Allyship is an ongoing journey, not a destination. There are best practices that’ll help you build your brand and reputation as an inclusive leader and true ally (and some not-so-best practices you’ll want to avoid).

My guest David Sarnoff has so many stories about experiences and lessons that have forged an awareness of the importance of inclusive connections. He’s taken what he’s learned--from his childhood to his current work as an executive coach and consultant--to build a brand of authenticity and consistency. Now, he’s training, speaking, and facilitating workshops to help others become better leaders,allies, and advocates.

In this episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, you’ll learn about the importance of protecting and cultivating your reputation, get David’s insights on allyship and inclusive leadership, and hear about the role of authenticity and consistency in building a strong brand. You’ll also discover the value of emotional intelligence, in-person relationship building, and how to have an effective mentor-mentee relationship in the workplace.

00:56 - David introduces and describes himself, defines personal brand, and shares his hype songs and favorite Winston Churchill and Maya Angelou quotes

6:38 - How David’s childhood gave him the most invaluable experience and education about how to interact with people

14:36 - The importance of authenticity and consistency in building and protecting your personal brand and true allyship in situations of bias or discrimination

20:23 - Why allyship is an ongoing journey for everyone and where people can go sideways with it and negatively affect their brand

27:16 - Why emotional intelligence is a crucial skill for brand building, inclusive leadership, and effective mentorship

33:56 - How leaders set the tone and build an inclusive feedback culture within their organization

38:07 - One thing that doesn’t get emphasized enough that’ll help you build your brand and become an inclusive leader or ally

41:10 - What David loves to do in his personal life, why he won’t compromise on ethics, and how his Branding Room Only moment is all about audience connection

Connect With David Sarnoff

David B. Sarnoff on LinkedIn

Sarnoff Group LLC

Loeb Leadership

Practicing Law Institute

Mentioned In How Inclusive Connections Help Build Your Brand As a Leader and Ally with David Sarnoff 

“Beyond 9/11: Life and Legacy of Joan Donna Griffith - A Conversation With My Father, Peter Griffith”

The Leadership Challenge

Sponsor for this episode

This episode is brought to you by PGE Consulting Group LLC.

PGE Consulting Group LLC is dedicated to providing a practical hybrid of professional development training and diversity solutions. From speaking to consulting to programming and more, all services and resources are carefully tailored for each partner. Paula Edgar’s distinct expertise helps engage attendees and create lasting change for her clients.

To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaed

We're starting off 2026 with a bang with my New Year's Intention and Goal Setting session on January 3rd, and then my new three-part series, LinkedIn Strategy for Lawyers: Build a Brand that Works for You, running January through March. 

Reserve your seat at paulaedgar.com/events.