Born and raised in Africa, Christelle Biiga embarked on a daring journey for the American Dream. Battling language barriers and unjust accusations, she endured nine months in detention before emerging victorious. Her triumphant story captivated publications and countless podcasts globally. Today, as the owner of “Exposure Maven,” she supports successful and ambitious entrepreneurs and business owners who are looking to significantly grow their impact and business, to achieve their dreams through strategic podcast guesting and speaking. A beacon of courage and resilience, her story continues to inspire countless dream-chasers worldwide.
What were your initial years of growing up like? Tell us about your life before starting your corporate journey/venture/initiative.
As a woman who grew up in Douala, the economic city in Cameroon, amidst a large and vibrant family, I was deeply moved by the relentless spirit of my uneducated, yet resilient mother, who earned a living as a tailor and ceaselessly sought business opportunities. Her unwavering determination showed me that transcending limitations and achieving a better life were possible. Moreover, my father’s recurring advice to “never shoot for less than the moon” ingrained in me a profound ambition to chase my dreams relentlessly. I am truly grateful for the values they instilled in me, which have fueled my success as an entrepreneur today. My journey from Douala to the global stage is a testament to the power of resilience and the endless potential that unfurls when we dare to dream big. My roots in Douala serve as an enduring source of inspiration, driving me to empower individuals, especially ambitious entrepreneurs and business owners, to reach new heights in their ventures.
Was there any turning point in your life that changed your journey? If so, what was it? Please tell us the backstory behind it.
When I made the life-changing decision to quit my job and embrace the path of entrepreneurship, little did I know that sharing my story on podcasts and events would become the catalyst for the impact I wanted to make. As I embarked on my entrepreneurial journey, I quickly discovered that being a guest on podcasts was an incredible way to connect with a wider audience and elevate my brand. Surprisingly, while it came naturally to me, I noticed that many fellow entrepreneurs struggled to secure these opportunities. This realization sparked a curiosity within me, and I began to investigate why this was the case. As I delved deeper, I found that the reason many entrepreneurs were missing out on leveraging the power of podcast guesting was quite simple—time constraints. With their focus on building and growing their businesses while also serving clients, pitching themselves on podcasts became a challenging and time-consuming task. It became evident that they needed a solution, and that’s when the idea for Exposure Maven was born. Driven by my passion to empower others and inspired by my own journey, I set out to create a solution that would help entrepreneurs and business owners leverage the power of podcast guesting to grow their businesses faster. With a unique perspective as a professional speaker, I understand the power of precise audience targeting to generate leads for your offers. At Exposure Maven, we make it our mission to ensure that our clients get booked on podcasts that align perfectly with their ideal clients so they can make more sales. Our agency takes care of the pitching process, freeing up valuable time for our clients to concentrate on building their businesses and serving their clients. As the CEO of Exposure Maven, I am committed to helping entrepreneurs and business owners achieve unparalleled growth by connecting them with the right audience through podcast guesting. Witnessing their success and impact fuels my passion and reminds me daily that I am on the right path.
Every industry that is now a large-scale, top-notch business once started as a small idea in the minds of entrepreneurs. What was that idea or motivation that made you start your business /initiative? What motivated you within to say “YES, go for it!”
The desire to solve a significant problem is the foundational reason why Exposure Maven exists as a business. When I took the leap from my corporate career to become an entrepreneur, I stumbled upon a vital issue faced by fellow entrepreneurs and business owners—a lack of time to pitch themselves on podcasts and secure valuable exposure for their businesses. This realization struck a chord within me, igniting a burning passion to create a solution that would empower entrepreneurs to overcome this obstacle. I recognized the power of podcast guesting and strategic exposure in helping entrepreneurs and business owners stand out as experts in their fields and get in front of their ideal audience without having to grow that audience themselves. The problem was evident—entrepreneurs were too busy building and growing their businesses and serving clients, to focus on the time-consuming task of researching and pitching themselves on podcasts. I saw this as an opportunity to step in and make a difference. I founded Exposure Maven, driven by the desire to provide entrepreneurs and business owners with a solution that would allow them to concentrate on promoting their products and services while we handled the pitching and booking process. Saying “YES, go for it!” was both a logical and emotional decision. Logic told me that I had identified a real problem in the market and had the expertise to offer a valuable solution. Emotionally, I was driven by a profound desire to see fellow entrepreneurs succeed and make their mark on the world. The heart of our business lies in understanding the importance of connecting entrepreneurs with the right audience and enabling them to grow their businesses authentically. Our unique perspective, as a former corporate manager turned expert speaker, allows us to approach exposure from a strategic standpoint, ensuring that our clients only get booked on podcasts that align perfectly with their target audience’s interests and preferences.
Everyone has their own set of challenges when starting an entrepreneurial journey. Still, the most essential part for others to learn is how you deal with those. Would you like to share with us your challenges and your coping mechanisms?
Even though I was an experienced entrepreneur, starting a new business from scratch felt like I was navigating uncharted waters. It was important for me to identify my strengths and core competencies so I could specialize and offer unique solutions to my clients’ problems. As I focused on securing guest spots on podcasts and events, I found that my clients appreciated my specialized approach. By focusing on what I do best, I could deliver exceptional results, build trust with my clients, and establish myself as an authority in the field. Collaborating with other entrepreneurs was another significant factor in adding value to my clients. Recognizing that I couldn’t do everything on my own, I sought out partnerships and collaborations that complimented my skills and services. This approach allowed me to offer a more comprehensive and well-rounded experience to my clients, as they could benefit from the collective expertise and resources of a network of entrepreneurs. Those collaborations were a win-win, both for us as entrepreneurs and, most importantly, for the clients we served. In the early stages of my business, saving money was a top priority. I discovered that exchanging services with other entrepreneurs was a creative and cost-effective way to achieve this. Through strategic partnerships, I was able to access resources, skills, and services without incurring additional expenses. This approach not only helped me keep my costs in check but also fostered a sense of community and support among fellow entrepreneurs.
While the global pandemic of COVID-19 is associated primarily with adversities, it has also brought about a true boom in startups, with successful entrepreneurship in many countries. The pandemic has impacted all of us in one way or another. Would you like to share your experience on a personal and professional level?
The COVID-19 pandemic provided me with a transformative perspective on the power of podcast guesting to grow a business. When the pandemic hit, I was just getting started as a professional speaker. I recognized the exceptional opportunity that podcast guesting offered to reach a broader audience with my message of courage, resilience, and hope during these challenging times. With the shift to virtual events and increased podcast consumption, appearing as a guest on podcasts became an effective means to expand my reach and get in front of my ideal clients. Sharing my expertise and message on various podcasts allowed me to gain the trust of listeners who resonated with my content, positioning me as a thought leader. This newfound authority not only elevated my personal brand but also had a direct impact on the growth of my business. I witnessed a surge in inquiries, collaborations, and partnership opportunities. Connecting with an engaged audience that I didn’t have to build myself led to tangible business growth as I received an influx of leads and clients. I remember having 14 people book a call with me after an interview. Additionally, the connections made through podcast appearances opened doors for valuable partnerships and collaborations with fellow entrepreneurs and industry professionals, further fueling the expansion of my business.
Would you like to share with our young budding women entrepreneurs the change you would like to see in the world if given an opportunity?
Absolutely! If given the opportunity, the change I would like to see in the world for young women budding entrepreneurs is a more supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem. I envision a world where women are encouraged, empowered, and provided with equal opportunities to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. This means breaking down barriers and fostering an environment where women can thrive and succeed without limitations. By creating a level playing field, offering support, and celebrating the achievements of women entrepreneurs, we can unlock their full potential and contribute to a more innovative and prosperous global business landscape.
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned in your personal life and professional journey? What is your personal motto in life?
The most important lesson I’ve learned in both my personal life and professional journey is the inherent value of every experience we encounter. I came to realize that nothing we learn is ever wasted. Each triumph and setback, every challenge and success, contributes to our growth and shapes who we become. Embracing this belief has transformed my perspective, allowing me to find purpose in every experience and extract valuable lessons from even the most difficult situations. In both my personal and professional pursuits, I now approach each endeavor with an open mind and a willingness to learn, recognizing that every experience, whether big or small, holds the potential to enrich my journey and lead me closer to success. My personal motto in life is, “Embrace every opportunity as a chance to learn and grow“.
Women are a growing force in the workplaces worldwide, standing shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts. There are cracks in glass ceilings everywhere, with many women breaking through to carve out a space right at the top of the pyramid. What are your thoughts about women’s leadership today?
The rise of women’s entrepreneurship is a testament to their ingenuity and vision. More and more women are venturing into the world of startups and business ownership, defying odds and building thriving enterprises. By creating their own opportunities, women are not only contributing to the economic landscape but also fostering a more inclusive and diverse business ecosystem. In the corporate realm, women’s leadership is on the ascent, and they are redefining what it means to be a leader. By embracing collaborative and empathetic leadership styles, women are transforming organizational cultures, fostering innovation, and empowering their teams to achieve remarkable results. Through tenacity and innovation, women are challenging the status quo and making their mark across industries. Whether it’s in technology, finance, healthcare, or any other sector, women are proving that they have the talent, skills, and determination to excel in any field they choose. As women create their own opportunities, they serve as inspiring role models for the next generation, encouraging young girls to dream big and embrace their potential. The momentum of women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship continues to grow, and it is reshaping the future of work for the better.
With your grit and determination, you are making a considerable impact, breaking through, and serving as role models for many budding entrepreneurs. What would you want to say to our young women leaders/audience reading this?
To all the young women leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs reading this, I want to say: In a world that may sometimes question your abilities, know that you are more than capable of achieving success and leaving an indelible mark. And remember that as you break through barriers and forge your path, you are inspiring countless others to dream big and reach for the stars.
