Branding Room Only with Paula T. Edgar

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… Personal branding is just as much about the minute decisions as the larger ones. Small details can add up to a complete picture, displaying yourself as composed and reliable. However, these specifics are often overlooked or only observable to people on the outside. Paula Edgar has worked with countless people on their brands and has developed a list of these common oversights. In response, she has some easy tips to make sure you appear your very best. In this episode of Branding Room Only, Paula Edgar breaks down her personal branding pet peeves and how to avoid them. She explains the common issues with calendars, introductions, nametags, group chats, and much more. She also talks about communicating if you will be late and the inarguable value of proofreading.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.

Michelle Banks is a Senior Advisor and Executive Coach for BarkerGilmore, a boutique executive firm focusing on legal and compliance recruiting, executive search, coaching, and advising. As a former general counsel, she facilitates leadership development and support by coaching general counsels, delivering keynote speeches, and leading workshops. Michelle is a co-author of Women in Law: Discovering the True Meaning of Success and is a board member on several initiatives that support women in the legal profession. For show notes and more information, visit paulaedgar.com/podcast. In this episode… Building a community as a lawyer or business professional is an invaluable resource. While the fruits of your labor may not be visible initially, the long-term dividends are well worth the effort. If executed effectively, the people around you will reflect and amplify your personal brand. As a coach working with women general counsels, Michelle Banks has cultivated an impactful brand. Her advice is to build a strong network organically and find likeminded people who share your vision. She has used this approach to support and strengthen women practicing law. Learn her tips for those looking to create widespread, meaningful change. In this episode of Branding Room Only, Paula Edgar talks with Michelle Banks, Senior Advisor and Executive Coach for BarkerGilmore, to discuss community building and inclusion for lawyers. They break down helpful tips, do’s and don’ts, and examples of how to build a personal brand and a strong professional relationshipsWe'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.

Theodora Lee is a Senior Partner, Shareholder, and Trial Lawyer for Littler Mendelson P.C., a labor and employment firm. She handles complex litigation across all state and federal courts in California, specializing in wage and hour class actions, discrimination class actions, general employment litigation, and labor relations law. In addition to her extensive law career, Theodora is the Owner and Vinter at Theopolis Vineyards, a small lot vineyard and winery in California's Yorkville Highlands. For show notes and more information, visit paulaedgar.com/podcast/. In this episode… When building a personal brand, we often feel restricted by external expectations and internal limitations. The reality is that the possibilities are countless. Letting your authentic self inform your public persona can be a strength rather than a weakness. If you truly want to stand out, you need to follow your intuition. Theodora Lee’s intuition led her to find success and fulfillment as both a lawyer and a vintner. She has skillfully developed a brand that straddles two separate industries. Her approach to brand-building has sharpened through the years, and she lends her insights to future generations. In this episode of Branding Room Only, Paula Edgar interviews Theodora Lee, a Senior Partner, Shareholder, and Trial Lawyer at Littler Mendelson P.C., on building an authentic brand and finding your niche. The two break down Theodora’s career, her personal philosophy, and the influences that guided her. They also discuss why one-size-fits-all doesn’t work for personal brands and how she started her vineyard.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.

LaTanya Langley is a global executive with significant experience advising multi-billion dollar companies. As the Chief People and Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary at Edgewell Personal Care, she directs all legal affairs, including litigation and compliance. LaTanya is known as a business-savvy advisor with innovative legal strategies and business solutions. She has engineered global policies, processes, and programs while leading diverse teams with language and cultural differences. She is an impactful leader and she embodies a rare blend of strategic insight, legal expertise, and inclusive leadership.  For show notes and more information, visit paulaedgar.com/podcast. In this episode… A significant part of being a leader is owning the space you inhabit. The confluence of confidence, gravitas, and intentionality can help others see you as you are. Earning respect and standing your ground will pay off immensely in the long run. Strategically taking up space is essential.  LaTanya Langley has made this a key part of her personal brand. She advises that people lean into their strengths and know that they are where they are supposed to be. Her brand is based on this supported confidence, and now she explains how you can exemplify the same qualities. In this episode of Branding Room Only, Paula T. Edgar interviews LaTanya Langley, the Chief People and Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary at Edgewell Personal Care, on taking up space and building a personal brand. They go through introductions, volunteering, finding joy, and bridging multi-cultural teams. They also discuss how to avoid some of the common mistakes in branding.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… Conferences are key opportunities for personal branding since they provide a rare opportunity to connect with experts, thought leaders, peers and mentors in the same place. It is crucial to make the most of these opportunities. Paula Edgar has the beneficial experience of attending events as a guest and speaker. After countless conferences and conventions, she has developed an urgent list of do’s and don’ts. She received several questions on the subject and is ready to answer them. In this episode of Branding Room Only, Paula T. Edgar continues her Ask Paula segment to break down the essentials of attending conferences to boost your personal brand. She discusses photo opportunities, how to carry yourself, social media, and how to make great first impressions.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… Self-promotion is one of the most challenging parts of impactful personal branding. Although proficiency and accomplishments are crucial, lacking effective self-promotion may hinder you from realizing your full potential. It can be tricky as the process deals with emotions, manners, cultures, and social politics.  In this episode of Branding Room Only, Paula T. Edgar answers questions about the topic of self-promotion on her new segment: Ask Paula.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.

Michele Coleman Mayes is Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary at The New York Public Library. She previously held the position of General Counsel for Allstate Insurance Company and Pitney Bowes Inc. Ms. Mayes has held a long and prestigious career, having served on several commissions, including the Presidential Commission on Election Administration. She is a sought-after speaker on the topic of diversity and inclusion and is co-author of the book Courageous Counsel: Conversations with Women General Counsel in the Fortune 500. For show notes and more information, visit paulaedgar.com/podcast. In this episode… The beauty of building your brand lies in the opportunities. Once a baseline of success and momentum is established, the continued development of your brand is up to you and your vision. Many people feel hemmed in or indebted to a specific portrayal of themselves, but this does not have to be the case…possibilities lie in reimagining.  Michele Coleman Mayes is an accomplished lawyer and leader with a rich history of working on boards and commissions for a better community. She offers her advice to both young professionals and those looking toward retirement. In both circumstances, there is an opportunity to reimagine the possibilities ahead. In this episode of Branding Room Only, Paula T. Edgar sits down with Michele Coleman Mayes, General Counsel and Secretary for The New York Public Library, to discuss her views on branding and professional development. They discuss giving back to communities, the difference between branding and reputation, and key strategies.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.

Conway Ekpo is a former Wall Street lawyer who now thrives in the fintech industry as the Director and Associate General Counsel of Product for fintech startup Brex. He is also an advisor and investor in several minority-owned fintech startups. Conway is the founder of the Black Big Law Pipeline and several other initiatives focused on empowering Black lawyers in the legal profession. His professional experience includes Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley, and other firms. For show notes and more information, visit paulaedgar.com/podcast. In this episode… Many professionals are solely focused on achieving greater and greater levels of success. Their accomplishments and pride are staked on status, wealth, and influence. These things are all valuable, but established leaders can strive for them. Giving back to the community and helping those in need are privileges of those in leadership. With more resources and connections, established figures are in a prime position to give back. Leaders can be defined and celebrated for their work outside of the office. We can learn from the example of professionals how they fold these concepts into their brands. In this episode of Branding Room Only, Paula T. Edgar sits down with Conway Ekpo, the Director and Associate General Counsel of Product at Brex, to discuss how he elevates and champions others. They discuss the dangers of ego, defining yourself by selflessness, and the underrated tenets of leadership. They also discuss Conway’s career, highlighting some of his distinctive qualities and the elements that contribute to his 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.

Peter Griffith was born in Barbados, and in junior high school, he emigrated to Brooklyn, New York. He was married to Joan Donna Griffith for 20 years before the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center on 9/11 stole her life. Together, they raised two children, Paula and Joann. He is an avid photographer, bird enthusiast, and enjoys science fiction. He also likes to draw, journal, and occasionally smoke a cigar. In this episode… Leaders and successful professionals are molded by their mentors and those who support them along the way. For many, no figures are as essential and as beloved as parents. They shape us, and we often follow in their footsteps. As we progress in our careers, we look back and pay our respects to those who influenced us the most. Paula Edgar’s mother was a foundational part of her life. Joan Donna Griffith helped Paula develop as a person and a motivated professional. In her own right, Joan was an accomplished assistant VP and office manager and an admired figure in her community. Unfortunately, she was a victim of the 9/11 attacks, which left her family grieving but also to keep in their memories. Paula’s father, Peter Griffith, is here to share Joan’s legacy and how she impacted many people’s lives. In this special episode of Branding Room Only, Paula Edgar is joined by her father, Peter Griffith, to celebrate and remember Paula’s mother, Joan Donna Griffith. They talk about how Peter and Joan met, their introduction to the United States, and how they started a family. They dive deep into Joan’s legacy, who she was, and how she is missed.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.

Lonita K. Baker serves as President of the National Bar Association and as the Corporate Counsel for Waystar, a technology platform that simplifies healthcare payments throughout the revenue cycle. She is an experienced attorney with proficiency in drafting, interpreting laws and regulations, negotiating case settlements, and presenting cases through all stages of litigation. In the past, Lonita has worked as an Adjunct Professor of Law at the University of Louisville, an attorney at Aguiar Injury Lawyers, and as the Chief of Communications at the National Bar Association, among many other positions. She received her bachelor’s, master’s, and Doctor of Law at the University of Louisville, including an MBA in business administration. In this episode… Presenting a strong brand as a leader is paramount. For people to follow you, they need to be able to trust and respect you. A personal brand goes beyond perception and informs how you operate. Working on this one aspect of your career can make all the difference. Lonita K. Baker is intimately aware of this connection. Her incredible career has spanned several sectors, leading to her current position as President of the National Bar Association. She has reached her influential role by focusing on her brand and serving others. So how can you apply some of her insights to your career? In this episode of Branding Room Only, Paula Edgar takes the time to interview Lonita K. Baker, Corporate Counsel at Waystar, to discuss leadership, personal branding, and being yourself. They touch on her work with the National Bar Association, her dedication to justice, breaking preconceptions, and advocating for your value.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.