Monica Perna is a trailblazer in English language coaching and digital entrepreneurship, originating from the province of Monza and Brianza near Milan, Italy. Her journey, marked by resilience, dedication, and innovation, led her to her current role as a Globish coach, mentor, and successful businesswoman in the field of language education. As the Director of her English Academy since 2018, Monica founded the “AUGE Method”—an innovative approach to teaching the global version of English known as Globish. This method, which relies on an experiential and highly interactive system, has redefined language learning through technology and immersive experiences. Her commitment to advancing English language education and making it more accessible worldwide earned her recognition, including awards as the Best English Coaching Provider by MEA Business Awards and the Visionaries Award.
Monica’s journey began when she founded her academy in Milan in 2012. As one of Italy’s pioneering trainers to transition from traditional classrooms to virtual ones, Monica quickly adapted her teaching strategies to the digital era. This shift became a lifeline for her and her academy, opening doors to a global audience eager to learn English through her unique, immersive approach. In 2019, she moved to Dubai, where she thrived as an entrepreneur within the highly competitive UAE market, establishing herself as a respected leader in digital education.
Monica’s influence extends beyond language coaching; she is a bestselling author whose book, I Speak Globish, sold over 10,000 copies within its first year, making it an Amazon bestseller in just 12 hours. Her success story resonates with thousands of readers and students worldwide, and her accomplishments have garnered her the title of “Most Inspiring Author.”
“Being a leader means being a guide, an inspiration, and an example of courage and perseverance.”
Like any successful leader, Monica encountered significant challenges along her path. In 2017, she faced financial hardship when a contractor, hired for her dream home’s renovation, disappeared with her savings. Turning her focus to new ventures, she explored online business tools and e-learning, which ultimately gave rise to her flagship online English program, Impara l’Inglese con Monica, in 2018. This digital transformation marked a major turning point for Monica, enabling her to redefine her career path and establish a lasting presence in virtual education. The most painful period in her life came with the loss of her mother to lung cancer. This profound experience inspired Monica to use her achievements for a greater purpose, donating part of her academy’s profits to support cancer research through the IEO-Monzino Foundation. Her mother’s influence became a guiding light, motivating her to channel her grief into impactful projects that could benefit others.
A defining moment in Monica’s career occurred in June 2022 when she introduced a revolutionary “virtual gym” for language learning. This innovative platform allows students to practice various language skills—speaking, reading, writing, listening, translating, and remembering—within a virtual space. Mirroring the structure of a physical gym, this online hub includes studios for group classes, social lounges for interaction, and personal trainers who create customized “workout” plans for each student. The success of the virtual gym was immediate and transformative for the language education industry in Italy, garnering thousands of positive reviews within a few months. Monica’s academy now employs a team of 40 professionals, 75% of whom are women and are based across six countries. Under her leadership, these team members work daily toward “pure excellence,” setting a high standard within the company.
Monica draws much of her inspiration from Dubai, a city that has rapidly transformed from desert sands to a hub of global achievements and innovation. Dubai’s bold vision resonates deeply with her philosophy: “Imagine, design, and execute—impossible is possible!” This ambitious mindset aligns with the growth of her company, AUGE International Consulting, which constantly strives for self-improvement and excellence. Monica believes in pushing her limits daily and instills this same mindset in her team, reminding them that the sky is not the limit, but merely the beginning. In moments of challenge, Monica finds solace in exercise, a practice that she believes brings clarity and perspective. As she often tells her students, “As your body moves, your brain grooves.” When in doubt, she also turns to books, drawing wisdom from others who have faced similar challenges. Through her routine of consistent self-care and discipline, she builds resilience and remains focused on her goals, even during difficult times.
To Monica, leadership involves being a guide, a source of inspiration, and an embodiment of courage and perseverance. These qualities define her as a woman, an entrepreneur, and a coach. Leading a team of over 40 individuals and managing an academy with nearly 20,000 students has required persistence, bravery, and a willingness to challenge her own boundaries. Monica’s work ethic is unwavering. Over the last four years, she has created 51 educational programs, recorded over 5,000 hours of content, and published thousands of educational materials, all while spearheading the growth of her academy. Her story serves as a testament to her belief that true leaders must be courageous and adaptable, qualities that have enabled her to navigate challenges and guide her team effectively.
“To achieve different results, you must evolve into someone new.”
Monica challenges the concept of work-life balance, choosing instead to live in harmony with her responsibilities and passions. To maintain this harmony, she relies on four key principles: mindset, discipline, passion, and courage. For Monica, mindset is everything; she believes that to achieve different results, one must evolve and grow. Over time, she has embraced the growth of her mindset, even if it meant distancing herself from those who couldn’t accept the motivated, goal-focused version of herself. Discipline has also been central to Monica’s journey, helping her stay aligned with her goals even during tough times. Her love for her work merges her identity as an entrepreneur and as an individual, blurring the boundaries between her professional and personal lives. Monica’s company is her “creation,” one that she nurtures daily with dedication and love. Monica credits her courage to her upbringing in Brianza, where she observed her parents’ commitment and resilience. Her father’s long work hours and her mother’s sacrifices in various pursuits instilled in her a tireless work ethic and a fearless attitude. These qualities empowered her to pursue her dreams, tackle challenges head-on, and believe in herself unconditionally.
Monica Perna’s contributions to language education and her success as a digital entrepreneur have left a significant mark on the industry. Her journey from Milan to Dubai, from traditional teaching to digital platforms, and from personal loss to philanthropy speaks to her resilience, adaptability, and commitment to making a positive impact. Her focus on continuous improvement and innovation has revolutionized the way language is taught, creating new pathways for students worldwide to access quality English education.
As she moves forward, Monica remains dedicated to expanding her vision, empowering more people to communicate effectively in English and beyond. Her story, characterized by hard work, passion, and unwavering determination, is an inspiration for anyone striving to overcome adversity and achieve their dreams. Through her leadership and mentorship, Monica continues to inspire students, colleagues, and aspiring entrepreneurs to push past limitations and realize their fullest potential.
“The only answer to pain is to use it to help others.”
