Leading with Authenticity: Melinda Miller’s Journey to Redefine Leadership at PIXO

When Melinda Miller purchased PIXO, a custom software consultancy, during the pandemic, her first instinct was to protect what the company had built. PIXO designs and develops web and mobile applications tailored to each client’s needs, and Melinda was determined to preserve the team and the work through uncertain times. But as the business stabilized, she realized that maintaining wasn’t enough—she needed to lead in a way that felt true to herself.

“I bought the business during COVID, and it was a strange time. I was caretaking the business rather than leading it.”

Defining What Leadership Looks Like

Melinda joined the Bpeace program at a moment of transition. Through her work with her mentor, Yvette, and the program’s structured exercises, she began to define what leadership could look like for her—not based on an external model, but rooted in her own strengths.

“I had to embrace the idea that I’m steering the ship. That my role is to provide direction.”

Although Melinda was initially unsure about the match—Yvette came from the cosmetics industry, far from tech—she quickly realized that their connection went deeper than sector experience. Yvette became a mirror, a cheerleader, and a strategist.

Together, they clarified PIXO’s mission and vision, grounding it in values that reflected the company’s approach to client work and internal culture. That process not only shaped how Melinda communicates about the business—it also helped her step into her role with more clarity and confidence.

Focusing on What Matters Most

Before the program, Melinda was involved in nearly every aspect of the business. With Yvette’s guidance, she began to focus on the areas where her leadership could have the greatest impact.

“I used to get too involved in every part of the company, but now I understand where my focus should be. I have to do what no one else is doing at a high level.”

This mindset helped her make important decisions more decisively. One of the most significant: hiring a full-time project manager after relying on freelancers for years. While it wasn’t an easy decision in an uncertain market, Melinda felt equipped to weigh the trade-offs and act.

“My mindset through this program is part of the reason I was willing to do it. I’ve really gotten out of fear-based thinking.”

Laying the Groundwork for Growth

The program also gave Melinda tools to strengthen the team. Melinda also brought a team member to a session on sales, which allowed ideas from the workshop to carry into day-to-day conversations and decision-making. She plans to involve more of her team in future opportunities like this.

Another milestone was developing a business pitch, which she delivered to a panel of professionals. Melinda is now repurposing parts of that pitch into short videos and website content that reflect the company’s values and voice.

“The work we did was more foundational. Hopefully it leads to more connections with people who might be clients, and maybe they’ll want to work with PIXO because they understand what I care about and value.”

Moving Forward

With five new hires planned this year—focused on client-facing roles—Melinda is building PIXO’s capacity for growth. She's also reshaping the balance within her team, guided by a stronger understanding of what the business needs and where her leadership is most valuable.

What’s changed most is not just the structure of the team, but how Melinda approaches decisions.The foundation Melinda built during the Bpeace program—clarity of purpose, authentic leadership, and trust in her team—will serve her well as she steers PIXO into its next chapter.

“This process really changed my sense of who I am in relation to this business… I now feel like I’m truly leading the company.”

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