Gladys DeClouet: Pioneering Diversity in Corporate America

Breaking Barriers: Trailblazing Black Woman in Corporate America - Gladys H. DeClouetListen to Gladys H. DeClouet, author of 'A Layered Life: Breaking Barriers as a Trailblazing Black Woman in Corporate America.' In this compelling conversation, Gladys shares her inspiring journey from Tuskegee University to becoming the first woman engineer in offshore oil and gas production at Conoco Oil Company. She discusses the challenges of sexism, racism, and workplace adversity she faced and how these experiences shaped her leadership style. Gladys emphasizes the importance of integrity, inclusivity, and treating people with respect to build high-performing teams. This episode offers a moving account of resilience, leadership, and the power of taking care of your people.

Learn more here: https://gladysdeclouet.com/

Buy "A Layered Life" here: https://amzn.to/4sEAHVM

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I’m Dian Griesel and in November of 2017 I began blogging as @SilverDisobedience on

my website and @SilverDisobedience on ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠ and @DianGriesel ⁠X⁠ Career-wise, I am a perception analyst, counselor, hypnotherapist, author of 16 books and a Wilhelmina model. For 30 years, via owning an investor & public relations firm, while being in private practice, I have helped my clients to achieve greater understanding as to how perceptions impact everything we do whether personally or professionally. A couple of years ago I added a podcast. Episodes are unscripted, with plenty of no-holds-barred revelations from fascinating, accomplished guests living diverse lives. Intimate stories about work, play, psychology, relationships, pop culture, trends, B.S. + more are unpacked through thought-provoking questions that spark honest revelations, pivotal moments, and unguarded insights — stunning even the boldest guests with their own “aha” truths. ✨

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LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/diangriesel/⁠

Show Run:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction01:17 Choosing Tuskegee University04:01 Early Career and Engineering Internships05:32 Challenges as a Female Engineer19:12 Leadership Lessons and Overcoming Adversity30:31 Addressing Diversity in Leadership32:23 Leadership Accountability and Tough Decisions35:46 Mentorship and Career Growth46:05 The Importance of Integrity51:46 Resilience and Gratitude56:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts