On this episode of Groove with Portia, I had the honor of speaking with Gladys DeClouet—executive powerhouse, author of A Layered Life, and a woman who truly knows what it means to lead during life’s darkest storms.

As I reflected on the wisdom passed down from my great-grandmother—whose birthday month I share—Gladys and I explored how our most personal pain can fuel our greatest purpose. Gladys opened up about a time when her world was crumbling: filing for divorce, her husband being diagnosed with colon cancer, and running a $2 billion business—all at once.

We talked about how so many Black women are conditioned to believe we have to “do it all,” and what it really means to let go, delegate, and trust others. Gladys shared the power of building strong, committed teams and why leadership is really about helping others grow—not doing everything yourself.

We also explored the intersection of grief and leadership, how AI is reshaping the workplace, and the mindset shift required to release control and embrace change. Gladys reminded me—and all of us—that delegation isn’t weakness. It’s wisdom.

You can learn more about Gladys and her book A Layered Life at GladysDeClouet.com.