We had the good fortune of connecting with Vladimer Botsvadze and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Vladimer, what is the most important factor behind your success?
It’s personal branding—a game-changer that has allowed me to rise above a crowded marketplace and define my own path. While more than 95% of professionals in the corporate world still rely on traditional credentials like degrees and titles to carve out their careers, I’ve chosen to build something far more powerful: a brand rooted in authenticity, expertise, and community.

I’ve always believed that creating value is the cornerstone of success. For me, that means content creation, whether through speaking at conferences, engaging with my audience on X (formerly Twitter), or appearing on podcasts. I give my best insights without charging a dime. This commitment to providing value upfront—without asking for anything in return—has been a key factor in building trust with my audience and developing a network that is both engaged and loyal.

Hard work is the foundation of everything I’ve done. For the past 18 years, I’ve poured my energy into my craft, often working 16-hour days, with the belief that success isn’t about luck—it’s about persistence. It’s this relentless dedication that has set me apart on the global stage. I’ve lived and worked in some of the world’s most dynamic cities—Washington, D.C., New York City, and London—experiences that have shaped my outlook and connected me with exceptional people at the right time.

Building a personal brand isn’t easy. It takes time, sacrifice, and investment. I’ve poured countless hours into developing my website, and today, if you Google “digital marketing keynote speaker,” my site ranks #1. That ranking is a reflection of years of hard work, consistency, and an unwavering commitment to delivering valuable content to my audience.

Beyond personal achievements, I’ve also focused on giving back and shaping the next generation of entrepreneurs. I’ve mentored at Techstars, served as a judge for the Webby Awards, and sit on the advisory boards for the United States Artificial Intelligence Institute, Data Science Institute, and Cybersecurity Institute. These roles keep me at the forefront of innovation, while allowing me to contribute to the success of others.

Ultimately, my brand isn’t only about me—it’s also about the value I bring to the table, the relationships I build, and the impact I can make. Building a personal brand in a world where most professionals rely on traditional routes to success isn’t just a strategy; it’s a mindset shift. I’ve built something enduring, authentic, and unique—something that evolves alongside me. That’s the key to my success.

 

 

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As I reflect on my career, I feel an immense sense of gratitude for the incredible journey I have been on—one that has spanned over 15 years and taken me to the pinnacle of digital transformation, marketing, and business leadership. My story is a culmination of passion, continuous self-education, strategic thinking, and the resilience to overcome challenges and seize opportunities.

From the outset, I knew that my path would be rooted in the future of technology and how it could transform industries. As someone with a deep fascination for the intersection of digital transformation, innovation, and marketing, I sought out the most forward-thinking concepts and immersed myself in them. Over time, this curiosity turned into expertise, and what began as a personal interest evolved into a powerful career.

Today, I am proud to be recognized as one of the world’s top digital transformation and marketing influencers, thought leaders, advisors, futurists, and keynote speakers. However, the route to where I am today was far from easy. The tech and marketing landscapes are fast-moving and highly competitive. To stand out in such a crowded space, I knew I had to continuously adapt, grow, and build a reputation not only as a professional, but also as a visionary who could see beyond the present into the future.

When I started tweeting actively in 2014, I knew how transformative the platform would be for my career. Starting from scratch with zero followers, I quickly realized that building a meaningful presence on social media would require more than just posting updates—it would take passion, patience, communication, and gratitude. I approached every interaction with authenticity and a genuine desire to connect with people. I focused on sharing valuable insights, learning from others, and building relationships. Over the years, this approach allowed me to grow my following from a humble beginning to an impressive 57,000 followers by 2020.

In 2015, I took a significant step in my career by registering my domain at www.vladimerbotsvadze.com and launching my own website. At the time, it felt like a bold move—an investment in both my personal brand and my future. I knew that building a strong online presence would be essential, so I dedicated countless hours to designing a website that reflected my expertise and passion for marketing. The journey wasn’t easy. It took time, dedication, and a continuous reinvestment of my earnings back into the website year after year. But I understood that this was a long-term investment—one that would pay off as I grew my career and expanded my reach.

Over the years, my website, combined with the consistent engagement I fostered on Twitter, became the driving force behind my growth. Both have played critical roles in establishing my credibility and helping me connect with a global audience, ultimately positioning me as a recognized voice in marketing and digital transformation.

As I honed my voice and presence, the recognition started to follow. In 2015, I was named the No. 65 B2B Marketing Twitter Influencer by Onalytica, an early acknowledgment of my growing influence in the digital space. This was just the beginning. By 2017, I was included among the Top 100 Virtual Reality Influencers, a testament to how quickly the digital landscape was evolving and how deeply I was immersed in emerging technologies. In 2018, my focus on digital transformation further gained recognition when Onalytica named me one of the Top 100 Digital Transformation Influencers.

The real turning point came in 2019 when Thinkers360 ranked me as the No. 6 Global Thought Leader on Artificial Intelligence. This recognition solidified my role as a trusted voice in the intersection of AI, business strategy, and digital innovation. I was also named the No. 8 Global Digital Disruption Thought Leader by Thinkers360, a recognition that still fuels my passion for driving change. Additionally, I was ranked No. 14 Global Customer Experience Thought Leader and No. 14 Global Innovation Thought Leader by Thinkers360.

In 2020, I was named the №1 Global Marketing Thought Leader and №1 Global Supply Chain Thought Leader by Thinkers360—two honors that reinforced my standing as a trusted voice in both marketing and business operations. These awards represent the pinnacle of my career achievements, and as my visibility and credibility grew on the global stage, the recognition continued to expand and deepen.

In 2021, I had the honor of serving as a judge for the Digital Revolution Awards, where I evaluated nominations in categories like “Outstanding Contribution to the Microsoft Ecosystem” and “Tech Star of the Year.” That same year, I was fortunate to be a guest on the podcast of Irish Tech News, where I shared insights into the evolving landscape of business and technology.

I also joined the Pro-Motivate Speaker Bureau as a speaker, marking an exciting step in my speaking career. My thoughts and experiences were further highlighted in interviews with Natfluence and World Class Performer, where I had the chance to discuss my journey and the future of business. In addition to my speaking and media engagements, I became a mentor with the Mentoring Club, based in Germany, where I have the privilege of guiding emerging talent.

In 2022, I took part in the Take Off Istanbul Startup Summit, offering mentorship to startups and entrepreneurs striving to scale their businesses in a challenging global environment. One of the most fulfilling aspects of my career has been the opportunity to speak at some of the world’s most prestigious conferences and summits. I had the honor of speaking at the Global Marketing Summit where I was invited alongside Professor Philip Kotler, a moment that solidified my position as a thought leader in the industry.

Thinkers360 ranked me as the No. 16 Global AI Influencer in 2022. This ranking reflects not only my growing influence in the AI community but also my deep commitment to advancing AI knowledge and its applications in business, technology, and society. Alongside this accolade, I was privileged to join the advisory boards for the United States Artificial Intelligence Institute, the United States Data Science Institute, and the United States Cybersecurity Institute.

Recognition for my contributions continued to grow that year. Insight Success named me one of the Top 10 Inspiring Business Leaders Making a Difference in 2022, while Sparity recognized me as one of the Top 25 Digital Transformation Influencers. I was also included in Exeleon Magazine’s list of Top 30 Transformative Leaders to Follow. My work in retail was further validated when I joined the Advisory Council for RETHINK Retail, which listed me among the Top Retail Influencers.

Throughout the year, I had the privilege of being a guest on 20 global podcasts, including popular ones like the Powerful Marketers Podcast, Business Growth on Purpose, Next 100 Days, Agile Drop, American Marketing Association, Clicks and Bricks, and Business Power Hour, to name a few. These appearances allowed me to share my perspectives on marketing, leadership, and innovation with a global audience.

In 2023, I was ranked as the №5 Global Startup Thought Leader and №6 Global Digital Transformation Thought Leader by Thinkers360, solidifying my place as an influential force driving change in the startup ecosystem and the broader technology sector. In the same year, I also earned recognition as the №14 Global SportsTech Thought Leader, a space where I have been particularly passionate about integrating emerging technologies into sports.

I’ve been recognized not only for my thought leadership, but also for my ability to inspire and guide others. In 2023, I was named the №4 Internet Marketing Guru by Global Gurus, sharing the spotlight with well-known figures such as James Clear, Neil Patel, and Gary Vaynerchuk. This was a proud moment that spoke to the power of my voice in shaping marketing strategies for global brands.

I had the incredible honor of serving as a judge for the Gartner Marketing and Communications Awards in 2023. It was truly a privilege to have my expertise trusted by such a top brand in the industry. Reflecting on the experience, I take immense pride in contributing to the recognition of exceptional marketing and communications work. This collaboration was a highlight of the year.

My journey continued with more exciting milestones. I was interviewed in Edge, A Leader’s Magazine, which helped broaden the reach of my thoughts on leadership and digital transformation. I was also featured in RETHINK Retail’s blog post, “NYC’s Retail Wonderland: Top Store Picks from Top Retail Influencers,” sharing my insights into the retail sector. That year, Tycoon Success Magazine named me among the Top 10 Most Influential Business Leaders to Follow, and Exeleon Magazine included me in its list of 100 Dynamic Leaders of 2023.

In 2024, my commitment to advancing the future of artificial intelligence was acknowledged with a ranking as the №21 Global Generative AI Thought Leader by Thinkers360. Being recognized as one of the Top 51 Most Inspiring Global Thought Leaders in 2024 by the Motivational Speakers Agency, alongside individuals like Simon Sinek and Tony Robbins, was an incredible honor and a testament to the lasting impact my ideas have had on audiences worldwide.

Mentoring is a cause I am deeply passionate about. As a startup mentor at the UCLA Anderson Venture Accelerator, Techstars Founder Catalyst, and Techstars Detroit Powered by J.P. Morgan, I’ve had the opportunity to help young entrepreneurs bring their innovative ideas to life. My involvement with events and platforms like Take Off Istanbul and Abu Dhabi SME Hub has further deepened my commitment to empowering businesses and leaders in emerging markets.

I also serve as a judge for the Webby Awards and have become an associate member of the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS). Additionally, I was invited to judge the Lisbon International Advertising Festival in both 2022 and 2024, further contributing to the evolution of digital marketing and creative excellence.

I’ve been officially recognized as a Thinkers360 Top Voice 2024, as well as a Thinkers360 Top Voice for EMEA 2024. This recognition is a significant milestone in my career and a humbling acknowledgment of my work in artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and business strategy. Thinkers360, the leading platform for thought leadership recognition, celebrates influential voices across a wide range of sectors, and to be included among such esteemed industry leaders is both exciting and motivating.

Being named a Top Voice on a global scale, as well as specifically for the EMEA region, highlights the impact of my contributions to shaping the future of artificial intelligence. It reflects the innovative approaches I’ve explored in the digital transformation space and the ways I’ve sought to inspire professionals across industries. This recognition is only only a personal achievement, but also a testament to the dynamic, forward-thinking solutions that so many in the technology community are driving today.

In 2024, I have been named one of the World’s Official Top 21 Artificial Intelligence Speakers by the AI Speakers Agency, and I had the honor of sharing the distinction with Sam Altman, a figure whose work I deeply admire. The recognition as a Top 100 Marketing Speaker by Engage and my ranking as a Top 101 Global Twitter Influencer by Engati further validated my efforts and the influence of my work.

I was truly honored to be a speaker at Baku ID 2024, an event co-organized by SABAH.HUB and the Azerbaijan Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution Network of The World Economic Forum. During the panel discussion titled “AI Revolution: Overcoming Challenges and Seizing Opportunities in the Startup Ecosystem,” I had the privilege of sharing my insights on how startups can leverage artificial intelligence to drive innovation and navigate the fast-evolving landscape.

Drawing from my extensive experience, I offered actionable strategies that can give entrepreneurs a competitive edge and ensure long-term sustainability in their ventures. As a recognized AI thought leader, my participation in such a prestigious event not only deepened my commitment to advancing the tech space but also reinforced my role as a key influencer in the global technology community.

I’m proud to say that my LinkedIn profile is a reflection of years of dedication, continuous growth, and a commitment to professional excellence. With nearly 32,000 followers, I’ve built a vibrant network that spans across industries and geographies. My profile showcases 65 diverse work experiences, 64 licenses and certifications, and over 1,000 endorsements, which highlight the skills and expertise I’ve developed throughout my career.

I’m also humbled by the 41 recommendations I’ve received from colleagues and clients, and the 94 publications and 218 honors and awards that mark key milestones in my journey. These numbers not only reflect my accomplishments but also my passion for staying ahead in my field, sharing insights, and fostering meaningful connections.

As my career grew, so did my visibility in the media. I’ve been featured in renowned publications like Forbes, Bloomberg, Business Insider, and Wired, where I have shared my insights on everything from AI and digital transformation to the changing landscape of marketing. I’ve been interviewed by top-tier podcasts such as David Meltzer’s Office Hour and Claire Bahn’s Powerful Personal Brand podcast, further amplifying my voice as a thought leader.

My work and insights have not only resonated within the business community but also in the public sphere, where I have been interviewed in publications such as Voyage LA Magazine, SHOUTOUT LA Magazine, and CanvasRebel Magazine. Being featured on the cover of SME Business Review in 2024 as one of the ‘5 Influential Thought Leaders to Watch in 2024’ was a humbling acknowledgment of my ongoing contributions.

I’m excited to share that I’ve been featured in the January/February 2025 issue of SUCCESS Magazine. In this exclusive interview, I had the opportunity to share my thoughts on the future of marketing and personal branding, offering insights I believe are crucial for anyone looking to stay ahead in today’s rapidly changing digital landscape.

One of the key topics I discussed is what I believe 99% of marketers are missing when it comes to truly connecting with their audiences and adapting to the evolving nature of digital marketing. I dive into the personal brand revolution, which is reshaping the way businesses and individuals interact with consumers, and explain how traditional advertising models are no longer as effective as they once were.

While the accolades are rewarding, the path hasn’t been without its challenges. Early in my career, the fast-paced nature of the tech and marketing industries often felt overwhelming, and staying ahead of trends demanded constant self-education and reinvention. I’ve learned the importance of being adaptable and staying open to new ideas. Resilience has been key—when faced with setbacks, I’ve used those moments to refine my approach.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the power of long-term thinking. Success isn’t about quick wins but about consistently delivering value over time. I’ve always prioritized building meaningful relationships with clients, startups, and thought leaders. The goal has always been to create a lasting impact, not just immediate recognition.

As I continue to expand my influence and help top brands and startups navigate the digital landscape of tomorrow, my vision remains focused on driving innovation and fostering a deeper understanding of emerging technologies like AI, digital transformation, and cybersecurity. The work I do today will shape the future of industries for years to come, and I am committed to ensuring that my legacy is one of lasting positive change.

In the end, I want the world to know that I am driven by a passion for helping businesses succeed in an increasingly complex digital world. My journey has been shaped by a commitment to constant learning, resilience in the face of challenges, and a deep belief in the transformative power of technology. The future is full of possibilities, and I am excited to continue being part of it.

 

 

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting for a week, I’d craft an unforgettable itinerary in Tbilisi.

Day 1: Start at the Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi (Sameba) for breathtaking views. Enjoy Adjaruli Khachapuri for lunch. In the evening, explore Narikala Fortress for stunning sunset vistas.

Day 2: Visit Metekhi Church and stroll along the Mtkvari River. After lunch, relax at Rike Park and take a cable car to Mtatsminda Park for rides and panoramic city views.

Day 3: Spend the morning at the Dry Bridge flea market, hunting for unique souvenirs. For lunch, grab some Khinkali nearby, then wander through Old Tbilisi, stopping for coffee at a local café.

Day 4: Take a day trip to Kazbegi for incredible mountain scenery and hiking. Return for dinner at a traditional restaurant, sampling local wines and dishes.

Day 5: Visit the Tbilisi History Museum in the morning. After lunch, unwind at the Botanical Garden. In the evening, check out a wine bar for tastings.

Day 6: Enjoy a leisurely morning at Vake Park, followed by lunch at Parnas Cafe. In the evening, visit a local brewery for craft beer.

Day 7: Wrap up with brunch at Fabrika, then explore Rustaveli Avenue for shopping and culture before saying goodbye.

This itinerary showcases Tbilisi’s vibrant culture, history, and delicious cuisine!

 

 

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my parents, whose unwavering support and guidance have been the foundation of my journey. I’m also incredibly grateful to my friends and colleagues for their constant encouragement and belief in me. A huge thank you to my followers across social media—your support has kept me going. Finally, I’m thankful to everyone who has opened their doors to me—whether it was for a podcast, speaking engagement, or mentoring opportunities. I believe we are on this journey together, and I couldn’t have done it without your support.

Website: https://www.vladimerbotsvadze.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vladimerbotsvadze

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vladimerbotsvadze

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/vladobotsvadze

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vladimerbotsvadze

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@VladimerBotsvadzeProfessor

Other: Apply to my mentorship: https://mentorcruise.com/mentor/vladimerbotsvadze/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Image Credits
https://www.vladimerbotsvadze.com

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