Gladys H. DeClouet

Gladys H. DeClouet is a pioneer with an exceptional record of running multi-billion-dollar businesses. She forged a path through the oil and restaurant industries. She led divisions at major corporations, such as British Petroleum (BP), Burger King (BKC), and Jack in the Box (JBX), 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 to achieve positions throughout her career.

Her memoir, A Layered Life, has been recognized as an Amazon #1 Best Seller and #1 New Release, a Bronze Award recipient from the Nonfiction Author’s Association, and a National Indie Excellence Award finalist. Her work inspires and empowers current and future leaders across industries and backgrounds, blending real-world lessons on leadership, resilience, and breaking barriers with practical strategies for career growth and impact. She has contributed articles to major business publications including CEOWORLD, Fast Company, and Authority Magazine, and has been featured on podcasts including Success Made to Last, Silver Disobedience, Conscious Anti-Racism, Leadership on the Rocks, Women in Leadership, Women Offshore, Groove with Portia, and more

Gladys was featured 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.