Branding Room Only with Paula T. Edgar

Have you ever felt like a deer in the headlights at a fancy dinner?You look down at your table setting and don’t even know where to begin when you see a dozen or so forks, knives, and spoons! So you look around to see if you can follow along with someone who knows the correct way to proceed.While it might not look like it on the surface, there’s a parallel between table etiquette and your personal brand. When you’re networking, you want to follow certain protocols so that you look like you know what you’re doing and make the best impression possible.My friend of over 10 years, Crystal Bailey, is an etiquette expert and image consultant who puts the “pro” in protocol. She works with a wide-ranging clientèle of executives, professionals, and diplomats in-person and virtually. And I’ve invited her to the show to discuss best etiquette practices for any fine dining or networking event.In this episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, you’ll learn about how mastering etiquette can impact your brand. You’ll discover etiquette mistakes to avoid, how to best respond when someone breaches protocol, how to keep your brand consistent, and more!1:45 - Crystal defines personal branding, describes herself in three words, and reveals her favorite quote and hype song6:06 - The duality of Crystal’s life and how she became an etiquette expert11:43 - Communication mistakes people frequently make in the etiquette space and a major shift in etiquette practice post-pandemic13:49 - The proper way to use your eating utensils and napkin at the fine dining table16:40 - How to approach food and drink consumption and handshaking while you network20:49 - How teaching etiquette to kids differs from teaching it to adults22:40 - How Crystal approaches cultural differences in how people eat and act during her in-home lessons24:32 - When ignoring social mores can become a dealbreaker and the best way to let someone know they’ve broken etiquette protocol29:40 - How Crystal pivoted during the pandemic, the biggest mistake she sees people make when networking, and how to remain consistent with your brand35:46 - Why Crystal gets such joy out of being a solo traveler and how it helps her business38:43 - The one brand aspect Crystal will never compromise on and how joy plays into her Branding Room Only magicMentioned In How Etiquette Mastery Helps Supercharge Your Personal Brand with Crystal BaileyThe Etiquette Institute of Washington | Instagram | LinkedInCrystal’s Personal Instagram“Personal Branding Bruisers: Paula’s Professional Pet Peeves” | YouTubeSponsor 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 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.

Your voice is a significant part of your brand. But what is the impact of not having a voice in the workplace?Many Black and Brown women feel unheard and undervalued at work. Their stories of experiencing unfriendly, biased, and/or disadvantageous environments are often ignored or discredited.As someone who was never the most boisterous in the room, Minda Harts used to feel like she lacked a voice. Her profound brand has continued to grow and evolve as a workplace and equity consultant, bestselling author, and speaker.  Now, through her books and consultations, she’s helping Black and Brown women figure out how to empower themselves for success in the workplace. And she’s on the show to talk about the experiences of women of color at work and what can be done about it.In this episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, you’ll learn about how Minda built her brand to showcase the workplace traumas experienced by women of color and help facilitate the healing process. You’ll also hear about what it means to be an ally and a better leader, the need for authenticity in your branding and work environment, the importance of building more equity in inequitable spaces, and how it all leads to the elevation and evolution of brands (both personally and professionally).1:39 - Part of Minda’s personal brand, her three-word description for herself and Beyonce, and what might be at the root of slander against Beyonce 5:04 - How Minda realized she had a voice and a brand 7:32 - How the disconnect with the brand of Black women in the workplace ties into Minda’s brand and her first book, The Memo13:22 - The Audre Lorde quote that’s Minda’s go-to mantra, why her second book Right Within made me cry, and why it was hard for her to write it19:20 - How Beyonce and Drake pick up and energize Minda and the space that women of color have to enter to know that they’re enough22:09 - The journey Minda took to build her brand and the necessity to elevate and evolve your brand over time26:34 - How those who want to advance equity can use their understanding of women of color to be better leaders with better brands30:18 - The branding mistake everybody made after George Floyd’s murder and why identity doesn’t equal having expertise34:58 - The audacious expectation that Black and Brown women speakers (especially those early in their careers) must be careful of39:14 - Why working with a brand consultant was the best thing Minda did when she started (despite having fewer resources at the time)41:54 - What Minda does for fun that not many people know about, the core value she’ll never compromise on, and the secret sauce to her magic with othersMentioned In Using Branding to Empower Women of Color for Success in the Workplace with Minda HartsStephen A. Hart | LinkedIn2024 Intention and Goal Setting WebinarConnect with Minda HartsThe Memo, Right Within, and You Are More Than Magic by Minda HartsMinda Harts on 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.

“I’ll keep in touch!” You’ve likely said something like that to someone and meant it at the time.But then... life gets in the way, time flies by, and you haven’t spoken to that person in years. Yet the idea of reaching out and reconnecting gives you pause, and you can’t put your finger on why.Relationship-building expert Jason Levin, knows why! He’s even written a book on it backed by academic research. And he’s here to help us reframe what we think we know about networking, building relationships and keeping in touch.In this episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, you’ll learn why people don’t stay in touch despite promises to do so and what’s really behind the fear of rekindling relationships. You’ll discover best practices for making introductions, reconnecting with others, and following up to solidify those new and renewed relationships in authentic, personalized, and supportive ways.1:29 - The source of the personal branding concept, the opportunity of appreciation, Jason’s hype songs, and his annual go-to movie for addressing fear8:30 - Why Jason took 10 years to write Relationships to Infinity and how it emerged from an idea into reality13:25 - How the Bermuda Keep in Touch Triangle reflects why you don’t stay in touch even when you say they will16:48 - What people really fear about rekindling a relationship20:03 - How to reach out to someone you haven’t talked to in a while when you have an ask but don’t want to make it feel transactional25:13 - How the process of making introductions can impact your brand28:16 - How to facilitate the follow-up after an introduction is made31:22 - How to solidify the connection made after an initial follow-up so that it makes sense, doesn’t feel weird, and helps your brand39:00 - Mistakes that hurt your brand when connecting with others40:35 - The appropriate time for making a business-related ask in a relationship and the approach that helps you get over your fear of asking42:39 - The key to cultural fluency of communication between people47:21 - The introverts’ superpower for building relationships properly and a different way for them to network49:21 - Where to start with relationship building and what Jason does for fun, where he will never compromise, and his Branding Room Only magicMentioned In Reframing Keeping in Touch with Jason Levin“The Brand Called You” by Tom Peters | Fast Company 2024 Intention and Goal Setting WebinarAcapella version of “This Is Me” “Personal Branding Bruisers: Paula’s Professional Pet Peeves” | YouTubeBooks written by Daniel H. PinkRelationships to Infinity: The Art and Science of Keeping in TouchReady, Set, LaunchConnect with Jason on LinkedIn4 Key Considerations for Law Firms to Navigate Cross Cultural Mentoring Effectively 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.

Is there something missing or a little off about your life, your work, your brand, or anything else you do?Like many who grew up as first-generation immigrants, Anjli Garg was outwardly focused on a certain level of success and got a secondary degree--in her case, from law school. But at some point, an unexpected shift in perspective brought her inward and caused her to connect with what really made her feel fulfilled and happy.That shift now has her on a mission to empower high achievers to soar to their highest potential as leaders and human beings. She’s on the show to talk about her journey, how she works with others holistically, and help expand your understanding of service, success, and strengths as attributes and assets of your personal brand.In this episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, you’ll hear about going within to connect to your true self and, through that, expanding your perspective on everything you do. You’ll learn about a new way to look at being of service to others, the opportunity that coaching affords everyone, defining personal success and branding that’s authentic to you, and much more!1:15 - Anjli’s definition of personal branding and her favorite quotes, description of herself, and hype songs4:57 - How 7-year-old Anjli’s life felt like Alice in Wonderland and her adjustment to it9:57 - The light switch that changed Anjli’s perspective and how she’s rebranding the idea of service12:53 - Anjli’s transition from practicing corporate law to having her own full-time coaching business16:15 - Why coaching is important and how it can help you even if you don’t feel like you have challenges20:25 - How holistic practice is like healing and helps contribute to Anjli’s brand and her client’s journey (including my own experience)27:03 - The impact of unresolved energy that just sits within you30:53 - The mistake that leads to imposter syndrome when building your brand37:03 - Your most valuable brand-building asset that conveys confidence when you tap into it41:35 - Anjli’s “words of the year” and her intention for 202443:39 - One aspect about her personal brand that Anjli will never compromise on and her Branding Room Only traitMentioned In Going Within to Connect With Self and Expand Your Perspective with Anjli Garg2024 Intention and Goal Setting WebinarYour Coach to SoarSchedule an Epiphany Call with AnjliIgnite Your Abundance Mindset ProgramConnect with Anjili on LinkedInSponsor 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 info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the 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.

Paula T. Edgar is an attorney, speaker, and CEO of PGE Consulting Group LLC, a strategy firm specializing in professional development and diversity, equity, and inclusion solutions for organizations. She is an expert in personal branding, leadership, networking, leveraging social media, and business development. In the last year, Paula delivered keynote speeches and facilitated workshops for over 10,000 attendees. Paula has written for and been featured in publications such as the New York Times, Bloomberg Law, Business Insider, and US News. For show notes and more information, visit paulaedgar.com/podcast. In this episode… The most valuable difference-makers can catalyze and magnify the lives in their communities. These individuals refuse to settle for the status quo and enable radical change for themselves and others. Paula T. Edgar was recognized within one of her affiliate organizations for consistently embodying this transformative work throughout her career. In this special episode of Branding Room Only, Paula Edgar reflects on receiving the 2023 Law Catalyst Award from the Council of Urban Professionals (CUP). She discusses what it means to be a catalyst, how she helps and receives support, and she shout-outs the people who made this award possible and continue to support her in being a change agent in the legal profession.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.

Nicole Lester Arrindell is an attorney, trusted strategic advisor, TEDx Speaker, sought after moderator and thought partner. She serves as Government Relations Counsel and Chief of Staff to the Chief Legal Officer at Equitable, a Fortune 500 financial services company. Nicole also serves as President-Elect of the Metropolitan Black Bar Association in New York City. For show notes and more information, visit paulaedgar.com/podcast. In this episode… Being a moderator is a pivotal role to showcase your knowledge and skills and expertise of the panelists. While it may seem easy on the outside, the process can be challenging if not done strategically and thoughtfully. Moderating requires preparation and social tact, balancing the needs of the audience and the panelists. The best moderators learn from experience, but there are plenty of helpful tips to aid in learning. So what should you know to prepare for your next moderating opportunity? In this episode of Branding Room Only, Paula T. Edgar is joined by Nicole Lester Arrindel to discuss moderation of panels at conferences and events. They break down the most important tips and best ways to prepare when moderating. They also talk about pre-conference communication, synthesis, professionalism, and how to use the opportunity of moderating to boost your personal brand.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.

Laurie Robinson Haden is an accomplished corporate attorney and leader with extensive experience advocating for diversity and inclusion in the legal profession. She is the Founder and CEO of Corporate Counsel Women of Color (CCWC)—and the author of It's Time To Shine: A Guide For Professionals of Color on How to Advance Their Career. Recognized by Savoy magazine as one of the country’s "Most Influential Black Lawyers," Laurie has fostered a community of over 5000 members (and growing)! Join us for part two of this two-part episode as we delve deeper into Laurie's journey and explore her visionary plans for the future. For show notes and more information, visit paulaedgar.com/podcast. In this episode… In the previous episode of Branding Room Only, Laurie Robinson Haden discussed how to shine brightly through community and personal branding.  In this episode of Branding Room Only, Paula Edgar continues her conversation with Laurie Robinson Haden, the CEO of Corporate Counsel Women of Color (CCWC)—and the author of It's Time To Shine: A Guide For Professionals of Color on How to Advance Their Career—to discuss how to invest in yourself. They talk about sabbaticals, the difference between hustling and grinding, how to prioritize your growth and why It’s time to Shine for professionals of color!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.

Laurie Robinson Haden is an accomplished corporate attorney and leader with extensive experience advocating for diversity and inclusion in the legal profession. She is the Founder and CEO of Corporate Counsel Women of Color (CCWC) and the author of It's Time To Shine: A Guide For Professionals of Color on How to Advance Their Career. Recognized by Savoy magazine as one of the country’s "Most Influential Black Lawyers," Laurie has fostered a community of over 5000 members (and growing)!  Join us for part one of this two part episode to hear more about Laurie’s path and her vision for the future, continuing to support professionals of color to overcome challenges and achieve career success.  For show notes and more information, visit paulaedgar.com/podcast. In this episode… Finding a supportive community is crucial for long-term professional and personal success. A personal brand can be magnified and enhanced by helping others and being open to receiving help. One challenge is finding the community and having the vehicle to develop strong relationships and building a reliable network to grow and allocate your resources.  Leadership is having the vision to create these spaces.  Laurie Robinson Haden created her non-profit organization, Corporate Counsel Women of Color (CCWC) to fill that niche for women of color attorneys. The community that she has developed through the CCWC conferences have fostered support, collaboration, and continued professional successes for its participants.  Now, in addition to continuing to expand CCWC, Laurie has taken lessons learned and observations from her career and put them into her advice filled and actionable new book, It's Time To Shine: A Guide For Professionals of Color on How to Advance Their Career.  In part one of this two part episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, Paula Edgar interviews Laurie Robinson Haden, the President and CEO of Corporate Counsel Women of Color (CCWC), to discuss how she developed her personal brand, CCWC’s ongoing initiatives, and It's Time To Shine: A Guide For Professionals of Color on How to Advance Their Career . They go through Laurie’s background, what she learned from her community, and her experience building CCWC from an idea to a movement.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.

Jay Sullivan is an author, an experienced consultant, and the former Managing Partner at Exec|Comm LLC.  Jay volunteered at an orphanage in Jamaica, chronicling his experience in his first book, Raising Gentle Men: Lives at the Orphanage Edge.  His second book, Simply Said: Communicating Better at Work & Beyond, instead synthesizes his expertise in business communication. In this conversation with Paula, Jay discusses his new book, The New Nimble: Leading in the Age of Change.  The book is an actionable guide to implementing flexibility and creativity in your career and leadership. For show notes and more information, visit paulaedgar.com/podcast. In this episode… Personal brands are often presented as a list of personal achievements. It is all too easy to rehash your resume and forget to establish yourself as a person. While that information is valuable, what matters most is your value addition. Starting there both humanizes and appeals to those in your network. Jay Sullivan has built this philosophy into his brand from the beginning. The result is a winding, fruitful career. His main focus is helping others communicate well and remain flexible in an evolving business landscape. So, how can his expertise add value to your career? In this episode of Branding Room Only, Paula Edgar invites Jay Sullivan to talk about brand building and staying nimble. They discuss his unique story, how he defines his brand and key reflections in his new book The New Nimble. They then break down how to adapt throughout your career, the value of focusing on your audience, and refining your brand through writing.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.

Ifeoma Ike, Esq., is a Partner at Pink Cornrows, a national firm specializing in public policy, communications, and social impact for women and people of color. A lifelong advocate of equity, Ifeoma is the author of The Equity Mindset: Designing Human Spaces Through Journeys, Reflections, and Practices.  Ifeoma frequently appears as a guest expert in policy, political dynamics, communication and behavior, diversity and inclusion, criminal justice reform, and equity in data and tech. Additionally, she is an award-winning playwright and creative director. For show notes and more information, visit paulaedgar.com/podcast. In this episode… Each personal brand should include some form of advocacy. Countless issues and battles desperately need support in the current times. When placed in leadership, it is both a right and a responsibility to leverage your platform to find your causes and help others. While this looks different for everyone, Ifeoma Ike discovered her voice in policy reform and equity advocacy. Ifeoma has led a vast career focused on creating equitable spaces, drawing directly from her story. Her public persona is marked by action, education, and creating strategic narratives. So, how can these ideals be translated to your brand? In this episode of Branding Room Only, Paula Edgar speaks with Ifeoma Ike, a Partner at Pink Cornrows, to talk about advocacy and the concept of flawed bravery. They reflect on Ifeoma’s career and life, her approach to branding, creating equitable spaces, and the message of her new book, The Equity Mindset: Designing Human Spaces Through Journeys, Reflections, and Practices.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.