Too often, the role of a panel moderator is perceived as logistics—keeping time and reading questions from a list. But the best moderators know it’s much more than that. Great moderating is strategy. It’s a chance to showcase presence, leadership, and personal brand. Done well, moderation shapes the audience’s experience, amplifies the panelists, and demonstrates your leadership in real time.

With conference season underway, it’s the perfect time to talk about how to elevate when you moderate. My guest, Nicole Lester Arrindell—an accomplished attorney, community leader, and frequent moderator—knows how to turn preparation, presence, and pace into a brand-building advantage.

In this episode of Branding Room Only, Nicole and I break down how moderation itself can become a personal branding tool. We share practical tips for prep calls, audience engagement, and managing Q&A, and introduce the PACE framework—being Prepared, Agile, Conscientious, and Engaged—so you can approach your next panel with confidence and leave a lasting impression.

2:19 — Nicole on personal branding, three words that describe her, her favorite Paulo Coelho quote, and the Nas track that fuels her

7:37 — How Nicole’s career transitions connect and build on each other

13:11 — The role fellowships and leadership programs play in professional growth

15:58 — Why a moderator’s approach shapes the success of a panel

24:48 — Strategies to prepare as a moderator and create a better experience for panelists and the audience

34:42 — How moderation highlights your skills and elevates your personal brand

41:35 — Keys to running an effective and balanced panel Q&A

47:10 — Ways to close a panel with strength and make it memorable

49:55 — Nicole’s non-negotiable branding value and her “standing room only” magic

Mentioned In How Panel Moderation Helps You Build Visibility and Influence with Nicole Lester Arrindell

Nicole Lester Arrindell | LinkedIn

“Everyday People Can Be Everyday Leaders” | Nicole Lester Arrindell | TEDxUStreetWomen

Curated Resources from Paula

How to Prepare for a Conference to Maximize Your Personal Brand Impact

Personal Branding Boosters and Bruisers: Attending Conferences

Personal Branding Bruisers: Paula’s Professional Pet Peeves

Learn More About Paula's Personal Branding Strategy Session Offer

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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 strateg

You know I love conferences. They're where credibility, connections, and opportunities collide, but showing up isn't enough. That's why I created Paula's Playbook: Engage Your Hustle - Conference Edition.

Check it out at paulaedgar.com/digital-products and get ready to stop blending and start branding at conferences.