Gloria S. Riley

IMAGINE, BELIEVE, AND PROSPER

If you are looking for someone to take your organization’s goals from a simple dream to reality, Gloria S. Riley is the transformational speaker and coach that can make it happen. Whether it’s financial coaching and training or self-development and actualization, her presentations bring new awareness and ideas around wealth accumulation and prosperity.

Bringing more than fifteen years of experience as a Financial Advisor, one of Gloria’s chief delights is seeing others implement principles of prosperity and achieve goals they previously only dreamed could happen. Drawing from her personal experience, she takes everything she’s learned and pours it into her work of helping organizations and individuals become more efficient with clarity around their goals, leaving them happier and more fulfilled. As the McDonough Insurance and Financial Services Team owner, Gloria helps grateful clients understand pathways to financial success, ultimately putting them on the path to creating and living their best life. Gloria holds a BA in Public Administration from Seattle Pacific University and an MBA from Ohio Christian University. She is also a Certified Fund Specialist (CFS) and Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow (LUTCF) who has helped establish principles of prosperity and wealth at institutions ranging from fortune 500 companies to small businesses.

Come inside the conversation WOW Magazine was able to have and meet the woman on a mission to help us Imagine, Believe, and Prosper©, Gloria S. Riley.

Hello Gloria! I want to start by asking you how you created the level of success you have today?

I did what I now teach others to do. I imagined, believed, and persevered before I prospered. My journey has required me to stay the course in the face of difficulties and stay true to my dreams, goals, and my life’s aspirations. In addition, I studied my craft, invested in my specialization with money, time, and continued education, and associated with experts in my field. I guess you could say I learned to listen well and grasp much.

First hand, I witnessed that a disabling medical condition could strike at any time to anyone. Disability can set the family back financially if you do not have adequate insurance to replace the lost income of the family member who becomes disabled. When you are down on your luck, people are waiting to take advantage of your situation for their gain.

Our family felt the impact of disability which led to us losing our home. Going through that ordeal forced me to acquire wisdom and responsibility early because I had to assist with my sick guardian’s caregiving. I saw firsthand how important it is to protect your assets with the proper legal documents and financial planning.

What other valuable lessons did your environment teach you?

I am where I am today because my Aunt and uncle chose me to raise as their child, and many others gave me guidance, protection, and direction along the way. Since my Aunt did not have children, she allowed me to experience many adventures while not confining me to her life experiences. I was given the gift to dream and imagine a better life for myself, whatever I decided to pursue or wherever I wanted to go. I remember my uncle instilling in me, “you can be anyone you want to be just make up your mind.” My Aunt was my mother’s oldest sister. She gave me unconditional love, and I was able to return this love to her when her health declined and ultimately ended in her early death at age sixty. Overall, she gave me the gift to dream and imagine a better life and pursue or go wherever I wanted to go.

So, tell me, how would you describe yourself in three words?

I would say Gloria S. Riley is Phenomenal, Dynamic, and Inspirational.

Many people see the glory but don’t know the story of a person’s success. What other hurdles did you have to overcome in life?

Gloria: While pursuing my career path, I had to overcome and balance marriage and parenting three sons (who are all two years apart) and remain joyful in the process. I always had a very active lifestyle between being a wife,

parenting, developing my career in financial services, and holding positions in my church.

It was important to me for my sons to experience childhood, participate in sports and other programs and give myself the space to excel in my career while maintaining an atmosphere of love, joy, and happiness. Reflecting on my past accomplishments is one of the things that helped me achieve the balance.

I was my mother’s first child to graduate from a four-year college, own a home at age 27 as a single woman, become a registered representative at age 26, and later become a financial advisor and business owner.

The sweet spirit of my Aunt and our fond memories encourage me always. I remember her story of how her parents died when she was a child leaving her to help raise her siblings. She and her brothers and sisters walked barefoot on a dirt road to school for their education. I knew education was essential but later learned how instrumental it is.

What do you believe are the powers to success?

I believe the powers of success start with studying our Creator, gleaning from successful people, learning how to network, maintaining an appreciation of oneself, living adventurously, and listening to your inner self and others. It also includes understanding how to build and protect wealth, believing the promise from the Creator that you will have great success, and that we are all uniquely and wonderfully made to prosper; those are my powers.

What does your daily routine look like and how does it help you mentally?

bible, the second is to write something inspirational, and the third is to exercise daily. When I begin my morning by reading positive, powerful words, it energizes me from head to toe. I feel led to share what I gleaned with my friends and associates, hoping they too feel they can conquer their world. My mind needs to align with how my body feels, and I accomplish this by stretching my muscles, meditating, practicing yoga, and pilates. I practice stretching and walking for about 30-45 minutes, setting the day’s tempo. My focus is intact, and I am ready for the day’s adventures.

Who are the major influencers in your life? How have they influenced you?

The significant influencers in my life are my Creator, Aunt, Uncle, Husband, children, and brother. I was introduced to my Creator at the age of eight and religion is integral to my being. My Aunt showed me love, unselfish giving, and independence. My uncle was strong, determined, direct, and loving. When I was in need, he would always meet me halfway, which was a good lesson to learn.

Family-oriented, disciplinary, generous, caring, and supportive are some of the wonderful traits of my husband. My husband is always for me. Children are our heritage, and I have always learned from mine and am pleased with whom they have become.

I admire my brother, who has successfully married for over 30 years and represents a great example of marriage.

Tell us what you consider your greatest accomplishment.

Owning my insurance and financial services practice is a proud and significant accomplishment. After working in the industry for years and experiencing the business, compliance requirements, and responsibilities, I was ready to launch my business. I created a business plan and set out to earn a living utilizing what I learned over the years. It took some time to reach the salary I was making in the corporate world, but I endured. Fortunately, the clients came together, staff, contracts, and the income.

Well, Gloria, it has been an honor to interview you and learn more about the WOW Woman helping women Imagine, Believe, and Prosper. In closing, can you tell us your philosophy for living your best life?

Yes, I believe our only limitation comes from the things we allow to limit us. You need someone to show you the lock and encourage you to open the door. The keys to success and productivity are already in our pockets.

My life motto is “Growth and development of people is the principal calling of leadership.” I aim to help people fulfill their vision for personal development and strengthen the total walk of their destiny. I am committed and passionate about supporting and guiding the transformation of others as I continue to grow in my personal and business journey.