Branding Room Only with Paula T. Edgar (Paula T. Edgar)
Explorez tous les épisodes de Branding Room Only with Paula T. Edgar
| Date | Titre | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02 May 2023 | Branding Room Only Interview with Precious L. Williams: Life's a Pitch | 00:49:23 | |
Precious L. Williams, aka the Pitch Queen, is a respected coach, speaker, and best-selling author. As the Founder and CEO of Perfect Pitches by Precious, LLC, she teaches professionals how to sell with storytelling and develop the proper mindset for communication. Precious is a 13-time national elevator pitch champion who has appeared on ABC's Shark Tank, CNN, Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and Black Enterprise Magazine. In addition to helping women entrepreneurs and business leaders, Precious also works with sales trainers, where she helps sales teams develop killer communication skills, craft messaging, and build effective sales programs. Her impressive list of clients includes top-tier brands such as BMW, Microsoft, LinkedIn, Google, NBC, and Harvard University, among others. In this episode…The ability to pitch effectively is a crucial skill for any executive, as it allows them to synthesize information and present it engagingly and attractively. While it is often associated with official business pitches, personal pitches are equally important. Effectively conveying your brand is a factor that separates successful individuals from those who are struggling to get started. So what do you need to know to pitch your brand effectively? In this episode of Branding Room Only, Paula Edgar speaks with Precious L. Williams about pitching and developing a personal brand. They discuss Precious’ personal story and how she defines herself. The two also dive into supporting other women, taking feedback, expressing gratitude, overcoming obstacles, and more. | |||
| 07 Nov 2023 | Personal Branding Bruisers: Paula's Professional Pet Peeves | 00:21:54 | |
Paula T. Edgar is an attorney, speaker, and CEO of PGE Consulting Group LLC, a strategy firm specializing in professional development and diversity, equity, and inclusion solutions for organizations. She is an expert in personal branding, leadership, networking, leveraging social media, and business development. In the last year, Paula delivered keynote speeches and facilitated workshops for over 10,000 attendees. Paula has written for and been featured in publications such as the New York Times, Bloomberg Law, Business Insider, and US News. For show notes and more information, visit paulaedgar.com/podcast. In this episode…Personal branding is just as much about the minute decisions as the larger ones. Small details can add up to a complete picture, displaying yourself as composed and reliable. However, these specifics are often overlooked or only observable to people on the outside. Paula Edgar has worked with countless people on their brands and has developed a list of these common oversights. In response, she has some easy tips to make sure you appear your very best. In this episode of Branding Room Only, Paula Edgar breaks down her personal branding pet peeves and how to avoid them. She explains the common issues with calendars, introductions, nametags, group chats, and much more. She also talks about communicating if you will be late and the inarguable value of proofreading. | |||
| 19 Dec 2023 | Branding Room Only Special Episode: Reflections on Receiving a 2023 Council of Urban Professionals (CUP) Law Catalyst Award | 00:09:46 | |
Paula T. Edgar is an attorney, speaker, and CEO of PGE Consulting Group LLC, a strategy firm specializing in professional development and diversity, equity, and inclusion solutions for organizations. She is an expert in personal branding, leadership, networking, leveraging social media, and business development. In the last year, Paula delivered keynote speeches and facilitated workshops for over 10,000 attendees. Paula has written for and been featured in publications such as the New York Times, Bloomberg Law, Business Insider, and US News. For show notes and more information, visit paulaedgar.com/podcast. In this episode…The most valuable difference-makers can catalyze and magnify the lives in their communities. These individuals refuse to settle for the status quo and enable radical change for themselves and others. Paula T. Edgar was recognized within one of her affiliate organizations for consistently embodying this transformative work throughout her career. In this special episode of Branding Room Only, Paula Edgar reflects on receiving the 2023 Law Catalyst Award from the Council of Urban Professionals (CUP). She discusses what it means to be a catalyst, how she helps and receives support, and she shout-outs the people who made this award possible and continue to support her in being a change agent in the legal profession. | |||
| 18 Apr 2023 | Branding Room Only Interview With Stefanie Marrone: Loving LinkedIn | 00:34:25 | |
Stefanie Marrone is a legal marketer who has served law firms of all sizes and various B2C and B2B companies. With nearly 20 years of experience in legal marketing, she has worked for renowned firms such as Sullivan & Cromwell and Morrison & Foerster. Stefanie not only runs a successful blog, The Social Media Butterfly, where she discusses current issues affecting lawyers and legal marketers, but she is also a frequent conference and webinar speaker on social media and marketing-related topics. In this episode…LinkedIn is far more than a necessary evil. Many professionals will set up a LinkedIn profile and fail to cultivate connections or promote themselves. However, the platform can be a powerful tool, especially for personal branding. Even small changes can make massive improvements. Stefanie Marrone knows this better than most. She was an early adopter of LinkedIn and has used it as a powerful vehicle to establish her brand. This has led to a fruitful career as a consultant and now as a Director of Business Development at a successful law firm. She is dedicated to sharing her experience with others and now wants to share her thoughts with you. In this episode of Branding Room Only, Paul Edgar speaks with Stefanie Marrone, to talk about using LinkedIn for personal branding. They touch on the biggest mistakes and tips of branding, how Stefanie uses LinkedIn, and how to utilize your time. | |||
| 11 Apr 2023 | Branding Room Only Interview With Damien Atkins: The Aura of a Leader | 00:42:59 | |
Damien Atkins is an accomplished business and legal executive who works in mergers and acquisitions, securities regulation, government investigations, and privacy matters. He is the Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel of Aura, an identity protection company dedicated to creating a safer internet. Before joining Aura, Damien served as the Senior Vice President and General Counsel at The Hershey Company and as General Counsel at Panasonic USA. With a distinguished career spanning nearly 25 years, Damien has successfully guided clients through complex and sensitive matters. His outstanding legal acumen and strategic thinking have earned him a reputation as a trusted advisor in his field. In this episode…Your brand is the foundation of your leadership. The way people perceive you will ultimately dictate how they follow you. However, most leaders become so caught up in their work that they lose sight of what makes them unique. So how do you put forth the right image as a leader? Damien Atkins is an accomplished legal executive, having worked with respected brands like Hershey and Panasonic. His approach to branding has developed over more than two decades, helping him hone in on his best attributes. Now he shares some of his best advice with us. In this episode of Branding Room Only, Paula Edgar speaks with Damien Atkins, Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel at Aura, to break down his branding and how it applies to leaders. They go through his career, what he has learned from others and the importance of context. The two also dive into the best and worst practices for personal branding. By the end of this episode, you will learn how branding and leadership intersect to create a compelling personal brand that resonates with your audience. | |||
| 19 Sep 2023 | Connecting, Championing, and Making Change | 00:53:14 | |
Conway Ekpo is a former Wall Street lawyer who now thrives in the fintech industry as the Director and Associate General Counsel of Product for fintech startup Brex. He is also an advisor and investor in several minority-owned fintech startups. Conway is the founder of the Black Big Law Pipeline and several other initiatives focused on empowering Black lawyers in the legal profession. His professional experience includes Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley, and other firms. For show notes and more information, visit paulaedgar.com/podcast. In this episode…Many professionals are solely focused on achieving greater and greater levels of success. Their accomplishments and pride are staked on status, wealth, and influence. These things are all valuable, but established leaders can strive for them. Giving back to the community and helping those in need are privileges of those in leadership. With more resources and connections, established figures are in a prime position to give back. Leaders can be defined and celebrated for their work outside of the office. We can learn from the example of professionals how they fold these concepts into their brands. In this episode of Branding Room Only, Paula T. Edgar sits down with Conway Ekpo, the Director and Associate General Counsel of Product at Brex, to discuss how he elevates and champions others. They discuss the dangers of ego, defining yourself by selflessness, and the underrated tenets of leadership. They also discuss Conway’s career, highlighting some of his distinctive qualities and the elements that contribute to his brand. | |||
| 04 Apr 2023 | Branding Room Only Interview With Sonya Olds Som: Only Connect | 00:50:58 | |
Sonya Olds Som is the Global Managing Partner at Diversified Search Group, a leading executive search firm. As the leader of the group's Legal, Risk, Compliance & Government Affairs practice, she leads searches for C-Suite and board members with compliance expertise across industries. Sonya is a member of several significant organizations, including the American Bar Association, National Bar Association, Hispanic National Bar Association, Metropolitan Black Bar Association, and the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association. She is a visionary leader committed to creating a more inclusive and equitable future for organizations across industries. In this episode…The legal profession often fills with people who are laser-focused on their practice at the cost of personal branding. It is not until much later that they realize their mistake, missing out on valuable time they could have spent building their brand. The other common mistake is a lack of authenticity. This combination can lead to underdeveloped, uniform legal professionals that fail to stand out. Sonya Olds Som is an experienced attorney who works with multiple organizations and search firms. Her work brings her into contact with budding legal professionals and established veterans. It gave her a unique personal brand and a keen perspective on how to develop others as well. Let's dive into Sonya's valuable insights on personal branding and the legal industry. In this episode of Branding Room Only, Paula Edgar sits down with Sonya Olds Som, a Global Managing Partner at Diversified Search Group, to discuss personal branding and the legal profession. They touch on common mistakes many people make and why business development is important for servicing attorneys. Sonya also talked about the crucial dos and don’ts of networking and brand development, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and one element that should never be compromised. | |||
| 25 Apr 2023 | Branding Room Only Interview With Megan Belcher: Multiplying and Making It Happen | 00:46:47 | |
Megan Belcher is an accomplished business function and law department leader with expertise in compliance, regulation, litigation, and communications. Currently serving as Chief Legal & External Affairs Officer and Corporate Secretary at Scoular, Megan leads Legal, Brand Marketing & Corporate Communications, and sustainability and ESG functions. Before Scoular, she was a partner at Husch Blackwell and Vice President & Chief Counsel - Employment Law and Compliance at Conagra Brands for nine years. Megan is a dedicated leader who brings together diverse teams to make a positive impact on organizations and communities, embodying a "make it happen" approach to all aspects of her life. She is passionate about facilitating pathways for women in the legal profession and serves as a coach to aspiring female leaders. In this episode…Reliability and results are among the most valuable attributes of a personal brand. Being a known figure with proven success enables others to trust you, and investing in yourself by building a personal brand pays untold dividends in the long term. However, simply being dependable and a hard worker is not sufficient. Your branding also plays an integral role in building a strong personal brand. Megan Belcher is an established legal professional, a proven leader, and a mentor for many young attorneys. She has developed her brand centered around reliability and helps younger professionals do the same. Want to know how to establish yourself as a trustworthy professional? Take a cue from Megan's branding strategy. Paula Edgar invites Megan Belcher, Chief Legal & External Affairs Officer at Scoular, on this episode of Branding Room Only to talk about building personal brands and mentoring others. The two discuss how to be a culture creator by being reliable, making things happen, and building relationships. They also touch on common mistakes that young professionals make and how Megan is helping women in agriculture and the legal space. | |||
| 31 Oct 2023 | Branding Room Only Interview With Michelle Banks: Building Community and Empowering Women Lawyers | 00:36:21 | |
Michelle Banks is a Senior Advisor and Executive Coach for BarkerGilmore, a boutique executive firm focusing on legal and compliance recruiting, executive search, coaching, and advising. As a former general counsel, she facilitates leadership development and support by coaching general counsels, delivering keynote speeches, and leading workshops. Michelle is a co-author of Women in Law: Discovering the True Meaning of Success and is a board member on several initiatives that support women in the legal profession. For show notes and more information, visit paulaedgar.com/podcast. In this episode…Building a community as a lawyer or business professional is an invaluable resource. While the fruits of your labor may not be visible initially, the long-term dividends are well worth the effort. If executed effectively, the people around you will reflect and amplify your personal brand. As a coach working with women general counsels, Michelle Banks has cultivated an impactful brand. Her advice is to build a strong network organically and find likeminded people who share your vision. She has used this approach to support and strengthen women practicing law. Learn her tips for those looking to create widespread, meaningful change. In this episode of Branding Room Only, Paula Edgar talks with Michelle Banks, Senior Advisor and Executive Coach for BarkerGilmore, to discuss community building and inclusion for lawyers. They break down helpful tips, do’s and don’ts, and examples of how to build a personal brand and a strong professional relationships | |||
| 05 Dec 2023 | Branding Room Only Interview With Laurie Robinson Haden: Shining Brightly - Part 2 | 00:34:29 | |
Laurie Robinson Haden is an accomplished corporate attorney and leader with extensive experience advocating for diversity and inclusion in the legal profession. She is the Founder and CEO of Corporate Counsel Women of Color (CCWC)—and the author of It's Time To Shine: A Guide For Professionals of Color on How to Advance Their Career. Recognized by Savoy magazine as one of the country’s "Most Influential Black Lawyers," Laurie has fostered a community of over 5000 members (and growing)! Join us for part two of this two-part episode as we delve deeper into Laurie's journey and explore her visionary plans for the future. For show notes and more information, visit paulaedgar.com/podcast. In this episode…In the previous episode of Branding Room Only, Laurie Robinson Haden discussed how to shine brightly through community and personal branding. In this episode of Branding Room Only, Paula Edgar continues her conversation with Laurie Robinson Haden, the CEO of Corporate Counsel Women of Color (CCWC)—and the author of It's Time To Shine: A Guide For Professionals of Color on How to Advance Their Career—to discuss how to invest in yourself. They talk about sabbaticals, the difference between hustling and grinding, how to prioritize your growth and why It’s time to Shine for professionals of color! | |||
| 24 Oct 2023 | Branding Room Only Interview With Theodora Lee: Verdicts and Vineyards | 00:53:49 | |
Theodora Lee is a Senior Partner, Shareholder, and Trial Lawyer for Littler Mendelson P.C., a labor and employment firm. She handles complex litigation across all state and federal courts in California, specializing in wage and hour class actions, discrimination class actions, general employment litigation, and labor relations law. In addition to her extensive law career, Theodora is the Owner and Vinter at Theopolis Vineyards, a small lot vineyard and winery in California's Yorkville Highlands. For show notes and more information, visit paulaedgar.com/podcast/. In this episode…When building a personal brand, we often feel restricted by external expectations and internal limitations. The reality is that the possibilities are countless. Letting your authentic self inform your public persona can be a strength rather than a weakness. If you truly want to stand out, you need to follow your intuition. Theodora Lee’s intuition led her to find success and fulfillment as both a lawyer and a vintner. She has skillfully developed a brand that straddles two separate industries. Her approach to brand-building has sharpened through the years, and she lends her insights to future generations. In this episode of Branding Room Only, Paula Edgar interviews Theodora Lee, a Senior Partner, Shareholder, and Trial Lawyer at Littler Mendelson P.C., on building an authentic brand and finding your niche. The two break down Theodora’s career, her personal philosophy, and the influences that guided her. They also discuss why one-size-fits-all doesn’t work for personal brands and how she started her vineyard. | |||
| 14 Nov 2023 | Branding Room Only Interview With Ifeoma Ike: Flawed Bravery | 00:57:46 | |
Ifeoma Ike, Esq., is a Partner at Pink Cornrows, a national firm specializing in public policy, communications, and social impact for women and people of color. A lifelong advocate of equity, Ifeoma is the author of The Equity Mindset: Designing Human Spaces Through Journeys, Reflections, and Practices. Ifeoma frequently appears as a guest expert in policy, political dynamics, communication and behavior, diversity and inclusion, criminal justice reform, and equity in data and tech. Additionally, she is an award-winning playwright and creative director. For show notes and more information, visit paulaedgar.com/podcast. In this episode…Each personal brand should include some form of advocacy. Countless issues and battles desperately need support in the current times. When placed in leadership, it is both a right and a responsibility to leverage your platform to find your causes and help others. While this looks different for everyone, Ifeoma Ike discovered her voice in policy reform and equity advocacy. Ifeoma has led a vast career focused on creating equitable spaces, drawing directly from her story. Her public persona is marked by action, education, and creating strategic narratives. So, how can these ideals be translated to your brand? In this episode of Branding Room Only, Paula Edgar speaks with Ifeoma Ike, a Partner at Pink Cornrows, to talk about advocacy and the concept of flawed bravery. They reflect on Ifeoma’s career and life, her approach to branding, creating equitable spaces, and the message of her new book, The Equity Mindset: Designing Human Spaces Through Journeys, Reflections, and Practices. | |||
| 09 May 2023 | Branding Room Only Interview With Lonita K. Baker: Leveraging Leadership and Taking Leaps | 00:37:11 | |
Lonita K. Baker serves as President of the National Bar Association and as the Corporate Counsel for Waystar, a technology platform that simplifies healthcare payments throughout the revenue cycle. She is an experienced attorney with proficiency in drafting, interpreting laws and regulations, negotiating case settlements, and presenting cases through all stages of litigation. In the past, Lonita has worked as an Adjunct Professor of Law at the University of Louisville, an attorney at Aguiar Injury Lawyers, and as the Chief of Communications at the National Bar Association, among many other positions. She received her bachelor’s, master’s, and Doctor of Law at the University of Louisville, including an MBA in business administration. In this episode…Presenting a strong brand as a leader is paramount. For people to follow you, they need to be able to trust and respect you. A personal brand goes beyond perception and informs how you operate. Working on this one aspect of your career can make all the difference. Lonita K. Baker is intimately aware of this connection. Her incredible career has spanned several sectors, leading to her current position as President of the National Bar Association. She has reached her influential role by focusing on her brand and serving others. So how can you apply some of her insights to your career? In this episode of Branding Room Only, Paula Edgar takes the time to interview Lonita K. Baker, Corporate Counsel at Waystar, to discuss leadership, personal branding, and being yourself. They touch on her work with the National Bar Association, her dedication to justice, breaking preconceptions, and advocating for your value. | |||
| 17 Oct 2023 | Branding Room Only Interview With LaTanya Langley: Taking up Space | 00:32:39 | |
LaTanya Langley is a global executive with significant experience advising multi-billion dollar companies. As the Chief People and Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary at Edgewell Personal Care, she directs all legal affairs, including litigation and compliance. LaTanya is known as a business-savvy advisor with innovative legal strategies and business solutions. She has engineered global policies, processes, and programs while leading diverse teams with language and cultural differences. She is an impactful leader and she embodies a rare blend of strategic insight, legal expertise, and inclusive leadership. For show notes and more information, visit paulaedgar.com/podcast. In this episode…A significant part of being a leader is owning the space you inhabit. The confluence of confidence, gravitas, and intentionality can help others see you as you are. Earning respect and standing your ground will pay off immensely in the long run. Strategically taking up space is essential. LaTanya Langley has made this a key part of her personal brand. She advises that people lean into their strengths and know that they are where they are supposed to be. Her brand is based on this supported confidence, and now she explains how you can exemplify the same qualities. | |||
| 11 Oct 2023 | Personal Branding Boosters and Bruisers: Attending Conferences | 00:19:01 | |
Paula T. Edgar is an attorney, speaker, and CEO of PGE Consulting Group LLC, a strategy firm specializing in professional development and diversity, equity, and inclusion solutions for organizations. She is an expert in personal branding, leadership, networking, leveraging social media, and business development. In the last year, Paula delivered keynote speeches and facilitated workshops for over 10,000 attendees. Paula has written for and been featured in publications such as the New York Times, Bloomberg Law, Business Insider, and US News. For show notes and more information, visit paulaedgar.com/podcast. In this episode…Conferences are key opportunities for personal branding since they provide a rare opportunity to connect with experts, thought leaders, peers and mentors in the same place. It is crucial to make the most of these opportunities. Paula Edgar has the beneficial experience of attending events as a guest and speaker. After countless conferences and conventions, she has developed an urgent list of do’s and don’ts. She received several questions on the subject and is ready to answer them. In this episode of Branding Room Only, Paula T. Edgar continues her Ask Paula segment to break down the essentials of attending conferences to boost your personal brand. She discusses photo opportunities, how to carry yourself, social media, and how to make great first impressions. | |||
| 14 Mar 2023 | Overlooked Essentials of Creating Your Personal Brand With Paula Edgar | 00:21:48 | |
Paula Edgar is an attorney, speaker, and CEO of PGE Consulting Group LLC, a strategy firm that provides diversity, equity, and professional development solutions for organizations. She conducts live and virtual facilitated workshops and offers executive coaching where she helps leaders improve their personal branding, networking, social media, and business developments. She was a Founding Partner of Inclusion Strategy Solutions LLC and was the inaugural Chief Diversity Officer at New York Law School. As for her writing, Paula has written for publications such as the New York Times, Bloomberg Law, Business Insider, and US News. In this episode…For leaders and executives, personal branding is everything. The initial impression one makes can significantly influence how others view them, their level of trust, and the potential for collaboration. Even more importantly, your continued actions will define not only yourself but your organization as well. However, creating this personal image is harder than it seems. Effective branding takes intentionality and time, but it helps to have someone guide you along the process. In this episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, Chad Franzen flips the script and interviews Paula Edgar, the CEO of PGE Consulting Group LLC. Together, the two discuss what it means to build a personal brand and how she helps her clients define themselves. They also go through her perspective on diversity, how she got into coaching, and why she started her new podcast. Stay tuned for all of this and much more in the future! | |||
| 23 Jan 2024 | Going Within to Connect With Self and Expand Your Perspective with Anjli Garg | 00:47:25 | |
Is there something missing or a little off about your life, your work, your brand, or anything else you do? Like many who grew up as first-generation immigrants, Anjli Garg was outwardly focused on a certain level of success and got a secondary degree--in her case, from law school. But at some point, an unexpected shift in perspective brought her inward and caused her to connect with what really made her feel fulfilled and happy. That shift now has her on a mission to empower high achievers to soar to their highest potential as leaders and human beings. She’s on the show to talk about her journey, how she works with others holistically, and help expand your understanding of service, success, and strengths as attributes and assets of your personal brand. In this episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, you’ll hear about going within to connect to your true self and, through that, expanding your perspective on everything you do. You’ll learn about a new way to look at being of service to others, the opportunity that coaching affords everyone, defining personal success and branding that’s authentic to you, and much more! 1:15 - Anjli’s definition of personal branding and her favorite quotes, description of herself, and hype songs 4:57 - How 7-year-old Anjli’s life felt like Alice in Wonderland and her adjustment to it 9:57 - The light switch that changed Anjli’s perspective and how she’s rebranding the idea of service 12:53 - Anjli’s transition from practicing corporate law to having her own full-time coaching business 16:15 - Why coaching is important and how it can help you even if you don’t feel like you have challenges 20:25 - How holistic practice is like healing and helps contribute to Anjli’s brand and her client’s journey (including my own experience) 27:03 - The impact of unresolved energy that just sits within you 30:53 - The mistake that leads to imposter syndrome when building your brand 37:03 - Your most valuable brand-building asset that conveys confidence when you tap into it 41:35 - Anjli’s “words of the year” and her intention for 2024 43:39 - One aspect about her personal brand that Anjli will never compromise on and her Branding Room Only trait Mentioned In Going Within to Connect With Self and Expand Your Perspective with Anjli Garg 2024 Intention and Goal Setting Webinar Schedule an Epiphany Call with Anjli Ignite Your Abundance Mindset Program Connect with Anjili on LinkedIn
This episode is brought to you by PGE Consulting Group LLC. PGE Consulting Group LLC is dedicated to providing a practical hybrid of professional development training and diversity solutions. From speaking to consulting to programming and more, all services and resources are carefully tailored for each partner. Paula Edgar’s distinct expertise helps engage attendees and create lasting change for her clients. To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn. | |||
| 30 Jan 2024 | Reframing Keeping in Touch with Jason Levin | 00:53:56 | |
“I’ll keep in touch!” You’ve likely said something like that to someone and meant it at the time. But then... life gets in the way, time flies by, and you haven’t spoken to that person in years. Yet the idea of reaching out and reconnecting gives you pause, and you can’t put your finger on why. Relationship-building expert Jason Levin, knows why! He’s even written a book on it backed by academic research. And he’s here to help us reframe what we think we know about networking, building relationships and keeping in touch. In this episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, you’ll learn why people don’t stay in touch despite promises to do so and what’s really behind the fear of rekindling relationships. You’ll discover best practices for making introductions, reconnecting with others, and following up to solidify those new and renewed relationships in authentic, personalized, and supportive ways. 1:29 - The source of the personal branding concept, the opportunity of appreciation, Jason’s hype songs, and his annual go-to movie for addressing fear 8:30 - Why Jason took 10 years to write Relationships to Infinity and how it emerged from an idea into reality 13:25 - How the Bermuda Keep in Touch Triangle reflects why you don’t stay in touch even when you say they will 16:48 - What people really fear about rekindling a relationship 20:03 - How to reach out to someone you haven’t talked to in a while when you have an ask but don’t want to make it feel transactional 25:13 - How the process of making introductions can impact your brand 28:16 - How to facilitate the follow-up after an introduction is made 31:22 - How to solidify the connection made after an initial follow-up so that it makes sense, doesn’t feel weird, and helps your brand 39:00 - Mistakes that hurt your brand when connecting with others 40:35 - The appropriate time for making a business-related ask in a relationship and the approach that helps you get over your fear of asking 42:39 - The key to cultural fluency of communication between people 47:21 - The introverts’ superpower for building relationships properly and a different way for them to network 49:21 - Where to start with relationship building and what Jason does for fun, where he will never compromise, and his Branding Room Only magic Mentioned In Reframing Keeping in Touch with Jason Levin “The Brand Called You” by Tom Peters | Fast Company 2024 Intention and Goal Setting Webinar Acapella version of “This Is Me” “Personal Branding Bruisers: Paula’s Professional Pet Peeves” | YouTube Books written by Daniel H. Pink Relationships to Infinity: The Art and Science of Keeping in Touch Connect with Jason on LinkedIn 4 Key Considerations for Law Firms to Navigate Cross Cultural Mentoring Effectively Maximize Your Event Attendance: 12 Strategies to Amplify Your Personal Brand | |||
| 06 Feb 2024 | Using Branding to Empower Women of Color for Success in the Workplace with Minda Harts | 00:46:03 | |
Your voice is a significant part of your brand. But what is the impact of not having a voice in the workplace? Many Black and Brown women feel unheard and undervalued at work. Their stories of experiencing unfriendly, biased, and/or disadvantageous environments are often ignored or discredited. As someone who was never the most boisterous in the room, Minda Harts used to feel like she lacked a voice. Her profound brand has continued to grow and evolve as a workplace and equity consultant, bestselling author, and speaker. Now, through her books and consultations, she’s helping Black and Brown women figure out how to empower themselves for success in the workplace. And she’s on the show to talk about the experiences of women of color at work and what can be done about it. In this episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, you’ll learn about how Minda built her brand to showcase the workplace traumas experienced by women of color and help facilitate the healing process. You’ll also hear about what it means to be an ally and a better leader, the need for authenticity in your branding and work environment, the importance of building more equity in inequitable spaces, and how it all leads to the elevation and evolution of brands (both personally and professionally). 1:39 - Part of Minda’s personal brand, her three-word description for herself and Beyonce, and what might be at the root of slander against Beyonce 5:04 - How Minda realized she had a voice and a brand 7:32 - How the disconnect with the brand of Black women in the workplace ties into Minda’s brand and her first book, The Memo 13:22 - The Audre Lorde quote that’s Minda’s go-to mantra, why her second book Right Within made me cry, and why it was hard for her to write it 19:20 - How Beyonce and Drake pick up and energize Minda and the space that women of color have to enter to know that they’re enough 22:09 - The journey Minda took to build her brand and the necessity to elevate and evolve your brand over time 26:34 - How those who want to advance equity can use their understanding of women of color to be better leaders with better brands 30:18 - The branding mistake everybody made after George Floyd’s murder and why identity doesn’t equal having expertise 34:58 - The audacious expectation that Black and Brown women speakers (especially those early in their careers) must be careful of 39:14 - Why working with a brand consultant was the best thing Minda did when she started (despite having fewer resources at the time) 41:54 - What Minda does for fun that not many people know about, the core value she’ll never compromise on, and the secret sauce to her magic with others Mentioned In Using Branding to Empower Women of Color for Success in the Workplace with Minda Harts 2024 Intention and Goal Setting Webinar The Memo, Right Within, and You Are More Than Magic by Minda Harts Minda Harts on X | LinkedIn | Instagram | |||
| 13 Feb 2024 | How Etiquette Mastery Helps Supercharge Your Personal Brand with Crystal Bailey | 00:45:00 | |
Have you ever felt like a deer in the headlights at a fancy dinner? You look down at your table setting and don’t even know where to begin when you see a dozen or so forks, knives, and spoons! So you look around to see if you can follow along with someone who knows the correct way to proceed. While it might not look like it on the surface, there’s a parallel between table etiquette and your personal brand. When you’re networking, you want to follow certain protocols so that you look like you know what you’re doing and make the best impression possible. My friend of over 10 years, Crystal Bailey, is an etiquette expert and image consultant who puts the “pro” in protocol. She works with a wide-ranging clientèle of executives, professionals, and diplomats in-person and virtually. And I’ve invited her to the show to discuss best etiquette practices for any fine dining or networking event. In this episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, you’ll learn about how mastering etiquette can impact your brand. You’ll discover etiquette mistakes to avoid, how to best respond when someone breaches protocol, how to keep your brand consistent, and more! 1:45 - Crystal defines personal branding, describes herself in three words, and reveals her favorite quote and hype song 6:06 - The duality of Crystal’s life and how she became an etiquette expert 11:43 - Communication mistakes people frequently make in the etiquette space and a major shift in etiquette practice post-pandemic 13:49 - The proper way to use your eating utensils and napkin at the fine dining table 16:40 - How to approach food and drink consumption and handshaking while you network 20:49 - How teaching etiquette to kids differs from teaching it to adults 22:40 - How Crystal approaches cultural differences in how people eat and act during her in-home lessons 24:32 - When ignoring social mores can become a dealbreaker and the best way to let someone know they’ve broken etiquette protocol 29:40 - How Crystal pivoted during the pandemic, the biggest mistake she sees people make when networking, and how to remain consistent with your brand 35:46 - Why Crystal gets such joy out of being a solo traveler and how it helps her business 38:43 - The one brand aspect Crystal will never compromise on and how joy plays into her Branding Room Only magic Mentioned In How Etiquette Mastery Helps Supercharge Your Personal Brand with Crystal Bailey “Personal Branding Bruisers: Paula’s Professional Pet Peeves” | YouTube Sponsor for this episode This episode is brought to you by PGE Consulting Group LLC. PGE Consulting Group LLC is dedicated to providing a practical hybrid of professional development training and diversity solutions. From speaking to consulting to programming and more, all services and resources are carefully tailored for each partner. Paula Edgar’s distinct expertise helps engage attendees and create lasting change for her clients. To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn. | |||
| 20 Feb 2024 | How Michelle Ifill Built Success As a Lawyer, Executive Coach, & Resort CEO | 00:46:13 | |
Are you dissatisfied, ready to move on, or to pivot in your career? Perhaps you have a dream career or business in mind or don’t really know what you want to do. You just want to make a change, and as smoothly as possible. And while a strong personal brand helps make that transition more seamless, building one doesn’t just start when you decide to pivot. Michelle Ifill made the kind of career pivot that others dream of. But she’s also always been very aware and consistent with prioritizing empowerment as a part of her personal brand, and that has stuck with her--from her former legal career to her current coaching business, and La Maison Michelle resort in Barbados. So I had to have her on to talk about how empowering others needs to be a central piece of how you operate, no matter what you do. In this episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, you’ll learn the secrets to successful brand building as you move up (or on) from a position, company, or career. You’ll hear about the importance of self-awareness, using previous know-how and experience, being vulnerable, and building up others as you build your brand. 1:17 - Michelle’s traditional perspective on personal branding, how she describes herself, and her mantra for 2024 4:24 - Michelle’s story and the importance of self-awareness about your brand as you move up and build your reputation 12:44 - Why it’s important to consider your brand when you’re working in-house and different aspects of your personal brand to think about 16:07 - Why Michelle’s transition from General Counsel to executive coach was so seamless and the legacy she’s most proud of 23:25 - How La Maison Michelle benefits from all of her prior knowledge and experience 28:30 - The types of retreats you can expect as a guest at Michelle’s resort 30:53 - The increasing awareness of the mental and spiritual health of employees and how you can tie it to your branding 34:44 - One thing most lawyers do that you want to avoid so you don’t hurt your brand and network 37:44 - How vulnerability helps when you’re building your brand 40:30 - What Michelle does for fun and how that coalesces into what she’s built at her resort 42:18 - Three aspects of her brand Michelle will always stand by and what makes her stand out in a packed room Connect With Michelle Ifill Mentioned In How Michelle Ifill Built Success As a Lawyer, Executive Coach, & Resort CEO “2024 Intention and Goal Setting Webinar” | YouTube Sponsor for this episode This episode is brought to you by PGE Consulting Group LLC. PGE Consulting Group LLC is dedicated to providing a practical hybrid of professional development training and diversity solutions. From speaking to consulting to programming and more, all services and resources are carefully tailored for each partner. Paula Edgar’s distinct expertise helps engage attendees and create lasting change for her clients. To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn. | |||
| 27 Feb 2024 | Crafting a Personal Brand in the Corporate World with Zabrina Jenkins | 00:40:42 | |
Sometimes, the best career and life advice you receive comes from your family. My guest can certainly relate since she has received pivotal advice from her Dad that has helped her throughout her career! From Zabrina’s upbringing to her love for sports and spontaneity, we explore how her personal interests and family values have shaped her approach to leadership and personal branding. Zabrina’s fundamental belief is that your personal brand should echo your core values, a philosophy that has guided her own career and life decisions. In this episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, Zabrina shares her impressive journey of climbing the corporate ladder, a path filled with unexpected turns and valuable learnings. She opens up about the importance of embracing career changes as opportunities for growth and the profound impact of stepping outside one's comfort zone. Zabrina's remarkable story is a testament to adaptability, mentorship, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. 1:40 - What a personal brand reflects, how Zabrina describes herself, and her favorite quote and hype song 4:12 - How growing up with a dad in the Air Force influenced Zabrina’s childhood and her approach to the world, and her career 15:30 - The impact of leadership roles on Zabrina’s brand, the three A’s to her success, and how you reflect other people’s brands 21:42 - Ground rules Zabrina follows that can help you navigate through life and the different roles you play 26:45 - The impact that mentorship can have on your life and career 30:47 - Tips to help you navigate your personal brand in a corporate environment 34:56 - How much Zabrina loves sports and the outdoors, the risk she will never take, and the one thing some people find disarming about her
Zabrina Jenkins on LinkedIn Sponsor for this episode PGE Consulting Group LLC is dedicated to providing a practical hybrid of professional development training and diversity solutions. From speaking to consulting to programming and more, all services and resources are carefully tailored for each partner. Paula Edgar’s distinct expertise helps engage attendees and create lasting change for her clients. To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn. | |||
| 05 Mar 2024 | How Parenthood Shifts Your Personal Brand in the Workplace with Lori Mihalich-Levin | 00:52:28 | |
Having a child impacts you not just personally but professionally. As an expecting or new parent, you have access to plenty of information about planning for and taking care of your child. And you’ve probably heard that you’re not the same person after their arrival. But there’s still something that gets left out of the conversation too often. After having two sons, Lori Mihalich-Levin knew there was a missing piece--something essential to the identity of new parents: how do you shift from child-free employee to working parent? Now, she helps moms and dads (and their employers) transition back to work after parental leave. In this episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, you’ll learn how your brand and identity shift as a parent and how to mindfully return to the workforce as a new, working parent. You’ll hear about learning leadership skills through parenting, pushing through postpartum anxiety and depression, the difference in expectations before and after parenthood, the effect of paternity leave on not just the family but others in the organization, and much more! 1:58 - How Lori defines personal branding, her three-word description for herself, and her favorite Teddy Roosevelt quote and Rent hype song 4:48 - Lori’s career path and how she discovered a gap in the marketplace for working parents 7:45 - How Lori works with employers through Mindful Return to support employees coming back from parental leave 10:03 - How becoming a parent can change you and help you develop leadership skills 15:38 - Why the U.S. system fails new parents and some signs of postpartum anxiety or depression 20:34 - Two rules to remember when you become a new parent to help you push through the tough times 24:30 - Why your return from parental leave needs to be mindful and how to have small but meaningful interventions in your day 28:51 - How to give voice to who you are now after the change you’ve undergone with parenthood 31:11 - How to navigate expectations from before and after parenthood 36:49 - An example of how parenthood can be an elevating strategy in your career 38:34 - Ways to navigate self-judgment and guilt around being absent for some things as a working parent 43:45 - Why it’s so essential for even the non-birthing parents (especially men) to take the parental leave on offer 47:49 - Lori’s fun factor, the vitality of community and connection in her program, and two things that make her stand out Back to Work After Baby: How to Plan and Navigate a Mindful Return From Maternity Leave by Lori Mihalich-Levin Postpartum Support International (PSI) Overwhelmed: How to Work, Love, and Play When No One Has the Time by Bridig Schulte “The Big Benefit at Work That Dads Are Afraid to Use” by Ben Eisen | Wall Street Journal | |||
| 12 Mar 2024 | How to Practice the Art of Managing Up and Navigating Feedback with Mary Abbajay | 00:43:54 | |
Many of us have had the boss from hell at some point--that person calling the shots who was absolutely horrible to work for. And while many in this situation just quit, walking away from the job isn’t your only course of action. You can practice the art of managing up instead. As the author of Managing Up, Mary Abbajay literally wrote the book on it. So, if you want to move up, win at work, and succeed with any type of boss, then listen in as she talks about what it means to manage up and how it impacts your relationships. In this episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, you’ll learn how to manage up within a simple framework as you build your brand. Mary will also teach you how to give constructive feedback and overcome three things that might trigger you when receiving feedback. 1:39 - What personal brand means to Mary, three words that describe her, her favorite quote, and the hype song that plays every time she steps on stage 5:10 - Mary’s journey to discover what she wanted to do and how she defined and built her personal brand 11:08 - How luck links to success and how it helped Mary become a LinkedIn Learning Instructor and an author 16:32 - What managing up means and how doing it impacts your personal brand 22:43 - The simple framework for managing up and how it helps you build better professional and personal relationships 26:52 - The art of receiving feedback, its effect on your brand, and how to deal with the three feedback triggers 31:17 - How to give potentially challenging feedback in a constructive way and how it impacts your brand 39:47 - A brand aspect that Mary will always stand by, her Branding Room Only magic, and a fun sidebar on bartending Mentioned In How to Practice the Art of Managing Up and Navigating Feedback with Mary Abbajay The Careerstone Group | Instagram Cubicle Confidential podcast: Apple | Amazon | iHeart | Spotify “2024 Intention and Goal Setting Webinar” | YouTube “Some People Are Just Lucky. You Can Make Yourself One of Them.” by Rachel Feintzeig | Wall Street Journal (subscription required) Thanks for the Feedback by Douglas Stone & Sheila Heen This episode is brought to you by PGE Consulting Group LLC. To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn. | |||
| 19 Mar 2024 | How Aliza Shatzman Is Fighting for Accountability and Change In the Judiciary | 00:44:42 | |
You should authentically embody your personal brand, regardless of who you interact with. Your personal brand should also reflect your values and evolve based on your experiences. Your brand should show up in your advocacy. This is why I invited Aliza Shatzman to be on the podcast. Her personal experiences in clerkship drive her authentic advocacy. Now, as the founder and president of The Legal Accountability Project, she aims to ensure that law clerks have positive clerkship experiences while extending support and resources to those who don’t. In this episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, you’ll learn about what Aliza’s doing to fight for greater judicial accountability and to arm law students and law schools with more information about clerkship experiences. 1:09 - How Aliza defines a personal brand, herself in three words, reveals her favorite Hillary Clinton quote 2:45 - How growing up in a progressive Jewish community in suburban Philadelphia shaped Aliza and her view of the world 5:06 - Aliza’s professional journey, the pushback against change in the judiciary, and her refusal to stay silent 11:35 - The clerkship incident that led Aliza to launch her judicial accountability-focused organization 18:14 - My negative experience interviewing with a judge to be a judicial intern and strong feelings on the need for (and lack of) accountability 25:01 - How law students and young lawyers can start making a difference with judicial accountability right now 29:13 - How a lot of people’s personal brands are very tied to their clerkship (and judgeship) in a dishonest way 32:40 - What drives Aliza and how she aligns her personal brand with her advocacy while maintaining professional integrity and ethics 39:01 - What Aliza does for fun every day, the aspect of her brand that’ll always exist, and her Branding Room Only magic Mentioned In How Aliza Shatzman Is Fighting for Accountability and Change In the Judiciary “2024 Intention and Goal Setting Webinar” | YouTube The Legal Accountability Project | Twitter/X | LinkedIn
This episode is brought to you by PGE Consulting Group LLC. PGE Consulting Group LLC is dedicated to providing a practical hybrid of professional development training and diversity solutions. From speaking to consulting to programming and more, all services and resources are carefully tailored for each partner. Paula Edgar’s distinct expertise helps engage attendees and create lasting change for her clients. To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn. | |||
| 26 Mar 2024 | Embrace Who You Really Are & Unlock a True Sense of Belonging with Ritu Bhasin | 00:49:18 | |
Feeling like an outsider and attempting to conform to societal norms can lead to a loss of self-identity and a longing for true belonging. Ritu Bhasin, a child of immigrants, has navigated her own journey of self-acceptance and emerged as a leading voice in equity, empowerment, and belonging.She’s also a passionate advocate for authenticity and helps others stand in their power in high-conformity workplaces. Her books, The Authenticity Principle and We’ve Got This, provide strategies and a framework for living more authentically and cultivating your relationship with yourself. She’s on the show today to share insights from her books and her journey towards self-acceptance and aligned choices. In this episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, you’ll learn about how to courageously choose to be who you really are and create an unshakeable sense of belonging. She’ll share her framework for navigating challenging professional settings while still maintaining authenticity, and also reveal the key to experiencing true belonging. 1:24 - Ritu and I discuss how we define personal branding, the three words that describe her, and her favorite quote and 10-minute hype song 9:38 - How Ritu is a reflection of what happened to her in her childhood and the transformative power of therapy 17:04 - Ritu’s career journey (from joining big law for the wrong reason to becoming a business leader and DEI consultant) and legacy as a driver 24:20 - Why Ritu wrote The Authenticity Principle, the core message behind it, and the Three Selves we all possess on the authenticity spectrum 31:09 - How to tell the difference between hiding versus adapting who you are in the moment, especially in high-conformity environments 34:06 - The big “A-ha” moment that led to Ritu’s second book and how you unlock the beauty of belonging 43:21 - What to do if you’re struggling with being your authentic self in professional settings 47:22 - What Ritu will never compromise about herself and her brand and when she feels she’s in her best element professionally Mentioned In Embrace Who You Really Are & Unlock a True Sense of Belonging with Ritu Bhasin We’ve Got This: Unlocking the Beauty to Belonging by Ritu Bhasin “Osaka Riddim Mix” by DJ JEL | The Soca Boss on SoundCloud “A Tribute to My Mother Joan Donna Griffith” Sponsor for this episode This episode is brought to you by PGE Consulting Group LLC. PGE Consulting Group LLC is dedicated to providing a practical hybrid of professional development training and diversity solutions. From speaking to consulting to programming and more, all services and resources are carefully tailored for each partner. Paula Edgar’s distinct expertise helps engage attendees and create lasting change for her clients. To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn. | |||
| 02 Apr 2024 | How Inclusive Connections Help Build Your Brand As a Leader and Ally with David Sarnoff | 00:47:17 | |
Allyship is an ongoing journey, not a destination. There are best practices that’ll help you build your brand and reputation as an inclusive leader and true ally (and some not-so-best practices you’ll want to avoid). My guest David Sarnoff has so many stories about experiences and lessons that have forged an awareness of the importance of inclusive connections. He’s taken what he’s learned--from his childhood to his current work as an executive coach and consultant--to build a brand of authenticity and consistency. Now, he’s training, speaking, and facilitating workshops to help others become better leaders,allies, and advocates. In this episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, you’ll learn about the importance of protecting and cultivating your reputation, get David’s insights on allyship and inclusive leadership, and hear about the role of authenticity and consistency in building a strong brand. You’ll also discover the value of emotional intelligence, in-person relationship building, and how to have an effective mentor-mentee relationship in the workplace. 00:56 - David introduces and describes himself, defines personal brand, and shares his hype songs and favorite Winston Churchill and Maya Angelou quotes 6:38 - How David’s childhood gave him the most invaluable experience and education about how to interact with people 14:36 - The importance of authenticity and consistency in building and protecting your personal brand and true allyship in situations of bias or discrimination 20:23 - Why allyship is an ongoing journey for everyone and where people can go sideways with it and negatively affect their brand 27:16 - Why emotional intelligence is a crucial skill for brand building, inclusive leadership, and effective mentorship 33:56 - How leaders set the tone and build an inclusive feedback culture within their organization 38:07 - One thing that doesn’t get emphasized enough that’ll help you build your brand and become an inclusive leader or ally 41:10 - What David loves to do in his personal life, why he won’t compromise on ethics, and how his Branding Room Only moment is all about audience connection Connect With David Sarnoff Mentioned In How Inclusive Connections Help Build Your Brand As a Leader and Ally with David Sarnoff Sponsor for this episode This episode is brought to you by PGE Consulting Group LLC. PGE Consulting Group LLC is dedicated to providing a practical hybrid of professional development training and diversity solutions. From speaking to consulting to programming and more, all services and resources are carefully tailored for each partner. Paula Edgar’s distinct expertise helps engage attendees and create lasting change for her clients. To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn. | |||
| 09 Apr 2024 | Inclusive Leadership Challenges That Organizations Must Overcome with Kori Carew | 00:47:42 | |
Regardless of recent attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), moving forward is an inevitability. Organizations that want to thrive are going to have to get on board or get left behind. And they could use the help of someone like my friend Kori Carew. Kori is a former litigator turned speaker, writer, and consultant who advocates for (among other things) diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). Through her work, she helps bridge differences and facilitates learning and growth for people and organizations in inclusive leadership development. In this episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, you’ll learn about the impact of inclusion on brands and the greatest challenges leaders face when confronting (or being confronted with) issues involving equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging. You’ll also see how Kori’s background contributes to the unique way she works with organizations and individuals on these issues. 1:25 - What personal brand means to Kori, how she (and others) describe her, and why she has a hard time coming up with favorite things 10:58 - How Kori’s unique backstory growing up in Nigeria as a Canadian-born Sierra Leonean shaped her life 17:31 - How studying political science opened the door to Kori becoming a defense lawyer 23:01 - The driving force behind Kori’s work navigating inclusion with organizations and leaders and the specific nature of what she does 30:04 - What it means for the brand of a leader who doesn’t prioritize inclusion now (and why many don’t want to talk about the consequences) 35:46 - The biggest challenges for organizations that express a desire to improve their diversity and inclusion 41:27 - Why truth-telling (with grace) is such an essential part of Kori’s brand and her Branding Room Only quality
Sponsor for this episode This episode is brought to you by PGE Consulting Group LLC. PGE Consulting Group LLC is dedicated to providing a practical hybrid of professional development training and diversity solutions. From speaking to consulting to programming and more, all services and resources are carefully tailored for each partner. Paula Edgar’s distinct expertise helps engage attendees and create lasting change for her clients. To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn. | |||
| 16 Apr 2024 | Trailblazing Change: Leadership Legacy, Resilience, Diversity, and the Art of Personal Branding with Ben Wilson | 00:44:56 | |
A. P. Tureaud. Donald Hollowell. Constance Baker Motley. Those are just some of the Black men and women who have helped forge important change through the legal system in the U.S. Many people, however, aren’t aware of these pioneers and the impactful reach of their work to this day. That’s why my guest Ben Wilson often makes a point to "say their name" so that history doesn’t forget them. Ben is a trailblazer in environmental law who gives gratitude to the pioneers who paved the way and those who supported him on his career journey. Ben is fantastic. I was truly honored to have the opportunity to discuss his thoughts about the importance of being resilient, embracing lessons learned from failure, and how helping others as a career hallmark can take your branding beyond professional success. In part one of our conversation on the Branding Room Only podcast, you’ll learn about how to build resilience and the impact it can have on your career and for the next generation. Ben will discuss how to be a trailblazer whose brand resonates and inspires others to follow. 1:55 - Ben’s definition of personal branding, three words he’d use to describe himself, and his favorite Jackie Robinson and Dr. King quotes and hype songs 10:15 - How growing up in Jackson, MS in the 1950s and 60s shaped Ben’s life and contributed to his admiration of lawyers (some of whom history has forgotten) 16:36 - What it was like growing up on a college campus and the fortunate circumstance that allowed him to go to prep school 20:29 - Why Ben chose to focus on environmental law, how he failed at first, and the lesson that failure provided him 27:47 - The importance of resiliency and knowing what to do to separate yourself so you’re ready when opportunity arrives 31:56 - A few of Ben’s cases that demonstrate the reach of environmental issues and how law can impact people’s lives 39:10 - Qualities that are essential to being a good leader in your organization Sponsor for this episode This episode is brought to you by PGE Consulting Group LLC. PGE Consulting Group LLC is dedicated to providing a practical hybrid of professional development training and diversity solutions. From speaking to consulting to programming and more, all services and resources are carefully tailored for each partner. Paula Edgar’s distinct expertise helps engage attendees and create lasting change for her clients. To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn. | |||
| 23 Apr 2024 | Trailblazing Change: Creating the Structures of a More Inclusive Legal Profession with Ben Wilson | 00:36:35 | |
Ben Wilson is truly, truly the definition of a trailblazer, and if you joined us for part one, you've already experienced a glimpse of his incredible journey. Ben’s dedication to advancing diversity and inclusion, environmental advocacy, coupled with his strategic vision for leadership offer so many invaluable lessons for all of us. I hope that his stories and the strategies he shares inspire you to think about your own impact and how you can contribute to positive change in your community and beyond. In this episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, you’ll learn about Ben’s visionary approach to creating support structures that contribute to a more inclusive and diverse legal profession. You’ll also hear about his unique insights into mentorship and the legacy he wants to leave behind. Now get ready for more thought-provoking wisdom, inspiration, laughs, and actionable advice from a true trailblazer in the profession. 1:15 - How Ben formed The Diverse Lawyers Network, its impact, and why groups like these are necessary for Black lawyers 14:44 - The key to getting chosen over those more qualified than you and what makes a brand great 20:05 - A shoutout to Ben’s wife and to mothers who illustrate why the people who support you are a big part of your brand 23:31 - What Ben does for fun and some of the work he’s involved in now since retiring from his firm 27:42 - How Ben’s daughter describes his Branding Room Only moment and the importance of holding the door open for others
Black General Counsel 2025 Initiative Leadership Council on Legal Diversity Minority Corporate Counsel Association Santa Clara University’s Black Corporate Board Readiness Program Sponsor for this episode This episode is brought to you by PGE Consulting Group LLC. PGE Consulting Group LLC is dedicated to providing a practical hybrid of professional development training and diversity solutions. From speaking to consulting to programming and more, all services and resources are carefully tailored for each partner. Paula Edgar’s distinct expertise helps engage attendees and create lasting change for her clients. To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn. | |||
| 30 Apr 2024 | How to Navigate Generational Friction In the Workplace with Chris De Santis | 00:52:46 | |
You’ve probably heard the stereotypes of different generations in the workplace, including millennials just wanting trophies and more seasoned workers being averse to technology. These are the signs of some of the generational friction that exists in (and out) of the workplace. These challenges can be mitigated through a better understanding of the narrative identity each generation has of work (and the world) and why these narratives exist. My guest Chris De Santis is a speaker, podcaster, and consultant with over 38 years of experience in training and development. He’s also an expert in generational differences in the workplace. And he joined me to discuss the impact of generational theory on his work, which he wrote about in his humorously titled book, Why I Find You Irritating: Navigating Generational Friction at Work. In this episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, you’ll learn about how the upbringing of each generation, and the traits they take on as a result, affect workplace dynamics. We’ll dig into the importance of understanding and adapting communication styles across different age groups, the shift towards a new career progression model, the role of technology in the workplace, and so much more! 1:03 - Personal branding versus reputation and how you are the actor, agent, and author of your life 4:43 - The ability to authentically align with certain characteristic traits for a short while and a fair point about authenticity 8:00 - Chris’ upbringing, career trajectory, and the benefits he sees in having a background in improv 18:15 - One differentiating factor influencing the four current generations in the workplace and perceptual differences that cause friction between them 26:58 - The mistake being made in the workplace with millennials (and Gen Z) and what the emerging adult is looking for in their career 36:47 - How generations tend to be talked about differently when it comes to technology and the evolving workplace (and its dynamics) 48:37 - The one thing Chris will never do to hurt his brand and the Branding Room Only attribute that makes him unique Mentioned In How to Navigate Generational Friction In the Workplace with Chris De Santis Why I Find You Irritating by Chris De Santis 2024 Intention and Goal Setting Webinar
This episode is brought to you by PGE Consulting Group LLC. PGE Consulting Group LLC is dedicated to providing a practical hybrid of professional development training and diversity solutions. From speaking to consulting to programming and more, all services and resources are carefully tailored for each partner. Paula Edgar’s distinct expertise helps engage attendees and create lasting change for her clients. To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn. | |||
| 07 May 2024 | Bring the Right Bragitude to Your Self-Promotion and Success with Lisa Bragg | 00:50:08 | |
You deserve the opportunities you want, and others can provide the keys to get you there. But if you don’t talk about yourself and your successes, how will they know to open the door and let you in? Too many people have a hangup about self-promotion. For some, it feels like boasting, which gives off an “icky” feeling. So they tend to shy away when someone, like my guest Lisa Bragg, advocates for bragging about our work. Lisa is a speaker and professional mentor who coaches, advises, and consults with high achievers so they can be seen and heard. She has also written a book on how to properly talk about your success when promoting yourself. In this episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, you’ll learn why it’s important for you to self-promote, what it means to properly brag, and how to get away from that uncomfortable feeling when talking about yourself. She’ll also discuss one of the myths a lot of us grow up with that contributes to our view on bragging, as well as teach you how to bring the right “bragitude” in your self-promotion. 1:12 - How Lisa overthought and then adapted her idea of personal branding, three words to describe her, four of her favorite quotes, and her #1 hype song 8:52 - Impact of growing up with working-class values as an inner-city Toronto kid 11:49 - How Lisa navigated the professional space differently, learned to overcome her reluctance to share her success, and reframed bragging 17:35 - Why self-promotion and bragging (when done properly) is really about being of service to others and why context plays an important part in its reception 22:29 - How to set yourself up to brag rightly in today’s professional world and why Lisa is so against the elevator pitch 26:46 - Why you still need to self-promote even if you think people already know what you do (and how well you do it) 33:23 - How L’Oreal commercials illustrate a way to get around feeling icky about bragging and practical steps to doing it correctly 37:49 - Lisa’s reflections on viewpoints about bragging from people of different cultures and the problem with meritocracy 44:26 - How Lisa’s new book presented her with a brand-compromising or brand-confirming choice and why passion is her Branding Room Only magic
Bragging Rights: How to Talk About Your Work Using Purposeful Self-Promotion by Lisa Bragg
PGE Consulting Group LLC is dedicated to providing a practical hybrid of professional development training and diversity solutions. From speaking to consulting to programming and more, all services and resources are carefully tailored for each partner. Paula Edgar’s distinct expertise helps engage attendees and create lasting change for her clients. To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn. | |||
| 14 May 2024 | Staying Outside the Lines as a Winning Strategy for Life and the Future of Law with Olga Mack | 00:43:24 | |
Get in line. Stay in your lane. Don’t color outside the lines. My guest Olga Mack developed an aversion to lines that has shaped not just her as a person but her career journey as a tech lawyer as well. She’s joined me on the podcast to talk about how her determination to find other entry points away from standard lines has helped her level up and move through life. In this episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, you’ll hear about how living outside the lines of other’s expectations can put you in a better, more powerful position to be successful (and have fun). We’ll also discuss how Olga’s vision of the future of law lives outside the lines that exist right now, why lawyers need to innovate by improving their visual literacy and legal communication with the average person, and so much more! 1:00 - Olga’s definition of personal brand and of herself and why she thinks there are no boring places (or people) 5:41 - How Olga’s aversion to lines helped shape her personality through her career and why she sees Lady Justice as a snob 13:31 - Why Olga doesn’t see herself as a brand and doesn’t see it as her goal to build one 15:49 - Olga’s TEDx talks, what it was like to prepare for her first one, and an effective strategy for delivering an idea 21:41 - Why Olga wanted to write about visual literacy for lawyers and her vision of the future of law 28:56 - What Olga wants legal professionals to know as they innovate, build their brand, and think about the future of law 31:49 - The lack of separation between fun and work in Olga’s world and things she does for fun besides her work 36:00 - How Olga’s uncompromising aspect goes beyond displaying it authentically 40:36 - The #1 question people ask Olga as part of the Branding Room Only experience that only she can give others LinkedIn Sponsor for this episode This episode is brought to you by PGE Consulting Group LLC. PGE Consulting Group LLC is dedicated to providing a practical hybrid of professional development training and diversity solutions. From speaking to consulting to programming and more, all services and resources are carefully tailored for each partner. Paula Edgar’s distinct expertise helps engage attendees and create lasting change for her clients. To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn. | |||
| 21 May 2024 | How to Be a More Effective, Authentic, and Inclusive Communicator with Dr. Amber L. Wright | 00:50:31 | |
With the right communication skills, you can bring who you truly are with you wherever you go. But if you’re not a natural conversationalist (or even if you are), you need the appropriate tools and strategies to help you feel seen, heard, and valued by those around you. That’s where Dr. Amber L. Wright comes in. She’s a communications expert, a speaker, and an executive life coach. Amber’s also a great model herself for demonstrating wonderful communication skills for relationship building. She’s joined me for a dynamic and insightful conversation on how words well said can lead to deeper relationships and self-awareness. In this episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, you’ll get a masterclass on communicating effectively and authentically in interpersonal communication. We’ll also dive into the importance of inclusivity in your communication, dialing down the ego when collaborating on a team, and so much more! 2:18 - Amber’s personal brand definition, superpowers, favorite Nelson Mandela and Bible quotes, and hype songs 8:03 - Why communication has been the throughline for Amber from a young age 11:56 - The key to deepening your relationships and improving your communication 16:02 - How Amber’s concept of interpersonal communications applies to her personal brand and how she shows up when communicating 22:48 - How Amber’s conversation cards focus on helping individuals become better communicators 28:37 - How to foster understanding and connection with people who aren’t like you through communication 33:45 - Why apology as a communication tool can be challenging and the need to manage the ego when you’re part of a team 40:12 - Amber’s current focus on fun and finding things she wants to do 43:36 - How Amber is making sure that entrepreneurship doesn’t cause a loss of herself and how she displays an abundant mindset in her work 47:58 - What makes people want to gather around Amber for a Branding Room Only experience
“Leadership Lessons from The Greatest Night in Pop” by Dr. Amber L. Wright Ask Better Questions to Build Better Connections | Amber L. Wright | TEDxCSULB
PGE Consulting Group LLC is dedicated to providing a practical hybrid of professional development training and diversity solutions. From speaking to consulting to programming and more, all services and resources are carefully tailored for each partner. Paula Edgar’s distinct expertise helps engage attendees and create lasting change for her clients. To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn. | |||
| 28 May 2024 | Filling In the Inclusivity Gaps Found In Negotiation Advice with Damali Peterman, Esq. | 00:54:41 | |
In a world where personal branding and negotiation are essential skills, Damali Peterman stands out as a trailblazer. With her diverse background as a lawyer, mediator, and CEO of Breakthrough ADR, Damali brings a unique perspective to the table. Her new book, Negotiating While Black: Be Who You Are to Get What You Want, delves into the intricacies of negotiating with authenticity and confidence, especially within the Black community. In it, she has taken her experience and years of study and research in conflict resolution and mediation to address the unique challenges and experiences of each person, including people who are not Black (title notwithstanding). In this episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, you’ll learn about some aspects of her toolkit you can use for personalized, inclusive negotiation. She’ll also reveal why her book is for everyone and how authentic thoughtfulness and good listenership impact her brand and can impact yours. 1:16 - Damali defines personal brand in three ways and herself in three words, shares a relevant Bob Marley quote, and reveals her hype song and love of music 11:55 - How growing up in Washington D.C. shaped her worldview and desire to make a difference in her communities 14:26 - Damali’s journey from college to entrepreneurship and why she felt compelled to start her own business 21:10 - The inspiration behind Damali’s book and the importance of representation and inclusivity in negotiation books 25:14 - Why the book is titled Negotiating While Black and why, despite the title, it isn’t just a book for Black people 32:31 - How Damali has built her personal brand and how it shapes her work 37:00 - Examples of the effects of stereotype threat and collective trauma and using cognitive reappraisal to reframe situations 45:59 - Things that make Damali’s heart joyful and how being thoughtfully authentic and a good listener helps with your brand
Negotiating While Black: Be Who You Are to Get What You Want by Damali Peterman PGE Consulting Group LLC is dedicated to providing a practical hybrid of professional development training and diversity solutions. From speaking to consulting to programming and more, all services and resources are carefully tailored for each partner. Paula Edgar’s distinct expertise helps engage attendees and create lasting change for her clients. To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn. | |||
| 04 Jun 2024 | Innovation and Honoring Legacy Through the Magic of Music with Janinah Burnett | 00:53:51 | |
There’s something magical about anyone who not only understands their magic but taps into it, risks and all. Janinah Burnett has always been led to stand in her power with the gift God gave her, regardless of anyone else’s reservations. She’s an internationally renowned Broadway and Metropolitan opera soprano who has played the role of Carlotta Giudicelli in Phantom of the Opera and Mimi in Baz Luhrmann’s La Bohème. Recently, she released an album featuring collaborative arrangements that fuse classical and jazz while showcasing her ability to create boundary-pushing music. In this episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, you’ll learn about Janinah’s commitment to innovative, uninhibited singing and passion for honoring the legacy of past musicians through her own art. She also discusses how she focuses on helping new musicians produce sound in a healthy, uninhibited manner. 1:38 - How Janinah describes personal brand, herself in three words, the quote that’s been the driving force of her career, and her hype song 5:56 - The influence of growing up in an artistic community and attending Spelman University as an aspiring musician 15:06 - How Janinah started performing on Broadway at age 23 and fiercely leads with her talent, no matter what 23:59 - How Janinah and I met and what it was like for her to perform at The Met in New York and learn to speak Italian 29:38 - The opera song Janinah loves singing the most and the Broadway character who had a huge impact on her development 34:15 - The magic that went into creating Janinah’s album and the power of the language of music 42:05 - How the album’s title reflects Janinah’s brand, how she supports new musicians, and why the body itself is an instrument 46:55 - Janinah sings a few inspirational lines and reveals what she does for fun, her uncompromisable brand aspect, and her Branding Room Only skill
Janinah Burnett | Instagram | Facebook Listen to Love the Color of Your Butterfly
Branding Room Only podcast interview with Sonya Olds Som
This episode is brought to you by PGE Consulting Group LLC. PGE Consulting Group LLC is dedicated to providing a practical hybrid of professional development training and diversity solutions. From speaking to consulting to programming and more, all services and resources are carefully tailored for each partner. Paula Edgar’s distinct expertise helps engage attendees and create lasting change for her clients. To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn. | |||
| 11 Jun 2024 | Breaking Barriers, Pioneering Career Paths, and Making a Positive Impact with Paula Boggs | 01:02:03 | |
From the military to the music world, Paula Boggs has made her mark by bravely navigating new spaces and pioneering career paths for herself. After serving at the Pentagon and in the White House as an army officer, she spent a decade at Starbucks as its Chief Legal Officer before leaving to write and perform music with the Paula Boggs Band. As you listen to our conversation, you’ll be inspired and in awe. Her story is one of resilience, adaptability, and breaking barriers. And she inspires others to embrace their authenticity, find joy in their work, and make a positive impact in their respective fields. In this episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, you’ll learn about how Paula’s background influenced her leadership style and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Paula will also reveal the importance that mentorship and sponsorship can have in shaping careers, the value of servant leadership and the lasting impact it can have on an organization’s culture, and more! 1:24 - What personal branding means to Paula and her three-word self-description, favorite Maya Angelou quote, and Jill Scott hype song 3:32 - Why asking where Paula grew up has a more complicated answer than it does for most people 13:22 - The role of law school as a delay strategy for Paula and how she used failure to open doors of opportunity 23:08 - A textbook lesson in mentorship and sponsorship (and the difference between the two) 31:28 - A need to be fulfilled in a job and how Paula continued to break ground in her career journey 36:11 - How Paula got exposed to music at an early age and returned to writing and performing music after a 15-year hiatus 41:51 - Why Paula stayed on as Starbucks General Counsel for a few years even as she felt called to do something different 45:42 - Servant leadership as an essential attribute for good leaders and the legacy Paula left behind at Starbucks 55:20 - Sources of joy for Paula, the one thing she’ll always stand by, and her Branding Room Only magic Connect With Paula Boggs Boggs Media, LLC | LinkedIn | Twitter/X Paula Boggs Band | Facebook | Twitter/X | Instagram | TikTok | Spotify
Crafting a Personal Brand in the Corporate World with Zabrina Jenkins Sponsor for this episode This episode is brought to you by PGE Consulting Group LLC. PGE Consulting Group LLC is dedicated to providing a practical hybrid of professional development training and diversity solutions. From speaking to consulting to programming and more, all services and resources are carefully tailored for each partner. Paula Edgar’s distinct expertise helps engage attendees and create lasting change for her clients. To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn. | |||
| 18 Jun 2024 | Truth and Celebration: Stories of Black American History with Prof. Annette Gordon-Reed | 00:46:28 | |
We don’t know the faces or names of many enslaved Black people in American history. Some left a small mark of their existence in the very bricks of the buildings their hands built, yet they remain voiceless because their story has been hidden away. Historians like Annette Gordon-Reed know that through sharing the stories of enslaved people, we remember their humanity and preserve historical truth in the process. She’s a Harvard University professor and the award-winning author of The Hemingses of Monticello and On Juneteenth. With her lawyer-like approach, she’s brought light to stories once expunged from our history and provided a view of the road to Juneteenth through her books. In this episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, you’ll hear about the national implications inherent in The Hemingses’ story (and connection to Thomas Jefferson) and Juneteenth. Annette will discuss her own experiences with celebrating Juneteenth, what the country should learn from the experiences of enslaved people, and more! 2:15 - Annette’s personal branding definition, three-word description of herself, favorite quotes, and hype song 4:30 - The importance of reading and music in Annette’s life as a child 6:31 - Annette’s non-traditional career trajectory as a lawyer, author, and professor 10:09 - What motivated Annette to write about the Hemingses and Thomas Jefferson 15:43 - The need to understand the truth in shaping the legacies and personal brands we hold dear 18:28 - The significance of Juneteenth and why Annette wrote her book on it 24:57 - Traditional Juneteenth celebrations Annette grew up with in Texas and newer ones she’s seen integrated into the holiday 29:29 - The good and (potential) bad about Juneteenth and its importance in the context of American history 36:37 - How Annette wants people in the future to remember her contribution to preserving a piece of American history 38:31 - Finding fun and continuous growth in humbling activities 42:27 - Annette’s one uncompromisable aspect and Branding Room Only quality
On Juneteenth by Annette Gordon-Reed “This Is How We Do It” by Montell Jordan | Youtube (Official Music Video) “Scherzo Op. 39 No. 3 in C Sharp Minor” by Chopin | Youtube (Pogorelich) PaulaTV: Stagville Plantation Fingerprints of Slave Children Sponsor for this episode This episode is brought to you by PGE Consulting Group LLC. PGE Consulting Group LLC is dedicated to providing a practical hybrid of professional development training and diversity solutions. From speaking to consulting to programming and more, all services and resources are carefully tailored for each partner. Paula Edgar’s distinct expertise helps engage attendees and create lasting change for her clients. To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn. | |||
| 25 Jun 2024 | Building a Legacy: Insights on Leadership and Diversity in the Law with Robert J. Grey Jr. | 00:54:26 | |
The fight to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion has deep historical roots, marked by significant milestones and challenges, from the Civil Rights era to present-day initiatives, including the recent Supreme Court decision on affirmative action. Robert J. Grey Jr., President of the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD) and former President of the American Bar Association, has witnessed several pivotal moments in this ongoing battle. His experiences growing up during these transformative times have profoundly influenced his career and dedication to both leadership and advancing diversity in the legal profession. In this episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, Robert delves into his impactful career and the current state of diversity in law and society. He discusses the vital work of LCLD, the importance of mentorship, and the lessons learned from career successes and setbacks. Robert shares his insights on what it takes to continue moving forward and build a legacy that inspires. 1:36 - Aspects of a successful personal brand, how Robert defines his brand, and his favorite quote and hype song 9:20 - How his upbringing and schooling impacted Robert’s brand and career 17:43 - What Robert learned about himself in not winning the 2008 Richmond mayoral race 21:07 - What the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity is and why it’s important 26:32 - Robert’s insights into the state of diversity in the country and the legal profession 32:34 - A broader concept of mentorship and how it can be critical to your brand 37:03 - How Robert made jury improvement and preservation his focus as American Bar Association president 43:07 - The legacy Robert hopes to leave behind and what he does for fun 49:39 - The inflection point confronting us right now and why persistence is so critical Mentioned In Building a Legacy: Insights on Leadership and Diversity in the Law with Robert Grey Jr. Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD) | X/Twitter
This episode is brought to you by PGE Consulting Group LLC. PGE Consulting Group LLC is dedicated to providing a practical hybrid of professional development training and diversity solutions. From speaking to consulting to programming and more, all services and resources are carefully tailored for each partner. Paula Edgar’s distinct expertise helps engage attendees and create lasting change for her clients. To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn. | |||
| 02 Jul 2024 | Inspiring Independence: Reimagining Leadership and Branding with Michele Coleman Mayes | 00:42:46 | |
Independence Day is on the horizon, and what better way to celebrate the spirit of freedom and new beginnings than revisiting a conversation with a true pioneer! Michele Coleman Mays redefined leadership and advocacy during her distinguished career. She has served as the Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary for The New York Public Library and had key roles at Allstate Insurance Company and Pitney Bowes Inc. During our conversation, she shared her unique lens on personal branding, leadership, and career development. In this episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, you’ll learn about the difference between branding and reputation, the critical role of authenticity, and how to rethink the concept of retirement. Michele will also touch on various aspects and strategies in strong brand creation, best practices for enhancing your leadership and career skills, and more. 2:26 - Michele’s personal branding definition, how she describes herself, a quote that’ll make you pause and think, and her hype songs 7:00 - Two strategies that Michele used in building her personal brand 9:07 - The evolution of Michele’s interaction with the business and leadership sides of different organizations 12:12 - How personal branding and reputation differ and the necessity of keeping your audience in mind during interactions 16:48 - Why you should still strive to access resources that help build your brand and skill set, even if you’re already at the top 20:52 - The complexity of showing up authentically for minority groups in professional settings 24:32 - Two things that surprised Michele the most while co-writing her book Courageous Counsel 27:00 - Civic engagements that were integral to Michele’s career, how she reimagines the concept of retirement, and what she plans to do next 33:05 - Two mistakes people make when networking for personal brand-building 35:03 - What Michele always does for fun when traveling and her non-negotiable brand aspects, Branding Room Only Magic, and final words of advice
Courageous Counsel: Conversations with Women General Counsel in the Fortune 500 by Michele Coleman Mayes and Kara Sophia Baysinger Michele Coleman Mayes on LinkedIn Center for Reproductive Rights American College of Governance Counsel Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay Subscribe to The Branding Room Only on YouTube
This episode is brought to you by PGE Consulting Group LLC. PGE Consulting Group LLC is dedicated to providing a practical hybrid of professional development training and diversity solutions. From speaking to consulting to programming and more, all services and resources are carefully tailored for each partner. Paula Edgar’s distinct expertise helps engage attendees and create lasting change for her clients. To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn. | |||
| 09 Jul 2024 | Building Brands with Integrity: A Conversation with DEI Pioneer Vernā Myers | 00:58:12 | |
The field of diversity, equity, and inclusion has many respected practitioners. But my guest this week is the OG (in both impact and brand), and someone I’ve admired for a long time. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to have her on the podcast! Vernā Myers is a renowned diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) pioneer with profound perspectives on the challenges and opportunities present in the field. She’s had several pivotal points in her career that highlight the significant impact of the work she’s done. In reflecting on the current global climate, Vernā emphasizes the need for imagination, courage, curiosity, and compassion in driving meaningful organizational change and a more inclusive world. In this episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, you’ll hear about Vernā’s insights about personal branding, the evolution of DEI through her journey, and the need to embrace inclusion in all aspects of work and life. You’ll also discover the importance of perspective in this work when facing obstacles, and so much more. 1:47 - Vernā’s personal brand definition, the real trick to creating a brand, and her three-word description of herself 4:44 - An amendment to Vernā’s trademark quote and why Jill Scott’s “Golden” is her hype song 9:08 - How Vernā’s childhood (including MLK’s assassination when she was 8) and education shaped her journey 13:32 - How Vernā went from practicing law to practicing DEI and what she attributes to her success 21:29 - Some of the pivotal points in Vernā’s career in the process of becoming a DEI pioneer 30:05 - The backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion and the problem with the idea of rebranding it 40:00 - Vernā’s impactful DEI work at Netflix and how it helped her become a better leader 46:40 - The biggest challenges and opportunities for DEI initiatives today and in the future 53:43 - The uncompromisable aspect of Vernā’s brand and the Branding Room Only experience she brings to the world Mentioned In Building Brands with Integrity: A Conversation with DEI Pioneer Vernā Myers “Building a Legacy: Insights on Leadership and Diversity in the Law with Robert J. Grey Jr.” Subscribe to The Branding Room Only on YouTube
This episode is brought to you by PGE Consulting Group LLC. PGE Consulting Group LLC is dedicated to providing a practical hybrid of professional development training and diversity solutions. From speaking to consulting to programming and more, all services and resources are carefully tailored for each partner. Paula Edgar’s distinct expertise helps engage attendees and create lasting change for her clients. To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn. | |||
| 16 Jul 2024 | Integrity and Innovation: Squire Servance's Path to Advancing Health Equity | 00:39:42 | |
The world does not evolve without innovation, yet often innovative ideas and solutions are blocked due to individual, institutional, and structural barriers. To move in a more equitable direction, it takes figuring out how to use whatever the blocks are and turn them into catalysts. Squire Servance understands this when it comes to capitalism and is drawing resources together to support his vision. He’s a health equity advocate with a passion for focusing on providing an avenue for accessible, innovative healthcare solutions for all, which he does with his investment firm Syridex Bio. In this episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, you’ll learn about how this investment firm is working to change the landscape and advance life sciences for underserved communities. He’ll also define what health equity is, discuss his non-traditional approach to acquiring capital to fund ventures, and much more! 1:38 - What personal brand means to Squire, three words to describe him, quotes that keep him focused, and his hype song 6:46 - The environment that taught Squire about hard work and ambition and got him interested in science 9:16 - Squire’s pivot from science and medicine to law and business in his education journey and what that says about him 13:59 - How Squire’s educational background came together early in his career and led to his interest in investing 19:50 - How Squire’s investment firm focuses on helping underserved communities and where it gets its funding 25:31 - What health equity is and why no single institution can achieve it alone 30:25 - How to make it easier to pick and juggle opportunities and how that helps with branding 33:48 - The legacy Squire wants to have, what he does for fun, two of his non-negotiable brand aspects, and the magic he can give others Connect With Squire Servance Squire Servance is the Founder and Managing Partner of Syridex Bio, an impact-driven, life sciences-focused investment firm geared toward investing in and developing therapies that accelerate global health equity. As Managing Partner, he oversees the firm’s operations, growth strategy, investment decisions, and fundraising execution.
2024 Intention and Goal Setting Webinar Subscribe to The Branding Room Only on YouTube
This episode is brought to you by PGE Consulting Group LLC. PGE Consulting Group LLC is dedicated to providing a practical hybrid of professional development training and diversity solutions. From speaking to consulting to programming and more, all services and resources are carefully tailored for each partner. Paula Edgar’s distinct expertise helps engage attendees and create lasting change for her clients. To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn. | |||
| 23 Jul 2024 | How Inclusive Language Skills Impact Your Brand with Dr. Suzanne Wertheim | 00:58:49 | |
A single word can carry a lot of weight. In an increasingly diverse world, we need experts like Dr. Suzanne Wertheim who know how to navigate inclusive language in ways that can promote connections and get past resistance. Suzanne is a linguistic anthropologist and author of The Inclusive Language Field Guide, which outlines six principles to help you avoid painful and sometimes costly communication mistakes. She emphasizes the role of science-based approaches by applying linguistic anthropology to modern, real-world communication problems. In this episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, you’ll hear about the significance of empathy and accountability in communication and how problematic language affects individuals, companies, and brands. Suzanne will give real examples of the consequences of using exclusive language and mitigating the impact when you communicate in an insensitive fashion. 00:55 - The role of alignment in personal branding and why Suzanne uses the words curious, educational, and perfectionist to describe herself 4:41 - Suzanne’s favorite quote that emphasizes the contradiction and complexity of human nature, songs that hype her up, and the silver lining gift the world gained from the African diaspora 10:37 - How Suzanne grew up with a very New York City orientation (and still has a lot of it in her) despite living in California for about as long 15:23 - Why Suzanne left tech, became interested in linguistic anthropology, and decided to branch away from professorship and out into the world 19:50 - How Suzanne sneaks under other people’s resistance radar 23:08 - How Suzanne became a national expert on inclusive language and the empathy deficit that leads to resistance 30:47 - What drove Suzanne to write the Inclusive Language Field Guide 35:35 - How Kellogg’s CEO damaged his brand with insensitive comments and the two words that tanked a $4 million sale 39:55 - How a multi-million dollar sale was saved thanks to an apology and recognition of exclusive language impact 44:04 - How inclusive language is like a design challenge and intersects with communication and understanding cultural differences 54:12 - How Suzanne incorporates animals into her branding for fun, why she’ll always bring the social science, her surprising Branding Room Only attribute Connect With Dr. Suzanne Wertheim Suzanne Wertheim, PhD | LinkedIn Worthwhile Research & Consulting
Inclusive Language Field Guide: 6 Simple Principles for Avoiding Painful Mistakes and Communicating Respectfully by Suzanne Wertheim, PhD
This episode is brought to you by PGE Consulting Group LLC. PGE Consulting Group LLC is dedicated to providing a practical hybrid of professional development training and diversity solutions. From speaking to consulting to programming and more, all services and resources are carefully tailored for each partner. Paula Edgar’s distinct expertise helps engage attendees and create lasting change for her clients. To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn. | |||
| 30 Jul 2024 | Petty Branding: What It Is and How It Impacts Your Leadership | 00:07:55 | |
Have you ever had to deal with a petty leader in your organization? I’ve discussed brand boosters and bruisers on the show before, and pettiness definitely falls into the bruiser category. However, reflecting on an encounter I had years ago has inspired me to branch off the topic of petty branding into a three-part mini-pod series to help you build a stronger, more impactful brand. In this first episode of the series on the Branding Room Only podcast, you’ll hear how the word ‘petty’ is officially defined and learn the acronym I created for it. I’ll also give a brief introduction to my story of dealing with a petty leader and reveal a few ways in which pettiness as part of your brand impacts your leadership and organization. 00:21 - How Webster and The Urban Dictionary define petty and my acronym for it 2:18 - Brief introduction to my story dealing with a petty successor to a visionary leader 5:27 - Examples of the consequences of being petty in your branding
Personal Branding Boosters and Bruisers: Attending Conferences Personal Branding Bruisers: Paula’s Professional Pet Peeves Subscribe to The Branding Room Only on YouTube
This episode is brought to you by PGE Consulting Group LLC. PGE Consulting Group LLC is dedicated to providing a practical hybrid of professional development training and diversity solutions. From speaking to consulting to programming and more, all services and resources are carefully tailored for each partner. Paula Edgar’s distinct expertise helps engage attendees and create lasting change for her clients. To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn. | |||
| 06 Aug 2024 | Petty Branding: Lessons from a Leadership Misstep | 00:11:51 | |
Sometimes you slip up and don’t show up in the way you want. Consistently showing up in excellence is a bedrock of my personal brand and one of the things I pride myself on. But when a new leader arrived within an organization I was collaborating with, for a variety of reasons, my behavior didn’t show my brand in the best light. After reflecting on what happened, I want to share some key takeaways that can help you strive to do better if you find yourself in a similar situation. In this episode, which is part 2 of the 3 part series of the Branding Room Only podcast, you’ll hear a little about my experience and the impactful lessons I learned from it (Listen to Part 1 here). I’ll reveal how you can reflect the brand you want to present to the world by comparing what I did with what I should have done. 1:15 - How petty new leadership turned an organization (and the way I usually present myself) on its head 3:40 - Key things that can impact how you show up professionally 6:36 - How I showed up versus how I should have shown up 9:08 - Quick summary of lessons learned and a sneak peek at part three of the series Mentioned In Petty Branding: Lessons from a Leadership Misstep Petty Branding: What It Is and How It Impacts Your Leadership Subscribe to The Branding Room Only on YouTube
This episode is brought to you by PGE Consulting Group LLC. PGE Consulting Group LLC is dedicated to providing a practical hybrid of professional development training and diversity solutions. From speaking to consulting to programming and more, all services and resources are carefully tailored for each partner. Paula Edgar’s distinct expertise helps engage attendees and create lasting change for her clients. To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn. | |||
| 13 Aug 2024 | Petty Branding: Navigating Ego and Embracing Constructive Feedback | 00:12:40 | |
Having trusted mentors and colleagues can help you stay on point and aligned with your personal branding. By embracing their feedback, you can overcome petty branding behaviors and maintain a brand that is both authentic and credible, even amidst challenges and faltering moments. In the conclusion of this series on the Branding Room Only podcast, you’ll learn about the transformative power of feedback and its crucial role in realigning your actions with your brand values. Drawing from personal experience, I’ll highlight how constructive criticism from a member of your personal board of directors can act as a mirror, reflecting blind spots and areas needing improvement. 1:15 - How feedback serves as a growth catalyst and preventative measure against petty branding behavior 3:43 - The realignment process I went through for my brand after a trusted colleague gave me feedback about my behavior 9:07 - Tips to help you incorporate feedback as a regular practice and the importance of self-awareness and accountability
Petty Branding: What It Is and How It Impacts Your Leadership Petty Branding: Lessons from a Leadership Misstep Subscribe to The Branding Room Only on YouTube
This episode is brought to you by PGE Consulting Group LLC. PGE Consulting Group LLC is dedicated to providing a practical hybrid of professional development training and diversity solutions. From speaking to consulting to programming and more, all services and resources are carefully tailored for each partner. Paula Edgar’s distinct expertise helps engage attendees and create lasting change for her clients. To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn. | |||
| 20 Aug 2024 | How to Assemble and Leverage Your Personal Board of Directors | 00:23:07 | |
Having a personal board of directors can significantly transform how you navigate your personal and professional journey. In this episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, you’ll learn how assembling a well-chosen team of trusted advisors can significantly enhance your growth through invaluable support, guidance, and feedback, ultimately helping you build and sustain a compelling personal brand. I’ll also give you an acronym you can use to help you put together your personal board of directors. 1:00 - Make-up of a personal board of directors and what to look for when choosing members 3:25 - The importance of clear communication in setting boundaries and expectations with board members 5:47 - The key to receiving valuable feedback from your board and why emotional support is huge 9:57 - How you can use your board of directors for amplification, brainstorming, and networking 15:42 - Two more things to consider as you’re choosing and working with your board members 18:16 - A practical framework for creating and nurturing your personal board of directors Mentioned In How to Assemble and Leverage Your Personal Board of Directors 2024 Intention and Goal Setting Council of Urban Professionals Subscribe to The Branding Room Only on YouTube Sponsor for this episode This episode is brought to you by PGE Consulting Group LLC. PGE Consulting Group LLC is dedicated to providing a practical hybrid of professional development training and diversity solutions. From speaking to consulting to programming and more, all services and resources are carefully tailored for each partner. Paula Edgar’s distinct expertise helps engage attendees and create lasting change for her clients. To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn. | |||
| 27 Aug 2024 | Picture Perfect: Paula’s Rules for Capturing Your Personal Brand with the Right Photos | 00:17:45 | |
Oftentimes when we talk about personal branding on the show, we’re talking about the image you present metaphorically, in terms of the attributes and qualities you choose to embody and express. However, the literal image you present of yourself also plays a crucial role and can significantly impact how others perceive you. So how can you use photography as the powerful tool it is to help you build and maintain a compelling brand? In this episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, you’ll learn about my insights into how to ensure your photos work in your favor. Drawing from my lifelong passion and experience with photography, I’ll cover everything from the importance of professional headshots to practical DIY tips for taking great pictures with your smartphone. 00:49 - Why photos are such a critical component of your personal brand 3:07 - Photo preparation tips to get you ready for your close-up 8:47 - Why investing in a professional photographer can elevate your brand (and how to choose one) 10:31 - DIY photo tips for using your smartphone to capture high-quality photos 13:31 - How selfies can add a personal touch to your brand while complementing your professional photos 15:14 - The importance of a cohesive, up-to-date photo strategy across social media and professional platforms Mentioned In Picture Perfect: Paula’s Rules for Capturing Your Personal Brand with the Right Photos “Paula's Top 10 Rules for Perfect Photos: Prep, Posing, and More” Jirel “Jay” McClinton (Dos Ojos Media) | LinkedIn Subscribe to The Branding Room Only on YouTube
This episode is brought to you by PGE Consulting Group LLC. PGE Consulting Group LLC is dedicated to providing a practical hybrid of professional development training and diversity solutions. From speaking to consulting to programming and more, all services and resources are carefully tailored for each partner. Paula Edgar’s distinct expertise helps engage attendees and create lasting change for her clients. To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn. | |||
| 03 Sep 2024 | The Life & Legacy of Joan Donna Griffith: A Conversation with Peter Griffith (Part 1) | 00:56:50 | |
We’re molded by those who support us along the way. These people come in the form of mentors, teachers, friends, and family. And for many of us, no figures are more essential than our parents. My father, Peter Griffith, was born in Barbados and immigrated to Brooklyn, NY at 14 years old. For 20 years, he was married to Joan Donna Griffith (a.k.a. Mommy) and raised two kids. Then, the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, took her life…but not her legacy. In the first half of our conversation on the Branding Room Only podcast, we look back and celebrate a woman who was a foundational part of our lives and helped develop me as a person and motivated professional. You’ll learn about how my parents met and started a family, and take a deep dive into my mother’s legacy and who she was as a person. 1:47 - Challenging experiences and transformations that Peter underwent in junior high and high school after immigrating to the U.S. 10:01 - Peter’s early career struggles and his reflections on the socio-economic and racial barriers he encountered 16:04 - How Peter met Joan and the challenges and triumphs of blending families 24:39 - Anecdotes about Peter and Joan’s early life together and their loving and resilient partnership despite life’s hurdles 30:46 - Joan’s love of reading Harlequin romance novels and the family dynamic shift that came with the arrival of my younger sister 37:18 - The 1993 World Trade Center bombing and how Joan was a lifeline to what was happening while I went to boarding school 41:07 - Joan’s multitasking prowess while maintaining a polished appearance and high standards 44:43 - How music from the 60s and home videos captured everyday family moments and contributed to a rich tapestry of cherished memories 50:02 - Joan’s dreams and aspirations and how she earned respect and loyalty in her career
“A Tribute to My Mother Joan Donna Griffith” Subscribe to The Branding Room Only on YouTube
This episode is brought to you by PGE Consulting Group LLC. PGE Consulting Group LLC is dedicated to providing a practical hybrid of professional development training and diversity solutions. From speaking to consulting to programming and more, all services and resources are carefully tailored for each partner. Paula Edgar’s distinct expertise helps engage attendees and create lasting change for her clients. To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn. | |||
| 10 Sep 2024 | The Life & Legacy of Joan Donna Griffith: A Conversation with Peter Griffith (Part 2) | 00:46:49 | |
September 11, 2001, is a date that lives in infamy. But the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center that day were an intensely personal experience for my family. For my father, Peter Griffith, the loss of his wife and my mother, Joan Donna Griffith, in that tragedy had an immediate and long-lasting effect that has reshaped our lives. In the second half of our conversation on the Branding Room Only podcast, you’ll hear our candid discussion about the events of that day, the overwhelming grief that followed, and how we got through our darkest days as a family. Through our recollections, we uncover the crucial role of support systems, from legal and financial planning to the unwavering support of family and friends, and reveal how my mother’s legacy of love, resiliency, and the enduring bonds of family lives on. 1:10 - How we learned about the attacks and our initial shock and disbelief 10:53 - How we began to process our grief in the immediate aftermath 17:04 - Reflections on the time we got to spend with Joan right before 9/11 and the “last piece of love” she gave me that August 25:32 - The memorialization of Joan and the day we went to retrieve her waterlogged purse from Lower Manhattan 30:22 - The challenge of navigating grief in the public eye and managing personal pain amidst widespread sympathy 40:18 - How Joan’s values and love are influencing and shaping future generations in the family and the lasting impact of 9/11
“A Tribute to My Mother Joan Donna Griffith” Subscribe to The Branding Room Only on YouTube
This episode is brought to you by PGE Consulting Group LLC. PGE Consulting Group LLC is dedicated to providing a practical hybrid of professional development training and diversity solutions. From speaking to consulting to programming and more, all services and resources are carefully tailored for each partner. Paula Edgar’s distinct expertise helps engage attendees and create lasting change for her clients. To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn. | |||
| 17 Sep 2024 | How Health Inequity Impacts Black Communities with Dr. Uché Blackstock | 00:48:50 | |
In early 2020, the world witnessed the rapid spread of a pandemic that brought many industries to a standstill, but the healthcare system remained overwhelmed, exposing deep-seated issues within it. One of the stark realities brought to the forefront was the persistent health inequities that disproportionately affect Black people. As the healthcare system buckled under the weight of COVID-19, it also unveiled the long-standing racial disparities in medical care. Amid this crisis, Dr. Uché Blackstock emerged as a leading voice, one of the first to raise awareness about racial health inequities during the pandemic. Through her consulting firm, Advancing Health Equity, and her bestselling memoir Legacy: A Black Physician Reckons with Racism in Medicine, Dr. Blackstock confronts systemic racism in healthcare and advocates for meaningful change. In this episode of Branding Room Only, Paula Edgar and Dr. Blackstock dive into her inspiring journey from Brooklyn to Harvard and beyond, highlighting her battle against racism in healthcare and her passion for public health and equity. Dr. Blackstock shares personal stories, detailing how her upbringing in Brooklyn and her mother’s legacy shaped her path, as well as her approach to healthcare equity. They also discuss the profound impact of racial bias in healthcare on Black communities and the need to support Black-led community-based organizations to advance health equity. 1:46 - Dr. Blackstock’s personal brand and three-word description, favorite quote, and the hype song she plays right before she gives a speech 6:19 - How Dr. Blackstock’s personal brand and educational journey was shaped by her surroundings and her mother 15:17 - Dr. Blackstock’s career journey and the effect of expectation on Black women’s health 22:01 - What inspired her to create her consulting firm and sound the alarm about racial health inequity 27:57 - The most challenging barriers Dr. Blackstock has encountered as she tries implementing change in the healthcare system 32:12 - The catalyst that inspired Dr. Blackstock to write Legacy and why people (especially students) should read it 40:00 - What you can do to support racial health equity and culturally responsive healthcare in marginalized communities 42:26 - The dearest role in Dr. Blackstock’s life, the uncompromisable aspect of her brand, and the ability she was born with that helps her with public speaking
Legacy: A Black Physician Reckons with Racism in Medicine by Uché Blackstock, MD Weathering: The Extraordinary Stress of Ordinary Life in an Unjust Society by Arline T. Geronimus Harlem Chi Community Acupuncture My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) | My Sister’s Keeper (MSK)
To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn. | |||
| 24 Sep 2024 | LinkedIn Strategies and Leadership Tips to Master Personal Branding with Richard Bliss | 01:00:37 | |
If you want to have a strong personal brand and strive for continued branding and business success, you must have a willingness to learn new things and adapt to new technology. That’s what makes Richard Bliss’s understanding of modern communication tools like AI and LinkedIn so unique. Richard is the CEO of BlissPoint Consulting and one of LinkedIn’s Top Voices. With decades of knowledge from the world of marketing and sales, he’s a personal branding master who has presented in over 20 countries. His book Digital-First Leadership is full of real-life stories, first-hand research, and countless insightful conversations aimed at helping business leaders master social media and build their online presence. In this episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, you’ll learn about the challenges of selling the concept of personal branding to executives, how generative AI is changing everything, and why treating LinkedIn like other platforms is a mistake. Richard will teach you how to strategically use LinkedIn for professional growth and brand-building success. 00:55 - How Richard defines personal branding, describes himself, reveals how he created his mantra, and names his hype music 7:37 - Why Richard had to adapt to new environments and find commonality with others as a kid 11:49 - How Richard had to reinvent himself for success after getting fired from his Chief Marketing Officer job 22:09 - Challenges of selling personal branding to executives in increasingly diverse workspaces 29:35 - How generative AI is impacting society and whether to embrace or turn away from it 35:24 - How AI can connect the dots, perform a function faster, and even uncover a weakness in your competition 41:02 - How LinkedIn is fundamentally different than all the other social media platforms (and therefore, requires a different approach) 49:48 - The secret to audience engagement and brand building on LinkedIn 56:08 - What you’ll never find Richard doing in his business and the magic he brings to other people
Digital-First Leadership by Richard Bliss “How to Navigate Generational Friction in the Workplace with Chris De Santis” Subscribe to The Branding Room Only on YouTube
This episode is brought to you by PGE Consulting Group LLC. PGE Consulting Group LLC is dedicated to providing a practical hybrid of professional development training and diversity solutions. From speaking to consulting to programming and more, all services and resources are carefully tailored for each partner. Paula Edgar’s distinct expertise helps engage attendees and create lasting change for her clients. To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn. | |||
| 15 Oct 2024 | How Lauren Maillian Turned Personal Branding into a Strategic Career Asset | 00:55:13 | |
If you want to leverage your skills for entrepreneurial success, Lauren Maillian’s story is a masterclass in turning opportunities into long-term growth. Starting at just 19, Lauren didn’t pursue modeling for fame; she used it as a springboard to invest in real estate and launch her career in business and investing. As the founder of LMB Group, a strategic advisory firm partnering with high-growth consumer brands, Lauren has built a career on innovation and leadership. From owning a vineyard to advising startups and writing a best-selling book, she has paved the way for women in business. Lauren’s journey highlights the importance of core values, confidence, and continuous learning for anyone aspiring to create lasting impact. In this episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, Lauren shares how to harness momentum and build confidence as an entrepreneur or investor. You'll hear her expert advice on breaking into entrepreneurship, navigating venture capital, and using your talent and expertise to fuel personal and professional growth. 00:57 - Lauren’s personal brand definition, three words to describe her brand, and the importance of aligning your brand with your core values and life experiences 4:21 - Lauren’s long-time mantras and the music she listens to when she needs to be innovative and channel her energy 12:14 - How the influences of her grandmother and parents shaped Lauren growing up as an only child on the Upper East Side of Manhattan 17:50 - How Lauren successfully got into real estate investment at a young age and used her capital to help other entrepreneurs build their brands and businesses 23:48 - The importance of collaborating with founders and how Lauren’s experience influenced her model for providing value to companies 28:58 - What has stayed consistent about Lauren’s brand throughout the different iterations of her firm and how she’s applied it to her personal life as well 32:27 - How Lauren has leveraged volunteer leadership opportunities to continue to build her brand 38:31 - Advice for brand-building through smart questions and business conversations as a woman of color looking to break into entrepreneurism or venture capitalism 43:07 - How Lauren’s improvement in her tennis game translates to business and leadership growth and success 48:38 - The importance of confidence and how Lauren learned to “go forth unafraid” and gain confidence in herself Mentioned In How Lauren Maillian Turned Personal Branding into a Strategic Career Asset The Path Redefined by Lauren Maillian This episode is brought to you by PGE Consulting Group LLC. PGE Consulting Group LLC is dedicated to providing a practical hybrid of professional development training and diversity solutions. From speaking to consulting to programming and more, all services and resources are carefully tailored for each partner. Paula Edgar’s distinct expertise helps engage attendees and create lasting change for her clients. To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn. | |||
| 01 Oct 2024 | How to Prepare for a Conference to Maximize Your Personal Brand Impact | 00:30:52 | |
Conferences offer incredible opportunities to network, learn, and strengthen your personal brand—but only if you’re prepared to make the most of them. With the right approach, you can expand your mindset, build valuable connections, and uncover new insights. To help you get there, I’ve put together a step-by-step guide using one of my favorite tools: an acronym! In this episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, you’ll discover how to maximize your personal brand impact at conferences. We’ll cover crafting an effective elevator pitch, setting clear goals, networking with purpose, and following up to create lasting connections that truly matter. 2:00 - Crafting your elevator pitch: what to include, the value of adding fun facts, and the importance of how you sound as you introduce yourself 8:21 - Organizing your goals for conferences: suggestions, recommendations, and the benefit of flexibility 10:56 - Networking with intent: how to prepare beforehand and the importance of quality over quantity 13:13 - Following up effectively: how to make connections, use streamlining tools, and approach your follow-up messages 16:50 - Engaging before and after the conference: how to use social media and prepare for and continue conversations online 19:07 - Researching the event: how to use the past to maximize your opportunities 20:32 - Elevating your online presence: what you can do before you attend any conference 23:20 - Navigating the conference agenda: tools to plan your schedule and how to add value and leave time for decompression and self-care 26:45 - Creating branded materials: suggestions for easy connection and communicating key information 28:35 - Engaging authentically: how to appear in conversations and what to avoid while conversing with other people
Corporate Counsel Women of Color Conference Branding Room Only Interview With Laurie Robinson Haden: Shining Brightly - Part 1 Branding Room Only Interview With Laurie Robinson Haden: Shining Brightly - Part 2 Personal Branding Boosters and Bruisers: Attending Conferences Subscribe to The Branding Room Only on YouTube Maximize Your Event Attendance: 12 Strategies to Amplify Your Personal Brand This episode is brought to you by PGE Consulting Group LLC. PGE Consulting Group LLC is dedicated to providing a practical hybrid of professional development training and diversity solutions. From speaking to consulting to programming and more, all services and resources are carefully tailored for each partner. Paula Edgar’s distinct expertise helps engage attendees and create lasting change for her clients. To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn. | |||
| 08 Oct 2024 | Breaking Barriers at McDonald's and Beyond with Desiree Ralls-Morrison | 00:52:58 | |
Desiree Ralls-Morrison’s career journey is one of breaking barriers, leading with integrity, and staying true to her values. As the Executive Global Chief Legal Officer at McDonald’s, she oversees global legal operations while supporting the company’s strategies and managing risk. Beyond her high-profile role, Desiree is a fierce advocate for racial equity and social justice, co-founding The New Commonwealth Racial Equity and Social Justice Fund to uplift Black, Latino, and Indigenous communities. Growing up as one of the only Black students in a small Connecticut town, Desiree learned early on about resilience, self-awareness, and the importance of staying grounded in her identity. Her path from Harvard Law School to leading one of the most recognizable global brands is marked by her unwavering commitment to authenticity and high standards. She also credits much of her success to the values her mother instilled in her and mentors like Ken Frazier, which she carries with her in every leadership role. In this episode of The Branding Room Only podcast, Desiree shares how her upbringing shaped her personal and professional brand. She discusses her transition from healthcare to McDonald’s, navigating global legal issues, and why vulnerability is key to her leadership style. Desiree also dives into the importance of service, mentorship, and staying true to her core values, offering actionable insights for anyone looking to build a personal brand rooted in authenticity. 1:05 - Desiree’s personal brand definition, favorite quote, and hype song 7:22 - How growing up in a small, all-white town shaped Desiree’s childhood, college education, and career path 18:18 - How Desiree transitioned into her current role at McDonald’s and the challenge that came with it 23:11 - How service and community involvement became key to building her brand and the founding of her racial equity fund 30:10 - The meaning behind receiving awards and public recognition, and how Desiree stays grounded 33:13 - Lessons learned from mentors like Ken Frazier and how they shaped her leadership style 39:39 - Balancing visibility with authenticity in corporate America 44:51 - Desiree’s advice for building a personal brand, what she does for fun, and her uncompromising commitment to integrity 49:38 - How Desiree’s authenticity and vulnerability form the foundation of her Branding Room Only magic
The New Commonwealth Racial Equity and Social Justice Fund Corporate Counsel Women of Color Branding Room Only Interview with Laurie Robinson Haden - Shining Brightly: Crafting a Personal Brand in the Corporate World with Zabrina Jenkins
PGE Consulting Group LLC is dedicated to providing a practical hybrid of professional development training and diversity solutions. From speaking to consulting to programming and more, all services and resources are carefully tailored for each partner. Paula Edgar’s distinct expertise helps engage attendees and create lasting change for her clients. To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn. | |||
| 22 Oct 2024 | How Effective Communication Impacts Business and Brand Development with Elise Holtzman | 00:53:05 | |
Do you think that not focusing on building a brand means that someone doesn’t have one? You always have a personal brand, whether you realize it or not! So you must be intentional about yours. Many lawyers haven’t been taught about branding. Luckily, experts like my guest Elise Holtzman are dedicated to helping attorneys develop their businesses and brands. Elise is a former lawyer turned coach. As the CEO of The Lawyer’s Edge, she and her team have spent over 15 years working exclusively with lawyers and law firms to help them become better business developers and leaders and grow thriving practices. In this episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, you’ll hear about Elise’s journey from pre-med to lawyer to coach. You’ll also learn how effective communication through coaching, podcasting, and volunteerism has impacted her brand and business development. She also highlights the value and importance of understanding and adapting to different communication styles and personalities. 00:55 - How Elise defines personal brand and describes herself and her favorite quote from Jack Canfield 4:25 - Elise’s upbringing, why she pivoted from premed to law, and the rewards of practicing law 11:58 - Why Elise left law, how doing so affected her brand, and how she transitioned into coaching 19:45 - Elise’s passion for business development and how she started building her brand and business 24:02 - How leadership and volunteerism have helped Elise build her brand (and can do the same for yours) 27:27 - How the coaching process has influenced the way Elise has built her brand and helped her clients 33:13 - The biggest lesson learned about branding and business development from hosting a podcast 40:02 - The importance of effective communication, understanding personality types, and communication challenges that can crop up 47:05 - Two uncompromisable core values of Elise’s brand and what nakedness has to do with her Branding Room Only superpower
Ignite Women’s Business Development Accelerator Paula Edgar | How to Boldly Be YOU in Everything You Do - The Lawyer’s Edge Podcast The Success Principles Workbook by Jack Canfield Get Slightly Famous: Become a Celebrity in Your Field and Attract more Business With Less Effort by Steven Van Yoder New Jersey Women Lawyers Association
PGE Consulting Group LLC is dedicated to providing a practical hybrid of professional development training and diversity solutions. From speaking to consulting to programming and more, all services and resources are carefully tailored for each partner. Paula Edgar’s distinct expertise helps engage attendees and create lasting change for her clients. To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn. | |||
| 29 Oct 2024 | How Your Personal Style Aligns With Your Brand with Naana Badu | 00:53:14 | |
The clothes you wear aren’t just about style—they’re an extension of your personal brand. My guest, Naana Badu, firmly believes this, and I couldn’t agree more! Naana is an image consultant, speaker, and style coach with a unique ability to help women express their authentic selves through fashion. As the founder of Badu Basics, she works with high-achieving women of color to transform their wardrobes into powerful reflections of their personal brands. Naana’s approach focuses on helping her clients align their style with their personal brand in a way that feels intentional and authentic. She shares practical advice on how you can evaluate your own wardrobe and brand to make sure they’re working in harmony, offering tips you can implement right away to make impactful changes. In this episode of Branding Room Only, Naana dives deep into why it’s crucial to align your style with your brand and how doing so can influence the way you’re perceived, both personally and professionally. She walks us through the framework she uses with clients to ensure their style reflects their brand’s message, and shares her own journey of building an authentic personal brand. 4:28 - The dual situation Naana faced growing up and learning to embrace the uniqueness of difference 8:30 - Naana’s career transitions and how she has always seen style as a difference-maker 15:32 - How Naana collaborates with others to help them find their authentic personal style in different areas of their lives 21:25 - Working with men and the framework Naana uses to help clients transition their wardrobe 24:54 - How Naana builds trust with her clients and her belief in women hyping each other up 30:36 - How Naana has built her personal styling and image consultancy brand 37:19 - How the pandemic shifted people’s view and sense of their personal style 40:33 - Naana explains the ABCDs of image and how she teaches image consulting to FIT students 45:39 - Naana’s advice for what you can do to build your brand right now 48:50 - What Naana does for fun and her uncompromisable brand aspect and magic Mentioned In How Your Personal Style Aligns With Your Brand with Naana Badu Badu Basics | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT)
PGE Consulting Group LLC is dedicated to providing a practical hybrid of professional development training and diversity solutions. From speaking to consulting to programming and more, all services and resources are carefully tailored for each partner. Paula Edgar’s distinct expertise helps engage attendees and create lasting change for her clients. To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn. | |||
| 04 Nov 2024 | Why This Election Matters: A Conversation with Alphonso David | 00:47:13 | |
Elections shape the future of our democracy, and their impact on our lives is undeniable. As a Black woman, lawyer, leader, and mother, I see it not just as part of my brand but as my duty to bring essential conversations forward, especially as we approach this pivotal Election Day. In this episode of Branding Room Only, I’m joined by Alphonso David, a trailblazing civil rights and economic justice leader, and the president and CEO of the Global Black Economic Forum. Alphonso’s work and his powerful message resonate deeply at this crucial time. We explore his remarkable career advocating for Black and marginalized communities and discuss the significant issues at stake in this election. 5:54 - How a devastating childhood experience in Liberia shaped Alphonso’s brand and commitment to social justice 10:44 - Alphonso’s through line and career path leading up to becoming president of the Global Black Economic Forum 17:37 - The Fearless Fund court case and how it exposes ongoing systemic inequity in the U.S. 26:39 - The singular concept that should be at the forefront for Black or Black-adjacent people this election 32:54 - How the Forum’s work intercepts with priorities of greater equity and freedom for the Black community 36:01 - Why it’s important to think through the lens of community (and history) rather than through the lens of the self 41:19 - All the things Alphonso does for fun, what he will never compromise on, and the unique experience that he provides for others
Subscribe to The Branding Room Only on YouTube Sponsor for this episode This episode is brought to you by PGE Consulting Group LLC. PGE Consulting Group LLC is dedicated to providing a practical hybrid of professional development training and diversity solutions. From speaking to consulting to programming and more, all services and resources are carefully tailored for each partner. Paula Edgar’s distinct expertise helps engage attendees and create lasting change for her clients. To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn. | |||
| 12 Nov 2024 | How Navigating Grief Impacts Your Personal Brand | 00:10:33 | |
Grief and disappointment are inevitable parts of life, impacting us both personally and professionally. No matter what you're navigating, whether it's the grief of losing a loved one, the disappointment of a missed opportunity, not passing the bar, the end of a relationship, or even the outcomes of an election that feel disheartening, we all at some point have to face grief and disappointment. I believe it’s essential to acknowledge these challenges openly, especially in the context of personal branding. In this unique episode of Branding Room Only, I explore the influence of grief and setbacks on how we present ourselves to the world and I reflect on how handling grief and disappointment can impact our personal brand. Together, we’ll navigate the emotional toll of these experiences and explore strategies for moving forward authentically. 1:04 – Understanding the importance of taking a pause and allowing oneself to process emotions 2:04 – Balancing professionalism and vulnerability in times of personal difficulty 3:36 – The power of transparency and how it builds trust 4:23 – The role of a “personal board of directors” in navigating hard times 6:09 – Viewing vulnerability as a strength and allowing it to evolve your brand 7:15 – Realigning your goals and expectations after experiencing loss How Navigating Grief Impacts Your Personal Brand How to Assemble and Leverage Your Personal Board of Directors
This episode is brought to you by PGE Consulting Group LLC. PGE Consulting Group LLC is dedicated to providing a practical hybrid of professional development training and diversity solutions. From speaking to consulting to programming and more, all services and resources are carefully tailored for each partner. Paula Edgar’s distinct expertise helps engage attendees and create lasting change for her clients. To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn. | |||
| 19 Nov 2024 | Building an Empowered Brand Through Storytelling with Jerry Won | 01:02:17 | |
In a world where personal branding can shape our careers and amplify our voices, storytelling becomes a powerful tool for self-expression and impact. As a professional and advocate, I believe it's more important than ever to own and share our unique stories to connect, inspire, and lead with purpose. In this episode of Branding Room Only, I’m joined by Jerry Won, an inspiring storyteller, keynote speaker, and founder of World Class Speakers, the Asian Creator Awards, and the Dear Asian Americans podcast. Jerry’s work resonates with me as he focuses on making everyone feel seen and heard through storytelling, empowering others to take their place on the stage with confidence and authenticity. We discuss Jerry’s journey—from immigrating to the United States and navigating cultural expectations to breaking free from traditional paths and building platforms that amplify underrepresented voices. Join us as we explore the duty to “get loud” with our stories, the importance of embracing identity, and practical strategies for building a brand that’s both powerful and authentically you. 5:33 - The moment Jerry bet on himself and decided to anchor his career in his own story 7:36 - Why context in advice matters, especially for marginalized communities who are often misled by one-size-fits-all success stories 13:52 - Jerry's "duty to get loud"—why sharing your experiences helps others avoid struggling alone 22:03 - Jerry’s experience emigrating from Korea to California at 8 years old and the impact it had on his choices as a parent 35:23 - Building a business during the pandemic, the challenges Jerry faced, and how storytelling played a key role in his success 47:27 - How the next generation is breaking racial barriers, and why supporting them is more important than ever 52:47 - The one thing Jerry will never compromise on: staying true to himself, honoring his ancestors, and setting an example for future generations Mentioned In Building an Empowered Brand Through Storytelling with Jerry Won Minda Harts on The Branding Room Only The Anti-Ableist Manifesto by Tiffany Yu Subscribe to The Branding Room Only on YouTube
This episode is brought to you by PGE Consulting Group LLC. PGE Consulting Group LLC is dedicated to providing a practical hybrid of professional development training and diversity solutions. From speaking to consulting to programming and more, all services and resources are carefully tailored for each partner. Paula Edgar’s distinct expertise helps engage attendees and create lasting change for her clients. To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn. | |||
| 26 Nov 2024 | Guests I'm Grateful For in 2024: Reflecting on Favorite Moments and Messages | 00:10:37 | |
This year, we’ve been lucky to hear from some truly incredible guests on the show. Each conversation brought unique insights and thoughtful lessons about the power and nuances of personal branding. As we wind down 2024 and look toward the new year, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the moments that have stood out most. In this episode of Branding Room Only, I’m revisiting some of my favorite guest insights and the messages that inspired me most this year. From strategies to reimagine your brand to stories that challenged how I think about success, I’ll highlight the conversations that left a lasting impact—and I hope they’ll inspire you as much as they’ve inspired me. 1:08 - Favorite guest insights on resilience, networking, and workplace communication 2:48 - Guests with powerful insights on advocacy, managing, authentic storytelling, and navigating difficult conversations 4:55 - Guests who best illustrate how creativity and the arts intersect with personal branding 6:16 - Guests who brought their unique perspectives on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) 8:57 - Reflections on two special episodes released this year that are close to my heart Mentioned In Guests I'm Grateful For in 2024: Reflecting on Favorite Moments and Messages Personal Branding Strategy Sessions Subscribe to The Branding Room Only on YouTube Sponsor for this episode This episode is brought to you by PGE Consulting Group LLC. PGE Consulting Group LLC is dedicated to providing a practical hybrid of professional development training and diversity solutions. From speaking to consulting to programming and more, all services and resources are carefully tailored for each partner. Paula Edgar’s distinct expertise helps engage attendees and create lasting change for her clients. To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn. | |||
| 10 Dec 2024 | Navigating Feedback, Branding, and EQ in Leadership with Morenike Williams | 00:54:45 | |
In a world where success often feels scripted, Morenike Williams knows the power of rewriting your own story. As a seasoned executive turned CEO of Revision Coaching, she’s redefining what fulfillment means on her terms. As a coach, she helps others do the same by combining her real-world experience with intentional, personalized strategies. In this episode of Branding Room Only, Morenike and I dive into the importance of emotional intelligence, feedback, and authentic communication for building a personal brand that truly resonates. Together, we unpack how emotional intelligence goes beyond self-awareness, why feedback is an invaluable tool—even when it’s difficult to hear—and how clear, direct communication can elevate your professional impact. This conversation will inspire you to dig deeper into your personal brand and approach each step of your journey with authenticity and purpose. 1:14 - What personal brand means to Morenike, how she defines herself in three words, the Dolly Parton quote she loves, and her go-to hype song(s) 6:14 - How Morenike’s childhood as a Black girl in Tampa proper shaped her work ethic and the way she navigates spaces 12:03 - How Morenike’s experiences as a kid in navigating spaces as “other” led to her college and career path 17:48 - The importance of having emotional intelligence and how the lack of it can make or break your brand 23:54 - Morenike’s advice for anyone struggling to do the emotional intelligence work needed to move forward 32:10 - How the way you receive feedback (verbally and non-verbally) can impact others’ view of you and your brand 38:01 - Why who you receive feedback from can be a challenge and how to apply filters to sift through the feedback you get 42:57 - How passive-aggressiveness in your communication impacts your brand and ability to navigate the spaces you occupy 49:11 - Two brand aspects that Morenike will always stand by and the unique sauce that is her Branding Room Only magic
Petty Branding Series: What It Is and How It Impacts Your Leadership Lessons from a Leadership Misstep Navigating Ego and Embracing Constructive Feedback Access Paula’s Recommended Coaches of Color Personal Branding Strategy Sessions Subscribe to The Branding Room Only on YouTube
PGE Consulting Group LLC is dedicated to providing a practical hybrid of professional development training and diversity solutions. From speaking to consulting to programming and more, all services and resources are carefully tailored for each partner. Paula Edgar’s distinct expertise helps engage attendees and create lasting change for her clients. To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn. | |||
| 03 Dec 2024 | How Unlearning Silence Saves Your Brand from Sabotage with Elaine Lin Hering | 00:53:52 | |
Do you ever feel like you’re holding back your voice to fit in, get along, or simply navigate your day? Silence can be an invisible barrier—one that affects us personally, professionally, and generationally, especially for those from marginalized communities. Elaine Lin Hering understands this deeply. As an immigrant, she’s navigated the unspoken expectations of silence and has learned to reclaim her voice. Now, as a USA Today best-selling author and expert on communication and conflict management, Elaine is helping others unlearn the silence that holds them back. In this episode of Branding Room Only, Elaine and I explore the costs of silence and how it shows up in marginalized communities, at work, and even in our closest relationships. She shares insights from her book Unlearning Silence, breaking down how silence can stifle not only our voices but also our personal brands. Together, we’ll discuss how to recognize and unlearn silence, embrace your inherent worth, and use your voice authentically to show up fully as yourself. 1:01 - Elaine’s personal brand definition, how she’d describe herself, the mantra she currently holds onto, and her hype song 4:11 - How Elaine’s upbringing and career path served as the inspiration behind Unlearning Silence 8:50 - How silence shows up in women of color and other marginalized identities and what that might mean for their brands 14:15 - The unintentional silencing of others that occurs and the difference between strategic versus oppressive silence 19:42 - How to start owning your voice in spaces where you want to be heard and the importance of unlearning generational silence 27:28 - The one question Elaine asks her clients that she wishes she didn’t have to and the issue with “imposter syndrome” framing 32:16 - Self-silencing as a learned condition and trauma response 35:14 - How silence can be very detrimental to your brand-building and personal relationships 44:34 - Elaine’s message and advice for those with marginalized identities trying to be resilient in spaces contributing to their continued silence 49:09 - What Elaine does for fun, the part of her brand she’ll always stand by, and the Branding Room Only experience she provides Mentioned In How Unlearning Silence Saves Your Brand from Sabotage with Elaine Lin Hering Unlearning Silence: How to Speak Your Mind, Unleash Talent, and Live More Fully by Elaine Lin Hering Subscribe to The Branding Room Only on YouTube
PGE Consulting Group LLC is dedicated to providing a practical hybrid of professional development training and diversity solutions. From speaking to consulting to programming and more, all services and resources are carefully tailored for each partner. Paula Edgar’s distinct expertise helps engage attendees and create lasting change for her clients. To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn. | |||
| 17 Dec 2024 | Mindfulness, Leadership, and the Power of Authentic Branding with Rudhir Krishtel | 00:54:07 | |
1:06 - Why Rudhir sees personal branding like a storefront and how he identifies his mission 5:07 - Rudhir’s favorite quote and the connection between self-expression and authenticity (particularly in relation to executive presence) 7:48 - Rudhir’s hype songs and the impact that practicing gratitude can have on you and your brand 11:53 - Rudhir’s background and how he transitioned from law firm partner to his current role 15:20 - How Rudhir integrated mindfulness practices into his legal career and its impact on how he showed up as a professional 24:17 - Why we lean into business development and the first step toward attaining future success for junior attorneys 33:35 - The importance of investing in relationships in legal practice and building trust in business development 43:20 - The hangup you might have about self-promotion and resources to help you start your mindfulness journey 49:32 - Outer action you can take for business development that’ll make the marketing and branding work easier 50:50 - What Rudhir does for fun, what he’ll never compromise on brand-wise, and what he offers others as a Branding Room Only experience Mentioned In Mindfulness, Leadership, and the Power of Authentic Branding with Rudhir Krishtel Rudhir Krishtel | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Twitter/X The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron Access Rudhir’s Guided Meditations Paula’s Annual Intention and Goal Setting Webinar for 2025 Personal Branding Strategy Sessions Subscribe to The Branding Room Only on YouTube
This episode is brought to you by PGE Consulting Group LLC. PGE Consulting Group LLC is dedicated to providing a practical hybrid of professional development training and diversity solutions. From speaking to consulting to programming and more, all services and resources are carefully tailored for each partner. Paula Edgar’s distinct expertise helps engage attendees and create lasting change for her clients. To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn. | |||
| 31 Dec 2024 | Intentions vs Goals and How To Combine Them for a Winning Strategy | 00:11:50 | |
Setting a big, exciting goal can feel amazing at the start—the motivation is high, and the journey feels full of possibility. But what happens when the excitement fades or the path gets bumpy? That’s when the power of intention can make all the difference. In this episode of Branding Room Only, I’m diving into the difference between intentions and goals and how combining the two can create a winning strategy. We’ll explore why intentions are key to building a personal brand that feels authentic and sustainable—and how they can keep you grounded and moving forward, even when you don’t hit the mark. 1:38 - Why an intention is different from a goal 3:19 - Why you must have intentions if you want to build a strong brand 6:49 - How combining your intentions and goals leads to a winning strategy 9:14 - Actionable steps to help you bring it all together
2025 Intention and Goal Setting Webinar Personal Branding Strategy Sessions Subscribe to The Branding Room Only on YouTube
This episode is brought to you by PGE Consulting Group LLC. PGE Consulting Group LLC is dedicated to providing a practical hybrid of professional development training and diversity solutions. From speaking to consulting to programming and more, all services and resources are carefully tailored for each partner. Paula Edgar’s distinct expertise helps engage attendees and create lasting change for her clients. To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn. | |||
| 24 Dec 2024 | Vision Boards for Personal Branding: How to Make Them Work | 00:08:50 | |
Vision boards can be so much more than just a collage of pretty pictures and inspirational words—they can be a game-changer for designing your life, if you use them intentionally. Every year, I kick off with an intention and goal-setting session, and vision boards are one of my favorite tools to turn big dreams into real plans. In this episode of The Branding Room Only podcast, I’m sharing how to make vision boards work for you. We’ll talk about why vision boards are worth your time, how to create one that helps you achieve your goals, and how this simple tool connects to your personal brand. 1:01 - Why vision boards are so impactful and why intention is their secret sauce 2:56 - Main options for creating your vision board and what you can include on it 5:15 - How vision boarding connects with personal branding and the final puzzle piece to making it work Mentioned In Vision Boards for Personal Branding: How to Make Them Work 2025 Intention and Goal Setting Webinar Personal Branding Strategy Sessions Subscribe to The Branding Room Only on YouTube Sponsor for this episode PGE Consulting Group LLC is dedicated to providing a practical hybrid of professional development training and diversity solutions. From speaking to consulting to programming and more, all services and resources are carefully tailored for each partner. Paula Edgar’s distinct expertise helps engage attendees and create lasting change for her clients. To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn. | |||
| 07 Jan 2025 | Refresh Your Personal Brand and Stand Out in the New Year with Stefanie Marrone | 00:55:09 | |
A new year is the perfect time to revisit your goals and refresh the vision that defines your personal brand. And who better to guide us through that process than my friend (and returning guest), Stefanie Marrone? Stefanie is the powerhouse behind the Social Media Butterfly blog, where she tackles the latest issues affecting lawyers and legal marketers. She’s a LinkedIn pro and an early adopter of the platform, but her expertise extends far beyond—covering social media strategies, branding, and marketing at large. In this episode of Branding Room Only, Stefanie and I dive into actionable strategies to help you revitalize your personal brand for the year ahead. You’ll learn how to build your brand both internally and externally, create authentic content (with a little help from AI), and connect more effectively with your audience. Plus, we’ll talk about embracing stretch moments to grow and stand out in a way that feels true to you. 1:33 - Stefanie’s personal brand definition, how she defines herself in three (or four) words, and her favorite quotes and hype songs 11:42 - Stefanie’s struggles as a talker, what led to her going on LinkedIn, and why her brand exploded 17:50 - How Stefanie and I met, our similarities, and one non-social media way you can build your brand 22:38 - Three actionable steps you can take in January to set a strong foundation for your personal brand 27:34 - One of the most important things you can do with your content 30:53 - The power and importance of internal branding and some suggestions for how you can do it 35:07 - Personal versus professional persona, the struggle to pivot between the two, and how some corporate cultures make it more difficult 41:28 - How to use AI tools to get more effective and authentic content as your output 46:43 - Content creation strategy insights you can use without having to start from scratch 52:17 - Habit-building recommendations for you to adopt this year so you can consistently elevate your brand
Branding Room Only Interview With Stefanie Marrone: Loving LinkedIn 2025 Intention and Goal Setting Webinar Personal Branding Strategy Sessions Subscribe to The Branding Room Only on YouTube Sponsor for this episode This episode is brought to you by PGE Consulting Group LLC. PGE Consulting Group LLC is dedicated to providing a practical hybrid of professional development training and diversity solutions. From speaking to consulting to programming and more, all services and resources are carefully tailored for each partner. Paula Edgar’s distinct expertise helps engage attendees and create lasting change for her clients. To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn. | |||
| 14 Jan 2025 | 8 Personal Branding Lessons to Learn From Martin Luther King Jr.'s Legacy | 00:10:40 | |
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. wasn’t just a leader—he was a master of personal branding. In honor of his birthday (January 15), we’re reflecting on his life and legacy and what they can teach us about building a meaningful and impactful personal brand. In this episode of Branding Room Only, I share eight powerful lessons inspired by Dr. King’s life and offer actionable tips to help you build your brand with purpose, authenticity, and a lasting impact. Mentioned In 8 Personal Branding Lessons to Learn From Martin Luther King Jr.'s Legacy The King Center - Dr. King Jr. The Nobel Peace Prize, 1964 - Martin Luther King Jr. 2025 Intention and Goal Setting Webinar Replay Personal Branding Strategy Sessions Subscribe to The Branding Room Only on YouTube
PGE Consulting Group LLC is dedicated to providing a practical hybrid of professional development training and diversity solutions. From speaking to consulting to programming and more, all services and resources are carefully tailored for each partner. Paula Edgar’s distinct expertise helps engage attendees and create lasting change for her clients. To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn. | |||
| 20 Jan 2025 | How to Navigate & Strengthen Your Brand During Times of Uncertainty | 00:12:31 | |
Are you prepared for the unexpected? Branding may seem straightforward when life feels predictable, but challenges are inevitable. The question is, what happens to your personal brand during times of uncertainty, when things may feel a bit shaky? In this episode of Branding Room Only, I explore how to navigate and strengthen your brand during uncertain times using the acronym “TESTIMONY.” Each letter represents a strategy to help you stay resilient, authentic, and impactful when life feels unpredictable. 2:05 - The trust you need to reinforce, and the trait thriving brands demonstrate in tough times
2025 Intention and Goal Setting Webinar Replay 14-Day Personal Branding Challenge Personal Branding Strategy Sessions Subscribe to The Branding Room Only on YouTube
PGE Consulting Group LLC is dedicated to providing a practical hybrid of professional development training and diversity solutions. From speaking to consulting to programming and more, all services and resources are carefully tailored for each partner. Paula Edgar’s distinct expertise helps engage attendees and create lasting change for her clients. To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn. | |||
| 28 Jan 2025 | Unlocking Trust and Joy for a Standout Brand with Tracy LaLonde | 00:54:26 | |
What does it take to become the go-to person at work? It’s a question with layers—and Tracy LaLonde unpacks the answers in her latest book, Trust Me: The Insider’s Guide to Being the Go-To Person at Work. Tracy emphasizes that trustworthiness is a cornerstone of professional success, making it an essential ingredient for elevating your career and building an unforgettable personal brand. In this episode of Branding Room Only, Tracy and I explore why trust is the foundation of a standout brand. She breaks down her key pillars of trust, shares actionable strategies for building it, and highlights common mistakes that can weaken it. From avoiding trust-eroding pitfalls to fostering authentic connections, Tracy offers a roadmap for becoming indispensable—and finding joy in the process. 1:43 - Tracy’s simple definition of personal branding, her self-description in three words, a Warren Buffet quote she’s loving lately, and her hype songs Mentioned In Unlocking Trust and Joy for a Standout Brand with Tracy LaLonde Trust Me: The Insider’s Guide to Being the Go-To Person at Work by Tracy LeLonde How to Navigate Generational Friction in the Workplace with Chris De Santis Personal Branding Bruisers: Paula’s Professional Pet Peeves Personal Branding Strategy Sessions Sign up for Paula’s Upcoming Webinars
PGE Consulting Group LLC is dedicated to providing a practical hybrid of professional development training and diversity solutions. From speaking to consulting to programming and more, all services and resources are carefully tailored for each partner. Paula Edgar’s distinct expertise helps engage attendees and create lasting change for her clients. To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn. | |||
| 04 Feb 2025 | Build a Better Team with Less Workplace Stress & Burnout with Paula Davis | 00:55:50 | |
Stress and burnout are among the greatest workplace challenges that workers and employers face. Leaders must deal with how to overcome them now more than ever if they want to foster a workplace where their employees feel valued and like their work matters. As an author and internationally recognized expert on burnout prevention, resilience, and leadership, Paula Davis has engaged in conversations, both within and outside the legal industry, about how to reduce stress, prevent burnout, and foster greater resiliency within organizations to build stronger, more adaptable teams. She’s also the founder and CEO of The Stress & Resilience Institute, and draws from her expertise as a former lawyer trained in applied positive psychology to address pressing workplace issues. In this episode of Branding Room Only, you’ll learn Paula’s two-pronged approach to navigating the challenges of stress, burnout prevention, and resiliency. She’ll also teach you her five-mindset framework for better leadership so you can develop a work environment that engages, retains, and inspires your team. 1:20 - What personal brand means to Paula, how she describes herself, the quote she keeps coming back to, and the music that hypes her up
Beating Burnout at Work and Lead Well by Paula Davis The Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward by Dan Pink “Mapping and measuring leadership practices intended to foster meaningful work” by Zachary A Mercurio, Tamara Myles, Wesley Adams, and Jeremy D. W. Clifton Personal Branding Strategy Sessions
PGE Consulting Group LLC is dedicated to providing a practical hybrid of professional development training and diversity solutions. From speaking to consulting to programming and more, all services and resources are carefully tailored for each partner. Paula Edgar’s distinct expertise helps engage attendees and create lasting change for her clients. To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn. | |||
| 11 Feb 2025 | Pearls of Power: How to Use Authenticity, Boldness, and Intentionality with Carla Harris | 00:29:22 | |
For Carla Harris, fear has no place in the equation for success. Carla Harris grew up with the expectation of delivering excellence, and she has built a career that exemplifies just that. Carla is an award-winning author, internationally renowned speaker, celebrated gospel singer, and one of the most influential Black executives in the country as Morgan Stanley’s Senior Client Advisor. In her book Lead to Win, she shares decades of insights to help professionals navigate today’s challenges and become powerful, impactful, and influential leaders in their fields. In this episode of Branding Room Only, Carla shares her signature Pearls of wisdom on authenticity, boldness, and intentional leadership. She provides strategies, hard truths, and the inspiration you need to elevate your brand and career to the next level. She is a powerhouse in every sense and trust me, this will be an episode that you will continue to return to when you need motivation. 1:46 – Why Carla rarely uses the word ‘brand,’ how she describes herself in three words, the quotes she turns to for different situations, and the hype song she created Mentioned In Pearls of Power: How to Use Authenticity, Boldness, and Intentionality with Carla Harris Lead to Win and Expect to Win by Carla Harris “Born to Win” by Carla Harris | Turn It Up Version (Spotify) Personal Branding Strategy Sessions Subscribe to The Branding Room Only on YouTube Sign up for Paula’s Upcoming Webinars
This episode is brought to you by PGE Consulting Group LLC. PGE Consulting Group LLC is dedicated to providing a practical hybrid of professional development training and diversity solutions. From speaking to consulting to programming and more, all services and resources are carefully tailored for each partner. Paula Edgar’s distinct expertise helps engage attendees and create lasting change for her clients. To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn. | |||
| 18 Feb 2025 | Trailblazing with Integrity: Creating a Powerful Personal Brand with Sharon Bowen | 00:45:52 | |
Your personal brand isn’t just about what you do; it’s about who you are and how you show up for others. Commissioner Sharon Bowen, Chair of the New York Stock Exchange, has built a career and reputation rooted in integrity, authenticity, passion, and purpose. Throughout her ceiling-shattering leadership journey, Sharon has used her platform to elevate others—myself included. In this episode of Branding Room Only, Sharon shares insights from her trailblazing career, highlighting the impact of public service, personal relationships, and mentorship. She also unpacks what it truly means to live authentically in a world that often lacks it. Through Sharon’s story, you’ll gain a blueprint for not just achieving success, but making an impact, empowering others, and leaving a lasting legacy. 2:12 – How Sharon defines a personal brand, how she describes herself in three short phrases, the quote that keeps her humble, and one of her hype songs 5:11 – How growing up in segregated Virginia during the Civil Rights era shaped Sharon’s life and career decisions 7:22 – Highlights from Sharon’s career path, including her introduction to Wall Street and the pivotal moment that cemented her interest in the market 14:30 – How Sharon’s personal brand helped her navigate and succeed in barrier-breaking roles 19:47 – The role of public service in brand alignment and why volunteerism (when chosen thoughtfully) is so important 26:13 – The impact of personal relationships on career success and brand-building, plus the influential people who shaped Sharon’s journey 34:07 – Advice for professionals who aspire to follow a similarly groundbreaking path 38:17 – What Sharon hopes her legacy will be and what she does for fun 41:47 – Why Sharon will never compromise on her integrity, the unique energy she brings into a room, and a final heartfelt message
Corporate Counsel Women of Color New York Lawyers for the Public Interest New York City Economic Development Corporation Principal For a Day - Pencil.org Practicing Attorneys for Law Students Program (PALS) Personal Branding Strategy Sessions Subscribe to The Branding Room Only on YouTube Sign up for Paula’s Upcoming Webinars
PGE Consulting Group LLC is dedicated to providing a practical hybrid of professional development training and diversity solutions. From speaking to consulting to programming and more, all services and resources are carefully tailored for each partner. Paula Edgar’s distinct expertise helps engage attendees and create lasting change for her clients. To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn. | |||
| 25 Feb 2025 | Leadership and the Power of the Pivot with Michele Meyer-Shipp | 00:51:43 | |
Reevaluating where you are and where you want to go is essential to long-term success. But without intentional self-reflection and strategic action, you risk missing out on the growth and opportunities that can shape your career. Michele C. Meyer-Shipp, CEO of Dress for Success Worldwide, has built an impressive career spanning employment law, human resources, and DEI leadership roles across industries. In addition to her executive leadership experience, Michele serves on the boards of the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) and the Fritz Pollard Alliance Foundation, further extending her leadership impact. Through every career transition, one thing has remained constant: her commitment to listening, learning, and making bold yet strategic career moves. Her ability to assess where she can have the most impact has empowered her to embrace pivots and step into leadership roles that align with her values and expertise. In this episode of Branding Room Only, Michele shares how self-reflection, mentorship, and integrity have played a pivotal role in her career evolution. She also discusses her leadership philosophy, the importance of networking with authenticity, and the broader impact of her work at Dress for Success. 1:13 – Michele’s definition of a personal brand, her three-word self-description, her favorite Maya Angelou quote, and the story behind her hype song
Dress for Success Worldwide | LinkedIn Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Fritz Pollard Alliance Foundation Curated Resources from Paula: How to Assemble and Leverage Your Personal Board of Directors 2025 Intention and Goal Setting Webinar Sign up for Paula’s Upcoming Webinars Learn More About Paula's Personal Branding Strategy Session Offer | |||
| 04 Mar 2025 | Dressing for Impact: The Power of Personal Style in Leadership with Melanie Lippman | 00:52:50 | |
Confidence is one of your greatest assets as a leader, and the way you present yourself plays a significant role in how that confidence is perceived. But as a woman in a professional setting, you’ve likely encountered conflicting expectations about how to dress, expectations that may feel misaligned with who you are. How do you define a personal style that reflects your leadership presence while staying authentic to yourself? Melanie Lippman, CEO of Amplify Image Consultancy, is an image and personal branding consultant dedicated to helping ambitious women develop a signature style that aligns with their executive presence. With a background in fashion and neuroscience-based coaching, Melanie empowers women to embrace their confidence, elevate their personal brand, and step into leadership with authenticity. In this episode of Branding Room Only, Melanie shares how personal style influences executive presence, why confidence is a key component of a powerful brand, and how women can navigate the unspoken rules of professional dress without sacrificing self-expression. She also unpacks the deeper mindset shifts needed to break free from outdated style norms and dress with intention, authority, and impact. 1:15 – How Melanie defines personal branding, her favorite quote, and the songs that get her in the right mindset
Stop Hiding in the Shadows of Your Career: Elevate Your Executive Presence & Dress for Impact How to Assemble and Leverage Your Personal Board of Directors Sign up for Paula’s Upcoming Webinars Personal Branding Strategy Session
PGE Consulting Group LLC is dedicated to providing a practical hybrid of professional development training and diversity solutions. From speaking to consulting to programming and more, all services and resources are carefully tailored for each partner. Paula Edgar’s distinct expertise helps engage attendees and create lasting change for her clients. To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn. | |||
| 11 Mar 2025 | The Power of Adaptability and Authenticity with Wanji Walcott | 00:56:14 | |
What would you do if you were handed the reins to a completely unfamiliar role? Would you embrace the challenge, or would panic set in? Throughout her career, Wanji Walcott has faced this scenario more than once. Instead of letting uncertainty hold her back, she leaned into learning—researching, seeking guidance, and figuring things out along the way. Her willingness to take risks, trust herself, and step into leadership has propelled her from her first job at Lockheed Martin to her current role as Chief Legal and Business Affairs Officer at Pinterest, where she oversees legal, compliance, public affairs, and trust & safety. In this episode of Branding Room Only, Wanji shares how adaptability and authenticity have shaped her career, from navigating identity and belonging as a first-generation American to becoming a respected leader known for thriving in unfamiliar territory. She also discusses the impact of aligning with a company’s mission, the importance of board leadership, and how staying true to yourself fuels professional success. 1:10 – Wanji’s definition of personal brand, the four words that describe her, her favorite quote, and her go-to hype songs
Wanji Walcott on LinkedIn Minority Corporate Counsel Association
2025 Intention and Goal Setting Webinar Sign up for Paula’s Upcoming Webinars Learn More About Paula's Personal Branding Strategy Session Offer Subscribe to The Branding Room Only on YouTube Sponsor for this episode This episode is brought to you by PGE Consulting Group LLC. PGE Consulting Group LLC is dedicated to providing a practical hybrid of professional development training and diversity solutions. From speaking to consulting to programming and more, all services and resources are carefully tailored for each partner. Paula Edgar’s distinct expertise helps engage attendees and create lasting change for her clients. To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn. | |||
| 18 Mar 2025 | What Your Wardrobe Says About Your Brand with Estelle Winsett | 00:44:56 | |
What you wear is more than just fabric and fit—it’s a powerful reflection of your personal brand, confidence, and professional presence. But does your wardrobe truly align with your expertise, leadership, career goals, and the level of professionalism your industry demands? Estelle Winsett understands this balance better than most. A former litigation attorney turned personal stylist, she knows firsthand the unspoken expectations placed on women in the legal industry. Now, as the founder of her own image consulting company, she helps female attorneys develop a signature style that commands respect, exudes confidence, and authentically represents who they are. In this episode of Branding Room Only, Estelle shares how wardrobe choices impact personal branding and career success. She breaks down why style is more than just aesthetics, how to blend authenticity with professionalism, and the psychology behind dressing with confidence in high-stakes legal settings. 1:08 – How Estelle defines personal brand, the three words that describe her, the senior yearbook quote that still resonates, and her ultimate hype song 3:20 – Why being a lawyer is in Estelle’s blood and how growing up in Memphis shaped her perspective on the legal profession 5:44 – Estelle’s career journey from litigator to personal stylist and how she rediscovered her love for style while helping women lawyers refine their wardrobes 13:03 – How Estelle built her brand by leveraging Facebook as she transitioned into personal styling 16:21 – The key to balancing personal style with the professionalism expected in the legal industry 20:00 – Common wardrobe mistakes lawyers make and a must-know tip for dressing confidently at your next conference 23:18 – Estelle’s top tips for aligning your wardrobe with your personal brand and showing up as your best self 27:08 – How career elevation impacts personal style and a couple of things that might trip you up if you’re not mindful 33:53 – How Estelle works with clients to develop a wardrobe that reflects their personal style and professional goals 37:16 – How to present yourself with confidence on Zoom and other video platforms without losing your personal style 41:31 – One thing Estelle makes time for every year, the core value she will never compromise in her personal brand, and what makes her Branding Room Only magic
Estelle Winsett Professional Image Consulting Peloton Law Moms Facebook Group Sign up for Paula’s Upcoming Webinars Learn More About Paula's Personal Branding Strategy Session Offer Subscribe to The Branding Room Only on YouTube
PGE Consulting Group LLC is dedicated to providing a practical hybrid of professional development training and diversity solutions. From speaking to consulting to programming and more, all services and resources are carefully tailored for each partner. Paula Edgar’s distinct expertise helps engage attendees and create lasting change for her clients. To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn. | |||
| 25 Mar 2025 | How Intersecting Identities Shape Your Personal Brand | 00:11:58 | |
Have you ever felt like parts of your identity are misunderstood or minimized? When it comes to personal branding, the impact of intersecting identities on how we’re perceived in our careers is often overlooked. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, it’s crucial to acknowledge the layers that shape who we are people, and how those layers influence our visibility, leadership, and professional growth. In this episode of Branding Room Only, I break down the difference between intersecting identities and intersectionality, challenge the reality of limited perceptions, and explore the struggle of balancing authenticity with code-switching. Plus, I share actionable strategies to help you own your authentic personal brand fully in every space.
How to Assemble and Leverage Your Personal Board of Directors Personal Branding Strategy Sessions Subscribe to The Branding Room Only on YouTube Sponsor for this episode This episode is brought to you by PGE Consulting Group LLC. PGE Consulting Group LLC is dedicated to providing a practical hybrid of professional development training and diversity solutions. From speaking to consulting to programming and more, all services and resources are carefully tailored for each partner. Paula Edgar’s distinct expertise helps engage attendees and create lasting change for her clients. To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn. Call to Action Follow & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform! Want more branding insights? Join Paula’s newsletter for expert tips and exclusive content! Subscribe Here | |||
| 01 Apr 2025 | From Acronyms to Action: Leading and Thriving Through DEI Challenges with Michelle Silverthorn | 00:55:13 | |
We’re living in a time when diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts are under fire—from boycott threats against inclusive brands to coordinated campaigns aimed at dismantling DEI in government, corporate, and educational spaces. As organizations face pressure to retreat, some are rolling back the very initiatives designed to create belonging and equity at work. But retreat isn’t an option for those of us committed to inclusion, belonging, and values-based leadership. With April being Celebrate Diversity Month, this felt like the right time to talk about what’s happening, and what we can do to keep creating supportive, thriving environments despite the pushback. This moment calls for clarity, courage, and leadership rooted in values—not just acronyms. So I’ve invited my friend, fellow speaker, and inclusion expert Michelle Silverthorn for a conversation that’s both timely and necessary. She shares insight into the work she does and how she empowers employees and leaders to build inclusive cultures where people can truly thrive. In this episode of Branding Room Only, Michelle and I explore the role of belonging in workplace culture, today and in the future. We dig into what’s really driving the backlash to DEI, why inclusion still matters, how to navigate the challenges inside your organization, and what it looks like to show up authentically in a world that often discourages it. 2:09 – Michelle’s definition of personal branding, how she describes herself in three phrases, plus her favorite quote and hype songs 7:40 – Her upbringing, education, and the core belief at 17 that shaped her deep connection to hope 12:15 – The legal industry experiences that sparked her focus on inclusion and led to launching her company 17:11 – What can happen when people can’t be authentic at work—and why authenticity is key to thriving 26:48 – The internal and external barriers to belonging and authenticity in the workplace 29:00 – The current state of DEI and how to navigate today’s shifting landscape 35:45 – What to do if your company is rolling back DEI, but you’re still committed to the work 38:24 – The authentic business case for DEI and the opportunity to show leadership right now 45:07 – How Michelle sees the future of workplace culture, and the role of affinity groups in creating belonging 50:27 – What Michelle does for fun, why she’ll never compromise on civility, and the power of storytelling in her brand
“We Are Not a Melting Pot” | TEDx Talk We’ve Got This: Unlocking the Beauty of Belonging by Ritu Bhasin Sponsor for this episode PGE Consulting Group LLC is dedicated to providing a practical hybrid of professional development training and diversity solutions. From speaking to consulting to programming and more, all services and resources are carefully tailored for each partner. Paula Edgar’s distinct expertise helps engage attendees and create lasting change for her clients. To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn. | |||
| 08 Apr 2025 | The Flexibility Advantage: Redefining Leadership and Culture with Manar Sweillam Morales | 00:52:31 | |
Before flexibility was a trending topic, Manar Sweillam Morales was already out here reimagining how we work—and more importantly, why we work the way we do. In this episode of Branding Room Only, I sit down with Manar, founder and CEO of the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance, to talk about building workplace cultures that actually work—for people and for business. Manar is a national thought leader, speaker, and now author of The Flexibility Paradigm, a powerful guide for leaders ready to evolve how they think about success, leadership, and work itself. This conversation is for anyone who’s thinking about how they lead, how they show up, and how to build a brand and a workplace that centers both purpose and possibility. 1:12 – Manar’s definition of personal branding, how she describes herself, and the quotes and songs that hype her up
Diversity & Flexibility Alliance The Flexibility Paradigm: Humanizing the Workplace for Productivity, Profitability, and Possibility by Manar Sweillam Morales How Parenthood Shifts Your Personal Brand in the Workplace with Lori Mihalich-Levin
Sign up for Paula’s Upcoming Webinars Learn More About Paula's Personal Branding Strategy Session Offer
PGE Consulting Group LLC empowers individuals and organizations to lead with purpose, presence, and impact. Specializing in leadership development and personal branding, we offer keynotes, custom programming, consulting, and strategic advising—all designed to elevate influence and performance at every level. Founded and led by Paula Edgar, our work centers on practical strategies that enhance professional development, strengthen workplace culture, and drive meaningful, measurable change. To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn. | |||
| 15 Apr 2025 | The Brand of DEI Has Changed - Now What? | 00:08:55 | |
In this solo episode, I’m diving into something that’s been weighing heavily on my heart—the changing brand of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) and what that means for all of us right now. As someone who lives at the intersection of branding and the law, I’ve been watching closely as DEI has been politicized, rebranded, and in some cases, erased. I break down what’s really happening beneath the surface, why the work still matters even if the terminology shifts, and how we can—and must—stay rooted in our values. This is not just a professional conversation; it’s personal. I’m sharing my reflections, my frustrations, and most importantly, my call to action. This episode is for anyone who cares about equity, leadership, and integrity—and who refuses to let fear or politics dictate how they show up in the world. We need to keep showing up, keep saying the words, and keep doing the work. The responsibility is still real. And silence isn’t a strategy. 1:30 – What the targeted attack on diversity, equity, and inclusion is really about Mentioned In The Brand of DEI Has Changed - Now What? Personal Branding Strategy Sessions Subscribe to The Branding Room Only on YouTube From Acronyms to Action: Leading and Thriving Through DEI Challenges with Michelle Silverthorn How Intersecting Identities Shape Your Personal Brand How Unlearning Silence Saves Your Brand from Sabotage with Elaine Lin Hering Building Brands with Integrity: A Conversation with DEI Pioneer Vernā Myers Building a Legacy: Insights on Leadership and Diversity in the Law with Robert J. Grey Jr. Sponsor for this episode This episode is brought to you by PGE Consulting Group LLC. PGE Consulting Group LLC empowers individuals and organizations to lead with purpose, presence, and impact. Specializing in leadership development and personal branding, we offer keynotes, custom programming, consulting, and strategic advising—all designed to elevate influence and performance at every level. Founded and led by Paula Edgar, our work centers on practical strategies that enhance professional development, strengthen workplace culture, and drive meaningful, measurable change. To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn. Follow & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform! Want more branding insights? Join Paula’s newsletter for expert tips and exclusive content! Subscribe Here | |||
| 12 Dec 2023 | Branding Room Only Interview With Nicole Lester Arrindell: Changing the World in Moderation | 00:53:39 | |
Nicole Lester Arrindell is an attorney, trusted strategic advisor, TEDx Speaker, sought after moderator and thought partner. She serves as Government Relations Counsel and Chief of Staff to the Chief Legal Officer at Equitable, a Fortune 500 financial services company. Nicole also serves as President-Elect of the Metropolitan Black Bar Association in New York City. For show notes and more information, visit paulaedgar.com/podcast. In this episode…Being a moderator is a pivotal role to showcase your knowledge and skills and expertise of the panelists. While it may seem easy on the outside, the process can be challenging if not done strategically and thoughtfully. | |||
| 03 Oct 2023 | Ask Paula: Self-Promotion | 00:31:23 | |
Paula T. Edgar is an attorney, speaker, and CEO of PGE Consulting Group LLC, a strategy firm specializing in professional development and diversity, equity, and inclusion solutions for organizations. She is an expert in personal branding, leadership, networking, leveraging social media, and business development. In the last year, Paula delivered keynote speeches and facilitated workshops for over 10,000 attendees. Paula has written for and been featured in publications such as the New York Times, Bloomberg Law, Business Insider, and US News. For show notes and more information, visit paulaedgar.com/podcast. In this episode…Self-promotion is one of the most challenging parts of impactful personal branding. Although proficiency and accomplishments are crucial, lacking effective self-promotion may hinder you from realizing your full potential. It can be tricky as the process deals with emotions, manners, cultures, and social politics. In this episode of Branding Room Only, Paula T. Edgar answers questions about the topic of self-promotion on her new segment: Ask Paula. | |||
| 26 Sep 2023 | Reimagining | 00:40:04 | |
Michele Coleman Mayes is Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary at The New York Public Library. She previously held the position of General Counsel for Allstate Insurance Company and Pitney Bowes Inc. Ms. Mayes has held a long and prestigious career, having served on several commissions, including the Presidential Commission on Election Administration. She is a sought-after speaker on the topic of diversity and inclusion and is co-author of the book Courageous Counsel: Conversations with Women General Counsel in the Fortune 500. For show notes and more information, visit paulaedgar.com/podcast. In this episode…The beauty of building your brand lies in the opportunities. Once a baseline of success and momentum is established, the continued development of your brand is up to you and your vision. Many people feel hemmed in or indebted to a specific portrayal of themselves, but this does not have to be the case…possibilities lie in reimagining. Michele Coleman Mayes is an accomplished lawyer and leader with a rich history of working on boards and commissions for a better community. She offers her advice to both young professionals and those looking toward retirement. In both circumstances, there is an opportunity to reimagine the possibilities ahead. In this episode of Branding Room Only, Paula T. Edgar sits down with Michele Coleman Mayes, General Counsel and Secretary for The New York Public Library, to discuss her views on branding and professional development. They discuss giving back to communities, the difference between branding and reputation, and key strategies. | |||
| 21 Nov 2023 | Branding Room Only Interview With Jay Sullivan: Helping Others To Be Nimble | 00:38:28 | |
Jay Sullivan is an author, an experienced consultant, and the former Managing Partner at Exec|Comm LLC. Jay volunteered at an orphanage in Jamaica, chronicling his experience in his first book, Raising Gentle Men: Lives at the Orphanage Edge. His second book, Simply Said: Communicating Better at Work & Beyond, instead synthesizes his expertise in business communication. In this conversation with Paula, Jay discusses his new book, The New Nimble: Leading in the Age of Change. The book is an actionable guide to implementing flexibility and creativity in your career and leadership. For show notes and more information, visit paulaedgar.com/podcast. In this episode…Personal brands are often presented as a list of personal achievements. It is all too easy to rehash your resume and forget to establish yourself as a person. While that information is valuable, what matters most is your value addition. Starting there both humanizes and appeals to those in your network. Jay Sullivan has built this philosophy into his brand from the beginning. The result is a winding, fruitful career. His main focus is helping others communicate well and remain flexible in an evolving business landscape. So, how can his expertise add value to your career? In this episode of Branding Room Only, Paula Edgar invites Jay Sullivan to talk about brand building and staying nimble. They discuss his unique story, how he defines his brand and key reflections in his new book The New Nimble. They then break down how to adapt throughout your career, the value of focusing on your audience, and refining your brand through writing. | |||
| 28 Nov 2023 | Branding Room Only Interview With Laurie Robinson Haden: Shining Brightly - Part 1 | 00:28:40 | |
Laurie Robinson Haden is an accomplished corporate attorney and leader with extensive experience advocating for diversity and inclusion in the legal profession. She is the Founder and CEO of Corporate Counsel Women of Color (CCWC) and the author of It's Time To Shine: A Guide For Professionals of Color on How to Advance Their Career. Recognized by Savoy magazine as one of the country’s "Most Influential Black Lawyers," Laurie has fostered a community of over 5000 members (and growing)! Join us for part one of this two part episode to hear more about Laurie’s path and her vision for the future, continuing to support professionals of color to overcome challenges and achieve career success. For show notes and more information, visit paulaedgar.com/podcast. In this episode…Finding a supportive community is crucial for long-term professional and personal success. A personal brand can be magnified and enhanced by helping others and being open to receiving help. One challenge is finding the community and having the vehicle to develop strong relationships and building a reliable network to grow and allocate your resources. Leadership is having the vision to create these spaces. Laurie Robinson Haden created her non-profit organization, Corporate Counsel Women of Color (CCWC) to fill that niche for women of color attorneys. The community that she has developed through the CCWC conferences have fostered support, collaboration, and continued professional successes for its participants. Now, in addition to continuing to expand CCWC, Laurie has taken lessons learned and observations from her career and put them into her advice filled and actionable new book, It's Time To Shine: A Guide For Professionals of Color on How to Advance Their Career. In part one of this two part episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, Paula Edgar interviews Laurie Robinson Haden, the President and CEO of Corporate Counsel Women of Color (CCWC), to discuss how she developed her personal brand, CCWC’s ongoing initiatives, and It's Time To Shine: A Guide For Professionals of Color on How to Advance Their Career . They go through Laurie’s background, what she learned from her community, and her experience building CCWC from an idea to a movement. | |||
| 28 Mar 2023 | Branding Room Only Interview with Kelly Hoey: Networking Your Ambition | 00:44:54 | |
Kelly Hoey is a prolific writer, speaker, advisor, and business coach. She helps anyone from young professionals to entrepreneurs connect in the social media age for greater success. Her book, Build Your Dream Network: Forging Powerful Relationships In A Hyper-Connected World, also details her unique approach to creating potent networks. She is also the host of the Build Your Dream Network podcast and a professional speaker through Penguin Random House. Kelly has co-founded a startup accelerator, held an interim CMO position, served as an angel investor, appeared on CNBC's Power Pitch, and contributed to publications like The New York Times and Forbes.com. In this episode:Network building is essential for any executive or entrepreneur. However, everyone knows no single technique or hack can create a resourceful network. Developing a robust network requires a host of skills, time, and kindness. Fortunately, there are a few guidelines that can ease this process. Kelly Hoey, a speaker, writer, and coach, specializes in helping others build their dream network. Her approach to personal branding and connecting with others has tangibly boosted the careers of countless entrepreneurs and leaders. Kelly's networking expertise comes from her transformative career journey, where she discovered the key to achieving professional milestones and unlocking opportunities despite starting with a law degree and business cards in hand. Now she takes the time to share them with you. In this episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, Paula Edgar speaks with Kelly Hoey about the best practices for building a better network. They go through how to give a good elevator pitch, how to use your networks, and the importance of proper listening. They also touch on the one and only hack for networking. | |||
| 08 Sep 2023 | Beyond 9/11: Life and Legacy of Joan Donna Griffith - A Conversation With My Father, Peter Griffith | 01:39:33 | |
Peter Griffith was born in Barbados, and in junior high school, he emigrated to Brooklyn, New York. He was married to Joan Donna Griffith for 20 years before the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center on 9/11 stole her life. Together, they raised two children, Paula and Joann. He is an avid photographer, bird enthusiast, and enjoys science fiction. He also likes to draw, journal, and occasionally smoke a cigar. In this episode…Leaders and successful professionals are molded by their mentors and those who support them along the way. For many, no figures are as essential and as beloved as parents. They shape us, and we often follow in their footsteps. As we progress in our careers, we look back and pay our respects to those who influenced us the most. Paula Edgar’s mother was a foundational part of her life. Joan Donna Griffith helped Paula develop as a person and a motivated professional. In her own right, Joan was an accomplished assistant VP and office manager and an admired figure in her community. Unfortunately, she was a victim of the 9/11 attacks, which left her family grieving but also to keep in their memories. Paula’s father, Peter Griffith, is here to share Joan’s legacy and how she impacted many people’s lives. In this special episode of Branding Room Only, Paula Edgar is joined by her father, Peter Griffith, to celebrate and remember Paula’s mother, Joan Donna Griffith. They talk about how Peter and Joan met, their introduction to the United States, and how they started a family. They dive deep into Joan’s legacy, who she was, and how she is missed. | |||