Branding Room Only with Paula T. Edgar

J. Kelly Hoey was the very first guest on Branding Room Only, and more than 100 episodes later, she's back. This time she's bringing a new book, a rabbit hole's worth of research, and a framework that challenges what most women have been told about how to build the relationships and the personal brand that move their careers forward.Kelly is a lawyer turned entrepreneur, networking expert, and bestselling author whose career has spanned big law, venture capital, and leading global communities. In her new book, The Social Billionaire, she draws on years of research showing that the women who flourish professionally do not mimic men. They follow a different playbook, one built on a specific network structure, a particular kind of focus, and the grit to keep showing up for it. In this episode of Branding Room Only, Paula T. Edgar and Kelly get into why so many women are doing all the right things and still not getting results, the network structure that high-achieving women use to get ahead, why your personal brand determines who is willing to vouch for you behind closed doors, and why the wealth you have been searching for might already be sitting right outside your office door.1:35 – Kelly’s shifted perspective on networking and personal brand since her last show appearance, and why she wrote her newest book2:43 – Why following networking advice tailored for men might actually be hindering your professional growth8:33 – Kelly’s three-part framework and how it works as a filter for every goal, opportunity, and decision you face18:08 – How a curated tribe of like-minded peers (when done right) changes everything else downstream for high-achieving women24:18 – How strategic and reactive networks differ, and why trust is the currency that makes the whole thing work when you need it most27:22 – Why some women feel resistance in making connections with women specifically (and people, in general) when it comes to networking28:57 – Networking habits that might be hurting your brand and the current communication struggle some people have with others39:12 – Why the wealth you need may already be hiding in plain sight42:43 – How writing The Social Billionaire has changed the way Kelly shows up in, and the first move to make if you need to rethink your network45:34 – The one relationship you’re probably ignoring that needs your attention right now, and the importance of seeing where you’re directing your energy51:03 – The one shift Kelly wants you to make after reading her book, even if you do nothing else54:57 – One thing about relationship-building that Kelly will never compromise onMentioned In The Social Billionaire: Networking, Personal Brand, and the Wealth Hiding in Plain Sight with J. Kelly HoeyJ. Kelly Hoey Learn More About Personal Branding Strategy Session OfferMy 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 episodePGE 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 [email protected], and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.

There’s a narrative among some that when you become a mother, your ambition should get quieter, your goals should get smaller, and you move to the background of your own life. That was not my experience.Motherhood didn’t replace my purpose. It expanded it. Becoming a mother in the middle of law school meant navigating two major transformations at once. What came out of that season was a sharper, more intentional, and more focused version of who I am and what I’m building.Motherhood made me more accountable to my own potential, not less.In this episode of Branding Room Only, Paula T. Edgar gets personal about what that actually looked like: becoming a mother during law school, navigating her son’s childhood cancer diagnosis, and the moment she decided she was no longer willing to stay in spaces that did not support her.1:24 – The impact of balancing high-level education with early parenthood2:12 – The difference in Paula’s brand before and after becoming a mother3:45 – A surprising piece of advice about prioritization as a parent4:35 – How motherhood expanded my purpose instead of replacing it5:24 – How her son’s diagnosis forced an overhaul of Paula’s boundaries6:58 – The root question Paula asks to ensure her actions align with the legacy she wants to leave7:37 – Motherhood as a catalyst for increased accountability toward your own potentialMentioned In How Motherhood Sharpened My Personal BrandThe Life & Legacy of Joan Donna Griffith: A Conversation with Peter Griffith (Part 1 and Part 2)Lessons from My Mother, Hopes for My Daughter: On Mothering and What We Carry Forward7 Powerful Branding Lessons I’ve Learned From My SonPersonal Branding Strategy SessionsSubscribe to The Branding Room Only on YouTubeCall to ActionFollow & 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 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 episodeThis 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 [email protected], and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.

Confidence that shows up after a win or in a familiar room is real. But when something shifts, a new role, a new team, a new challenge, that confidence can feel a lot less stable.The professionals who sustain confidence over time are not waiting on motivation. They have built systems around it. Self-awareness, reinforcement, visibility, and environment. And they have connected those systems to something that travels with them everywhere. Their personal brand.In this episode of Branding Room Only, Paula Edgar closes out the Confidence Factor series by walking through these four systems and explaining why your personal brand is the structure that holds your confidence in place. When your brand is clear and intentional, you are not starting from zero in every new environment. You are carrying your value, your positioning, and your proof with you.1:48 – Self-awareness as a confidence stabilizer2:18 – The system that pushes back against imposter syndrome with hard evidence3:52 – Visibility and your environment as confidence strengtheners5:02 – Paula’s real-time confidence booster for high-stakes moments7:50 – The link between personal branding and confidence8:34 – Why confidence isn’t always about certainty9:47 – Seven reflection questions to help you build lasting confidenceMentioned In Stop Waiting for Confidence: Build the Systems That Sustain Your BrandHow Sharing Your Wins Strengthens Your Personal BrandHow to Assemble and Leverage Your Personal Board of DirectorsWhen Comfort Becomes Complacency: Protecting Your Personal Brand Before You Need ItThe Four Confidence Leaks That Are Undermining Your Personal BrandBorrowed Confidence: Why the Right People Accelerate Your Personal BrandVisibility Builds Confidence: Why Your Personal Brand Can't Afford to HidePersonal Branding Strategy SessionsFollow & 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.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 episodePGE 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 [email protected], and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.

Doing excellent work is not enough. You can put your head down, deliver quality, and still be overlooked. That approach may feel comfortable, but it is not a strategy for growth. Capability alone does not create momentum. Visibility does.And what often gets framed as humility, caution, or professionalism is sometimes just hiding. That choice has consequences. It weakens your confidence, limits your access, and shrinks your opportunities over time.Being visible means being findable, understandable, and referable. These are three distinct things, and most professionals are falling short on at least one of them without realizing how much it is costing their confidence and their brand.In this episode of Branding Room Only, Paula Edgar continues the Confidence Factor series with a clear message. Confidence is not the issue. Visibility is. She breaks down why the gap between your internal capability and how the world perceives you is a visibility problem, how to close it without feeling like you are bragging, and what it actually looks like to show up with intention.00:57 – The quiet cost of staying excellent but unseen3:37 – How visibility is about being findable, understandable, and referable5:53 – How you can be visible without being performative7:51 – Visibility as a skill you can learn to use and maximize8:35 – How discomfort with visibility can quietly signal growth9:50 – Four questions to ask yourself about your visibilityMentioned In Visibility Builds Confidence: Why Your Personal Brand Can't Afford to HideWhen Comfort Becomes Complacency: Protecting Your Personal Brand Before You Need ItThe Four Confidence Leaks That Are Undermining Your Personal BrandBorrowed Confidence: Why the Right People Accelerate Your Personal BrandLinkedIn Strategies & Leadership Tips to Master Personal Branding with Richard BlissPersonal Branding Strategy SessionsFollow & 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.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 episodePGE 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 [email protected], and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.

We often treat confidence like a purely internal project, something we must manufacture from scratch, alone. But while confidence is deeply personal, it's also profoundly relational. It's shaped by the rooms you enter, the voices you prioritize, and the way others reflect your value back to you long before you've claimed it yourself.This is what Paula calls borrowed confidence. Whether it's a mentor naming a capability you haven't yet articulated or a colleague introducing you in a way that makes you sit up straighter, these moments aren't just nice gestures. They're how confidence actually grows.In this episode of Branding Room Only, Paula T. Edgar continues the Confidence Factor Series by making the case that confidence is not a solo project. She breaks down why proximity is a personal branding strategy, how to build a personal board of directors that actively supports your growth, and what to do about the proximity issues that may be keeping your brand smaller than it should be.1:29 – How a high-level introduction can help you connect dots about your own value that you might be missing2:29 – Why it is sometimes necessary to lean on someone else’s belief in your capabilities while you’re still building your own3:31 – Why high skill levels often feel like uncertainty when you’re operating in a narrow or stagnant environment5:24 – How confidence grows in reciprocal relationships between you and members of your personal board of directors7:48 – The psychological impact of surrounding yourself with people who "play small" versus those who normalize growth8:20 – Why personal branding clarity is the essential manual that tells your network exactly how to advocate for you8:48 – Your question and assignment for this weekMentioned In Borrowed Confidence: Why the Right People Accelerate Your Personal BrandWhen Comfort Becomes Complacency: Protecting Your Personal Brand Before You Need ItThe Four Confidence Leaks That Are Undermining Your Personal BrandHow to Assemble and Leverage Your Personal Board of DirectorsPersonal Branding Strategy SessionsCall to ActionFollow & 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 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 episodeThis 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 [email protected], and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.

If you care about your personal brand, you should care about what happens after you’re gone.In this episode of Branding Room Only, I sit down with Carl Forbes Jr., founder of CFJ Law and a leader in estate planning, to talk about something too many professionals avoid. If your personal brand is about how people experience you and what you leave behind, then estate planning is not optional. It is part of the strategy.We get into the real implications of not having a plan, the mistakes even lawyers make, and why legacy is more than money. It is about control, clarity, and making sure your values, your family, and everything you built are protected long after you are no longer in the room.   If this episode made you think differently about your brand and your legacy, share it with someone who needs to hear it.And if you have not handled your estate planning yet, this is your sign.1:22 – How Carl defines personal brand and sees himself, his favorite quote, and the Rick Ross song he played when traveling to work4:24 – Life lessons learned from a Brooklyn upbringing 5:17 – How competitive debate, fraternity life, and student leadership laid the groundwork for Carl’s practice centered on family, community, and legacy13:07 – How a family death inspired Carl to focus on wills, trusts, estate planning, and real estate law in his practice over being a generalist17:48 – How Carl defines legacy and its connection to personal branding19:31 – Why estate planning is about protecting your brand, your family, and ensuring that your story continues22:13 – The reality of what really happens when you don’t plan and let the law decide who inherits your assets26:03 – What estate planning on the cheap will cost you and why not planning at all is the wrong mindset to have34:53 – Real estate investment and ownership as a tool for building generational wealth and overcoming historical disadvantages 39:39 – How Carl’s experience as a former Metropolitan Black Bar Association president has shaped his brand and impacted his legacy45:21 – How Carl wants his legacy to be remembered, personally and professionally49:05 – What Carl does for fun, the aspect of his brand that Paula sees as uncompromisable, and what he brings to a room full of peopleMentioned In Your Personal Brand Will Outlive You So What Happens Next with Carl Forbes Jr.CFJ Law PLLC Metropolitan Black Bar AssociationSign up for Paula’s Upcoming WebinarsPersonal Branding Strategy SessionCall to ActionFollow & Review: Help others find the podcast. Subscribe and leave a quick review.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 episodePGE 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 [email protected], and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.

You can be talented, prepared, and experienced and still feel uncertain. That does not mean you need more credentials or more time.Sometimes the issue is not building confidence. It is that your confidence is leaking.Most people try to fix confidence without first diagnosing where it is breaking down. When you apply the wrong solution to the wrong issue, you stay stuck.In this episode of Branding Room Only, Paula T. Edgar breaks down the four confidence leaks: comparison, invisibility, perfectionism, and environment. Each one impacts how you show up, how you are perceived, and how your personal brand is experienced.She explains why comparison distorts your perspective, why invisibility weakens your feedback loop, why perfectionism delays the exposure that builds confidence, and why your environment may be the real issue, not you.This episode will help you make targeted, strategic shifts.Because confidence is not the absence of nerves. It is the presence of trust.1:18 – Why measuring yourself against someone else’s curated presence creates a distorted reality3:10 – The psychological toll of a "culture of invisibility" and how it forces professionals to internalize silence4:24 – How perfectionism acts as a mask for professionalism while effectively starving you of necessary evidence6:41 – How shifts in your environment can trigger a dip in confidence that has nothing to do with your actual capability7:54 – A strategic guide to choosing the right "plug" for your specific leak8:58 – How reframing physical nervousness as readiness can shift your experience in high-stakes moments10:12 – One intentional question you can ask each week to stand by your brand with more certaintyMentioned In The Four Confidence Leaks That Are Undermining Your Personal BrandWhen Comfort Becomes Complacency: Protecting Your Personal Brand Before You Need ItPersonal Branding Strategy SessionsSubscribe to The Branding Room Only on YouTubeCall to ActionFollow & 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 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 episodeThis 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 [email protected], and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.

Knowing AI exists is one thing. Knowing how to use it in a way that sounds like you, supports how you lead, and strengthens your personal brand is something else entirely. That gap is where a lot of professionals are stuck.Gabrielle Kohlmeier has spent years helping people move through that gap with more clarity and confidence. As a lawyer, tech leader, and transformation executive who led global legal AI adoption at one of the world’s largest telecommunications companies, she brings a practical, strategic, and dignity-centered perspective to the conversation. Her approach is rooted in grit, growth mindset, and a belief that change should be led with intention.In this episode of Branding Room Only, Paula T. Edgar and Gabrielle Kohlmeier explore why AI fluency matters for personal branding, how to use AI as a thought partner without flattening your voice, and how the ABA Commission on Women in the Profession’s 21-Day Grit and Growth Mindset AI Challenge helps professionals build confidence, fluency, and momentum.1:23 – Gabrielle’s complicated relationship with personal branding3:49 – Three short self-descriptive phrases for Gabrielle, two favorite quotes, and her eclectic mix of hype music7:18 – How Gabrielle’s unique childhood turned into a powerful lens for reading the room, understanding multiple perspectives, and leading with humility and curiosity9:34 – Gabrielle’s entry into law and discovery of growth mindset12:18 – What grit and growth mindset mean and why Gabrielle is so passionate about these concepts17:05 – How Gabrielle’s 21-Day Grit and Growth Mindset AI Challenge helps build your AI fluency and moves you from fear into informed experimentation28:08 – How Gabrielle uses AI tools to process things out and why you might feel hesitant about adopting AI34:24 – Why women and underrepresented professionals need to engage in AI for governance, branding, and positioning purposes39:58 – Favorite AI tool, how Gabrielle uses it in her work and personal life, and why AI isn’t perfect 43:18 – One of Paula’s favorite use cases for AI and why it produces more valuable outputs46:00 – How to start using AI in a way that enhances your voice rather than replaces it49:24 – Why Gabrielle will never compromise on dignity in terms of her brand as technology advances50:56 – How Gabrielle uses AI when traveling and exploring for fun52:59 – The no-seats-left, standing-room-only experience Gabrielle brings to the roomMentioned In Use AI Like You Mean It: Personal Brand, Fluency, and Leading with Dignity with Gabrielle Kohlmeier21 Days of AI: A Grit and Growth Mindset Challenge The Grit and Growth Mindset Project on ABAGabrielle Kohlmeier on LinkedInSponsor for this episodePGE 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 [email protected], and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.

Are you leaving your personal brand up to luck? Some professionals do, and they'll insist that the great opportunity or recommendation that appeared at the right moment proves it. But while luck certainly plays a role in life and careers, there's a clear distinction between welcoming luck and relying on it as a strategy.In this episode of Branding Room Only, Paula T. Edgar walks through seven areas where people often leave their personal brand up to luck and why that is a mistake. From how you prepare your references to how you show up at conferences, shape your narrative, and advocate for opportunities, each decision becomes part of a deliberate strategy.Luck may open a door, but intention is what helps you walk through it. Paula breaks down where professionals are leaving too much to chance and what it looks like to build your brand with clarity, consistency, and intentional action instead.1:38 – Why preparation matters long before someone calls your references2:41 – The differentiator between those who benefit the most from conferences and those who don’t3:40 – Strategic visibility as a reputation boost to draw attention to your work4:31 – One thing you must take control of to ensure people understand your value5:21 – How real advocates for your brand are rarely the result of random encounters6:09 – Why waiting to be invited or recognized isn’t a reliable brand strategy6:51 – How growth itself can be strategic for your personal brand7:50 - Final thoughts to wrap up the showMentioned In 7 Ways You're Leaving Your Personal Brand Up to LuckPersonal Branding Strategy SessionsSubscribe to The Branding Room Only on YouTubeCall to ActionFollow & 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 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 episodeThis 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 [email protected], and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.

After years of hard work, many professionals finally reach a point where things feel stable. The role fits. The team works. The urgency slows down. But that sense of comfort can quietly turn into complacency if you stop investing in your personal brand simply because things feel “fine.”In this episode of Branding Room Only, Paula T. Edgar explores the difference between comfort and complacency and why personal branding requires ongoing maintenance—even in seasons of stability. Through real examples from her work with clients, Paula explains why visibility, relationships, and clarity about your value should be built before disruption forces you to.In this episode:Why comfort and complacency are not the sameHow stability can quietly weaken your personal brandSimple ways to maintain your brand even when your career feels settled00:35 – The subtle line between comfort and complacency2:02 – What happens when your reputation only lives inside your organization4:19 – Personal branding as an often-overlooked discipline5:20 – How comfort can sometimes become an identity you get wrapped up in6:07 – Two examples of how disruption exposes branding gaps8:45 – The power of intentional discomfort to facilitate growth10:08 – Simple branding gut check and how to create a little intentional discomfort this weekMentioned In March Into Confidence: When Comfort Becomes ComplacencyHow Sharing Your Wins Strengthens Your Personal BrandCurated Resources from PaulaPersonal Branding Strategy SessionsSubscribe to The Branding Room Only on YouTubeCall to ActionFollow & 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 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 episodeThis 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 [email protected], and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.

Wanting to be on a board and being ready for board service are not the same thing. Some people spend years building relationships, understanding governance, and positioning themselves as trusted advisors. Others rush the process and undermine their credibility before a real conversation even begins. Sonya Olds Som, Global Managing Partner and leader of the Legal, Risk, and Compliance Practice at DSG Global, conducts executive and board searches across industries. In this episode of Branding Room Only, Paula T. Edgar and Sonya break down what truly signals board readiness, why mindset matters as much as experience, and how your personal brand either builds trust or raises red flags in the boardroom.1:10 – The best piece of professional advice Sonya has received, habits that keep her focused, and one surprising fact about her5:29 – How the boardroom impression “nose in, fingers out” changes the way you talk about your expertise and value12:20 – The kinds of people boards are always looking for and how opportunities have opened up in the last few years15:14 – How to pivot to make yourself attractive to boards with less directly-connected experience than what they typically look for17:56 – How to answer tough experience questions in an interview without selling yourself short or pretending to be something you’re not21:24 –  One of the best ways to prepare yourself to be a board member (and why treating it as “easy money” is a bad move)34:10 – Ways to maximize your visibility and presence without oversharing or feeling like you're self-promoting too aggressively41:39 – How nonprofit boards, school communities, and passion projects can quietly position you for paid board opportunities 48:11 – General mistakes you should avoid when positioning yourself to be a board member 52:41 – How to approach your first board seat so it strengthens, rather than strains, your personal brand and your lifeDiversified Search GroupSonya Olds Som on LinkedInThe Strategic Power of Intentional Connection with Sonya Olds SomsGirls Inc. of ChicagoThe American Writers MuseumDressed in JoySign up for Paula’s Upcoming WebinarsFollow & Review: Help others find the podcast. Subscribe and leave a quick review.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 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 [email protected], and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.

Your inner voice can either talk you into your greatness or talk you out of it. That little voice shows up when you're about to take a risk, ask for something you want, or step into a room where you're not sure you belong. Most people either ignore it completely or let it run the show. Neither works. The real question is whether you know how to catch it, redirect it, and make it work for you instead of against you.Amber Lee Forrester built Quartz Wellness Collective on the idea that your inner voice shapes everything about your brand. She works with executives and incarcerated youth, bringing positive psychology and strengths-based coaching into spaces that need psychological safety and honest reflection. Her approach is direct: if you can identify the thought patterns that derail you, you can redirect them toward what you actually want.In this episode, Paula T. Edgar and Amber dig into imposter syndrome, why it shows up even for high-performers, and what to do when that voice tries to take over. Amber breaks down her framework for catching thoughts before they derail you, why reflection matters more than just pushing through, and how to lean on your strengths when your weaknesses try to speak louder. They also talk about why community and psychological safety matter for doing your best work, and what it actually looks like to build a brand that feels like you on purpose. If that voice has ever made you second-guess yourself or shrink back from something you wanted, this conversation gives you tools to shift it.1:33 – Amber’s personal brand definition, three ways she describes herself, a Friedrich Nietzsche she often uses, and her Beyoncé hype song 4:27 – The childhood contrast that explains Amber’s comfort in very different rooms5:37 – Amber’s post-private school pivot from her original plan to her purpose11:25 – Amber’s definition of imposter syndrome and an example of how it showed up for her 16:10 – How imposter syndrome affects your brand and the way you show up as a leader19:54 – How positive psychology helps you challenge narratives that undermine your confidence and branding22:40 – The framework Amber uses to move people from self-doubt to self-belief28:14 – Misconception about imposter syndrome, the importance of reflection, and how your answer to a simple question impacts your brand32:27 – Amber’s high priority around creating safe community spaces, paving the way for brave spaces36:56 – Strengths-based anchor that helps you stay steady when your mind tries to hold you back42:46 – What Amber does for fun (and how even that ties back into her brand) Mentioned In Rewrite Your Story, Rewire Your Personal Brand with Amber Lee ForresterAmber Lee Forrester Quartz Wellness CollectivePOISED to Prosper Mentorship ProgramMy Engage Your Hustle™ Conference Playbook gives you the strategies to prepare, stand out, and follow up with impact. Get your copy today.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.

In Part Two of this conversation on Branding Room Only, Paula T. Edgar and Rhonda Joy McLean move from formation to practice, exploring what it means to live your personal brand once leadership responsibilities deepen and visibility increases.Rhonda Joy reflects on how her leadership style evolved over time, particularly as she navigated being “the only,” managing teams, and carrying significant responsibility for others. She shares why listening is a critical leadership discipline, how relationships and sisterhood can sustain leaders, and what she learned the hard way about burnout, boundaries, and self-care.Paula and Rhonda also discuss the evolution of The Little Black Book of Success and Rhonda and her co-authors’ new book, The Next Little Black Book of Success, and why this moment called for a renewed leadership roadmap rooted in clarity, care, and people-centered values.1:08 – How personal relationships impacted Rhonda’s ability to manage and build her brand5:47 – How Rhonda’s brand has changed who she is and how she shows up over the course of her career7:47 – The role of leadership and volunteerism in building Rhonda’s brand14:48 – The cost of saying yes to everything, the importance of learning to rest, and Rhonda’s self-care strategy18:12 – The Little Black Book of Success: how it came about, what it’s about, and the newest iteration23:36 - Why Rhonda and her co-authors wrote another book, and inclusivity as a requirement (not an option) for the future of leadership28:01 – What Rhonda does for fun, people-centered leadership, and the snippet that defines her Branding Room Only magic Mentioned In From Becoming to Leading: Living Your Personal Brand with Rhonda Joy McLeanRJM Leads The Little Black Book of Success series by Elaine Meryl Brown, Marsha Haygood, and Rhonda Joy McLeanStorehouse Voices (The NEXT Little Black Book of Success)Sign up for Paula’s Upcoming WebinarsLearn More About Paula's Personal Branding Strategy Session OfferCall to ActionFollow & Review: Help others find the podcast. Subscribe and leave a quick review.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 episodeThis 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 [email protected], and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.

In this episode of Branding Room Only, Paula T. Edgar is joined by Rhonda Joy McLean for a thoughtful and deeply personal conversation about where leadership and personal brand truly begin. Long before titles, platforms, or visibility, Rhonda Joy reflects on the experiences, values, and identity work that shaped how she shows up as a leader.Rhonda Joy shares stories from her upbringing in the Jim Crow South, integrating schools as a teenager, and learning early lessons about resilience, collaboration, and self-trust. She explores how faith, culture, and intergenerational legacy informed not only her career path, but the way she leads people and navigates systems. Together, Paula and Rhonda Joy unpack personal branding as presence rather than performance, and leadership as something practiced long before it is named.This episode centers the idea that a durable personal brand is not built through optics alone, but through lived experience, integrity, and clarity about who you are. It is a conversation about formation, grounding, and becoming before leading.2:36 – What personal branding means to Rhonda Joy, how she describes herself, a quote she thinks about often, and her hype music6:46 – How school integration was a daily test of courage, discipline, and collaboration12:39 – Rhonda Joy’s reflection on what’s happening now, decades after being a part of racial justice history16:19 – The foundation for Rhonda Joy’s fearless leadership, from childhood to law career21:31 – How being rejected opened doors to excellence for Rhonda Joy, instead of shrinking her ambition25:42 – Rhonda Joy’s impact on others and her values-led, continuously evolving brandMentioned In Becoming Before Leading with Rhonda Joy McLeanRJM Leads The Little Black Book of Success series by Elaine Meryl Brown, Marsha Haygood, and Rhonda Joy McLeanRhonda Joy McLean on Instagram and LinkedInNAACP Legal Defense FundCurated Resources from PaulaSign up for Paula’s Upcoming WebinarsLearn More About Paula's Personal Branding Strategy Session OfferCall to ActionFollow & 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 HereConferences 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 episodeThis 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 [email protected], and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.

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 move6:04 – How small-town Arkansas shaped Walter’s worldview and gave him both humility and ambition9:09 – A pivotal family loss that redirected Walter’s educational path 10:52 – The non-linear evolution from Biglaw to government, Capitol Hill, and corporate leadership14:44 – How Southern Bancorp’s mission felt like a full-circle homecoming that ties into Walter’s brand17:10 – How personal relationships can influence your leadership 20:54 – What parenting young adults teaches you about mentoring as a leader23:34 – 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 letters32:27 – How Mama Ceal’s life reflects a broader civil rights narrative and why telling that story now is urgent35:21 – The importance and responsibility of being a custodian and guardian of family history36:16 – Walter’s vision of the legacy he wants to provide to any future grandchildren38:24 – Walter’s joy, the grounding trait he refuses to compromise, and the quality that fills a room when he fully shows upMentioned In The Personal Brand You Carry: Legacy, Leadership, and Letters with Walter PryorWalter Pryor This Leaves Me Okay by Walter Pryor Pyramid Art, Books & Custom FramingSign up for Paula’s Upcoming WebinarsSubscribe and leave a quick review.Want more branding insights? Join Paula’s newsletter for expert tips and exclusive content! Subscribe HereMy 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 episodePGE 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.To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at [email protected], and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.

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 song4:23 – Osha’s unexpected path from fashion design to makeup artistry10:22 – The pivotal “fake it till you make it” moment that changed Osha’s career and confidence17:09 – How personal image communicates brand credibility before you ever speak20:39 – 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 perception29:33 – Makeup prep recommendations for men and women (on and off-camera)36:04 – The misconception and truth about red lipstick39:30 – Basics that every professional and non-professional should have in their makeup toolkit46:35 – Quick makeup routine when you only have five minutes to get ready for a Zoom meeting48:50 – The four makeup items Osha and Paula would use for themselves in case of an emergency50:29 – How Osha helps those who struggle with their confidence and self-image52:51 – Spa days and 4DX movie theaters, a nasty truth about some water rides, and one of Paula’s favorite Osha stories56:40 – The importance of being a good client and partner for your makeup artist59:50 – Why trust is vital to Osha’s brand, the importance of communication, and how she does eyebrows differentlyMentioned In The Confidence Factor: How Makeup Impacts Your Personal Brand with Osha HindsConnect with Osha on InstagramSign up for Paula’s Upcoming WebinarsConferences 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 strategic advising—all designed to elevate influence and performance at every level.To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at [email protected], and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.

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 brand3:28 - How MLK Jr. solidified his credibility with integrity and used strategic visibility to amplify his message5:39 - Why visual consistency reinforces your brand, plus a powerful example of resilience in Dr. King’s legacy7:34 - How a strong personal brand is rooted in service to others and built with legacy in mind9:47 - Ways to honor Dr. King’s lessons and align your actions with your values year-roundMentioned In 8 Personal Branding Lessons to Learn From Martin Luther King Jr.'s LegacyThe King Center - Dr. King Jr. The Nobel Peace Prize, 1964 - Martin Luther King Jr. Curated Resources from PaulaSign up for Paula’s Upcoming WebinarsLearn More About Paula's Personal Branding Strategy Session OfferSubscribe to The Branding Room Only on YouTubeCall to ActionFollow & 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 HereConferences 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 episodeThis 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 [email protected], and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.

What happens when the version of you that’s always holding it together finally can’t anymore?In You Are Before the World, Tara Jaye Frank writes with radical honesty about depletion, overgiving, and the moment she realized that putting everyone else first was costing her herself.In this episode of Branding Room Only, Paula sits down with Tara to talk about the internal reckoning that shaped the book and the deeper truth beneath it: that worth is not earned through sacrifice, helpfulness, or being “twice as good.” Drawing from her leadership journey, her decade-long partnership with Dr. Maya Angelou, and the personal losses that forced her to reexamine who she was without her roles, Tara reflects on what it really takes to choose yourself.This is a conversation about boundaries, grief, divorce, motherhood, and the courage to stop contorting yourself to fit spaces that were never designed to hold you fully. If you’ve ever believed your value lived in what you give, or felt the pressure to stay composed while quietly unraveling, this episode is an invitation to remember: you are before the world.1:22 – How Tara’s definition of personal branding has changed from a couple of years ago and the unique way she describes herself4:15 – The idea of getting ready for what’s ready for you and what plays for Tara when she’s having a bad day or needs to get hyped up7:17 – How her Cape Verdean community in MA and experiences outside of it shaped Tara and her bridge-building skill13:23 – Tara’s career, from greeting card writer to CEO of her own firm, and how she became a writer for Hallmark18:43 – Lessons learned from partnering with Dr. Maya Angelou for 10 years21:36 – How a single, unexpected moment can reframe an entire life’s work26:24 – Paula’s experience from reading You Are Before the World30:22 – The hidden emotional load behind being a helper34:13 – Why breaking the box is often more painful than staying inside it43:06 – Stories that Tara had to rewrite for herself to move forward49:38 – The quiet grief of losing roles you once built your identity around55:29 – What Tara does for fun, what she’ll never compromise on, and the differentiator that is her magicMentioned In Why Choosing Yourself Is a Branding Decision with Tara Jaye FrankTara Jaye Frank You Are Before the World and The Waymakers by Tara Jaye FrankThe 92 Project – IKONI CollectiveThe Waymakers Change Group (TWCHG)Sign up for Paula’s Upcoming WebinarsLearn More About Paula's Personal Branding Strategy Session OfferFollow & Review: Help others find the podcast. Subscribe and leave a quick review.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 episodeTo learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at [email protected], and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.

Reflection gets skipped over in a culture that rewards speed, productivity, and visible wins. Most people want to jump straight to the next goal list without pausing to tell the truth about what they actually lived through. But reflection isn't some soft year-end ritual. It's a leadership skill and a requirement for building a strong personal brand.We live in a culture that often rewards movement, not meaning. Speed, productivity, and visible wins are celebrated, while reflection is frequently skipped. But reflection isn’t a soft reset or a year-end ritual—it’s a leadership skill and a critical foundation for building a personal brand that lasts.In this solo episode of Branding Room Only, Paula reflects on more than a decade of guiding intention and goal-setting work. She explores why moving faster isn’t the same as moving intentionally, how clarity comes from honesty, and why alignment—not busyness—is what actually sustains growth. The episode surfaces the reflection questions that lead to real breakthroughs and the themes that show up year after year: rest as strategy, asking for help, letting go, and redefining success on your own terms.0:35 – Why reflection changes the quality of every decision that follows2:04 – Examples of how the power of intention quietly shapes alignment4:39 – How words of the year serve as a clarifying anchor6:31 – How vision boards are often misunderstood8:54 – What happens when rest is treated as a requirement, not a reward10:06 – Why doing everything alone isn’t a strength10:57 – The freedom of letting go of tolerations that no longer fit11:57 – How reflection dismantles comparison without diminishing ambition12:48 – Reflective questions asked in these yearly sessions14:31 – What results can look like after going through this reflection16:01 – Why naming what matters to you protects your brand from autopilotMentioned In What Ten Years of Guiding Reflection and Goal-Setting With Others Has Taught Me2026 Annual Intention and Goal Setting WebinarPersonal Branding Strategy SessionsIf 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 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 episodePGE 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 [email protected], and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.

Setting a big, exciting goal can feel amazing at the start—the motivation is high, and the journey feels full of possibility. But what happens when the excitement fades or the path gets bumpy? That’s when the power of intention can make all the difference.In this episode of Branding Room Only, I’m diving into the difference between intentions and goals and how combining the two can create a winning strategy. We’ll explore why intentions are key to building a personal brand that feels authentic and sustainable—and how they can keep you grounded and moving forward, even when you don’t hit the mark.1:38 - Why an intention is different from a goal3:19 - Why you must have intentions if you want to build a strong brand6:49 - How combining your intentions and goals leads to a winning strategy9:14 - Actionable steps to help you bring it all togetherMentioned In Intentions vs. Goals and How to Combine Them for a Winning StrategyPGE January Free Webinar -  2026 Annual Intention and Goal Setting WebinarCurated Resources from PaulaPersonal Branding Strategy SessionsSubscribe to The Branding Room Only on YouTubeCall to ActionFollow & 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 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 episodeThis 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 [email protected], and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.

Vision boards can be so much more than just a collage of pretty pictures and inspirational words—they can be a game-changer for designing your life, if you use them intentionally. Every year, I kick off with an intention and goal-setting session, and vision boards are one of my favorite tools to turn big dreams into real plans.In this episode of The Branding Room Only podcast, I’m sharing how to make vision boards work for you. We’ll talk about why vision boards are worth your time, how to create one that helps you achieve your goals, and how this simple tool connects to your personal brand.1:01 - Why vision boards are so impactful and why intention is their secret sauce2:56 - Main options for creating your vision board and what you can include on it5:15 - How vision boarding connects with personal branding and the final puzzle piece to making it workMentioned In Vision Boards for Personal Branding: How to Make Them WorkVision Board ExamplesPGE January Free Webinar -  2026 Annual Intention and Goal Setting WebinarCurated Resources from PaulaPersonal Branding Strategy SessionsSubscribe to The Branding Room Only on YouTubeCall to ActionFollow & 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 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 episodeThis 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 [email protected], and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.

Unexpected demands, curveballs, and complexity can show up in our year whether we plan for them or not. Life rarely follows neat outlines, even when we begin with vision boards and bold declarations about growth, visibility, or reset.In this episode of Branding Room Only, Paula Edgar explores the space between the year you thought you’d have and the year you actually lived—and why that gap matters to your personal brand. This episode introduces a personal branding reset grounded in alignment, clarity, and grace, guiding listeners to reflect on what to keep, what to cut, and what needs to evolve before planning what comes next.00:57 – What the difference between the year you planned vs. the year you lived tells you2:33 – Three keys to your personal brand reset3:20 – Reflective questions for what to keep4:17 – Reflective questions for what to cut out5:29 – Reflection on what needs to change6:15 – The impact of planning from a place of honesty instead of pressureMentioned In Before You Plan: How Reflecting on the Year You Lived Can Transform How You Show Up NextPGE January Free Webinar -  2026 Annual Intention and Goal Setting WebinarCurated Resources from PaulaPersonal Branding Strategy SessionsSubscribe to The Branding Room Only on YouTubeCall to ActionFollow & 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 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 episodeThis 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 [email protected], and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.

If you’ve ever pulled a price out of thin air, matched a competitor without context, or quietly dipped into your savings to sustain your business, you’re not alone. Many entrepreneurs struggle not with numbers, but with the stories and habits they’ve learned about money. Financial behaviorist, coach, and creator of Pricing Made Human®, Jacquette M. Timmons, understands this deeply—and built her work around helping people see the emotional and behavioral patterns tied to their financial choices.In this episode of Branding Room Only, Jacquette and I unpack the real drivers behind pricing, business development, and confidence. She shares how a blunt question from her CPA—“When are you going to stop mortgaging your life?”—forced her to confront her own money patterns, even with an MBA in finance and years managing high-net-worth portfolios. We explore how upbringing, identity, and the desire to be chosen show up in how you charge, negotiate, follow up, and build a sustainable business.If you’ve ever hesitated to raise your rates, struggled to explain your value, or felt vulnerable during a pitch, this conversation gives you language, context, and strategy to shift how you approach money. You’ll walk away with new insight into your relationship with pricing, the role your personal story plays in your financial decisions, and what it takes to protect your financial future while growing your brand.1:41 – What personal brand means to Jacquette, how she (and I) would describe her, her favorite quote, and the musical genre (and DJs) that gets her hyped4:46 – How Jacquette’s childhood experiences and environments shaped and influenced her8:35 – Jacquette’s surprising early career path and how curiosity about human behavior fueled her focus on money psychology15:16 - How Jacquette helps her clients navigate their relationship with money17:24 – The pivotal question that inspired Pricing Made Human® and how one moment of truth redefined Jacquette’s business philosophy24:23 – Two mistakes people make when it comes to pricing or knowing their value26:53 – How business development triggers our insecurities 29:55 – The “five and five” exercise and how relationships influence money and business decisions32:26 – Examples of Jacquette’s impact on clients’ relationship with money in business development36:49 – The connection between confidence, money, and how you show up professionally38:48 – How Jacquette approaches business development for herself and what she wishes she’d done differently43:12 – What I learned about money and business development from working with Jacquette45:52 – How Jacquette refuses to let the world steal her joy47:19 – Jacquette’s commitment to focusing on money’s human side and warmth as her magical assetMentioned In Pricing Is Personal: How Your Money Story Shapes Your Personal Brand with Jacquette TimmonsJacquette TimmonsPricing Made Human®More Than Money with Jacquette TimmonsSponsor for this episodePGE 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 [email protected], and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.

Your personal brand isn’t just about what you deliver. It’s how you show up. If you’re exhausted, stressed to the point of breaking, or gripping your way through the week, that comes through too. No amount of polish can hide what’s happening underneath when you’re not actually taking care of yourself.Jessie Spressart gets this. As founder and managing director of Optia Consulting, she helps law firms build cultures where people can do excellent work and be well at the same time. Her core belief is simple: doing your job well and taking care of yourself aren’t two separate conversations. They’re two sides of the same coin.In this episode of Branding Room Only, Paula and Jessie unpack what really stops professionals from prioritizing their well-being and how stress quietly builds long before it becomes a crisis. Jessie shares practical resets you can use in five minutes or less, and explains why chasing perfection undermines the consistency your brand actually needs. They also dig into what it takes for leaders to get more comfortable talking about mental health, and why your brand suffers when what you think, feel, and do are out of alignment.  1:19 — Jessie on personal brand, her three words, and her favorite quotes5:44 — How moving from New Jersey to Louisville shaped her7:48 — Jessie’s path from music historian to medieval history to law11:14 — How a temp job as a legal secretary became 13 years at a firm12:28 — The move from legal secretary to professional development13:56 — Starting Optia Consulting in 2019 before the pandemic15:44 — The shift from management training to well-being and mental health19:42 — Why personal branding (and well-being) is about consistency, not perfection22:09 — The biggest obstacles lawyers face around prioritizing well-being26:22 — Shifting well-being from a program to part of the culture28:39 — Mental Health Essentials for Leaders and why leaders must get conversant33:23 — Stress and energy tools that take minutes, not hours41:39 — Building a scaffolding of practices before you hit crisis43:29 — Brain, body, behavior — and how all three show up in your brand45:00 — Congruency and why misalignment kills your personal brand50:02 — The part of her brand Jessie will never compromiseMentioned In Self-Care Isn't Separate: Why Your Well-Being Shapes Your Brand with Jessie SpressartOptia Consulting LinkedInSign up for Upcoming WebinarsLearn More About Paula's Personal Branding Strategy Session OfferFollow & Review: Help others find the podcast. Subscribe and leave a quick review.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 episodePGE 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 [email protected], and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.

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 brand2:19 – Reflection on my year and the quieter wins that shaped my growth and resilience4:59 – Questions to uncover your overlooked moments of pride and progress5:56 – Reminder of a practical tool to gather the evidence of your evolution8:00 – Gratitude as a strategic foundation for clarity in goal-setting for the year aheadMentioned In Self-Gratitude: The Personal Brand Strategy That Starts With YouPaula's Playbook: Engage Your Hustle™ – Conference EditionKeeping It 100: How 100 Episodes Expanded My Personal Brand, My Reach, and My VoiceHow Sharing Your Wins Strengthens Your Personal BrandCurated Resources from PaulaPGE December Free Webinar - Gratitude Starts Within: Celebrating Your Personal Brand MilestonesPGE January Free Webinar -  2026 Annual Intention and Goal Setting WebinarPersonal Branding Strategy SessionsCall to ActionFollow & 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 episodePGE 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 [email protected], and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.

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 playlist3:34 – Why Minda’s latest book, Talk to Me Nice, matters in this moment4:44 – How Minda’s personal brand has evolved (but not pivoted) to leading conversations about trust6:50 – The communication crisis in the workplace and its impact on trust within organizations8:41 – Quick rundown of Minda’s Seven Trust Languages® framework 9:50 – Examples of why security is one of the most important trust languages today13:43 – Examples of trust violations that can damage your relationships and reputation17:32 – How managers in the workplace can begin to repair broken trust20:20 – The first step you can take to demonstrate trust and credibility23:16 – 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 trust31:55 – The difference between being performative and being demonstrative in allyship36:36 – Who’s on Minda’s personal trust squad and celebrities whose brands scream trustworthiness40:20 – What celebrity trust violations can teach others about values and brand alignment42:27 – Workplace best friends in the heads of Paula and MindaMentioned In Talk to Me Nice: How Trust Shapes Your Personal Brand with Minda HartsMindy HartsUsing Branding to Empower Women of Color for Success in the Workplace with Minda HartsHow to Assemble and Leverage Your Personal Board of DirectorsSponsor for this episodePGE 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.To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com.

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 platforms1:39 – A breakdown of how I currently serve my community2:39 – How leadership roles have helped me and can benefit you6:08 – The importance of intentional engagement and how to start7:18 – What leadership is and isn’t aboutMentioned In Don’t Just Join. Lead: How Bar and Civic Leadership Grow Your Personal BrandNew York City Bar AssociationAmerican Bar Association Commission on Women | American Bar Association Criminal Justice SectionMetropolitan Black Bar AssociationNational Association of Women LawyersPersonal Branding Strategy SessionsSubscribe to The Branding Room Only on YouTubeCall to ActionFollow & 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 episodeThis 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 [email protected], and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.

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 music4:26 – How family and the gritty, segregated Chicagoan environment shaped Brian6:23 – How a coach ruined Brian’s athletic career and changed the course of his trajectory15:33 – The foundation of Brian’s career success and how he developed his leadership style22:39 – Impact and importance of mentorship and taking constructive criticism28:28 – Why Brian uses his platform to champion and lift others up36:49 – Code-switching as a survival tactic while navigating professional identities44:12 – The formation and development of Brian’s legacy now and moving forward48:44 – What’s fun for Brian and his personal brand non-negotiable53:48 – The magic of Brian’s brand and his candid reflections on work-life balanceMentioned In Legacy in Real Time: Inclusive Leadership, Sponsorship, and Mentorship with Brian EllisBrian Ellis on LinkedInDanaher CorporationEqual Justice Works FoundationCurated Resources from PaulaSign up for Paula’s Upcoming WebinarsLearn More About Paula's Personal Branding Strategy Session OfferCall to ActionFollow & 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 HereSponsor for this episodeThis 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 [email protected], and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.

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 upbringing9:28 – Rachael’s shift from the arts into law and professional development15:30 – Why Rachael pursued entrepreneurship and launched Fringe Professional Development19:13 – The importance (and scale) of personal branding authenticity in professional settings25:29 – The importance of agency in choosing aligned working environments31:46 – How you can demonstrate to others that you receive feedback well35:18 – 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 content40:40 – How Fringe’s feedback tool Candorly works for individuals and organizations48:43 – The role of pop culture in Rachael’s professional trajectory and the uncompromisable component of her brandMentioned In Beyond Good or Bad: The Feedback Framework Every Professional Needs with Rachael BoschFollow Rachael on LinkedInFringe Professional DevelopmentCandorlySign up for Paula’s Upcoming WebinarsLearn More About Paula's Personal Branding Strategy Session OfferFollow & 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 HereConferences 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 episodeThis 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 [email protected], and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.

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 me2:28 – Highlights of previous standout episodes4:02 – Why this podcast is a weekly love letter to you4:48 – The difficulty and joy of getting to 100 episodes5:32 – How this milestone reflects on my community6:16 – A heartfelt thank you and looking forward to the futureMentioned In Keeping It 100: How 100 Episodes Expanded My Personal Brand, My Reach, and My VoicePearls of Power: How to Use Authenticity, Boldness, and Intentionality with Carla HarrisHow to Prepare for a Conference to Maximize Your Personal Brand ImpactPicture Perfect: Paula’s Rules for Capturing Your Personal Brand with the Right PhotosHow I’ve Turned My ADHD Into a Personal Branding SuperpowerThe 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 SessionsCall to ActionFollow & 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 episodeThis 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 [email protected], and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.

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 song4:11 – The brand impact of growing up in the Dominican Republic and uptown New York6:50 – How Daisy’s identity, personal brand, and leadership were shaped out of necessity9:42 – How to manage and help leaders build a brand during challenging times13:21 – How Daisy serves as a fractional Chief People Officer (CPO) while maintaining her core brand values16:47 – The relationship between inclusion and personal branding and how burnout impacts leadership22:27 – Key strategy for dealing with empathy and energy drain so you don’t take on other people’s stuff24:22 – A view on pursuing recognition and visibility in a way that aligns with your personal values27:27 – Branding advice for leaders of the next generation28:33 – How to think about authentically building your brand as a thought leader33:44 – A practice you can start immediately to better align your brand with the kind of leader you want to be38:57 – What it means to build a career you don’t have to recover from and how personal branding helps create it40:54 – Daisy’s joy space, why she values dignity in her personal brand, and the magic she brings to a roomMentioned In Keeping It Lit: Purposeful and Authentic Leadership with Daisy Auger-DomínguezDaisy Auger-DominguezInclusion Revolution and Burnt Out to Lit Up by Daisy-Auger-DominguezLearn More About Paula's Personal Branding Strategy Session OfferReflective QuestionsWhere 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 episodePGE 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.To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at [email protected], and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.

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 liability1:57 – How I navigate my ADHD with strategy and support3:30 – How ADHD impacts your personal brand intentionally or unintentionally4:05 – My ADHD framework to protect and enhance your brand6:30 – Final takeaways if you or someone you know is neurodiverseMentioned In How I've Turned My ADHD Into a Personal Branding SuperpowerPersonal Branding Strategy SessionsSubscribe to The Branding Room Only on YouTubeCall to ActionFollow & 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 episodeThis 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 [email protected], and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.

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 brand2:14 – What happens when you treat self-promotion as a strategy, not an afterthought3:07 – The real difference between bragging and sharing your value4:04 – Tool #1: building a wins file to track your accomplishments4:39 – Tool #2: telling your story with situation, action, result5:24 – Where and when to weave your wins into the conversation6:52 – Why staying quiet about your wins also impacts the people around you7:38 – The one simple step you can take this week to put a win in the spotlightMentioned In How Sharing Your Wins Strengthens Your Personal BrandJoin Paula October 10th for Own Your Wins: Preparing for Annual Reviews with ConfidencePersonal Branding Strategy SessionsSubscribe to The Branding Room Only on YouTubeCall to ActionFollow & 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 episodeThis 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 [email protected], and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.

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 her7:37 — How Nicole’s career transitions connect and build on each other13:11 — The role fellowships and leadership programs play in professional growth15:58 — Why a moderator’s approach shapes the success of a panel24:48 — Strategies to prepare as a moderator and create a better experience for panelists and the audience34:42 — How moderation highlights your skills and elevates your personal brand41:35 — Keys to running an effective and balanced panel Q&A47:10 — Ways to close a panel with strength and make it memorable49:55 — Nicole’s non-negotiable branding value and her “standing room only” magicMentioned In How Panel Moderation Helps You Build Visibility and Influence with Nicole Lester ArrindellNicole Lester Arrindell | LinkedIn“Everyday People Can Be Everyday Leaders” | Nicole Lester Arrindell | TEDxUStreetWomenCurated Resources from PaulaHow to Prepare for a Conference to Maximize Your Personal Brand ImpactPersonal Branding Boosters and Bruisers: Attending ConferencesPersonal Branding Bruisers: Paula’s Professional Pet PeevesLearn More About Paula's Personal Branding Strategy Session OfferCall to ActionFollow & 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 episodePGE 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 [email protected], and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.

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 table2:29 – Who these Personal Branding Strategy Sessions are designed for4:03 – 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 results8:45 – Three things you’ll walk away with and client feedback10:10 – How to get started, my challenge to you, and key takeawaysMentioned In Shifting from Invisible to Impactful with Your Personal BrandSummer Sabbaticals and “Sorta” Sabbaticals for Personal Brand GrowthPersonal Branding Strategy SessionsSubscribe to The Branding Room Only on YouTubeCall to ActionFollow & 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 episodeThis 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 [email protected], and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.

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 disbelief10:53 - How we began to process our grief in the immediate aftermath17:04 - Reflections on the time we got to spend with Joan right before 9/11 and the “last piece of love” she gave me that August25:32 - The memorialization of Joan and the day we went to retrieve her waterlogged purse from Lower Manhattan30:22 - The challenge of navigating grief in the public eye and managing personal pain amidst widespread sympathy40:18 - How Joan’s values and love are influencing and shaping future generations in the family and the lasting impact of 9/11Mentioned In The Life & Legacy of Joan Donna Griffith: A Conversation with Peter Griffith“A Tribute to My Mother Joan Donna Griffith”Angela Titus on LinkedInSage SoftwareSubscribe to The Branding Room Only on YouTubeCall to ActionFollow & 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 HereSponsor for this episodeThis 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 [email protected], and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.

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 encountered16:04 - How Peter met Joan and the challenges and triumphs of blending families24:39 - Anecdotes about Peter and Joan’s early life together and their loving and resilient partnership despite life’s hurdles30:46 - Joan’s love of reading Harlequin romance novels and the family dynamic shift that came with the arrival of my younger sister37:18 - The 1993 World Trade Center bombing and how Joan was a lifeline to what was happening while I went to boarding school41:07 - Joan’s multitasking prowess while maintaining a polished appearance and high standards44:43 - How music from the 60s and home videos captured everyday family moments and contributed to a rich tapestry of cherished memories50:02 - Joan’s dreams and aspirations and how she earned respect and loyalty in her careerMentioned 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 YouTubeCall to ActionFollow & 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 HereSponsor for this episodeThis 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 [email protected], and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.

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 yourself8:21 - Organizing your goals for conferences: suggestions, recommendations, and the benefit of flexibility10:56 - Networking with intent: how to prepare beforehand and the importance of quality over quantity13:13 - Following up effectively: how to make connections, use streamlining tools, and approach your follow-up messages16:50 - Engaging before and after the conference: how to use social media and prepare for and continue conversations online19:07 - Researching the event: how to use the past to maximize your opportunities20:32 - Elevating your online presence: what you can do before you attend any conference23:20 - Navigating the conference agenda: tools to plan your schedule and how to add value and leave time for decompression and self-care26:45 - Creating branded materials: suggestions for easy connection and communicating key information28:35 - Engaging authentically: how to appear in conversations and what to avoid while conversing with other peopleMentioned In How to Prepare for a Conference to Maximize Your Personal Brand ImpactCorporate Counsel Women of Color Conference Branding Room Only Interview With Laurie Robinson Haden: Shining Brightly - Part 1Branding Room Only Interview With Laurie Robinson Haden: Shining Brightly - Part 2Personal Branding Boosters and Bruisers: Attending ConferencesMaximize Your Event Attendance: 12 Strategies to Amplify Your Personal BrandPersonal Branding Strategy SessionsFollow & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform! Sponsor for this episodePGE 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 [email protected], and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.

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 sabbatical3:11 – How I engaged in joy and maintained visibility without constant activity5:04 – How resting fueled my creativity and strategic thinking during my sabbatical6:47 – Your takeaway and permission to prioritize rest and joyMentioned In Sabbatical Reflections: How Rest & Joy Recharge and Redefine Your Personal BrandSummer Sabbaticals and “Sorta” Sabbaticals for Personal Brand GrowthPersonal Branding Strategy SessionsSubscribe to The Branding Room Only on YouTubeNational Bar AssociationProfessional Development ConsortiumAmerican Bar Association | Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement AwardsNew York City Bar AssociationCall to ActionFollow & 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 HereSponsor for this episodeThis 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 [email protected], and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.

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 branding5:32 – The phrase Sonya uses to describe herself and how it ties into her favorite quote7:30 – How connection can bridge what seems like insurmountable gaps11:29 – How Sonya built and evolved her personal brand throughout her career17:33 – Why people often get the concept of authenticity wrong 18:32 – The impact of COVID on deeper authenticity, connection, and accessibility23:32 – The two biggest mistakes people make with networking and brand building31:12 – Specific mistakes in-house attorneys make in the business development department36:54 – Sonya’s advice to begin building your brand40:08 – Pushback against the thought of branding as “braggy” and too self-promotional42:40 – A common courtesy that can be a brand killer if you fail to follow it48:52 – Sonya’s uncompromisable brand aspect and the special experience she brings to the roomMentioned In The Strategic Power of Intentional Connection with Sonya Olds SomDiversified Search GroupSonya Olds Som on LinkedInSonya’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 SomDressed in JoyHarriet’s BookshopGallery GuichardPassionEats CateringLearn More About Paula's Personal Branding Strategy Session OfferPGE 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

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 one2:02 – Three essential self-reflection questions to start with3:27 – How to identify your three brand words that guide everything5:15 – The framework for crafting your brand statement6:20 – Auditing your digital presence to reflect your aspirations7:59 – Defining your audience with the specificity that creates resonance9:16 – How to start showing up consistently to build trustMentioned In Where Do I Even Start with Personal Branding?Personal Branding Strategy SessionsSubscribe to The Branding Room Only on YouTubeCall to ActionFollow & 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 HereSponsor for this episodeThis 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 [email protected], and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.

Presenting a strong personal brand as a leader is paramount, but it's about more than just perception. It's about how you operate and the value you bring. Lonita K. Baker understands this connection intimately. Her impactful career has spanned multiple sectors and roles, from public defender to prosecutor to representing Breonna Taylor's family, and now serving as Professor of Practice at the University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law and past president of the National Bar Association.Lonita's journey teaches us that career pivots aren't just possible, they're powerful when done with intention. She's reached her influential positions by staying true to her values, knowing her worth, and never compromising on being genuinely herself. Most importantly, she's learned that helping others isn't just good karma, it's good business.In this re-release, as the National Bar Association celebrates its centennial, Paula and Lonita discuss embracing leadership, making strategic career moves, and why knowing your value is non-negotiable. Whether you're considering a pivot, stepping into leadership, or simply wanting to build a more authentic personal brand, Lonita's insights will resonate.2:12 – How Lonita defines personal brand and why helping others has shaped her trajectory5:14 – Lonita's favorite Muhammad Ali quote and other Louisville connections you might not know8:23 – The '90s hip hop and gospel music that lifts Lonita up when she needs it10:12 – How Lonita embraced her leadership role and learned to own being "the badass that I am"14:24 – Why the Breonna Taylor case opened unexpected doors and led to her in-house position21:06 – The strategic thinking behind Lonita's move from public defender to prosecutor25:43 – Why flexibility and organizational alignment are crucial for ambitious professionals29:41 – Four essential pieces of advice for anyone wanting to ascend to leadership31:16 – What Lonita does for fun and the authentic brand aspect she'll never compromise36:00 – The empathetic quality that makes up Lonita's Branding Room Only magicMentioned In Career Pivots and Leadership Development with Lonita K. BakerDiva Attorney National Bar AssociationInformation on Breonna TaylorPaula Edgar National Bar Association Centennial Celebration Montage - YouTube Sign up for Paula’s Upcoming WebinarsLearn More About Paula's Personal Branding Strategy Session OfferFollow & 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 HereSponsor for this episodeThis 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 [email protected], and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.

Your network often sees your magic before you do. J. Kelly Hoey, author of Build Your Dream Network, proved this when her colleagues had to convince her that networking was actually her superpower. As my very first podcast guest, Kelly set the tone for what Branding Room Only is all about: clarity, candor, and community-centered insight.Kelly's brand is grounded in helping others succeed through meaningful connections. Her approach has transformed careers for countless entrepreneurs and leaders, and her journey from Big Law to entrepreneurship proves the power of strategic relationship building. In this special re-release, we dive deep into what personal branding really means, how your network reflects and reinforces your brand, and why your elevator pitch should be an invitation, not a monologue.Whether this is your first time hearing this conversation or you're back for a refresher, get ready to take notes. This episode is packed with foundational wisdom that never goes out of style.2:30 – What personal brand means to Kelly and why you need to listen to your network5:04 – Kelly's approach to elevator pitches and networking your ambitions11:11 – How Kelly describes herself and the Central Park analogy that changed everything16:14 – The Oscar Wilde quote that guides Kelly when she feels off track18:12 – Kelly's hype song from a Quincy Jones compilation20:00 – How Kelly's network convinced her to write Build Your Dream Network23:40 – Why personal branding became the confidence builder she needed27:04 – Mentors who shaped Kelly's career (including some unexpected lessons)31:45 – The pivotal career change that taught Kelly about plan B35:00 – The best advice about having a plan B (spoiler: you shouldn't have one)37:19 – The biggest networking mistake and why "don't be a jerk" is the real secret41:41 – Kelly's best advice for building your brand through your network43:25 – How to handle network feedback about your ambitions45:04 – Kelly's "Stand By Your Brand" moment and her networking magicMentioned In Building Your Personal Brand Through Authentic Connections with J. Kelly HoeyJ. Kelly Hoey Books by J. Kelly Hoey“Carla Harris | The 2016 MAKERS Conference” - YouTube“Rock With You” | Brandy and Heavy D | From Q. With Love - YouTubeNew York City Bar AssociationPearls of Power: How to Use Authenticity, Boldness, and Intentionality with Carla HarrisLearn More About Paula's Personal Branding Strategy Session OfferFollow & Review: Help others find the podcast. Subscribe and leave a quick review.Sponsor for this episodePGE 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 [email protected], and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.

Taking a sabbatical isn't about disappearing from your business or your personal brand—it's about giving yourself the chance to make both better than ever. I've been taking what I call a summer sabbatical for the past five years, and it's become one of the most important things I do all year to strengthen my brand.I know not everyone can take two months off, which is why I also believe in what I call the "sorta” sabbatical—a more accessible approach that's just as effective when done with intention. Both approaches challenge the misconception that constant busyness signals value—and instead, they create space for the clarity and creativity your brand truly needs.In this episode of Branding Room Only, you'll discover how strategic pauses can enhance your personal brand, why your best ideas often come when you're not overwhelmed, and get a practical challenge to start building rest into your routine this week.1:12 – Why rest is a core branding strategy, not a break from your brand2:53 – What my summer sabbatical looks like every year3:48 – What a “sorta” sabbatical can look like for you if you can’t take a full one4:43 – The brand consequences of not taking the time to rest6:00 – Why pausing enhances your brand in the eyes of others6:51 – My challenge to you for this weekMentioned In Summer Sabbaticals and “Sorta” Sabbaticals for Personal Brand GrowthPersonal Branding Strategy SessionsSubscribe to The Branding Room Only on YouTubeCall to ActionFollow & 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 HereSponsor for this episodeThis 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 [email protected], and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.

You know how some birthdays feel bigger than others?My son just turned 13, and it hit me hard—in the best way.In this deeply personal episode of Branding Room Only, I reflect on seven powerful lessons my son has taught me. These lessons have shaped not only how I parent, but how I lead, communicate, and show up in the world. From courage and joy to boundaries and the boldness to ask for what you want, his influence, even at this young age, already runs deep.Because sometimes the most meaningful branding lessons come from the people closest to us.We often talk about personal branding in terms of LinkedIn, pitches, and positioning. But the truth is, your brand is shaped just as much by who you are at home—in moments of love, challenge, and growth—as it is in the boardroom.1:34 – The power of resilience my son started showing at one year old3:07 – Why I admire and want to emulate his audacity to ask (despite it testing my patience)4:04 – How Austin brings me joy and the realization he taught me about its gifts5:06 – The importance of having boundaries, standards, and self-respect6:13 – How my son reminds me of authenticity and its importance to branding7:01 – The difference between confidence and courage that he displays7:57 – The most transformative lesson of all that I continue to learn from Austin dailyMentioned In 7 Powerful Branding Lessons I’ve Learned From My SonDonate to Hassenfeld Children’s HospitalPersonal Branding Strategy SessionsSubscribe to The Branding Room Only on YouTubePaula’s ResourcesLessons from My Mother, Hopes for My Daughter: On Mothering and What We Carry ForwardCall to ActionFollow & 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 HereSponsor for this episodeThis 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 [email protected], and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.

Independence Day is on the horizon, and what better way to celebrate the spirit of freedom and new beginnings than revisiting a conversation with a true pioneer! Michele Coleman Mays redefined leadership and advocacy during her distinguished career. She has served as the Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary for The New York Public Library and had key roles at Allstate Insurance Company and Pitney Bowes Inc. During our conversation, she shared her unique lens on personal branding, leadership, and career development.In this episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, you’ll learn about the difference between branding and reputation, the critical role of authenticity, and how to rethink the concept of retirement. Michele will also touch on various aspects and strategies in strong brand creation, best practices for enhancing your leadership and career skills, and more.2:26 - Michele’s personal branding definition, how she describes herself, a quote that’ll make you pause and think, and her hype songs7:00 - Two strategies that Michele used in building her personal brand9:07 - The evolution of Michele’s interaction with the business and leadership sides of different organizations12:12 - How personal branding and reputation differ and the necessity of keeping your audience in mind during interactions16:48 - Why you should still strive to access resources that help build your brand and skill set, even if you’re already at the top20:52 - The complexity of showing up authentically for minority groups in professional settings24:32 - Two things that surprised Michele the most while co-writing her book Courageous Counsel27:00 - Civic engagements that were integral to Michele’s career, how she reimagines the concept of retirement, and what she plans to do next33:05 - Two mistakes people make when networking for personal brand-building35:03 - What Michele always does for fun when traveling and her non-negotiable brand aspects, Branding Room Only Magic, and final words of adviceMentioned In Inspiring Independence: Reimagining Leadership and Branding with Michele Coleman MayesCourageous Counsel: Conversations with Women General Counsel in the Fortune 500 by Michele Coleman Mayes and Kara Sophia BaysingerMichele Coleman Mayes on LinkedInThe HistoryMakersCenter for Reproductive RightsAmerican College of Governance CounselBad Feminist by Roxane GaySubscribe to The Branding Room Only on YouTubeSponsor for this episodeThis 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 [email protected], and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.

Nina Blackshear has turned career pivots into an art form. As the owner and principal of Nina Blackshear Coaching and Consulting, she's a certified executive coach and in-house corporate attorney. Her unconventional path, from law school to real estate, to fundraising, to employee relations, to marketing communications, and back to law, has become her greatest professional asset. Her specialty is helping others overcome impostor syndrome, intense perfectionism, and the burnout that results from constant striving —challenges she has navigated personally.What started as a series of unexpected career detours has evolved into Nina's mission. Helping others (especially women of color) discover their superpowers and write their own stories in professional spaces that weren't designed for them. Her love language, as she puts it, is helping people discover their power, and she's built both her personal brand and coaching practice around that core belief.In this episode of Branding Room Only, Paula Edgar and Nina dive deep into the importance of self-awareness and emotional intelligence in building an authentic personal brand. They explore how to build EQ as a muscle, the unique challenges women of color face in professional spaces, and why knowing your non-negotiables is essential for leading confidently. Plus, they discuss the power of coaching, the importance of strategic networking, and why Nina believes we should all "do more giving and less taking" in our professional relationships.1:31 – What personal brand means to Nina, how she describes herself in three words, and her favorite motto and hype song4:51 – How being a Philly girl has shaped Nina’s personal brand7:45 – Nina’s education and multi-pivotal career, from law school to executive coaching16:20 – How Nina was able to hone her emotional intelligence (EQ)20:47 – How to build your emotional intelligence muscle (and find organizational leaders lacking it who can develop it)25:37 – How Nina helps clients (especially women of color) navigate professional spaces and write their own story32:00 – The key to leading confidently and working authentically and the power of having a coach38:13 – What causes most people to make personal branding mistakes (and how it often shows up in immigrant families)45:32 – The importance of a strategic supportive network to prep for a career pivot49:24 – The need for more reciprocity in professional relationships and building your own community51:56 – Nina’s “garbage soup” and the foundations of her personal brand and Branding Room Only magicMentioned In How Career Pivots Can Strengthen Your Personal Brand with Nina BlackshearNina Blackshear Coaching and ConsultingNational Black Law Students AssociationBreaking Barriers, Pioneering Career Paths, and Making a Positive Impact with Paula BoggsLearn More About Paula's Personal Branding Strategy Session OfferSponsor for this episodePGE 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.To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at [email protected], and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.

We don’t know the faces or names of many enslaved Black people in American history. Some left a small mark of their existence in the very bricks of the buildings their hands built, yet they remain voiceless because their story has been hidden away.Historians like Annette Gordon-Reed know that through sharing the stories of enslaved people, we remember their humanity and preserve historical truth in the process. She’s a Harvard University professor and the award-winning author of The Hemingses of Monticello and On Juneteenth. With her lawyer-like approach, she’s brought light to stories once expunged from our history and provided a view of the road to Juneteenth through her books.In this episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, you’ll hear about the national implications inherent in The Hemingses’ story (and connection to Thomas Jefferson) and Juneteenth. Annette will discuss her own experiences with celebrating Juneteenth, what the country should learn from the experiences of enslaved people, and more!3:40 - Annette’s personal branding definition, three-word description of herself, favorite quotes, and hype song6:00 - The importance of reading and music in Annette’s life as a child8:00 - Annette’s non-traditional career trajectory as a lawyer, author, and professor11:40 - What motivated Annette to write about the Hemingses and Thomas Jefferson17:00 - The need to understand the truth in shaping the legacies and personal brands we hold dear19:50 - The significance of Juneteenth and why Annette wrote her book on it25:20 - Traditional Juneteenth celebrations Annette grew up with in Texas and newer ones she’s seen integrated into the holiday30:50 - The good and (potential) bad about Juneteenth and its importance in the context of American history38:00 - How Annette wants people in the future to remember her contribution to preserving a piece of American history39:00 - Finding fun and continuous growth in humbling activities43:50 - Annette’s one uncompromisable aspect and Branding Room Only qualityMentioned In Truth and Celebration: Stories of Black American History with Annette Gordon-ReedThe Hemingses of Monticello: An American Family by Annette Gordon-ReedOn Juneteenth by Annette Gordon-ReedVernon Can Read!: A Memoir“This Is How We Do It” by Montell Jordan | Youtube (Official Music Video) “Scherzo Op. 39 No. 3 in C Sharp Minor” by Chopin | Youtube (Pogorelich)PaulaTV: Stagville Plantation Fingerprints of Slave ChildrenFollow & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform! Sponsor for this episodePGE 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 [email protected], and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.

Reframing isn’t just for resumes, it’s a core skill if you want a career (and personal brand) that’s built to last. Whether you're navigating a career transition or making sure you’re ready for unexpected opportunities, the key is staying proactive long before you need to.Lisa Rangel, CEO of Chameleon Resumes, has helped clients in more than 88 countries future-proof their careers and land fulfilling, high-paying roles. With her META Job Landing System, Lisa combines resume writing, brand management, and career strategy to help executives show up as their best professional selves, before the market demands it.In this episode of Branding Room Only, Paula Edgar and Lisa dive into how to manage your personal brand like a boss (even if you have a boss), why experience alone won’t open the right doors, and why AI can’t replace the human side of personal branding. Lisa also shares practical advice for executives stuck in the “I can sit here for a while” trap and what it really takes to stay ready for what’s next.1:14 – Lisa’s definition of personal brand, her three-word self-description, plus a hype song and a favorite Thomas Paine quote7:08 – How Lisa’s childhood and family background shaped her career philosophy10:41 – Lisa’s shift from recruiting to launching Chameleon Resumes15:50 – Why “years of experience” won’t save you — and what real job security looks like today20:16 – Lisa’s take on AI, personal branding, and why human judgment still matters24:58 – The power of proactive career management and a daily practice to stay ready30:22 – The META Job Landing System: How Lisa’s four-part framework helps clients land the right roles36:20 – How branding yourself changes when you’re the boss vs. when you report to one41:48 – Common mistakes professionals make on LinkedIn, in interviews, and in brand positioning48:50 – Practical advice for executives stuck in a role that’s no longer a fit53:30 – Lisa’s best career advice, what she’ll never compromise on, and the magic she brings to every client experienceMentioned In Reframing, Branding, and Staying Ready for What’s Next with Lisa RangelChameleon Resumes | Executive Career Chats | LinkedInDig Your Well Before You’re Thirsty and other books by Harvey MackaySign up for Paula’s Upcoming WebinarsLearn More About Paula's Personal Branding Strategy Session OfferCall to ActionFollow & 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 HereSponsor for this episodeThis 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 [email protected], and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.

We're officially halfway through the year, and let's be real—these past few months have been a lot. Maybe you started with clear goals and that "this is my year" mindset, but then life did what it does–the unexpected showed up, sidelining your intentions. Or maybe you've been laser-focused and hit every milestone. If so, congrats! But even then, it's time to pause. In this solo episode of Branding Room Only, I’m diving into my powerful five-step mid-year evaluation, which I call RESET, to help you analyze, recenter, and align your goals, personal brand, and next steps. Whether you're feeling off track or totally on point, you deserve to relax, reflect, and (if necessary) realign without regret.3:02 – How to reflect on your goals and intentions for the year4:24 – How to evaluate what’s working and what's not working5:49 – Why setting new priorities is necessary and not a failure or cause for regret7:05 – The key to reconnecting to the drive and support systems you need to follow through8:08 – What you need to do to turn your intentions into movementMentioned In Mid-Year RESET: 5-Step Guide to Help You Realign Your Goals and IntentionsReserve your seat for the Mid-Year Audit: Does Your June Progress Match Your 2025 Goals and Intentions?Personal Branding Strategy SessionsSubscribe to The Branding Room Only on YouTubeSponsor for this episodeThis 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 [email protected], and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.Call to ActionFollow & 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