Have you ever lost $24,000 to a PR scam—only to turn that setback into millions of views and national fame?

In this episode of Path to the Main Stage, Li Hayes sits down with Christina Daves, award-winning podcast host, author, QVC lifestyle TV host, and self-made PR expert, who unveils the raw truth behind breaking into the spotlight as an emerging speaker.

Christina shares the jaw-dropping story of how a freak accident in Canada sparked her first entrepreneurial journey—prompting her to create a medical boot fashion line from scratch. But when a "PR expert" took her money and disappeared, Christina found herself forced to master PR on her own. The result? A self-taught strategy that propelled her onto over 50 major media stages, including The Steve Harvey Show, Dr. Oz, and monthly TV segments—all without a PR budget.

In this must-hear interview, you'll uncover:

• Why getting on TV or in publications as a speaker is all about your value to the audience—not your title.
• The exact system Christina used to land high-profile media coverage (starting with a Google search and the library!).
• Insider secrets for leveraging tools like HelpAReporter.com and PitchDB to get your pitches in front of the right journalists.
• The art of writing a “wow bio” that makes you irresistible to reporters and meeting planners alike (with real-life, high-credibility examples).
• How to use timely, relevant stories—and a bit of speed—to become the go-to expert in your field.
• Why a press release won’t cut it (and what actually works instead!).
• What to do—and NOT do—when you finally get that last-minute call to step into the TV studio spotlight.

Plus, Christina and Li Hayes share candid tales of PR flops, speaker missteps, and the crucial mindsets that help you bounce back, get booked, and shine. Whether you’re an emerging speaker or a seasoned expert looking for a new edge, this episode is filled with actionable gems, honest encouragement, and practical tools to fast-track your path to the main stage.

Episode Overview:

• 00:00:00 – Introduction to Christina Daves and her accolades
• 00:01:17 – Christina’s “accidental entrepreneur” journey & the $24,000 PR scam
• 00:03:33 – Building a PR system from scratch (and testing it on friends)
• 00:06:15 – How Christina got on The Steve Harvey Show & the power of HelpAReporter
• 00:08:11 – The art of a perfect media pitch: short, sweet, and timely
• 00:11:01 – Why speed and relevance matter in both speaking and media
• 00:12:22 – Becoming the sought-after expert vs. “just” a speaker
• 00:16:00 – Why celebrity matters—and how to create it authentically
• 00:17:00 – Getting noticed by top online publications
• 00:19:02 – What to include in a “wow bio” (and what NOT to include)
• 00:25:08 – How to show up for TV/media interviews and not bomb
• 00:29:17 – The real importance of social media in your PR journey
• 00:31:00 – Press releases: myth vs. reality
• 00:34:04 – Christina’s advice to her former self (and all new speakers)
• 00:36:29 – Episode wrap-up and where to learn more

Ready to turn your story into national news—and your speaking business into a main stage success? Hit play and get ready to take notes!