By: Brian Matthews
This article was written by Brian Matthews, a valued contributor to Penner’s Playbook. I find his perspective on the importance of learning foreign languages both thought-provoking and insightful. – Colten Penner
First, I want to thank Colten for inviting me to write this guest piece on Penner’s Playbook. My name is Brian Matthews, and I work in the Treasury Department at Georgia-Pacific alongside Colten. As someone with a passion for languages, I have been asked “Why invest so much effort into learning a language?” The truth is, it is about far more than just speaking the language or adding it to my resume—it is an investment in opportunities, relationships, and yes, my professional future. Learning a language requires discipline and patience, like building a well-grounded financial plan.
The Financial Advantage of Learning Another Language
Without a doubt, there is a financial upside of learning a second language. Research shows that bilingual or multilingual employees earn more than their monolingual counterparts on average. Approximately 80% of Americans speak English exclusively, making the ability to speak another language an indispensable skill that distinguishes you from the majority. Just like diversifying your portfolio mitigates risk and enhances potential returns, learning another language broadens your professional horizons and boosts your career potential. Companies value employees who can build trust with international clients and navigate cross-cultural negotiations. These are skills that surmount technical know-how—they are relationship-driven and set you apart.
Building Bridges, Not Just Careers
Though the financial incentives may be alluring, the real value of language learning lies in connection. Putting in the effort to learn a language beyond your own enables you to connect with people in ways that transcend cultural barriers. It demonstrates respect, establishes trust, and creates opportunities to collaborate that simply would not exist otherwise. Personally, learning Spanish has transformed my relationships at work and beyond. A special shoutout to the KGS Guadalajara team for letting me practice my Spanish with them every day. These connections do not just make you a better employee—they improve your ability to think critically, solve problems, and communicate effectively.
A Long-Term Investment in Yourself
Working towards fluency in a foreign language is a long-term investment in your personal and professional growth. Fluency can feel like a steep mountain to climb, but every awkward encounter, mispronunciation, and misunderstood phrase is proof that growth is happening. The climb is worth it. I have set a lifelong goal of learning all six official languages of the United Nations: English, Spanish, French, Russian, Chinese, and Arabic. Each new word learned is like a 401(k) contribution to a fund that pays dividends in career opportunities, relationships, and personal development.
Learning a new language boosts cognition by strengthening memory and problem-solving skills. It engages various regions in the brain, with studies showing that language learning delays cognitive decline, with bilinguals often experiencing symptoms of dementia years later than monolinguals. These mental benefits make language learning an investment in not only communication but also in sustaining long-term brain health.
Closing Remarks
One of the smartest investments you can make—not just for your career prospects but for overall growth—is learning a language. It strengthens your cognitive abilities, boosts your earning potential, and fosters connections that are invaluable in today’s interconnected global economy. If you have been considering picking up a new language, start small and be consistent. Some resources that have been game-changers for me include Fluent Forever by Gabriel Wyner and Anki. Even 15 minutes a day can make a huge difference. Just as with investing for retirement, the earlier you start, the bigger the payoff. Whether it is unlocking new career opportunities, forging lasting relationships, or simply broadening your horizons, speaking more than one language is a powerful asset that keeps giving—both financially and personally.
Best,
Brian Matthews
Leave a Reply