A business leader who teaches English
I spent more than 15 years in corporate sales, management, and training. I built six businesses. I spent years on stage. Since 2017, I have used all of it to help executives communicate in English with confidence.
Who is Derek Zardus?
Derek Zardus is a business English coach based in Warsaw, Poland, and the founder of Bizz English. Since founding Bizz English in 2017, he has coached executives, directors, and entrepreneurs from 20 countries. Before teaching, he worked for more than 15 years in corporate sales, management, and training, and owned six businesses. He coaches in person in Warsaw and online.
- 15+years in corporate sales, management, and training
- 6businesses built and run
- 2017coaching business English since
- 20countries my students come from
From the boardroom to the classroom
Business first
My career started in business, not in teaching. For more than 15 years, I worked in corporate sales, management, training, and external relations. I trained sales teams. I led change programs. I introduced OKRs, worked on company culture, and used Myers-Briggs to help teams communicate better.
I am also a serial entrepreneur. I have owned and run six businesses, including a restaurant, a delivery service, a spa, a consulting company, and a telecommunications franchise. So when you tell me about a difficult client, a tight budget, or a nervous team, I understand. I have been there.
A life in front of an audience
I have also spent much of my life in front of an audience: as an entertainer, as an actor on stage and screen, and as a cruise director. In school and college, I competed and coached in speech and debate in the U.S. National Forensic League, and I was a national semifinalist.
The stage taught me something that grammar books don't: people remember how you said something as much as what you said. Voice, pace, pauses, and presence all matter.
Why I teach business English
I earned my first teaching certificate, a TESOL certificate, in 2010. For the next two years, I volunteered part time, teaching English to Somali refugees. It showed me how much confidence in a new language can change someone's life.
In 2017, I earned my TEFL certificate and turned teaching into my business. I saw a real need in Central and Eastern Europe for experienced business people who could mentor professionals and teach them English at the same time. I also saw that many talented professionals were held back by one thing. They thought clearly in their own language, but in English they translated in their heads. Their ideas were strong. Their English made them sound less sure than they were.
That is the problem I love to solve. Bizz English is business English with a leadership lens. We don't study English like at school. We practice the real conversations you have at work, until they feel natural.
Experience and training
Certified English teacher since 2010
TESOL certificate, 120 hours (2010), then two years of volunteer teaching with Somali refugees. TEFL certificate, 280 hours (2017), certified in five countries: Romania, Poland, Hungary, Czechia, and Slovakia. Study of Standard American accent, pronunciation, and enunciation as part of a BFA in Drama at Boston University.
Speech and debate
U.S. National Forensic League national semifinalist, and later a coach recognized with Outstanding Distinction.
Founder of THE BIZZ
Created and edited THE BIZZ, a monthly business English magazine for professionals. Today I write the weekly newsletter The Well-Spoken Executive.
A few things about me
- In 2016, I ran 50 marathon routes in 50 U.S. states in 50 weeks. I believe in steady practice, in running and in English.
- I have visited more than 55 countries. Ask me for a hotel tip. My clients often do.
- I am an advanced scuba diver. Staying calm under pressure is useful underwater and in negotiations.
- I live in Warsaw, and I love working with people who do business across borders.
Teacher, coach, and mentor
“Derek isn't just a great teacher, he is also a great mentor. He provides a fantastic atmosphere and discusses up-to-date topics which enrich your vocabulary.”
Mariola G.Director of Operations · Transport & logistics“He is a great partner for conversations about many subjects. Derek very easily suits the material to your passion and goals. In this way, learning starts becoming a pleasure for you.”
Joanna K.Director of Logistics and Customer Service · Publishing“What really stands out is his natural ability to combine professionalism with a genuinely relaxed and supportive atmosphere. His notes, constructive feedback, and honest advice always give me a clear sense of my progress. As a result, I have become more confident expressing my ideas in English.”
Let's talk about your English
Tell me where you use English at work and what feels difficult. You will leave the call with at least one idea to try the next day.
Book a free intro call