#113 - Inside Duolingo: How Sticky Learning Fuels a Global Habit

What if the best career move you ever make is the one you didn’t plan for?

In this episode, we follow the unexpected journey of Bozena Pajak, who found her way to Duolingo, not through a clear-cut plan, but by following her curiosity. 

You’ll hear how an interdisciplinary background became her superpower, shaping how millions of people learn languages today. But this story goes beyond career twists; it’s about how we learn, why we stay engaged, and what actually makes learning stick.

From the science of implicit learning to the art of balancing structure with exploration, this conversation unpacks the hidden forces behind Duolingo’s success. You’ll hear what it really takes to build something effective and addictive and how AI might just personalize learning in ways we’re only beginning to imagine.

Whether you’re a designer, educator, team leader, or lifelong learner, this episode will leave you thinking differently about motivation, collaboration, and the future of learning itself.

Tune in for a story that proves passion, feedback, and a little serendipity can take you further than any plan ever could.