Think about the lessons that shaped you early, the voices that influenced how you see the world, and what it would mean to have those reflections preserved over time.

Walter Pryor brings warmth, humor, and thoughtful vulnerability to every interaction. A public service leader, corporate executive, community advocate, and author of This Leaves Me Okay, his career reflects not just professional milestones, but a lineage shaped by nearly 30 years of handwritten letters from his grandmother, Mama Ceal, written with care, consistency, and intention.

In this episode of Branding Room Only, Paula sits down with Walter to explore resilience, legacy, and the role personal relationships play in building a grounded, accessible personal brand. Along the way, the conversation surfaces lessons on leadership, parenting, partnership, and what it means to honor those who came before us while being intentional about what we leave behind. This episode is both a reflection on authenticity, mission, courage, and connection, and an invitation to consider how your past quietly shapes how you lead and show up for others today.

1:12 – How Walter defines personal brand, how he’d describe himself, his chosen quotes that offer grounding and guidance, and the song that makes him move

6:04 – How small-town Arkansas shaped Walter’s worldview and gave him both humility and ambition

9:09 – A pivotal family loss that redirected Walter’s educational path 

10:52 – The non-linear evolution from Biglaw to government, Capitol Hill, and corporate leadership

14:44 – How Southern Bancorp’s mission felt like a full-circle homecoming that ties into Walter’s brand

17:10 – How personal relationships can influence your leadership 

20:54 – What parenting young adults teaches you about mentoring as a leader

23:34 – The spark that led to Walter’s memoir (and the decades of handwritten letters at its heart)

27:14 – Lessons about connection, influence, and resiliency from Mama Ceal’s letters

32:27 – How Mama Ceal’s life reflects a broader civil rights narrative and why telling that story now is urgent

35:21 – The importance and responsibility of being a custodian and guardian of family history

36:16 – Walter’s vision of the legacy he wants to provide to any future grandchildren

38:24 – Walter’s joy, the grounding trait he refuses to compromise, and the quality that fills a room when he fully shows up

Mentioned In The Personal Brand You Carry: Legacy, Leadership, and Letters with Walter Pryor

Walter Pryor 

This Leaves Me Okay by Walter Pryor 

Pyramid Art, Books & Custom Framing

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Sponsor for this episode

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

We're starting off 2026 with a bang with my New Year's Intention and Goal Setting session on January 3rd, and then my new three-part series, LinkedIn Strategy for Lawyers: Build a Brand that Works for You, running January through March. 

Reserve your seat at paulaedgar.com/events.

Your face is part of your personal brand whether you acknowledge it or not. People experience you visually before you say a word. Some dismiss makeup and skincare as vanity or assume it has nothing to do with their work. Others do it themselves without realizing how small missteps can distract from the impression they want to make. Either way, an important part of your brand is being left to chance.

Osha Hinds has spent over a decade helping people show up with intention. She works with everyone from corporate professionals to brides and understands that makeup isn’t about transformation for its own sake. It’s about being deliberate with your image. That mindset, and the trust it requires, is what her career is built on. Her journey from aspiring fashion designer to landing at MAC Cosmetics after ten interviews taught her what it takes to build credibility when your work is immediately visible.

In this episode of Branding Room Only, Paula and Osha break down why image matters for your brand, the common mistakes people make when doing their own makeup, and how to look prepared in five minutes before a video call. They also explore what it means to be trusted with someone’s image, and why that principle extends beyond makeup into how you build a personal brand worth remembering.

1:07 – Personal brand definition for Osha, three words that sum her up, the MLK Jr. quote she always references, and her go-to soca song

4:23 – Osha’s unexpected path from fashion design to makeup artistry

10:22 – The pivotal “fake it till you make it” moment that changed Osha’s career and confidence

17:09 – How personal image communicates brand credibility before you ever speak

20:39 – How makeup can empower you and why wearing it benefits you (even if you don’t think it’s necessary)

25:25 – Biggest beauty mistakes people make and what they reveal about perception

29:33 – Makeup prep recommendations for men and women (on and off-camera)

36:04 – The misconception and truth about red lipstick

39:30 – Basics that every professional and non-professional should have in their makeup toolkit

46:35 – Quick makeup routine when you only have five minutes to get ready for a Zoom meeting

48:50 – The four makeup items Osha and Paula would use for themselves in case of an emergency

50:29 – How Osha helps those who struggle with their confidence and self-image

52:51 – Spa days and 4DX movie theaters, a nasty truth about some water rides, and one of Paula’s favorite Osha stories

56:40 – The importance of being a good client and partner for your makeup artist

59:50 – Why trust is vital to Osha’s brand, the importance of communication, and how she does eyebrows differently

Mentioned In The Confidence Factor: How Makeup Impacts Your Personal Brand with Osha Hinds

Connect with Osha on Instagram

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Conferences are an investment—make sure you maximize yours. My Engage Your Hustle™ Conference Playbook gives you the strategies to prepare, stand out, and follow up with impact. Get your copy today.

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 st

We're starting off 2026 with a bang with my New Year's Intention and Goal Setting session on January 3rd, and then my new three-part series, LinkedIn Strategy for Lawyers: Build a Brand that Works for You, running January through March. 

Reserve your seat at paulaedgar.com/events.

As the year winds down, most of us focus on thanking the people around us—mentors, colleagues, friends, and communities. What often gets left out is acknowledging ourselves. And when it comes to personal branding, that omission matters.

In this episode of Branding Room Only, I break down why recognizing your own growth, resilience, and impact is one of the most strategic things you can do for your brand. I share the milestones and challenges that defined my year, the quieter wins that never make social media, and the mindset shifts that helped me stay grounded while building momentum.

You’ll also get the reflection questions I use with myself and my clients, plus a reminder about a simple tool that captures the evidence of your evolution so you can quiet your inner critic and step into the next year with clarity.

Self-gratitude isn’t ego. It’s truth. It’s how you honor the fact that you kept going, even when things were hard, and how you understand the story your brand is actually telling. Take a moment, pause, breathe, and give yourself credit for the work you’ve done and the progress you’ve earned.

1:15 – How self-gratitude strengthens your personal brand

2:19 – Reflection on my year and the quieter wins that shaped my growth and resilience

4:59 – Questions to uncover your overlooked moments of pride and progress

5:56 – Reminder of a practical tool to gather the evidence of your evolution

8:00 – Gratitude as a strategic foundation for clarity in goal-setting for the year ahead

Mentioned In Self-Gratitude: The Personal Brand Strategy That Starts With You

Paula's Playbook: Engage Your Hustle™ – Conference Edition

Keeping It 100: How 100 Episodes Expanded My Personal Brand, My Reach, and My Voice

How Sharing Your Wins Strengthens Your Personal Brand

Curated Resources from Paula

PGE December Free Webinar - Gratitude Starts Within: Celebrating Your Personal Brand Milestones

PGE January Free Webinar -  2026 Annual Intention and Goal Setting Webinar

Personal Branding Strategy Sessions

Call to Action

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Want more ways to grow your personal brand? Make sure you’re signed up for my upcoming webinars and workshops.

Conferences are an investment—make sure you maximize yours. My new Engage Your Hustle™ Conference Playbook gives you the strategies to prepare, stand out, and follow up with impact. Get your copy today.

Sponsor for this episode

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 enh

We're starting off 2026 with a bang with my New Year's Intention and Goal Setting session on January 3rd, and then my new three-part series, LinkedIn Strategy for Lawyers: Build a Brand that Works for You, running January through March. 

Reserve your seat at paulaedgar.com/events.

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

Mindful Return | Instagram | LinkedIn

Back to Work After Baby: How to Plan and Navigate a Mindful Return From Maternity Leave by Lori Mihalich-Levin

Parents At Work

Postpartum Support International (PSI)

Every Kid Outdoors 

Insight Timer

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 | Wa

We're starting off 2026 with a bang with my New Year's Intention and Goal Setting session on January 3rd, and then my new three-part series, LinkedIn Strategy for Lawyers: Build a Brand that Works for You, running January through March. 

Reserve your seat at paulaedgar.com/events.

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

Mentioned In Crafting a Personal Brand in the Corporate World with Zabrina Jenkins

Zabrina Jenkins on LinkedIn
“2024 Intention and Goal Setting Webinar” | YouTube
Branding Room Only Interview: Beyond 9/11: Life and Legacy of Joan Donna Griffith – A Conversation with My Father, Peter Griffith
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.

We're starting off 2026 with a bang with my New Year's Intention and Goal Setting session on January 3rd, and then my new three-part series, LinkedIn Strategy for Lawyers: Build a Brand that Works for You, running January through March. 

Reserve your seat at paulaedgar.com/events.

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

Michelle Ifill | LinkedIn

La Maison Michelle

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 C

We're starting off 2026 with a bang with my New Year's Intention and Goal Setting session on January 3rd, and then my new three-part series, LinkedIn Strategy for Lawyers: Build a Brand that Works for You, running January through March. 

Reserve your seat at paulaedgar.com/events.

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

The Etiquette Institute of Washington | Instagram | LinkedIn

Crystal’s Personal Instagram

“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

We're starting off 2026 with a bang with my New Year's Intention and Goal Setting session on January 3rd, and then my new three-part series, LinkedIn Strategy for Lawyers: Build a Brand that Works for You, running January through March. 

Reserve your seat at paulaedgar.com/events.

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

Stephen A. Hart | LinkedIn

2024 Intention and Goal Setting Webinar

Connect with Minda Harts

The Memo, Right Within, and You Are More Than Magic by Minda Harts

Minda Harts on 

We're starting off 2026 with a bang with my New Year's Intention and Goal Setting session on January 3rd, and then my new three-part series, LinkedIn Strategy for Lawyers: Build a Brand that Works for You, running January through March. 

Reserve your seat at paulaedgar.com/events.

“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

Ready, Set, Launch

Connect with Jason on LinkedIn

4 Key Considerations for Law Firms to Navigate Cross Cultural Mentoring Effectively 

We're starting off 2026 with a bang with my New Year's Intention and Goal Setting session on January 3rd, and then my new three-part series, LinkedIn Strategy for Lawyers: Build a Brand that Works for You, running January through March. 

Reserve your seat at paulaedgar.com/events.

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

Your Coach to Soar

Schedule an Epiphany Call with Anjli

Ignite Your Abundance Mindset Program

Connect with Anjili on 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

We're starting off 2026 with a bang with my New Year's Intention and Goal Setting session on January 3rd, and then my new three-part series, LinkedIn Strategy for Lawyers: Build a Brand that Works for You, running January through March. 

Reserve your seat at paulaedgar.com/events.

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.

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.

We're starting off 2026 with a bang with my New Year's Intention and Goal Setting session on January 3rd, and then my new three-part series, LinkedIn Strategy for Lawyers: Build a Brand that Works for You, running January through March. 

Reserve your seat at paulaedgar.com/events.

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.

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.

Moderating requires preparation and social tact, balancing the needs of the audience and the panelists. The best moderators learn from experience, but there are plenty of helpful tips to aid in learning. So what should you know to prepare for your next moderating opportunity?

In this episode of Branding Room Only, Paula T. Edgar is joined by Nicole Lester Arrindel to discuss moderation of panels at conferences and events. They break down the most important tips and best ways to prepare when moderating. They also talk about pre-conference communication, synthesis, professionalism, and how to use the opportunity of moderating to boost your personal brand.

We're starting off 2026 with a bang with my New Year's Intention and Goal Setting session on January 3rd, and then my new three-part series, LinkedIn Strategy for Lawyers: Build a Brand that Works for You, running January through March. 

Reserve your seat at paulaedgar.com/events.

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 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!

We're starting off 2026 with a bang with my New Year's Intention and Goal Setting session on January 3rd, and then my new three-part series, LinkedIn Strategy for Lawyers: Build a Brand that Works for You, running January through March. 

Reserve your seat at paulaedgar.com/events.

Trust is the backbone of every personal brand, whether you name it or not. It shows up in how you communicate, how consistently you follow through, how you handle hybrid work, and how you show sensitivity—or don’t—when people need it most. In a workplace culture filled with mixed signals, missed expectations, and performative “niceness,” trust has become the true measure of credibility. It determines whether people feel grounded with you or guarded around you, whether they choose to follow your lead or quietly disengage. And as Paula and Minda explore, trust isn’t a luxury; it’s the signal that shapes your reputation long before you enter the room.

In this episode Paula sits down with bestselling author and workplace equity leader Minda Harts to unpack how trust shapes personal brands, leadership, and the everyday interactions that define your credibility. They break down how trust erodes in the quiet moments, what the Seven Trust Languages® reveal about what people actually need from you, and how to repair credibility once it’s been damaged. Together, they explore how trust influences hybrid communication, cross-generational dynamics, allyship, and the values-based behaviors that make a leader believable. If you care about how you’re perceived, how you lead, and how your brand lives in the minds of others, this conversation gives you the framework to strengthen every relationship you touch.

1:15  – Three words to describe Minda right now, current hype songs, the self-quote on her mind these days, and the repeat track of her trust brand playlist

3:34 – Why Minda’s latest book, Talk to Me Nice, matters in this moment

4:44 – How Minda’s personal brand has evolved (but not pivoted) to leading conversations about trust

6:50 – The communication crisis in the workplace and its impact on trust within organizations

8:41 – Quick rundown of Minda’s Seven Trust Languages® framework 

9:50 – Examples of why security is one of the most important trust languages today

13:43 – Examples of trust violations that can damage your relationships and reputation

17:32 – How managers in the workplace can begin to repair broken trust

20:20 – The first step you can take to demonstrate trust and credibility

23:16 – Follow-through as the key to building trustworthiness in a hybrid work situation (i.e., when you’re not in the same room)

27:22 – Why it’s more important than ever to intentionally build trust

31:55 – The difference between being performative and being demonstrative in allyship

36:36 – Who’s on Minda’s personal trust squad and celebrities whose brands scream trustworthiness

40:20 – What celebrity trust violations can teach others about values and brand alignment

42:27 – Workplace best friends in the heads of Paula and Minda

Mentioned In Talk to Me Nice: How Trust Shapes Your Personal Brand with Minda Harts

Mindy Harts

Using Branding to Empower Women of Color for Success in the Workplace with Minda Harts

How to Assemble and Leverage Your Personal Board of Directors

Sponsor for this episode

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, cus

We're starting off 2026 with a bang with my New Year's Intention and Goal Setting session on January 3rd, and then my new three-part series, LinkedIn Strategy for Lawyers: Build a Brand that Works for You, running January through March. 

Reserve your seat at paulaedgar.com/events.

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.

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.

We're starting off 2026 with a bang with my New Year's Intention and Goal Setting session on January 3rd, and then my new three-part series, LinkedIn Strategy for Lawyers: Build a Brand that Works for You, running January through March. 

Reserve your seat at paulaedgar.com/events.

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.

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.

We're starting off 2026 with a bang with my New Year's Intention and Goal Setting session on January 3rd, and then my new three-part series, LinkedIn Strategy for Lawyers: Build a Brand that Works for You, running January through March. 

Reserve your seat at paulaedgar.com/events.

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.

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.

We're starting off 2026 with a bang with my New Year's Intention and Goal Setting session on January 3rd, and then my new three-part series, LinkedIn Strategy for Lawyers: Build a Brand that Works for You, running January through March. 

Reserve your seat at paulaedgar.com/events.

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.

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.

We're starting off 2026 with a bang with my New Year's Intention and Goal Setting session on January 3rd, and then my new three-part series, LinkedIn Strategy for Lawyers: Build a Brand that Works for You, running January through March. 

Reserve your seat at paulaedgar.com/events.

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.

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

We're starting off 2026 with a bang with my New Year's Intention and Goal Setting session on January 3rd, and then my new three-part series, LinkedIn Strategy for Lawyers: Build a Brand that Works for You, running January through March. 

Reserve your seat at paulaedgar.com/events.

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/.

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.

We're starting off 2026 with a bang with my New Year's Intention and Goal Setting session on January 3rd, and then my new three-part series, LinkedIn Strategy for Lawyers: Build a Brand that Works for You, running January through March. 

Reserve your seat at paulaedgar.com/events.

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.

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.

In this episode of Branding Room Only, Paula T. Edgar interviews LaTanya Langley, the Chief People and Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary at Edgewell Personal Care, on taking up space and building a personal brand. They go through introductions, volunteering, finding joy, and bridging multi-cultural teams. They also discuss how to avoid some of the common mistakes in branding.

We're starting off 2026 with a bang with my New Year's Intention and Goal Setting session on January 3rd, and then my new three-part series, LinkedIn Strategy for Lawyers: Build a Brand that Works for You, running January through March. 

Reserve your seat at paulaedgar.com/events.

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.

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.

We're starting off 2026 with a bang with my New Year's Intention and Goal Setting session on January 3rd, and then my new three-part series, LinkedIn Strategy for Lawyers: Build a Brand that Works for You, running January through March. 

Reserve your seat at paulaedgar.com/events.

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.

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.

We're starting off 2026 with a bang with my New Year's Intention and Goal Setting session on January 3rd, and then my new three-part series, LinkedIn Strategy for Lawyers: Build a Brand that Works for You, running January through March. 

Reserve your seat at paulaedgar.com/events.

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.

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.

We're starting off 2026 with a bang with my New Year's Intention and Goal Setting session on January 3rd, and then my new three-part series, LinkedIn Strategy for Lawyers: Build a Brand that Works for You, running January through March. 

Reserve your seat at paulaedgar.com/events.

Bar associations and professional organizations aren’t just networking groups or résumé boosters. Leadership in these spaces is a strategic brand decision. These roles have shaped my visibility, credibility, and relationships in the legal profession, and so many of my opportunities came directly from these spaces.

In this episode of Branding Room Only, I’m taking you behind the scenes of my civic journey—from volunteer to officer, from member to president—and showing how these roles became the foundation of my personal brand.

Bar and civic leadership stretch your skills in ways your day job often can’t. They teach you how to lead teams, manage conflict, build consensus, raise resources, and work across differences. They pull you off the sidelines and into spaces where relationships deepen, community forms, and real impact happens.

1:04 – Why professional and civic organizations are strategic brand platforms

1:39 – A breakdown of how I currently serve my community

2:39 – How leadership roles have helped me and can benefit you

6:08 – The importance of intentional engagement and how to start

7:18 – What leadership is and isn’t about

Mentioned In Don’t Just Join. Lead: How Bar and Civic Leadership Grow Your Personal Brand

New York City Bar Association

American Bar Association Commission on Women | American Bar Association Criminal Justice Section

Metropolitan Black Bar Association

National Association of Women Lawyers

Personal Branding Strategy Sessions

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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.

We're starting off 2026 with a bang with my New Year's Intention and Goal Setting session on January 3rd, and then my new three-part series, LinkedIn Strategy for Lawyers: Build a Brand that Works for You, running January through March. 

Reserve your seat at paulaedgar.com/events.

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.

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.

We're starting off 2026 with a bang with my New Year's Intention and Goal Setting session on January 3rd, and then my new three-part series, LinkedIn Strategy for Lawyers: Build a Brand that Works for You, running January through March. 

Reserve your seat at paulaedgar.com/events.

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.

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.

We're starting off 2026 with a bang with my New Year's Intention and Goal Setting session on January 3rd, and then my new three-part series, LinkedIn Strategy for Lawyers: Build a Brand that Works for You, running January through March. 

Reserve your seat at paulaedgar.com/events.

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.

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.

We're starting off 2026 with a bang with my New Year's Intention and Goal Setting session on January 3rd, and then my new three-part series, LinkedIn Strategy for Lawyers: Build a Brand that Works for You, running January through March. 

Reserve your seat at paulaedgar.com/events.

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.

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.

We're starting off 2026 with a bang with my New Year's Intention and Goal Setting session on January 3rd, and then my new three-part series, LinkedIn Strategy for Lawyers: Build a Brand that Works for You, running January through March. 

Reserve your seat at paulaedgar.com/events.

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.

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.

We're starting off 2026 with a bang with my New Year's Intention and Goal Setting session on January 3rd, and then my new three-part series, LinkedIn Strategy for Lawyers: Build a Brand that Works for You, running January through March. 

Reserve your seat at paulaedgar.com/events.

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.

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.

We're starting off 2026 with a bang with my New Year's Intention and Goal Setting session on January 3rd, and then my new three-part series, LinkedIn Strategy for Lawyers: Build a Brand that Works for You, running January through March. 

Reserve your seat at paulaedgar.com/events.

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.

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.

We're starting off 2026 with a bang with my New Year's Intention and Goal Setting session on January 3rd, and then my new three-part series, LinkedIn Strategy for Lawyers: Build a Brand that Works for You, running January through March. 

Reserve your seat at paulaedgar.com/events.

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.

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.

We're starting off 2026 with a bang with my New Year's Intention and Goal Setting session on January 3rd, and then my new three-part series, LinkedIn Strategy for Lawyers: Build a Brand that Works for You, running January through March. 

Reserve your seat at paulaedgar.com/events.

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.

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.

We're starting off 2026 with a bang with my New Year's Intention and Goal Setting session on January 3rd, and then my new three-part series, LinkedIn Strategy for Lawyers: Build a Brand that Works for You, running January through March. 

Reserve your seat at paulaedgar.com/events.

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.

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!

We're starting off 2026 with a bang with my New Year's Intention and Goal Setting session on January 3rd, and then my new three-part series, LinkedIn Strategy for Lawyers: Build a Brand that Works for You, running January through March. 

Reserve your seat at paulaedgar.com/events.

Brian Ellis learned what leadership looks like long before he had a title. His father modeled it first, and it shaped how he moved through every room. As the former Senior Vice President and General Counsel of Danaher Corporation, he built his career on integrity, accountability, and a deep sense of responsibility to those coming behind him. Power, to Brian, is something you use to make space and create access.

In this episode of Branding Room Only, Paula and Brian break down inclusive leadership in practice: showing up for people, offering time and wisdom, and sponsoring talent that deserves a chance. Brian shares how setbacks built resilience, how mentors opened doors, and why he is “a fierce defender of my people.”

At its core, this conversation is about legacy in real time—how every conversation, decision, and act of advocacy shapes the stories others will tell about you. Brian reflects on the influence of his father’s example, the responsibility of leadership, and what it means to measure success not by titles, but by the people you’ve lifted along the way. His story is rooted in character, community, and a legacy built person by person—and still growing.

1:11 – How Brian defines personal brand, how he describes himself, and his favorite Maya Angelou quote and hype music

4:26 – How family and the gritty, segregated Chicagoan environment shaped Brian

6:23 – How a coach ruined Brian’s athletic career and changed the course of his trajectory

15:33 – The foundation of Brian’s career success and how he developed his leadership style

22:39 – Impact and importance of mentorship and taking constructive criticism

28:28 – Why Brian uses his platform to champion and lift others up

36:49 – Code-switching as a survival tactic while navigating professional identities

44:12 – The formation and development of Brian’s legacy now and moving forward

48:44 – What’s fun for Brian and his personal brand non-negotiable

53:48 – The magic of Brian’s brand and his candid reflections on work-life balance

Mentioned In Legacy in Real Time: Inclusive Leadership, Sponsorship, and Mentorship with Brian Ellis

Brian Ellis on LinkedIn

Danaher Corporation

Equal Justice Works Foundation

Curated Resources from Paula

Sign up for Paula’s Upcoming Webinars

Learn More About Paula's Personal Branding Strategy Session Offer

Call to Action

Follow & Review: Help others find the podcast. Subscribe and leave a quick review.

Want more branding insights? Join Paula’s newsletter for expert tips and exclusive content! Subscribe Here

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, measur

We're starting off 2026 with a bang with my New Year's Intention and Goal Setting session on January 3rd, and then my new three-part series, LinkedIn Strategy for Lawyers: Build a Brand that Works for You, running January through March. 

Reserve your seat at paulaedgar.com/events.

Feedback is often labeled “good” or “bad,” but that binary misses the point. In this episode of Branding Room Only, Paula Edgar sits down with Rachael Bosch — founder of Fringe Professional Development and creator of Candorly — to explore why delivery matters as much as content and how consistent feedback can fuel and strengthen your personal brand.

Rachael also shares her journey from Miami and the stage to law firm talent management and entrepreneurship, bringing humor, honesty, and practical insights along the way. Together, Paula and Rachael dig into authenticity as a scale (not a switch), the importance of agency in choosing environments that align with your values, and how leaders can treat feedback as data to close the gap between self-perception and how others experience them.

1:25 – Rachael’s view on branding, three self-descriptive words, favorite Dolly Parton quote, and musical motivation (from Whitesnake to Beyoncé)

5:41 – How the melting pot of Miami and her theater background influenced Rachael’s upbringing

9:28 – Rachael’s shift from the arts into law and professional development

15:30 – Why Rachael pursued entrepreneurship and launched Fringe Professional Development

19:13 – The importance (and scale) of personal branding authenticity in professional settings

25:29 – The importance of agency in choosing aligned working environments

31:46 – How you can demonstrate to others that you receive feedback well

35:18 – Feedback as a data set that should be analyzed (especially for the historically underrepresented)

37:59 – Why good and bad feedback is about the delivery, not the content

40:40 – How Fringe’s feedback tool Candorly works for individuals and organizations

48:43 – The role of pop culture in Rachael’s professional trajectory and the uncompromisable component of her brand

Mentioned In Beyond Good or Bad: The Feedback Framework Every Professional Needs with Rachael Bosch

Follow Rachael on LinkedIn

Fringe Professional Development

Candorly

Sign up for Paula’s Upcoming Webinars

Learn More About Paula's Personal Branding Strategy Session Offer

Follow & Review: Help others find the podcast. Subscribe and leave a quick review.

Want more branding insights? Join Paula’s newsletter for expert tips and exclusive content! Subscribe Here

Conferences are an investment—make sure you maximize yours. My new Engage Your Hustle™ Conference Playbook gives you the strategies to prepare, stand out, and follow up with impact. Get your copy today.

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 d

We're starting off 2026 with a bang with my New Year's Intention and Goal Setting session on January 3rd, and then my new three-part series, LinkedIn Strategy for Lawyers: Build a Brand that Works for You, running January through March. 

Reserve your seat at paulaedgar.com/events.

One hundred episodes. That’s a lot of strategy, stories, laughter, pet peeves—and a whole lot of love.

When I started Branding Room Only, I wanted a platform to share personal branding strategies and amplify voices. What I didn’t expect was how much this show would give back: opening doors, deepening relationships, and connecting me with people far beyond my usual circles.

In this milestone episode, I reflect on how this podcast grew from a place to share frameworks into a community built on storytelling, authenticity, and impact. You’ll hear about the moments that surprised me, the episodes that stretched me, and why this podcast is truly a love letter to you—my listeners.

0:54 – How this podcast has given back to me

2:28 – Highlights of previous standout episodes

4:02 – Why this podcast is a weekly love letter to you

4:48 – The difficulty and joy of getting to 100 episodes

5:32 – How this milestone reflects on my community

6:16 – A heartfelt thank you and looking forward to the future

Mentioned In Keeping It 100: How 100 Episodes Expanded My Personal Brand, My Reach, and My Voice

Pearls of Power: How to Use Authenticity, Boldness, and Intentionality with Carla Harris

How to Prepare for a Conference to Maximize Your Personal Brand Impact

Picture Perfect: Paula’s Rules for Capturing Your Personal Brand with the Right Photos

How I’ve Turned My ADHD Into a Personal Branding Superpower

The Life & Legacy of Joan Donna Griffith: A Conversation with Griffith (Part 1)

The Life & Legacy of Joan Donna Griffith: A Conversation with Griffith (Part 2)

Personal Branding Strategy Sessions

Call to Action

Follow & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform! 

Want more ways to grow your personal brand? Make sure you’re signed up for my upcoming webinars and workshops.

Conferences are an investment—make sure you maximize yours. My new Engage Your Hustle™ Conference Playbook gives you the strategies to prepare, stand out, and follow up with impact. Get your copy today.

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, strength

We're starting off 2026 with a bang with my New Year's Intention and Goal Setting session on January 3rd, and then my new three-part series, LinkedIn Strategy for Lawyers: Build a Brand that Works for You, running January through March. 

Reserve your seat at paulaedgar.com/events.

Real leadership isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing what matters with consistency and care. Staying grounded in your purpose, your values, and your humanity is what separates longevity from burnout. The best leaders aren’t performing strength. They are practicing steadiness, empathy, and self-awareness.

That’s what drives Daisy Auger-Domínguez. As President of Auger-Domínguez Ventures and author of Inclusion Revolution and Burnt Out to Lit Up, she has spent her career helping organizations like Google, Disney, and Vice prove that people and performance can thrive together. Her Dominican, Puerto Rican, and New York roots shape a leadership style that blends resilience, joy, and unshakable values.

In this episode of Branding Room Only, Paula Edgar and Daisy explore how to lead with purpose while staying true to who you are. They share real-world insight on navigating burnout, building inclusive workplaces, and treating thought leadership as service rather than self-promotion. You will walk away with perspective and practical steps to build a career and a brand that sustain you.

1:13 – Daisy’s definition of personal brand, three words to describe herself, and her favorite Buddha quote and hype song

4:11 – The brand impact of growing up in the Dominican Republic and uptown New York

6:50 – How Daisy’s identity, personal brand, and leadership were shaped out of necessity

9:42 – How to manage and help leaders build a brand during challenging times

13:21 – How Daisy serves as a fractional Chief People Officer (CPO) while maintaining her core brand values

16:47 – The relationship between inclusion and personal branding and how burnout impacts leadership

22:27 – Key strategy for dealing with empathy and energy drain so you don’t take on other people’s stuff

24:22 – A view on pursuing recognition and visibility in a way that aligns with your personal values

27:27 – Branding advice for leaders of the next generation

28:33 – How to think about authentically building your brand as a thought leader

33:44 – A practice you can start immediately to better align your brand with the kind of leader you want to be

38:57 – What it means to build a career you don’t have to recover from and how personal branding helps create it

40:54 – Daisy’s joy space, why she values dignity in her personal brand, and the magic she brings to a room

Mentioned In Keeping It Lit: Purposeful and Authentic Leadership with Daisy Auger-Domínguez

Daisy Auger-Dominguez

Inclusion Revolution and Burnt Out to Lit Up by Daisy-Auger-Dominguez

Learn More About Paula's Personal Branding Strategy Session Offer

Reflective Questions

• Where did I learn? 
• Where did I make myself proud? 
• Where did I fall short this week? 
• What energized me and what drained me? 
• How can I redirect my energy?/What are the things that I can do differently?/What are the best ways to redirect my energy so that I can show up as the best version of myself?
• How will I continue to protect what I uncovered?

Sponsor for this episode

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 advis

We're starting off 2026 with a bang with my New Year's Intention and Goal Setting session on January 3rd, and then my new three-part series, LinkedIn Strategy for Lawyers: Build a Brand that Works for You, running January through March. 

Reserve your seat at paulaedgar.com/events.

If you’ve ever worried that ADHD—or any difference—might hurt your credibility, this episode is for you. I’ve learned that the traits that make me different are the very ones that make my brand magnetic.

Yes, there are days when it feels like I have 15 tabs open in my brain and someone keeps hitting refresh. But over time, I’ve realized that while ADHD can sometimes show up as scattered, distracted, or inconsistent, it also comes with incredible strengths. Creativity, energy, hyper-focus, and the ability to connect dots others don’t always see are all part of my personal brand. ADHD isn’t something I suffer from—it’s part of who I am.

In this episode of Branding Room Only, I share how I reframed ADHD as a superpower, built the systems I needed, and turned it into a core part of my personal brand. I’ll walk you through the strategies and tools I rely on—from support networks to checklists and workflows—and introduce my ADHD framework: Awareness, Discipline, Honesty, and Distinction. It’s a practical guide to using difference as a source of strength.

Whether you live with ADHD, love someone who does, or simply want to better understand how neurodiversity can shape a personal brand, you’ll leave this episode with strategies to reframe challenges, amplify what sets you apart, and own your brand authentically.

1:07 – Reframing ADHD as a unique brand aspect, not a liability

1:57 – How I navigate my ADHD with strategy and support

3:30 – How ADHD impacts your personal brand intentionally or unintentionally

4:05 – My ADHD framework to protect and enhance your brand

6:30 – Final takeaways if you or someone you know is neurodiverse

Mentioned In How I've Turned My ADHD Into a Personal Branding Superpower

Personal Branding Strategy Sessions

Subscribe to The Branding Room Only on YouTube

Call to Action

Follow & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform! 

Want more ways to grow your personal brand? Make sure you’re signed up for my upcoming webinars and workshops.

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.

We're starting off 2026 with a bang with my New Year's Intention and Goal Setting session on January 3rd, and then my new three-part series, LinkedIn Strategy for Lawyers: Build a Brand that Works for You, running January through March. 

Reserve your seat at paulaedgar.com/events.

Every time you minimize your accomplishments, you’re not just being humble—you’re making your personal brand smaller. And when you do that, you leave opportunities on the table.

In this episode of Branding Room Only, I break down why showcasing your wins isn’t bragging—it’s leadership. I share stories of clients who downplayed major achievements and what shifted when they finally spoke up. I also share practical strategies to help you move from deflecting to owning your success, including how to frame your stories with clarity and confidence and how to integrate your achievements into your everyday visibility strategy.

Whether you’re gearing up for an annual review, polishing your LinkedIn, or simply building comfort in telling your story, this episode will give you the tools to put your wins front and center—and strengthen your personal brand in the process.

1:03 – Why so many people hide their wins and how it hurts your personal brand

2:14 – What happens when you treat self-promotion as a strategy, not an afterthought

3:07 – The real difference between bragging and sharing your value

4:04 – Tool #1: building a wins file to track your accomplishments

4:39 – Tool #2: telling your story with situation, action, result

5:24 – Where and when to weave your wins into the conversation

6:52 – Why staying quiet about your wins also impacts the people around you

7:38 – The one simple step you can take this week to put a win in the spotlight

Mentioned In How Sharing Your Wins Strengthens Your Personal Brand

Join Paula October 10th for Own Your Wins: Preparing for Annual Reviews with Confidence

Personal Branding Strategy Sessions

Subscribe to The Branding Room Only on YouTube

Call to Action

Follow & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform! 

Want more ways to grow your personal brand? Make sure you’re signed up for my upcoming webinars and workshops.

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.

We're starting off 2026 with a bang with my New Year's Intention and Goal Setting session on January 3rd, and then my new three-part series, LinkedIn Strategy for Lawyers: Build a Brand that Works for You, running January through March. 

Reserve your seat at paulaedgar.com/events.

Too often, the role of a panel moderator is perceived as logistics—keeping time and reading questions from a list. But the best moderators know it’s much more than that. Great moderating is strategy. It’s a chance to showcase presence, leadership, and personal brand. Done well, moderation shapes the audience’s experience, amplifies the panelists, and demonstrates your leadership in real time.

With conference season underway, it’s the perfect time to talk about how to elevate when you moderate. My guest, Nicole Lester Arrindell—an accomplished attorney, community leader, and frequent moderator—knows how to turn preparation, presence, and pace into a brand-building advantage.

In this episode of Branding Room Only, Nicole and I break down how moderation itself can become a personal branding tool. We share practical tips for prep calls, audience engagement, and managing Q&A, and introduce the PACE framework—being Prepared, Agile, Conscientious, and Engaged—so you can approach your next panel with confidence and leave a lasting impression.

2:19 — Nicole on personal branding, three words that describe her, her favorite Paulo Coelho quote, and the Nas track that fuels her

7:37 — How Nicole’s career transitions connect and build on each other

13:11 — The role fellowships and leadership programs play in professional growth

15:58 — Why a moderator’s approach shapes the success of a panel

24:48 — Strategies to prepare as a moderator and create a better experience for panelists and the audience

34:42 — How moderation highlights your skills and elevates your personal brand

41:35 — Keys to running an effective and balanced panel Q&A

47:10 — Ways to close a panel with strength and make it memorable

49:55 — Nicole’s non-negotiable branding value and her “standing room only” magic

Mentioned In How Panel Moderation Helps You Build Visibility and Influence with Nicole Lester Arrindell

Nicole Lester Arrindell | LinkedIn

“Everyday People Can Be Everyday Leaders” | Nicole Lester Arrindell | TEDxUStreetWomen

Curated Resources from Paula

How to Prepare for a Conference to Maximize Your Personal Brand Impact

Personal Branding Boosters and Bruisers: Attending Conferences

Personal Branding Bruisers: Paula’s Professional Pet Peeves

Learn More About Paula's Personal Branding Strategy Session Offer

Call to Action

Follow & Review: Help others find the podcast. Subscribe and leave a quick review.

Want more ways to grow your personal brand? Make sure you’re signed up for my upcoming webinars and workshops.

Sponsor for this episode

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

We're starting off 2026 with a bang with my New Year's Intention and Goal Setting session on January 3rd, and then my new three-part series, LinkedIn Strategy for Lawyers: Build a Brand that Works for You, running January through March. 

Reserve your seat at paulaedgar.com/events.

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.

1:17 - The foundation of every strong brand and the most powerful element of Dr. King’s brand
3:28 - How MLK Jr. solidified his credibility with integrity and used strategic visibility to amplify his message
5:39 - Why visual consistency reinforces your brand, plus a powerful example of resilience in Dr. King’s legacy
7:34 - How a strong personal brand is rooted in service to others and built with legacy in mind
9:47 - Ways to honor Dr. King’s lessons and align your actions with your values year-round

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. 

Curated Resources from Paula

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

Call to Action

Follow & Review: Help others find the podcast. Subscribe and leave a quick review.

Want more branding insights? Join Paula’s newsletter for expert tips and exclusive content! Subscribe Here

Conferences are an investment—make sure you maximize yours. My Engage Your Hustle™ Conference Playbook gives you the strategies to prepare, stand out, and follow up with impact. Get your copy today.

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.

We're starting off 2026 with a bang with my New Year's Intention and Goal Setting session on January 3rd, and then my new three-part series, LinkedIn Strategy for Lawyers: Build a Brand that Works for You, running January through March. 

Reserve your seat at paulaedgar.com/events.

When people talk about you in the rooms you’re not in, are they saying what you want them to say? You can be excellent, meet every deadline, and deliver results—but if others don’t know how to describe you, or your name isn’t the one raised when opportunities come up, you’re leaving opportunities on the table.

That’s exactly why I’m doing something different with this episode. I want to take you behind the curtain and show you what happens inside my Personal Branding Strategy Sessions. The same sessions that help professionals close those visibility gaps and take control of how they’re seen.

In this episode of Branding Room Only, I’m breaking down why I created my Personal Branding Strategy Sessions, who they’re for, and the process I use to help clients move from invisible or inconsistent to intentional and impactful. You’ll also hear real client examples of how small but strategic shifts made a big difference in their visibility and influence.

1:25 – Why you may be leaving opportunities on the table

2:29 – Who these Personal Branding Strategy Sessions are designed for

4:03 – The real goal of these sessions (and why they’re more than a LinkedIn review)

5:33 – How the process works, with examples of client results

8:45 – Three things you’ll walk away with and client feedback

10:10 – How to get started, my challenge to you, and key takeaways

Mentioned In Shifting from Invisible to Impactful with Your Personal Brand

Summer Sabbaticals and “Sorta” Sabbaticals for Personal Brand Growth

Personal Branding Strategy Sessions

Subscribe to The Branding Room Only on YouTube

Call to Action

Follow & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform! 

Want more ways to grow your personal brand? Make sure you’re signed up for my upcoming webinars and workshops.

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.

We're starting off 2026 with a bang with my New Year's Intention and Goal Setting session on January 3rd, and then my new three-part series, LinkedIn Strategy for Lawyers: Build a Brand that Works for You, running January through March. 

Reserve your seat at paulaedgar.com/events.

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

Mentioned In The Life & Legacy of Joan Donna Griffith: A Conversation with Peter Griffith

“A Tribute to My Mother Joan Donna Griffith”

Angela Titus on LinkedIn

Sage Software

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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

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.

We're starting off 2026 with a bang with my New Year's Intention and Goal Setting session on January 3rd, and then my new three-part series, LinkedIn Strategy for Lawyers: Build a Brand that Works for You, running January through March. 

Reserve your seat at paulaedgar.com/events.

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

Mentioned In The Life & Legacy of Joan Donna Griffith: A Conversation with Peter Griffith

“A Tribute to My Mother Joan Donna Griffith”

Subscribe to The Branding Room Only on YouTube

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

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

We're starting off 2026 with a bang with my New Year's Intention and Goal Setting session on January 3rd, and then my new three-part series, LinkedIn Strategy for Lawyers: Build a Brand that Works for You, running January through March. 

Reserve your seat at paulaedgar.com/events.

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

Mentioned In How to Prepare for a Conference to Maximize Your Personal Brand Impact

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

Maximize Your Event Attendance: 12 Strategies to Amplify Your Personal Brand

Personal Branding Strategy Sessions

Follow & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform! 

Sponsor for this episode

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 workplac

We're starting off 2026 with a bang with my New Year's Intention and Goal Setting session on January 3rd, and then my new three-part series, LinkedIn Strategy for Lawyers: Build a Brand that Works for You, running January through March. 

Reserve your seat at paulaedgar.com/events.

Rest isn't a bonus. It's a necessity for clarity, creativity, and longevity. In a world that praises busyness and normalizes burnout, stepping back is often the most powerful way to propel yourself forward. And it doesn’t mean you have to disappear completely, either. During my recent break, I intentionally balanced meaningful, soul-filling engagements with genuine rest and joy.

So in this episode of Branding Room Only, I reflect on my summer sabbatical and offer a refreshing take on what it truly means to step away and embrace joy. I discuss how taking a break is a strategic move that recalibrates me and allows me to come back with renewed energy and purpose, while encouraging you to embrace it as a core part of your personal brand growth and strategy.

0:55 – How I showed up intentionally and selectively during my summer sabbatical
3:11 – How I engaged in joy and maintained visibility without constant activity
5:04 – How resting fueled my creativity and strategic thinking during my sabbatical
6:47 – Your takeaway and permission to prioritize rest and joy

Mentioned In Sabbatical Reflections: How Rest & Joy Recharge and Redefine Your Personal Brand

Summer Sabbaticals and “Sorta” Sabbaticals for Personal Brand Growth

Personal Branding Strategy Sessions

Subscribe to The Branding Room Only on YouTube

National Bar Association

Professional Development Consortium

American Bar Association | Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement Awards

New York City Bar Association

Call to Action

Follow & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform! 

Want more personal branding insights? Join Paula’s newsletter for expert tips and exclusive content! Subscribe Here

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.

We're starting off 2026 with a bang with my New Year's Intention and Goal Setting session on January 3rd, and then my new three-part series, LinkedIn Strategy for Lawyers: Build a Brand that Works for You, running January through March. 

Reserve your seat at paulaedgar.com/events.

Too many professionals—especially in the legal field—spend so much time focused on delivering excellent work that they forget to build a personal brand that reflects it. That oversight becomes clearer with each career transition, leadership aspiration, or missed opportunity to stand out.

That’s why I had to bring this episode back.

Sonya Olds Som is an experienced executive recruiter, former practicing attorney, and someone who has worked at the highest levels of legal talent strategy and search. She’s also a connector, a trailblazer, and a dear friend.

In honor of her birthday on August 14, I’m celebrating her brilliance, her advocacy, and her impact with this special re-release of one of my earliest and most powerful Branding Room Only conversations.

In this episode of Branding Room Only, Sonya and I talk about what it really takes to build a visible, credible, and strategic personal brand—especially in industries like law where branding often takes a backseat. 

2:24 – Sonya’s elevator pitch and how she defines personal branding

5:32 – The phrase Sonya uses to describe herself and how it ties into her favorite quote

7:30 – How connection can bridge what seems like insurmountable gaps

11:29 – How Sonya built and evolved her personal brand throughout her career

17:33 – Why people often get the concept of authenticity wrong 

18:32 – The impact of COVID on deeper authenticity, connection, and accessibility

23:32 – The two biggest mistakes people make with networking and brand building

31:12 – Specific mistakes in-house attorneys make in the business development department

36:54 – Sonya’s advice to begin building your brand

40:08 – Pushback against the thought of branding as “braggy” and too self-promotional

42:40 – A common courtesy that can be a brand killer if you fail to follow it

48:52 – Sonya’s uncompromisable brand aspect and the special experience she brings to the room

Mentioned In The Strategic Power of Intentional Connection with Sonya Olds Som

Diversified Search Group

Sonya Olds Som on LinkedIn

Sonya’s Branding Room Only Hype Song Playlist 

American Writers Museum OnWord2025 Gala on September 8 

Girls Inc. of Chicago Strong Smart Bold Awards Gala on October 9

“If You Stay Ready, You Don’t Have to Get Ready” by Sonya Olds Som

Dressed in Joy

Harriet’s Bookshop

Gallery Guichard

PassionEats Catering

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

We're starting off 2026 with a bang with my New Year's Intention and Goal Setting session on January 3rd, and then my new three-part series, LinkedIn Strategy for Lawyers: Build a Brand that Works for You, running January through March. 

Reserve your seat at paulaedgar.com/events.

Even the most brilliant professionals I know still ask me this question. Whether you're brand new to personal branding, rebuilding after a transition, or just realizing your reputation deserves more attention, this episode is your starting point.

You already have a personal brand. The question is, are you actively shaping it or is it being shaped for you by default? As my mother used to say, "You can be the wind or you can be the leaf." This episode is about becoming the wind.

In this episode of Branding Room Only, I'll walk you through exactly where to start with five foundational steps that will help you get intentional about your brand. From clarifying your brand words to auditing your digital presence to defining your audience, these are the building blocks that turn your natural magic into an unforgettable personal brand.

0:53 – What personal brand really means and why you already have one
2:02 – Three essential self-reflection questions to start with
3:27 – How to identify your three brand words that guide everything
5:15 – The framework for crafting your brand statement
6:20 – Auditing your digital presence to reflect your aspirations
7:59 – Defining your audience with the specificity that creates resonance
9:16 – How to start showing up consistently to build trust

Mentioned In Where Do I Even Start with Personal Branding?

Personal Branding Strategy Sessions

Subscribe to The Branding Room Only on YouTube

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

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.

We're starting off 2026 with a bang with my New Year's Intention and Goal Setting session on January 3rd, and then my new three-part series, LinkedIn Strategy for Lawyers: Build a Brand that Works for You, running January through March. 

Reserve your seat at paulaedgar.com/events.