In case you’re wondering
“How can this shy, tongue-tied guy write so lively and fun?” … has no one really ever asked … out loud.
(Perhaps it’s time someone did.)
Here’s the scoop…
I’m Gordon – husband, dad (“Papi” to my daughter), kung fu fan, armchair magician, and almost became a professional melodic black metal guitarist … um, maybe let’s not get into that.
Professionally, I see myself as an educator and writer. I’m a university-trained linguist – an explorer of language.
Quick credibility insert:
*****
B.A. in English and German Philology (linguistics and literature)
M.A. in Interactional Linguistics (plus conversation analysis)
10+ years in customer service training & management
5+ years managing my dad’s small IT company
Side gig: hosting multi-day masterclasses for magicians
*****
As a native German speaker, I’ll gleefully switch hither and thither between different varieties of English. (Code-switching, as we linguists call it.) You’ll get used to it.
Currently back at university for a second Master’s degree, I’m also building a business as a communication coach and writer—
ChatGPT (interrupting): “Empowering individuals to express themselves more confidently, both in writing and speaking.”
Uh… thanks, buddy?
ChatGPT: “— with a dash of mischief.”
Now we’re talking!
There is a secret sauce
Perhaps, not sooo secret.
Spend 5 seconds on my homepage, and you already know it.
It’s linguistics, of course. (And some literary studies.)
I was hooked to the science of language from the moment I first heard about the semiotic triangle. If that makes me a nerd, wait until I introduce you to sequence-closing thirds. It will blow your mind!
Most people either have no idea what linguistics is, or they think it’s about correct grammar and proper spelling.
Oh dear.
At its core, linguistics tries to understand how language really works.
How can sounds and symbols create (shared) meaning? What is the connection between language and thought? Can language shape and change identity? How do we know when it’s our turn to speak? Why do misunderstandings happen and how can we avoid them? …
When I’m talking about linguistics, I mean the good stuff.
The things you can only find in linguistics departments of universities and special library sections, hidden in tomes and articles on pragmatics, semantics, sociolinguistics, conversation analysis, cognitive linguistics, speech acts, etc.
If I could, I would live in an antique library with winding stairs and wood everywhere, stacked with thousands of leather-bound books. There would be hidden chambers with old scrolls and medieval scriptorium desks, comfy armchairs and crackling fires in chimneys, …
But I can’t.
So I grab my satchel and explore Berlin’s many well-stocked libraries; where I take out my fountain pen and “steal” from the masters.
In this sense, the real secret sauce is the translation of linguistic insights into useful frameworks and tools, which happens at my Sheesham wood desk at home – my Linguist’s Studio.
It could be yours, too
At this point you might be wondering: “Linguistics, ancient libraries, semiotic triangles… What does this have to do with me? What can I get out of this? Tell me, Gordon!”
I hear you.
And you’re right. I’m not doing this just to please myself.
I do this to equip you with the skills to better handle some of the toughest situations in business and life.
Want to get past awkward small talk? Turn strangers into friends (or fans)? Advance at work? Get more people to buy your products, or support your missions? Calm angry customers (or partners) and return to constructive talk? Write content, ads, emails and letters that don’t just get the “buy-in” but also compliments? Nail that presentation, wedding toast, or eulogy?
You better know how to wield your words.
That’s where my Linguist’s Studio comes in.
I’ll help you become a more aware and creative communicator, especially in writing. I’ll also take you behind the curtain and reveal some of the things I learned from magicians and psychic entertainers (some of the best “applied linguists”).
If that’s interesting to you, I recommend starting with my free Field Notes.
Some more fun facts
I tend to make unconventional decisions that often lead to cool things, like:
😘 Accidentally meeting my future wife in 2003 by saying “hi” to random people on ICQ messenger, then flying to Hong Kong to meet her in person. (We celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary, in 2025!)
😜 Securing a national image campaign for an ad agency as a rookie copywriting intern … by using LESS creative images. (It also won an award.)
😃 Quitting copywriting to become one of Booking.com’s first training & quality associates in Germany, training dozens of people to wow customers. (Ever wondered who listens to those calls companies record for training purposes? — That was me!)
😎 Agreeing to organise a multi-day masterclass for professional magicians without any connections or experience. We sold out within 6 weeks, and repeated it three more times; with people flying in from as far as the USA, Malaysia, New Zealand, and Australia. (Still gives me goosebumps.)
Honestly though, it took a lot of positive self-talk and ice-bathing to see the common threads along my path: communication, meaning, and fun.
So yes…
I’m a linguist, teacher, and writer specialising in mindful communication, customer experience, and the art of unconventional business writing.
My heart beats for the passionate solopreneurs, small business owners, creators and other cool rebels, who put in the work every day to create a life and business they love.
Maybe you’re one of them.
If so, I might be able to help you. (Says the guy who at 17 wrote a short story that started and ended with: “Ashes to ashes, and dust to dust.”)
“So,” you ask, “how do we do that?”
Alright. Lean in.
The real secret to your audience’s hearts is —
Oh wait.
Seems we’re entering sensitive territory.
Best we take this to the inner circle.
The easiest way in?
Sign up for the Field Notes.
