When Melanie Boyack retired from being a renowned trauma therapist, she knew her new career would be challenging. However, she is no stranger to challenges. As co-founder of Phoenix Rebellion Therapy, she helped improve mental health care for over 9,000 people in Utah. With years of experience helping people overcome PTSD, addiction, and anxiety, she has touched many lives. Her work with first responders, military units, and SWAT teams highlighted her resilience and dedication.
After leaving trauma therapy, Melanie shifted to corporate training, using her knowledge in leadership and mental health to help people succeed at work. Her Amazon best-selling book, Road Map, provides simple tools for dealing with stress and burnout. She discusses her leadership style, career influences, and future plans in this interview.
What’s your approach to leadership, and how has it evolved over time?
My approach to leadership has always been centered around empathy and empowerment. Coming from a background in trauma therapy, I’ve learned that people need to feel understood and supported before they can perform at their best. Early in my career, I focused primarily on guiding others with compassion, but over time, I realized the importance of balance—compassion paired with accountability.
As I transitioned into corporate training, I saw that leaders who create an environment of trust and respect while maintaining clear expectations tend to foster the most resilient teams. I’ve evolved to incorporate more structure and goal-setting into my leadership style, but the heart of it remains the same: helping people recognize their potential and guiding them through their challenges with both understanding and clarity.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career, and what did you learn from them?
I’ve been fortunate to have several influential figures in my life, but if I had to choose one, it would be a mentor I worked with early in my therapy career. This person taught me the importance of being adaptable and open to new methods. They instilled in me a deep understanding that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to helping people, especially in mental health. I carry this lesson into my work today, whether it’s in therapy or corporate training.
This mentor also emphasized the value of self-care, something that’s easy to neglect when you’re focused on helping others. I’ve always tried to practice what I preach—taking time to recharge is crucial, whether you’re a therapist, leader, or team member. Ultimately, the best leaders and therapists are those who take care of themselves so they can continue to support others effectively.
What’s the biggest risk you’ve taken in your career, and how did it pay off?
Without a doubt, the biggest risk was co-founding Phoenix Rebellion Therapy. At the time, mental health care for first responders and veterans in Utah was lacking the comprehensive, trauma-focused care they needed. I felt strongly that we could make a difference, but starting a clinic from the ground up was daunting, especially knowing the population we were serving.
There were moments of uncertainty—financial challenges, navigating healthcare regulations, and the immense responsibility of treating individuals who’d experienced severe trauma. But it paid off in a big way. We were able to provide care to over 9,000 individuals, transforming the mental health landscape for military personnel, first responders, and beyond. Taking that risk not only helped build an impactful organization but also showed me the power of believing in your mission, even when the path forward seems uncertain.
What trends do you see shaping the future of your industry, and how are you preparing for them?
Companies are starting to understand that mental health isn’t just a personal matter—it plays a big role in how well employees perform, stay with the company, and contribute to business success. With more people working remotely and greater awareness of burnout, I believe mental health programs will keep growing.
To prepare, I’m focusing on mental resilience training for corporate teams. There’s also a move toward using neuroscience in leadership and personal growth. We’re learning more about how our brains handle stress, trauma, and learning, and I’m excited to bring this into my training. My goal is to help leaders and teams understand how they can rewire their brains to be more successful and manage challenges better.
What habits or routines do you follow that contribute to your success?
One of the most important habits I’ve developed is consistency in self-care and mindfulness. I start my mornings with a routine that helps me center myself before diving into the day’s tasks—this includes meditation, a quick workout, and journaling. These activities allow me to clear my mind, manage stress, and approach my work with clarity and energy.
Another key routine I follow is ongoing learning. Whether it’s through reading, attending seminars, or speaking with experts in different fields, I make it a priority to stay updated on the latest trends and research, especially around mental health and leadership. This habit of continuous improvement keeps me flexible and open to new ways of thinking, which I believe is crucial for success.
What’s next for you? Any exciting projects or goals on the horizon that you can share?
One project I’m really excited about is my new book, Road Map. It’s a resource for anyone feeling overwhelmed by stress, trauma, or burnout, offering practical strategies and tips to help people navigate tough times. Drawing from my experience as both a trauma therapist and corporate trainer, the book is designed to be a supportive guide for those struggling with personal or professional challenges.
Road Map has already become an Amazon Best Seller, which is incredible. The response has been overwhelming, and I’m grateful that so many people are finding value in it. I wrote the book with the goal of helping people turn their obstacles into opportunities for growth, and I’m thrilled to see that message resonate. Moving forward, I plan to continue spreading this message through speaking engagements and workshops, helping more people and teams find strength and resilience in their own lives.
Key Takeaways
Melanie Boyack’s story shows resilience’s strength in life and work. She has worked as a trauma therapist, shifted to corporate training, and wrote a best-selling book on Amazon. Her main goal is to help people grow, heal, and succeed. With her strong background in mental health, leadership, and self-care, she continues to inspire positive change. Looking ahead, Melanie is focused on spreading her message of mental resilience, helping people and teams overcome challenges and reach their potential.
