Lessons Learned

Rear Admiral Pamela Miller is a native of Muscatine and was commissioned an ensign in the Navy Reserve Nurse Corps in 1989 following graduation from the University of Iowa where she earned a Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts in Nursing. In 1995, she was selected for the Navy Health Professionals Scholarship program, commissioned as an ensign in the medical corps, and attended medical school at Des Moines University, Des Moines, Iowa earning both a Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine and a Master’s in Healthcare Administration.

Pam Miller is a Fleet Marine Force Warfare Qualified Officer whose personal awards include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit (two awards), Meritorious Service Medal (four awards), Navy Achievement Medal (two awards) and the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.

Pam is happy to share with us some of the lessons she has learned from serving nearly 30 years in the Navy in various leadership roles.

In a couple of short years, I will be closing the book on more than 30 years of military service . I have spent half of that time on active duty and half in the reserve component . This allowed me the privilege of fostering parallel careers in both the military and civilian sectors As I reflect on three decades of personal and professional growth that led to where I am today, there are several leadership and life lessons worth sharing in hopes the discoveries I have made can positively impact others during their journey

do not let others define what professional success means to you.

For some it is financial, but for others financial success in and of itself leaves them unfulfilled and hollow For me, my times of greatest success are defined by opportunities to change the lives of others In my clinical practice, some of the most memorable and impactful moments with patients and families I cherish the most cannot be measured through revenue or performance metrics In the military, for me it is dedicating your life to something far bigger than yourself, and taking every opportunity to help those junior to you find their way

Be a life-long learner.

One should never be “done” learning or lose the desire to better themselves . It doesn’t matter at what, a better person, spouse, parent, coach, professional, etc . Keep your life multidimensional . Don’t become consumed by work to the extent that is the only “you” there is . You cannot rewind time, and opportunities are forever lost Stay connected to family and friends . There are so many times that circumstances dictate missing important events in others’ lives When the opportunity does exist, make important events a priority .

Never underestimate your capabilities, and your ability to grow with an opportunity.

Even if something is a stretch for you, don’t sell yourself short, and make someone tell you “no” If you sense a glass ceiling your goal needs to be to break through, for yourself and those who follow after you . Always bring your “A” game, exceed expectations, and have the confidence to go after the “stretch goal”.

As you develop as a leader, ensure you have a trusted inner circle you can use to provide candid feedback to you, and listen . This will ensure your compass remains on true north, and you choose the ethical high ground Using a football analogy, and in the words of Former Secretary of Defense, James Mattis, always play the ethical midfield I have worked for so many types of leaders, both civilian and military It is important to study leaders, both good and bad, as there are important lessons to be learned from both ends