction.
12.What's your favorite business tool or resource? Why?
I enjoy using Google Analytics because it offers essential insights into how users engage with my website, showing everything from popular pages to visitor sources. This information helps me make smarter decisions, refine content, and adjust strategies to better serve my audience. It’s like having a direct line to understanding my customers, which is key for expanding any online business.
13.Who is your business role model? Why?
My business role model is Tim Ferriss. His mastery of productivity and unconventional thinking inspires me. His blend of creativity and practical strategies has greatly influenced how I run my business and tackle new opportunities.
14.How do you balance work and life?
I make it a point to set clear boundaries between my professional and personal life. Even though I’m always striving for growth in both areas, I’m careful not to lose sight of myself amid the demands of running my business.
To keep things balanced, I schedule regular screen breaks and make sure to incorporate physical activity into my routine. For instance, I’ll go for a jog, hit the gym, or even play a game of chess with someone I meet while strolling through the park. These breaks are not just about staying fit—they also give me a chance to unwind, clear my mind, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
By keeping these boundaries in place, I ensure that I stay refreshed and focused, which ultimately helps me stay productive and engaged in both my personal life and business.
15.What’s your favorite way to decompress?
I absolutely love going for long walks outdoors to unwind and recharge. There's something incredibly refreshing about stepping outside and immersing myself in nature. It’s my go-to way to decompress and clear my head after a busy day.
Walking in the fresh air not only helps me relax but also gives me a chance to gather my thoughts and come back with a fresh perspective. It’s like hitting the reset button. Being outside instantly makes me feel more at ease and provides a welcome break from the daily hustle. It’s my little escape that helps me stay balanced and ready to tackle whatever comes next.
16.What do you have planned for the next six months?
I’m focused on optimizing my content, building robust systems for digital marketing, and maintaining a strong online presence. My goal is to attract more clients who are eager to learn Italian in efficient and effective ways. I’m also working towards boosting my revenue by at least $2,000 each month. By refining my strategies and enhancing the learning experience, I aim to help more people achieve their language goals while growing my business.
17. How can our readers connect with you?
● Youtube
● Tiktok