If you want to leverage your skills for entrepreneurial success, Lauren Maillian’s story is a masterclass in turning opportunities into long-term growth. Starting at just 19, Lauren didn’t pursue modeling for fame; she used it as a springboard to invest in real estate and launch her career in business and investing.

As the founder of LMB Group, a strategic advisory firm partnering with high-growth consumer brands, Lauren has built a career on innovation and leadership. From owning a vineyard to advising startups and writing a best-selling book, she has paved the way for women in business. Lauren’s journey highlights the importance of core values, confidence, and continuous learning for anyone aspiring to create lasting impact.

In this episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, Lauren shares how to harness momentum and build confidence as an entrepreneur or investor. You'll hear her expert advice on breaking into entrepreneurship, navigating venture capital, and using your talent and expertise to fuel personal and professional growth.

00:57 - Lauren’s personal brand definition, three words to describe her brand, and the importance of aligning your brand with your core values and life experiences

4:21 - Lauren’s long-time mantras and the music she listens to when she needs to be innovative and channel her energy

12:14 - How the influences of her grandmother and parents shaped Lauren growing up as an only child on the Upper East Side of Manhattan

17:50 - How Lauren successfully got into real estate investment at a young age and used her capital to help other entrepreneurs build their brands and businesses

23:48 - The importance of collaborating with founders and how Lauren’s experience influenced her model for providing value to companies

28:58 - What has stayed consistent about Lauren’s brand throughout the different iterations of her firm and how she’s applied it to her personal life as well

32:27 - How Lauren has leveraged volunteer leadership opportunities to continue to build her brand

38:31 - Advice for brand-building through smart questions and business conversations as a woman of color looking to break into entrepreneurism or venture capitalism

43:07 - How Lauren’s improvement in her tennis game translates to business and leadership growth and success

48:38 - The importance of confidence and how Lauren learned to “go forth unafraid” and gain confidence in herself

Mentioned In How Lauren Maillian Turned Personal Branding into a Strategic Career Asset

Lauren Maillian

LMB Group on LinkedIn

The Path Redefined by Lauren Maillian

The Apollo Theater

Children’s Aid Society (NYC)

This episode is brought to you by PGE Consulting Group LLC.

PGE Consulting Group LLC is dedicated to providing a practical hybrid of professional development training and diversity solutions. From speaking to consulting to programming and more, all services and resources are carefully tailored for each partner. Paula Edgar’s distinct expertise helps engage attendees and create lasting change for her clients.

To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com,

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

Reserve your seat at paulaedgar.com/events.

Tim Mahoney and George Washington