Gladys Martin Inspires Transformation With New Book I Am Phoenix Rising

Gladys Martin, internationally recognized author, entrepreneur, life coach, motivational speaker, and philanthropist, announces the release of her groundbreaking nonfiction work, I AM Phoenix Rising. Winner of the 2025 International Impact Book Award in the Personal Growth and Development category, this transformative guide invites readers to embark on a courageous journey toward self-discovery and empowerment, inspired by the mythical phoenix’s rebirth.

A compelling contribution to the self-growth and development genre, I AM Phoenix Rising challenges readers to confront and overcome fear, limiting beliefs, and personal obstacles. With each chapter, Martin offers a clear roadmap for cultivating inner strength, finding peace, and living in alignment with one’s truest self. The book’s blend of heartfelt storytelling and practical tools makes it a powerful companion for anyone ready to break free from the constraints holding them back.

Martin’s inspiration for I AM Phoenix Rising is deeply personal. Drawing from her own life experiences, she shares an intimate and authentic perspective that resonates with readers navigating challenges of their own. Her voice is both compassionate and empowering, encouraging transformation from the inside out.

Born and raised in the Philippines to Wilfredo and Henrietta Fungo, Gladys “Gladz” Fungo Martin’s story is one of courage, resilience, and an unshakable faith in the power of new beginnings. In 2009, she and her husband, Chris, made the life-changing decision to leave everything behind and migrate to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, with their two sons, LJ and JC. The move was not easy, but it was necessary—their youngest son, Justin (affectionately called JC), was born with craniofrontonasal dysplasia, and they sought better opportunities and care for him.

Migrating tested Gladz’s strength in every possible way. JC, who was only two years old at the time, underwent surgery every single year, with the most recent one taking place in 2024. Supporting a young child through constant medical procedures while adjusting to a new country and starting from scratch was an extraordinary challenge, yet Gladz never faltered. Her resilience as a mother became the cornerstone of her journey, pushing her to persevere and build a life of hope, stability, and purpose for her family.

From a young age, Gladz carried with her a deep passion for serving others. As a member of her church’s youth organization, she visited orphanages to bring hope to abandoned children and volunteered in senior homes to comfort the elderly. This commitment to community remained her guiding compass, even as she faced the trials of starting anew in a foreign country.

Today, Gladz is not only an entrepreneur and community leader but also a motivational speaker and Certified Flourishing Coach. She shares her voice in small groups and public platforms, encouraging others to embrace their inner strength. Her guiding principle is simple yet profound: to be the voice for the voiceless and inspire others to believe in themselves, embrace their flaws, and discover the beauty in their journey.

Gladz believes that empowerment is contagious—like ripples in water, one act of courage can inspire countless others. Her message to the world is clear:

 “Be gentle with yourself. The road to self-discovery is not easy, but it is worth it. Embrace the mess, burn the old you, and rise like a phoenix—more powerful, beautiful, and unstoppable than ever. And when you learn to embrace both where you came from and where you are now, you create something timeless and beautiful—just like Nayon.”

Share your journey and what inspired you to write, “I am Phoenix Rising.”

Everything that happened in my life has been a series of leaps of faith. One of the biggest was leaving the Philippines—my family, friends, career, and everything that was familiar to me—to move to Canada. It was a decision rooted in love and responsibility, because I wanted to give my family, especially my children, the very best future possible.

Starting from scratch in a new country was never easy. I had to embrace a completely different culture, navigate uncertainties, and face challenges that at times felt overwhelming. There were moments of fear and doubt, but in those moments, I had to dig deep to find courage and strength. What kept me going was the reminder that every sacrifice, every struggle, was not just for me, but for the generations after me.

That journey of breaking down, rebuilding, and finding new strength is what inspired me to write “I Am Phoenix Rising.” The phoenix symbolizes rebirth, resilience, and transformation—the very essence of what it means to start again, whether it’s in a new country, a new career, or even a new chapter in life or relationships. My story is not just mine—it’s for anyone who has had to rebuild from ashes and rise stronger.

Philanthropy is deeply connected to this journey. In Winnipeg, I collect books—especially academic books from schools and individuals who have used or unused books—and, through collaboration with an organization formed by people from my hometown now living in Canada, we send them to the Provincial Library in the Philippines where I grew up. Every time I return to the Philippines, I also make it a priority to support a charity caring for abandoned seniors and to visit orphanages where I donate and sometimes organize feeding programs. These causes are very close to my heart, which is why the proceeds of my book sales will go directly to support both the seniors’ home and the orphanages.

Here in Canada, I also use my own business and our corporation to support philanthropic causes—whether through sponsoring community events or supporting organizations that uplift lives. In addition, through another non-profit organization, I help provide food donations to groups that serve the homeless in Winnipeg.

At the heart of “I Am Phoenix Rising” is a message: no matter where you begin again—whether in career, relationships, or personal growth—you carry within you the strength to rise. And as we rise, we also carry the privilege and responsibility of lifting others with us.

What challenges have you faced that transform you?

One of the greatest challenges that transformed me was giving birth to my second child, my son JC. He was born with craniofrontonasal dysplasia, a rare condition that, at the time in the Philippines, had no advanced medical procedures available. Even if something could be done, it meant a long series of surgeries that were simply unaffordable, as there was no medical coverage for this condition in the Philippines.

When we migrated to Canada, he was only 2 years old—and that is when his journey with surgeries began. Almost every year, we had to face another operation, with the last one being in 2024. Each surgery was difficult, but the hardest moment came in 2014, when JC was just 8 years old. He had to undergo a major surgery that lasted nearly 13 hours, and to do this, the doctors had to put him in an induced coma. As a mother, the fear and pain of seeing your child in such a vulnerable state, not knowing what the outcome would be, was indescribable. The waiting, the worry, the helplessness—it was one of the darkest and most challenging moments of my life.

But through that challenge, I was transformed. I learned that courage is not the absence of fear—it’s the decision to keep going despite it. I had to stay strong not only for my son but also for my family, even when my own heart was breaking. Navigating life around hospital visits, recoveries, and the emotional toll of uncertainty taught me resilience, patience, and an even deeper sense of faith.

That journey with JC showed me that while we cannot always control the challenges life gives us, we can choose how we respond. His strength and bravery inspired me to rise above my own fears, and it shaped me into the person I am today—a person who believes that no matter how heavy the burden, we carry within us the strength to endure, to hope, and to rise. 

Your philanthropic and motivational work reflects the same themes of resilience and renewal found throughout your writing. How does your book challenge readers to confront and overcome fear, limiting beliefs, and personal obstacles?

My book “I Am Phoenix Rising” was written to challenge readers to confront fear, limiting beliefs, and personal obstacles by reminding them that they are not defined by their circumstances, but by their ability to rise from them. Each chapter reflects not only my own journey of starting over, facing uncertainty, and enduring hardship, but also the universal truth that resilience and renewal are possible for everyone. The book encourages readers to embrace vulnerability, to acknowledge fear without letting it paralyze them, and to use every obstacle as an opportunity for growth and transformation. It also reminds readers to forgive themselves and be gentle with themselves—because the mistakes of the past do not define who they are. Instead, every new day is an opportunity to heal, rebuild, and rise stronger.

This message also flows into my philanthropic and motivational work. As the founder of New Hope of Manitoba Inc., a not-for-profit organization advocating for mental health, addiction, and homelessness, I see every day how many lives are bound by fear, stigma, and limiting beliefs. Our mission is to bring hope and healing by addressing these struggles with compassion and support. Currently, we are initiating a new project called House of Light, which will serve as a safe haven for women who have experienced gender-related violence. It will be a place where they can not only find safety, but also empowerment, a space that reminds them they are worthy of healing, renewal, and a future beyond their pain.

In both my writing and my advocacy, the core message is the same: fear and obstacles are real, but they do not have to define or confine us. When we face them with courage, self-compassion, and the support of a community that believes in us, we discover our own strength. We learn that like the phoenix, we too can rise, renewed, forgiven, and empowered, ready to shine our light for others.

For me, philanthropy is not just about giving financially. It is about time, effort, compassion, and presence. It is about showing up for others, finding creative ways to share resources, and extending kindness in a way that makes people feel seen and valued. I am deeply grateful for my strong support system, especially my family and my husband, Chris, who has stood by me every step of the way, and to be guided by my mentor, Clarita Nazario, a well-known philanthropist and community leader in Canada, whose wisdom and example continue to inspire me in my own philanthropic journey.

How have you found inner peace and lived in alignment with your truest self? 

Finding inner peace and living in alignment with my truest self has been a lifelong journey—one shaped by struggle, faith, and self-discovery. For me, peace came when I learned to embrace myself fully and to love myself, even with all my imperfections. I created a relationship with myself by embracing every flaw, making peace with the mistakes of my past, and choosing to see them not as definitions of who I am, but as lessons that shaped who I am becoming. I realized that people will always have something to say and their own expectations of how you should live—but the key is to love yourself anyway. That is the only true way to seek alignment and live authentically.

In my book “I Am Phoenix Rising,” I share ways others can find this same path. It begins with forgiving yourself and being gentle with yourself, because inner peace cannot exist where self-condemnation remains. I also encourage readers to let go of fear and limiting beliefs, to stop allowing doubt or external judgment to hold them back. And most importantly, I remind them that self-love is not selfish, it is the foundation. When you love yourself, you find the courage to rise above challenges, the wisdom to honor your values, and the strength to live in alignment with your truest self.

Inner peace is not about perfection. It’s about acceptance, compassion, and love—starting with yourself. And from that place, you can rise renewed, ready to live fully and authentically.

Please share a few practical tools found in your book. 

In “I Am Phoenix Rising,” I wanted to offer readers not just inspiration, but also practical tools they can use in their own journey of resilience and renewal. One of the first tools is the practice of self-forgiveness and self-compassion. I encourage readers to release the weight of past mistakes, to be gentle with themselves, and to understand that their past does not define their future. This shift in mindset creates space for healing and growth.

Another tool I share is the importance of challenging fear and limiting beliefs. Fear often disguises itself as protection, but it can keep us from living fully. I guide readers to reframe fear as a signal of growth and to take courageous steps forward, even when uncertainty feels overwhelming.

I also emphasize the practice of embracing self-love and authenticity. This means building a healthy relationship with yourself—accepting your flaws, honoring your values, and creating alignment between who you are and how you live. It is about choosing to love yourself anyway, even when others may have their own judgments or expectations.

Finally, I share the tool of rising after setbacks—seeing every obstacle as an invitation to grow stronger, wiser, and more compassionate. Just as the phoenix rises from ashes, we too can use our struggles as the fuel for transformation.

These are some of the practical lessons woven throughout the book, meant to empower readers to not only survive their challenges but to rise from them with renewed strength and purpose.

How does it feel to have won the International Impact Book Award? 

Winning the International Impact Book Award feels both surreal and deeply fulfilling. On one hand, I feel incredibly proud that all the long days and nights I poured into this book—every word written with intention—have been recognized. On the other hand, it also gives the book credibility and has opened so many opportunities for me to share its message with a wider audience.

Even though “I Am Phoenix Rising” is only a few pages, my goal was never about length—it was about impact. My intention was to guide, to be heard, and to let people know that they, too, can rise from adversities and challenges. I want this award to be more than recognition; I want it to be a doorway for others to discover that once you believe in yourself, embrace authenticity, and love yourself fully, you can rise above anything. That is the true impact I hope this book will make.

You are a much sought-after Motivation Speaker. What topics do you cover? 

My journey as a motivational speaker started in the Philippines, where I participated in leadership training for several networking companies. That was truly my training ground. I would speak to and motivate leaders to find their inner strength, understand that rejection in network marketing sales is part of the process, and keep pushing forward with confidence. Over time, I had the privilege of giving motivational speeches to network leaders and, on some occasions, to events with hundreds of participants.

Here in Canada, I’ve continued this path, being invited by different groups and organizations to speak on topics such as resilience in building a business, believing in oneself, breaking through limiting beliefs, empowerment, and self-love. These are themes close to my heart and ones I know many people need to hear, especially when navigating challenges. Most recently, just a month ago, I was invited as a guest speaker for a school reunion event back in the Philippines. Because of the distance, I gave my inspirational speech online—but the connection and impact were just as meaningful.

For me, it has never been about the size of the audience. Whether I am speaking to a small group of five people or to hundreds, my goal is always the same: to deliver a message that leaves an impact they can carry in their hearts. If even one person walks away inspired and empowered to change their life because of something I shared, then I know I have fulfilled my purpose.

Philanthropy is very important to you. Share initiatives that you support.

Philanthropy has always been close to my heart, both in the Philippines and here in Canada. In Winnipeg, every year, I collect academic books from schools and individuals, used or unused, and, through collaboration with an organization formed by people from my hometown now living in Canada, we send them to the Provincial Library in the province where I grew up. Every time I return to the Philippines, I also visit and support a charity, caring for abandoned seniors called Emmaus Apostolic Home and orphanages, where I donate and sometimes organize feeding programs. These two causes are especially close to me, which is why the proceeds of my book “I Am Phoenix Rising” are dedicated to supporting them.

Here in Canada, through my own business and our corporation, Nayon Campground Inc., we support various philanthropic causes by sponsoring community events and partnering with organizations that uplift lives. I am also involved in New Hope Foundation of Manitoba Inc., a not-for-profit organization that advocates for mental health, addiction, and homelessness. One of our newest initiatives is House of Light, which will provide hope and empowerment to women who have experienced gender-related violence. Through New Hope Foundation, we also collaborate with Harvest Manitoba, a food bank,  to obtain food items, which my team and I then distribute to mental health group care home operators who collectively serve more than 150 residents. In addition, through another non-profit, we contribute food donations to organizations serving the homeless in Winnipeg.

I am also involved in  Kids Depot Cooperative Daycare, an initiative addressing the shortage of daycare services in the province, helping working families secure safe and reliable care for their children. And right now, under New Hope Foundation of Manitoba Inc., we are working on organizing a medical mission in the Philippines, in collaboration with the Provincial Government in the province where I grew up, together with hometown people from the province who are now based in Canada.

For me, philanthropy is not just about giving financially. It is about time, effort, compassion, and presence. It is about showing up for others, finding creative ways to share resources, and extending kindness in a way that makes people feel seen and valued. I am deeply grateful to have a strong support system and to be guided by my mentor, Clarita Nazario, a well-known philanthropist and community leader in Canada, whose wisdom and example continue to inspire me in my own philanthropic journey.

I AM Phoenix Rising is now available through major online retailers: https://a.co/d/63Viazv. Martin plans to continue her advocacy and writing, with future projects focused on empowerment and community transformation.