Your network often sees your magic before you do. J. Kelly Hoey, author of Build Your Dream Network, proved this when her colleagues had to convince her that networking was actually her superpower. As my very first podcast guest, Kelly set the tone for what Branding Room Only is all about: clarity, candor, and community-centered insight.Kelly's brand is grounded in helping others succeed through meaningful connections. Her approach has transformed careers for countless entrepreneurs and leaders, and her journey from Big Law to entrepreneurship proves the power of strategic relationship building. In this special re-release, we dive deep into what personal branding really means, how your network reflects and reinforces your brand, and why your elevator pitch should be an invitation, not a monologue.Whether this is your first time hearing this conversation or you're back for a refresher, get ready to take notes. This episode is packed with foundational wisdom that never goes out of style.2:30 – What personal brand means to Kelly and why you need to listen to your network5:04 – Kelly's approach to elevator pitches and networking your ambitions11:11 – How Kelly describes herself and the Central Park analogy that changed everything16:14 – The Oscar Wilde quote that guides Kelly when she feels off track18:12 – Kelly's hype song from a Quincy Jones compilation20:00 – How Kelly's network convinced her to write Build Your Dream Network23:40 – Why personal branding became the confidence builder she needed27:04 – Mentors who shaped Kelly's career (including some unexpected lessons)31:45 – The pivotal career change that taught Kelly about plan B35:00 – The best advice about having a plan B (spoiler: you shouldn't have one)37:19 – The biggest networking mistake and why "don't be a jerk" is the real secret41:41 – Kelly's best advice for building your brand through your network43:25 – How to handle network feedback about your ambitions45:04 – Kelly's "Stand By Your Brand" moment and her networking magic Mentioned In Building Your Personal Brand Through Authentic Connections with J. Kelly Hoey<a href='https://jkellyhoey.co/'>J. Kelly Hoey</a> <a href='https://jkellyhoey.co/books/networks-women-need/'>Books by J. Kelly Hoey</a><a href='https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kK-Bb3E8uM8'>“Carla Harris | The 2016 MAKERS Conference” - YouTube</a><a href='https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tn5HQ5U6d-s'>“Rock With You” | Brandy and Heavy D | From Q. With Love - YouTube</a><a href='https://www.nycbar.org/'>New York City Bar Association</a><a href='https://www.paulaedgar.com/podcast/authenticity-boldness-and-intentionality-carla-harris'>Pearls of Power: How to Use Authenticity, Boldness, and Intentionality with Carla Harris</a><a href='https://www.paulaedgar.com/brandingstrategy'>Learn More About Paula's Personal Branding Strategy Session Offer</a>Follow & Review: Help others find the podcast. <a href='http://ratethispodcast.com/branding'>Subscribe and leave a quick review</a>.Sponsor for this episodePGE 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.

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