A Layered Life

A chorus of lessons learned, hardships endured, and joys experienced

Life is lived in many layers, where horror and joy coexist, struggle and success reconcile, and the good cannot be separated from the bad. In her vulnerable memoir, Gladys H. DeClouet demonstrates how grit, belief, and love contribute to achieving success in the face of life’s complexities.

A former senior executive who forged a path through the oil and restaurant industries, Gladys shares a journey marked by resilience and bold leadership. She recounts her professional and personal experiences, from growing up in an environment where resources were scarce to becoming the first female engineer in offshore oil and gas exploration and production. As a Black woman climbing the corporate ladder and leading multibillion-dollar businesses in male-dominated industries, Gladys demonstrates the power of self-belief and perseverance.

A Layered Life is an inspirational story of courage, leadership, and faith for anyone facing the difficulties that life will inevitably present, regardless of your gender, race, or religious background. It stands as a powerful testament to what’s possible when determination meets opportunity.

Author Biography

Gladys H. DeClouet is a pioneer with an exceptional record of running multibillion-dollar businesses. She forged a path through the oil and restaurant industries. She led divisions at major corporations, such as British Petroleum, Burger King, and Jack in the Box, to financial growth and strategic success. Gladys began her professional career with Conoco Oil as the first female engineer in offshore oil and gas exploration and production and continued to open doors as the first female or first Black female to achieve positions throughout her career. Gladys is a respected leader, recognized for her integrity and ability to attract and develop superior and diverse teams. She is passionate about mentoring and sharing her knowledge and experience with others.

Her influence extends beyond business achievements, as evidenced by her features in Black Enterprise magazine, where she was recognized among the most powerful executives and women in business. Her educational background includes an MBA in Finance & Investment Banking from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Tuskegee University. Actively involved in her community, she has served on several boards. She enjoys music, dancing, and traveling, integrating personal passions with a profound professional legacy. Gladys has since retired and lives in her home state of Florida.