Gloria Feldt’s journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and an unshakable belief in women’s equality. From her early years in rural Texas, married with three children by the age of 20, to becoming the national president of Planned Parenthood and later co-founding TakeTheLeadWomen, Gloria has consistently broken barriers. Through her books, leadership training, and advocacy, she has redefined power not as “power over” but as the “power to” — a force for creation, collaboration, and change. Her story inspires millions to step into their own strength and reminds us that leadership can be learned, shared, and used to uplift communities.
Q: Gloria, how would you describe yourself and your life’s mission?
I’ve been fortunate to spend my professional life doing what I deeply believe in: ensuring that women have a fair and equal place in the world. Growing up in a culture that discouraged women from ambition, I initially followed that path — marrying young and raising three children by 20. But soon I realized there was more I wanted to do, and I began pursuing education and community work. Over time, my mission became clear: to help women embrace their equality and power.
Q: Your career path has been remarkable. How did it unfold?
It took me 12 years to complete my college degree while raising my family. That persistence opened doors — my very first professional role came through a paper I wrote on Planned Parenthood, which led to a 30-year career there, including nine years as national president. Later, I returned to my first love, writing, and published No Excuses: Nine Ways Women Can Change How We Think About Power. That book’s leadership tools became the foundation for TakeTheLeadWomen, which I co-founded 12 years ago. Today, we continue to help women reframe power as something positive and generative.
Q: Tell us more about TakeTheLeadWomen’s approach.
Our philosophy centers on shifting power from the old idea of “power over” to the concept of “power to” — the power to innovate, collaborate, and lead. I use the hammer as a symbol of power: it’s neutral until you decide how to use it. Our programs are customizable across sectors and career stages, and we’ve seen women achieve major breakthroughs by embracing this mindset. An equally important part of our work is community-building, which provides women with a supportive network — what I call the “secret sauce” of leadership success.
Q: Do men also participate in your programs?
Yes, and I welcome them. Leadership principles apply universally, but I’ve found it powerful when men are in the minority in my courses. It gives them insight into what it feels like to be “the only one” in a room — an experience many women know well. While our primary focus remains on women, inclusivity strengthens the conversation for everyone.
Q: How can people connect with you and your work?
I’m active on almost every platform — LinkedIn, Instagram, Threads, Blue Sky, YouTube, and Facebook — under my name, Gloria Feldt. Our organizational platforms are @TakeLeadWomen and TakeTheLeadWomen.com. We also offer online courses on the Nine Leadership Power Tools, designed for both entrepreneurs and women advancing in organizations. I host monthly live Q&A sessions to connect with participants and love seeing them support each other.
Q: What upcoming projects are you most excited about?
On August 26, we’re hosting our annual Power Up conference on U.S. Women’s Equality Day. This year, we’re introducing the “She-posium,” an expo highlighting women’s health, wellness, and lifestyle innovations. There will be panels, awards, a collaborative song creation with the rock band Betty, and we’ll end the day with a dance party. For me, inspiration is important — but action and joy are essential, too.
Q: What final message would you like to share with women everywhere?
You do not need to be empowered — you already have the power within you. You are not a cup waiting to be filled. What you need is the wisdom to see your power and the courage to use it. Remember: power unused is power useless. Know it, embrace it, and use it to make the world better.
“You already have the power within you. The key is to recognize it, embrace it, and use it — because power unused is power useless.” – Gloria Feldt
Connect with Gloria Feldt: LinkedIn, Instagram, Website, TakeTheLeadWomen
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