Life at OPENLANE: Q&A with Pamela Goodwin, Executive Assistant at OPENLANE

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re going to dive into Pamela Goodwin’s OPENLANE journey. Pam takes us through the importance of mental health, her amazing 22 year career with OPENLANE, and more. 

What has your journey with us looked like? 

I started in 2001 and have been an Executive Assistant to many of our leaders. Most of that time has been spent by [former Executive Chairman] Jim Hallett’s side, but I’ve worked with many other talented leaders as well. 

What is something you are most proud of during your time here?

Being able to give back and the relationships I’ve formed on a one-on-one level. The trust you build over time with your leaders and teammates that makes them come to you for your opinion is very valuable to me.

What do you like the most about working here? 

The flexibility. Your leaders let you take care of your personal needs, yourself and nobody judges you for it. If you need to take a mental health day, nobody is going to put you down for it. They encourage it. 

What is the best career advice you’ve ever heard? 

A true leader is someone who molds other leaders to being better than who they are. 

What does Mental Health Awareness Month mean to you? 

It’s about reducing the stigma around mental illness and encouraging people to be self-aware and seek help when they need it—and having the flexibility to do so. It means taking care of your mental health and making sure you’re feeding your thinking with the right fuel. I believe what I put in my mind will manifest in my behaviors, so it’s very important to feed it with positivity.