Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Vladimer Botsvadze. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Vladimer, thanks for joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
The story of how I came up with the idea for my business is rooted in a moment of realization that completely shifted the course of my career. It was 2014, and I attended a practical conference in Dubai that focused on emerging trends in business, marketing, and technology. What struck me the most during that event wasn’t just the content—it was the realization of how powerful personal branding had become, especially in the digital age. I had always been passionate about marketing, but the concept of building a personal brand as a strategic tool for growth was an epiphany for me. I could see immediately that this wasn’t only about self-promotion; it was also about creating meaningful connections, establishing credibility, and positioning oneself as a thought leader in a rapidly evolving digital world.
I knew I had to dive in headfirst and start building my own personal brand, and the platform that seemed most promising at the time was X (formerly Twitter). I started sharing my knowledge, engaging with others in my field, and networking with high-level professionals. I spent countless hours refining my voice, curating content, and making valuable connections. By the end of 2014, I had grown my follower base to 7,000, and I felt the momentum picking up. There was something incredibly exciting about this space—it was new, it was dynamic, and it had the potential to change the way businesses and individuals communicated. The more I dove in, the more I realized how much I loved helping others understand how to leverage social media and personal branding for their own success.
By 2015, I began to see that there was a real opportunity here—not only for me personally, but also for others as well. I recognized that small businesses and entrepreneurs were often overlooked when it came to personalized marketing advice and insights on how to use platforms like Twitter to grow their businesses. So, I registered my domain at www.vladimerbotsvadze.com and officially launched my website offering marketing consulting and speaking services. It was a simple but powerful step: I was taking my passion for personal branding and digital marketing and turning it into a service that could help others. What really excited me was the gap I was filling—there were plenty of agencies out there, but very few were providing tailored guidance on how to build a personal brand and harness the power of social media to drive real business results. This was practical and actionable advice that could change the trajectory of someone’s business or career.
As I continued to build my own brand, my work was starting to be recognized. I was acknowledged as the No. 65 B2B Marketing Influencer by Onalytica in 2015 that paved the way for my exponential growth. In 2017, I was named one of the Top 100 Virtual Reality Influencers by Onalytica, and the following year, I was recognized among the Top 100 Digital Transformation Influencers. By 2019, I had earned the distinction of being ranked the No. 6 Global AI Influencer by Thinkers360. These milestones reinforced what I already knew: there was immense value in the work I was doing. My personal brand had not only grown but I had also become a trusted resource for global audiences looking to understand and navigate emerging trends in AI, marketing, and digital transformation. By 2020, I had grown my social media following to 57,000, and I was named the No. 1 Global Marketing Influencer by Thinkers360. That was the moment I knew the idea was working. It wasn’t not only about the numbers; it was also about the impact I was having and the opportunities that were coming my way.
What really set my business apart was my deep commitment to education. I wasn’t just offering services—I was building a community. I started appearing on podcasts, speaking at global events, and writing articles to share my insights with a wider audience. My goal was always to help people understand the transformative power of digital tools and personal branding. Over the years, I had the privilege of working with businesses of all sizes, from small startups to large enterprises, helping them build their brands, embrace new technologies, and adapt to a rapidly changing landscape.
The logical reason I believed my business would succeed was simple: there was an undeniable gap in the market for personalized, actionable advice on personal branding, digital transformation, and emerging technologies. While many people were talking about these concepts, few were offering practical strategies for how to implement them in a way that could drive tangible results. I was passionate about solving this problem, and I felt that my ability to connect with others, combined with my deep understanding of digital trends, would allow me to do something unique.
As I look back on the last 10 years, I can honestly say that building my personal brand has been the most rewarding and transformative journey of my career. It has allowed me to become a sought-after thought leader, speaker, and advisor, and it has opened doors to incredible opportunities, from mentoring startups at Techstars to becoming an advisory board member at prestigious institutes including the United States Artificial Intelligence Institute and the United States Cybersecurity Institute. In 2024, I have been recognized as one of the World’s Top 21 Artificial Intelligence Speakers by the AI Speakers Agency, sharing the spotlight with luminaries like OpenAI CEO Sam Altman.
Looking back, it’s clear that building a personal brand on social media not only reinvented my career but allowed me to put my expertise on the global map. I’ve been able to empower others to take control of their digital presence and build brands that stand out in an increasingly crowded digital landscape. My journey has been one of constant evolution, but the core of it has always been about helping others succeed and sharing the lessons I’ve learned along the way. This is a business that continues to grow because it’s built on the belief that personal branding and digital transformation are no longer optional—they are essential for success in today’s world.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I come from Georgia, a unique and beautiful country in Eastern Europe, known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. Growing up in a family where hard work and intellectual pursuit were core values—my father is a renowned professor and my mother a doctor—I learned early on the importance of putting in the effort and thinking long-term. From a young age, I was inspired by their dedication and saw firsthand how passion and perseverance could drive success. These values have been my guiding principles ever since, shaping my approach to life, business, and my career.
My journey into the world of digital marketing, thought leadership, and personal branding started with a pivotal moment when I was 18 years old. In 2006, I moved to the United States for a summer exchange Work and Travel program, and that experience was transformative. It opened my eyes to the possibilities of a globalized world, and I quickly realized that the world was moving faster, easier, and clearer than I had ever imagined. The friendships I built and the exposure to new perspectives supported my growth in ways I hadn’t expected, and it was then that I began to see the power of building my personal brand worldwide.
Back in Georgia, I pursued my bachelor’s degree in Computer Technologies and later completed a certificate program in Business Planning, Analysis, and Administration. The more I studied, the more I saw the convergence between technology and business strategy. In 2009, I moved to London for a certificate program in Business English focused on marketing and customer experience, and it was there where I began to immerse myself in practical and hands-on business experience. London gave me the opportunity to learn from the best, and in 2010, I completed a master’s degree in International Economic Relations in Georgia. My academic journey culminated in 2013 when I earned a PhD in Transport Engineering, specializing in logistics and supply chain management. While my educational background is diverse, what stands out is the common thread of understanding complex systems—whether in technology, business, or global markets.
What truly sets me apart in this field is my deep commitment to practicality, long-term vision, and an unrelenting passion for adding value. Whether I’m tweeting, speaking on podcasts, or contributing as a thought leader at global summits, I give my best insights freely, with no expectation of return. I’ve always believed in the power of generosity, and I’ve seen how it builds trust and lasting relationships with my audience. Audiences are drawn to influencers who give more than they take, and that’s what I do—I give, without hesitation, because I truly want others to succeed.
I’m particularly proud of the recognition I’ve received for my work over the years. In 2020, I was named the No. 1 Global Marketing Influencer by Thinkers360, a milestone that validated the impact of my contributions and the work I had put into building my personal brand. But beyond accolades, my mission has always been to help others build their own personal brands, which has become increasingly crucial in the AI-driven world we live in today. As AI continues to replace many jobs in marketing, copywriting, blogging, and even coding, the one thing that can’t be automated is your personal brand. In this new era, emotional intelligence, authenticity, and human connection are becoming the key differentiators. IQ is becoming less important, while the ability to engage with others on a personal level is what will set you apart.
I help my clients navigate this shifting landscape by guiding them on how to build a personal brand that resonates with audiences, establishes credibility, and drives long-term success. This is what I do best: I help others harness the power of personal branding in a world where AI is reshaping industries. I’m also proud to serve as a mentor at Techstars, a judge for the Webby Awards, and an advisor to the board of the United States Artificial Intelligence Institute. These roles allow me to stay at the cutting edge of digital transformation while supporting the next generation of innovators and thought leaders.
The cornerstone of my success, however, resides in my relentless work ethic. For the past 18 years, I’ve worked 16-hour days, continually reinvesting in myself and my business. I’ve put every penny into building my personal brand and digital presence. Today, if you Google “digital marketing keynote speaker,” my website ranks No. 1 on Google. This wasn’t an accident—it’s the result of years of dedicated effort, strategic thinking, and an unwavering focus on building a brand that stands for expertise, authenticity, and value.
What I want people to know about me and what I believe sets me apart from others is that my personal brand is about providing real and actionable insights that can help individuals and organizations succeed in the rapidly changing digital world. I’m a giver at heart, and my goal is to make a lasting impact by offering the best advice and insights to help others unlock their potential. Whether you’re looking to build your personal brand, navigate the complexities of AI, or stay ahead in marketing and digital transformation, I’m here to help. My journey has been long and unique, and I’ve poured everything I have into building a platform that empowers others to do the same.
I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve accomplished, but more than anything, I’m excited for what is ahead. The world is changing fast, and I’m determined to continue being a thought leader who empowers others to thrive in an age of disruption. The future is bright, and with the right mindset and strategy, anyone can make their mark in the digital world. My mission is to help you do just that.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
One of the defining moments of my journey, one that truly illustrates my resilience, happened early on when I moved to New York City in September 2006. I arrived with nothing but a deep desire to learn and grow, and my resume was pretty much blank. I didn’t have connections, a network, or even a clear path ahead. But I knew one thing: if I was willing to put in the work, the results would eventually follow.
With that mindset, I started visiting the NYC Public Library almost every day. I immersed myself in books, resources, and anything I could get my hands on. I became obsessed with self-education, understanding that the best way to get ahead was to equip myself with knowledge. Every hour spent learning, every page turned, was a small step in the direction I wanted to go.
Fast forward a few years to 2010 when I moved to London. By then, I had built up some experience, but life in London was a whole new challenge. It’s an expensive city, and I was just 22 years old, actively searching for a job while trying to make ends meet. I was trying to build a career from scratch in a competitive market. Every day felt like a challenge, but I loved the grind. I enjoyed the process of learning and meeting people who were further along in their careers.
I was going into overdrive, hitting the ground running, soaking up everything I could from the people around me. My resilience was about pushing through and never giving up. I knew I was on the right path and that persistence paid off, piece by piece.
From the vantage point of the present, both those experiences—whether it was the quiet determination in the library in New York or the hustle in London—shaped the person I am today. They taught me that resilience is about having the determination to keep moving forward. It’s that mindset of persistent self-improvement and learning that has carried me through every challenge in my career.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
What truly helped me build my reputation within my market was the relentless effort I put into personal branding, particularly through X (formerly Twitter) from 2014 to 2020. I understood early on that social media was a powerful tool for connecting with like-minded individuals, building an audience, and positioning myself as a thought leader. I focused on providing value consistently, sharing insights, and engaging with others in my field. Over time, this attracted the attention of renowned entrepreneurs, public speakers, thought leaders, and mentors. The relationships I built through networking and rubbing shoulders with successful people were absolutely pivotal in establishing my reputation.
As I connected with influential figures, I also learned the power of giving back. I didn’t just share what I knew; I made it a point to engage, support, and learn from others. This approach opened doors I didn’t even know existed. Being recognized by leading organizations as an influencer and thought leader was a huge milestone, but it didn’t happen overnight. I’ve been recommended by some of the most respected futurists and executives on platforms like LinkedIn, and I’ve had the privilege of speaking at top-tier global summits.
Along the way, I’ve judged prestigious awards like the Webby Awards, been a guest on global podcasts, and contributed my expertise to some of the most forward-thinking platforms. I have built everything brick by brick that contributed to the reputation I have today. But the truth is, what the world sees on the surface—the recognition, the awards, the accolades—only tells part of the story.
Behind every achievement is the passion, focus, and effort I’ve invested. It’s the early mornings, the late nights, the continuous improvement, the patience to wait for the right opportunities, and the sacrifices I’ve made along the way. It’s the courage to keep moving forward when things weren’t always easy, the vision to see beyond the immediate hurdles, and the discipline to stay on course. Perseverance has been my constant companion, along with an unyielding commitment to learning and growing. It’s that inner drive and spirit that fueled my journey, and ultimately, it’s what has shaped my reputation today.
Building a reputation isn’t only about what you achieve—it’s also about how you get there and the mindset you maintain. For me, it’s been about doing the work, day in and day out, without expecting instant results but trusting that over time, the foundation would be strong enough to carry me forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vladimerbotsvadze.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vladimerbotsvadze
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vladimerbotsvadze
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vladimerbotsvadze
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/vladobotsvadze
- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@VladimerBotsvadzeProfessor
- Soundcloud: http://www.soundcloud.com/vladimerbotsvadze
- Other: Apply to my mentorship https://mentorcruise.com/mentor/vladimerbotsvadze/
Image Credits
www.vladimerbotsvadze.com