Meet Melanie Boyack, a best-selling author, keynote speaker, and corporate trainer with a remarkable career rooted in resilience. Having worked alongside military special operations and SWAT teams, Melanie gained unique insights into managing stress in high-pressure environments. Today, she shares her expertise with professionals across various industries, helping them navigate the challenges of stress, trauma, and burnout. Through her engaging presentations and practical strategies, Melanie inspires individuals to turn obstacles into opportunities for growth, empowering them to lead healthier and more balanced lives.
What motivated you to start your company, and how did you choose your industry?
I was inspired to help people turn their trauma into strength after seeing how much stress and trauma can affect those in high-pressure jobs, like the military, law enforcement, and corporate leadership. These roles often leave people feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and sometimes hopeless. As a trauma therapist, I saw a chance to extend healing beyond the therapy room and into organizations and leadership teams. That’s why I created Phoenix Rebellion Therapy—to offer support to those who need help recovering and regaining control of their lives. Now, I focus on giving talks and training programs to professionals in various fields, helping them face their challenges and build resilience. My keynotes encourage people to shift their perspective on stress and trauma, teaching them how to overcome these challenges and transform both their personal and work lives.
What were the biggest challenges you faced in the early stages of your career, and how did you overcome them?
One of the toughest challenges I faced was earning trust in a field where lives were on the line. Whether I was working with military special operations or trauma victims, the pressure was immense. To build credibility in such high-stress situations, I had to be patient, consistent, and deeply committed to supporting people during their hardest moments.
Another challenge came with balancing my role as a therapist while running a multi-million-dollar business. I didn’t expect the unique stress that comes with entrepreneurship, but what helped me was practicing the same techniques I share with others—like grounding exercises and setting clear goals. It wasn’t easy, but using my own advice on managing stress and avoiding burnout made a big difference during those tough times.
What was your approach to building a customer base when you first started?
My focus has always been on earning trust and showing real value. In therapy, word-of-mouth is everything, so I made sure my clients felt safe, supported, and saw positive results. This same idea carried over when I started training and consulting for businesses. When people see that your advice truly makes a difference, they naturally want to share that with others. Speaking at events, especially alongside respected leaders in Utah, also helped me build my reputation and connect with more clients.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone just starting out in your industry, what would it be?
My advice is to focus on staying strong, both for yourself and your clients. Working in trauma therapy or stressful environments takes a lot of emotional energy. It’s important to care for yourself just as you care for others. This means setting boundaries, practicing self-care, and always looking for ways to grow and adapt. When you prioritize your own well-being, you’ll be in a better position to support those who rely on you.
Key Takeaways
In her new book Road Map, Melanie Boyack offers more than just advice—she provides support for anyone feeling weighed down by stress, trauma, or burnout. With her deep experience as a trauma therapist and corporate trainer, Melanie shares practical and caring insights that show a clear way to bounce back. Whether you’re dealing with work pressure or personal challenges, her book serves as a helpful guide to regain strength, heal, and take back control of your life. Now an Amazon Best Seller, Road Map is making a difference for many, showing that with the right help, even tough times can lead to personal growth and healing.