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Is Learning English Still Worth It?

Reading Time: 3 minutesThe future relevance of language learning has become one of the most debated topics with the rise of artificial intelligence. Some believe that AI will radically solve the issue by enabling real-time communication between speakers of any language through simultaneous translation. Others, however, argue that the ability to speak multiple languages will remain irreplaceable and continue to make a significant impact on our professional careers.

In this edition of our newsletter, we bring you key insights from those who believe that language learning and multilingualism will remain as valuable as ever.

Enrique Dans – Let’s not get lost in translation: why learning a language is a good thing

The main ideas of the article are:

  • Despite advancements in AI translation tools, learning languages remains valuable for cultural understanding and cognitive development.
  • Generative AI, like Zoom’s integration of translation tools, makes communication across languages easier but should not replace language education.
  • Language learning supports brain development and delays cognitive decline.
  • Multilingualism offers a deeper connection with different cultures that AI-mediated communication cannot match.
  • The decline in foreign language studies globally could limit human potential, as technology should expand horizons, not narrow them.

British Council España

On the other hand, the British Council in Spain also argues that AI will allow a transactional use of language, but the identity and culture of a language is irreplaceable:

  • AI is not seen as a replacement for language teaching, which remains essential for human experiences and cultural expression.
  • Experts emphasize that learning languages goes beyond transactional communication, connecting language with identity and culture.
  • Teachers remain vital in the AI era by fostering complex learning and interaction.
Finally, we asked the “interested party”:

Hi, ChatGPT: do you think that due to artificial intelligence it will no longer be necessary to learn languages?

And so IT has responded:

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly in natural language processing (NLP) and machine translation, raises an interesting question about the future of language learning. AI tools like Google Translate, DeepL, and conversational agents have become incredibly effective, making communication across languages more accessible. However, I don’t think that AI will completely eliminate the need or desire to learn languages for several reasons:

1. Cultural Understanding and Nuance

Languages carry more than just words; they reflect the culture, values, and worldview of a society. AI may translate phrases accurately, but it often misses the subtle nuances, idioms, humor, and cultural context that a fluent speaker can understand. Learning a language goes beyond understanding words—it’s about appreciating how people think and express themselves.

2. Human Connection and Empathy

Communication is deeply tied to human connection. Speaking someone’s native language fosters a deeper emotional connection and trust. AI might translate the words, but it can’t fully replace the personal touch that comes from sharing a common language, which can be important in both personal and professional settings.

3. Cognitive Benefits

Language learning is known to enhance cognitive abilities, improve memory, and even delay the onset of dementia. The process of learning a language engages the brain in unique ways that have lifelong benefits. While AI tools can help with translation, they don’t provide the same mental stimulation as learning a language.

4. Workplace Relevance and Expertise

In certain industries—like diplomacy, international business, law, and education—fluency in multiple languages remains essential. Although AI tools assist, professionals in these fields still need to master languages to navigate complex negotiations, legal nuances, or build long-lasting business relationships.

5. AI’s Limitations in Translation

While AI has made incredible advances, translation tools are still far from perfect. They can struggle with less common languages, regional dialects, or domain-specific jargon. For example, in legal or medical contexts, even minor translation errors can have serious consequences. Human expertise in language remains vital for ensuring accuracy.

6. Learning for Passion and Enjoyment

Many people learn languages not out of necessity, but for the joy of it. Language learning opens the door to literature, film, and other art forms in their original language. It also makes travel more enriching. AI can provide help, but it doesn’t replace the personal satisfaction of learning to speak a language fluently.

Conclusion:

AI will certainly change the way we communicate and reduce the language barrier in many practical scenarios. However, it’s unlikely to make language learning obsolete. The cultural, cognitive, professional, and personal benefits of learning languages will still be relevant in a world where AI helps us communicate across languages faster and more efficiently.

It seems that, at least for the time being, we should continue to practice “My tailor is rich”.
Rafael Palomino Rodríguez

Autor Rafael Palomino Rodríguez

The Growth Mindset

Reading Time: 3 minutesIs a successful professional born or made? Today we talk about how mindset influences professional development.

One of the most influential books in psychology, which has radically transformed how we view personal development, learning, and our own potential, is “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” by Carol Dweck, a renowned American psychologist. In this work, Dweck challenges the long-held belief (still common today) that suggests mastering certain skills and abilities is only possible if we are naturally born with the talent for them.

The concept of mindset plays a pivotal role in shaping our actions and our approach to life’s challenges. Dweck differentiates between two primary mindsets: the fixed mindset and the growth mindset. While no one is entirely fixed or growth-oriented, the attitudes associated with these mindsets fundamentally influence how we approach key areas, such as:

  • Setting goals
  • Defining success
  • Dealing with failure
  • Understanding the role of effort

What is a mindset?

Mindset refers to a belief, and like any belief, it can be changed. Our beliefs shape not only who we think we are but also who we believe we can become. Often, these beliefs create self-imposed limits, as reflected in the phrase, “I did it because no one told me it was impossible.” A growth mindset pushes us to strive for the best version of ourselves, while a fixed mindset views us as a finished product, unable to grow further. Below, we explore the main differences between the fixed and growth mindsets across several key dimensions:

Abilities

  • Fixed Mindset: Intelligence and talent are viewed as static. People believe they have a set level of ability from birth.
  • Growth Mindset: Intelligence and talent can be developed with effort and hard work.

Motivation

  • Fixed Mindset: Individuals are concerned with appearing smart. They seek constant validation of their intelligence and abilities.
  • Growth Mindset: There is a genuine passion for learning, driven by curiosity and self-improvement.

Challenges

  • Fixed Mindset: Challenges are avoided due to fear of failure, as failure threatens the image of being smart. Individuals prefer staying in familiar territory.
  • Growth Mindset: Challenges are seen as opportunities to grow and test one’s abilities. These individuals enjoy stepping out of their comfort zones.

Obstacles

  • Fixed Mindset: People give up easily when faced with obstacles, believing they lack the innate ability to overcome them.
  • Growth Mindset: Persistence is a defining characteristic, as they keep trying and pushing through difficulties.

Effort

  • Fixed Mindset: Effort is seen as unnecessary. If you’re truly talented, you shouldn’t need to try hard. Their energy is spent proving how capable they are.
  • Growth Mindset: Effort is considered a crucial part of success. Energy is focused on improving and learning.

Feedback

  • Fixed Mindset: Defensive when receiving criticism. Constructive feedback is often ignored, as they don’t believe it can change their inherent talent.
  • Growth Mindset: They welcome feedback and use it as a tool for growth and improvement.

The Success of Others

  • Fixed Mindset: Success in others is seen as a threat, leading to insecurity. They often surround themselves with mediocrity to avoid feeling inferior.
  • Growth Mindset: They are inspired by the success of others and use it as a learning opportunity. They seek to be around people who challenge them to grow.

Failure

  • Fixed Mindset: Failure is perceived as a reflection of their worth. A rejection, such as not getting a job, is seen as a personal failure, damaging their self-esteem. They avoid further risks for fear of confirming their inadequacy.
  • Growth Mindset: Failure is simply the result of their actions at that particular moment. It’s not seen as personal or permanent. Instead, it indicates a need for more effort or better preparation. They focus on what they do, rather than who they are.
Therefore, our mentality conditions the attitude with which we face our evolution as professionals and in many cases, previous beliefs are the main barrier to the development of our skills, abilities and knowledge. This does not mean that we can achieve excellence in any subject, but it does imply that with effort and patience we can achieve sufficient mastery in any field.
Rafael Palomino Rodríguez

Autor Rafael Palomino Rodríguez

The Importance of Continuous Learning for Professionals in the Pharmaceutical Industry

Reading Time: 3 minutesIn recent posts we have seen that the pharmaceutical industry is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by technological advancements such as artificial intelligence (AI) and significant shifts in global healthcare systems. In this context, continuous learning has become crucial for professionals in the sector—not only to keep pace with constant evolution but also to capitalize on new opportunities and address emerging challenges.

The Speed of Change in the Pharmaceutical Industry

Technological advancements are redefining how drugs are developed, manufactured, and distributed. AI, for example, is revolutionizing drug research and development by enabling unprecedented data analysis capabilities (1). Moreover, global healthcare crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, have highlighted the need for adaptability and resilience in the pharmaceutical sector. To remain competitive and relevant, professionals in the industry must embrace a growth mindset. This mindset involves the belief that skills and knowledge can be developed through effort and continuous learning, which is essential for adapting to rapid changes and staying ahead of the curve.

Evolution of Hard Skills

Hard skills, or technical competencies, are fundamental in the pharmaceutical industry and must evolve to align with technological advancements and new sector demands. Practically, this includes:
  1. Proficiency in Emerging Technologies: Continuous learning in emerging technologies such as AI and big data analytics is crucial. These technologies are increasingly involved in drug research and development, optimizing manufacturing processes, and personalizing treatments (2).
  2. Knowledge of Regulations and Standards: With the globalization of the pharmaceutical market, professionals must stay updated on international regulations and standards. Keeping abreast of changes in regulations concerning clinical trials, drug approvals, and good manufacturing practices requires continuous education (3).
  3. Project Management Skills: The ability to manage complex projects is increasingly valued, as drug development involves coordinating multiple disciplines and international teams.

Evolution of Soft Skills

Soft skills, or interpersonal skills, are equally important and must adapt to new workplace realities. Key soft skills that should be developed include:
  1. Effective Communication: As interdisciplinary and global collaboration increases, the ability to communicate ideas clearly and effectively becomes crucial. This includes presenting complex data in an understandable manner and negotiating with various stakeholders (4).
  2. Adaptability and Change Management: The capacity to adapt to new technologies and processes is vital. This involves not only learning new tools but also managing change within teams and adjusting to new ways of working.
  3. Teamwork and Leadership: As pharmaceutical projects become more complex, effective teamwork and leadership are essential. The ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and foster effective collaboration is critical for project success (5).

Profiles Requiring Intensive Training

Certain profiles within the pharmaceutical industry require more intensive ongoing training, including:
  1. Researchers and Scientists: Given the rapid pace of scientific and technological advancements, researchers must stay informed about the latest developments in their fields and emerging technological tools.
  2. Regulatory and Compliance Specialists: These professionals need regular updates on global and local regulations to ensure that products meet all legal requirements.
  3. Project Managers and Team Leaders: As projects grow in complexity, these roles need to continuously improve their skills in project management, leadership, and collaboration.

Strategies for Continuous Learning

Effective strategies for continuous learning in the pharmaceutical industry should be varied and tailored to individual and organizational needs. Strategies include:
  1. Online Courses and Webinars: Platforms like Coursera, edX, and LinkedIn Learning offer updated courses in emerging technologies, project management, and soft skills. Additionally, industry-specific webinars provide current information on relevant topics.
  2. Professional Certifications: Earning certifications in areas such as project management (PMP), data analysis, or pharmaceutical regulations can enhance professionals’ skills and credentials.
  3. Professional Development Programs: Participating in professional development programs offered by pharmaceutical associations and societies can provide more specialized and practical training (6).
  4. Networking and Conferences: Attending industry conferences and events helps professionals stay informed about the latest trends and build valuable connections with other experts in the field.

Conclusion

Continuous learning is essential for professionals in the pharmaceutical industry in a rapidly changing environment. By adopting a growth mindset and focusing on both hard and soft skills, professionals can not only stay current but also lead in an increasingly competitive and complex sector. Investing in continuous education is not just a necessity but a key strategy for success and innovation in the pharmaceutical industry.

References:

  1. Zhang, X., et al. (2023). “AI in Drug Discovery: Current Applications and Future Prospects.” Journal of Medicinal Chemistry.
  2. Topol, E. (2019). Deep Medicine: How Artificial Intelligence Can Make Healthcare Human Again. Basic Books.
  3. FDA. (2023). “Guidance Documents (Drugs).” U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
  4. Greenleaf, R.K., et al. (2022). Leadership and the Power of Communication. Routledge.
  5. Katzenbach, J.R., & Smith, D.K. (1993). The Wisdom of Teams: Creating the High-Performance Organization. HarperBusiness.
  6. ISPE. (2023). “Professional Development and Training.” International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering.
Rafael Palomino Rodríguez

Autor Rafael Palomino Rodríguez