65 - From Therapist to CEO with Melanie Harris: Healthcare Mini Series Pt 4

In this inspiring and refreshingly candid episode, Kari is joined by longtime colleague and friend, Melanie Harris—CEO and physiotherapist at Functional Therapy, a thriving pediatric practice in Alberta. Melanie shares her journey from reluctant entrepreneur to confident business leader, opening up about the emotional and practical challenges of leaving behind secure employment, scaling a purpose-driven business, and redefining leadership in healthcare.Together, Kari and Melanie reflect on the real, behind-the-scenes experiences of transitioning from clinician to entrepreneur: the late nights, the self-doubt, and the joy work that keeps them going. If you’re a healthcare provider thinking about starting your own business—or you’ve already taken the leap—this episode is packed with wisdom, laughs, and reminders that you’re not alone.Key Topics Discussed:From clinician to CEO: Melanie’s non-linear path into entrepreneurshipSaying yes to everything: How she navigated the early stages of solo practiceBuilding a team from the bleachers: The magic of hiring from unexpected placesOwning your job vs. building a business: Knowing when to let go and delegateScaling smart: Becoming a vendor, hiring subcontractors, and embracing growthThe CEO identity shift: Redefining productivity and learning to trust your teamCreating a second level of leadership: Training coordinators and building in mentorshipThe emotional side of leadership: Balancing heart-led decisions with strategic thinkingInvesting in community and support: How peer groups and coaching changed her trajectoryJoy work and intuition: Redefining success on your own termsMelanie’s story is a powerful reminder that building a business—especially in healthcare—requires more than strategy. It takes heart, resilience, and a community of support. From her kitchen-table startup days to leading a thriving, values-driven team, she shows us that leadership is not about doing it all, but about learning to let go and trust the people around you.If you're navigating your own shift from service provider to CEO, be sure to grab the Free 5-Systems Foundation Checklist—it’s a practical tool to help you streamline your business and free up your time so you can focus on your own version of joy work.Because the business you build should work for you.Connect with Melanie and her team:Website: www.functionaltherapy.caPhone: (780) 977-4222Email: [email protected] and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—start building a business that works for you—not just because of you.__Work with Kari: Anchored Leadership AcademyPrivate Business and Leadership CoachingContact Kari Lotzien | Be the Anchor: Website: BeTheAnchor.caFacebook: BeTheAnchorLtdInstagram: BeTheAnchor.caLinked In: Kari Lotzien Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.