Presenting a strong personal brand as a leader is paramount, but it's about more than just perception. It's about how you operate and the value you bring. Lonita K. Baker understands this connection intimately. Her impactful career has spanned multiple sectors and roles, from public defender to prosecutor to representing Breonna Taylor's family, and now serving as Professor of Practice at the University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law and past president of the National Bar Association.

Lonita's journey teaches us that career pivots aren't just possible, they're powerful when done with intention. She's reached her influential positions by staying true to her values, knowing her worth, and never compromising on being genuinely herself. Most importantly, she's learned that helping others isn't just good karma, it's good business.

In this re-release, as the National Bar Association celebrates its centennial, Paula and Lonita discuss embracing leadership, making strategic career moves, and why knowing your value is non-negotiable. Whether you're considering a pivot, stepping into leadership, or simply wanting to build a more authentic personal brand, Lonita's insights will resonate.

2:12 – How Lonita defines personal brand and why helping others has shaped her trajectory

5:14 – Lonita's favorite Muhammad Ali quote and other Louisville connections you might not know

8:23 – The '90s hip hop and gospel music that lifts Lonita up when she needs it

10:12 – How Lonita embraced her leadership role and learned to own being "the badass that I am"

14:24 – Why the Breonna Taylor case opened unexpected doors and led to her in-house position

21:06 – The strategic thinking behind Lonita's move from public defender to prosecutor

25:43 – Why flexibility and organizational alignment are crucial for ambitious professionals

29:41 – Four essential pieces of advice for anyone wanting to ascend to leadership

31:16 – What Lonita does for fun and the authentic brand aspect she'll never compromise

36:00 – The empathetic quality that makes up Lonita's Branding Room Only magic

Mentioned In Career Pivots and Leadership Development with Lonita K. Baker

Diva Attorney

National Bar Association

Information on Breonna Taylor

Paula Edgar National Bar Association Centennial Celebration Montage - YouTube

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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 [email protected], and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.