Branding Room Only with Paula T. Edgar

Ben Wilson is truly, truly the definition of a trailblazer, and if you joined us for part one, you've already experienced a glimpse of his incredible journey. Ben’s dedication to advancing diversity and inclusion, environmental advocacy, coupled with his strategic vision for leadership offer so many invaluable lessons for all of us. I hope that his stories and the strategies he shares inspire you to think about your own impact and how you can contribute to positive change in your community and beyond.In this episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, you’ll learn about Ben’s visionary approach to creating support structures that contribute to a more inclusive and diverse legal profession. You’ll also hear about his unique insights into mentorship and the legacy he wants to leave behind.Now get ready for more thought-provoking wisdom, inspiration, laughs, and actionable advice from a true trailblazer in the profession.1:15 - How Ben formed The Diverse Lawyers Network, its impact, and why groups like these are necessary for Black lawyers14:44 - The key to getting chosen over those more qualified than you and what makes a brand great20:05 - A shoutout to Ben’s wife and to mothers who illustrate why the people who support you are a big part of your brand23:31 - What Ben does for fun and some of the work he’s involved in now since retiring from his firm27:42 - How Ben’s daughter describes his Branding Room Only moment and the importance of holding the door open for othersMentioned In Trailblazing Change: Creating the Structures of a More Inclusive Legal Profession with Ben WilsonDiverse Lawyers NetworkBlack General Counsel 2025 InitiativeLeadership Council on Legal DiversityMinority Corporate Counsel AssociationDC Bar FoundationSanta Clara University’s Black Corporate Board Readiness ProgramBooks by Isabel WilkersonSponsor 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. P. Tureaud. Donald Hollowell. Constance Baker Motley.Those are just some of the Black men and women who have helped forge important change through the legal system in the U.S. Many people, however, aren’t aware of these pioneers and the impactful reach of their work to this day. That’s why my guest Ben Wilson often makes a point to "say their name" so that history doesn’t forget them. Ben is a trailblazer in environmental law who gives gratitude to the pioneers who paved the way and those who supported him on his career journey. Ben is fantastic. I was truly honored to have the opportunity to discuss his thoughts about the importance of being resilient, embracing lessons learned from failure, and how helping others as a career hallmark can take your branding beyond professional success.In part one of our conversation on the Branding Room Only podcast, you’ll learn about how to build resilience and the impact it can have on your career and for the next generation. Ben will discuss how to be a trailblazer whose brand resonates and inspires others to follow.1:55 - Ben’s definition of personal branding, three words he’d use to describe himself, and his favorite Jackie Robinson and Dr. King quotes and hype songs10:15 - How growing up in Jackson, MS in the 1950s and 60s shaped Ben’s life and contributed to his admiration of lawyers (some of whom history has forgotten)16:36 - What it was like growing up on a college campus and the fortunate circumstance that allowed him to go to prep school20:29 - Why Ben chose to focus on environmental law, how he failed at first, and the lesson that failure provided him27:47 - The importance of resiliency and knowing what to do to separate yourself so you’re ready when opportunity arrives31:56 - A few of Ben’s cases that demonstrate the reach of environmental issues and how law can impact people’s lives39:10 - Qualities that are essential to being a good leader in your organizationSponsor 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.

Regardless of recent attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), moving forward is an inevitability. Organizations that want to thrive are going to have to get on board or get left behind. And they could use the help of someone like my friend Kori Carew.Kori is a former litigator turned speaker, writer, and consultant who advocates for (among other things) diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). Through her work, she helps bridge differences and facilitates learning and growth for people and organizations in inclusive leadership development.In this episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, you’ll learn about the impact of inclusion on brands and the greatest challenges leaders face when confronting (or being confronted with) issues involving equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging. You’ll also see how Kori’s background contributes to the unique way she works with organizations and individuals on these issues.1:25 - What personal brand means to Kori, how she (and others) describe her, and why she has a hard time coming up with favorite things10:58 - How Kori’s unique backstory growing up in Nigeria as a Canadian-born Sierra Leonean shaped her life17:31 - How studying political science opened the door to Kori becoming a defense lawyer23:01 - The driving force behind Kori’s work navigating inclusion with organizations and leaders and the specific nature of what she does30:04 - What it means for the brand of a leader who doesn’t prioritize inclusion now (and why many don’t want to talk about the consequences)35:46 - The biggest challenges for organizations that express a desire to improve their diversity and inclusion41:27 - Why truth-telling (with grace) is such an essential part of Kori’s brand and her Branding Room Only qualityConnect With Kori CarewKori CarewInstagram | LinkedIn | XSponsor 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.

Allyship is an ongoing journey, not a destination. There are best practices that’ll help you build your brand and reputation as an inclusive leader and true ally (and some not-so-best practices you’ll want to avoid).My guest David Sarnoff has so many stories about experiences and lessons that have forged an awareness of the importance of inclusive connections. He’s taken what he’s learned--from his childhood to his current work as an executive coach and consultant--to build a brand of authenticity and consistency. Now, he’s training, speaking, and facilitating workshops to help others become better leaders,allies, and advocates.In this episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, you’ll learn about the importance of protecting and cultivating your reputation, get David’s insights on allyship and inclusive leadership, and hear about the role of authenticity and consistency in building a strong brand. You’ll also discover the value of emotional intelligence, in-person relationship building, and how to have an effective mentor-mentee relationship in the workplace.00:56 - David introduces and describes himself, defines personal brand, and shares his hype songs and favorite Winston Churchill and Maya Angelou quotes6:38 - How David’s childhood gave him the most invaluable experience and education about how to interact with people14:36 - The importance of authenticity and consistency in building and protecting your personal brand and true allyship in situations of bias or discrimination20:23 - Why allyship is an ongoing journey for everyone and where people can go sideways with it and negatively affect their brand27:16 - Why emotional intelligence is a crucial skill for brand building, inclusive leadership, and effective mentorship33:56 - How leaders set the tone and build an inclusive feedback culture within their organization38:07 - One thing that doesn’t get emphasized enough that’ll help you build your brand and become an inclusive leader or ally41:10 - What David loves to do in his personal life, why he won’t compromise on ethics, and how his Branding Room Only moment is all about audience connectionConnect With David SarnoffDavid B. Sarnoff on LinkedInSarnoff Group LLCLoeb LeadershipPracticing Law InstituteMentioned In How Inclusive Connections Help Build Your Brand As a Leader and Ally with David Sarnoff “Beyond 9/11: Life and Legacy of Joan Donna Griffith - A Conversation With My Father, Peter Griffith”The Leadership ChallengeSponsor 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@paulaedWe'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.

Feeling like an outsider and attempting to conform to societal norms can lead to a loss of self-identity and a longing for true belonging.Ritu Bhasin, a child of immigrants, has navigated her own journey of self-acceptance and emerged as a leading voice in equity, empowerment, and belonging.She’s also a passionate advocate for authenticity and helps others stand in their power in high-conformity workplaces.Her books, The Authenticity Principle and We’ve Got This, provide strategies and a framework for living more authentically and cultivating your relationship with yourself. She’s on the show today to share insights from her books and her journey towards self-acceptance and aligned choices.In this episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, you’ll learn about how to courageously choose to be who you really are and create an unshakeable sense of belonging. She’ll share her framework for navigating challenging professional settings while still maintaining authenticity, and also reveal the key to experiencing true belonging.1:24 - Ritu and I discuss how we define personal branding, the three words that describe her, and her favorite quote and 10-minute hype song9:38 - How Ritu is a reflection of what happened to her in her childhood and the transformative power of therapy17:04 - Ritu’s career journey (from joining big law for the wrong reason to becoming a business leader and DEI consultant) and legacy as a driver24:20 - Why Ritu wrote The Authenticity Principle, the core message behind it, and the Three Selves we all possess on the authenticity spectrum31:09 - How to tell the difference between hiding versus adapting who you are in the moment, especially in high-conformity environments34:06 - The big “A-ha” moment that led to Ritu’s second book and how you unlock the beauty of belonging43:21 - What to do if you’re struggling with being your authentic self in professional settings47:22 - What Ritu will never compromise about herself and her brand and when she feels she’s in her best element professionallyMentioned In Embrace Who You Really Are & Unlock a True Sense of Belonging with Ritu BhasinThe Authenticity Principle: Resist Conformity, Embrace Differences, and Transform How You Live, Work, and Lead by Ritu BhasinWe’ve Got This: Unlocking the Beauty to Belonging by Ritu Bhasin“Osaka Riddim Mix” by DJ JEL | The Soca Boss on SoundCloudVernā Myers“A Tribute to My Mother Joan Donna Griffith”Sponsor 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 inWe'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.

You should authentically embody your personal brand, regardless of who you interact with. Your personal brand should also reflect your values and evolve based on your experiences.    Your brand should show up in your advocacy. This is why I invited Aliza Shatzman to be on the podcast. Her personal experiences in clerkship drive her authentic advocacy. Now, as the founder and president of The Legal Accountability Project, she aims to ensure that law clerks have positive clerkship experiences while extending support and resources to those who don’t.In this episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, you’ll learn about what Aliza’s doing to fight for greater judicial accountability and to arm law students and law schools with more information about clerkship experiences.  1:09 - How Aliza defines a personal brand, herself in three words, reveals her favorite Hillary Clinton quote2:45 - How growing up in a progressive Jewish community in suburban Philadelphia shaped Aliza and her view of the world5:06 - Aliza’s professional journey, the pushback against change in the judiciary, and her refusal to stay silent11:35 - The clerkship incident that led Aliza to launch her judicial accountability-focused organization18:14 - My negative experience interviewing with a judge to be a judicial intern and strong feelings on the need for (and lack of) accountability25:01 - How law students and young lawyers can start making a difference with judicial accountability right now29:13 - How a lot of people’s personal brands are very tied to their clerkship (and judgeship) in a dishonest way32:40 - What drives Aliza and how she aligns her personal brand with her advocacy while maintaining professional integrity and ethics39:01 - What Aliza does for fun every day, the aspect of her brand that’ll always exist, and her Branding Room Only magicMentioned In How Aliza Shatzman Is Fighting for Accountability and Change In the Judiciary“2024 Intention and Goal Setting Webinar” | YouTubeThe Legal Accountability Project | Twitter/X | LinkedInAliza Shatzman on Twitter/XAliza Shatzman on LinkedInSponsor 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.

Many of us have had the boss from hell at some point--that person calling the shots who was absolutely horrible to work for. And while many in this situation just quit, walking away from the job isn’t your only course of action. You can practice the art of managing up instead.As the author of Managing Up, Mary Abbajay literally wrote the book on it. So, if you want to move up, win at work, and succeed with any type of boss, then listen in as she talks about what it means to manage up and how it impacts your relationships.In this episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, you’ll learn how to manage up within a simple framework as you build your brand. Mary will also teach you how to give constructive feedback and overcome three things that might trigger you when receiving feedback.1:39 - What personal brand means to Mary, three words that describe her, her favorite quote, and the hype song that plays every time she steps on stage5:10 - Mary’s journey to discover what she wanted to do and how she defined and built her personal brand11:08 - How luck links to success and how it helped Mary become a LinkedIn Learning Instructor and an author16:32 - What managing up means and how doing it impacts your personal brand22:43 - The simple framework for managing up and how it helps you build better professional and personal relationships26:52 - The art of receiving feedback, its effect on your brand, and how to deal with the three feedback triggers31:17 - How to give potentially challenging feedback in a constructive way and how it impacts your brand39:47 - A brand aspect that Mary will always stand by, her Branding Room Only magic, and a fun sidebar on bartendingMentioned In How to Practice the Art of Managing Up and Navigating Feedback with Mary AbbajayManaging Up: How to Move Up, Win at Work, and Succeed with Any Type of Boss by Mary AbbajayMary Abbajay on LinkedInThe Careerstone Group | InstagramCubicle Confidential podcast: Apple | Amazon | iHeart | Spotify“2024 Intention and Goal Setting Webinar” | YouTubeIs Your Women’s Group Winning?: Strategies For Building A Stronger Women’s Initiative In Your Organization“Some People Are Just Lucky. You Can Make Yourself One of Them.” by Rachel Feintzeig | Wall Street Journal (subscription required)Thanks for the Feedback by Douglas Stone & Sheila Heen This episode is brought to you by PGE Consulting Group LLC.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.

Having a child impacts you not just personally but professionally.As an expecting or new parent, you have access to plenty of information about planning for and taking care of your child. And you’ve probably heard that you’re not the same person after their arrival. But there’s still something that gets left out of the conversation too often.After having two sons, Lori Mihalich-Levin knew there was a missing piece--something essential to the identity of new parents: how do you shift from child-free employee to working parent? Now, she helps moms and dads (and their employers) transition back to work after parental leave.In this episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, you’ll learn how your brand and identity shift as a parent and how to mindfully return to the workforce as a new, working parent. You’ll hear about learning leadership skills through parenting, pushing through postpartum anxiety and depression, the difference in expectations before and after parenthood, the effect of paternity leave on not just the family but others in the organization, and much more!1:58 - How Lori defines personal branding, her three-word description for herself, and her favorite Teddy Roosevelt quote and Rent hype song4:48 - Lori’s career path and how she discovered a gap in the marketplace for working parents7:45 - How Lori works with employers through Mindful Return to support employees coming back from parental leave10:03 - How becoming a parent can change you and help you develop leadership skills15:38 - Why the U.S. system fails new parents and some signs of postpartum anxiety or depression20:34 - Two rules to remember when you become a new parent to help you push through the tough times24:30 - Why your return from parental leave needs to be mindful and how to have small but meaningful interventions in your day28:51 - How to give voice to who you are now after the change you’ve undergone with parenthood31:11 - How to navigate expectations from before and after parenthood36:49 - An example of how parenthood can be an elevating strategy in your career38:34 - Ways to navigate self-judgment and guilt around being absent for some things as a working parent43:45 - Why it’s so essential for even the non-birthing parents (especially men) to take the parental leave on offer47:49 - Lori’s fun factor, the vitality of community and connection in her program, and two things that make her stand out Mindful Return | Instagram | LinkedInBack to Work After Baby: How to Plan and Navigate a Mindful Return From Maternity Leave by Lori Mihalich-LevinParents At WorkPostpartum Support International (PSI)Every Kid Outdoors Insight TimerOverwhelmed: How to Work, Love, and Play When No One Has the Time by Bridig Schulte“The Big Benefit at Work That Dads Are Afraid to Use” by Ben Eisen | WaWe'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, the best career and life advice you receive comes from your family. My guest can certainly relate since she has received pivotal advice from her Dad that has helped her throughout her career!From Zabrina’s upbringing to her love for sports and spontaneity, we explore how her personal interests and family values have shaped her approach to leadership and personal branding. Zabrina’s fundamental belief is that your personal brand should echo your core values, a philosophy that has guided her own career and life decisions.In this episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, Zabrina shares her impressive journey of climbing the corporate ladder, a path filled with unexpected turns and valuable learnings. She opens up about the importance of embracing career changes as opportunities for growth and the profound impact of stepping outside one's comfort zone. Zabrina's remarkable story is a testament to adaptability, mentorship, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.1:40 - What a personal brand reflects, how Zabrina describes herself, and her favorite quote and hype song4:12 - How growing up with a dad in the Air Force influenced Zabrina’s childhood and her approach to the world, and her career15:30 - The impact of leadership roles on Zabrina’s brand, the three A’s to her success, and how you reflect other people’s brands21:42 - Ground rules Zabrina follows that can help you navigate through life and the different roles you play26:45 - The impact that mentorship can have on your life and career30:47 - Tips to help you navigate your personal brand in a corporate environment34:56 - How much Zabrina loves sports and the outdoors, the risk she will never take, and the one thing some people find disarming about herMentioned In Crafting a Personal Brand in the Corporate World with Zabrina JenkinsZabrina Jenkins on LinkedIn“2024 Intention and Goal Setting Webinar” | YouTubeBranding Room Only Interview: Beyond 9/11: Life and Legacy of Joan Donna Griffith – A Conversation with My Father, Peter GriffithA Tribute to My Mother Joan Donna GriffithSponsor 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.

Are you dissatisfied, ready to move on, or to pivot in your career?Perhaps you have a dream career or business in mind or don’t really know what you want to do. You just want to make a change, and as smoothly as possible. And while a strong personal brand helps make that transition more seamless, building one doesn’t just start when you decide to pivot.Michelle Ifill made the kind of career pivot that others dream of. But she’s also always been very aware and consistent with prioritizing empowerment as a part of her personal brand, and that has stuck with her--from her former legal career to her current coaching business, and La Maison Michelle resort in Barbados. So I had to have her on to talk about how empowering others needs to be a central piece of how you operate, no matter what you do.In this episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, you’ll learn the secrets to successful brand building as you move up (or on) from a position, company, or career. You’ll hear about the importance of self-awareness, using previous know-how and experience, being vulnerable, and building up others as you build your brand.1:17 - Michelle’s traditional perspective on personal branding, how she describes herself, and her mantra for 20244:24 - Michelle’s story and the importance of self-awareness about your brand as you move up and build your reputation12:44 - Why it’s important to consider your brand when you’re working in-house and different aspects of your personal brand to think about16:07 - Why Michelle’s transition from General Counsel to executive coach was so seamless and the legacy she’s most proud of23:25 - How La Maison Michelle benefits from all of her prior knowledge and experience28:30 - The types of retreats you can expect as a guest at Michelle’s resort30:53 - The increasing awareness of the mental and spiritual health of employees and how you can tie it to your branding34:44 - One thing most lawyers do that you want to avoid so you don’t hurt your brand and network37:44 - How vulnerability helps when you’re building your brand40:30 - What Michelle does for fun and how that coalesces into what she’s built at her resort42:18 - Three aspects of her brand Michelle will always stand by and what makes her stand out in a packed roomConnect With Michelle IfillMichelle Ifill | LinkedInLa Maison MichelleMentioned In How Michelle Ifill Built Success As a Lawyer, Executive Coach, & Resort CEO“2024 Intention and Goal Setting Webinar” | 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 CWe'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.