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, keynote speaker, and founder of World Class Speakers, the Asian Creator Awards, and the Dear Asian Americans podcast. Jerry’s work resonates with me as he focuses on making everyone feel seen and heard through storytelling, empowering others to take their place on the stage with confidence and authenticity.

We discuss Jerry’s journey—from immigrating to the United States and navigating cultural expectations to breaking free from traditional paths and building platforms that amplify underrepresented voices. Join us as we explore the duty to “get loud” with our stories, the importance of embracing identity, and practical strategies for building a brand that’s both powerful and authentically you.

1:12 - How Jerry defines personal branding

5:33 - The moment Jerry bet on himself and decided to anchor his career in his own story

7:36 - Why context in advice matters, especially for marginalized communities who are often misled by one-size-fits-all success stories

13:52 - Jerry's "duty to get loud"—why sharing your experiences helps others avoid struggling alone

22:03 - Jerry’s experience emigrating from Korea to California at 8 years old and the impact it had on his choices as a parent

35:23 - Building a business during the pandemic, the challenges Jerry faced, and how storytelling played a key role in his success

47:27 - How the next generation is breaking racial barriers, and why supporting them is more important than ever

52:47 - The one thing Jerry will never compromise on: staying true to himself, honoring his ancestors, and setting an example for future generations

Mentioned In Building an Empowered Brand Through Storytelling with Jerry Won
Jerry Won | World Class Speakers | LinkedIn

Dear Asian Americans Podcast

Asian Creator Awards

The Memo by Minda Harts

Minda Harts on The Branding Room Only

The Anti-Ableist Manifesto by Tiffany Yu

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Sponsor for this episode

This 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.paul

I'm offering exclusive personal branding strategy sessions tailored for mid to senior level professionals who are serious about taking their careers to the next level. Whether you're aiming for that board seat, looking to make a career pivot, or simply ready to amplify your influence, these sessions are designed to get you there.

Book your session today at paulaedgar.com/brandingstrategy.