Meet Erika McMillon | Queen of Automation

We had the good fortune of connecting with Erika McMillon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erika, what’s the most important lesson your business/career has taught you?
I’ve learned that developing, growing, and leading a successful business is all connected to one thing – personal development. The success of your business is really about your own personal growth. The more you grow and evolve into the best version of yourself, a better leader, and a better subject-matter expert, the easier it is for your business to grow. People often don’t want to do the self-work necessary to acquire success. They want to press an easy button and arrive at the destination, but it does not happen that way. You must put in the self-work. And that self-work is multi-layered. Areas of development that are often unattractive but very much necessary are: – mindset – discipline – personal relationships – mandatory vacations/times of restoration – daily & evening success routines – health & wellness (physical, spiritual and mental) – daily metrics to track life/business progress Success is not an accident. It is very intentional. The secret ingredient to its recipe is at the core of your own personal development for who you must become to arrive at the level of success you most desire.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
The AKIRE Company LLC offers a unique consulting experience to help accountants, bookkeepers, and tax professionals simplify their automation so that they can increase revenue, reach, and relationships.  Some of our favorite statements from clients are: “This was the best investment we’ve made towards this business thus far.” “I now really feel like a CEO. I see it all coming together now.” “I just closed a 5-figure client because of you.” Our greatest success is producing more ecstatic client testimonials like these.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m a southern belle, so I’m definitely entertaining my bestie at my residence. Yes, we can get out and shop a little at the shops in Highland Colony Parkway, but we will more than likely make this a rest & relax type of vacation. When I entertain at my home, it’s almost like an old-fashioned all-girls sleepover. Relaxing. Movies, games, and girl talk. I’m cooking a good southern meal at least one night. More than likely it would be salmon, fried catfish, greens, yams, beans, cornbread. Possibly add my homemade peach cobbler and banana pudding for dessert. We may go to the reservoir or LaFleur’s Bluff Park for nice waterfront scenery and/or boat rides, and to Another Broken Egg Café for some shrimp and grits; and visit the Fondren Area if it’s 1st Thursdays for a more unique experience. Pick a day to catch a live play downtown at New Stage Theatre or Thalia Mara Hall.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My parents, Eckerson and Geraldine Montgomery introduced me to entrepreneurship before age 6 and inspired me to start my own business as a young child. Since then, I knew entrepreneurship was my path. My mother has always been supportive of my dreams no matter how crazy they seemed to be at the time. A positive faith-filled mindset despite life challenges were great lessons I learned from her. She also introduced me to computer programming when I was about 10 years old and I’ve been in some form of IT career ever since. Other great supporters include my grandmother, Lucille Goldsmith; and son, Ethan. They inspire me daily. I am also especially appreciative of Samanda Marshall-Sawyer. Our initial reason for connecting was for collaborating on projects but she soon became an intricate part of my business team and a great friend.

Website: erikamcmillon.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/ceoerikamcmillon

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikamcmillon/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ceoerikamcmillon

Other: ceosautomate.com erikamcmillon.com/connect

Image Credits
Elliot James James Patterson Ken Gordon