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What would you do if you were next in line to scan your boarding pass for a work trip, expected at an important board meeting the next day—but your gut was telling you to not get on the flight?

In this powerful episode of MasterStroke, Executive Producer Georgianna Moreland and Host Monica Enand welcome back co-host Sejal Pietrzak, who recently returned from a leave of absence. Sejal shares a deeply personal story about the life-changing decision she made at that very moment. As she stood at the gate, just about to board her flight, a powerful sense of urgency took hold, prompting her to step aside, and go home. That choice led her to uncover the reason behind unexplained, subtle changes in her husband’s behavior—a discovery that ultimately revealed a brain tumor. Sejal’s journey illustrates the profound importance of listening to one’s inner voice, especially when it comes to health and family.

The episode also explores what it means to support a team member during a time of crisis. Georgianna, Monica, and Sejal discuss the importance of empathetic protocols, flexibility, and compassionate communication when someone needs to take leave to care for a loved one. They share strategies for creating a supportive work culture where team members feel secure stepping away and confident they’ll be met with understanding.

Beyond the immediate family dynamic, Sejal speaks to the critical role of community, friends, and family, who became her support system through her husband’s diagnosis and treatment.
Her story underscores the importance of being prepared as a partner for life’s unexpected turns!

Sejal’s experience offers a candid look at the courage, resilience and positive mindset required to manage personal challenges while balancing professional responsibilities. This episode reminds us that trusting our intuition, leaning on those around us, and fostering a culture of empathy at work can help us face life’s most difficult moments.

Georgianna Moreland - Creator, Executive Producer & Managing Editor;
Matt Stoker - Editor

87: From the Cavs’ Corner Office w/ Nic Barlage