Meet Amanda Nielsen | Founder & Advisor

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

Hi Amanda, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

The story behind Thot Leader Labs reflects my personal journey—a mix of navigating the highs and lows of startup culture and the tech industry. It’s about facing moments of disillusionment head-on while holding onto a steadfast belief in carving out a space where authenticity and empowerment thrive.

Early on, I found myself duped by the trappings of startup culture—free beer, ping pong, and beanbag chairs—only to be confronted by the harsh realities of the industry. Through the lens of social media, I coped with this disillusionment using snark, humor, and unapologetic authenticity—what some might call thought leadership.

As I openly shared my experiences, I discovered a global community of individuals who resonated with my journey, forming a camaraderie of burnout victims and cynics alike. Their encouragement led to the birth of Thot Leader Labs—a platform where relatable quips find a home on shirts, and where my voice is amplified as a beacon of resilience and authenticity.

The name “Thot Leader” serves as a reclamation of a derogatory term hurled at me during my early career, symbolizing my defiance against the constraints imposed by societal norms. It’s an homage to the formative experiences I faced as a young woman navigating the tech industry.

For those taken aback by the term “thot,” I urge understanding of its context—a reclaiming of a derogatory term as a means of empowerment, akin to Gen Z’s embrace of “bad bitch” or the LGBTQ+ community’s reclamation of “queer.” My journey with this word began as a 21-year-old, subjected to unwarranted ridicule in the workplace solely based on my gender and age.

“Thot Leader” isn’t just a play on words; it’s a deliberate challenge to the conventional notion of thought leadership, often adorned with clickbait-y posts and empty rhetoric. It’s a celebration of authenticity, resilience, and the power of reclaiming one’s narrative.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Thot Leader Labs is a unique blend of an e-commerce store and advisory service, serving as a hub for all my entrepreneurial endeavors. From branded merchandise to sponsored content, advisory work, and speaking engagements, everything flows through this business.

My journey with Thot Leader Labs began during my active days on Twitter, where I used the platform as an outlet for edgy, snarky commentary that didn’t quite fit the professional tone of LinkedIn. Surprisingly, my tweets struck a chord with many others in the industry, garnering viral attention and engagement. As requests poured in to put my witty remarks on T-shirts, I took the leap, and to my delight, people bought them. Thus, Thot Leader Labs was born.

What sets Thot Leader Labs apart is its distinctiveness within the B2B tech industry niche. While many creators use humor in their content, I’ve carved out a unique space with a successful blend of humor, authenticity, and physical media.

To my knowledge, there’s nothing quite like it in the industry.

Moreover, as one of the first members of Gen Z to enter the workforce, my perspective brings a fresh and innovative approach to the industry landscape.

Balancing Thot Leader Labs alongside my thriving career in partnerships within the tech sector has been a fulfilling journey. It’s a passion project that I dive into whenever inspiration strikes. Despite its passive management, the business has flourished solely through word-of-mouth and organic user-generated content.

Along the way, I’ve learned valuable lessons about the power of authenticity and staying true to my unique voice. I’ve discovered that success often stems from embracing what sets you apart and fearlessly pursuing your passions.

Ultimately, I want the world to know that Thot Leader Labs is more than just a business—it’s a testament to the power of authenticity and resilience in carving out your own path. It’s a reminder that success can come from embracing your uniqueness and fearlessly pursuing your passions.

I’m a testament to the fact that you don’t have to fit the mold of the average ‘thought leader’ to make a name for yourself. You don’t have to dull down your humor and creativity to make people comfortable; in fact, people appreciate the edginess. Through embracing my authentic self and cultivating a stronger personal brand, I’ve not only attracted more opportunities but also fostered a deeper connection with my audience. Despite facing harassment and experiencing scary situations as a result of being so publicly opinionated online, I’ve learned and grown from these challenges, ultimately strengthening my resolve and fostering an even stronger community around me.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my bestie came to visit, here’s what we’d do”

Spring Skiing at Copper Mountain: We’d hit the slopes in shorts and tees, enjoying the relaxed vibe and apres ski.

Concert at Red Rocks: We’d catch some live music at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre.

Rockies Game: We’d watch the Rockies lose while indulging in some elk jalpeno bratwurst.

Pearl Street Farmers Market: We’d explore the market for some local flavors and artisanal goodies.

Solidcore Class and Smoothies at Campo Juice: : I’d introduce them to a Solidcore class, a hardcore workout that always leaves me feeling pumped. Afterward, we’d head to Campo Juice for some refreshing smoothies to refuel.

Hiking in Estes Park and the Stanley Hotel: We’d spend time exploring the foothills and enjoying the outdoors, taking in the natural beauty and a little spooky charm.

Must go-to restaurants include My Neighbor Felix for nachos and margs, Denver Biscuit Co for breakfast, Sushi Den for their bincho roll, Happy Camper for fun drinks and vibes.

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 give a big shoutout to my professional network and all the amazing individuals who’ve been a source of encouragement throughout my journey, especially on social media. Whether it’s those who’ve reached out with kind messages in my DMs, expressing their appreciation for my vulnerability and authenticity, or those who’ve checked in on me during tough times of online harassment, their support has truly been a lifeline.

I’m incredibly grateful for everyone who engages with my content and contributes to the ongoing discourse. Their active participation not only fuels meaningful conversations but also creates a sense of community that’s incredibly inspiring.

And of course, a special thank you goes out to the patrons of Thot Leader Labs. Their unwavering support and enthusiastic word-of-mouth advocacy have been instrumental in the growth and success of the business. Without them, Thot Leader Labs wouldn’t be where it is today.

Website: thotleaderlabs.com

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

Twitter: @very_demanda

Other: amanda@thotleaderlabs.com