HATTIE: And do you think that being nice translates to the bottom line?

PAMELA: Do I think being nice translates to the bottom line? Yes -- I do – there is a thing called negative reinforcement and a thing called positive reinforcement.

It might not translate to the bottom line as quickly as negative reinforcement, but when it does transfer to the bottom line, I think you build a strong foundation. Something that can grow and nurture, that has roots -- if you will – where it won't blow away the first time something comes along. So, it may take longer to build, but it will be a much stronger sturdier tree when it does come to fruition.

HATTIE: Do you see the team at Rodgers – is this your family?

PAMELA: Yeah – I spend more time here than I do at home. They feel like family to me. We had an employee at one time and he had to leave us. So we had a little exit interview for him and we said, "What was the worst thing about working here?" He said, "People get in your business, they're always trying to find out what's going on – they're just nag, nag, nag." We said, "Okay, what was the best thing about working here?" He said, "People love you – they care about you, they nurture you." So -- yes, it is like family – just like family – you have your good times and your bad times and you just continue to grow together. Your biggest asset is your biggest headache - but you just have to love each other through the tough times and the good times.

HATTIE: Do you think back about why you might be so strong? Where do you think that comes from?

PAMELA: Well, I am very blessed. My grandfather was a graduate of the University of Michigan and he became a lawyer in the early 1900's. Followed by my uncle, who graduated from the University of Michigan, and was one of the first black judges in the Detroit area. Followed by my father, who is also an attorney and practiced with my grandfather and brother. So, knowing the prejudices and the obstacles they faced coming up – especially my grandfather in the early 1900's. And if he can make it back then without the support systems and networking that we have in place right now. Then I have no excuse not to face some of the diversity challenges that I have faced before in the past. Just knowing that it can be done -- we show that it can be done again.