Meet Professor Nando, The Feline Behind the Tips

Your Unexpected Guide to Better English

I never planned on building a brand with a cat. But sometimes the best ideas are the ones that sneak onto your desk and sit on your notebook. Professor Nando isn’t just my sidekick — he’s the in-house language advisor, motivational coach, and occasional grammar snob. If you’ve followed my work for a while, you know I believe language learning should be structured, strategic, and just the right amount of silly. Nando brings the third.

Each week, Professor Nando shares a bite-sized English tip. They're clear, useful, sometimes cheeky and always wrapped in a fur coat of charm. You’ll see him pop up on Instagram, Facebook, in our WhatsApp Lounge, and soon in a downloadable PDF of his favourite hacks.

Why a cat?

Well, I believe no one who knows cats would ask that. We all know cats are smart. They watch, hey listen and they observe everything. Then they judge it quietly from a shelf. Isn’t that exactly the mindset we need when learning a language? Seriously though, memory is emotional. People don’t remember generic textbook tips. But they do remember a grumpy-looking cat who tells them not to confuse ‘sheet’ and ‘seat’. It works.

Nando is based on my very real, very fluffy, apricot-and-linen-coloured rescue cat who absolutely supervises my coffee breaks and occasionally knocks pens off the desk while I plan lessons. The images you’ll see of Professor Nando, reading grammar books, strolling through autumn woods, may be enhanced, but yes, he’s real. In fact, he’s led on me right now. And yes, I do call him by his full name Fernando when he’s in trouble.

What he represents

Professor Nando is the spirit of every learner who keeps showing up.He reminds us that:

• Mistakes are part of the process (have you seen him misjudge a leap?)

• Consistency beats intensity (he never misses a nap… or a tip)

• Learning should be playful (a paw print is just as valid as a highlighter)

What’s next?

You can follow Professor Nando’s Tip of the Week on Instagram and Facebook.

Coming soon: His Top 10 Tips in a free downloadable guide.

ℹ️ Note

Obviously, Professor Nando is a fictional educational character based on a very real, sassy cat. His title is used playfully, not academically. Without any thumbs, his thesis is on hold but his weekly tips are still on point. They are intended to support and motivate language learners in a lighthearted way.