1. Tell us a bit about yourself?
Kim-Lee Ricketts is a dynamic, creative, and determined individual, with a keen passion for the development of people, their skills, and ensuring that they have the tools in place to reach and execute their full potential.
Her experience extends to working as a consultant and business partner at senior management level, delivering high-level strategic input and best practice. She has broad expertise across a range of industries, including strategic HR planning, talent management, HR transformation, performance development, change management, and organisational development.
Kim-Lee has a strong track record of delivering and implementing HR plans and initiatives that transform HR organisations and measurably support business objectives. In 2021 she added author to her multi-feathered hat when she contributed to a book called “Industrial-Organisational Psychologists Engaging with the New World of Work.”
She spends a lot of her time giving back to communities through various motivational talks, connecting with corporates and scholars, especially youth, to exchange knowledge and experiences from her journey …but to also be a voice of encouragement and an example of perseverance.
As a businesswoman she has reached personal milestones, having launched her own clothing label that is currently stocked online at various boutiques across the Western Cape, and her NPO called Khanyisa Worx, where she focuses on the development and empowerment of women of all ages.
2. What work do you do?
I am a registered psychologist holding a Masters’ degree in Industrial Psychology and simultaneously using my skills and influence to initiate and develop people and make a difference. I work within Organisational Effectiveness and my focus areas include working in Culture, Diversity & Inclusion across Africa, especially within the LGBTQIA+ spaces, Employee Value Proposition, and Employee Wellbeing.
My current projects involve hybrid working and setting up organisations for the future world of work. I also have experience in Change Management, Organisational Development and Design, Talent Management, and Psychometric Assessments. I am currently also completing my Ph.D. in Health Sciences with a focus on developing a parenting programme that will facilitate empowering conversations in families for decision making and readying them to navigate the future world of work.
3. How long have you been in the industry?
I have 14 years experience in organisation development, organisational behaviour, change management, human resources, talent management, and leadership development.
4. Has your work always been your passion? Tell us why?
Being a leader and change-maker has always been a part of my nature. The reason for me embarking on this career path is my passion for people development and helping individuals reach their full potential. I am always intrigued by innovation, and how corporates can navigate within the 4th industrial revolution to better themselves and their environment to create inclusive spaces that are conducive to personal and professional development.
5. Being a woman in the industry – what does it take?
There have been massive shifts and strides within the industry in the last few years, with more women claiming space and making sure their voices are heard. At the same time, we are slowly developing “women supporting women” movements where we are not only creating space for each other but also giving support by facilitating opportunities that allow women to eradicate the sense of competition and further cultivate environments that measure, recognise and celebrate the contributions of women in their own right.
Being a woman in the industry, I realise the weight and responsibility I carry as I walk a path that has been paved by so many women who came before me. My generation and the next must continue to lay a foundation cemented in humility, strength, courage and perseverance.
6. What has been the most difficult challenge of your career?
The challenge that I and so many other women of colour face is being seen and heard in a corporate space. But within this challenge, I have found possibility in equipping myself with tools that have helped me navigate to get to where I am today. Another challenge was that I entered the corporate scene at a young age and had to build conviction and credibility in who I was and my offering despite facing ageism. I soon learnt that to make my mark I needed to speak up, find my voice, and step into my light by challenging myself to show up, place myself in uncomfortable spaces to grow so that I maintain my seat at the table.
7. What advice do you have for other women in your industry?
“#EmpoweredWomenEmpowerWomen”. As we learn and grow, we must plough back, strengthening the bridge of enlightenment that all may cross over it and reach their full potential. We have the power to uplift and empower each other to thrive and be the change that we want to see. Use what you have to affect and effect change – share your knowledge, experience and be another’s opportunity to then pay it forward.
8. Plans for the future?
My plan is to grab many opportunities to further advance my current projects, upskill myself, and find platforms where I am able to empower, encourage and develop communities.
