Cecile Audrey Ngounou: From Yaoundé to CEO

The visionary reshaping lives through purpose, power, and enterprise.

Born in the vibrant city of Yaoundé, Cameroon, Cecile Audrey Ngounou’s journey is anything but ordinary. Raised by a powerhouse of a mother who modeled excellence, resilience, and heart-led leadership, Cecile grew up knowing that greatness was not just possible—it was expected. Today, she stands as a multifaceted entrepreneur, changemaker, and mentor whose mission is rooted in impact.

From leading multiple thriving businesses in the UK—including Flair & Finesse and EliteLuxe Realty Solutions—to mentoring women and driving philanthropic initiatives, Cecile is not only building empires—she’s building people. Her story is one of bold beginnings, mindset shifts, and a relentless commitment to empowering women to rise, lead, and leave legacies of their own.

Your journey began in Yaoundé, Cameroon, inspired by an incredible role model—your mother. How did her example shape your earliest ideas about leadership, resilience, and purpose?

My mother’s example shaped my earliest ideas about leadership, resilience, and purpose in profound ways. Watching her navigate challenges in Yaoundé, I learned that true leadership is about service, inclusion, and building trust—values deeply rooted in Cameroonian tradition. She balanced honoring our cultural heritage with adapting to new realities, showing me that resilience means embracing change while staying grounded in your values. Her purposeful actions—always thinking of future generations and empowering others—taught me that leadership is about creating a lasting impact, not just for yourself, but for your community as well.

You’ve been candid about struggling with limiting mindsets despite growing up with empowering teachings. What was your breakthrough moment in overcoming those internal battles?

Despite being raised with empowering teachings, I found myself wrestling with limiting mindsets for years. The breakthrough moment came when I realised that simply knowing positive principles wasn’t enough—I had to actively practice them, especially when my inner critic was loudest.

One pivotal moment was after my divorce almost 6years ago I caught myself thinking, and realised how much of myself had gotten lost, taken , hidden and trampled on because I simply let that happen. I was angry and so mad at myself I decided never again will any human being make me feel worthless, useless, it took a lot of God for me to conquer that dark place I was in then. One day at a time, He gave me the Strength to rebuild my self-esteem, my self-love, my boldness, my Courage.

From then on, I made it a habit to challenge my limiting beliefs as soon as they appeared. Over time, this practice rewired my mindset. The real breakthrough wasn’t a single event, but the decision to consistently confront and question my internal narratives, turning empowering teachings into lived experience.

From Business Administration to International Business and multiple entrepreneurial ventures—how did your educational journey in England prepare or challenge you for the path you’ve taken?

My educational journey in England, from Business Administration to International Business, prepared me by equipping me with practical business skills, a global perspective, and the ability to navigate complex international environments. The curriculum emphasized not just theory, but also real-world application—through case studies, placements, and exposure to diverse cultures—which challenged me to think critically and adapt quickly.

Entrepreneurship education in the UK also encouraged an enterprising mindset, blending academic knowledge with hands-on experiences that built my confidence and resilience as an entrepreneur. Facing rigorous academic standards and collaborating with peers from around the world pushed me out of my comfort zone and taught me the importance of flexibility, cultural sensitivity, and strategic thinking—qualities that have been essential in my entrepreneurial ventures.

FLAIR&FINESSE, Versatile Vantage, and EliteLuxe Realty—each of your businesses touches a different industry. What drives your passion for building across diverse sectors?

What drives my passion for building across different sectors with FLAIR&FINESSE, Versatile Vantage, and EliteLuxe Realty is the opportunity to innovate, learn, and create impact from multiple perspectives. Each industry presents unique challenges and customer needs, and working across them keeps me adaptable and fuels my creativity.

Diversity of experience allows me to bring fresh ideas and solutions to each venture, drawing on insights from one field to enhance another. It also helps me understand and serve a broader range of clients, reflecting the diverse markets we operate in. Ultimately, building in different sectors is about staying curious, continuously learning, and leveraging that diversity to deliver greater value and drive meaningful change.

Integrity, excellence, and transparency are pillars in your leadership style. Can you share a moment in business where these values were tested—and how you stood firm in them?

There was a pivotal moment early in my journey in the corporate world,  when I was leading a project with high stakes and tight deadlines. Midway through, we discovered a significant error in our data that, if left unaddressed, could have compromised the quality of our final deliverable. There was pressure from some team members to “gloss over” the mistake to stay on schedule and avoid disappointing our client.

This was a real test of my commitment to integrity, excellence, and transparency. I knew that taking a shortcut would undermine not only the project but also the trust we’d built with our client and within our team. I called an urgent meeting, openly explained the situation, and proposed a plan to correct the error—even though it meant admitting our mistake and potentially missing our deadline.

It wasn’t easy, but the client appreciated our honesty and our commitment to delivering the best possible work. In the end, we delivered a stronger result and deepened our relationship with the client. That experience reinforced my belief that standing firm in your values, even when it’s uncomfortable, is what truly sets great leaders—and organisations—apart.

You’ve committed significantly to women’s empowerment through mentorship and philanthropic efforts. What do you believe is the most powerful way to equip and empower a woman today?

I believe the most powerful way to equip and empower a woman today is to provide her with both access and agency: access to education, resources, and networks, and agency to make her own choices and define her own path.

Mentorship is a critical part of this. When women see others who have navigated similar challenges, it not only provides practical guidance but also instils confidence that their goals are attainable. Philanthropic efforts that invest in women’s education, entrepreneurship, and leadership development create ripple effects—not just for individuals, but for families and entire communities.

 Ultimately, empowerment is about more than opportunity; it’s about fostering an environment where a woman’s voice is heard, her ambitions are supported, and her potential is limitless. By combining tangible support with encouragement and advocacy, we help women not just participate, but truly lead and thrive.

You speak passionately about breaking free from mediocrity and living purposefully. What advice would you give to women who feel stuck or unseen in their current season?

If you’re feeling stuck or unseen right now, know that you are not alone—and that this season does not define your future. My advice is to start by giving yourself permission to dream again, no matter how small those dreams may seem at first. Often, mediocrity takes root when we stop believing that change is possible for us.

Begin by reconnecting with what genuinely excites or inspires you, even if it’s just a spark. Take small, consistent steps toward that—whether it’s learning a new skill, reaching out to someone you admire, or setting aside time for self-reflection. Celebrate every bit of progress, no matter how minor. Remember, momentum is built one step at a time.

Surround yourself with people who see your potential and encourage your growth. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or seek out mentors. Most importantly, trust that your voice and your story matter. Living purposefully isn’t about grand gestures—it’s about making intentional choices each day that align with who you truly are and who you want to become.

You are worthy of a life that excites you. Sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is simply take the next step forward.

In your view, what does it truly mean to be “a Woman of Valour, Substance, and Greatness” in today’s world?

To be “a Woman of Valour, Substance, and Greatness” in today’s world means embracing courage, authenticity, and impact in every sphere of life. Valour is about showing up bravely—facing challenges head-on, speaking your truth, and standing firm in your convictions, even when it’s difficult or unpopular.

Substance is the depth of character and integrity you bring to your actions. It’s about being grounded in your values, continuously learning, and contributing meaningfully to your community and the world around you. A woman of substance uplifts others, leads with empathy, and is not afraid to be vulnerable or admit when she doesn’t have all the answers.

Greatness, in this context, isn’t about titles or accolades—it’s about the positive difference you make in the lives of others. It’s measured by the legacy of kindness, resilience, and inspiration you leave behind. In today’s world, a Woman of Valour, Substance, and Greatness is someone who uses her voice, her gifts, and her influence to break barriers, empower others, and create lasting change—no matter where she finds herself.

As a wife, mother, and business leader—how do you balance personal responsibilities and building impactful ventures?

Balancing personal responsibilities as a wife and mother with building impactful ventures requires intentional boundaries, clear priorities, and open communication. I set and communicate strict work hours to protect family time, ensuring that when I’m with my loved ones, I’m fully present. I also define my roles clearly—separating business from family—to prevent overlap and maintain harmony.

Time-blocking and prioritising high-impact tasks help me work smarter, not just harder, so I can give my best both at home and in business. I involve my family in planning and keep them informed about my schedule, which fosters support and understanding. Ultimately, I believe in being intentional with my time, regularly reassessing my commitments, and giving myself grace during busy seasons. This approach helps me nurture my family and lead with purpose, without sacrificing one for the other.

Looking ahead, what legacy do you hope to leave behind for the next generation of women entrepreneurs and leaders across Africa and beyond?

Looking ahead, I hope my legacy inspires the next generation of women entrepreneurs and leaders across Africa and beyond to believe that their dreams are valid and their impact limitless. I want to be remembered for breaking barriers and building pathways—demonstrating that resilience, innovation, and integrity can redefine what’s possible, no matter the challenges faced.

My vision is for a future where women not only lead thriving businesses but also uplift their communities, champion inclusivity, and drive meaningful change. By investing in education, mentorship, and supportive networks, I hope to help create an ecosystem where every woman has access to the resources and opportunities she needs to succeed. Ultimately, I want my legacy to be one of empowerment, collaboration, and lasting transformation—a testament that when women rise, nations and generations rise with them.