In this first ever live episode of Branding Room Only, Paula Edgar sits down with Deborah Enix-Ross—international law leader, past president of the American Bar Association, and proud Harlem native—for a powerful conversation on what it means to build a brand with purpose, lead with integrity, and honor the communities that shaped you.

Recorded in front of a full room of rising legal leaders at the Metropolitan Black Bar Association’s Leadership Academy, this episode brings Deborah’s story to life. From her early days growing up across from Yankee Stadium to leading one of the most influential legal organizations in the world.

Through humor, honesty, and a few unforgettable mic-drop moments, Deborah shares what it means to show up, at work, in leadership, and in life, with clarity, authenticity, and courage. 

4:44 – Deborah’s personal branding definition, three key attributes, favorite quotes from her mother, and her hype song
10:36 – How Deborah’s upbringing shaped her identity and professional path
19:40 – Her career evolution from journalism dreams to international law
28:39 – The advice she wishes she had early in her career
35:28 – Deborah’s leadership style and how she balances empathy with decisiveness
42:12 – The moment she confronted a boss about inequity, and what happened next
50:30 – A leadership curriculum for Black lawyers and navigating difficult professional moments
59:43 – How she got involved with the ABA, and why she stayed
1:05:07 – Civics, civility, and collaboration: Deborah’s priorities as ABA president
1:12:48 – Balancing visibility, leadership, and her marriage
1:18:28 – Her personal interests, non-negotiable values, and the magic of “standing room only”

Mentioned In Live with Deborah Enix-Ross: Leadership Lessons on Branding, Resiliency, and Authenticity

Deborah Enix-Ross (Debevoise & Plimpton) 

The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson

American Bar Association (ABA) Membership (Free for Students)

Curated Resources from Paula

2025 Intention and Goal Setting Webinar

Sign up for Paula’s Upcoming Webinars

Learn More About Paula's Personal Branding Strategy Session Offer

Subscribe to The Branding Room Only on YouTube

Follow & Review: Help others find the podcast. Subscribe and leave a quick review.

Want more branding insights? Join Paula’s newsletter for expert tips and exclusive content! Subscribe Here

Sponsor for this episode

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.