Episode Details

Hurghada became one of my favorite parts of the entire trip. Between standing in the Red Sea, saying yes to a flying dress photo shoot, and dancing in the middle of an Eid al-Adha celebration, I was reminded how joyful life can be when you stop trying to optimize every moment and simply allow yourself to experience it.

As high achievers, we are often quick to postpone joy until after the next promotion, project, or busy season. We make plenty of room in our personal brands for expertise and accomplishment, while forgetting that people also remember our energy and how we made them feel. Joy belongs there too.

In Part 3 of my Paula Out of Africa series, I’m taking you with me to Hurghada and sharing what this part of the trip taught me about being fully present in your own life. I’ll also tell you about the unexpected conversation that reminded me how much we have in common, even when our lives look completely different.

1:13 – Why joy belongs in your personal brand alongside expertise and executive presence

2:47 – How arriving in Hurghada changed the pace of Paula’s Africa trip

5:56 – A flying dress photo shoot by the Red Sea and the power of giving yourself permission to play

8:15 – Experiencing Hurghada during Eid al-Adha and seeing the city beyond the resort

10:31 – Why permission, more than confidence, helps Paula participate fully in her life

12:30 – What a conversation with a shopkeeper revealed about career pivots, resilience, and identity

15:00 – Trusting a stranger’s advice and finding another spiritual moment in Hurghada

16:53 – Why high achievers need to stop postponing joy until someday

Mentioned In Paula Out of Africa, Part 3: Hurghada and Why You Should Stop Postponing Your Joy

Paula Out of Africa, Part 1: Kenya, Wonder, and the Brand You’re Becoming

Paula Out of Africa, Part 2: Egypt and What Your Personal Brand Preserves

Paula’s Hurghada Photo Album

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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.

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