Do you ever stop to think about what your clothes are saying before you even speak? We’ve all heard that first impressions matter—but have you ever wondered if your outfit might be the silent ambassador standing between you and that elusive promotion?

In this episode of Productivity Smarts, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Gayla Bentley, a fashion icon whose work has graced People Magazine, Oprah Magazine, and even Shark Tank. Gayla shares how personal style isn’t just about looking good—it’s a transformative tool for confidence, clarity, and productivity. From her early struggles as a "chubby tomboy" to becoming a sought-after stylist for Fortune 500 executives, Gayla reveals how mastering your wardrobe can save time, reduce stress, and elevate your professional and personal life.  

Gerald and Gayla dive into practical tips for building a functional wardrobe, the psychology of first impressions, and how to thrive in remote work settings. Whether you’re a CEO or a college grad on a budget, Gayla’s insights will help you unlock the power of style to achieve your goals. 

What We Discuss

• [02:05 ] Introduction to Gayla Bentley

• [05:08 ] Gayla Bentley's journey into fashion and what has made her successful

• [08:20 ] Mentoring and coaching as the HOV lane

• [12:06 ] Lifestyle chart as mentioned in Gayla's book

• [13:24 ] How style influences a person's individual productivity

• [18:43 ] Helping people discover their style without feeling overwhelmed by the economy

• [21:49 ] Breakthrough stories from clients

• [24:17 ] Remote work style: Balancing comfort and professionalism

• [26:21 ] Organizing your wardrobe: The key to consistent style

• [28:14 ] The importance of professional image consulting

• [29:13 ] Final thoughts and resources

Notable Quotes

• [05:39 ] “I heard God say to me, don't worry, Gayla. I'm going to teach you how to dress yourself. And you're going to be an influence on how other people dress for the rest of your life.” — Gayla

• [08:23 ] “Go to the people that have the wisdom and you will be in that HOV lane. You're not going to reinvent the wheel. You have a question, find out who already answered it and get in touch with them.” — Gayla

• [14:05 ] “If you look confident at work and polished at work and well groomed at work, you are the first people they're going to look at for promotion.” — Gayla

• [18:07 ] “You only have one chance to make a first impression when you show up.” — Gayla

• [20:07 ] “Consistency is key. You can't go to work one day looking like GQ and the next day looking like a pool boy.” — Gayla

Our Guest

Gayla Bentley is a style expert and author who has transformed lives through fashion for over 30 years. From designing clothing lines to working with Fortune 500 executives, her work emphasizes that style is for everyone—regardless of size, status, or budget. Her book, Fashion’s Stepsister, offers a roadmap to build confidence, save time, and show up looking your best every day

Resources

Gayla Bentley 

• Website - https://www.gaylabentley.org/

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaylabentley

• Book: Fashion's Stepsister, A Journey to Style: A Memoir - https://www.amazon.com/Fashions-Stepsister-Journey-Style-Memoir/dp/B0DNMV3G9S

Productivity Smarts Podcast

• Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com

Gerald J. Leonard

• Website - geraldjleonard.com

• Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com

• Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard

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