Ramona Hood is a renowned business executive, strategic innovation expert and speaker who made history as the first African-American to lead a FedEx operating company in the Fortune 500 giant’s 47 year history. Growing up in the small town of Akron, Ohio, she forged her own path to leadership, redefining what’s possible along the way. Rising from an entry-level position to CEO of FedEx Custom Critical, she has spent decades building resilient, diverse, and high-performing teams, earning respect as a trusted advisor to major boards and executives worldwide.
Now focused on giving back to communities, especially those that reflect her own experiences, Ramona serves as a leadership advisor and speaker. She inspires possibilities, fosters an abundant mindset, and emphasizes the importance of purposeful action, work, and practice—all key to the legacy she aims to build.
As the Founder and President of Aphthonia — named after the Greek word for "abundance" — she is on a mission to help leaders and organizations thrive. Under her guidance, Hood focuses on operational excellence, strategic hiring, and cultivating a culture of continuous improvement. By streamlining processes, attracting top talent, and fostering environments that value innovation and efficiency, she equips individuals and organizations to achieve breakthroughs and sustainable growth.
On every stage, Ramona seamlessly bridges high-level strategy with practical expertise, making her a go-to resource for audiences seeking meaningful change. Whether addressing stagnant growth, navigating complex challenges, or defining bold new objectives, she guides attendees to identify root causes, clarify their priorities and craft a clear framework for moving the needle.
Ramona’s groundbreaking leadership success and commitment to equity and inclusion have garnered widespread recognition. She has been featured in Forbes, CNBC, Crain’s Cleveland Business, Black Enterprise Women of Power, and theSkimm, for her visionary approach and transformative impact. She also serves as an active board member for several organizations, including Brinker International, the Knight Foundation, Summa Health, and most recently, the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland. In these roles, she shapes policies, amplifies organizational impact, and champions equity at the highest levels.
Ramona Hood is a renowned business executive, strategic innovation expert and speaker who made history as the first African-American to lead a FedEx operating company in the Fortune 500 giant’s 47 year history. Growing up in the small town of Akron, Ohio, she forged her own path to leadership, redefining what’s possible along the way. Rising from an entry-level position to CEO of FedEx Custom Critical, she has spent decades building resilient, diverse, and high-performing teams, earning respect as a trusted advisor to major boards and executives worldwide.
Now focused on giving back to communities, especially those that reflect her own experiences, Ramona serves as a leadership advisor and speaker. She inspires possibilities, fosters an abundant mindset, and emphasizes the importance of purposeful action, work, and practice—all key to the legacy she aims to build.
As the Founder and President of Aphthonia — named after the Greek word for "abundance" — she is on a mission to help leaders and organizations thrive. Under her guidance, Hood focuses on operational excellence, strategic hiring, and cultivating a culture of continuous improvement. By streamlining processes, attracting top talent, and fostering environments that value innovation and efficiency, she equips individuals and organizations to achieve breakthroughs and sustainable growth.
On every stage, Ramona seamlessly bridges high-level strategy with practical expertise, making her a go-to resource for audiences seeking meaningful change. Whether addressing stagnant growth, navigating complex challenges, or defining bold new objectives, she guides attendees to identify root causes, clarify their priorities and craft a clear framework for moving the needle.
Ramona’s groundbreaking leadership success and commitment to equity and inclusion have garnered widespread recognition. She has been featured in Forbes, CNBC, Crain’s Cleveland Business, Black Enterprise Women of Power, and theSkimm, for her visionary approach and transformative impact. She also serves as an active board member for several organizations, including Brinker International, the Knight Foundation, Summa Health, and most recently, the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland. In these roles, she shapes policies, amplifies organizational impact, and champions equity at the highest levels.
The Leadership Blueprint for Stepping Into Your Power
Format: Keynote; Fireside Chat
This program is perfect for:
- University Students or recent University graduates
- Women, African Americans, and anyone aspiring to move up into leadership roles
The audience will leave with:
- Three practical steps: Know your Joy, Build your Board of Directors, Get Comfortable with the Uncomfortable.
- The energy and...
From Friction to Flow: Creating High Impact Team Environments
Format: _ Keynote, Fireside chat with Q&A, and specific consulting
This program is perfect for:
- Leaders looking to get the best from their team
- Leaders looking to unlock the innovation within their organization
The audience will leave with:
- Approach to getting alignment
- Systems to hear everyone's...
Think Bigger to Solve Complex Problems
Format: _ minute [keynote, workshop, breakout, etc..]
This program is perfect for:
- Recently promoted or high potential individuals
- Advancing your problem-solving skills
The audience will leave with:
- practical tips for intellectual curiosity
- framework to identify opportunities and...
Mastering the Lattice of Career Advancement
Format: Keynote
This program is perfect for:
- Anyone looking to be intentional with their career
The audience will leave with:
- Tools to create a strategic career plan
- The roles required for their board of directors
Every leader's path to success is unique, often taking unexpected...
3 recommend Ramona
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McCleod
On-Site
T., President, McCleod
VerifiedI worked with Ramona for several years as a supplier. Her leadership at FedEx was outstanding. She offered her team guidance, and gave them room to run. She led by consensus. She recently was keynote speaker at our annual User Conference, speaking to an audience of over 1,000. Her speech was personal and meaningful. She shared personal aspects that were very insightful, and listeners came away with practical applications to use in their own professional journeys and personal lives. We received many positive comments.
CBIZ
On-Site
C.O.B.W., President - Employee Benefits, CBIZ
VerifiedWe were lucky enough to have Ramona Hood come and speak to our women's employee resource group earlier this year. She talked about her journey, the obstacles she overcame, the hard lessons she learned. Our group laughed and cried along with every story! Ramona is a highly intentional leader with a clear vision, which came through as she spoke with our group. It's no wonder that she has been so successful, and even named a CBIZ Women Transforming Business Award Winner. During her talk, she was so personable and friendly, which kept our employees' attention. Additionally, she was incredible to work with when working to coordinate and plan the session. If you are a leader and you want to inspire your team - talk to Ramona!
ColorComm
On-Site
G.G., Director, Communications, ColorComm
VerifiedI’ve long admired Ramona’s work, and was thrilled to have her share her wisdom at our 9th Annual ColorComm Conference last summer. Ramona’s arduous journey to the C-Suite as the first Black woman President & CEO of FedEx Custom Critical provided invaluable insights into leadership and innovation, inspiring many to strive for greater heights and challenge the status quo. Ramona Hood, a renowned expert and captivating speaker warrants a memorable and impactful experience for your audience.
