Building Brands with Integrity: A Conversation with DEI Pioneer Vernā Myers

Branding Room Only with Paula T. Edgar

The field of diversity, equity, and inclusion has many respected practitioners. But my guest this week is the OG (in both impact and brand), and someone I’ve admired for a long time. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to have her on the podcast!

Vernā Myers is a renowned diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) pioneer with profound perspectives on the challenges and opportunities present in the field. She’s had several pivotal points in her career that highlight the significant impact of the work she’s done. In reflecting on the current global climate, Vernā emphasizes the need for imagination, courage, curiosity, and compassion in driving meaningful organizational change and a more inclusive world.

In this episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, you’ll hear about Vernā’s insights about personal branding, the evolution of DEI through her journey, and the need to embrace inclusion in all aspects of work and life. You’ll also discover the importance of perspective in this work when facing obstacles, and so much more.

1:47 - Vernā’s personal brand definition, the real trick to creating a brand, and her three-word description of herself

4:44 - An amendment to Vernā’s trademark quote and why Jill Scott’s “Golden” is her hype song

9:08 - How Vernā’s childhood (including MLK’s assassination when she was 8) and education shaped her journey

13:32 - How Vernā went from practicing law to practicing DEI and what she attributes to her success

21:29 - Some of the pivotal points in Vernā’s career in the process of becoming a DEI pioneer

30:05 - The backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion and the problem with the idea of rebranding it

40:00 - Vernā’s impactful DEI work at Netflix and how it helped her become a better leader

46:40 - The biggest challenges and opportunities for DEI initiatives today and in the future

53:43 - The uncompromisable aspect of Vernā’s brand and the Branding Room Only experience she brings to the world

Mentioned In Building Brands with Integrity: A Conversation with DEI Pioneer Vernā Myers
The Vernā Myers Company

Sundays with Vernā

Vernā Myers’ TEDx Talk

Books by Vernā Myers

Boston Lawyers Group

“Building a Legacy: Insights on Leadership and Diversity in the Law with Robert J. Grey Jr.”

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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 [e-mail], and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.

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1. Building Brands with Integrity: A Conversation with DEI Pioneer Vernā Myers (00:00:00)

2. Vernā’s personal brand definition, the real trick to creating a brand, and her three-word description of herself (00:01:47)

3. An amendment to Vernā’s trademark quote and why Jill Scott’s “Golden” is her hype song (00:04:44)

4. How Vernā’s childhood (including MLK’s assassination when she was 8) and education shaped her journey (00:09:08)

5. How Vernā went from practicing law to practicing DEI and what she attributes to her success (00:13:32)

6. Some of the pivotal points in Vernā’s career in the process of becoming a DEI pioneer (00:21:29)

7. The backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion and the problem with the idea of rebranding it (00:30:05)

8. Vernā’s impactful DEI work at Netflix and how it helped her become a better leader (00:40:00)

9. The biggest challenges and opportunities for DEI initiatives today and in the future (00:46:40)

10. The uncompromisable aspect of Vernā’s brand and the Branding Room Only experience she brings to the world (00:53:43)