In June 2004, my professional journey on LinkedIn began while I was working for a German online agency in the vibrant city of Barcelona. Back then, LinkedIn was relatively new, a promising platform in the vast and burgeoning landscape of social media. Who could have guessed that this platform would become an integral part of my professional life, enabling connections that would span the globe and profoundly impact my career?

LinkedIn is more than just a professional network; it was a gateway to a world of opportunities. From its inception, it allowed me to connect with over 15,000 professionals. These connections were not merely numbers; they were real people with whom I could network, exchange ideas, and foster collaborations. The platform became a conduit for landing jobs, closing deals, and sharing my passion for technology with a wider audience.

My LinkedIn journey wasn’t confined to one location. It followed me across various cities from Europe to America, each adding a unique chapter to my story. After Barcelona, I moved to Mallorca, where the picturesque island’s tranquility provided a stark contrast to the bustling tech scenes. Here, LinkedIn helped maintain my professional ties, ensuring I remained connected and relevant in the fast-paced digital world.

The next chapter took me to São Paulo, a city known for its dynamic energy and thriving business environment. In this sprawling metropolis, LinkedIn was instrumental in building new networks and exploring opportunities in one of the most exciting markets in Latin America. Whether it was connecting with local tech enthusiasts or engaging with global professionals, LinkedIn made these transitions seamless.

Then came Lisbon, a city that beautifully blends tradition with modernity. Here, LinkedIn played a crucial role in expanding my professional horizons, allowing me to engage with a diverse set of professionals and explore new ventures. The platform’s ability to transcend geographical boundaries was never more evident than during my time in Lisbon.

About five years after joining LinkedIn, a headhunter friend from Scotland posted a position in “Rio.” For some reason, I felt compelled to hit the send button and ask if he meant Rio De Janeiro. As soon as I did, I felt butterflies in my stomach. This could be a turning point in my life, and indeed, it was.

Years later, I met a young entrepreneur who was building a conversational commerce platform. While visiting family in Spain, we connected and exchanged ideas about his projects Yesir and Resolve, which was similar to what we built at the Movile/Apontador group.

Then there was the time I found a promising Scorpio influencer. Born on the same day as me, but a year later in Belarus, he later moved to the US and built an empire. Celebrating his birthday, his story is quite inspiring.

I also met a coach from my hometown, Bilbao. An expert in managing success, he is a fan of Athletic Club of Bilbao and recently became an actor and director of his first film, No Wolves No Lambs.

LinkedIn also opened doors to new learning opportunities. I discovered an AI course that profoundly impacted my understanding of artificial intelligence. The course by Andrew Ng on his platform DeepLearning.AI was a game-changer. Additionally, a fellow LinkedIn member shared his experience with an MIT AI course, which further inspired me to join and deepen my knowledge.

Beyond professional networking, LinkedIn also provided access to personal connections and educational courses that enriched my life in unexpected ways. It was through LinkedIn that I reconnected with old colleagues and friends and discovered new ones. The platform’s power to facilitate meaningful interactions cannot be overstated. It wasn’t just about professional growth; it was about building a community of like-minded individuals who shared my interests and passions.

As I reflect on this 20-year journey, I can’t help but acknowledge the pivotal role LinkedIn has played. It’s fascinating to see how the platform has evolved, continually adapting to the changing dynamics of the professional world. From its early days to its current status as a leading professional network, LinkedIn has been a constant companion in my career.

In the early 2000s, other platforms like Xing, Neurona, eConozco and I am sure others were also part of the professional networking landscape. However, over time, these platforms either merged or were acquired, underscoring LinkedIn’s dominant position in the market. For those interested in the evolution of professional networks, here’s an insightful document on Xing’s journey*.

Today, looking back over these 20 years, it’s clear that LinkedIn has made a significant difference in my professional and personal life. It’s been a tool for growth, a platform for innovation, and a space for connection and learning. As I continue to navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape, I am grateful for the doors LinkedIn has opened and the connections it has fostered.

Indeed, after two decades, I can confidently say, “I am definitely Linked In.” Here’s to many more years of growth, connection, and discovery.