Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Kiki Ramsey
Hi Dr. Kiki, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up sleeping on a couch in a crack house because my mother was addicted to drugs. But for some reason, I knew this was not my destiny in life, so one day, I made a promise to myself that no matter what bad things happened in my life, I was going to be successful.
Even though I made that promise, I still ended up pregnant, having my first child at 17 years old. But my promise never left me. Long before I knew that I would ultimately become a leading positive psychologist and executive coach, helping women all over the world discover their purpose and create their own happiness, I spent many years trying to help my mother get off of drugs. Helping her made me fall in love with helping other women through their challenges.
Inspired by my mom, my career began with a deep passion for understanding what makes people truly happy and successful. Ultimately, my undergraduate background in child development and family studies and my love for psychology laid a strong foundation for my interest in positive psychology, which focuses on what goes right with you versus what’s wrong with you.
My career started in traditional roles, but I soon recognized that my true calling was in coaching. I wanted to work directly with individuals, helping them navigate their personal and professional lives to achieve not just success, but fulfillment. That led me to become an positive psychologist and executive coach, specializing in empowering women to create their own happiness and thrive.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My journey certainly hasn’t been smooth, but it’s been profoundly transformative. Growing up, my circumstances were far from ideal. Sleeping on a couch in a crack house during my younger years and becoming a teenage mom at 17 presented immense challenges. The poverty I experienced added another layer of difficulty, making every day a struggle for survival and stability.
Despite these hardships, I held onto the promise I made to myself: that I would rise above my circumstances and find success. Balancing the responsibilities of motherhood while trying to improve my own situation was incredibly tough. I faced countless obstacles, from financial struggles to navigating the stigma of being a young parent.
Helping my mother through her own battles with addiction was another significant challenge. It took a toll on me emotionally and mentally, but it also deepened my empathy and commitment to supporting others facing similar struggles. These experiences shaped my desire to pursue a career where I could make a real difference in people’s lives.
Along the way, I encountered setbacks in my professional journey as well. Learning to run a business with employees was a shift for me that required significant adjustments and resilience. There were moments of doubt and difficulty, but each challenge provided valuable lessons and opportunities for growth.
Ultimately, these struggles have been integral to my journey, helping me develop a deeper understanding of the complexities of life and the power of resilience. They’ve fueled my passion for positive psychology and my dedication to empowering women to overcome their own obstacles and find fulfillment.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Kiki Ramsey International & PPCaDI (Positive Psychology Coaching and Diversity Institute)?
I am the CEO of two impactful organizations that each serve unique yet complementary purposes. The first is Kiki Ramsey International (KRI). At KRI, my focus is on empowering high-achieving women to create lives that are not only successful but also deeply fulfilling. My approach blends positive psychology with practical strategies for both personal and professional growth. Through keynote speaking engagements, my books, and Thrive Society—my online community—I help women discover their purpose, achieve their goals, and cultivate happiness across all aspects of their lives. Thrive Society, in particular, is a vibrant platform where women come together to learn, support each other, and grow.
My second company is the Positive Psychology Coaching and Diversity Institute (PPCaDI). At PPCaDI, we are dedicated to fostering inclusive and thriving workplaces. We do this through a unique combination of leadership development, positive psychology principles, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategies. Our goal is to help organizations build environments where everyone feels valued and empowered to succeed.
What sets us apart is our integrated approach. At KRI, we don’t just focus on achieving external success but also on nurturing internal fulfillment and well-being. At PPCaDI, we combine the best practices of positive psychology with actionable DEI strategies to create workplaces that are both inclusive and inspiring.
I’m incredibly proud of the way both organizations have evolved and the positive impact we’ve been able to make. The sense of community and transformation we’ve fostered at KRI and the tangible improvements in workplace culture facilitated by PPCaDI are what truly make our work meaningful.
I want your readers to know that whether you’re looking to enhance your personal life or transform your workplace, our organizations offer comprehensive and innovative solutions to support your journey. We’re here to guide you in creating a fulfilling life and an inclusive, thriving work environment.
How do you think about happiness?
What makes me truly happy is spending quality time with my husband and three wonderful children, and doing the work I’m passionate about. Family is the heart of my joy. Being with my loved ones—sharing experiences, laughter, and making memories—nourishes my soul and provides a deep sense of fulfillment.
Equally important is the work I do. Helping others discover their purpose and achieve their goals through positive psychology and coaching brings me immense satisfaction. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the transformations and growth that come from my work. The ability to blend my professional passions with personal happiness creates a harmonious balance in my life, making each day fulfilling and meaningful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kikiramsey.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkikiramsey/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kiki.ramsey
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrKikiRamsey
- Other: https://www.ppcadi.com/
