Branding Room Only with Paula T. Edgar

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 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.

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.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.

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.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.

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.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.

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.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.

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.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.

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.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 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 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.

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.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.

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 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.