What happens when a therapist accidentally becomes a CEO?

Myra Reneé didn't set out to build an empire – she just wanted to escape the never-ending parking tickets eating away her paycheck. Now she leads Wisconsin's largest Black-owned mental health clinic with over 60 employees across four locations.

In this special role-reversal episode, our usual host becomes the guest as Isaiah Oby interviews Myra about her unexpected journey from solo practitioner to CEO. She shares the raw, unfiltered truth about creating spaces where people can bring their whole selves to work, the isolating reality of leadership, and what it truly means to "step out of the boat" when no one else will.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• How a moment of crisis over parking tickets became the catalyst for entrepreneurship
• The unexpected journey from solo practitioner to 60+ employees without planning to hire anyone
• Why creating authentic spaces transforms both the business and the broader community
• The isolating reality of being "the villain" in leadership positions and making tough decisions
• How maintaining clinical work "for her sanity" keeps her connected to her original purpose
• Why the Peter stepping-out-of-the-boat metaphor captures the essence of true leadership
• The truth about entrepreneurship that social media doesn't show you

Featured Guest: Myra Reneé - CEO & Founder, Anesis Therapy. After starting her practice in 2016 with just herself working two days a week, Myra has built Wisconsin's largest Black-owned mental health clinic. Her organization now employs over 60 people across five locations, creating spaces where both clients and employees can bring their whole, authentic selves. By emphasizing accessibility and creating communal spaces for Black and Brown mental health professionals, Myra has transformed both individual lives and community well-being across Wisconsin.

Connect:

• Myra Reneé:
  • www.anesistherapy.com
  • www.myrarenee.com
  • www.instagram.com/therealmyrarenee

Making Progress is a podcast where we talk to Real People, Doing Real Things, and Making Real Progress.

Produced by Puente Creative Studios.

Text Myra

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What happens when two neighbors become empire builders?

Annette Miller and Lisa M. Peyton didn't wait for permission to create change. They turned personal pain into powerful movements – transforming equity and wellness in Wisconsin and beyond.

In this episode, host Myra Reneé sits down with two incredible Black women CEOs who reveal what it really takes to build organizations in spaces that weren't designed for you. From closing offices for a month to prioritize well-being, to "doing it scared" when the stakes are highest, their stories offer both inspiration and practical wisdom for anyone looking to create meaningful change.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• How personal loss became the catalyst for a national wellness movement
• The real strategy behind building equity-focused businesses
• Why "doing it scared" is non-negotiable for changemakers
• How self-care and rest become acts of liberation for Black women leaders
• The difference between building from scratch vs. inheriting established organizations
• Why Black women entrepreneurs deserve multimillion-dollar investments

Featured Guests:

Annette Miller - CEO & Founder, EQT By Design, LLC With 25 years in policy and analytics, Annette passionately drives inclusion and engagement across community and government. As a mixed-race woman and former military brat, she brings personal experience of not belonging to her work of building bridges and creating access for underserved communities.

Lisa M. Peyton, MS.Ed. - Founder, CEO & President, The Foundation for Black Women's Wellness. Now in its 16th year, Lisa's organization empowers Black women and their families across Wisconsin to achieve healthier lives. After losing her mother in 2006, Lisa transformed personal tragedy into a movement that has grown from a solo founder to a $3.7 million organization serving thousands annually.

Connect:

• Host Myra Reneé:
  • www.myrarenee.com
  • www.instagram.com/therealmyrarenee
• EQT By Design: www.eqtbydesign.com
• Foundation for Black Women's Wellness: www.ffbww.org/

Making Progress is a podcast where we talk to Real People, Doing Real Things, and Making Real Progress.

Produced by Puente Creative Studios.

Text Myra

Support the show