Sophie Simons
Houston,TX
Every problem is a gift—without problems we would not grow.
Tony Robbins
Summary
Well-qualified Training Specialist adept at planning and implementing onsite and remote training programs. Authoritative and clear communicator with enthusiastic style and insightful approach.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
Intercultural Trainer, Coach, Consultant
Self Employed
03.1997 - Current
- Created intercultural training programs around the needs and experience of the clients - which ran the gamut from straight out of college employees on single status assignments to C-Suite executives moving to start their most recent assignment to groups of employees working in global teams, or leaving on temporary assignments overseas.
- Assessed client needs and goals
- Followed up programs with evaluation to ensure program quality
Private ESL Tutor
Self Employed
02.1996 - 02.1997
- Responded to email and telephone requests to provide students with specific information.
- Supported students in development of critical thinking skills and perseverance to persist with challenging tasks.
- Mentored and coached students with focus on developing independence and self-confidence.
- Created personalized lesson plans to meet needs of diverse learners.
- Used variety of teaching methods to successfully help wide range of students.
- Administered standardized tests to assess student strengths and weaknesses.
- Motivated students with accurate feedback and positive reinforcement.
- Monitored student progress and provided feedback and support.
- Worked closely with students on specific struggles, closely reviewing their progress to offer targeted help.
- Conducted tutoring sessions at homes and public spaces.
Receptionist
DuraMed Software
09.1995 - 01.1996
- Maintained visitor log for entering and leaving facility for security purposes..
- Operated multi-line telephone system to answer and direct high volume of calls.
- Compiled information from files and research to satisfy information requests.
Various Temp Jobs
Various
07.1992 - 05.1995
- Reception, front of house work at Cable and Wireless
- Sales Assistant, Cheese Department, Harrods
- Other short term temporary positions
Administration Assistant / Front Work Coordinator
Project Orbis International
05.1991 - 06.1992
- Planned production schedules, taking employee production rates, company needs and seasonal changes into account.
- Minimized and reduced cost on projects and personnel with corrective and preventive actions.
- Forecasted production schedules and adjusted plans to accommodate changes in demand.
- Assisted production team with various phases of assemblies, panel layout, population and wiring.
Sales Manager and Manager on Duty
Sans Souci Hotel And Spa
02.1990 - 04.1991
- Handled customer relations issues, enabling quick resolution, and client satisfaction.
- Co-created Spa Package with Spa Manager
- Sales trips to USA each month to sell the to travel agents and tour operators
- Resolved customer issues quickly to close deals and boost client satisfaction.
- Hosted travel agent and tour operator visits to the property
- Manager on Duty - dealing with any hotel / staffing / guest issues that arose
Entertainment Manager / Manager On Duty
Shaw Park Beach Hotel
11.1988 - 02.1990
- Coordinated with Reservations to assess guest levels and entertainment needs
- Collaborated with Food and Beverage Manager on entertainment budget and agenda
- Auditioned, evaluated and booked acts for evening entertainment and negotiated cost
- Scheduled and facilitated rehearsals
- Assigned work to staff, set schedules, and motivated strong performance in key areas
- Acted as MC for evening entertainment
Education
Master of Arts - German Language And Literture
Skills
- Listening and Communication
- Training Initiatives
- Group Classes
- Agenda Planning
- Scheduling Processes
- Customer Needs Assessments
Rowing, Yoga, Travel
I am an active member of the Greater Houston Rowing Club, and volunteer when the opportunity arises to help new rowers.
I have practiced yoga for over 20 years with various teachers, and consider it an integral part of my physical and mental well-being.
I travel regularly because I love exploring, seeing different ways people live their lives, and making new friends.
Languages
French
Limited Working
German
Professional Working
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
Intercultural Trainer, Coach, Consultant - Self Employed
03.1997 - Current
Private ESL Tutor - Self Employed
02.1996 - 02.1997
Receptionist - DuraMed Software
09.1995 - 01.1996
Various Temp Jobs - Various
07.1992 - 05.1995
Administration Assistant / Front Work Coordinator - Project Orbis International
05.1991 - 06.1992
Sales Manager and Manager on Duty - Sans Souci Hotel And Spa
02.1990 - 04.1991
Entertainment Manager / Manager On Duty - Shaw Park Beach Hotel
11.1988 - 02.1990
University of Edinburgh - Master of Arts, German Language And Literture