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.
42episodes
Episodes
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Why Choosing Yourself Is a Branding Decision with Tara Jaye Frank
Jan 1301:01:07Tap to summarizeWhat happens when the version of you that’s always holding it together finally can’t anymore?In You Are Before the World, Tara Jaye Frank writes with radical honesty about depletion, overgiving, and the moment she realized that putting everyone else first was costing her herself.In this episode of Branding Room Only, Paula sits down with Tara to talk about the internal reckoning that shaped the book and the deeper truth beneath it: that worth is not earned through sacrifice, helpfulness, or being “twice as good.” Drawing from her leadership journey, her decade-long partnership with Dr. Maya Angelou, and the personal losses that forced her to reexamine who she was without her roles, Tara reflects on what it really takes to choose yourself.This is a conversation about boundaries, grief, divorce, motherhood, and the courage to stop contorting yourself to fit spaces that were never designed to hold you fully. If you’ve ever believed your value lived in what you give, or felt the pressure to stay composed while quietly unraveling, this episode is an invitation to remember: you are before the world.1:22 – How Tara’s definition of personal branding has changed from a couple of years ago and the unique way she describes herself4:15 – The idea of getting ready for what’s ready for you and what plays for Tara when she’s having a bad day or needs to get hyped up7:17 – How her Cape Verdean community in MA and experiences outside of it shaped Tara and her bridge-building skill13:23 – Tara’s career, from greeting card writer to CEO of her own firm, and how she became a writer for Hallmark18:43 – Lessons learned from partnering with Dr. Maya Angelou for 10 years21:36 – How a single, unexpected moment can reframe an entire life’s work26:24 – Paula’s experience from reading You Are Before the World30:22 – The hidden emotional load behind being a helper34:13 – Why breaking the box is often more painful than staying inside it43:06 – Stories that Tara had to rewrite for herself to move forward49:38 – The quiet grief of losing roles you once built your identity around55:29 – What Tara does for fun, what she’ll never compromise on, and the differentiator that is her magicMentioned In Why Choosing Yourself Is a Branding Decision with Tara Jaye FrankTara Jaye Frank You Are Before the World and The Waymakers by Tara Jaye FrankThe 92 Project – IKONI CollectiveThe Waymakers Change Group (TWCHG)Sign up for Paula’s Upcoming WebinarsLearn More About Paula's Personal Branding Strategy Session OfferFollow & Review: Help others find the podcast. Subscribe and leave a quick review.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 episodeTo 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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Intentions vs Goals and How To Combine Them for a Winning Strategy
Dec 31, 202400:12:35Tap to summarizeSetting 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 winning strategy. We’ll explore why intentions are key to building a personal brand that feels authentic and sustainable—and how they can keep you grounded and moving forward, even when you don’t hit the mark.1:38 - Why an intention is different from a goal3:19 - Why you must have intentions if you want to build a strong brand6:49 - How combining your intentions and goals leads to a winning strategy9:14 - Actionable steps to help you bring it all togetherMentioned In Intentions vs Goals and How To Combine Them for a Winning Strategy2025 Intention and Goal Setting WebinarPersonal Branding Strategy SessionsSubscribe to The Branding Room Only on 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 Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.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.
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Vision Boards for Personal Branding: How to Make Them Work
Dec 24, 202400:09:35Tap to summarizeVision 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 make vision boards work for you. We’ll talk about why vision boards are worth your time, how to create one that helps you achieve your goals, and how this simple tool connects to your personal brand.1:01 - Why vision boards are so impactful and why intention is their secret sauce2:56 - Main options for creating your vision board and what you can include on it5:15 - How vision boarding connects with personal branding and the final puzzle piece to making it workMentioned In Vision Boards for Personal Branding: How to Make Them WorkVision Board Examples2025 Intention and Goal Setting WebinarPersonal Branding Strategy SessionsSubscribe to The Branding Room Only on 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 Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.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.
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Mindfulness, Leadership, and the Power of Authentic Branding with Rudhir Krishtel
Dec 17, 202400:54:52Tap to summarize1:06 - Why Rudhir sees personal branding like a storefront and how he identifies his mission5:07 - 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 brand11:53 - Rudhir’s background and how he transitioned from law firm partner to his current role15:20 - How Rudhir integrated mindfulness practices into his legal career and its impact on how he showed up as a professional24:17 - Why we lean into business development and the first step toward attaining future success for junior attorneys33:35 - The importance of investing in relationships in legal practice and building trust in business development43:20 - The hangup you might have about self-promotion and resources to help you start your mindfulness journey49:32 - Outer action you can take for business development that’ll make the marketing and branding work easier50:50 - What Rudhir does for fun, what he’ll never compromise on brand-wise, and what he offers others as a Branding Room Only experienceMentioned In Mindfulness, Leadership, and the Power of Authentic Branding with Rudhir KrishtelRudhir Krishtel | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Twitter/X“The New Rules of Executive Presence” by Sylvia Ann Hewlett | Harvard Business ReviewThe Artist’s Way by Julia CameronAccess Rudhir’s Guided MeditationsPaula’s Annual Intention and Goal Setting Webinar for 2025Personal Branding Strategy SessionsSubscribe to The Branding Room Only on 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 Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.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.
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Navigating Feedback, Branding, and EQ in Leadership with Morenike Williams
Dec 10, 202400:55:30Tap to summarizeIn 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 dive into the importance of emotional intelligence, feedback, and authentic communication for building a personal brand that truly resonates. Together, we unpack how emotional intelligence goes beyond self-awareness, why feedback is an invaluable tool—even when it’s difficult to hear—and how clear, direct communication can elevate your professional impact. This conversation will inspire you to dig deeper into your personal brand and approach each step of your journey with authenticity and purpose.1:14 - What personal brand means to Morenike, how she defines herself in three words, the Dolly Parton quote she loves, and her go-to hype song(s)6:14 - How Morenike’s childhood as a Black girl in Tampa proper shaped her work ethic and the way she navigates spaces12:03 - How Morenike’s experiences as a kid in navigating spaces as “other” led to her college and career path17:48 - The importance of having emotional intelligence and how the lack of it can make or break your brand23:54 - Morenike’s advice for anyone struggling to do the emotional intelligence work needed to move forward32:10 - How the way you receive feedback (verbally and non-verbally) can impact others’ view of you and your brand38:01 - Why who you receive feedback from can be a challenge and how to apply filters to sift through the feedback you get42:57 - How passive-aggressiveness in your communication impacts your brand and ability to navigate the spaces you occupy49:11 - Two brand aspects that Morenike will always stand by and the unique sauce that is her Branding Room Only magicMentioned In Navigating Feedback, Branding, and EQ in Leadership with Morenike WilliamsRevision Coaching | LinkedIn | Instagram | FacebookPetty Branding Series:What It Is and How It Impacts Your LeadershipLessons from a Leadership MisstepNavigating Ego and Embracing Constructive FeedbackAccess Paula’s Recommended Coaches of ColorPersonal Branding Strategy SessionsSubscribe to The Branding Room Only on YouTubeSponsor for this episodePGE 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 carI'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.
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How Unlearning Silence Saves Your Brand from Sabotage with Elaine Lin Hering
Dec 3, 202400:54:37Tap to summarizeDo 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 her voice. Now, as a USA Today best-selling author and expert on communication and conflict management, Elaine is helping others unlearn the silence that holds them back.In this episode of Branding Room Only, Elaine and I explore the costs of silence and how it shows up in marginalized communities, at work, and even in our closest relationships. She shares insights from her book Unlearning Silence, breaking down how silence can stifle not only our voices but also our personal brands. Together, we’ll discuss how to recognize and unlearn silence, embrace your inherent worth, and use your voice authentically to show up fully as yourself.1:01 - Elaine’s personal brand definition, how she’d describe herself, the mantra she currently holds onto, and her hype song4:11 - How Elaine’s upbringing and career path served as the inspiration behind Unlearning Silence8:50 - How silence shows up in women of color and other marginalized identities and what that might mean for their brands14:15 - The unintentional silencing of others that occurs and the difference between strategic versus oppressive silence19:42 - How to start owning your voice in spaces where you want to be heard and the importance of unlearning generational silence27:28 - The one question Elaine asks her clients that she wishes she didn’t have to and the issue with “imposter syndrome” framing32:16 - Self-silencing as a learned condition and trauma response35:14 - How silence can be very detrimental to your brand-building and personal relationships44:34 - Elaine’s message and advice for those with marginalized identities trying to be resilient in spaces contributing to their continued silence49:09 - What Elaine does for fun, the part of her brand she’ll always stand by, and the Branding Room Only experience she providesMentioned In How Unlearning Silence Saves Your Brand from Sabotage with Elaine Lin HeringElaine Lin Hering | LinkedIn | InstagramUnlearning Silence: How to Speak Your Mind, Unleash Talent, and Live More Fully by Elaine Lin Hering“Stop Telling Women They Have Imposter Syndrome” by Ruchika Tulshyan and Jodi-Ann Burey | Harvard Business ReviewSubscribe to The Branding Room Only on YouTubeSponsor for this episodePGE 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 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.
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Guests I'm Grateful For in 2024: Reflecting on Favorite Moments and Messages
Nov 26, 202400:11:22Tap to summarizeThis 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 guest insights and the messages that inspired me most this year. From strategies to reimagine your brand to stories that challenged how I think about success, I’ll highlight the conversations that left a lasting impact—and I hope they’ll inspire you as much as they’ve inspired me.1:08 - Favorite guest insights on resilience, networking, and workplace communication2:48 - Guests with powerful insights on advocacy, managing, authentic storytelling, and navigating difficult conversations4:55 - Guests who best illustrate how creativity and the arts intersect with personal branding6:16 - Guests who brought their unique perspectives on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)8:57 - Reflections on two special episodes released this year that are close to my heartMentioned In Guests I'm Grateful For in 2024: Reflecting on Favorite Moments and MessagesLinks for Each Episode MentionedPersonal Branding Strategy SessionsSubscribe to The Branding Room Only on 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 Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.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.
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Building an Empowered Brand Through Storytelling with Jerry Won
Nov 19, 202401:03:02Tap to summarizeIn 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 story7:36 - Why context in advice matters, especially for marginalized communities who are often misled by one-size-fits-all success stories13:52 - Jerry's "duty to get loud"—why sharing your experiences helps others avoid struggling alone22:03 - Jerry’s experience emigrating from Korea to California at 8 years old and the impact it had on his choices as a parent35:23 - Building a business during the pandemic, the challenges Jerry faced, and how storytelling played a key role in his success47:27 - How the next generation is breaking racial barriers, and why supporting them is more important than ever52:47 - The one thing Jerry will never compromise on: staying true to himself, honoring his ancestors, and setting an example for future generationsMentioned In Building an Empowered Brand Through Storytelling with Jerry WonJerry Won | World Class Speakers | LinkedInDear Asian Americans PodcastAsian Creator AwardsThe Memo by Minda Harts Minda Harts on The Branding Room OnlyThe Anti-Ableist Manifesto by Tiffany YuSubscribe to The Branding Room Only on 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.paulI'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.
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How Navigating Grief Impacts Your Personal Brand
Nov 12, 202400:11:18Tap to summarizeGrief 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 disappointment. I believe it’s essential to acknowledge these challenges openly, especially in the context of personal branding. In this unique episode of Branding Room Only, I explore the influence of grief and setbacks on how we present ourselves to the world and I reflect on how handling grief and disappointment can impact our personal brand. Together, we’ll navigate the emotional toll of these experiences and explore strategies for moving forward authentically.1:04 – Understanding the importance of taking a pause and allowing oneself to process emotions2:04 – Balancing professionalism and vulnerability in times of personal difficulty3:36 – The power of transparency and how it builds trust4:23 – The role of a “personal board of directors” in navigating hard times6:09 – Viewing vulnerability as a strength and allowing it to evolve your brand7:15 – Realigning your goals and expectations after experiencing lossHow Navigating Grief Impacts Your Personal BrandHow to Assemble and Leverage Your Personal Board of DirectorsThe Life & Legacy of Joan Donna Griffith: A Conversation with Peter Griffith (Part 1)The Life & Legacy of Joan Donna Griffith: A Conversation with Peter Griffith (Part 2)Subscribe to The Branding Room Only on 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 Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.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.
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Why This Election Matters: A Conversation with Alphonso David
Nov 4, 202400:47:58Tap to summarizeElections 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 justice leader, and the president and CEO of the Global Black Economic Forum. Alphonso’s work and his powerful message resonate deeply at this crucial time. We explore his remarkable career advocating for Black and marginalized communities and discuss the significant issues at stake in this election.1:58 - Alphonso’s definition of a personal brand, himself in a single sentence, two quotes he often goes back to, and his hype songs5:54 - How a devastating childhood experience in Liberia shaped Alphonso’s brand and commitment to social justice10:44 - Alphonso’s through line and career path leading up to becoming president of the Global Black Economic Forum17:37 - The Fearless Fund court case and how it exposes ongoing systemic inequity in the U.S.26:39 - The singular concept that should be at the forefront for Black or Black-adjacent people this election32:54 - How the Forum’s work intercepts with priorities of greater equity and freedom for the Black community36:01 - Why it’s important to think through the lens of community (and history) rather than through the lens of the self41:19 - All the things Alphonso does for fun, what he will never compromise on, and the unique experience that he provides for othersMentioned In Why This Election Matters: A Conversation with Alphonso DavidAlphonso David | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | TwitterGlobal Black Economic ForumLambda LegalFearless FundSubscribe to The Branding Room Only on 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 Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.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.
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