In the sterile corridors of federal buildings and correctional facilities, Gladian Rivera discovered something profound that would reshape her understanding of leadership forever. After two decades of public service spanning public health, corrections, and justice reform, she witnessed a pattern that disturbed her deeply: system-wide burnout wasn’t just affecting individuals; it was crushing the very souls of those meant to serve others.
“I always felt a deeper calling and conviction to help others,” Gladian reflects on her journey. “I can only describe it as a pull toward a higher purpose, and I had an ‘aha!’ moment after witnessing firsthand system-wide burnout in various settings.”
This revelation became the catalyst for what would emerge as Obsidian Rising LLC, founded in April 2025 in New Jersey. But this wasn’t merely a career pivot; it was a conscious realignment with a mission that had been calling her for years. As a bilingual Latina leader fluent in English and Spanish, Gladian recognized that her unique perspective and cultural competency positioned her to reach communities often overlooked in traditional leadership narratives.
“My transition from public service to purpose-driven entrepreneurship was a conscious realignment,” she explains. “After my most recent career in the federal system, I could no longer ignore my calling: to create spaces where women could lead with clarity, confidence, and a lasting legacy.”
THE ANATOMY OF BURNOUT: UNDERSTANDING THE CAGE
Through her work with high-performing women leaders, Gladian has identified a troubling pattern that extends far beyond simple overwork. Her clients, successful by every external measure, arrive at her door feeling stuck, burned out, and fundamentally undervalued. What she discovered through countless coaching sessions revealed the true nature of their struggle.
“One consistent pattern I observe among high-performing women is the emotional toll of navigating strained and at times toxic professional relationships, especially with supervisors or colleagues in positions of authority,” Gladian observes. She has identified three root factors that amplify their exhaustion: the inability to communicate boundaries effectively, a lack of tools for engaging in difficult conversations, and uncertainty around navigating complex power dynamics.
Her insight goes deeper than traditional burnout analysis. “Burnout, in these cases, isn’t simply about workload. Sometimes it’s about feeling caged, unseen, and spiritually disconnected from oneself. That internal misalignment, when prolonged, can lead to emotional numbness or even depression.”
This understanding forms the foundation of her coaching methodology, which begins not with performance optimization but with something far more fundamental: helping women remember who they were before the world told them who to be.
“My work begins with guiding them back to themselves. We explore foundational questions to lead a reflection for self-discovery. It’s not about fixing them; it’s about helping them remember who they were before the world told them who to be.”
INNOVATION BORN FROM UNCERTAINTY: THE OBSIDIAN CEO RISING BREAKTHROUGH
In the aftermath of her separation from federal service, Gladian found herself facing the very uncertainty she now helps others navigate. The experience of not knowing what came next, combined with her entrepreneurial vision, led to an unexpected innovation that would become central to her mission.
“After I separated from federal service, I experienced uncertainty about what was next. I considered launching a business and realized I didn’t know where to begin or what shape that business would take,” she recalls. It was during this period of personal exploration that she discovered ChatGPT’s capability for creating custom GPTs, sparking an idea that would evolve into something revolutionary.
What began as a personal tool for navigating her own entrepreneurial journey became Obsidian CEO Rising, a GPT-based innovation that represents a powerful blend of technology and trauma-informed leadership. The platform incorporates two essential elements that reflect Gladian’s deepest values: a focus on women’s empowerment and dedicated support for justice-impacted individuals.
“Many of the people I have worked with, including survivors and formerly incarcerated individuals, often feel isolated and stigmatized. They deserve tools that help them rebuild with dignity,” she explains. “Obsidian CEO Rising helps people clarify their identity, define what they want to achieve, and take actionable steps toward building a legacy-aligned business.”
This innovative platform serves as more than just a business tool; it’s a manifestation of Gladian’s commitment to making empowerment accessible to those who need it most. By leveraging AI technology within a trauma-informed framework, she has created what she describes as “a creative, empowering resource for anyone ready to rise with intention.”
ATHENA RISING: A DIGITAL SANCTUARY FOR WOMEN LEADERS
Building on her commitment to accessible empowerment tools, Gladian has launched Athena Rising, a fully accessible web-based application available directly through her official website at www.obsidianrisingllc.com. This platform represents more than a resource—it’s a digital sanctuary designed to support women navigating burnout, power dynamics, and professional growth.
Athena Rising is completely free of charge and open to all, though user registration is required to ensure a secure and personalized experience. The application offers daily affirmations, assertive communication scripts, burnout recovery prompts, and curated tools specifically designed to help women reclaim their power at work and in life.
“Athena Rising is my way of ensuring that empowerment tools are accessible to every woman who needs them,” Gladian explains. “It’s about creating a space where women can find the support and resources they need to navigate their professional challenges with confidence and clarity.”
LEGACY-LED LEADERSHIP: BEYOND EGO AND TITLES Central to Gladian’s message is the concept of legacy-led leadership, a philosophy that transcends traditional notions of success and power. Her definition challenges leaders to think beyond immediate results and consider the lasting impact of their choices.
“To lead with legacy is to lead beyond ego and job titles,” she explains. “It means asking: How do I want to be remembered? Legacy is the emotional footprint you leave behind, and how people feel because you led.”
This philosophy emerged from her extensive experience in high-pressure environments where she observed the difference between leadership driven by position and leadership driven by purpose. Through her tools, workshops, and visibility coaching, she helps clients anchor into this mindset, facilitating what she describes as a fundamental shift.
“It’s about moving from performance to purpose, and from survival to sovereignty,” Gladian notes. In a world that often rewards performance over authenticity, her approach offers a radical alternative that prioritizes long-term impact over short-term gains.
LESSONS FROM THE JUSTICE SYSTEM: TRANSFORMING PAIN INTO POWER
Gladian’s pioneering work with incarcerated women and her role in co-creating a reentry court program that earned her the EOUSA Director’s Award in 2024 provided invaluable insights that now inform her business coaching and boardroom strategies. These experiences taught her lessons that traditional business education rarely addresses.
“Working within state and federal systems taught me that strong leadership isn’t about having all the answers; instead, it’s about knowing how to ask for support and collaborate wisely,” she reflects. “I learned the value of holding clear boundaries while leading with empathy in high-pressure environments.”
The justice system, with its complex dynamics and high stakes, became an unexpected laboratory for understanding human resilience and transformation. From this work, emotional intelligence emerged as what she calls “a non-negotiable” element of effective leadership.
“Emotional intelligence became a non-negotiable. How we show up, communicate, and manage ourselves impacts everything,” she explains. “Relatedly, I saw firsthand that no one thrives in isolation, and that ultimately, sustainable growth happens in the community.”
These insights now form the backbone of her coaching methodology, bringing hard-won wisdom from one of society’s most challenging environments into the corporate world. These experiences will also be chronicled in her forthcoming book, The Sovereign Leader.
THE SOVEREIGN LEADER: CHRONICLING A TRANSFORMATIVE JOURNEY
Currently authoring her first book, The Sovereign Leader, Gladian is preparing to share the comprehensive story of her professional evolution and the leadership insights gained along the way. The publication chronicles her journey from grassroots nonprofit work to leading in the state correctional system and ultimately serving at the federal level.
Through this personal lens, The Sovereign Leader explores transformative leadership principles, strategies for navigating vicarious trauma, the critical importance of trauma-informed practices, and practical guidance for rising from burnout into purpose-driven impact. The book weaves real-life lessons with strategic insights to guide current and aspiring leaders through their own transitions with clarity, courage, and conviction.
“The Sovereign Leader represents the culmination of everything I’ve learned about leadership, resilience, and transformation,” Gladian explains. “It’s my way of sharing not just the strategies that work, but the real, unvarnished truth about what it takes to lead with integrity in challenging environments.”
Anticipated for release by the end of 2025 or early 2026, The Sovereign Leader promises to offer readers an intimate look at the making of a purpose-driven leader and the practical tools needed to create lasting, meaningful change.
THE SCIENCE OF TRANSFORMATION: EVIDENCE-BASED EMPOWERMENT
Gladian’s coaching model represents a unique fusion of scientific rigor and spiritual alignment. Drawing from trauma-informed frameworks while incorporating evidence-based tools, she has created an approach that honors both the complexity of human psychology and the practical needs of high-performing leaders.
“My coaching model is rooted in both science and alignment. I draw from trauma-informed frameworks and use evidence-based tools to help clients establish boundaries, process emotions, and develop clarity in their vision for who they want to become and accomplish,” she explains.
Her emphasis on emotional intelligence stems from her belief that it represents the cornerstone of sustainable leadership. “Emotional intelligence is essential for sustainable leadership. It’s about self-awareness, relational awareness, and the courage to lead with fairness,” she notes.
Her perspective on leadership impact is particularly compelling: “For me, the most impactful leaders in history weren’t always liked, but they were respected because they led with integrity and justice. Leadership is not about contributing to workplace toxicity, but about having the strength to challenge and transform it.”
UNWAVERING VALUES: THE FOUNDATION OF AUTHENTIC LEADERSHIP
Throughout her career transformation, four core values have remained constant, serving as the ethical foundation for all her endeavors: integrity, service before self, excellence, and courage.
“Throughout my career, four core values have remained constant: integrity, service before self, excellence, and courage,” Gladian states. “I’ve prioritized honesty and consistency in how I show up. Service before self and the pursuit of excellence were values I learned early on and carried with me through every role, from public service to coaching.”
The addition of courage as a foundational value represents her evolution as a leader. “More recently, I’ve embraced courage as a foundational value. The courage to walk away from what no longer aligns. The courage to build something of your own. These values shape how I lead, how I support others, and how I continue to evolve.”
This evolution reflects her understanding that authentic leadership sometimes requires difficult decisions and the willingness to step away from security in service of a greater purpose.
CULTURAL COMPETENCY: BRIDGING WORLDS THROUGH LANGUAGE
As a bilingual leader, Gladian brings a unique perspective to leadership development that extends far beyond language translation. Her cultural fluency enhances both the impact and accessibility of her work in ways that traditional leadership development often overlooks.
“As a bilingual Latina, my fluency allows me to reach and affirm communities often overlooked in leadership spaces,” she explains. “Cultural competency helps deepen trust, nuance, and resonance. I strive to ensure my work feels like home for those who’ve never seen themselves reflected in leadership narratives.”
This cultural bridge-building capability allows her to create spaces where diverse leaders can see themselves reflected and empowered, addressing a significant gap in traditional leadership development programs.
THE REBELLION OF VOICE RECLAMATION
Perhaps no aspect of Gladian’s work is more personally meaningful than her focus on voice reclamation. This theme emerges repeatedly in her speaking engagements and coaching sessions, touching on something fundamental about women’s relationship with power and self-expression.
“For many women, silence meant survival. Especially in systems where being soft, emotional, or ‘too much’ was punished,” she observes. “Reclaiming your voice isn’t just about speaking, but about being heard without feeling like you have to apologize. It’s the rebellious act of remembering who you were before the world defined you and told you to shrink.”
This perspective transforms voice reclamation from a simple communication skill into an act of personal revolution. Through her Athena Rising platform and public speaking on burnout and workplace dynamics, she helps women understand that their authentic voice is not something to be managed or controlled, but something to be celebrated and leveraged.
RESONANCE IN A CHANGING WORLD
The themes that resonate most deeply with Gladian’s audiences today reflect broader shifts in how we understand leadership and success. Her observations about what people are truly seeking reveal underlying needs that traditional leadership development often misses.
“The themes that resonate most deeply with audiences today are burnout, boundaries, and the redefinition of power,” she notes. “Women are increasingly seeking permission to slow down, to be seen without overextending, and to lead without abandoning themselves in the process.”
What particularly strikes her is the growing hunger for what she calls “softness” in leadership. “There is also a growing hunger for softness. Many are realizing that power does not require harshness or performance. They are drawn to the idea that clarity, compassion, and calm can be leadership strengths.”
This shift represents a fundamental reimagining of what effective leadership looks like in an increasingly complex world.
TECHNOLOGY AS EMPOWERMENT TOOL
Gladian’s approach to technology, particularly AI and automation, reflects her broader philosophy of making empowerment accessible. Rather than viewing technology as a replacement for human connection, she sees it as a tool for bridging gaps and reaching people who might otherwise be excluded from leadership development.
“AI is evolving rapidly, and with that evolution comes a growing knowledge gap, especially for those who are not naturally tech-savvy,” she observes. Her work with Obsidian CEO Rising and her development of the Athena Rising application demonstrate how technology can be humanized and made accessible.
“There is a real need for accessible education in this space. I see myself eventually offering workshops and training to help people build confidence with AI,” she explains, recognizing that technology fluency will become increasingly important for leaders across all sectors.
MEASURING TRANSFORMATION: BEYOND METRICS
Gladian’s approach to measuring impact reflects her values-driven philosophy. Rather than focusing solely on traditional business metrics, she prioritizes indicators of genuine transformation and personal alignment.
“I measure impact by the transformation I witness in the people I serve,” she explains. “Whether through one-on-one coaching or digital content, I listen for the moments when someone says, ‘This helped me connect the dots,’ or ‘I finally feel seen and understood.’ That kind of feedback tells me the work is resonating.”
Her focus on what she calls “resonance” rather than reach represents a fundamental shift in how success is defined. “For me, impact is not only about reach or numbers. It is about resonance,” she emphasizes.
REDEFINING SUCCESS: FROM ACHIEVEMENT TO ALIGNMENT
Gladian’s personal evolution in defining success mirrors the transformation she facilitates in her clients. Her journey from achievement-focused to alignment-focused success represents a broader shift in how purpose-driven leaders approach their work.
“Success for me today looks like spaciousness, the space to create freely, the time to be present with my family, and the sovereignty to lead on my terms,” she reflects. “It also means being able to connect with people from all walks of life, holding conversations that are meaningful, healing, and expansive.”
This evolution from external validation to internal alignment reflects the deeper work she does with her clients. “In earlier seasons, success was defined by achievement and title. Now, it is measured by alignment and legacy.”
Her vision extends beyond personal success to include the elevation of others. “I am building something that I hope will outlast me: an ecosystem that continues to empower and give voice to others. I also see success as positioning myself to support other coaches and founders in elevating their platforms, so they, too, can lead with clarity, purpose, and lasting impact.”
BUILDING A LEGACY OF COURAGE
The legacy Gladian is intentionally building through Obsidian Rising reflects her deepest convictions about human potential and the power of choice. Her vision for lasting impact centers on empowering others to make decisions that honor their authentic selves.
“The legacy I am building through Obsidian Rising is one based on courage and self-empowerment,” she explains. “I want people to understand that staying in environments that harm them is not a requirement of success. Whether it is a toxic workplace, burnout, or repeated boundary violations, we can choose something different.”
Her philosophy challenges the notion that endurance equals strength. “Obsidian Rising teaches that you accept what you do not change. I hope that those who engage with this work feel supported in making the decisions they need to make. I want them to walk away with a deeper sense of faith in themselves and the knowing that they will be okay.”
WISDOM FOR UNCERTAIN TIMES
Gladian’s advice to other women CEOs reflects hard-won wisdom from her own journey through uncertainty and reinvention. Her perspective offers both practical guidance and philosophical grounding for leaders navigating challenging transitions.
“Give yourself permission to pivot,” she advises. “Sometimes, we internalize the belief that strength means staying the course, even when the path no longer aligns with who we are. Real power lies in the ability to pause, reassess, and choose again.”
Her guidance addresses the unique challenges faced by women leaders who often feel pressure to maintain consistency even when circumstances call for change. “If you’re leading through uncertainty or burnout, remember: you don’t have to prove your worth by enduring what breaks you.”
Her final words capture the essence of her leadership philosophy: “Lead with clarity, not control. Let your values guide your next move. Reinvention isn’t a setback; it’s an invitation to return to yourself. You can evolve, change your mind, and build something that honors your vision. Your leadership doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. Let it look like freedom.”
A MOVEMENT BEYOND BUSINESS
Gladian Rivera represents more than a successful entrepreneur; she embodies a movement toward leadership that prioritizes human dignity, authentic expression, and lasting impact. Through Obsidian Rising LLC, she has created not just a business but a platform for transformation that extends far beyond traditional coaching models.
Her work bridges the gap between trauma-informed care and high-performance leadership, creating spaces where vulnerability becomes strength and authenticity becomes a competitive advantage. As she continues to develop innovative platforms like Obsidian CEO Rising and Athena Rising, her influence extends into communities often overlooked by traditional leadership development.
In a world increasingly hungry for authentic leadership that honors both excellence and humanity, Gladian Rivera stands as a beacon of what becomes possible when we align our deepest values with our professional mission. Her journey from public service to purpose-driven entrepreneurship demonstrates that the most powerful transformations often require the courage to walk away from what no longer serves in order to create what the world truly needs.
As she continues to build her legacy of empowerment and voice reclamation, and prepares to share her insights through The Sovereign Leader, Gladian Rivera reminds us that true leadership is not about controlling others but about freeing them to become who they were meant to be. In doing so, she is not just transforming individual lives but contributing to a fundamental shift in how we understand power, success, and the responsibility that comes with leading others.
