As an Industrial Psychologist, Kim-Lee Ricketts’ passion and purpose is to make a difference in the lives of others, and to help them understand and realise their full potential.
Having attended both the University of the Western Cape and the University of Cape Town, she obtained her Master’s Degree in her respective field of industrial psychology and has paved her professional path through corporate heavy-weights namely KPMG, Deloitte, Department of Agriculture and recently Old Mutual. Kim-Lee has led culture transformation and change management projects, developed and implemented team initiatives, launched a Pride@Mutual Employee resource group, and facilitates and supports various wellbeing initiatives for employees.
Her passion for people development also saw her register her non-profit organisation called KHANYISA WORX (Khanyisa meaning “light” in Xhosa) with a focus on developing and upskilling youth and women through various workshops and mentorship programmes.
We asked Kim-Lee to share some advice on unlocking opportunities, getting ‘unstuck’ and ideas for employee wellbeing initiatives for employees.
Q. What are your top 5 tips for people to create more opportunities in their careers?
- You are your brand – show up and dress up for every opportunity as you never know who is in the room.
- Stay ready – keep your CV and profile updated.
- First impressions do last (you get 1 shot). Be mindful of your energy, attitude, and be confident in what you are bringing into a space.
- Stay relevant. Keep abreast of conversations and current trends within your field/interest/passion.
- Consistency is key. Embrace the notion of “lifelong learning”. Challenge yourself by upskilling through various free courses available through platforms such as Udemy; GetSmarter; Google; and visit University and College websites to look at what short courses are offered.
Q. What holds many people back from reaching their full potential, and what tips do you have to get ‘unstuck’?
What holds people back:
- “The only limitations we face are the ones we place on ourselves”. Many times, we are the reason we don’t progress. We place doubt in our abilities; are not able to see and fully understand our potential and are reluctant to explore what our best looks like, as growth is uncomfortable.
- Other factors that can hold people back from reaching their potential includes fear of failure, mental health and wellbeing, lack of self-confidence, external barriers like limited resources or opportunities, negative self-talk, and a reluctance to step out of comfort zones.
There is no “one size fits all” as each individual may have their own unique combination of factors influencing their journey to realising their potential.
How can you get where you want to be?
- Start journaling. Write down your goals, dreams, interests and things you would like to explore.
- Meditation, breathing or exercise – create a routine that works for you.
- For career guidance ask schools, churches, family and friends, or find a mentor.
- Network by attending events, workshops, conferences, webinars, talks and expos.
- And always find moments to celebrate the small wins along the way.
Q. For small businesses that do not have big corporate budgets, what wellbeing initiatives can they offer to support employees?
- Embrace technology. Find the apps that are available that address wellbeing.
- Create support groups in the business that addresses specific needs (e.g. parenting, women/men’s network; fun groups such as an adventure group for hiking, etc.)
- Have a weekly check-in and check-out to list work priorities, but also to have a mental health check on where people are at.
- Align with NPOs and NGOs that are willing to come onboard as speakers for specific topics: CANSA; Cape Mental Health; SADAG etc.
- Conduct surveys to get feedback and bring in the voice of the employee
- Arrange team building activities, or volunteering initiatives.
