Branding Room Only with Paula T. Edgar

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 info@paulaedgar.com, 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 info@paulaedgar.com, 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 info@paulaedgar.com, 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 info@paulaedgar.com, 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 info@paulaedgar.com, 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 info@paulaedgar.com, 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 info@paulaedgar.com, 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 info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.

In this engaging discussion, Lisa Rangel, CEO of Chameleon Resumes, shares her insights on redefining personal branding and navigating career transitions. With a mission to help individuals land fulfilling jobs, Lisa emphasizes the importance of proactive career management and self-advocacy. She explains why years of experience aren't enough for job security and how AI cannot replace the human touch in personal branding. Listeners will gain practical strategies to escape career complacency and embrace new opportunities.

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 info@paulaedgar.com, 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