Erica Gifford Mills inspires and uplifts those around her, embodying the values that The Faces of Greendale celebrates. Erica is a transformational coach, award-winning author, international speaker, and advocate dedicated to helping others grow from within. A proud Greendale resident since 2001, Erica is also the founder of Balanced Symmetree, through which she empowers individuals and organizations to lead with authenticity, balance, and purpose.
Her work and influence have earned her recognition across major media outlets. She was recently named a 2025 Global Thought Leader Award recipient and has been featured in:
- Entrepreneur’s Echo Magazine – Top 10 Coaches & Mentors Shaping Future Leaders (2025)
- MSN – Top 10 Leading Speakers to Follow in 2025
- Conglomerate Magazine – Most Inspiring and Empowering Women Leaders to Watch in 2025
- MSN News – 10 Visionary Entrepreneurs Driving the Future of Their Industries (2024)
- Apple & Google News – Top 10 Coaches of 2023
Erica is passionate about creating meaningful change — whether guiding women to reclaim their power, supporting veteran families through advocacy, or fostering connection within her community. Through her work, she reminds others to stay grounded, grow through what they go through, and always “Root Down & Rise Up.”
Thank you, Erica, for shining your light in Greendale and beyond!
————————————————————————————————————————————————–
Family is everything to me. Although the three most important people in my life have passed, my dad, mom, and son, I’m blessed with a close-knit, loud, loving, and sometimes delightfully chaotic family that keeps me grounded. My greatest pride and joy will always be my son, Conner — a U.S. Marine Sergeant whose legacy continues to inspire my work in leadership, advocacy, and mental health awareness. Every step I take is rooted in honoring his life and the light he brought into this world.
I wear a few hats — entrepreneur, corporate leader, author, speaker, and empowerment coach. At the heart of it all is my mission to empower others to grow from within and lead with purpose. Through my company, Balanced Symmetree, and my books like Rooted Leadership and The Rooted Life, I help individuals and organizations transform burnout into balance, and chaos into clarity. What I love most? Watching people realize their strength was there all along.
Q: Please tell us about any volunteering that you have done or currently do.
I’m passionate about giving back, especially to causes supporting veterans and mental health. I actively support organizations like Stop Soldier Suicide and the Mighty Oaks Foundation, both of which provide critical resources for military families and service members. I also love mentoring women — whether through networking groups or empowerment events — because when one woman rises, she lifts others with her.
Q: Please tell us about any interesting or unique hobbies that you have?
Writing is my therapy, but I’m also at home on a hiking trail — it’s where I find clarity, creativity, and calm. I love traveling, laughing hard, and creating meaningful experiences with people who make life brighter. I also host Get Rooted Radio, a live talk radio show/podcast dedicated to authentic conversations about life, loss, and leadership.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in Greendale? What do you love there?
You’ll often find me at The Explorium Brewpub, The Eleanor Room, Vintage 38, or Ricardo’s — each with its own vibe, great atmosphere, and a sense of community. Whether it’s craft beer, a glass of wine, or comfort food, I love places that bring people together.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in Greendale?
I’ve called Greendale home since 2001. This community has seen me grow, evolve, and take root — it’s where my story has deepened and where I’ve built lasting connections.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in Greendale?
Every person here has a story worth hearing, but I’d say some of the most interesting people I’ve met are the quiet leaders — the ones making waves behind the scenes, building community without needing a spotlight.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
In March 2026, I’ll be heading to Australia and Thailand for speaking engagements, volunteering, and some much-needed downtime. But my dream trip? Italy — to travel the country for at least a month, soaking in its history, beauty, and culture.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I’ll forever be a fan of Wonder Woman — not just the movie, but the message. Strength, compassion, and truth — that’s leadership to me. TV-wise, give me a mix of Ted Lasso optimism and Suits ambition any day.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Be like a tree — grounded but growing, flexible yet unbreakable. Stand tall in who you are, let your roots run deep, and don’t be afraid to shed what no longer serves you. When you know who you are, storms don’t shake you — they strengthen you.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I’m beginning to build the Lead Like A Woman Experience — a movement that will include an event, mastermind, and retreat to inspire women to live, love, and lead boldly. And a TED Talk is still high on my bucket list — it’s time to take my message global. And, continuing to travel the world.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
My playlist is seriously all over the place but I would say my go-tos include The Eagles, Mumford & Sons, Noah Kahan, and a little 90s rap for those fire-in-your-belly moments.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about Greendale?
I have soft spots for local shops that have stood the test of time — those cozy spots that remind you community isn’t built by corporations, but by connection.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you meet for this lunch?
Brené Brown or Mel Robbins. We’d meet at Joey Gerard’s, share laughter, vulnerability, frank conversation, a good meal, and probably change the world over dessert.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about Greendale?
The sense of belonging. People here show up — for events, for each other, for the community. It’s not just where you live; it’s where you’re rooted.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Expanding my global impact through books, retreats, and speaking — all while staying grounded in my roots. My mission is to grow Balanced Symmetree into a worldwide movement that teaches people how to live, love, and lead like themselves.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I’m actually an introvert who thrives on deep connection over small talk. And, I love late-night dance parties with my dog.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
For me, beauty isn’t a place — it’s a moment with the ones I love. The location doesn’t matter when the company fills your soul.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
October — always. Fall colors, crisp air, and my son’s birthday month. But I also love the Fourth of July — sunshine, laughter, and a reminder of freedom and community. My favorite day is any one that reminds me how far I’ve come.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Good people, real conversation, great wine, and purpose-driven laughter.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My son, always. His love, loyalty, dedication, and courage fuel me, and his life will never be forgotten. And the countless women who turn pain into purpose and power, and wounds into wisdom. They’re my daily inspiration.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Fresh rain on warm pavement, vanilla with a hint of amber, sawdust (it reminds me of my dad), and lilacs, which always remind me of my mom.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Rooted. Love. Legacy.
