Nicky Verd

Nicky Verd lives to make an impact. She is a dynamic author and digital futurist dedicated to helping organizations and individuals navigate disruption and thrive in an AI-powered economy.
As an international keynote speaker and the author of the acclaimed book Disrupt Yourself Or Be Disrupted, Nicky is a leading voice on driving innovation and digital transformation through culture. She is Africa’s most sought-after technology speaker, a thought leader on digital transformation, and a champion for those who dare to disrupt the status quo.
Nicky is also a seasoned conference moderator and corporate MC, specializing in topics like tech, digital disruption, the future of work, AI, future skills, startups, entrepreneurship, and more.
Nicky’s journey is one of resilience and reinvention. After being laid off from a job she cherished, she hit rock bottom but rose back up, reinvented herself, and now empowers others to disrupt themselves before someone else does. From relying on food parcels to being recognized by Thinkers360 as one of the top 50 global thought leaders on digital disruption and the future of work, Nicky’s story is an inspiring testament to the power of self-transformation.
Based in Johannesburg, South Africa, Nicky is passionate about igniting human potential in the age of artificial intelligence. Her book bridges the gap between everyday people and technology, offering a glimpse into how emerging technologies impact the workplace and life in general.
Nicky’s message is clear: don’t fight technology; embrace it and become part of the revolution. The age of AI is here, creating a demand for new skills and competencies. Disrupt Yourself Or Be Disrupted is a tool to equip and empower people for technological shifts and disruptions. As she often says, “You cannot fight a battle you don’t understand.”
Nicky Verd is on a mission to help organizations, C-suite executives, and governments in Africa embrace human-centric digital transformation and unlock the full potential of their teams in an AI-powered economy.