When I published my book, Disrupt Yourself Or Be Disrupted, in late 2019, I was a newbie, I had no grand marketing plan, no PR budget and certainly no industry connections to propel me forward.

What I did have, however, was a burning desire to share my message about digital transformation, artificial intelligence in business and the future of work and an internet connection.

I had spent years researching how AI, automation and disruptive technologies were changing industries, not just in Silicon Valley but across Africa and the rest of the world.

My book wasn’t just about technology; it was about people — helping them reinvent themselves in an era of rapid change.

The challenge? I needed a platform where my voice could be heard. That’s when I turned to LinkedIn.

Finding My Digital Tribe on LinkedIn

At first, I was beyond intimidated by Linkedin titles. LinkedIn was filled with high-profile professionals, executives, founders, CEOs and industry leaders.

Would my voice even matter? Would people care about what I had to say? What is Nicky Verd biography? (I secretly wondered)

I had tried other social media platforms — Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (now X) but they didn’t work for me the way I needed them to.

• Facebook was great for connecting with friends and family, but turning followers into clients? That was a challenge.
• Instagram felt too focused on aesthetics: filters, images, perfection. I wanted words to be my currency not curated pictures.
• Twitter (X)? The character limit was just too restrictive for the depth of content I wanted to share.

LinkedIn, on the other hand, was an underrated gold mine. It wasn’t just a place for job seekers, it was a powerful platform for thought leadership, digital branding, and professional storytelling.

So, I showed up consistently. I shared insights on AI in business, digital disruption and the skills needed for the future of work. I wrote about my own experiences, how I was laid off, how I hit rock bottom, how I rebuilt myself through the power of technology and social media.

I wasn’t just dropping motivational quotes; I was providing value, breaking down complex ideas about AI adoption, digital transformation strategies, and the intersection of human potential and emerging technology in a way that resonated with everyday professionals.

And slowly, people began to notice.

The Power of Showing Up and Engaging

One of the biggest lessons I learned while building my brand on LinkedIn is this:

Your expertise doesn’t matter if no one knows you exist.

It wasn’t enough to just post content. I had to engage. I commented on discussions, shared my thoughts on industry trends and joined conversations about AI in business, digital transformation consulting and disruptive innovation in the workplace.

I didn’t wait for opportunities to find me — I created them.

• I engaged with leaders in AI, technology and the future of work.
• I shared my insights on human-centric digital transformation and AI-driven work transitions.
• I built genuine relationships by adding value, not just asking for favors.

The more I engaged, the more my content gained traction. The more traction it gained, the more my network expanded. And the more my network expanded, the more doors opened.

Within months, my posts were reaching thousands — then tens of thousands of people.

Opportunities started rolling in:

• Invitations to speak at conferences as a digital transformation consultant.
• Interviews about women in AI and the importance of AI literacy.
• Consulting opportunities with companies navigating AI adoption and workforce transformation.
• Recognition as one of the Top 50 Global Thought Leaders on Digital Disruption and the Future of Work

All from leveraging the power of LinkedIn.

The Twist on my Name

People often call me all sorts of names — Vicky Nerd, Nicki Verd, Nikki Verd, Nicky Verde and even Vicky Verd. At first, I’d correct them. Now, I embrace it.

Because if being a “nerd” means being obsessed with the future, passionate about AI and committed to helping others navigate digital transformation, then I’ll wear that title proudly.. haha

My journey from being laid off to becoming a global AI thought leader, digital futurist and technology speaker is proof that disruption isn’t the end, it’s a new beginning.

Today, I speak on AI and the future of work, helping individuals and organizations embrace disruptive innovation, leverage digital transformation strategies and prepare for an AI-powered economy.

I built my brand from nothing but a book and a LinkedIn account.

The Challenges and Lessons Along the Way

Building a personal brand, especially as an African woman in tech, wasn’t a smooth ride. It was filled with moments of doubt, trial and error and the kind of self-discovery that only happens when you’re forced to reinvent yourself.

While my journey has been rewarding, there were significant challenges along the way that shaped me into the AI Thought Leader and Digital Futurist I am today.

Here are three key challenges I faced and the lessons I learned from them:

1. Moments of Doubt — Finding My Voice in a Crowded Space

When I first started writing on LinkedIn, I was intimidated. The platform was filled with high-profile professionals, CEOs and executives with impressive credentials. I asked myself:

• Who would listen to me?
• What do I have to say that hasn’t already been said?
• What is Nicky Verd Biography?
• Am I even qualified to talk about AI, digital transformation and the future of work?

There were days when I felt invisible, when my posts barely got any engagement and I wondered if I was wasting my time.

But I kept going because deep down, I knew that I had something valuable to share.

I wasn’t just talking about disruption from a theoretical perspective. I had lived it.

• Lesson Learned: Authenticity is your superpower. People don’t connect with perfection; they connect with real stories, with vulnerability, and with insights that come from experience. The moment I stopped trying to sound “corporate” and started speaking from the heart, my content resonated with people in ways I never imagined.

2. Mistakes and Lessons: Trial, Error and Reinvention

Like many people building their brand, I initially tried to be everywhere — Facebook, Twitter (now X), Instagram… only to realize that spreading myself too thin wasn’t sustainable.

I had to reassess where my strengths were and where my audience was most engaged. That’s when I fully committed to LinkedIn.

But even on LinkedIn, I made mistakes:

• Posting without a clear content strategy
• Writing overly “corporate” content that didn’t connect emotionally
• Underestimating the power of community engagement and collaboration

I had to learn how to balance valuable insights with storytelling, how to make complex topics digestible and how to build relationships rather than just broadcast information.

• Lesson Learned: Consistency beats perfection. There’s no such thing as an overnight success. Every “viral” post, every breakthrough moment, comes from months (or years) of showing up, refining your message, and continuously learning.

3. Personal Sacrifices: The Price of Growth

Growing a brand takes time and commitment. I’ve spent countless late nights writing, researching and responding to messages from people all over the world.

It wasn’t easy, especially in the early days when there were no immediate rewards, no speaking engagements, no consulting opportunities, just the hope that my work would make a difference.

It also meant making tough choices:

• Turning down short-term opportunities that didn’t align with my long-term vision
• Sacrificing social time to focus on writing, learning and building my expertise
• Stepping out of my comfort zone to speak at events, even when I felt nervous

Was it worth it? Absolutely yes. Because every sacrifice led to a breakthrough moment — whether it was my first paid speaking gig(I still remember vividly), my book becoming a success or major organizations reaching out to work with me.

• Lesson Learned: The journey is long but the rewards are worth it. Success is not just about talent, it’s about resilience, about showing up even when you don’t feel like it and about being willing to do what most people won’t.

For Readers and Companies

The world is changing fast. AI, automation and digital disruption aren’t waiting for anyone. You have two choices: adapt and thrive or resist and become obsolete.

My advice?

• Find your voice. Don’t wait until you feel “ready” just start.
• Be patient. The impact you dream of takes time but every small step counts.
• Stay true to your mission. If you focus on adding real value the right opportunities will come.

If you’re a professional wondering how to stay relevant in a rapidly changing world, a business seeking to navigate digital transformation or an event organizer in need of an AI keynote speaker who makes technology exciting and accessible.

I Offer:

• Speaking Engagements — Book me as a keynote speaker on AI, digital transformation, and the future of work.
• Corporate Training — Equip your teams with AI literacy, digital skills, and the mindset to thrive in a disruptive world.
• Consulting Services — Transform your organization with human-centric digital transformation strategies.
• Masterclasses & Workshops — Learn how to leverage AI, develop future-proof skills, and adapt to the digital age.