Brian Ellis learned what leadership looks like long before he had a title. His father modeled it first, and it shaped how he moved through every room. As the former Senior Vice President and General Counsel of Danaher Corporation, he built his career on integrity, accountability, and a deep sense of responsibility to those coming behind him. Power, to Brian, is something you use to make space and create access.

In this episode of Branding Room Only, Paula and Brian break down inclusive leadership in practice: showing up for people, offering time and wisdom, and sponsoring talent that deserves a chance. Brian shares how setbacks built resilience, how mentors opened doors, and why he is “a fierce defender of my people.”

At its core, this conversation is about legacy in real time—how every conversation, decision, and act of advocacy shapes the stories others will tell about you. Brian reflects on the influence of his father’s example, the responsibility of leadership, and what it means to measure success not by titles, but by the people you’ve lifted along the way. His story is rooted in character, community, and a legacy built person by person—and still growing.

1:11 – How Brian defines personal brand, how he describes himself, and his favorite Maya Angelou quote and hype music

4:26 – How family and the gritty, segregated Chicagoan environment shaped Brian

6:23 – How a coach ruined Brian’s athletic career and changed the course of his trajectory

15:33 – The foundation of Brian’s career success and how he developed his leadership style

22:39 – Impact and importance of mentorship and taking constructive criticism

28:28 – Why Brian uses his platform to champion and lift others up

36:49 – Code-switching as a survival tactic while navigating professional identities

44:12 – The formation and development of Brian’s legacy now and moving forward

48:44 – What’s fun for Brian and his personal brand non-negotiable

53:48 – The magic of Brian’s brand and his candid reflections on work-life balance

Mentioned In Legacy in Real Time: Inclusive Leadership, Sponsorship, and Mentorship with Brian Ellis

Brian Ellis on LinkedIn

Danaher Corporation

Equal Justice Works Foundation

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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 workpl

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