Podcast
Branding Room Only with Paula T. Edgar
Hosted by Paula T. Edgar · EN
This is the Branding Room Only podcast with Paula T. Edgar where we share career stories, strategies, and lessons learned on how industry leaders and influencers have built their personal brands.
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Paula Out of Africa, Part 4: Luxor and the Legacy You Create Every Day
3w ago00:20:42Tap to summarizeBy the time I reached Luxor, I thought this trip had already given me everything it was going to give me. Kenya reminded me to slow down and rediscover wonder. Cairo made me think about legacy and the importance of telling our own stories. Hurghada reminded me that joy is not a luxury. Then Luxor connected all of it in a way that settled into my spirit.Standing in the Valley of the Kings, surrounded by stories that had survived for thousands of years, I couldn't stop thinking about how intentional it all was. Every image, every color, and every symbol had been chosen to communicate something about who these people were, what they valued, and how they wanted to be remembered. They did not leave their stories to chance, and neither should we.In this final episode of my Paula Out of Africa series on Branding Room Only, I'm sharing what Luxor taught me about gratitude, legacy, and the choices we make about how we show up. From the story of Hatshepsut to the realization that none of us should leave our stories to chance, this part of the journey reminded me that legacy isn't something we leave behind someday. It's something we're creating every day through the choices we make, the stories we tell, and the lives we lead.1:34 – How gratitude shapes your personal brand and the way people experience your character3:33 – Why gratitude changes the question from what else you can get to how you can honor what you have already received4:02 – The Luxor excursion Paula nearly skipped and why “hope is not a plan” changed her decision7:25 – Arriving at the Valley of Kings and feeling the weight of standing on sacred ground9:09 – What the intentional storytelling inside the tombs revealed about branding and legacy12:31 – How Hatshepsut shaped her own identity, authority, and place in history14:49 – What Hatshepsut’s story reveals about women, leadership, visibility, and taking up space16:18 – The moment Paula realized no one could make her small unless she participated in her own shrinking18:34 – The message Paula brought home from Africa about remembering who you are and what you are buildingMentioned In Paula Out of Africa, Part 4: Luxor and the Legacy You Create Every DayPaula Out of Africa, Part 1: Kenya, Wonder, and the Brand You’re BecomingPaula Out of Africa, Part 2: Egypt and What Your Personal Brand PreservesPaula Out of Africa, Part 3: Hurghada and Why You Should Stop Postponing Your JoyPaula’s Luxor and Valley of Kings Photo AlbumCurated Resources from PaulaSign up for Paula’s Upcoming Events Learn More About Paula's Personal Branding Strategy Session OfferSubscribe to The Branding Room Only podcast on YouTubeCall to ActionFollow & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform! Want more ways to grow your personal brand? Make sure you’re signed up for my upcoming webinars and workshops.Conferences are an investment—make sure you maximize yours. My Engage Your Hustle™ Conference Playbook gives you the strategies to prepare, stand out, and follow up with impact. Get your copy today.Sponsor for this episodeThis episode is brought to you by PGE Consulting Group LLC.PGE Consulting Group LLC empowers individuals and organizations to lead with purpose, presence, and impact. Specializing in leadership development and personal branding, we offer keynotes, custom programming, consulting, and strategic advising—all designed to elevate influence and performance at every level.Founded and led by Paula Edgar, our work centers on practical strategies that enhance professional development, strengthen workplace culture, and drive meaningful, measurable change.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.
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Paula Out of Africa, Part 3: Hurghada and Why You Should Stop Postponing Your Joy
4w ago00:19:49Tap to summarizeHurghada became one of my favorite parts of the entire trip. Between standing in the Red Sea, saying yes to a flying dress photo shoot, and dancing in the middle of an Eid al-Adha celebration, I was reminded how joyful life can be when you stop trying to optimize every moment and simply allow yourself to experience it.As high achievers, we are often quick to postpone joy until after the next promotion, project, or busy season. We make plenty of room in our personal brands for expertise and accomplishment, while forgetting that people also remember our energy and how we made them feel. Joy belongs there too.In Part 3 of my Paula Out of Africa series, I’m taking you with me to Hurghada and sharing what this part of the trip taught me about being fully present in your own life. I’ll also tell you about the unexpected conversation that reminded me how much we have in common, even when our lives look completely different.1:13 – Why joy belongs in your personal brand alongside expertise and executive presence2:47 – How arriving in Hurghada changed the pace of Paula’s Africa trip5:56 – A flying dress photo shoot by the Red Sea and the power of giving yourself permission to play8:15 – Experiencing Hurghada during Eid al-Adha and seeing the city beyond the resort10:31 – Why permission, more than confidence, helps Paula participate fully in her life12:30 – What a conversation with a shopkeeper revealed about career pivots, resilience, and identity15:00 – Trusting a stranger’s advice and finding another spiritual moment in Hurghada16:53 – Why high achievers need to stop postponing joy until somedayMentioned In Paula Out of Africa, Part 3: Hurghada and Why You Should Stop Postponing Your JoyPaula Out of Africa, Part 1: Kenya, Wonder, and the Brand You’re BecomingPaula Out of Africa, Part 2: Egypt and What Your Personal Brand PreservesPaula’s Hurghada Photo AlbumCurated Resources from PaulaSign up for Paula’s Upcoming Events Learn More About Paula's Personal Branding Strategy Session OfferSubscribe to The Branding Room Only podcast on YouTubeCall to ActionFollow & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform! Want more ways to grow your personal brand? Make sure you’re signed up for my upcoming webinars and workshops.Conferences are an investment—make sure you maximize yours. My Engage Your Hustle™ Conference Playbook gives you the strategies to prepare, stand out, and follow up with impact. Get your copy today.Sponsor for this episodeThis episode is brought to you by PGE Consulting Group LLC.PGE Consulting Group LLC empowers individuals and organizations to lead with purpose, presence, and impact. Specializing in leadership development and personal branding, we offer keynotes, custom programming, consulting, and strategic advising—all designed to elevate influence and performance at every level.Founded and led by Paula Edgar, our work centers on practical strategies that enhance professional development, strengthen workplace culture, and drive meaningful, measurable change.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.
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Paula Out of Africa, Part 2: Egypt and What Your Personal Brand Preserves
Jul 1400:19:45Tap to summarizeAncient Egypt isn’t just something you read about in a school history book or see in an old Elizabeth Taylor movie. It was a real, thriving civilization filled with people who lived, loved, worked, governed, worshipped, and left behind evidence that they had been there. Millennia later, we still know their stories because someone took the time to document, preserve, and pass them on.Standing in a papyrus gallery in modern-day Egypt and learning how ancient writings survived for thousands of years made me think differently about personal branding. Your personal brand helps preserve your ideas, your work, and the story of the impact you made. It also gives you the opportunity to shape that story for yourself instead of leaving someone else to define what you are known for.In Part 2 of my Paula Out of Africa series, I’m taking you through the Egyptian leg of my trip, from Cairo and the Nile to the Grand Egyptian Museum, the pyramids, and the Sphinx. I’m sharing why joy belongs in your personal brand, how your vision can expand before anyone else sees it, and why documenting your expertise matters if you want your work to continue speaking when you are no longer in the room.If you have ever assumed your work will speak for itself, this episode makes the case for giving it a voice.2:03 – How Paula’s arrival in Egypt was completely different from when she first set foot in Kenya5:02 – Real joy as a brand asset and credibility as a reward for authentically expressing it7:24 – How a photo taken on a dock overlooking the Nile expanded Paula’s vision for her brand8:40 – Highlights from the breathtaking Grand Egyptian Museum tour10:54 – The importance of owning your story and not letting others define your professional reputation12:54 – What ancient paper can teach you about showcasing and protecting your expertise (and legacy)15:31 – A valuable business reminder from vendors hustling outside the pyramids17:16 – Why building a stronger personal brand might start with leaving your calendar behindMentioned In Paula Out of Africa, Part 2: Egypt and What Your Personal Brand PreservesPaula Out of Africa, Part 1: Kenya, Wonder, and the Brand You’re BecomingPaula’s Cairo Photo AlbumNational Bar AssociationGrand Egyptian MuseumCurated Resources from PaulaSign up for Paula’s Upcoming Events Learn More About Paula's Personal Branding Strategy Session OfferSubscribe to The Branding Room Only podcast on YouTubeCall to ActionFollow & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform! Want more ways to grow your personal brand? Make sure you’re signed up for my upcoming webinars and workshops.Conferences are an investment—make sure you maximize yours. My Engage Your Hustle™ Conference Playbook gives you the strategies to prepare, stand out, and follow up with impact. Get your copy today.Sponsor for this episodeThis episode is brought to you by PGE Consulting Group LLC.PGE Consulting Group LLC empowers individuals and organizations to lead with purpose, presence, and impact. Specializing in leadership development and personal branding, we offer keynotes, custom programming, consulting, and strategic advising—all designed to elevate influence and performance at every level.Founded and led by Paula Edgar, our work centers on practical strategies that enhance professional development, strengthen workplace culture, and drive meaningful, measurable change.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.
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Paula Out of Africa, Part 1: Kenya, Wonder, and the Brand You're Becoming
Jul 700:18:36Tap to summarizeFor years, I had wanted to visit the African continent, especially Egypt, but when the opportunity came to travel to both Kenya and Egypt with the National Bar Association, something in me immediately said, "Paula, you have to go." I had no idea just how much that decision would change me.In Part 1 of my Paula Out of Africa series, I'm taking you along on my journey through Kenya. What started as a long-awaited trip became a powerful reminder of the importance of wonder, curiosity, community, and making room for experiences that expand who we are. Along the way, I found unexpected moments of connection, stood in awe watching elephants in the Maasai Mara, reflected on leadership and personal branding, and came home with what I can only describe as a capital-C confidence.If you've ever felt a nudge to do something that stretched you, this episode is your reminder to trust it. Sometimes the experiences that change us the most begin with simply saying yes.1:11 – Why Paula took this trip (and why it had to be solo)2:29 – The question so many stop asking themselves3:54 – A strange encounter that proved prophetic5:01 – An important reminder about relationship-building on the first leg of the journey6:07 – What surprised Paula when she first set foot on African soil7:10 – How travel influences your perspective9:38 – The creative power of participation10:14 – Why curiosity might be the most underrated tool in relationship building11:17 – What finally happened when the long-awaited spiritual connection arrived13:01 – An unforgettable scene that shows the beauty and heartbreak of nature15:11 – The "capital-C confidence" Paula brought home and what it means for her personal brand16:59 – An invitation to trust your intuitionMentioned In Paula Out of Africa: Kenya, Wonder, and the Brand You're BecomingPaula’s Kenya Photo AlbumNational Bar AssociationNairobi National MuseumKobe ToughCurated Resources from PaulaSign up for Paula’s Upcoming Events Learn More About Paula's Personal Branding Strategy Session OfferSubscribe to The Branding Room Only podcast on YouTubeCall to ActionFollow & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform! Want more ways to grow your personal brand? Make sure you’re signed up for my upcoming webinars and workshops.Conferences are an investment—make sure you maximize yours. My Engage Your Hustle™ Conference Playbook gives you the strategies to prepare, stand out, and follow up with impact. Get your copy today.Sponsor for this episodeThis episode is brought to you by PGE Consulting Group LLC.PGE Consulting Group LLC empowers individuals and organizations to lead with purpose, presence, and impact. Specializing in leadership development and personal branding, we offer keynotes, custom programming, consulting, and strategic advising—all designed to elevate influence and performance at every level.Founded and led by Paula Edgar, our work centers on practical strategies that enhance professional development, strengthen workplace culture, and drive meaningful, measurable change.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.
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So You Want to Be a Speaker? Build a Personal Brand That Gets You Booked
Jun 3000:13:13Tap to summarizeYour brand is your first audition.When someone hears you speak and starts imagining you at their conference, retreat, leadership program, or client event, the next thing they are going to do is look you up. Long before you speak with an event organizer, your LinkedIn profile, website, bio, content, and digital presence are helping people decide whether you are someone they can trust with their audience.Too many aspiring speakers leave that process to chance. An outdated LinkedIn profile, a website that never mentions speaking, a vague bio, or a lack of clear positioning can create hesitation and uncertainty at the exact moment you want to inspire confidence.In Part Two of So You Want to Be a Speaker? on Branding Room Only, Paula T. Edgar breaks down how to build a personal brand that supports your speaking goals and helps you stand out. She explores the importance of positioning, clarity, and consistency, while walking through the essential speaker assets every professional should have, including LinkedIn, a website, speaker bios, one sheets, video, and thought leadership content.Whether you're pursuing your first speaking engagement or looking to expand your platform, this episode offers practical strategies to help decision-makers understand your value, remember your expertise, and feel confident bringing you to the stage.1:08 – The invisible audition you start giving as soon as someone hears your name2:39 – Three questions your positioning must answer (and why not doing this first will cost you)4:08 – The LinkedIn profile set-up that entices others to book you as a speaker5:49 – What to include on your website to make it effortless to refer and invite you6:23 – What your speaker bio needs to address for the event organizer and your audience7:00 – The one-page document you can create to serve as an easy referral tool7:31 – How to create and use video as a showcase (and why it matters more than you think)8:23 – The importance of consistency among your assets as a quiet trust-builder9:38 – How to create five pieces of content from a single speaking topic 11:08 – How to audit your assets, the key takeaway from this episode, and a preview of the next installment in the seriesMentioned In So You Want to Be a Speaker? Build a Personal Brand That Gets You BookedPart 1 - So You Want to Be a Speaker? Getting Clear Before You Get BookedCurated Resources from PaulaSign up for Paula’s Upcoming Events Learn More About Paula's Personal Branding Strategy Session OfferSubscribe to The Branding Room Only podcast on YouTubeCall to ActionFollow & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform! Want more ways to grow your personal brand? Make sure you’re signed up for my upcoming webinars and workshops.Conferences are an investment—make sure you maximize yours. My Engage Your Hustle™ Conference Playbook gives you the strategies to prepare, stand out, and follow up with impact. Get your copy today.Sponsor for this episodeThis episode is brought to you by PGE Consulting Group LLC.PGE Consulting Group LLC empowers individuals and organizations to lead with purpose, presence, and impact. Specializing in leadership development and personal branding, we offer keynotes, custom programming, consulting, and strategic advising—all designed to elevate influence and performance at every level.Founded and led by Paula Edgar, our work centers on practical strategies that enhance professional development, strengthen workplace culture, and drive meaningful, measurable change.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.
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Authenticity, Ambition, and Betting on Yourself with Fitzann Reid
Jun 2300:55:48Tap to summarizeWhat happens when the very things that make you different become your greatest strengths?For Fitzann “Fitz” Reid, showing up fully, taking calculated risks, and creating opportunities where none existed before have been defining themes throughout her career.A lawyer, investor, entrepreneur, sports owner, and leader, Fitz has built a career that defies traditional expectations. From growing up in South Jamaica, Queens, as the daughter of Jamaican immigrants to serving at the highest levels of the SEC, helping launch Hunterbrook, and investing in professional sports, she has consistently chosen growth over comfort and possibility over convention.In this episode of Branding Room Only, Fitz and Paula explore what it means to build a career intentionally rather than simply following the path laid out for you. They discuss the power of sponsorship, the leadership lessons learned through sports, the responsibility that comes with visibility, and the confidence required to remain authentic in spaces that were not always designed with you in mind. Fitz also shares her experiences as a Black queer woman and a first-generation Jamaican-American, and how those experiences have informed her perspective while never limiting the scope of who she is or what she can accomplish.The conversation covers career pivots, entrepreneurship, investing, leadership, and personal branding through the lens of someone who has repeatedly stepped into unfamiliar spaces and found ways to succeed. Fitz's story is a reminder that growth often requires courage, that visibility creates possibility for others, and that some of the most meaningful opportunities appear long before there is certainty about the outcome. Her approach to life and work demonstrates the value of trusting yourself, staying open to possibility, and being willing to take the first step before you have every answer.1:26 – Fitzann’s personal brand definition and why she describes herself as authentic, relentless, and empathetic4:20 – Why a Bryan Stevenson (director of Equal Justice Initiative) quote that hangs on Fitz’s wall made such an impression7:43 – How Fitz learned independence and resilience as a kid growing up in South Jamaica, Queens 10:25 – How being a first-generation Jamaican American has influenced Fitz’s leadership and ambition13:02 – The weight of responsibility often facing children of immigrants and how Paula conveyed that to her kids14:25 – How Fitz has navigated her career and assumed leadership positions as a Black, queer woman in industries often lacking diversity19:05 – How her background in sports has played a major role in Fitz’s leadership style22:38 – How Fitz stood her ground against conforming in law school and grew her confidence over time31:45 – Fitz outlines her career trajectory, from an early interest in politics and law school to buying an Italian basketball team and building Hunterbrook39:02 – How that initial sports investment opened up bigger doors of opportunity41:00 – How Fitz has been intentional about building her brand while navigating her career44:32 – The root of Fitz’s personal and strategic interest in women’s sports, and investment opportunities still available48:10 – Why advocacy through the National LGBTQ+ Bar Association is so important to Fitz51:48 – Why Fitz will never compromise on how she shows up, and the magic she offers to others53:41 – The importance of treating your difference from others as a superpower, not a disadvantageConnect With Fitzann ReidFitzann “Fitz” Reid is a partner, general counsel, and chief compliance officer at Hunterbook, a startup media company and hedge fund. She’s also an avid sports investor and co-founder of Vera West Sports and Entertainment. Before Hunterbrook, she spent the bulk of her career in the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission at the highest levels, serving across Examinations and Enforcement as well as Senior Counsel to Commissioner Allison Lee. Then she moved on to become the Chief Compliance Officer and Deputy General Counsel at impact-focused hedge fund Engine No 1. Her work spanned rulemaking, enforcement, litigation, whistleblowers, and on-site examinations of registrants, including broker-dealers, investment advisers, private fund advisers, and mutual funds.Fitzann has a BBA from Pace University, an MBA from Wharton at UPenn, and a JD from Washington University School of Law in St. Louis, where she later taught federal regulations and enforcement as an Adjunct Professor. Off the clock, she serves on several boards, including the National LGBTQ Plus Bar Association, and is registered with the state bar in D.C. and New York.Fitzann Reid on LinkedInHunterbrook | Instagram | X | TikTok | YouTubeMentioned In Authenticity, Ambition, and Betting on Yourself with Fitzann ReidEqual Justice InitiativeNational LGBTQ+ Bar AssociationCurated Resources from PaulaSign up for Paula’s Upcoming Events Learn More About Paula's Personal Branding Strategy Session OfferSubscribe to The Branding Room Only podcast on YouTubeCall to ActionFollow & Review: Help others find the podcast. Subscribe and leave a quick review.Want more branding insights? Join Paula’s newsletter for expert tips and exclusive content! Subscribe HereConferences are an investment—make sure you maximize yours. My Engage Your Hustle™ Conference Playbook gives you the strategies to prepare, stand out, and follow up with impact. Get your copy today.Sponsor for this episodeThis episode is brought to you by PGE Consulting Group LLC.PGE Consulting Group LLC empowers individuals and organizations to lead with purpose, presence, and impact. Specializing in leadership development and personal branding, we offer keynotes, custom programming, consulting, and strategic advising—all designed to elevate influence and performance at every level.Founded and led by Paula Edgar, our work centers on practical strategies that enhance professional development, strengthen workplace culture, and drive meaningful, measurable change.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.
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Truth and Celebration: Stories of Black American History with Prof. Annette Gordon-Reed
Jun 1600:48:17Tap to summarizeWe don’t know the faces or names of many enslaved Black people in American history. Some left a small mark of their existence in the very bricks of the buildings their hands built, yet they remain voiceless because their story has been hidden away.Historians like Annette Gordon-Reed know that through sharing the stories of enslaved people, we remember their humanity and preserve historical truth in the process. She’s a Harvard University professor and the award-winning author of The Hemingses of Monticello and On Juneteenth. With her lawyer-like approach, she’s brought light to stories once expunged from our history and provided a view of the road to Juneteenth through her books.In this episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, you’ll hear about the national implications inherent in The Hemingses’ story (and connection to Thomas Jefferson) and Juneteenth. Annette will discuss her own experiences with celebrating Juneteenth, what the country should learn from the experiences of enslaved people, and more!2:15 - Annette’s personal branding definition, three-word description of herself, favorite quotes, and hype song4:30 - The importance of reading and music in Annette’s life as a child6:31 - Annette’s non-traditional career trajectory as a lawyer, author, and professor10:09 - What motivated Annette to write about the Hemingses and Thomas Jefferson15:43 - The need to understand the truth in shaping the legacies and personal brands we hold dear18:28 - The significance of Juneteenth and why Annette wrote her book on it24:57 - Traditional Juneteenth celebrations Annette grew up with in Texas and newer ones she’s seen integrated into the holiday29:29 - The good and (potential) bad about Juneteenth and its importance in the context of American history36:37 - How Annette wants people in the future to remember her contribution to preserving a piece of American history38:31 - Finding fun and continuous growth in humbling activities42:27 - Annette’s one uncompromisable aspect and Branding Room Only qualityConnect With Annette Gordon-ReedAnnette Gordon-Reed grew up in Texas and went to Dartmouth College and Harvard Law School. Annette practiced law for seven years and then went into academia as a law professor. Her first book, Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings: An American Controversy, was published in 1997. In 1998, DNA corroborated the thesis of Annette’s book. Since then, she has written and edited 6 other books, including Vernon Can Read, A memoir with Vernon Jordan and, most recently, On Juneteenth.The Hemingses of Monticello: An American Family by Annette Gordon-ReedOn Juneteenth by Annette Gordon-ReedVernon Can Read!: A MemoirMentioned In Truth and Celebration: Stories of Black American History with Annette Gordon-Reed“This Is How We Do It” by Montell Jordan | YouTube (Official Music Video) “Scherzo Op. 39 No. 3 in C Sharp Minor” by Chopin | YouTube (Pogorelich)PaulaTV: Stagville Plantation Fingerprints of Slave ChildrenSubscribe to The Branding Room Only on YouTubeCall to ActionFollow & Review: Help others find the podcast. Subscribe and leave a quick review.Want more branding insights? Join Paula’s newsletter for expert tips and exclusive content! Subscribe HereConferences are an investment—make sure you maximize yours. My Engage Your Hustle™ Conference Playbook gives you the strategies to prepare, stand out, and follow up with impact. Get your copy today.Sponsor for this episodeThis episode is brought to you by PGE Consulting Group LLC.PGE Consulting Group LLC empowers individuals and organizations to lead with purpose, presence, and impact. Specializing in leadership development and personal branding, we offer keynotes, custom programming, consulting, and strategic advising—all designed to elevate influence and performance at every level.Founded and led by Paula Edgar, our work centers on practical strategies that enhance professional development, strengthen workplace culture, and drive meaningful, measurable change.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.
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Wherever You Go, There You Are: Personal Branding and Dating Mindset with Francesca Hogi
Jun 900:56:10Tap to summarizeYour personal brand is not limited to your LinkedIn profile, your networking skills, or how you show up at work. It is how people experience you in every room you enter, including your relationships, your dating life, your confidence, your boundaries, and the stories you tell yourself about your own worth.In this episode of Branding Room Only, Paula T. Edgar sits down with love educator, coach, author, and two-time TED speaker Francesca Hogi for a candid conversation about the connection between personal branding, self-worth, dating, and authenticity. From her unconventional path from corporate law to matchmaking and coaching to her insights on modern dating culture, Francesca shares why so many people are taught to perform for acceptance instead of choosing themselves first.Together, Paula and Francesca unpack the conditioning that teaches women to wait to be chosen, the difference between attraction and alignment, how relationship patterns often mirror professional patterns, and why discernment matters just as much in love as it does in business. They also dive into dating apps, intuition, confidence, loneliness, authenticity, and what it really means to bring your full self into every room you enter.Honest, funny, reflective, and deeply relatable, this conversation will have you thinking differently about love, identity, and the way you move through the world.1:16 – What personal brand means to Francesca, how she’d describe herself, her lifelong motto, and why she calls herself “a weirdo” about music5:37 – How growing up in New York City influenced Francesca’s understanding and appreciation of people7:40 – The question Francesca hated being asked as a child, and how the only answer she had influenced her professional life (including her Survivor appearances)13:41 – How matchmaker Paul C. Bunson initially introduced Francesca to personal branding and inspired her career pivot into love and relationships16:31 – How love and dating connect to personal branding, self-worth, and what your romantic patterns reveal about how you actually see yourself21:31 – The "pick me" conditioning that trains people to treat dating like a job pitch, and what it looks like to show up differently27:10 – Why the list of must-haves for most dating people often has nothing to do with the relationship they want36:26 – Why lack of discernment is one of the most common dating mistakes Francesca sees, what it looks like when you don’t have it, and what changes when you do41:29 – Why you don’t need (and shouldn’t overly depend on) a dating app, and a mindset shift in meeting people organically41:29 – Why you don't need a dating app to find love, and the mindset shift that opens up what Francesca calls the "meet cute" opportunity in everyday life52:09 – One thing Francesca will never compromise on, and the magic she brings to a standing room onlyConnect With Francesca HogiFrancesca Hogi is a love coach, guide, speaker, and mentor for people who are ready to start a new chapter in dating, find meaningful relationships, and live in alignment with their deepest values. Through her coaching, writing, and community (The True Love Society), she helps people create relationships that feel fulfilling and true to who they are. She has shared this work with hundreds of thousands of people through her client work, events, courses, TED talks, Dear Franny podcast, and How to Find True Love book.Before her journey into love and coaching, Francesca practiced corporate law for over a decade. She holds a B.S. in Producing for Electronic Media from Syracuse University and a J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School. And fun fact: she competed on two seasons of the iconic reality show Survivor.Her website, book, TED Talk, podcast archive, and social media:Francesca Hogi | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTubeHow to Find True Love: Unlock Your Romantic Flow and Create Lasting Relationships“How to Unlock Your Flirting Superpowers” | TEDxTalkDear Franny podcast archivesMentioned In Wherever You Go, There You Are: Personal Branding and Dating Mindset with Francesca HogiPaul C. Brunson | Twitter/XThe Matchmaking InstituteCurated Resources from PaulaSign up for Paula’s Upcoming WebinarsLearn More About Paula's Personal Branding Strategy Session OfferSubscribe to The Branding Room Only on YouTubeCall to ActionFollow & Review: Help others find the podcast. Subscribe and leave a quick review.Want more branding insights? Join Paula’s newsletter for expert tips and exclusive content! Subscribe HereConferences are an investment—make sure you maximize yours. My Engage Your Hustle™ Conference Playbook gives you the strategies to prepare, stand out, and follow up with impact. Get your copy today.Sponsor for this episodeThis episode is brought to you by PGE Consulting Group LLC.PGE Consulting Group LLC empowers individuals and organizations to lead with purpose, presence, and impact. Specializing in leadership development and personal branding, we offer keynotes, custom programming, consulting, and strategic advising—all designed to elevate influence and performance at every level.Founded and led by Paula Edgar, our work centers on practical strategies that enhance professional development, strengthen workplace culture, and drive meaningful, measurable change.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.
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So You Want to Be a Speaker? Getting Clear Before You Get Booked
Jun 200:12:58Tap to summarizeWanting the stage and being ready to serve an audience from it are two very different things. Speaking can be a visibility strategy, a business development tool, or a business in its own right, but each lane requires a different strategy. When you treat every speaking opportunity the same, you miss the chance to make intentional decisions about your time, your preparation, your pricing, and your follow-up. And all of it starts with clarity: knowing what you have to say, who needs to hear it, and the value you want people to walk away with.In this episode of Branding Room Only, Paula T. Edgar kicks off the So You Want to Be a Speaker series with an honest conversation about what speaking actually requires before the bookings, polished website, or speaker reel. Drawing from her experience speaking to lawyers, executives, affinity groups, leadership teams, and professional audiences, she breaks down the three strategic lanes of speaking, the foundational elements every aspiring speaker needs, and a simple exercise to help listeners clarify their message, audience, and purpose.2:28 – The distinct differences between speaking on stage for industry visibility, business development, and as a fully paid operation3:43 – Why wanting the stage is not the same as being ready to serve an audience from it6:17 – Why narrowing your focus is actually what makes you findable, bookable, and memorable7:12 – How your brand needs to communicate your expertise before you even walk in the room8:00 – What gathering proof in the beginning stages of public speaking will require of you 9:46 – Paula’s fill-in-the-blank framework that clarifies your message, audience, and purpose in a way that other people can use to refer youMentioned In So You Want to Be a Speaker? Getting Clear Before You Get BookedPersonal Branding Strategy SessionsSubscribe to The Branding Room Only on YouTubeCall to ActionFollow & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform! Want more ways to grow your personal brand? Make sure you’re signed up for my upcoming webinars and workshops.Conferences are an investment—make sure you maximize yours. My Engage Your Hustle™ Conference Playbook gives you the strategies to prepare, stand out, and follow up with impact. Get your copy today.Sponsor for this episodeThis episode is brought to you by PGE Consulting Group LLC.PGE Consulting Group LLC empowers individuals and organizations to lead with purpose, presence, and impact. Specializing in leadership development and personal branding, we offer keynotes, custom programming, consulting, and strategic advising—all designed to elevate influence and performance at every level.Founded and led by Paula Edgar, our work centers on practical strategies that enhance professional development, strengthen workplace culture, and drive meaningful, measurable change.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.
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Crafting a Personal Brand in the Corporate World with Zabrina Jenkins
May 2500:42:33Tap to summarizeSometimes, 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 GriffithLearn More About Paula's Personal Branding Strategy Session OfferCall to ActionFollow & Review: Help others find the podcast. Subscribe and leave a quick review.Want more branding insights? Join Paula’s newsletter for expert tips and exclusive content! Subscribe HereConferences are an investment—make sure you maximize yours. My Engage Your Hustle™ Conference Playbook gives you the strategies to prepare, stand out, and follow up with impact. Get your copy today.Sponsor for this episodePGE Consulting Group LLC empowers individuals and organizations to lead with purpose, presence, and impact. Specializing in leadership development and personal branding, we offer keynotes, custom programming, consulting, and strategic advising—all designed to elevate influence and performance at every level.Founded and led by Paula Edgar, our work centers on practical strategies that enhance professional development, strengthen workplace culture, and drive meaningful, measurable change.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 PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.
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