Branding Room Only with Paula T. Edgar

We don’t know the faces or names of many enslaved Black people in American history. Some left a small mark of their existence in the very bricks of the buildings their hands built, yet they remain voiceless because their story has been hidden away.Historians like Annette Gordon-Reed know that through sharing the stories of enslaved people, we remember their humanity and preserve historical truth in the process. She’s a Harvard University professor and the award-winning author of The Hemingses of Monticello and On Juneteenth. With her lawyer-like approach, she’s brought light to stories once expunged from our history and provided a view of the road to Juneteenth through her books.In this episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, you’ll hear about the national implications inherent in The Hemingses’ story (and connection to Thomas Jefferson) and Juneteenth. Annette will discuss her own experiences with celebrating Juneteenth, what the country should learn from the experiences of enslaved people, and more!3:40 - Annette’s personal branding definition, three-word description of herself, favorite quotes, and hype song6:00 - The importance of reading and music in Annette’s life as a child8:00 - Annette’s non-traditional career trajectory as a lawyer, author, and professor11:40 - What motivated Annette to write about the Hemingses and Thomas Jefferson17:00 - The need to understand the truth in shaping the legacies and personal brands we hold dear19:50 - The significance of Juneteenth and why Annette wrote her book on it25:20 - Traditional Juneteenth celebrations Annette grew up with in Texas and newer ones she’s seen integrated into the holiday30:50 - The good and (potential) bad about Juneteenth and its importance in the context of American history38:00 - How Annette wants people in the future to remember her contribution to preserving a piece of American history39:00 - Finding fun and continuous growth in humbling activities43:50 - Annette’s one uncompromisable aspect and Branding Room Only qualityMentioned In Truth and Celebration: Stories of Black American History with Annette Gordon-ReedThe Hemingses of Monticello: An American Family by Annette Gordon-ReedOn Juneteenth by Annette Gordon-ReedVernon Can Read!: A Memoir“This Is How We Do It” by Montell Jordan | Youtube (Official Music Video) “Scherzo Op. 39 No. 3 in C Sharp Minor” by Chopin | Youtube (Pogorelich)PaulaTV: Stagville Plantation Fingerprints of Slave ChildrenFollow & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform! Sponsor for this episodePGE Consulting Group LLC empowers individuals and organizations to lead with purpose, presence, and impact. Specializing in leadership development and personal branding, we offer keynotes, custom programming, consulting, and strategic advising—all designed to elevate influence and performance at every level.Founded and led by Paula Edgar, our work centersWe'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.

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

We're officially halfway through the year, and let's be real—these past few months have been a lot. Maybe you started with clear goals and that "this is my year" mindset, but then life did what it does–the unexpected showed up, sidelining your intentions. Or maybe you've been laser-focused and hit every milestone. If so, congrats! But even then, it's time to pause. In this solo episode of Branding Room Only, I’m diving into my powerful five-step mid-year evaluation, which I call RESET, to help you analyze, recenter, and align your goals, personal brand, and next steps. Whether you're feeling off track or totally on point, you deserve to relax, reflect, and (if necessary) realign without regret.3:02 – How to reflect on your goals and intentions for the year4:24 – How to evaluate what’s working and what's not working5:49 – Why setting new priorities is necessary and not a failure or cause for regret7:05 – The key to reconnecting to the drive and support systems you need to follow through8:08 – What you need to do to turn your intentions into movementMentioned In Mid-Year RESET: 5-Step Guide to Help You Realign Your Goals and IntentionsReserve your seat for the Mid-Year Audit: Does Your June Progress Match Your 2025 Goals and Intentions?Personal Branding Strategy SessionsSubscribe to The Branding Room Only on YouTubeSponsor for this episodeThis episode is brought to you by PGE Consulting Group LLC.PGE Consulting Group LLC empowers individuals and organizations to lead with purpose, presence, and impact. Specializing in leadership development and personal branding, we offer keynotes, custom programming, consulting, and strategic advising—all designed to elevate influence and performance at every level.Founded and led by Paula Edgar, our work centers on practical strategies that enhance professional development, strengthen workplace culture, and drive meaningful, measurable change.To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.Call to ActionFollow & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform! Want more branding insights? Join Paula’s newsletter for expert tips and exclusive content! Subscribe HereWe'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 Boggs, founder of Boggs Media LLC, Army veteran, and former Starbucks chief legal officer, shares her inspiring journey from military service to the music industry. She discusses the importance of personal branding, resilience, and mentorship. Paula emphasizes the role of authenticity in leadership and the power of embracing one's identity. She reflects on her transition from corporate law to songwriting, highlighting how life's challenges reignited her passion for music. Listeners will find her insights on servant leadership and making a positive impact deeply motivating.

So many leaders are burned out—checking all the boxes, meeting expectations, and still feeling stuck. Pallavi Jain wants to change that. As a seasoned HR executive and the creator of the Lead From Within program, she helps people step out of survival mode and reconnect with who they truly are—and how they want to lead and be known.In this episode of Branding Room Only, Paula Edgar sits down with Pallavi to explore why personal branding starts with self-leadership. They trace Pallavi’s path from engineer to HR leader and unpack how her lived experiences—and inner transformation—shaped both her leadership philosophy and personal brand.Pallavi shares her signature ATM Framework—a practical, powerful approach to building presence, taking responsibility, and making intentional choices. They also explore how identity, memory, and even generational trauma can shape—or distort—how we show up in the world.This isn’t a conversation about polished personas or performative leadership. It’s about doing the real, internal work to build an authentic, resilient brand—rooted in clarity, alignment, and joy.1:12 – Pallavi’s personal branding definition, self-description, favorite childhood quote, and energizing songs5:37 – The influence of Pallavi’s upbringing on her brand and her career path from engineering to HR leadership8:30 – What led to the creation of Pallavi’s Lead From Within program and ATM framework10:17 – Pallavi’s tips for building your personal branding with authenticity and the impact of lived experiences on your brand 17:33 – The premise of Pallavi’s program and framework, and how they help strengthen personal growth and empowerment21:03 – The three steps of the ATM framework and the benefit of consistently implementing it 29:20 – Common mistakes from not leading from within that lead to burnout and ineffectiveness36:18 – How traumatic memories can impact your perception and those of generations to follow40:20 – Why organizations should incorporate the ATM framework45:18 - A breakthrough Pallavi achieved from using her framework and how to start tapping into the power within you49:15 – What Pallavi will never do to compromise her personal brand and the magic she brings to a standing-room-onlyMentioned In Lead From Within to Stop Surviving and Start Leading with Pallavi JainPallavi Jain The A.T.M. Framework For Personal Growth | Pallavi Jain | TEDxWilmingtonSalon2025 Intention and Goal Setting WebinarLearn More About Paula's Personal Branding Strategy Session OfferHelp others find the podcast. Subscribe and leave a quick review.Join Paula’s newsletter for expert tips and exclusive content! Subscribe HereSponsor 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 developmWe'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.

Mother’s Day can stir a wide range of emotions—love, grief, reflection, and gratitude. In this deeply personal episode of Branding Room Only, host Paula Edgar shares a heartfelt tribute to her late mother, Joan Donna Griffith, whose love and wisdom laid the foundation for Paula’s leadership, personal brand, and purpose-driven life.Through powerful stories, Paula honors the legacy her mother left behind and reflects on the lessons she's now passing on to her own daughter. This episode is a reminder that personal branding isn’t just about visibility or strategy—it’s also about values, intention, and how we carry forward the impact of those who came before us.Whether you’re navigating motherhood, reflecting on your own maternal influences, or thinking about the legacy you’re building, this episode is a love letter that offers inspiration, grounding, and a call to lead and love with care and intention.1:23 – The underlying principles in all actions taken that Joan instilled in Paula2:34 – Lessons that forged Paula’s resiliency, perseverance, and approach to presence and branding3:52 – The roots of true leadership and doing things with care and intention that Joan embodied and passed on5:17 – What Paula hopes she and Joan would say if Joan were around today6:31 – Powerful lessons that Paula wants to pass on to her daughterMentioned In Lessons from My Mother, Hopes for My Daughter: On Mothering and What We Carry ForwardPersonal Branding Strategy SessionsSubscribe to The Branding Room Only on YouTubeA Tribute to My Mother Joan Donna GriffithThe Life & Legacy of Joan Donna Griffith: A Conversation with Peter Griffith (Part 1)The Life & Legacy of Joan Donna Griffith: A Conversation with Peter Griffith (Part 2)Call to ActionFollow & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform! Want more branding insights? Join Paula’s newsletter for expert tips and exclusive content! Subscribe 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 followWe'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.

In this first ever live episode of Branding Room Only, Paula Edgar sits down with Deborah Enix-Ross—international law leader, past president of the American Bar Association, and proud Harlem native—for a powerful conversation on what it means to build a brand with purpose, lead with integrity, and honor the communities that shaped you.Recorded in front of a full room of rising legal leaders at the Metropolitan Black Bar Association’s Leadership Academy, this episode brings Deborah’s story to life. From her early days growing up across from Yankee Stadium to leading one of the most influential legal organizations in the world.Through humor, honesty, and a few unforgettable mic-drop moments, Deborah shares what it means to show up, at work, in leadership, and in life, with clarity, authenticity, and courage. 4:44 – Deborah’s personal branding definition, three key attributes, favorite quotes from her mother, and her hype song10:36 – How Deborah’s upbringing shaped her identity and professional path19:40 – Her career evolution from journalism dreams to international law28:39 – The advice she wishes she had early in her career35:28 – Deborah’s leadership style and how she balances empathy with decisiveness42:12 – The moment she confronted a boss about inequity, and what happened next50:30 – A leadership curriculum for Black lawyers and navigating difficult professional moments59:43 – How she got involved with the ABA, and why she stayed1:05:07 – Civics, civility, and collaboration: Deborah’s priorities as ABA president1:12:48 – Balancing visibility, leadership, and her marriage1:18:28 – Her personal interests, non-negotiable values, and the magic of “standing room only”Mentioned In Live with Deborah Enix-Ross: Leadership Lessons on Branding, Resiliency, and AuthenticityDeborah Enix-Ross (Debevoise & Plimpton) The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel WilkersonAmerican Bar Association (ABA) Membership (Free for Students)Curated Resources from Paula2025 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 YouTubeFollow & 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 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.paulWe'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.

Heidi Friedman has built a powerful career over the past 30 years as a partner at Thompson Hine, where she leads in environmental law and co-chairs the firm’s ESG practice. But behind the legal accolades and leadership success was a different kind of ambition—finding real, lasting love.In this episode of Branding Room Only, Paula sits down with Heidi to talk about her most personal project yet: her debut book, Love Lessons: 104 Dates and the Stories That Led Me to True Love. What started as a self-exploration turned into a decade-long journey filled with dating apps, therapist couches, personal growth, and one eventual "yes" that made it all worth it.Together, Paula and Heidi explore how building a personal brand applies to both professional success and finding a life partner. They get real about dating after divorce, setting boundaries, therapy, vulnerability, and how authenticity and timing matter just as much in love as they do in leadership. Plus—yes—they dive into dating profile branding tips (because, of course!).1:12 – Heidi defines personal branding, describes herself, offers two favorite quotes, and reveals the song that energizes her 5:31 – Heidi’s upbringing, educational background, and career at Thompson Hine9:00 – How Heidi built the ESG practice at Thompson Hine and established a consistent brand around an ever-changing topic12:35 – How Love Lessons came about and why Heidi wanted to share her personal story so openly16:07 – The significance of therapy in Heidi’s journey to finding love again18:58 – Key lessons Heidi learned about love (and relationships overall) from her research26:55 – What Heidi learned about herself in the process of going on 104 dates over 9+ years29:30 – The importance of authenticity in dating profiles (and the weird date that Heidi remembers most vividly)32:55 – Paula’s best practices and rules for dating and online profiles37:59 – How Heidi knew that her husband Will was “the one” and how fortuitous opportunities can come even amid bad circumstances46:39 – Advice for single/divorced people in or approaching midlife who are looking for love52:19 – What Heidi likes to do for fun, won’t compromise on, and provides for others as part of her magicMentioned In The Art of Finding Love: A Lawyer's Path to Lasting Love with Heidi FriedmanHeidi Friedman Love Lessons: 104 Dates and the Stories that Led Me to True Love by Heidi B. Friedman: Amazon | Barnes & NobleThompson Hine LLPLearn More About Paula's Personal Branding Strategy SessionSponsor 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, andWe'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.

In this insightful and energizing episode of Branding Room Only, Paula Edgar sits down with Lorraine K. Lee — keynote speaker, LinkedIn Top Voice, founder of RISE Learning Solutions, and author of Unforgettable Presence: Get Seen, Gain Influence, and Catapult Your Career. Lorraine shares her career journey from journalism to tech to entrepreneurship, and offers tactical strategies on building presence both virtually and in-person.From leveraging LinkedIn, to navigating visibility as an introvert, to redefining personal branding as “career branding,” this episode is packed with actionable advice. Lorraine also shares her EPIC Career Brand Framework and discusses how to build a career presence that truly resonates—no matter your role, personality, or work environment.Whether you're a rising professional, a seasoned executive, or someone rethinking your visibility strategy, this episode will help you elevate your brand and stand out in a meaningful way.1:05 – How Lorraine defines personal branding, how she defines herself in three words, a favorite quote with sage career advice, and her hype music4:42 – Lorraine’s background, education, and professional journey with top tech industries8:54 – The power of your professional presence in the digital age12:09 – How Lorraine laid out her expertise in her book, Unforgettable Presence14:23 – How to take ownership of your professional journey17:34 – The value of mentors and sponsors for your career advancement (and the difference between the two roles)19:44 – The significance of a strong virtual presence and tips for effective video communication22:45 – Conversation threading for intentionally building rapport during in-person conversations26:45 – How to overcome proximity bias with opportunity utilization as a leader or an employee30:58 – Introduction to Lorraine’s EPIC framework for authentically building your career brand33:50 – The power of LinkedIn as a tool for showcasing your brand and elevating your presence37:44 - The mindset shift you need to go from being a doer to being strategic in your career advancement41:32 – What you can learn in Lorraine’s LinkedIn Learning courses43:03 – The increasing importance of career branding and a shift that can help increase your comfort level in posting on LinkedIn45:01 – Three things Lorraine does for fun, her uncompromisable superpower, and the unique experience she brings to people in a roomMentioned In The Strategy Behind an Unforgettable Presence with Lorraine K. LeeLorraine Lee Unforgettable Presence: Get Seen, Gain Influence, and Catapult Your Career by Lorraine K. LeeUpcoming WebinarsLearn More About Paula's Personal Branding Strategy Session OfferSponsor for this episodePGE Consulting Group LLC empowers individuals and organizations to lead with purpose, presence, and impact. Specializing in leadership development and personal branding, we offer keynotes, custom programming, consulting, and strategic advising—all designed to elevate influence and performance at every level.Founded and led by Paula Edgar, our work centers on practical strategies that enhance professional development, strengthen workplace culture, and drive meWe'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.

In this solo episode, I’m diving into something that’s been weighing heavily on my heart—the changing brand of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) and what that means for all of us right now. As someone who lives at the intersection of branding and the law, I’ve been watching closely as DEI has been politicized, rebranded, and in some cases, erased.I break down what’s really happening beneath the surface, why the work still matters even if the terminology shifts, and how we can—and must—stay rooted in our values. This is not just a professional conversation; it’s personal. I’m sharing my reflections, my frustrations, and most importantly, my call to action.This episode is for anyone who cares about equity, leadership, and integrity—and who refuses to let fear or politics dictate how they show up in the world. We need to keep showing up, keep saying the words, and keep doing the work.The responsibility is still real. And silence isn’t a strategy.1:30 – What the targeted attack on diversity, equity, and inclusion is really about2:49 – The disturbing and dangerous narrative shift that’s occurred (despite the proven benefits of DEI)4:03 – How the scope of DEI has been intentionally narrowed and what worries me most about the current public discourse5:16 – A counter-narrative to reclaim the truth of what diversity, equity, and inclusion is6:32 – A few questions to reflect on (as an individual or organization)Mentioned In The Brand of DEI Has Changed - Now What?Personal Branding Strategy SessionsSubscribe to The Branding Room Only on YouTubeFrom Acronyms to Action: Leading and Thriving Through DEI Challenges with Michelle SilverthornHow Intersecting Identities Shape Your Personal Brand How Unlearning Silence Saves Your Brand from Sabotage with Elaine Lin Hering Building Brands with Integrity: A Conversation with DEI Pioneer Vernā Myers Building a Legacy: Insights on Leadership and Diversity in the Law with Robert J. Grey Jr. 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.Follow & Review: If you enjoyWe'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.