Too many professionals—especially in the legal field—spend so much time focused on delivering excellent work that they forget to build a personal brand that reflects it. That oversight becomes clearer with each career transition, leadership aspiration, or missed opportunity to stand out.
That’s why I had to bring this episode back.
Sonya Olds Som is an experienced executive recruiter, former practicing attorney, and someone who has worked at the highest levels of legal talent strategy and search. She’s also a connector, a trailblazer, and a dear friend.
In honor of her birthday on August 14, I’m celebrating her brilliance, her advocacy, and her impact with this special re-release of one of my earliest and most powerful Branding Room Only conversations.
In this episode of Branding Room Only, Sonya and I talk about what it really takes to build a visible, credible, and strategic personal brand—especially in industries like law where branding often takes a backseat.
2:24 – Sonya’s elevator pitch and how she defines personal branding
5:32 – The phrase Sonya uses to describe herself and how it ties into her favorite quote
7:30 – How connection can bridge what seems like insurmountable gaps
11:29 – How Sonya built and evolved her personal brand throughout her career
17:33 – Why people often get the concept of authenticity wrong
18:32 – The impact of COVID on deeper authenticity, connection, and accessibility
23:32 – The two biggest mistakes people make with networking and brand building
31:12 – Specific mistakes in-house attorneys make in the business development department
36:54 – Sonya’s advice to begin building your brand
40:08 – Pushback against the thought of branding as “braggy” and too self-promotional
42:40 – A common courtesy that can be a brand killer if you fail to follow it
48:52 – Sonya’s uncompromisable brand aspect and the special experience she brings to the room
Mentioned In The Strategic Power of Intentional Connection with Sonya Olds Som
Sonya’s Branding Room Only Hype Song Playlist
American Writers Museum OnWord2025 Gala on September 8
Girls Inc. of Chicago Strong Smart Bold Awards Gala on October 9
“If You Stay Ready, You Don’t Have to Get Ready” by Sonya Olds Som
Learn More About Paula's Personal Branding Strategy Session Offer
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
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