Episode #28: Raising a Child Who Learns Differently While Building a Business with Pamela Fritz
October 20, 2026
Click to watch on YouTube.
She Was Told She Cared Too Much About People, So She Left Corporate to Build Something Different with Pamela Fritz
Episode Summary
What happens when the very thing that makes you a compassionate leader becomes the reason you question whether you belong in corporate leadership?
For Pamela Fritz, years of working in human resources taught her that the way people are treated at work can leave a lasting impact, both good and bad. From a manager who protected her during a frightening personal experience to a supervisor whose words made her question her place in a new career, Pam experienced firsthand how leadership can shape someone's confidence, safety, and sense of belonging.
After nearly two decades in corporate leadership, including a senior HR director role, Pam made the decision to leave behind a successful career and build Savvy Resources. But the transition came with its own challenges. With two young children, a husband running his own businesses, and the uncertainty of starting from scratch, she found herself navigating a completely different definition of success.
In this episode of The Building Well Podcast, Amanda Magho and Pam discuss the personal experiences that shaped her approach to leadership, the realities of entrepreneurship after corporate life, and the unexpected challenges of supporting a child who learns differently.
It's a conversation about trusting your convictions, advocating for the people who depend on you, and learning that building something meaningful often requires changing how you approach the journey.
3 Key Takeaways
The Way People Treat You Can Shape the Leader You Become
Pam recalls two very different leadership experiences that stayed with her for decades. One manager recognized that she was facing a dangerous personal situation and quietly took steps to protect her, while another made her feel unwelcome on her very first day of training. Both experiences helped shape her belief that employees deserve leaders who make them feel safe, respected, and supported.
Leaving Corporate Doesn't Mean Leaving Uncertainty Behind
Despite reaching a senior leadership position and earning a comfortable income, Pam knew she wanted to create something different. Starting her own company meant trading the predictability of a corporate paycheck for networking, relationship building, and learning how to attract clients. She discovered that believing in your mission doesn't eliminate doubt, but it can give you a reason to keep moving through it.
Supporting Your Family Sometimes Means Rethinking the Plan
When Pam and her husband noticed their daughter struggling with reading, writing, and lengthy homework sessions, they began seeking additional support. Their journey included speech therapy, school resources, an Individualized Education Program (IEP), and eventually the decision to have their daughter repeat first grade. Rather than viewing the experience as a setback, Pam shares how they are prioritizing their daughter's confidence, individual strengths, and long-term well-being.
Guest Bio
Pamela Fritz is the founder of Savvy Resources, a leadership development business focused on helping companies strengthen communication, accountability, and employee recognition. With approximately 20 years of corporate experience, including a decade at Target and experience as a senior human resources director, Pam brings firsthand insight into the challenges employees and leaders face in the workplace.
Through her leadership program and consulting work, she helps organizations develop stronger leadership practices and healthier working relationships. Pam is also a wife and mother of two who is navigating entrepreneurship alongside family responsibilities, community involvement, and her commitment to helping others succeed.
Resources Mentioned In This Episode
Entreprenista League of Female Founders
Helping Children with ADHD and ODD
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success
Some links above may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a small commission from purchases to support this show.
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