Branding Room Only with Paula T. Edgar

Nicole Lester Arrindell is an attorney, trusted strategic advisor, TEDx Speaker, sought after moderator and thought partner. She serves as Government Relations Counsel and Chief of Staff to the Chief Legal Officer at Equitable, a Fortune 500 financial services company. Nicole also serves as President-Elect of the Metropolitan Black Bar Association in New York City. For show notes and more information, visit paulaedgar.com/podcast. In this episode… Being a moderator is a pivotal role to showcase your knowledge and skills and expertise of the panelists. While it may seem easy on the outside, the process can be challenging if not done strategically and thoughtfully. Moderating requires preparation and social tact, balancing the needs of the audience and the panelists. The best moderators learn from experience, but there are plenty of helpful tips to aid in learning. So what should you know to prepare for your next moderating opportunity? In this episode of Branding Room Only, Paula T. Edgar is joined by Nicole Lester Arrindel to discuss moderation of panels at conferences and events. They break down the most important tips and best ways to prepare when moderating. They also talk about pre-conference communication, synthesis, professionalism, and how to use the opportunity of moderating to boost your personal brand.

Laurie Robinson Haden is an accomplished corporate attorney and leader with extensive experience advocating for diversity and inclusion in the legal profession. She is the Founder and CEO of Corporate Counsel Women of Color (CCWC)—and the author of It's Time To Shine: A Guide For Professionals of Color on How to Advance Their Career. Recognized by Savoy magazine as one of the country’s "Most Influential Black Lawyers," Laurie has fostered a community of over 5000 members (and growing)! Join us for part two of this two-part episode as we delve deeper into Laurie's journey and explore her visionary plans for the future. For show notes and more information, visit paulaedgar.com/podcast. In this episode… In the previous episode of Branding Room Only, Laurie Robinson Haden discussed how to shine brightly through community and personal branding.  In this episode of Branding Room Only, Paula Edgar continues her conversation with Laurie Robinson Haden, the CEO of Corporate Counsel Women of Color (CCWC)—and the author of It's Time To Shine: A Guide For Professionals of Color on How to Advance Their Career—to discuss how to invest in yourself. They talk about sabbaticals, the difference between hustling and grinding, how to prioritize your growth and why It’s time to Shine for professionals of color!

Laurie Robinson Haden is an accomplished corporate attorney and leader with extensive experience advocating for diversity and inclusion in the legal profession. She is the Founder and CEO of Corporate Counsel Women of Color (CCWC) and the author of It's Time To Shine: A Guide For Professionals of Color on How to Advance Their Career. Recognized by Savoy magazine as one of the country’s "Most Influential Black Lawyers," Laurie has fostered a community of over 5000 members (and growing)!  Join us for part one of this two part episode to hear more about Laurie’s path and her vision for the future, continuing to support professionals of color to overcome challenges and achieve career success.  For show notes and more information, visit paulaedgar.com/podcast. In this episode… Finding a supportive community is crucial for long-term professional and personal success. A personal brand can be magnified and enhanced by helping others and being open to receiving help. One challenge is finding the community and having the vehicle to develop strong relationships and building a reliable network to grow and allocate your resources.  Leadership is having the vision to create these spaces.  Laurie Robinson Haden created her non-profit organization, Corporate Counsel Women of Color (CCWC) to fill that niche for women of color attorneys. The community that she has developed through the CCWC conferences have fostered support, collaboration, and continued professional successes for its participants.  Now, in addition to continuing to expand CCWC, Laurie has taken lessons learned and observations from her career and put them into her advice filled and actionable new book, It's Time To Shine: A Guide For Professionals of Color on How to Advance Their Career.  In part one of this two part episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, Paula Edgar interviews Laurie Robinson Haden, the President and CEO of Corporate Counsel Women of Color (CCWC), to discuss how she developed her personal brand, CCWC’s ongoing initiatives, and It's Time To Shine: A Guide For Professionals of Color on How to Advance Their Career . They go through Laurie’s background, what she learned from her community, and her experience building CCWC from an idea to a movement.

Jay Sullivan is an author, an experienced consultant, and the former Managing Partner at Exec|Comm LLC.  Jay volunteered at an orphanage in Jamaica, chronicling his experience in his first book, Raising Gentle Men: Lives at the Orphanage Edge.  His second book, Simply Said: Communicating Better at Work & Beyond, instead synthesizes his expertise in business communication. In this conversation with Paula, Jay discusses his new book, The New Nimble: Leading in the Age of Change.  The book is an actionable guide to implementing flexibility and creativity in your career and leadership. For show notes and more information, visit paulaedgar.com/podcast. In this episode… Personal brands are often presented as a list of personal achievements. It is all too easy to rehash your resume and forget to establish yourself as a person. While that information is valuable, what matters most is your value addition. Starting there both humanizes and appeals to those in your network. Jay Sullivan has built this philosophy into his brand from the beginning. The result is a winding, fruitful career. His main focus is helping others communicate well and remain flexible in an evolving business landscape. So, how can his expertise add value to your career? In this episode of Branding Room Only, Paula Edgar invites Jay Sullivan to talk about brand building and staying nimble. They discuss his unique story, how he defines his brand and key reflections in his new book The New Nimble. They then break down how to adapt throughout your career, the value of focusing on your audience, and refining your brand through writing.

Ifeoma Ike, Esq., is a Partner at Pink Cornrows, a national firm specializing in public policy, communications, and social impact for women and people of color. A lifelong advocate of equity, Ifeoma is the author of The Equity Mindset: Designing Human Spaces Through Journeys, Reflections, and Practices.  Ifeoma frequently appears as a guest expert in policy, political dynamics, communication and behavior, diversity and inclusion, criminal justice reform, and equity in data and tech. Additionally, she is an award-winning playwright and creative director. For show notes and more information, visit paulaedgar.com/podcast. In this episode… Each personal brand should include some form of advocacy. Countless issues and battles desperately need support in the current times. When placed in leadership, it is both a right and a responsibility to leverage your platform to find your causes and help others. While this looks different for everyone, Ifeoma Ike discovered her voice in policy reform and equity advocacy. Ifeoma has led a vast career focused on creating equitable spaces, drawing directly from her story. Her public persona is marked by action, education, and creating strategic narratives. So, how can these ideals be translated to your brand? In this episode of Branding Room Only, Paula Edgar speaks with Ifeoma Ike, a Partner at Pink Cornrows, to talk about advocacy and the concept of flawed bravery. They reflect on Ifeoma’s career and life, her approach to branding, creating equitable spaces, and the message of her new book, The Equity Mindset: Designing Human Spaces Through Journeys, Reflections, and Practices.

Paula T. Edgar is an attorney, speaker, and CEO of PGE Consulting Group LLC, a strategy firm specializing in professional development and diversity, equity, and inclusion solutions for organizations. She is an expert in personal branding, leadership, networking, leveraging social media, and business development. In the last year, Paula delivered keynote speeches and facilitated workshops for over 10,000 attendees. Paula has written for and been featured in publications such as the New York Times, Bloomberg Law, Business Insider, and US News. For show notes and more information, visit paulaedgar.com/podcast. In this episode… Personal branding is just as much about the minute decisions as the larger ones. Small details can add up to a complete picture, displaying yourself as composed and reliable. However, these specifics are often overlooked or only observable to people on the outside. Paula Edgar has worked with countless people on their brands and has developed a list of these common oversights. In response, she has some easy tips to make sure you appear your very best. In this episode of Branding Room Only, Paula Edgar breaks down her personal branding pet peeves and how to avoid them. She explains the common issues with calendars, introductions, nametags, group chats, and much more. She also talks about communicating if you will be late and the inarguable value of proofreading.

Michelle Banks is a Senior Advisor and Executive Coach for BarkerGilmore, a boutique executive firm focusing on legal and compliance recruiting, executive search, coaching, and advising. As a former general counsel, she facilitates leadership development and support by coaching general counsels, delivering keynote speeches, and leading workshops. Michelle is a co-author of Women in Law: Discovering the True Meaning of Success and is a board member on several initiatives that support women in the legal profession. For show notes and more information, visit paulaedgar.com/podcast. In this episode… Building a community as a lawyer or business professional is an invaluable resource. While the fruits of your labor may not be visible initially, the long-term dividends are well worth the effort. If executed effectively, the people around you will reflect and amplify your personal brand. As a coach working with women general counsels, Michelle Banks has cultivated an impactful brand. Her advice is to build a strong network organically and find likeminded people who share your vision. She has used this approach to support and strengthen women practicing law. Learn her tips for those looking to create widespread, meaningful change. In this episode of Branding Room Only, Paula Edgar talks with Michelle Banks, Senior Advisor and Executive Coach for BarkerGilmore, to discuss community building and inclusion for lawyers. They break down helpful tips, do’s and don’ts, and examples of how to build a personal brand and a strong professional relationships

Theodora Lee is a Senior Partner, Shareholder, and Trial Lawyer for Littler Mendelson P.C., a labor and employment firm. She handles complex litigation across all state and federal courts in California, specializing in wage and hour class actions, discrimination class actions, general employment litigation, and labor relations law. In addition to her extensive law career, Theodora is the Owner and Vinter at Theopolis Vineyards, a small lot vineyard and winery in California's Yorkville Highlands. For show notes and more information, visit paulaedgar.com/podcast/. In this episode… When building a personal brand, we often feel restricted by external expectations and internal limitations. The reality is that the possibilities are countless. Letting your authentic self inform your public persona can be a strength rather than a weakness. If you truly want to stand out, you need to follow your intuition. Theodora Lee’s intuition led her to find success and fulfillment as both a lawyer and a vintner. She has skillfully developed a brand that straddles two separate industries. Her approach to brand-building has sharpened through the years, and she lends her insights to future generations. In this episode of Branding Room Only, Paula Edgar interviews Theodora Lee, a Senior Partner, Shareholder, and Trial Lawyer at Littler Mendelson P.C., on building an authentic brand and finding your niche. The two break down Theodora’s career, her personal philosophy, and the influences that guided her. They also discuss why one-size-fits-all doesn’t work for personal brands and how she started her vineyard.

LaTanya Langley is a global executive with significant experience advising multi-billion dollar companies. As the Chief People and Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary at Edgewell Personal Care, she directs all legal affairs, including litigation and compliance. LaTanya is known as a business-savvy advisor with innovative legal strategies and business solutions. She has engineered global policies, processes, and programs while leading diverse teams with language and cultural differences. She is an impactful leader and she embodies a rare blend of strategic insight, legal expertise, and inclusive leadership.  For show notes and more information, visit paulaedgar.com/podcast. In this episode… A significant part of being a leader is owning the space you inhabit. The confluence of confidence, gravitas, and intentionality can help others see you as you are. Earning respect and standing your ground will pay off immensely in the long run. Strategically taking up space is essential.  LaTanya Langley has made this a key part of her personal brand. She advises that people lean into their strengths and know that they are where they are supposed to be. Her brand is based on this supported confidence, and now she explains how you can exemplify the same qualities. In this episode of Branding Room Only, Paula T. Edgar interviews LaTanya Langley, the Chief People and Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary at Edgewell Personal Care, on taking up space and building a personal brand. They go through introductions, volunteering, finding joy, and bridging multi-cultural teams. They also discuss how to avoid some of the common mistakes in branding.

Paula T. Edgar is an attorney, speaker, and CEO of PGE Consulting Group LLC, a strategy firm specializing in professional development and diversity, equity, and inclusion solutions for organizations. She is an expert in personal branding, leadership, networking, leveraging social media, and business development. In the last year, Paula delivered keynote speeches and facilitated workshops for over 10,000 attendees. Paula has written for and been featured in publications such as the New York Times, Bloomberg Law, Business Insider, and US News. For show notes and more information, visit paulaedgar.com/podcast. In this episode… Conferences are key opportunities for personal branding since they provide a rare opportunity to connect with experts, thought leaders, peers and mentors in the same place. It is crucial to make the most of these opportunities. Paula Edgar has the beneficial experience of attending events as a guest and speaker. After countless conferences and conventions, she has developed an urgent list of do’s and don’ts. She received several questions on the subject and is ready to answer them. In this episode of Branding Room Only, Paula T. Edgar continues her Ask Paula segment to break down the essentials of attending conferences to boost your personal brand. She discusses photo opportunities, how to carry yourself, social media, and how to make great first impressions.