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 and had key roles at Allstate Insurance Company and Pitney Bowes Inc. During our conversation, she shared her unique lens on personal branding, leadership, and career development.In this episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, you’ll learn about the difference between branding and reputation, the critical role of authenticity, and how to rethink the concept of retirement. Michele will also touch on various aspects and strategies in strong brand creation, best practices for enhancing your leadership and career skills, and more.2:26 - Michele’s personal branding definition, how she describes herself, a quote that’ll make you pause and think, and her hype songs7:00 - Two strategies that Michele used in building her personal brand9:07 - The evolution of Michele’s interaction with the business and leadership sides of different organizations12:12 - How personal branding and reputation differ and the necessity of keeping your audience in mind during interactions16:48 - Why you should still strive to access resources that help build your brand and skill set, even if you’re already at the top20:52 - The complexity of showing up authentically for minority groups in professional settings24:32 - Two things that surprised Michele the most while co-writing her book Courageous Counsel27:00 - Civic engagements that were integral to Michele’s career, how she reimagines the concept of retirement, and what she plans to do next33:05 - Two mistakes people make when networking for personal brand-building35:03 - What Michele always does for fun when traveling and her non-negotiable brand aspects, Branding Room Only Magic, and final words of advice Mentioned In Inspiring Independence: Reimagining Leadership and Branding with Michele Coleman Mayes<a href='https://www.amazon.com/Courageous-Counsel-Conversations-General-Fortune/dp/0615444784'>Courageous Counsel: Conversations with Women General Counsel in the Fortune 500</a> by Michele Coleman Mayes and Kara Sophia Baysinger<a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-coleman-mayes-3498496a'>Michele Coleman Mayes on LinkedIn</a><a href='https://www.thehistorymakers.org/'>The HistoryMakers</a><a href='https://reproductiverights.org/'>Center for Reproductive Rights</a><a href='https://www.amgovcollege.org/'>American College of Governance Counsel</a><a href='https://roxanegay.com/books/bad-feminist/'>Bad Feminist</a> by Roxane Gay<a href='https://www.youtube.com/@ThePaulaEdgar'>Subscribe to The Branding Room Only on YouTube</a> Sponsor for this episodeThis 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<a href='https://www.paulaedgar.com/about-paula]'> Paula</a> and her<a href='https://www.paulaedgar.com/speaker-facilitator'> services</a>, go to<a href='http://www.paulaedgar.com/'> www.paulaedgar.com</a> or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.

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