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 e…

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…

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 joine…

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 som…

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 Davi…

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…

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 an…

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 s…

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 racia…

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 tool…

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…

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…

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 sec…

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. M…

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 photog…

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 y…

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, y…

Sometimes you slip up and don’t show up in the way you want. Consistently showing up in excellence is a bedrock of my personal brand and one of the things I pride myself on. But when a new leader arrived within an organization I was collaborating with, for a variety of reasons, my behavior didn’t show my brand in the best light. After reflecting on…

Have you ever had to deal with a petty leader in your organization? I’ve discussed brand boosters and bruisers on the show before, and pettiness definitely falls into the bruiser category. However, reflecting on an encounter I had years ago has inspired me to branch off the topic of petty branding into a three-part mini-pod series to help you build…

A single word can carry a lot of weight. In an increasingly diverse world, we need experts like Dr. Suzanne Wertheim who know how to navigate inclusive language in ways that can promote connections and get past resistance. Suzanne is a linguistic anthropologist and author of The Inclusive Language Field Guide, which outlines six principles to help …

The world does not evolve without innovation, yet often innovative ideas and solutions are blocked due to individual, institutional, and structural barriers. To move in a more equitable direction, it takes figuring out how to use whatever the blocks are and turn them into catalysts. Squire Servance understands this when it comes to capitalism and i…

The field of diversity, equity, and inclusion has many respected practitioners. But my guest this week is the OG (in both impact and brand), and someone I’ve admired for a long time. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to have her on the podcast! Vernā Myers is a renowned diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) pioneer with profound perspectives on t…

Independence Day is on the horizon, and what better way to celebrate the spirit of freedom and new beginnings than revisiting a conversation with a true pioneer! Michele Coleman Mays redefined leadership and advocacy during her distinguished career. She has served as the Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary for The New York Public Library…

The fight to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion has deep historical roots, marked by significant milestones and challenges, from the Civil Rights era to present-day initiatives, including the recent Supreme Court decision on affirmative action. Robert J. Grey Jr., President of the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD) and former Presid…

We 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 reme…

From the military to the music world, Paula Boggs has made her mark by bravely navigating new spaces and pioneering career paths for herself. After serving at the Pentagon and in the White House as an army officer, she spent a decade at Starbucks as its Chief Legal Officer before leaving to write and perform music with the Paula Boggs Band. As you …

There’s something magical about anyone who not only understands their magic but taps into it, risks and all. Janinah Burnett has always been led to stand in her power with the gift God gave her, regardless of anyone else’s reservations. She’s an internationally renowned Broadway and Metropolitan opera soprano who has played the role of Carlotta Giu…

In a world where personal branding and negotiation are essential skills, Damali Peterman stands out as a trailblazer. With her diverse background as a lawyer, mediator, and CEO of Breakthrough ADR, Damali brings a unique perspective to the table. Her new book, Negotiating While Black: Be Who You Are to Get What You Want, delves into the intricacies…

With the right communication skills, you can bring who you truly are with you wherever you go. But if you’re not a natural conversationalist (or even if you are), you need the appropriate tools and strategies to help you feel seen, heard, and valued by those around you. That’s where Dr. Amber L. Wright comes in. She’s a communications expert, a spe…

Get in line. Stay in your lane. Don’t color outside the lines. My guest Olga Mack developed an aversion to lines that has shaped not just her as a person but her career journey as a tech lawyer as well. She’s joined me on the podcast to talk about how her determination to find other entry points away from standard lines has helped her level up and …

You deserve the opportunities you want, and others can provide the keys to get you there. But if you don’t talk about yourself and your successes, how will they know to open the door and let you in? Too many people have a hangup about self-promotion. For some, it feels like boasting, which gives off an “icky” feeling. So they tend to shy away when …

You’ve probably heard the stereotypes of different generations in the workplace, including millennials just wanting trophies and more seasoned workers being averse to technology. These are the signs of some of the generational friction that exists in (and out) of the workplace. These challenges can be mitigated through a better understanding of the…

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…

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 n…

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 (amo…

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…

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 hel…

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.…

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 i…

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. Afte…

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 …

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 …

Have you ever felt like a deer in the headlights at a fancy dinner? You look down at your table setting and don’t even know where to begin when you see a dozen or so forks, knives, and spoons! So you look around to see if you can follow along with someone who knows the correct way to proceed. While it might not look like it on the surface, there’s …

Your voice is a significant part of your brand. But what is the impact of not having a voice in the workplace? Many Black and Brown women feel unheard and undervalued at work. Their stories of experiencing unfriendly, biased, and/or disadvantageous environments are often ignored or discredited. As someone who was never the most boisterous in the ro…

“I’ll keep in touch!” You’ve likely said something like that to someone and meant it at the time. But then... life gets in the way, time flies by, and you haven’t spoken to that person in years. Yet the idea of reaching out and reconnecting gives you pause, and you can’t put your finger on why. Relationship-building expert Jason Levin, knows why! H…

Is there something missing or a little off about your life, your work, your brand, or anything else you do? Like many who grew up as first-generation immigrants, Anjli Garg was outwardly focused on a certain level of success and got a secondary degree--in her case, from law school. But at some point, an unexpected shift in perspective brought her i…

Paula T. Edgar is an attorney, speaker, and CEO of PGE Consulting Group LLC, a strategy firm specializing in professional development and diversity, equity, and inclusion solutions for organizations. She is an expert in personal branding, leadership, networking, leveraging social media, and business development. In the last year, Paula delivered ke…

Nicole Lester Arrindell is an attorney, trusted strategic advisor, TEDx Speaker, sought after moderator and thought partner. She serves as Government Relations Counsel and Chief of Staff to the Chief Legal Officer at Equitable, a Fortune 500 financial services company. Nicole also serves as President-Elect of the Metropolitan Black Bar Association …

Laurie Robinson Haden is an accomplished corporate attorney and leader with extensive experience advocating for diversity and inclusion in the legal profession. She is the Founder and CEO of Corporate Counsel Women of Color (CCWC)—and the author of It's Time To Shine: A Guide For Professionals of Color on How to Advance Their Career. Recognized by …

Laurie Robinson Haden is an accomplished corporate attorney and leader with extensive experience advocating for diversity and inclusion in the legal profession. She is the Founder and CEO of Corporate Counsel Women of Color (CCWC) and the author of It's Time To Shine: A Guide For Professionals of Color on How to Advance Their Career. Recognized by …