The Visibility Architect: Building Personal Brands, Power Moves, and Visibility that Pays
By Nkem Offonabo & May Ikeora-Amamgbo
She is the business, the blueprint, and the bold face of African visibility.
Bukky George Taylor is not simply in the business of PR, she is the brand. Sharp minded, sharply dressed, and globally attuned, she is the kind of woman who walks into a room and recalibrates its energy. As the founder of Robert Taylor Media, Bukky has spent nearly two decades crafting identities, elevating brands, and turning executive potential into public presence, all with elegance and edge.
But Bukky’s story is far from predictable. From studying in Canada to redefining corporate storytelling in Nigeria, she has blended grit with grace at every turn.
Her firm is the only one in the country with a dedicated hospitality arm, and her client list reads like a red carpet.
Yet, what makes her unforgettable is not the logos behind her, it is the legacy she is building for women to stand out, speak up, and scale unapologetically.
Raising Women Magazine caught up with Dr Bukky to reflect on her remarkable journey so far, from her earliest PR lessons at her mother’s side, to rewriting the rules of personal branding, to building a career where visibility becomes a tool for wealth, wellness, and worth. The result? A conversation as vivid and masterful as the woman herself.
We are in a dynamic time where there’s a strong sense of pride in being African especially Nigerian. I always emphasize to international brands looking to enter this market that localization is not optional; it’s essential.”-Dr Bukky George-Taylor
Q. Your first agency, The Bobby Taylor Company, was born in Winnipeg, far from the African PR landscape you now influence. What inspired that leap, and how did relocating to Nigeria shape your trajectory?
A. The Bobby Taylor Company was a Public Relations Company founded and registered in 2007 in the province of Manitoba; 18 years later, that PR Agency has become a dynamic strategic communications agency servicing various sectors in Nigeria and across Africa.
It is a true testament that as you grow as an individual and as the world changes, you can carry your business along. It is one of the things that I love so much about Nigeria; that you can decide who you want to be and when you want to be, depending on your growth and depending on your trajectory.
With no regrets to this day, I took the leap and moved back to Nigeria because there was a demand. I had launched my agency in 2007 in Winnipeg and thanks to social media I enjoyed visibility even at home. I had also started receiving emails and enquiries from
Nigeria looking to partner and collaborate and the fact that I was not in Nigeria and had not built a presence, it was hard to close on those opportunities.
“Bukky, your name keeps coming up but you are not on ground” and this is what prompted me to visit Nigeria to study the landscape and see what the Communications industry was like.
I quickly realized that Nigeria is unlike any other market. It’s vast, dynamic, and shaped by a unique set of cultural and economic factors. I understood early on that strategies successful in foreign markets don’t always translate here, and adapting to that reality was key to making meaningful progress.
Moving back home shaped my trajectory in many ways. My relocation to Nigeria meant growth and vast experience from servicing various industries. After nearly two decades, the company has evolved from the Bobby Taylor Company, originally focused on the entertainment industry into Robert Taylor Media, a dynamic firm now serving a diverse range of corporate sectors, including hospitality and luxury lifestyle.
Q. Having been exposed to PR from a young age through your mother, how did that early influence shape your own storytelling style and professional values?
A. My mother Studied Theatre Arts at the University of Ibadan, after which she moved to the United States and got a Masters degree in Public Relations from Boston University. She then moved back to Nigeria, worked for grants advertising, before she became the Assistant General Manager of Marketing and PR for Nigeria Airways.
My mother is an Onitsha Woman and I’m a Yoruba girl; I was raised by a very strong Onitsha woman who had all these role in Nigeria Airways and had all these experiences with two young children in tow. This means I saw a lot.
I grew up watching media in my house, there were press in my house for meetings all the time and a lot of meetings were held at home with various personalities. I was there when my mom was planning the the strategic partnership with Nigeria Airways and the Super Eagles (USA 94).
I watched my mother on television. I read about her in the papers. I will never forget her running back home with a copy of Daily Times in her hands with a headline that read “Kiki George-Taylor, Nigeria Airways MD Woman.” I was proud and I wanted to be like her. Strategic Planning, detailed communications, problem solving, and a bit of lawyering and psychology became a part of me
I attended the University of Massachusetts in Amherst and in college I became very involved with quite a few organizations. Writing articles, organizing programs and more. I started doing things that was PR related, they were so natural to me that I didn’t identify them as Public Relations at the time because I was used to it.
My mom talks as though she’s telling a story, when she talks, you can literally draw a picture in your head and see what she’s saying and that’s because she was a fantastic storyteller, fantastic writer, and an amazing editor as well and being around all that definitely shaped the way I see and do things.
I’m literally my mother, she was a Director in my agency before she passed away, we talked about PR plans and strategies all the time. She was always super excited for me.
I am a testament of the fact that children pick up habits from their parents and so we must be conscious of the example we set for our children. I am blessed that I was able to honour her in the foreword of my book “Born to Stand Out”. And Yes, I am very much influenced by Nkiru Onyejekwe. I am Kiki’s daughter.
Q. You’ve worked with iconic brands like Disney, M.A.C, and Tom Ford. What’s your approach to translating global brand stories for African audiences and vice versa?
A. We are in a dynamic time where there’s a strong sense of pride in being African especially Nigerian. I always emphasize to international brands looking to enter this market that localization is not optional; it’s essential. You can’t expect to connect with Nigerian consumers using visuals or narratives that don’t reflect who we are. It simply won’t resonate.
Our culture, communication style, and how we engage with brands are unique. For a brand to truly resonate here, it needs adapt to our cultural nuances. Work with local talent, share local narratives and ensure your brand is relatable. The brands that succeed are the ones willing to adapt. For example, with Estée Lauder and M.A.C., we prioritized working with Nigerian makeup artists not just as ambassadors, but as storytellers. It was powerful to see campaigns shaped by local voices.
Cultural relevance isn’t just a box to tick anymore; it’s a trend that’s redefining global PR. There is a real shift toward campaigns that embrace local narratives, and it’s incredibly rewarding to be part of that. For any brand entering the Nigerian market, the key is to meet us where we are … with respect, with authenticity, and with a willingness to truly understand the landscape.
Q. How would Robert Taylor Media, help local brands excel outside of Nigeria?
A. At Robert Taylor Media, we help brands embrace being proudly Nigerian while operating at a global standard. There’s power in being deeply rooted in your identity yet capable of competing on the world stage.
We are in a time where the world is ready to experience Nigerian or African excellence, and I believe our brands are ready to step into that spotlight. My goal is to prepare local brands to tell their stories in a way that resonates globally without losing the essence of who they are. I’m a strong advocate for exporting our talent and culture.
The more we share what we do here with the world, the more
recognition and respect we gain for our creativity, innovation, and heritage. We work closely with brands to shape narratives that meet international standards while staying true to their Nigerian roots. I don’t believe our brands should ever compromise their identity, but they should absolutely be able to stand tall anywhere in the world.
Q. Through your broader work, you’ve become a go-to strategist for visibility. How do you guide clients (especially women) to embrace their authenticity without apology?
A. This is exactly why personal branding exists. I often refer to it as Executive Profiling. I work with many women to help them craft and own their personal brands. In this market, even if you run the most successful business, people will still ask, “Who is behind it?”
That is why personal branding is crucial. It affirms identity and establishes authority. It positions individuals as thought leaders within their industries.
There is a common misconception that personal branding is only for entrepreneurs. In reality, it is just as essential for career professionals. Whether through professional or personal development, branding yourself can be the gateway to your next promotion, leadership role, or career pivot. It is about visibility, value, and voice.
My agency specialises in helping individuals uncover and articulate who they truly are. This is what I do, and I am especially passionate about supporting women. I have an incredible network of seasoned professionals, and many of them are women who simply needed the right tools to step forward.
What people often overlook is the profitability of personal branding. I have clients who are now hosting masterclasses, publishing books, consulting, and even securing government contracts, all because they learned to tell their story powerfully. People are willing to pay for wisdom, for experience, for credibility. And for me, authenticity is non-negotiable. Every client I work with has at least ten years of experience in their field. There is no substitute for that level of insight. This is not just branding, it is a thriving industry and a serious business.
Q. How does someone who is muti-talented position their personal brand?
A. I always say, if you are known for everything, you will end up being known for nothing. For those who run multiple ventures, I advise embracing the title of Serial Entrepreneur. In this case, you are not selling one specific brand, you are positioning your -self as the entrepreneur who has built several businesses and manages multiple streams of income. That approach is far more coherent than jumping between different titles, saying, for example, “I am a hairstylist today” and “a photographer tomorrow.”
It all comes down to how you frame your identity. If you have diverse interests or enterprises, you need a crown that brings them all together. That overarching identity gives your personal brand structure. When I present my own brand, I focus on entrepreneurship, on my journey through different sectors, on building and managing teams, and on how I contribute meaningfully across industries. That becomes the narrative, not the list of businesses, but the story of the woman behind them.
Q. ‘Born To Stand Out’ offers readers a blueprint for personal branding. What inspired you to write it, and what do you hope young African women in media, business, and leadership will take away from its pages?
A: Born To Stand Out was born out of demand. I was receiving
constant enquiries about personal branding, often four or five every week, and it became clear that I could not respond to everyone individually. Writing the book allowed me to answer those questions at scale. It was a practical way to share what I know and reach more people with valuable insight.
Now, the book is evolving into something bigger. A Born To Stand Out full day workshop and conference on personal branding. This allows me to serve more people in one space. It feels like a meaningful way to give back, especially because personal branding can be an expensive journey. Through the conference, more women will have access to quality learning at a cost they can afford. That accessibility is important to me.
“Born To Stand Out was born out of demand. … Writing the book allowed me to answer … at scale. It was a practical way to share what I know and reach more people with valuable insight.” Dr Bukky George-Taylor
“I am a testament of the fact that children pick up habits from their parents and so we must be conscious of the example we set for our children. I am blessed that I was able to honour my mother in the foreword of my book “Born to Stand Out”. And Yes, I am very much influenced by Nkiru Onyejekwe. I am Kiki’s daughter.” Dr Bukky George-Taylor
It is rewarding to see how well the book has performed. Interestingly, I discovered that a significant portion of my readers were African American women. However, I believe the in-person format of the conference will resonate more deeply with Nigerians because it is practical, immersive, and hands-on rather than virtual. That is what excites me! bringing the message home in a more impactful way.
Q. Representation matters. How have you used your platforms to challenge beauty standards, media bias, or industry gatekeeping, especially for African women?
A. I believe it took turning forty for me to truly come into my own. There is something transformative about becoming self-aware. With that awareness comes confidence, clarity, and the understanding that you owe it to yourself to be authentic. Living in Lagos also teaches you quickly.
It teaches you that survival is a skill. You learn that the people around you shape who you are. You learn that no one can validate your beauty except you. If no one is clapping, you clap for yourself and keep going. When you fall, you get up. These are lessons you gather with time and experience.
For me, it was through maturity and lived experience that I became unapologetically who I am today. That is why I value experience so highly , it is the greatest teacher. If you look at my social media platforms, you will see a space curated for celebration. I make a conscious effort to feed myself with positivity. I set my algorithm intentionally. If a post is toxic or unproductive, I unfollow. Our digital environments affect our mental health, so I protect mine by following people who uplift and inspire.
When it comes to beauty standards and bias, I often ask , who sets these standards? Who are they? What are their names? Can we challenge them? Most of the time, we cannot even identify them, so why let them define us?
I encourage people to believe in themselves and appreciate their individuality. We are all beautiful, and we are capable of anything we choose to pursue.
Perhaps I feel this way because I am older, more confident, and financially grounded. My life has been a journey, and for those who have followed it, they know it has been a deeply authentic one. I have worked hard to be where I am. Any support I received came from family, good friends, and a few industry allies who believed in me.
On media bias and gatekeeping , again, I ask, who made the rules? I believe women are here to challenge norms. After losing my mother, I became even more aware that life is fleeting. So, you must do what brings you joy, what is fulfilling, and what uplifts others.
This is also why I am so passionate about personal branding. If you have spent years building a career, if you have learned through highs and lows, then you should be ready to share that. Gatekeeping, in my opinion, signals a lack of success. If you are truly doing well, you will not be afraid to share knowledge. You are confident in your own lane.
I try to lead by example , through the content I share, the way I live
my life, and the values I stand for. I hope people see that it is possible to shape your own story. You do not have to wait for others to define who you are. I have rebranded myself countless times, and Nigeria has embraced me each time. That is the power of living authentically. You tell the world who you are , not the other way around.
Q. If you were writing a letter to your younger self when she first landed in Winnipeg or stepped into her first boardroom, what would you say? And what would you want other rising women to hear from that message?
A. If I were to write a letter to my younger self, I would begin with this, do not be hard on yourself. Trust the process. Life is a journey, not a race. Do not look for shortcuts. Do not seek the easiest or fastest way out. Every experience, every challenge, every delay, is part of the plan. Whether you believe in God, the universe, or something else entirely, trust that those moments are shaping you for where you are meant to go.
There is no manual for this. I have seen people rise overnight and
collapse just as quickly. It is not about quick wins, it is about staying power. Even now, when setbacks come, I ask myself , what is the lesson? What am I meant to learn here? I reflect, I take the lesson, and I go back. That is how I move. I do not give up. I recalibrate and I keep going.
That is what I would say to any young woman stepping into new spaces , do not rush your growth. Embrace every step. What you are going through now is preparing you to become someone remarkable. Trust that. Honour that. And most of all, give yourself
grace while you are at it.
Q. What new and exciting things should we look out for in the work you are doing at the moment?
A. One of the key areas to watch is my increased focus on the corporate space. There will be more collaborations with brands, more personal brands being developed, and several upcoming conferences. I am planning to host a series of masterclasses and workshops because I recognise that I cannot serve everyone directly. What I can do, however, is provide a blueprint that others can learn from and apply.
These events will be open to fellow PR agencies, younger executives, and anyone looking to build their capacity. That, for me, is truly exciting , creating an environment where knowledge is shared and multiplied. The upcoming conference is titled Born To Stand Out, just like my book.
I am also working on a new book, which will focus on monetising your personal brand. It is one thing to build visibility, but if it does not generate income, it can become unsustainable. As we all know, building anything worthwhile requires resources. This new book will help people understand how to turn their personal brands into valuable, income-generating assets that can sustain and grow their impact.
Q. So as a closing reflection, what message, mantra or mindset would you offer to women everywhere in the world on how to honor their worth, build meaningful wealth and safeguard their overall wellbeing?
A. I would encourage every woman to view her life as a garden, and to decide just how beautiful she wants that garden to be. A beautiful garden does not happen by chance. It requires intention, nurturing, and care. You have to plant the seeds that will bloom , whether that means investing in your education, seeking therapy, taking time to reflect, or intentionally building yourself up.
Do what you need to do to create a life that feels whole and fulfilling. Because if you do not water your garden, if you do not sow anything into it, then nothing will grow. The beauty of your life depends on the care you give it. Sow into yourself deliberately, and watch what blossoms from that commitment.
