Tell me a bit about your writing journey. When did you start?
My writing journey began several years ago when I founded *Storified.me*, a storytelling startup that allowed me to explore the power of narratives.
However, over the last four years, I have put my writing on hold, focusing on other ventures and responsibilities.
In January 2024, thanks to Niharika Kaur Sodhi's Summit 21 (this course is now discontinued as I run Authentic Influence), I found a renewed passion for writing.
Her push reignited my love for storytelling, and since then, I’ve written extensively, particularly about my grandmother’s illness and my personal journey. Writing has once again become a therapeutic and meaningful outlet for me.
When did you start on LinkedIn? What were your initial challenges?
I started using LinkedIn more actively around January 2024, when I began writing again.
Initially, navigating the platform’s professional tone and audience felt a bit daunting, especially since I had been out of the writing scene for the last four years.
My biggest challenge was finding my voice in a space that often prioritises corporate speak over personal storytelling. However, as I began sharing my journey, particularly around my grandmother’s illness and my experience with Tracker.Health, I found that people resonated with authenticity.
Another challenge was understanding LinkedIn’s algorithms and how to build engagement. But with time, consistency, and learning how to leverage tools like Sales Navigator, I was able to grow my presence and make meaningful connections.
What helped you improve your LinkedIn game?
What really helped me improve my LinkedIn game was attending Summit 21 with Niharikaa Kaur Sodhi in January 2024 (this course is now discontinued as I run Authentic Influence). Niharika’s insights on building an authentic online presence were a game-changer for me. Her emphasis on using LinkedIn as a professional networking tool and a platform for sharing genuine, impactful stories made all the difference.
After Summit 21, I started focusing on writing more openly about my personal experiences, like my grandmother’s illness and my journey with Tracker.Health. That shift in approach—combining storytelling with professional updates—created deeper engagement with my network. Additionally, Niharika encouraged consistency and being proactive in forming connections, which helped me build strong relationships online.
Is there something you thought would work but it didn't?
Initially, I believed that focusing solely on professional, polished updates and promotional content about Tracker.Health would be the key to building my presence on LinkedIn. I expected that highlighting achievements, product features, or industry insights would automatically attract engagement. However, that approach didn’t work as I hoped.
The posts felt too formal and didn’t resonate with the audience, leading to minimal interaction and connections.
What didn’t work was trying to maintain a purely business-focused tone, thinking that LinkedIn required a more corporate and less personal approach.
How did Summit 21 help you?
Summit 21 (this course is now discontinued as I run Authentic Influence) in January 2024 was a turning point for me.
Niharika Kaur Sodhi’s guidance during the event helped me rethink how I approached online platforms, especially LinkedIn. Before S21, I struggled to balance being professional and authentic, often leaning towards a more formal tone.
Niharika emphasised the power of storytelling and vulnerability, which clicked for me. Her insights encouraged me to open up about my personal experiences, including the challenges I faced with my grandmother’s illness and the journey of building Tracker.Health. She also highlighted the importance of consistency and genuine engagement, which pushed me to be more active and thoughtful with my posts.
Summit 21 gave me the confidence to share more than just business updates. It helped me understand that people connect with stories and emotions. Inspired by Niharika’s advice, this shift has completely transformed how I use LinkedIn, leading to deeper connections and a stronger online presence.
How has writing on LinkedIn changed things for you?
Writing on LinkedIn has been a transformative experience for me, personally and professionally. When I started writing seriously in January 2024, encouraged by Niharika’s Summit 21, I had no idea how much it would change things.
Opening up about my journey, my grandmother’s illness, and my work with Tracker.Health helped me connect with a broader audience, leading to incredible opportunities.
One significant change came when my active presence on LinkedIn helped me connect with the Techscaler Team, an initiative by the Scottish Government. This connection came directly through my consistent engagement and storytelling on the platform. I eventually learned about the Singapore cohort through this network and applied, and to my surprise, I was accepted into the program. Being part of Techscaler’s Singapore cohort has been a massive milestone for Tracker.Health and for me.
Writing on LinkedIn has shown me the real power of authentic connections and how sharing my experiences can open doors I hadn’t imagined. It’s not just about professional growth; it’s about building a community around the values and vision I care about.
What is a piece of advice you'll give to someone who's getting serious about starting their LinkedIn journey?
If you’re getting serious about starting your LinkedIn journey, my advice would be to lead with authenticity and consistency. LinkedIn is a platform where people connect with stories, not just resumes or polished updates. Don’t be afraid to share your personal journey—the highs, the lows, and everything in between. People appreciate vulnerability and realness, especially when they’re paired with valuable insights.
Start by posting regularly, even if it initially feels a bit uncomfortable. Find your voice and talk about what you’re passionate about, whether it’s your professional achievements or personal challenges that have shaped you. Engaging genuinely with others is essential—commenting on posts, building relationships, and offering support whenever you can.
Remember, your journey doesn’t have to be perfect, and that’s okay. It’s the honesty and consistency in your efforts that will resonate most.
Above all, trust the process—opportunities can come from the most unexpected places, just as they did for me when writing led me to the Techscaler and Singapore cohort. Keep putting yourself out there, and the right connections will follow.
PS: Connect with Aakanksha here and read the article that covered her here.