A Layered Life

<p><strong>An unforgettable memoir of grit grace and groundbreaking leadership</strong></p><p></p><p>Born into deep disadvantage in the 1950s during racial desegregation and before the women's rights movement Gladys H. DeClouet shattered expectations by becoming the first female engineer in offshore oil and gas exploration and production. But her story doesn't stop there. As a pioneering Black woman in corporate America Gladys climbed to the highest echelons of leadership in both the oil and restaurant industries-ultimately running multibillion-dollar divisions in spaces where women especially women of color were rarely welcomed.</p><p></p><p>A <em>Layered Life</em> is an extraordinary journey through the complexities of race gender ambition and personal loss. With raw vulnerability and unflinching honesty Gladys shares how she endured and overcame blatant racism sexism and sexual harassment. Her story is marked not just by hardship but by joy self-belief and an unwavering commitment to help others succeed.</p><p></p><p>Far more than a business memoir <em>A Layered Life</em> reads with the pace of a mystery novel and the emotional depth of a personal reckoning. Through heartbreak and triumph Gladys weaves a powerful message: Life is layered and each challenge can serve as a stepping stone to growth purpose and legacy.</p><p></p><p>For readers of all backgrounds-especially those navigating the corporate world-this book offers practical insights into developing inspirational leadership managing diversity and inclusion building high-performance teams mentoring and finding balance without compromising integrity.</p><p></p><p><em>A Layered Life</em> will challenge you to reflect on your own life your values and your impact on the world around you. It's not just a story-it's a call to courage resilience and transformation.</p>