Branding Room Only with Paula T. Edgar

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 info@paulaedgar.com, 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 info@paulaedgar.com, 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 info@paulaedgar.com, 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 info@paulaedgar.com, 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 info@paulaedgar.com, 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

Discover the essentials of personal branding, starting with self-reflection and shaping your narrative. Learn how to identify your guiding brand words and craft impactful brand statements. Auditing your digital presence is crucial—are you aligning it with your aspirations? Dive into the power of specificity to resonate with your audience and build genuine connections. Plus, consistency is key in showing up and cultivating trust. Take control of your brand journey and become the wind, not just the leaf!

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.