Branding Room Only with Paula T. Edgar

Have you ever had to deal with a petty leader in your organization? I’ve discussed brand boosters and bruisers on the show before, and pettiness definitely falls into the bruiser category. However, reflecting on an encounter I had years ago has inspired me to branch off the topic of petty branding into a three-part mini-pod series to help you build a stronger, more impactful brand.In this first episode of the series on the Branding Room Only podcast, you’ll hear how the word ‘petty’ is officially defined and learn the acronym I created for it. I’ll also give a brief introduction to my story of dealing with a petty leader and reveal a few ways in which pettiness as part of your brand impacts your leadership and organization.00:21 - How Webster and The Urban Dictionary define petty and my acronym for it2:18 - Brief introduction to my story dealing with a petty successor to a visionary leader5:27 - Examples of the consequences of being petty in your brandingMentioned In Petty Branding: What It Is and How It Impacts Your LeadershipPersonal Branding Boosters and Bruisers: Attending ConferencesPersonal Branding Bruisers: Paula’s Professional Pet PeevesSubscribe 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 single word can carry a lot of weight. In an increasingly diverse world, we need experts like Dr. Suzanne Wertheim who know how to navigate inclusive language in ways that can promote connections and get past resistance. Suzanne is a linguistic anthropologist and author of The Inclusive Language Field Guide, which outlines six principles to help you avoid painful and sometimes costly communication mistakes. She emphasizes the role of science-based approaches by applying linguistic anthropology to modern, real-world communication problems.In this episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, you’ll hear about the significance of empathy and accountability in communication and how problematic language affects individuals, companies, and brands. Suzanne will give real examples of the consequences of using exclusive language and mitigating the impact when you communicate in an insensitive fashion.00:55 - The role of alignment in personal branding and why Suzanne uses the words curious, educational, and perfectionist to describe herself4:41 - Suzanne’s favorite quote that emphasizes the contradiction and complexity of human nature, songs that hype her up, and the silver lining gift the world gained from the African diaspora10:37 - How Suzanne grew up with a very New York City orientation (and still has a lot of it in her) despite living in California for about as long15:23 - Why Suzanne left tech, became interested in linguistic anthropology, and decided to branch away from professorship and out into the world19:50 - How Suzanne sneaks under other people’s resistance radar23:08 - How Suzanne became a national expert on inclusive language and the empathy deficit that leads to resistance30:47 - What drove Suzanne to write the Inclusive Language Field Guide35:35 - How Kellogg’s CEO damaged his brand with insensitive comments and the two words that tanked a $4 million sale39:55 - How a multi-million dollar sale was saved thanks to an apology and recognition of exclusive language impact44:04 - How inclusive language is like a design challenge and intersects with communication and understanding cultural differences54:12 - How Suzanne incorporates animals into her branding for fun, why she’ll always bring the social science, her surprising Branding Room Only attributeConnect With Dr. Suzanne WertheimSuzanne Wertheim, PhD | LinkedInWorthwhile Research & ConsultingMentioned In How Inclusive Language Skills Impact Your Brand with Dr. Suzanne WertheimInclusive Language Field Guide: 6 Simple Principles for Avoiding Painful Mistakes and Communicating Respectfully by Suzanne Wertheim, PhDSponsor 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.

The world does not evolve without innovation, yet often innovative ideas and solutions are blocked due to individual, institutional, and structural barriers. To move in a more equitable direction, it takes figuring out how to use whatever the blocks are and turn them into catalysts.Squire Servance understands this when it comes to capitalism and is drawing resources together to support his vision. He’s a health equity advocate with a passion for focusing on providing an avenue for accessible, innovative healthcare solutions for all, which he does with his investment firm Syridex Bio.In this episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, you’ll learn about how this investment firm is working to change the landscape and advance life sciences for underserved communities. He’ll also define what health equity is, discuss his non-traditional approach to acquiring capital to fund ventures, and much more!1:38 - What personal brand means to Squire, three words to describe him, quotes that keep him focused, and his hype song6:46 - The environment that taught Squire about hard work and ambition and got him interested in science9:16 - Squire’s pivot from science and medicine to law and business in his education journey and what that says about him13:59 - How Squire’s educational background came together early in his career and led to his interest in investing19:50 - How Squire’s investment firm focuses on helping underserved communities and where it gets its funding25:31 - What health equity is and why no single institution can achieve it alone30:25 - How to make it easier to pick and juggle opportunities and how that helps with branding33:48 - The legacy Squire wants to have, what he does for fun, two of his non-negotiable brand aspects, and the magic he can give othersConnect With Squire ServanceSquire Servance is the Founder and Managing Partner of Syridex Bio, an impact-driven, life sciences-focused investment firm geared toward investing in and developing therapies that accelerate global health equity. As Managing Partner, he oversees the firm’s operations, growth strategy, investment decisions, and fundraising execution.Syridex Bio | LinkedInMentioned In Integrity and Innovation: Squire Servance's Path to Advancing Health Equity2024 Intention and Goal Setting WebinarSubscribe 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.

The field of diversity, equity, and inclusion has many respected practitioners. But my guest this week is the OG (in both impact and brand), and someone I’ve admired for a long time. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to have her on the podcast!Vernā Myers is a renowned diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) pioneer with profound perspectives on the challenges and opportunities present in the field. She’s had several pivotal points in her career that highlight the significant impact of the work she’s done. In reflecting on the current global climate, Vernā emphasizes the need for imagination, courage, curiosity, and compassion in driving meaningful organizational change and a more inclusive world.In this episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, you’ll hear about Vernā’s insights about personal branding, the evolution of DEI through her journey, and the need to embrace inclusion in all aspects of work and life. You’ll also discover the importance of perspective in this work when facing obstacles, and so much more.1:47 - Vernā’s personal brand definition, the real trick to creating a brand, and her three-word description of herself4:44 - An amendment to Vernā’s trademark quote and why Jill Scott’s “Golden” is her hype song9:08 - How Vernā’s childhood (including MLK’s assassination when she was 8) and education shaped her journey13:32 - How Vernā went from practicing law to practicing DEI and what she attributes to her success21:29 - Some of the pivotal points in Vernā’s career in the process of becoming a DEI pioneer30:05 - The backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion and the problem with the idea of rebranding it40:00 - Vernā’s impactful DEI work at Netflix and how it helped her become a better leader46:40 - The biggest challenges and opportunities for DEI initiatives today and in the future53:43 - The uncompromisable aspect of Vernā’s brand and the Branding Room Only experience she brings to the worldMentioned In Building Brands with Integrity: A Conversation with DEI Pioneer Vernā MyersThe Vernā Myers CompanySundays with VernāVernā Myers’ TEDx TalkBooks by Vernā MyersBoston Lawyers Group“Building a Legacy: Insights on Leadership and Diversity in the Law with Robert J. Grey Jr.”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.

Independence Day is on the horizon, and what better way to celebrate the spirit of freedom and new beginnings than revisiting a conversation with a true pioneer! Michele Coleman Mays redefined leadership and advocacy during her distinguished career. She has served as the Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary for The New York Public Library and had key roles at Allstate Insurance Company and Pitney Bowes Inc. During our conversation, she shared her unique lens on personal branding, leadership, and career development.In this episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, you’ll learn about the difference between branding and reputation, the critical role of authenticity, and how to rethink the concept of retirement. Michele will also touch on various aspects and strategies in strong brand creation, best practices for enhancing your leadership and career skills, and more.2:26 - Michele’s personal branding definition, how she describes herself, a quote that’ll make you pause and think, and her hype songs7:00 - Two strategies that Michele used in building her personal brand9:07 - The evolution of Michele’s interaction with the business and leadership sides of different organizations12:12 - How personal branding and reputation differ and the necessity of keeping your audience in mind during interactions16:48 - Why you should still strive to access resources that help build your brand and skill set, even if you’re already at the top20:52 - The complexity of showing up authentically for minority groups in professional settings24:32 - Two things that surprised Michele the most while co-writing her book Courageous Counsel27:00 - Civic engagements that were integral to Michele’s career, how she reimagines the concept of retirement, and what she plans to do next33:05 - Two mistakes people make when networking for personal brand-building35:03 - What Michele always does for fun when traveling and her non-negotiable brand aspects, Branding Room Only Magic, and final words of adviceMentioned In Inspiring Independence: Reimagining Leadership and Branding with Michele Coleman MayesCourageous Counsel: Conversations with Women General Counsel in the Fortune 500 by Michele Coleman Mayes and Kara Sophia BaysingerMichele Coleman Mayes on LinkedInThe HistoryMakersCenter for Reproductive RightsAmerican College of Governance CounselBad Feminist by Roxane GaySubscribe 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.

The fight to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion has deep historical roots, marked by significant milestones and challenges, from the Civil Rights era to present-day initiatives, including the recent Supreme Court decision on affirmative action. Robert J. Grey Jr., President of the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD) and former President of the American Bar Association, has witnessed several pivotal moments in this ongoing battle. His experiences growing up during these transformative times have profoundly influenced his career and dedication to both leadership and advancing diversity in the legal profession.In this episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, Robert delves into his impactful career and the current state of diversity in law and society. He discusses the vital work of LCLD, the importance of mentorship, and the lessons learned from career successes and setbacks. Robert shares his insights on what it takes to continue moving forward and build a legacy that inspires.1:36 - Aspects of a successful personal brand, how Robert defines his brand, and his favorite quote and hype song9:20 - How his upbringing and schooling impacted Robert’s brand and career17:43 - What Robert learned about himself in not winning the 2008 Richmond mayoral race21:07 - What the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity is and why it’s important26:32 - Robert’s insights into the state of diversity in the country and the legal profession32:34 - A broader concept of mentorship and how it can be critical to your brand37:03 - How Robert made jury improvement and preservation his focus as American Bar Association president43:07 - The legacy Robert hopes to leave behind and what he does for fun49:39 - The inflection point confronting us right now and why persistence is so criticalMentioned In Building a Legacy: Insights on Leadership and Diversity in the Law with Robert Grey Jr.Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD) | X/TwitterAmerican Bar AssociationLegal Services CorporationSponsor 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 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!2:15 - Annette’s personal branding definition, three-word description of herself, favorite quotes, and hype song4:30 - The importance of reading and music in Annette’s life as a child6:31 - Annette’s non-traditional career trajectory as a lawyer, author, and professor10:09 - What motivated Annette to write about the Hemingses and Thomas Jefferson15:43 - The need to understand the truth in shaping the legacies and personal brands we hold dear18:28 - The significance of Juneteenth and why Annette wrote her book on it24:57 - Traditional Juneteenth celebrations Annette grew up with in Texas and newer ones she’s seen integrated into the holiday29:29 - The good and (potential) bad about Juneteenth and its importance in the context of American history36:37 - How Annette wants people in the future to remember her contribution to preserving a piece of American history38:31 - Finding fun and continuous growth in humbling activities42:27 - 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 ChildrenSponsor 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.

From the military to the music world, Paula Boggs has made her mark by bravely navigating new spaces and pioneering career paths for herself. After serving at the Pentagon and in the White House as an army officer, she spent a decade at Starbucks as its Chief Legal Officer before leaving to write and perform music with the Paula Boggs Band.As you listen to our conversation, you’ll be inspired and in awe. Her story is one of resilience, adaptability, and breaking barriers. And she inspires others to embrace their authenticity, find joy in their work, and make a positive impact in their respective fields.In this episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, you’ll learn about how Paula’s background influenced her leadership style and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Paula will also reveal the importance that mentorship and sponsorship can have in shaping careers, the value of servant leadership and the lasting impact it can have on an organization’s culture, and more!1:24 - What personal branding means to Paula and her three-word self-description, favorite Maya Angelou quote, and Jill Scott hype song3:32 - Why asking where Paula grew up has a more complicated answer than it does for most people13:22 - The role of law school as a delay strategy for Paula and how she used failure to open doors of opportunity23:08 - A textbook lesson in mentorship and sponsorship (and the difference between the two)31:28 - A need to be fulfilled in a job and how Paula continued to break ground in her career journey36:11 - How Paula got exposed to music at an early age and returned to writing and performing music after a 15-year hiatus41:51 - Why Paula stayed on as Starbucks General Counsel for a few years even as she felt called to do something different45:42 - Servant leadership as an essential attribute for good leaders and the legacy Paula left behind at Starbucks55:20 - Sources of joy for Paula, the one thing she’ll always stand by, and her Branding Room Only magicConnect With Paula BoggsBoggs Media, LLC | LinkedIn | Twitter/XPaula Boggs Band | Facebook | Twitter/X | Instagram | TikTok | SpotifyMentioned In Breaking Barriers, Pioneering Career Paths, and Making a Positive Impact with Paula BoggsCrafting a Personal Brand in the Corporate World with Zabrina JenkinsSponsor 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.

There’s something magical about anyone who not only understands their magic but taps into it, risks and all. Janinah Burnett has always been led to stand in her power with the gift God gave her, regardless of anyone else’s reservations.She’s an internationally renowned Broadway and Metropolitan opera soprano who has played the role of Carlotta Giudicelli in Phantom of the Opera and Mimi in Baz Luhrmann’s La Bohème. Recently, she released an album featuring collaborative arrangements that fuse classical and jazz while showcasing her ability to create boundary-pushing music.In this episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, you’ll learn about Janinah’s commitment to innovative, uninhibited singing and passion for honoring the legacy of past musicians through her own art. She also discusses how she focuses on helping new musicians produce sound in a healthy, uninhibited manner.1:38 - How Janinah describes personal brand, herself in three words, the quote that’s been the driving force of her career, and her hype song5:56 - The influence of growing up in an artistic community and attending Spelman University as an aspiring musician15:06 - How Janinah started performing on Broadway at age 23 and fiercely leads with her talent, no matter what23:59 - How Janinah and I met and what it was like for her to perform at The Met in New York and learn to speak Italian29:38 - The opera song Janinah loves singing the most and the Broadway character who had a huge impact on her development34:15 - The magic that went into creating Janinah’s album and the power of the language of music42:05 - How the album’s title reflects Janinah’s brand, how she supports new musicians, and why the body itself is an instrument46:55 - Janinah sings a few inspirational lines and reveals what she does for fun, her uncompromisable brand aspect, and her Branding Room Only skillConnect With Janinah BurnettJaninah Burnett | Instagram | FacebookListen to Love the Color of Your Butterfly Mentioned In Innovation and Honoring Legacy Through the Magic of Music with Janinah BurnettBranding Room Only podcast interview with Sonya Olds SomMalcolm J. MerriweatherSponsor 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 a world where personal branding and negotiation are essential skills, Damali Peterman stands out as a trailblazer. With her diverse background as a lawyer, mediator, and CEO of Breakthrough ADR, Damali brings a unique perspective to the table. Her new book, Negotiating While Black: Be Who You Are to Get What You Want, delves into the intricacies of negotiating with authenticity and confidence, especially within the Black community. In it, she has taken her experience and years of study and research in conflict resolution and mediation to address the unique challenges and experiences of each person, including people who are not Black (title notwithstanding).In this episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, you’ll learn about some aspects of her toolkit you can use for personalized, inclusive negotiation. She’ll also reveal why her book is for everyone and how authentic thoughtfulness and good listenership impact her brand and can impact yours.1:16 - Damali defines personal brand in three ways and herself in three words, shares a relevant Bob Marley quote, and reveals her hype song and love of music11:55 - How growing up in Washington D.C. shaped her worldview and desire to make a difference in her communities14:26 - Damali’s journey from college to entrepreneurship and why she felt compelled to start her own business21:10 - The inspiration behind Damali’s book and the importance of representation and inclusivity in negotiation books25:14 - Why the book is titled Negotiating While Black and why, despite the title, it isn’t just a book for Black people32:31 - How Damali has built her personal brand and how it shapes her work37:00 - Examples of the effects of stereotype threat and collective trauma and using cognitive reappraisal to reframe situations45:59 - Things that make Damali’s heart joyful and how being thoughtfully authentic and a good listener helps with your brandMentioned In Filling In the Inclusivity Gaps Found In Negotiation Advice with Damali Peterman, Esq.Damali Peterman | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedInBreakthrough ADRNegotiating While Black: Be Who You Are to Get What You Want by Damali PetermanSponsor 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.