Today marks the beginning of a whole new chapter for Pam Blalock. After 44 years, we couldn’t just let her leave without putting her on the spot one more time. We asked Pam 10 questions about her time at National Life and what’s next for her and her family.
- What was your first role when you joined National Life? “Ruth Smith hired me as a Regional Development Officer for the career channel.”
- Did your career path change? “I have been in Field support and distribution roles within the industry for my whole career. My path never changed because I kept getting new opportunities. I was attracted to the industry because I thought I could make a difference and I was always learning something new every day.”
- Was it a tough decision to retire? “Absolutely—but it is my time. My family has been very patient and supportive for 44 years with my crazy schedule. My last 10 years at NLG have been my best and it is an emotional departure because I consider NLG as an extension of my family.”
- What was your happiest experience here? “Really the reward of building the Affiliated channel and collaborating with great people. It took a lot of patience and special teammates and leaders to deliver what we have today.”
- What has been your most epic moment at National Life? “I came from a much larger company that was very hierarchal with little culture. Learning that bigger did not mean better and that a flatter organization was a wonderful opportunity to influence others and effect change.”
- Is there a colleague from work that has inspired you in your personal or professional life? “Two people that inspired me the most were Ruth Smith, who hired me and Mehran who was my coach and leader—the best I have had in my career!”
- What do you regret most in your tenure? “I really wanted to deliver on my promise to build a channel that would do $100 mil in Life WNAP. The first half of 2022 we have passed our stretch goals and delivered record results. Now my successor, Rebecca Dunne has to finish it and drive to the $100 mil!”
- What’s your best advice to someone just starting out? “Be true to yourself but stretch to learn, grow and pivot when you need to. Embrace challenges as opportunities and treat everyone with respect. NLG culture is unique and special.”
- What’s next for you? “I live in an area where people vacation —so I’m going to see what that’s all about and enjoy the summer being present for my family. Then I will figure out the next chapter—hopefully, travel, volunteering and being a great mimi!”
- Tell us one thing you’ll do in retirement that may inspire or shock others? “My family says I don’t know how to “chill” so I am going to show them I can exhale and relax! It will be my first summer off since I was thirteen! I have my home projects and my “honey do” list but I also want to get involved in person with a couple of the family service agencies that have supported over the years.”
Congratulations, Pam on an incredible career and thank you for everything you’ve accomplished and the difference you’ve made.