Branding Room Only with Paula T. Edgar

Desiree Ralls-Morrison’s career journey is one of breaking barriers, leading with integrity, and staying true to her values. As the Executive Global Chief Legal Officer at McDonald’s, she oversees global legal operations while supporting the company’s strategies and managing risk. Beyond her high-profile role, Desiree is a fierce advocate for racial equity and social justice, co-founding The New Commonwealth Racial Equity and Social Justice Fund to uplift Black, Latino, and Indigenous communities.Growing up as one of the only Black students in a small Connecticut town, Desiree learned early on about resilience, self-awareness, and the importance of staying grounded in her identity. Her path from Harvard Law School to leading one of the most recognizable global brands is marked by her unwavering commitment to authenticity and high standards. She also credits much of her success to the values her mother instilled in her and mentors like Ken Frazier, which she carries with her in every leadership role.In this episode of The Branding Room Only podcast, Desiree shares how her upbringing shaped her personal and professional brand. She discusses her transition from healthcare to McDonald’s, navigating global legal issues, and why vulnerability is key to her leadership style. Desiree also dives into the importance of service, mentorship, and staying true to her core values, offering actionable insights for anyone looking to build a personal brand rooted in authenticity.1:05 - Desiree’s personal brand definition, favorite quote, and hype song7:22 - How growing up in a small, all-white town shaped Desiree’s childhood, college education, and career path18:18 - How Desiree transitioned into her current role at McDonald’s and the challenge that came with it23:11 - How service and community involvement became key to building her brand and the founding of her racial equity fund30:10 - The meaning behind receiving awards and public recognition, and how Desiree stays grounded33:13 - Lessons learned from mentors like Ken Frazier and how they shaped her leadership style39:39 - Balancing visibility with authenticity in corporate America44:51 - Desiree’s advice for building a personal brand, what she does for fun, and her uncompromising commitment to integrity49:38 - How Desiree’s authenticity and vulnerability form the foundation of her Branding Room Only magicMentioned In Breaking Barriers at McDonald's and Beyond with Desiree Ralls-MorrisonThe New Commonwealth Racial Equity and Social Justice FundCorporate Counsel Women of ColorBranding Room Only Interview with Laurie Robinson Haden - Shining Brightly:Part 1 | Part 2Crafting a Personal Brand in the Corporate World with Zabrina JenkinsSponsor 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.

Conferences offer incredible opportunities to network, learn, and strengthen your personal brand—but only if you’re prepared to make the most of them. With the right approach, you can expand your mindset, build valuable connections, and uncover new insights. To help you get there, I’ve put together a step-by-step guide using one of my favorite tools: an acronym!In this episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, you’ll discover how to maximize your personal brand impact at conferences. We’ll cover crafting an effective elevator pitch, setting clear goals, networking with purpose, and following up to create lasting connections that truly matter.2:00 - Crafting your elevator pitch: what to include, the value of adding fun facts, and the importance of how you sound as you introduce yourself8:21 - Organizing your goals for conferences: suggestions, recommendations, and the benefit of flexibility10:56 - Networking with intent: how to prepare beforehand and the importance of quality over quantity13:13 - Following up effectively: how to make connections, use streamlining tools, and approach your follow-up messages16:50 - Engaging before and after the conference: how to use social media and prepare for and continue conversations online19:07 - Researching the event: how to use the past to maximize your opportunities20:32 - Elevating your online presence: what you can do before you attend any conference23:20 - Navigating the conference agenda: tools to plan your schedule and how to add value and leave time for decompression and self-care26:45 - Creating branded materials: suggestions for easy connection and communicating key information28:35 - Engaging authentically: how to appear in conversations and what to avoid while conversing with other peopleMentioned In How to Prepare for a Conference to Maximize Your Personal Brand ImpactCorporate Counsel Women of Color Conference Branding Room Only Interview With Laurie Robinson Haden: Shining Brightly - Part 1Branding Room Only Interview With Laurie Robinson Haden: Shining Brightly - Part 2Personal Branding Boosters and Bruisers: Attending ConferencesSubscribe to The Branding Room Only on YouTubeMaximize Your Event Attendance: 12 Strategies to Amplify Your Personal BrandThis 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.

If you want to have a strong personal brand and strive for continued branding and business success, you must have a willingness to learn new things and adapt to new technology. That’s what makes Richard Bliss’s understanding of modern communication tools like AI and LinkedIn so unique.Richard is the CEO of BlissPoint Consulting and one of LinkedIn’s Top Voices. With decades of knowledge from the world of marketing and sales, he’s a personal branding master who has presented in over 20 countries. His book Digital-First Leadership is full of real-life stories, first-hand research, and countless insightful conversations aimed at helping business leaders master social media and build their online presence.In this episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, you’ll learn about the challenges of selling the concept of personal branding to executives, how generative AI is changing everything, and why treating LinkedIn like other platforms is a mistake. Richard will teach you how to strategically use LinkedIn for professional growth and brand-building success.00:55 - How Richard defines personal branding, describes himself, reveals how he created his mantra, and names his hype music7:37 - Why Richard had to adapt to new environments and find commonality with others as a kid11:49 - How Richard had to reinvent himself for success after getting fired from his Chief Marketing Officer job22:09 - Challenges of selling personal branding to executives in increasingly diverse workspaces29:35 - How generative AI is impacting society and whether to embrace or turn away from it35:24 - How AI can connect the dots, perform a function faster, and even uncover a weakness in your competition41:02 - How LinkedIn is fundamentally different than all the other social media platforms (and therefore, requires a different approach)49:48 - The secret to audience engagement and brand building on LinkedIn56:08 - What you’ll never find Richard doing in his business and the magic he brings to other peopleMentioned In LinkedIn Strategies and Leadership Tips to Master Personal Branding with Richard BlissBlissPoint Consulting | LinkedIn | Email: rbliss@blisscorp.comDigital-First Leadership by Richard BlissFunding the Dream podcastChatGPT | Midjourney“How to Navigate Generational Friction in the Workplace with Chris De Santis”Subscribe 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.

In early 2020, the world witnessed the rapid spread of a pandemic that brought many industries to a standstill, but the healthcare system remained overwhelmed, exposing deep-seated issues within it. One of the stark realities brought to the forefront was the persistent health inequities that disproportionately affect Black people. As the healthcare system buckled under the weight of COVID-19, it also unveiled the long-standing racial disparities in medical care.Amid this crisis, Dr. Uché Blackstock emerged as a leading voice, one of the first to raise awareness about racial health inequities during the pandemic. Through her consulting firm, Advancing Health Equity, and her bestselling memoir Legacy: A Black Physician Reckons with Racism in Medicine, Dr. Blackstock confronts systemic racism in healthcare and advocates for meaningful change.In this episode of Branding Room Only, Paula Edgar and Dr. Blackstock dive into her inspiring journey from Brooklyn to Harvard and beyond, highlighting her battle against racism in healthcare and her passion for public health and equity. Dr. Blackstock shares personal stories, detailing how her upbringing in Brooklyn and her mother’s legacy shaped her path, as well as her approach to healthcare equity. They also discuss the profound impact of racial bias in healthcare on Black communities and the need to support Black-led community-based organizations to advance health equity.1:46 - Dr. Blackstock’s personal brand and three-word description, favorite quote, and the hype song she plays right before she gives a speech6:19 - How Dr. Blackstock’s personal brand and educational journey was shaped by her surroundings and her mother15:17 - Dr. Blackstock’s career journey and the effect of expectation on Black women’s health22:01 - What inspired her to create her consulting firm and sound the alarm about racial health inequity27:57 - The most challenging barriers Dr. Blackstock has encountered as she tries implementing change in the healthcare system32:12 - The catalyst that inspired Dr. Blackstock to write Legacy and why people (especially students) should read it40:00 - What you can do to support racial health equity and culturally responsive healthcare in marginalized communities42:26 - The dearest role in Dr. Blackstock’s life, the uncompromisable aspect of her brand, and the ability she was born with that helps her with public speakingMentioned In How Health Inequity Impacts Black Communities with Dr. Uché BlackstockAdvancing Health Equity | LinkedIn | InstagramLegacy: A Black Physician Reckons with Racism in Medicine by Uché Blackstock, MDWeathering: The Extraordinary Stress of Ordinary Life in an Unjust Society by Arline T. GeronimusHarlem Chi Community AcupunctureMy Brother’s Keeper (MBK) | My Sister’s Keeper (MSK)Sponsor for this episodeTo learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.

September 11, 2001, is a date that lives in infamy. But the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center that day were an intensely personal experience for my family. For my father, Peter Griffith, the loss of his wife and my mother, Joan Donna Griffith, in that tragedy had an immediate and long-lasting effect that has reshaped our lives.In the second half of our conversation on the Branding Room Only podcast, you’ll hear our candid discussion about the events of that day, the overwhelming grief that followed, and how we got through our darkest days as a family. Through our recollections, we uncover the crucial role of support systems, from legal and financial planning to the unwavering support of family and friends, and reveal how my mother’s legacy of love, resiliency, and the enduring bonds of family lives on.1:10 - How we learned about the attacks and our initial shock and disbelief10:53 - How we began to process our grief in the immediate aftermath17:04 - Reflections on the time we got to spend with Joan right before 9/11 and the “last piece of love” she gave me that August25:32 - The memorialization of Joan and the day we went to retrieve her waterlogged purse from Lower Manhattan30:22 - The challenge of navigating grief in the public eye and managing personal pain amidst widespread sympathy40:18 - How Joan’s values and love are influencing and shaping future generations in the family and the lasting impact of 9/11Mentioned In The Life & Legacy of Joan Donna Griffith: A Conversation with Peter Griffith“A Tribute to My Mother Joan Donna Griffith”Angela Titus on LinkedInSage SoftwareSubscribe to The Branding Room Only on 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.

We’re molded by those who support us along the way. These people come in the form of mentors, teachers, friends, and family. And for many of us, no figures are more essential than our parents.My father, Peter Griffith, was born in Barbados and immigrated to Brooklyn, NY at 14 years old. For 20 years, he was married to Joan Donna Griffith (a.k.a. Mommy) and raised two kids. Then, the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, took her life…but not her legacy.In the first half of our conversation on the Branding Room Only podcast, we look back and celebrate a woman who was a foundational part of our lives and helped develop me as a person and motivated professional. You’ll learn about how my parents met and started a family, and take a deep dive into my mother’s legacy and who she was as a person.1:47 - Challenging experiences and transformations that Peter underwent in junior high and high school after immigrating to the U.S.10:01 - Peter’s early career struggles and his reflections on the socio-economic and racial barriers he encountered16:04 - How Peter met Joan and the challenges and triumphs of blending families24:39 - Anecdotes about Peter and Joan’s early life together and their loving and resilient partnership despite life’s hurdles30:46 - Joan’s love of reading Harlequin romance novels and the family dynamic shift that came with the arrival of my younger sister37:18 - The 1993 World Trade Center bombing and how Joan was a lifeline to what was happening while I went to boarding school41:07 - Joan’s multitasking prowess while maintaining a polished appearance and high standards44:43 - How music from the 60s and home videos captured everyday family moments and contributed to a rich tapestry of cherished memories50:02 - Joan’s dreams and aspirations and how she earned respect and loyalty in her careerMentioned In The Life & Legacy of Joan Donna Griffith: A Conversation with Peter Griffith“A Tribute to My Mother Joan Donna Griffith”Subscribe to The Branding Room Only on 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.

Oftentimes when we talk about personal branding on the show, we’re talking about the image you present metaphorically, in terms of the attributes and qualities you choose to embody and express. However, the literal image you present of yourself also plays a crucial role and can significantly impact how others perceive you. So how can you use photography as the powerful tool it is to help you build and maintain a compelling brand?In this episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, you’ll learn about my insights into how to ensure your photos work in your favor. Drawing from my lifelong passion and experience with photography, I’ll cover everything from the importance of professional headshots to practical DIY tips for taking great pictures with your smartphone.00:49 - Why photos are such a critical component of your personal brand3:07 - Photo preparation tips to get you ready for your close-up8:47 - Why investing in a professional photographer can elevate your brand (and how to choose one)10:31 - DIY photo tips for using your smartphone to capture high-quality photos13:31 - How selfies can add a personal touch to your brand while complementing your professional photos15:14 - The importance of a cohesive, up-to-date photo strategy across social media and professional platformsMentioned In Picture Perfect: Paula’s Rules for Capturing Your Personal Brand with the Right Photos“Paula's Top 10 Rules for Perfect Photos: Prep, Posing, and More”Jirel “Jay” McClinton (Dos Ojos Media) | LinkedInSubscribe 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.

Having a personal board of directors can significantly transform how you navigate your personal and professional journey.In this episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, you’ll learn how assembling a well-chosen team of trusted advisors can significantly enhance your growth through invaluable support, guidance, and feedback, ultimately helping you build and sustain a compelling personal brand. I’ll also give you an acronym you can use to help you put together your personal board of directors.1:00 - Make-up of a personal board of directors and what to look for when choosing members3:25 - The importance of clear communication in setting boundaries and expectations with board members5:47 - The key to receiving valuable feedback from your board and why emotional support is huge9:57 - How you can use your board of directors for amplification, brainstorming, and networking15:42 - Two more things to consider as you’re choosing and working with your board members18:16 - A practical framework for creating and nurturing your personal board of directorsMentioned In How to Assemble and Leverage Your Personal Board of Directors2024 Intention and Goal SettingCouncil of Urban ProfessionalsSubscribe 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.

Having trusted mentors and colleagues can help you stay on point and aligned with your personal branding. By embracing their feedback, you can overcome petty branding behaviors and maintain a brand that is both authentic and credible, even amidst challenges and faltering moments.In the conclusion of this series on the Branding Room Only podcast, you’ll learn about the transformative power of feedback and its crucial role in realigning your actions with your brand values. Drawing from personal experience, I’ll highlight how constructive criticism from a member of your personal board of directors can act as a mirror, reflecting blind spots and areas needing improvement.1:15 - How feedback serves as a growth catalyst and preventative measure against petty branding behavior3:43 - The realignment process I went through for my brand after a trusted colleague gave me feedback about my behavior9:07 - Tips to help you incorporate feedback as a regular practice and the importance of self-awareness and accountabilityMentioned In Petty Branding: Navigating Ego and Embracing Constructive FeedbackPetty Branding: What It Is and How It Impacts Your LeadershipPetty Branding: Lessons from a Leadership MisstepSubscribe 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.

Sometimes you slip up and don’t show up in the way you want. Consistently showing up in excellence is a bedrock of my personal brand and one of the things I pride myself on. But when a new leader arrived within an organization I was collaborating with, for a variety of reasons, my behavior didn’t show my brand in the best light. After reflecting on what happened, I want to share some key takeaways that can help you strive to do better if you find yourself in a similar situation.In this episode, which is part 2 of the 3 part series of the Branding Room Only podcast, you’ll hear a little about my experience and the impactful lessons I learned from it (Listen to Part 1 here). I’ll reveal how you can reflect the brand you want to present to the world by comparing what I did with what I should have done.1:15 - How petty new leadership turned an organization (and the way I usually present myself) on its head3:40 - Key things that can impact how you show up professionally6:36 - How I showed up versus how I should have shown up9:08 - Quick summary of lessons learned and a sneak peek at part three of the seriesMentioned In Petty Branding: Lessons from a Leadership MisstepPetty Branding: What It Is and How It Impacts Your LeadershipSubscribe 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.