Episode 2: Angela Gladwell on Hope Reclaimed and Leading with Purpose

In this episode of Careers & Coffee Talk, I sit down with Angela R. Gladwell, a seasoned public servant turned executive coach who brings more than two decades of federal leadership experience to her current role as Principal and Owner of The AG Effect — a leadership development practice focused on resilience, authenticity, and impact.

Angela most recently served as Chief of Staff for FEMA’s Risk Analysis, Planning and Information Directorate (RAPID). She previously held several senior leadership roles, including Acting Deputy Associate Administrator for FEMA’s Office of Policy and Program Analysis and Director of the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office, where she stood up a new program to compensate survivors of the largest wildfire in New Mexico’s history. Angela also led the agency’s national Hazard Mitigation Assistance Division, overseeing mitigation grant programs like BRIC and the Flood Mitigation Assistance Program to reduce disaster losses and build long-term community resilience.

Over her FEMA career, Angela helped shape national resilience policy, co-chaired the Mitigation Framework Leadership Group, and led environmental planning efforts following major disasters like 9/11 and Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy. Now, through The AG Effect, Angela supports public sector leaders navigating high-stakes transitions, burnout, and organizational change — helping them reclaim purpose, lead with clarity, and make meaningful impact.

In this conversation, she shares what it’s like to reinvent yourself mid-career, the mindset shifts that helped her make the leap, and how she’s helping others grow and lead with purpose. Whether you're navigating your own career crossroads or just need a dose of inspiration, this is a warm, honest, and insightful chat about growth, courage, and the power of purpose-driven leadership.

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