Branding Room Only with Paula T. Edgar

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 clientWe'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.

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.We're starting off 2026 with a bang with my New Year's Intention and Goal Setting session on January 3rd, and then my new three-part series, LinkedIn Strategy for Lawyers: Build a Brand that Works for You, running January through March. Reserve your seat at paulaedgar.com/events.

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.We're starting off 2026 with a bang with my New Year's Intention and Goal Setting session on January 3rd, and then my new three-part series, LinkedIn Strategy for Lawyers: Build a Brand that Works for You, running January through March. Reserve your seat at paulaedgar.com/events.

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 We're starting off 2026 with a bang with my New Year's Intention and Goal Setting session on January 3rd, and then my new three-part series, LinkedIn Strategy for Lawyers: Build a Brand that Works for You, running January through March. Reserve your seat at paulaedgar.com/events.

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.We're starting off 2026 with a bang with my New Year's Intention and Goal Setting session on January 3rd, and then my new three-part series, LinkedIn Strategy for Lawyers: Build a Brand that Works for You, running January through March. Reserve your seat at paulaedgar.com/events.

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.We're starting off 2026 with a bang with my New Year's Intention and Goal Setting session on January 3rd, and then my new three-part series, LinkedIn Strategy for Lawyers: Build a Brand that Works for You, running January through March. Reserve your seat at paulaedgar.com/events.

1:06 - Why Rudhir sees personal branding like a storefront and how he identifies his mission5:07 - Rudhir’s favorite quote and the connection between self-expression and authenticity (particularly in relation to executive presence)7:48 - Rudhir’s hype songs and the impact that practicing gratitude can have on you and your brand11:53 - Rudhir’s background and how he transitioned from law firm partner to his current role15:20 - How Rudhir integrated mindfulness practices into his legal career and its impact on how he showed up as a professional24:17 - Why we lean into business development and the first step toward attaining future success for junior attorneys33:35 - The importance of investing in relationships in legal practice and building trust in business development43:20 - The hangup you might have about self-promotion and resources to help you start your mindfulness journey49:32 - Outer action you can take for business development that’ll make the marketing and branding work easier50:50 - What Rudhir does for fun, what he’ll never compromise on brand-wise, and what he offers others as a Branding Room Only experienceMentioned In Mindfulness, Leadership, and the Power of Authentic Branding with Rudhir KrishtelRudhir Krishtel | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Twitter/X“The New Rules of Executive Presence” by Sylvia Ann Hewlett | Harvard Business ReviewThe Artist’s Way by Julia CameronAccess Rudhir’s Guided MeditationsPaula’s Annual Intention and Goal Setting Webinar for 2025Personal 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.We're starting off 2026 with a bang with my New Year's Intention and Goal Setting session on January 3rd, and then my new three-part series, LinkedIn Strategy for Lawyers: Build a Brand that Works for You, running January through March. Reserve your seat at paulaedgar.com/events.

In a world where success often feels scripted, Morenike Williams knows the power of rewriting your own story. As a seasoned executive turned CEO of Revision Coaching, she’s redefining what fulfillment means on her terms. As a coach, she helps others do the same by combining her real-world experience with intentional, personalized strategies.In this episode of Branding Room Only, Morenike and I dive into the importance of emotional intelligence, feedback, and authentic communication for building a personal brand that truly resonates. Together, we unpack how emotional intelligence goes beyond self-awareness, why feedback is an invaluable tool—even when it’s difficult to hear—and how clear, direct communication can elevate your professional impact. This conversation will inspire you to dig deeper into your personal brand and approach each step of your journey with authenticity and purpose.1:14 - What personal brand means to Morenike, how she defines herself in three words, the Dolly Parton quote she loves, and her go-to hype song(s)6:14 - How Morenike’s childhood as a Black girl in Tampa proper shaped her work ethic and the way she navigates spaces12:03 - How Morenike’s experiences as a kid in navigating spaces as “other” led to her college and career path17:48 - The importance of having emotional intelligence and how the lack of it can make or break your brand23:54 - Morenike’s advice for anyone struggling to do the emotional intelligence work needed to move forward32:10 - How the way you receive feedback (verbally and non-verbally) can impact others’ view of you and your brand38:01 - Why who you receive feedback from can be a challenge and how to apply filters to sift through the feedback you get42:57 - How passive-aggressiveness in your communication impacts your brand and ability to navigate the spaces you occupy49:11 - Two brand aspects that Morenike will always stand by and the unique sauce that is her Branding Room Only magicMentioned In Navigating Feedback, Branding, and EQ in Leadership with Morenike WilliamsRevision Coaching | LinkedIn | Instagram | FacebookPetty Branding Series:What It Is and How It Impacts Your LeadershipLessons from a Leadership MisstepNavigating Ego and Embracing Constructive FeedbackAccess Paula’s Recommended Coaches of ColorPersonal Branding Strategy SessionsSubscribe to The Branding Room Only on YouTubeSponsor 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 chWe'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.

Do you ever feel like you’re holding back your voice to fit in, get along, or simply navigate your day? Silence can be an invisible barrier—one that affects us personally, professionally, and generationally, especially for those from marginalized communities. Elaine Lin Hering understands this deeply. As an immigrant, she’s navigated the unspoken expectations of silence and has learned to reclaim her voice. Now, as a USA Today best-selling author and expert on communication and conflict management, Elaine is helping others unlearn the silence that holds them back.In this episode of Branding Room Only, Elaine and I explore the costs of silence and how it shows up in marginalized communities, at work, and even in our closest relationships. She shares insights from her book Unlearning Silence, breaking down how silence can stifle not only our voices but also our personal brands. Together, we’ll discuss how to recognize and unlearn silence, embrace your inherent worth, and use your voice authentically to show up fully as yourself.1:01 - Elaine’s personal brand definition, how she’d describe herself, the mantra she currently holds onto, and her hype song4:11 - How Elaine’s upbringing and career path served as the inspiration behind Unlearning Silence8:50 - How silence shows up in women of color and other marginalized identities and what that might mean for their brands14:15 - The unintentional silencing of others that occurs and the difference between strategic versus oppressive silence19:42 - How to start owning your voice in spaces where you want to be heard and the importance of unlearning generational silence27:28 - The one question Elaine asks her clients that she wishes she didn’t have to and the issue with “imposter syndrome” framing32:16 - Self-silencing as a learned condition and trauma response35:14 - How silence can be very detrimental to your brand-building and personal relationships44:34 - Elaine’s message and advice for those with marginalized identities trying to be resilient in spaces contributing to their continued silence49:09 - What Elaine does for fun, the part of her brand she’ll always stand by, and the Branding Room Only experience she providesMentioned In How Unlearning Silence Saves Your Brand from Sabotage with Elaine Lin HeringElaine Lin Hering | LinkedIn | InstagramUnlearning Silence: How to Speak Your Mind, Unleash Talent, and Live More Fully by Elaine Lin Hering“Stop Telling Women They Have Imposter Syndrome” by Ruchika Tulshyan and Jodi-Ann Burey | Harvard Business ReviewSubscribe to The Branding Room Only on YouTubeSponsor 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 We're starting off 2026 with a bang with my New Year's Intention and Goal Setting session on January 3rd, and then my new three-part series, LinkedIn Strategy for Lawyers: Build a Brand that Works for You, running January through March. Reserve your seat at paulaedgar.com/events.

This year, we’ve been lucky to hear from some truly incredible guests on the show. Each conversation brought unique insights and thoughtful lessons about the power and nuances of personal branding. As we wind down 2024 and look toward the new year, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the moments that have stood out most.In this episode of Branding Room Only, I’m revisiting some of my favorite guest insights and the messages that inspired me most this year. From strategies to reimagine your brand to stories that challenged how I think about success, I’ll highlight the conversations that left a lasting impact—and I hope they’ll inspire you as much as they’ve inspired me.1:08 - Favorite guest insights on resilience, networking, and workplace communication2:48 - Guests with powerful insights on advocacy, managing, authentic storytelling, and navigating difficult conversations4:55 - Guests who best illustrate how creativity and the arts intersect with personal branding6:16 - Guests who brought their unique perspectives on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)8:57 - Reflections on two special episodes released this year that are close to my heartMentioned In Guests I'm Grateful For in 2024: Reflecting on Favorite Moments and MessagesLinks for Each Episode MentionedPersonal 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.We're starting off 2026 with a bang with my New Year's Intention and Goal Setting session on January 3rd, and then my new three-part series, LinkedIn Strategy for Lawyers: Build a Brand that Works for You, running January through March. Reserve your seat at paulaedgar.com/events.