Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Ramona Smith of Mid City

Ramona Smith shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Ramona, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day are intentional and grounded. As soon as I open my eyes, I begin with gratitude, simply saying “thank you.” I move into journaling, a practice I’ve maintained every single day of 2025. Afterward, I write 40 affirmations to set a positive tone, spend 15 minutes in yoga to center my body and mind, enjoy a nourishing breakfast, and finish by walking my dog. It’s a rhythm that balances reflection, movement, and mindfulness, the foundation for a focused and fulfilling day.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Ramona J. Smith, 2018 World Champion of Public Speaking, educator, and coach dedicated to helping leaders and professionals communicate with confidence, courage, and clarity. Through my company, I design transformative public speaking and personal development programs that blend storytelling, psychology, and strategy. What makes my work unique is my focus on turning life’s toughest challenges into lessons in resilience and growth. Right now, I’m expanding my executive speaking and leadership coaching programs to help teams and individuals build cultures of courage, connection, and impact.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
Mediocrity. After reading Will Guidara’s Unreasonable Hospitality, I realized how often I’ve settled for simply meeting expectations instead of exceeding them. His book challenged me to reimagine what it means to serve, not just to deliver, but to delight; not just to finish, but to elevate. The biggest lesson I took away is that excellence is a choice made moment by moment, rooted in genuine care and intentionality. I’m releasing the version of myself that plays small, rushes through experiences, or does “just enough.” From now on, I’m committed to showing up with creativity, generosity, and that extra touch that transforms ordinary moments into something extraordinary.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me that you can be a work in progress and a masterpiece at the same time. Success often celebrates the finished product, but pain reminds you of the beauty in becoming, the strength, grace, grit, and resilience forged in the process. It showed me that growth isn’t about perfection; it’s about persistence, faith, and the courage to keep evolving even when life feels unfinished.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
Authenticity. I believe real connection and impact only happen when we show up as our true selves. In a world that often rewards imitation or performance, authenticity is my non-negotiable. It builds trust, fosters belonging, and keeps the mission aligned with purpose rather than perception.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
If I laid down my name, role, and possessions, what would remain is my spirit of resilience and the compassion, courage, and light that no title or material thing can define. Beneath every achievement and label, there’s a champion devoted to growth, service, and love. That essence is who I truly am, and it’s what endures when everything else falls away.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ramonajsmith.com
• Instagram: @ramonajsmith1
• Linkedin: Ramona J. Smith
• Facebook: Ramona J. Smith
• Youtube: @ramonajsmith1

Image Credits
MoneyHungryFresh