Dr. Rhonda Glover Reese is an accomplished leader, coach, and mentor whose life and career have been defined by service, perseverance, and a commitment to helping others achieve their full potential. With a career spanning 34 years in the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), she has established herself as a trailblazer in law enforcement and a guiding light for individuals aspiring to make an impact in their professions. Her journey is a testament to the power of hard work, continuous learning, and a deeply rooted passion for inspiring others.
Dr. Rhonda Glover Reese | CEO | The Rhonda M. Glover Group
Raised in Washington, DC, Dr. Reese’s academic accomplishments laid a solid foundation for her career. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Old Dominion University, a Master of Science in Management from Johns Hopkins University, and a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Grand Canyon University. This robust educational background equipped her with the knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of law enforcement and leadership. At EliteX, we are proud to feature Dr. Rhonda Glover Reese as the cover story of this edition: 10 Fearless Women in Business, 2024.
Dr. Reese’s illustrious career with the FBI saw her rise through the ranks, serving in various senior leadership roles. Her work spanned critical areas such as national security, organized crime, and professional development. Her dedication and impact were recognized with numerous accolades, including the prestigious FBI Director’s Award for Equal Employment Opportunity. However, Dr. Reese’s influence extended far beyond her professional achievements. She has been a champion for diversity and youth empowerment, exemplified by her founding of the NOBLE Youth Program, which has positively influenced countless young lives.
“I believe setbacks are opportunities for growth. A setback positions you for the comeback.”
Throughout her FBI career, Dr. Reese discovered her passion for mentoring and coaching. Colleagues frequently sought her guidance, and she found immense satisfaction in seeing the positive shifts her coaching brought to their lives. These experiences revealed her “superpower”—the ability to coach and mentor effectively. Encouraged by the feedback and results she witnessed, Dr. Reese decided to transition into coaching full-time upon her retirement from the FBI. She founded the Rhonda M. Glover Group LLC, a coaching and leadership development firm specializing in guiding law enforcement personnel and those aspiring to enter the field. The decision to start her business was not without challenges. Transitioning from a structured career in law enforcement to entrepreneurship required her to navigate uncharted waters. She candidly reflects on the difficulties she faced in building her business, from juggling multiple responsibilities to managing relationships with service providers who didn’t always deliver as promised. Despite these obstacles, her determination to make a difference kept her focused. Her experience underscores the importance of resilience, adaptability, and learning from setbacks.
For Dr. Reese, success is deeply personal and rooted in achieving her goals. She finds satisfaction in creating action plans, setting objectives, and systematically working toward them. Her love for making and crossing off items on her lists symbolizes her disciplined approach to life and work. She emphasizes that success looks different for everyone and encourages individuals to define it on their terms. Regularly reviewing and adjusting her action plan has been a crucial practice that keeps her aligned with her goals. Mentorship has been a cornerstone of Dr. Reese’s personal and professional growth. She credits much of her success to the guidance of her mentors, who come from diverse backgrounds and offer varied perspectives. With a “deep bench” of 16 mentors, Dr. Reese has navigated challenges and explored opportunities with their support. Her approach to mentorship reflects her belief in the importance of relationship-building over mere networking. For her, building genuine connections is more meaningful and impactful than the transactional nature of traditional networking. These relationships have opened doors and enriched her life and career.
A pivotal moment in Dr. Reese’s life came when she recognized her calling to coaching. This realization emerged during her final years with the FBI, as she received multiple requests to mentor and coach others. She saw these requests as a sign of her purpose in retirement: to guide individuals in their careers, particularly in law enforcement. Dr. Reese began preparing for this next chapter well before her retirement, researching and enrolling in a coaching certification program to hone her skills and ensure she could make the greatest impact. Leadership, for Dr. Reese, is fundamentally about service. She believes that leaders must love and genuinely care for the people they serve. This philosophy has shaped her approach to inspiring and motivating others, helping them become the best versions of themselves. She recognizes that leadership is not about personal accolades but about empowering others to succeed. This perspective has guided her throughout her career and continues to inform her work as a coach and mentor.
“Leadership is about loving the people you’re serving; you must love people to lead people.”
Dr. Reese is also deeply committed to maintaining a healthy prioritization of work-life. During her early FBI years, the concept of balance wasn’t a significant focus, as she was immersed in her work and found joy in her responsibilities. However, since retiring, she has become more intentional about managing her time and prioritizing activities that bring her happiness and fulfillment. Whether indulging in a spa day, relaxing on her chaise lounge, or maintaining a consistent workout routine, she values the importance of self-care. She advises others to pursue activities that bring them joy and to develop an exit strategy if their current profession no longer aligns with their passions. As a coach, Dr. Reese is particularly attuned to the unique challenges faced by law enforcement officers, including the stress and health issues that often accompany their roles. She works with clients to address these challenges and hold them accountable for adopting healthier habits. Her holistic approach to coaching emphasizes not only professional growth but also personal well-being.
Dr. Reese identifies emotional intelligence as a key trait shared by successful women leaders. She believes that women are often more intentional about connecting with others on an emotional level, which enhances their ability to lead effectively. Empathy, communication, courage, and resilience are additional qualities she views as essential for leadership. Faith plays a central role in Dr. Reese’s life. She starts each day by reading the Bible, drawing inspiration, and focusing on scripture. She is part of a small text group with two former FBI colleagues who exchange daily encouragement and scripture passages. She is part of another faith-based text group that is intentional about uplifting one another through prayer and sharing words of encouragement. This practice keeps her grounded and reminds her of her purpose: to serve others through her gift of coaching and mentoring.
Dr. Rhonda Glover Reese’s journey is one of transformation, purpose, and impact. From her distinguished career in the FBI to her work as a coach and mentor, she has consistently demonstrated a commitment to helping others achieve their potential. Her story serves as an inspiration to those navigating challenges and seeking to make a meaningful difference in their lives and careers. Through her leadership, coaching, and unwavering dedication to service, Dr. Reese continues to leave a lasting legacy.
“Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals is crucial for both personal and professional growth.”
Dr. Rhonda Glover Reese’s commitment to staying competitive and innovative in her industry, especially in the field of law enforcement, is a cornerstone of her success as a coach and leader. Even after retiring from the FBI, she remains deeply involved in the law enforcement community to ensure that her coaching remains relevant and impactful. She attends law enforcement conferences, many of which she participated in during her tenure as an FBI Agent. These conferences provide invaluable insights into the current issues and challenges law enforcement professionals face, which helps Dr. Reese stay mindful of the needs of her clients. By understanding these challenges, she is better equipped to address them in her coaching sessions, ensuring that her advice and guidance are both timely and practical.
In addition to attending conferences and seminars, Dr. Reese actively seeks out research articles, blogs, and magazines to expand her knowledge within the law enforcement space. Her ongoing education in leadership principles allows her to remain at the forefront of leadership development within law enforcement. She views herself as a student of leadership and continually looks for ways to refine her skills. This dedication not only enhances her ability to coach effectively but also positions her as a thought leader in the field of law enforcement leadership. By staying informed and adaptable, Dr. Reese ensures that her coaching and mentorship continue to have a meaningful impact.
A central pillar of Dr. Reese’s personal and professional life is her faith in God, which serves as a foundation for her work and mindset. Her faith keeps her grounded and reminds her to appreciate the many blessings she has received throughout her life. Dr. Reese acknowledges that setbacks are an inevitable part of life, but she views them as opportunities for growth. Each challenge she faces offers valuable lessons that contribute to her personal and professional development. She embraces the idea that setbacks are positioning her for future success, and she strives to learn from every experience to avoid repeating mistakes. This growth mindset is crucial to her continued success, as she remains committed to improving and evolving.
For Dr. Reese, surrounding herself with like-minded individuals is essential for growth. She believes that shared values and goals create a supportive environment where collaboration and innovation can thrive. By working alongside others who are equally dedicated to personal and professional development, she finds inspiration and motivation to continue pushing forward. The collective intelligence and diverse perspectives within such communities foster new ideas and help overcome challenges that may otherwise seem insurmountable. Dr. Reese’s belief in the power of community is evident in her work, as she fosters relationships with mentors, colleagues, and clients who share her passion for leadership and growth.
Mentorship is another key aspect of Dr. Reese’s philosophy. She credits much of her success to the guidance of her mentors, who have provided invaluable insights throughout her career. A mentor’s experience and perspective can help individuals navigate difficult situations, avoid common pitfalls, and accelerate their learning. Beyond practical advice, mentors offer emotional support, boosting confidence and encouraging individuals to believe in their abilities. Dr. Reese’s commitment to mentoring others reflects her deep understanding of the importance of guidance in personal and professional development. In today’s fast-paced, ever-changing world, Dr. Reese emphasizes the importance of continuous learning. She believes that adapting to new technologies, acquiring new skills, and staying current in one’s field is essential for long-term success. This commitment to lifelong learning extends beyond formal education. Dr. Reese encourages individuals to engage in various learning opportunities, such as online courses, workshops, conferences, and even informal learning through interactions with colleagues and mentors. By adopting this mindset, individuals can stay relevant, competitive, and continue to fulfill their potential in an increasingly dynamic world.
“Success for me was adhering to my plan to complete my goals. I needed to be focused and intentional.”
One of Dr. Reese’s most significant contributions to the law enforcement community is the creation of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) Youth Program. Since 2002, the program has focused on empowering young people, particularly those from minority backgrounds, by providing them with leadership opportunities and exposure to law enforcement careers. Dr. Reese coordinated the Annual NOBLE Youth Leadership Conference, which has impacted over 4,100 young people nationwide and internationally. The conference offers young people an opportunity to engage with law enforcement leaders from various sectors, including federal, state, and local agencies. Through workshops, discussions, and hands-on activities, the conference helps youth attendees develop essential skills such as decision-making, leadership, and self-awareness.
The NOBLE Youth Leadership Conference is unique in that it is completely free for participants. Corporate and member donations fully sponsor the event, ensuring that young people from all backgrounds have access to these transformative experiences. At the conference, attendees learn not only about law enforcement but also about life skills and career development. Dr. Reese’s work with NOBLE has helped many young people excel academically and professionally, with many participants going on to pursue careers in STEM fields, education, media, and entertainment. The impact of the NOBLE Youth Program extends far beyond the conference itself, as it encourages youth to dream bigger and work toward achieving their goals, regardless of the challenges they may face.
The NOBLE Youth Program also plays a crucial role in improving community relations between law enforcement and young people. By providing youth with a deeper understanding of law enforcement’s role in promoting public safety and combating crime, the program fosters greater appreciation and trust between law enforcement officers and the communities they serve. Dr. Reese is proud of the program’s success in creating a pathway for young people to explore careers in law enforcement while preparing them for leadership roles in various other sectors. Through initiatives like the NOBLE Youth Leadership Conference, Dr. Reese is helping to shape the next generation of leaders and change-makers.
In addition to her work with NOBLE, Dr. Reese has also observed the evolving landscape of work and leadership, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has accelerated the adoption of remote and hybrid work models, which she believes presents both challenges and opportunities, especially for women. As women continue to bear a disproportionate burden of childcare and household responsibilities, flexible work arrangements offer a new way to prioritize professional and personal lives. Dr. Reese sees this shift as a game-changer for women in leadership, as it allows them to pursue career advancement while accommodating their personal needs. She believes that the rise of flexible work arrangements will lead to more inclusive policies that support women’s growth and success in the workplace. Dr. Reese also notes that there is a growing demand for enhanced leadership skills, particularly in times of crisis and uncertainty. Women possess many of the qualities that are increasingly valued in today’s business environment, such as empathy, collaboration, and communication. These qualities enable women to foster strong teams, navigate complex challenges, and build resilience within organizations. As businesses and organizations continue to face challenges like climate change, economic instability, and technological disruption, Dr. Reese believes that women will increasingly be called upon to step into leadership roles.
“Setbacks are positioning you for future success, and I strive to learn from every experience to avoid repeating mistakes.”
Moreover, Dr. Reese anticipates a rise in female-founded and led businesses. Entrepreneurship offers women greater control over their career paths and how to prioritize work-life, allowing them to create businesses that align with their values and priorities. This growth in female entrepreneurship will not only contribute to economic growth and innovation but also create a new generation of role models and mentors for aspiring women entrepreneurs. Dr. Reese is excited about the opportunities this shift will bring, as it will help to create a more diverse and inclusive business landscape.
Dr. Rhonda Glover Reese’s journey as a coach, leader, and mentor is characterized by her unwavering commitment to growth, innovation, and service. Through her work with NOBLE, her leadership coaching, and her dedication to continuous learning, she has made a lasting impact on the law enforcement community and beyond. As she looks to the future, Dr. Reese remains focused on empowering others, particularly women and young people, to take on leadership roles and create positive change in their communities and industries. Her story is a powerful reminder of the importance of mentorship, resilience, and the pursuit of lifelong learning in achieving success and making a meaningful difference in the world.