Trailblazing Change: Leadership Legacy, Resilience, Diversity, and the Art of Personal Branding with Ben Wilson

A. P. Tureaud. Donald Hollowell. Constance Baker Motley.

Those are just some of the Black men and women who have helped forge important change through the legal system in the U.S. Many people, however, aren’t aware of these pioneers and the impactful reach of their work to this day. That’s why my guest Ben Wilson often makes a point to "say their name" so that history doesn’t forget them. 

Ben is a trailblazer in environmental law who gives gratitude to the pioneers who paved the way and those who supported him on his career journey. Ben is fantastic. I was truly honored to have the opportunity to discuss his thoughts about the importance of being resilient, embracing lessons learned from failure, and how helping others as a career hallmark can take your branding beyond professional success.

In part one of our conversation on the Branding Room Only podcast, you’ll learn about how to build resilience and the impact it can have on your career and for the next generation. Ben will discuss how to be a trailblazer whose brand resonates and inspires others to follow.

1:55 - Ben’s definition of personal branding, three words he’d use to describe himself, and his favorite Jackie Robinson and Dr. King quotes and hype songs

10:15 - How growing up in Jackson, MS in the 1950s and 60s shaped Ben’s life and contributed to his admiration of lawyers (some of whom history has forgotten)

16:36 - What it was like growing up on a college campus and the fortunate circumstance that allowed him to go to prep school

20:29 - Why Ben chose to focus on environmental law, how he failed at first, and the lesson that failure provided him

27:47 - The importance of resiliency and knowing what to do to separate yourself so you’re ready when opportunity arrives

31:56 - A few of Ben’s cases that demonstrate the reach of environmental issues and how law can impact people’s lives

39:10 - Qualities that are essential to being a good leader in your organization

Sponsor for this episode

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

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

To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.