Branding Room Only with Paula T. Edgar

Reevaluating where you are and where you want to go is essential to long-term success. But without intentional self-reflection and strategic action, you risk missing out on the growth and opportunities that can shape your career.Michele C. Meyer-Shipp, CEO of Dress for Success Worldwide, has built an impressive career spanning employment law, human resources, and DEI leadership roles across industries. In addition to her executive leadership experience, Michele serves on the boards of the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) and the Fritz Pollard Alliance Foundation, further extending her leadership impact.Through every career transition, one thing has remained constant: her commitment to listening, learning, and making bold yet strategic career moves. Her ability to assess where she can have the most impact has empowered her to embrace pivots and step into leadership roles that align with her values and expertise.In this episode of Branding Room Only, Michele shares how self-reflection, mentorship, and integrity have played a pivotal role in her career evolution. She also discusses her leadership philosophy, the importance of networking with authenticity, and the broader impact of her work at Dress for Success.1:13 – Michele’s definition of a personal brand, her three-word self-description, her favorite Maya Angelou quote, and the story behind her hype song5:49 – How Michele’s upbringing shaped her people-first approach and deep commitment to community8:05 – Michele’s unique career path, from private investigator to CEO16:49 – Why Michele prioritizes a 100–120-day listening period when stepping into a new leadership role21:00 – How Michele blends operational excellence with a mission-driven leadership approach23:24 – The biggest surprise of leading a global nonprofit organization28:08 – Why serving on the boards of the LPGA and Fritz Pollard Alliance Foundation is so meaningful to Michele33:28 – Leadership lessons on excellence, mindfulness, self-advocacy, and recognizing career growth opportunities41:58 – The power of mentorship and why diversity in career guidance matters44:41 – What Michele does for fun, her non-negotiable brand value, and the core elements of her leadership philosophyMentioned In Leadership and the Power of the Pivot with Michele Meyer-ShippDress for Success Worldwide | LinkedIn Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA)Fritz Pollard Alliance FoundationCurated Resources from Paula: How to Assemble and Leverage Your Personal Board of Directors2025 Intention and Goal Setting WebinarSign up for Paula’s Upcoming WebinarsLearn More About Paula's Personal Branding Strategy Session OfferSubscribe to The Branding Room Only on YouTube

Your personal brand isn’t just about what you do; it’s about who you are and how you show up for others. Commissioner Sharon Bowen, Chair of the New York Stock Exchange, has built a career and reputation rooted in integrity, authenticity, passion, and purpose. Throughout her ceiling-shattering leadership journey, Sharon has used her platform to elevate others—myself included.In this episode of Branding Room Only, Sharon shares insights from her trailblazing career, highlighting the impact of public service, personal relationships, and mentorship. She also unpacks what it truly means to live authentically in a world that often lacks it. Through Sharon’s story, you’ll gain a blueprint for not just achieving success, but making an impact, empowering others, and leaving a lasting legacy.2:12 – How Sharon defines a personal brand, how she describes herself in three short phrases, the quote that keeps her humble, and one of her hype songs5:11 – How growing up in segregated Virginia during the Civil Rights era shaped Sharon’s life and career decisions7:22 – Highlights from Sharon’s career path, including her introduction to Wall Street and the pivotal moment that cemented her interest in the market14:30 – How Sharon’s personal brand helped her navigate and succeed in barrier-breaking roles19:47 – The role of public service in brand alignment and why volunteerism (when chosen thoughtfully) is so important26:13 – The impact of personal relationships on career success and brand-building, plus the influential people who shaped Sharon’s journey34:07 – Advice for professionals who aspire to follow a similarly groundbreaking path38:17 – What Sharon hopes her legacy will be and what she does for fun41:47 – Why Sharon will never compromise on her integrity, the unique energy she brings into a room, and a final heartfelt messageMentioned In Trailblazing with Integrity: Creating a Powerful Personal Brand with Sharon BowenCorporate Counsel Women of Color New York Lawyers for the Public InterestNew York City Economic Development CorporationPrincipal For a Day - Pencil.orgPracticing Attorneys for Law Students Program (PALS)Personal Branding Strategy SessionsSubscribe to The Branding Room Only on YouTubeSign up for Paula’s Upcoming WebinarsSponsor for this episodePGE Consulting Group LLC is dedicated to providing a practical hybrid of professional development training and diversity solutions. From speaking to consulting to programming and more, all services and resources are carefully tailored for each partner. Paula Edgar’s distinct expertise helps engage attendees and create lasting change for her clients.To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.

For Carla Harris, fear has no place in the equation for success.Carla Harris grew up with the expectation of delivering excellence, and she has built a career that exemplifies just that. Carla is an award-winning author, internationally renowned speaker, celebrated gospel singer, and one of the most influential Black executives in the country as Morgan Stanley’s Senior Client Advisor. In her book Lead to Win, she shares decades of insights to help professionals navigate today’s challenges and become powerful, impactful, and influential leaders in their fields.In this episode of Branding Room Only, Carla shares her signature Pearls of wisdom on authenticity, boldness, and intentional leadership. She provides strategies, hard truths, and the inspiration you need to elevate your brand and career to the next level. She is a powerhouse in every sense and trust me, this will be an episode that you will continue to return to when you need motivation. 1:46 – Why Carla rarely uses the word ‘brand,’ how she describes herself in three words, the quotes she turns to for different situations, and the hype song she created4:31 – Two key ways Carla’s childhood shaped who she is today7:17 – The importance of truly understanding who you are and how that helps you maintain authenticity in new roles and environments11:24 – Why Carla doesn’t believe imposter syndrome should exist14:17 – Self-reflective questions and strategies to help you get unstuck at work20:57 – How to balance boldness with the need to influence others effectively in your work environment22:37 – How to recognize when it’s time to evolve and do something new25:03 – The aspect of Carla’s authenticity she wants to stand out the most and how to maximize feedback—even from those you don’t like or trust26:57 – How Carla ensures continuous growth and improvement, plus her advice to inspire and propel you forwardMentioned In Pearls of Power: How to Use Authenticity, Boldness, and Intentionality with Carla HarrisCarla Harris | YouTube Lead to Win and Expect to Win by Carla Harris“Born to Win” by Carla Harris | Turn It Up Version (Spotify)Personal Branding Strategy SessionsSubscribe to The Branding Room Only on YouTubeSign up for Paula’s Upcoming WebinarsSponsor 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 PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.

Stress and burnout are among the greatest workplace challenges that workers and employers face. Leaders must deal with how to overcome them now more than ever if they want to foster a workplace where their employees feel valued and like their work matters. As an author and internationally recognized expert on burnout prevention, resilience, and leadership, Paula Davis has engaged in conversations, both within and outside the legal industry, about how to reduce stress, prevent burnout, and foster greater resiliency within organizations to build stronger, more adaptable teams. She’s also the founder and CEO of The Stress & Resilience Institute, and draws from her expertise as a former lawyer trained in applied positive psychology to address pressing workplace issues.In this episode of Branding Room Only, you’ll learn Paula’s two-pronged approach to navigating the challenges of stress, burnout prevention, and resiliency. She’ll also teach you her five-mindset framework for better leadership so you can develop a work environment that engages, retains, and inspires your team.1:20 - What personal brand means to Paula, how she describes herself, the quote she keeps coming back to, and the music that hypes her up5:22 - How growing up in a small Wisconsin town with entrepreneurial parents shaped Paula’s childhood and attitude towards business9:34 - How Paula’s tendency to just go for it had her stumble along a path with many forks in the road that eventually led to a direction that really resonated with her15:38 - The role of the United States Army in helping Paula feel more open about her burnout experience20:14 - The struggle to start conversations around mental health in the legal profession and what pushed Paula to work outside of legal23:46 - How the pandemic has impacted people’s feelings about their well-being in the workplace and the other side of post-traumatic stress disorder28:40 - Paula’s approach to coaching others around navigating stress, burnout, and resiliency on two fronts34:11 - Why so many lawyers don’t see themselves as leaders and the five mindsets you should encompass to become a better leader43:12 - How a feeling of belonging or mattering intersects with greater resiliency47:59 - What Paula and her daughter Lucy do for fun together and her three-pronged resilience strategy51:34 - What Paula will never compromise on regarding her brand and the magical thing she uniquely brings to a standing roomful of othersMentioned In Build a Better Team with Less Workplace Stress & Burnout with Paula DavisThe Stress & Resilience Institute Beating Burnout at Work and Lead Well by Paula DavisThe Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward by Dan Pink“Mapping and measuring leadership practices intended to foster meaningful work” by Zachary A Mercurio, Tamara Myles, Wesley Adams, and Jeremy D. W. CliftonPersonal Branding Strategy SessionsSponsor for this episodePGE Consulting Group LLC is dedicated to providing a practical hybrid of professional development training and diversity solutions. From speaking to consulting to programming and more, all services and resources are carefully tailored for each partner. Paula Edgar’s distinct expertise helps engage attendees and create lasting change for her clients.To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.

What does it take to become the go-to person at work? It’s a question with layers—and Tracy LaLonde unpacks the answers in her latest book, Trust Me: The Insider’s Guide to Being the Go-To Person at Work. Tracy emphasizes that trustworthiness is a cornerstone of professional success, making it an essential ingredient for elevating your career and building an unforgettable personal brand.In this episode of Branding Room Only, Tracy and I explore why trust is the foundation of a standout brand. She breaks down her key pillars of trust, shares actionable strategies for building it, and highlights common mistakes that can weaken it. From avoiding trust-eroding pitfalls to fostering authentic connections, Tracy offers a roadmap for becoming indispensable—and finding joy in the process.1:43 - Tracy’s simple definition of personal branding, her self-description in three words, a Warren Buffet quote she’s loving lately, and her hype songs6:21 - How two influential experiences from Tracy’s childhood shaped her as an entrepreneur9:34 - Tracy’s educational and career journey from her hometown of 3,500 people to where she is today11:51 - Why trust is crucial in the workplace and what inspired Tracy to write a book focused on it13:56 - How trust is a physiological process and what’s necessary for it to flourish18:34 - Who will benefit most from the trust-building insights in Tracy’s book and common pitfalls that erode trust23:24 - What sparked the idea for Tracy’s book, how it came together, and how societal conversations about trust are evolving29:03 - How trust intersects with personal branding and building your personal board of directors31:23 - What has remained constant about Tracy’s brand throughout her career transitions and the role of leadership and volunteerism35:37 - Common mistakes people make when building trust and how these dynamics have shifted pre- and post-COVID40:34 - What Tracy advises clients when trust is lacking within their team or organization42:07 - The six components of trust and actionable ways to build it49:24 - What Tracy enjoys outside of work, the aspect of her personal brand she won’t compromise on, and her “magical quality” Mentioned In Unlocking Trust and Joy for a Standout Brand with Tracy LaLondeJoychiever | LinkedIn Trust Me: The Insider’s Guide to Being the Go-To Person at Work by Tracy LeLondeHow to Navigate Generational Friction in the Workplace with Chris De SantisPersonal Branding Bruisers: Paula’s Professional Pet PeevesPersonal Branding Strategy SessionsSign up for Paula’s Upcoming WebinarsSponsor for this episodePGE Consulting Group LLC is dedicated to providing a practical hybrid of professional development training and diversity solutions. From speaking to consulting to programming and more, all services and resources are carefully tailored for each partner. Paula Edgar’s distinct expertise helps engage attendees and create lasting change for her clients.To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.

Are you prepared for the unexpected? Branding may seem straightforward when life feels predictable, but challenges are inevitable. The question is, what happens to your personal brand during times of uncertainty, when things may feel a bit shaky?In this episode of Branding Room Only, I explore how to navigate and strengthen your brand during uncertain times using the acronym “TESTIMONY.” Each letter represents a strategy to help you stay resilient, authentic, and impactful when life feels unpredictable.2:05 - The trust you need to reinforce, and the trait thriving brands demonstrate in tough times5:00 - The instinct to avoid and the mindset shift that helps you embrace challenges7:17 - The investment to double down on and the one thing you can always control9:02 - The attribute that builds trust, reinforces reliability, and the great asset you should lean into10:45 - The perfectionism to let go of and where to focus your energy insteadMentioned In How to Navigate & Strengthen Your Brand During Times of Uncertainty2025 Intention and Goal Setting Webinar Replay14-Day Personal Branding ChallengePersonal 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 is dedicated to providing a practical hybrid of professional development training and diversity solutions. From speaking to consulting to programming and more, all services and resources are carefully tailored for each partner. Paula Edgar’s distinct expertise helps engage attendees and create lasting change for her clients.To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. wasn’t just a leader—he was a master of personal branding.In honor of his birthday (January 15), we’re reflecting on his life and legacy and what they can teach us about building a meaningful and impactful personal brand.In this episode of Branding Room Only, I share eight powerful lessons inspired by Dr. King’s life and offer actionable tips to help you build your brand with purpose, authenticity, and a lasting impact.1:17 - The foundation of every strong brand and the most powerful element of Dr. King’s brand3:28 - How MLK Jr. solidified his credibility with integrity and used strategic visibility to amplify his message5:39 - Why visual consistency reinforces your brand, plus a powerful example of resilience in Dr. King’s legacy7:34 - How a strong personal brand is rooted in service to others and built with legacy in mind9:47 - Ways to honor Dr. King’s lessons and align your actions with your values year-roundMentioned In 8 Personal Branding Lessons to Learn From Martin Luther King Jr.'s LegacyThe King Center - Dr. King Jr. The Nobel Peace Prize, 1964 - Martin Luther King Jr. 2025 Intention and Goal Setting Webinar ReplayPersonal 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 is dedicated to providing a practical hybrid of professional development training and diversity solutions. From speaking to consulting to programming and more, all services and resources are carefully tailored for each partner. Paula Edgar’s distinct expertise helps engage attendees and create lasting change for her clients.To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.

A new year is the perfect time to revisit your goals and refresh the vision that defines your personal brand. And who better to guide us through that process than my friend (and returning guest), Stefanie Marrone? Stefanie is the powerhouse behind the Social Media Butterfly blog, where she tackles the latest issues affecting lawyers and legal marketers. She’s a LinkedIn pro and an early adopter of the platform, but her expertise extends far beyond—covering social media strategies, branding, and marketing at large.In this episode of Branding Room Only, Stefanie and I dive into actionable strategies to help you revitalize your personal brand for the year ahead. You’ll learn how to build your brand both internally and externally, create authentic content (with a little help from AI), and connect more effectively with your audience. Plus, we’ll talk about embracing stretch moments to grow and stand out in a way that feels true to you.1:33 - Stefanie’s personal brand definition, how she defines herself in three (or four) words, and her favorite quotes and hype songs11:42 - Stefanie’s struggles as a talker, what led to her going on LinkedIn, and why her brand exploded17:50 - How Stefanie and I met, our similarities, and one non-social media way you can build your brand22:38 - Three actionable steps you can take in January to set a strong foundation for your personal brand27:34 - One of the most important things you can do with your content30:53 - The power and importance of internal branding and some suggestions for how you can do it35:07 - Personal versus professional persona, the struggle to pivot between the two, and how some corporate cultures make it more difficult41:28 - How to use AI tools to get more effective and authentic content as your output46:43 - Content creation strategy insights you can use without having to start from scratch52:17 - Habit-building recommendations for you to adopt this year so you can consistently elevate your brandMentioned In Refresh Your Personal Brand and Stand Out in the New Year with Stefanie MarroneThe Social Media Butterfly | LinkedIn | Instagram | ThreadsBranding Room Only Interview With Stefanie Marrone: Loving LinkedInNew York City Bar Association2025 Intention and Goal Setting WebinarPersonal 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 is dedicated to providing a practical hybrid of professional development training and diversity solutions. From speaking to consulting to programming and more, all services and resources are carefully tailored for each partner. Paula Edgar’s distinct expertise helps engage attendees and create lasting change for her clients.To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.

Setting a big, exciting goal can feel amazing at the start—the motivation is high, and the journey feels full of possibility. But what happens when the excitement fades or the path gets bumpy? That’s when the power of intention can make all the difference.In this episode of Branding Room Only, I’m diving into the difference between intentions and goals and how combining the two can create a winning strategy. We’ll explore why intentions are key to building a personal brand that feels authentic and sustainable—and how they can keep you grounded and moving forward, even when you don’t hit the mark.1:38 - Why an intention is different from a goal3:19 - Why you must have intentions if you want to build a strong brand6:49 - How combining your intentions and goals leads to a winning strategy9:14 - Actionable steps to help you bring it all togetherMentioned In Intentions vs Goals and How To Combine Them for a Winning Strategy2025 Intention and Goal Setting WebinarPersonal 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 is dedicated to providing a practical hybrid of professional development training and diversity solutions. From speaking to consulting to programming and more, all services and resources are carefully tailored for each partner. Paula Edgar’s distinct expertise helps engage attendees and create lasting change for her clients.To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.

Vision boards can be so much more than just a collage of pretty pictures and inspirational words—they can be a game-changer for designing your life, if you use them intentionally. Every year, I kick off with an intention and goal-setting session, and vision boards are one of my favorite tools to turn big dreams into real plans.In this episode of The Branding Room Only podcast, I’m sharing how to make vision boards work for you. We’ll talk about why vision boards are worth your time, how to create one that helps you achieve your goals, and how this simple tool connects to your personal brand.1:01 - Why vision boards are so impactful and why intention is their secret sauce2:56 - Main options for creating your vision board and what you can include on it5:15 - How vision boarding connects with personal branding and the final puzzle piece to making it workMentioned In Vision Boards for Personal Branding: How to Make Them WorkVision Board Examples2025 Intention and Goal Setting WebinarPersonal 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 is dedicated to providing a practical hybrid of professional development training and diversity solutions. From speaking to consulting to programming and more, all services and resources are carefully tailored for each partner. Paula Edgar’s distinct expertise helps engage attendees and create lasting change for her clients.To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.