Gladys DeClouet: The story behind "A layered life"

Some women who make it to the top leave the door for others to pass through. Gladys DeClouet  belongs to that circle. She is a "one in a million" woman because she is irreplaceable. Over the years, she has built a solid career in a sector many would dismiss as "mission impossible". Becoming the first female engineer in offshore oil and gas exploration and production, is one of the highlights of her career. She went on to rose to the top leadership positions notable companies such as BP, Burger King and Jack in the Box. The figures speak for themselves. During her tenure, she led organisations to cash out billions in annual re venue and created employment opportunities for more than 30000 people.  

Ms. Gladys is a trailblazing Black Woman in Corporate America, A Bronze Award recipient from Nonfiction Authors Association, an Amazon #1 Best Seller and #1 New Release, and a National Indie Excellence Award finalist. If there is one woman breaking barriers, leading with integrity and courage, pushing for change and creating lasting impacts in organisations, Ms. Gladys has got to be on that list!

One interesting fact about her is that she is also an author. Her book- A Layered Life  has touched and  transformed many lives. It was her book that got us talking in the first place. I was curious why an author would give her book such a name and what a 'layered life' meant to her.

One thing led to another and finally here she is in this feature. Most of our conversations revolved around her masterpiece book. She also touched other aspects that cater to your growth. Read excerpts:

Congratulations on your book, A Layered Life: Breaking Barriers as a Trailblazing Black Woman in Corporate America. What inspired you to finally put your journey into writing?

I have worked hard throughout my career and retirement to mentor, coach, develop and enhance opportunities for others. But there is a limit to the number of people that one can directly impact. So, it was my hope that sharing my story in book form would allow more people to be able to benefit from my lessons learned, hardships endured, and joys experienced. However, it seemed that I could never give the time and focus to getting it done. Then, about 4 years ago, I went through another painful reminder of how little time we have on this earth. And it was then that I vowed to stop procrastinating and finally get the book written and published.

The title itself is powerful. What does A Layered Life mean to you personally?

To me, A Layered Life means that life is lived in many layers – where horror and joy coexist, struggle and success reconcile, and the good can not be separated from the bad. Each layer is laid upon the previous, and every element carves it mark on your journey. ……….Ultimately, each layer tells a story, and how we live each layer is affected by our experiences in each of the previous layers.

What was the most difficult part of telling your story honestly on paper?

It was extremely difficult for me to share the details of my personal life. Yet, due to the complexities and inseparability of my career and personal life, I felt I had to open up on a level that was far outside my comfort zone. I needed to share deep personal details in order to tell the story authentically and in its most meaningful and beneficial way for the readers. 

Who did you have in mind as your reader while writing this book?

When writing the book, I had all people in mind. I feel that the book has beneficial insights and takeaways for everyone. Also, it will resonate in some uniquely special ways for:

• Future leaders and all people interested in inspiration and empowerment, and especially those who may feel unseen or underestimated 

• Young girls and women who may dare to break new ground, and want to know someone who walked the path before them and know how she faced the sacrifices and challenges that it will take

• People interested in meaningful conversations around resilience, inclusive leadership, the value of diversity, mental and physical well-being, and life balance

Your career spans engineering, corporate leadership and board advisory roles. What is one lesson life has taught you that no classroom ever could?

Respect and support are earned – through unwavering integrity, active compassion, and consistent performance.

What does success look like for you today compared to earlier in your career?

At this age and stage of my life, success means enjoying as much time as I can with loved ones, enjoying the ocean and ocean views, still making a positive contribution to the world, and being financially sound.

What advice would you give to young women entering engineering or corporate leadership today?

Since it is impossible to cover in one response all of the advice that I would offer young women entering engineering or corporate leadership today, I will choose to select these key points:

• Live and win with integrity

• Don’t let adversity derail you. Use your challenges as stepping stones to growth, purpose, and legacy.

• Practice inclusive leadership and make everyone feel valued and appreciated

• Don’t allow yourself to be dismissed, get your input heard

• Pick your battles – fight the ones that matter most and don’t sweat all the small stuff

You advise boards on crisis decisions and high-stakes tradeoffs. What defines strong decision making in moments of uncertainty?

Having good judgement is key to making good decisions. It is the ability to use knowledge, experience, and critical thinking to form sound opinions and make sensible, effective decisions – many times without complete information – and do it in a timely manner. Strong decision-making requires the ability to weigh pros and cons, and risks versus rewards. And for senior leaders and advisors, it is imperative that their decisions properly balance short-term vs long-term value for the stakeholders.

Looking back on your journey, what accomplishment are you most proud of and why?

I am most proud of being a black female pioneer who opened doors for the many women and people of color who would follow, and continued to raise the floor for them to go even further and achieve higher successes.

What do you hope your legacy will look like beyond titles and accomplishments?

I hope I am remembered as a leader of integrity and strength, who opened the door and helped pave the path for so many women and people of color in corporate America, and mentored and developed many top executives of all backgrounds. And most importantly, I want to be remembered as a loving mother and grandmother.

Are there any new projects, initiatives or books you are currently working on that you would like to share with our readers?

I am continuing to contribute as an executive leadership speaker. Bookings can be done by reaching out to my publicist at bdeclouet.pr.events@gmail.com or by contact through my website at GladysDeClouet.        

A quote you live by?

Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path --And leave a trail. 

Three words that best describe you?

Child of God 

One word that describes the future?

Limitless

If readers take away just one lesson from A Layered Life, what do you hope it will be?

Don’t let adversity derail you. Use your challenges as stepping stones to growth, purpose, and legacy.