This month, we had the pleasure of speaking with Christ, our Market Expansion Specialist, to explore his remarkable career path. With a rich background in language consulting and market research, Christ shared his journey from the world of communication to driving business growth across Africa.
He also provided invaluable insights into the unique challenges and rewards of expanding into new markets, emphasizing the importance of relationship-building and cultural understanding.
But what captivated us most was Christ's passion for fostering innovation and collaboration in the vibrant startup ecosystem of Francophone Africa.
Read the full interview below to uncover Christ's strategies for success and his vision for the future of business development and market expansion!
- Can you walk us through your career path to Being a Market Expansion Specialist?
My career has been exciting, combining my interest for the English language, a knack for research, and a growing interest in business development and building business ecosystems in Africa. I started as a language consultant, translator, and interpreter, where I got to refine my communication skills. As time went on, I shifted into market research analyst roles. This new path sharpened my analytical and strategic thinking and gave me a solid grip on the business world.
I also ventured into independent research, focusing on Francophone African countries and their lively startup scenes.
All these experiences led me to my current position as a Market Expansion Specialist. With my diverse background, I'm excited to explore new markets, forge strategic partnerships, and drive growth in Cote d'Ivoire, francophone Africa, and the continent.
- What does a typical workday look like for you?
A typical workday for me is quite dynamic and involves a mix of strategic planning, relationship building, research, and on-the-ground execution.
I usually start my day by reviewing my schedule and prioritizing my tasks for the day. This includes generating leads, following up on leads, preparing for client meetings, and monitoring market trends. In addition, I handle administrative and operational activities for Termii Cote d’Ivoire.
- What keeps you passionate about business development?
What keeps me passionate about this field is the desire for expansion—spotting new markets, building strategic partnerships, and driving revenue growth. I love how things move in the business world, especially in Francophone Africa, where there's so much room to grow.
- What’s the most rewarding aspect of your role?
The most rewarding aspect of my role is undoubtedly the opportunity to know that I am part of those helping make communication easier for Africans, contributing to the expansion and growth of Termii as well as to the economic growth and development of Cote d’Ivoire and Africa. It’s incredibly fulfilling to witness firsthand the positive impact that my work can have on businesses.
- What role does collaboration play in your success, and how do you foster it within your team?
Collaboration is absolutely vital to my success as a Market Expansion Specialist. I am constantly interacting with various teams within my organization. I foster collaboration through open communication, clear expectations, recognition, and empowerment. Together, we achieve more.
- What key skills do you believe are essential for success in business development?
Achieving success in business development and market expansion requires few essential skills: effective communication, strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, negotiation skills, the ability to build strong relationships, and a persistent mindset. Also, understanding different cultures and being eager to learn are super important.
- How do you stay ahead of industry trends and keep your knowledge current?
In business, staying ahead of the curve is non-negotiable. Market research is my bread and butter. I am a lifelong learner and voracious reader, always on the lookout for online courses, books, industry events, and conferences/insights to connect with like-minded people and keep my knowledge fresh. Of course, I closely monitor any regulatory changes that may impact our industry.
I also learn from others, most notably from my General Manager, Olajuwon Abayomi, who has a very deep and sharp practical knowledge of our industry. I also gather ideas from colleagues and sometimes learn by sharing knowledge.
- How do you maintain a work-life balance?
I value work-life balance and strive to achieve it, though it can be challenging at times, to be honest. I tend to get really absorbed in my work, so finding that perfect balance is a bit of a juggling act. Right now, I focus on family in the evenings and weekends. I am actively working on getting better at incorporating other aspects such as exercising, spending time outdoors, or just relaxing.
- What are your long-term professional goals, and how do you plan to achieve them?
My long-term goals are centered around becoming a recognized leader in driving business growth, expansion, and economic development across Africa, starting with Francophone Africa. I envision myself playing a key role in facilitating strategic partnerships, fostering innovation, and creating sustainable economic opportunities throughout the continent.
Christ’s vision for business development and market expansion focuses on innovation and collaboration, driving sustainable growth and meaningful connections across the continent. As he continues to forge new partnerships and explore emerging markets, we are excited to see the impact of his efforts. Be sure to watch out for the next edition of our employee spotlight series to discover more inspiring stories from our dedicated team!
