An educator's strong focus on positive learning outcomes and genuine connections is essential, as it directly influences students' experiences and contributes significantly to the broader educational community. By emphasizing authentic engagement and progress, educators not only advance individual student success but also build a culture of trust and collaboration within their teams. This dedication creates a ripple effect, reinforcing quality, inspiring motivation, and ultimately transforming the educational environment for lasting positive change. An educator with such a focus, like Karense Foslien, is invaluable.

Karense Foslien, an educator and Director of NOTE Norwegian Teaching AS, has revolutionized language learning with her inclusive approach. Committed to education, she created a platform offering high-quality, accessible Norwegian language lessons to thousands globally. What started as a desire to share knowledge evolved through creative use of digital platforms, leading to a large following and making language learning engaging and approachable for learners worldwide. Below is an excerpt of Karense Foslien’s exclusive interaction with The Global Women Leader magazine.

What key early influences shaped you during your formative years and helped define who you are?

Growing up in the serene Norwegian countryside, I was deeply influenced by my community’s values of fairness, integrity, and inclusivity. My childhood was filled with freedom, exploration, and a strong sense of justice - a quality that emerged early when I lobbied for language choices at school, sparking a lifelong commitment to advocacy. Passionate about languages, I saw them as bridges to new worlds and was determined to immerse myself in English-speaking environments. Studying in Canada broadened my horizons, teaching me the power of cultural diversity. These experiences shaped my dedication to education, equality, and nurturing opportunities for others.

Can you share your extensive professional journey as an education leader and highlight your key areas of expertise?

My educational journey began while studying in Norway, where I joined an international language school, and discovered my passion for teaching Norwegian to adults. I found that teaching adults brought a unique sense of fulfillment, as they were highly motivated and dedicated learners. Drawing from my own cultural experiences, I crafted lessons that were not only language-focused but also enriched with cultural insights, creating deeper connections with students. In 2015, I founded my own online school. By 2017, launched a YouTube channel, Norsklærer Karense, now the biggest YouTube channel in the world within the field of learning Norwegian. I have 118,000 followers and more than 1,200 videos available to everyone. Today, I’m proud to lead NOTE, an online school empowering learner globally.

What are your focus areas for driving growth at NOTE Norwegian Teaching AS while ensuring positive learning outcomes?

At NOTE Norwegian Teaching AS, my focus is twofold: fostering genuine community connections and enhancing educational value. Through free, heartfelt content on YouTube and active engagement with a 90,000-member Facebook community, I establish trust that transcends profit motives. People see our commitment to making language learning accessible, which drives organic growth. This trust encourages new students to join, valuing the authenticity we bring. Meanwhile, ongoing, quality content, both paid and free, ensures our learners continuously progress. This dual approach aligns sustainable growth with meaningful educational impact, creating a space where learners feel valued and driven to succeed.

"Karense Foslien Believes In Embracing Curiosity & Connection; Together, We Can Transform Our Communities & Create A Welcoming Society For All"

Throw some light on the major challenges you encounter in your current role. How do you overcome the said roadblocks?

One of the major challenges I face is meeting the needs of eager learners who lack the funds to access our courses. It’s deeply frustrating to see this enthusiasm unmet, yet I’ve made it a priority to pursue government funding to offer free courses. When we secure these funds, it’s incredibly fulfilling, yet I often wish there were more resources to reach even more students. My approach to overcoming this is to stay optimistic, think creatively, and embrace collaboration. By remaining open to partnerships, I continuously discover ways to expand access and make meaningful educational opportunities more widely available.

In your opinion what have been the biggest ‘wins’ that you have achieved so far in your professional journey?

A significant achievement has been building a community where both our students and teachers thrive. Our students consistently express satisfaction with our courses, and our teachers remain deeply committed, a true testament to the positive environment we've cultivated. Supporting our educators is paramount because their well-being directly enhances student outcomes. For instance, we host an annual seminar, bringing our global team together, whether from Dubai, Spain, or Norway, to connect, share, and grow. By covering all expenses, we demonstrate our commitment to their development, fostering a cohesive, motivated team. This investment yields a stable workforce and, in turn, genuinely satisfied students.

What has been your ‘success mantra’ as a leader?

My success mantra as a leader revolves around openness and collaboration. I believe in dismantling hierarchies and fostering a flat structure where everyone feels valued. By being vulnerable and approachable, I encourage transparency and create a space where my team can share their thoughts freely. This openness cultivates trust, drives progress, and ensures growth for both individuals and the organization. Ultimately, we are all integral to the company’s success, and it’s only through mutual respect and shared goals that we thrive together.

Karense Foslien, Director, Note Norwegian Teaching AS

Karense Foslien is the Director of NOTE Norwegian Teaching AS, based in Norway. With a strong background in education, she has traveled extensively and lived in various countries. Karense is passionate about fostering openness and curiosity among Norwegians, emphasizing the value of building connections and embracing diversity to enhance society.