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...

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 le...

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 br...

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...

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 winn...

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...

1:06 - Why Rudhir sees personal branding like a storefront and how he identifies his mission 5:07 - 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 brand 11:53 - Rudhir’s background and how he transitioned from law firm pa...

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 d...

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...

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 gue...

In a world where personal branding can shape our careers and amplify our voices, storytelling becomes a powerful tool for self-expression and impact. As a professional and advocate, I believe it's more important than ever to own and share our unique stories to connect, inspire, and lead with purpose. In this episode of Branding Room Only , I’m joined by Jerry Won, an inspiring storyteller, ke...

Grief and disappointment are inevitable parts of life, impacting us both personally and professionally. No matter what you're navigating, whether it's the grief of losing a loved one, the disappointment of a missed opportunity, not passing the bar, the end of a relationship, or even the outcomes of an election that feel disheartening, we all at some point have to face grief and disappoin...

Elections shape the future of our democracy, and their impact on our lives is undeniable. As a Black woman, lawyer, leader, and mother, I see it not just as part of my brand but as my duty to bring essential conversations forward, especially as we approach this pivotal Election Day. In this episode of Branding Room Only , I’m joined by Alphonso David, a trailblazing civil rights and economic justi...

The clothes you wear aren’t just about style—they’re an extension of your personal brand. My guest, Naana Badu, firmly believes this, and I couldn’t agree more! Naana is an image consultant, speaker, and style coach with a unique ability to help women express their authentic selves through fashion. As the founder of Badu Basics, she works with high-achieving women of color to transform their wardr...

Do you think that not focusing on building a brand means that someone doesn’t have one? You always have a personal brand, whether you realize it or not! So you must be intentional about yours. Many lawyers haven’t been taught about branding. Luckily, experts like my guest Elise Holtzman are dedicated to helping attorneys develop their businesses and brands. Elise is a former lawyer turned coach. A...

If you want to leverage your skills for entrepreneurial success, Lauren Maillian’s story is a masterclass in turning opportunities into long-term growth. Starting at just 19, Lauren didn’t pursue modeling for fame; she used it as a springboard to invest in real estate and launch her career in business and investing. As the founder of LMB Group, a strategic advisory firm partnering with high-growth...

Desiree Ralls-Morrison’s career journey is one of breaking barriers, leading with integrity, and staying true to her values. As the Executive Global Chief Legal Officer at McDonald’s, she oversees global legal operations while supporting the company’s strategies and managing risk. Beyond her high-profile role, Desiree is a fierce advocate for racial equity and social justice, co-founding The New C...

Conferences offer incredible opportunities to network, learn, and strengthen your personal brand—but only if you’re prepared to make the most of them. With the right approach, you can expand your mindset, build valuable connections, and uncover new insights. To help you get there, I’ve put together a step-by-step guide using one of my favorite tools: an acronym! In this episode of the Branding Roo...

If you want to have a strong personal brand and strive for continued branding and business success, you must have a willingness to learn new things and adapt to new technology. That’s what makes Richard Bliss’s understanding of modern communication tools like AI and LinkedIn so unique. Richard is the CEO of BlissPoint Consulting and one of LinkedIn’s Top Voices. With decades of knowledge from the...

In early 2020, the world witnessed the rapid spread of a pandemic that brought many industries to a standstill, but the healthcare system remained overwhelmed, exposing deep-seated issues within it. One of the stark realities brought to the forefront was the persistent health inequities that disproportionately affect Black people. As the healthcare system buckled under the weight of COVID-19, it a...

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...

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 att...

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 buil...

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....

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 feed...