Bar associations and professional organizations aren’t just networking groups or résumé boosters. Leadership in these spaces is a strategic brand decision. These roles have shaped my visibility, credibility, and relationships in the legal profession, and so many of my opportunities came directly from these spaces.

In this episode of Branding Room Only, I’m taking you behind the scenes of my civic journey—from volunteer to officer, from member to president—and showing how these roles became the foundation of my personal brand.

Bar and civic leadership stretch your skills in ways your day job often can’t. They teach you how to lead teams, manage conflict, build consensus, raise resources, and work across differences. They pull you off the sidelines and into spaces where relationships deepen, community forms, and real impact happens.

1:04 – Why professional and civic organizations are strategic brand platforms

1:39 – A breakdown of how I currently serve my community

2:39 – How leadership roles have helped me and can benefit you

6:08 – The importance of intentional engagement and how to start

7:18 – What leadership is and isn’t about

Mentioned In Don’t Just Join. Lead: How Bar and Civic Leadership Grow Your Personal Brand

New York City Bar Association

American Bar Association Commission on Women | American Bar Association Criminal Justice Section

Metropolitan Black Bar Association

National Association of Women Lawyers

Personal Branding Strategy Sessions

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Sponsor for this episode

This 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.

You know I love conferences. They're where credibility, connections, and opportunities collide, but showing up isn't enough. That's why I created Paula's Playbook: Engage Your Hustle - Conference Edition.

Check it out at paulaedgar.com/digital-products and get ready to stop blending and start branding at conferences.