We would love to hear from you, send us a text!

“There is no such thing as timing the market…no one can time the market”

In this episode of MasterStroke, hosts Monica Enand and Sejal Pietrzak discuss the unpredictability of market timing, trend creation and positioning oneself to capitalize on both. They explore the benefits of first mover advantage versus showing up later to the party.

This conversation highlights AI’s disruptive potential in the legal field,  coupled with the growing need to preserve  the human touch.

Monica and Sejal focus on AI transparency, and explainability, emphasizing  the importance of collaboration  between technologists and regulators to fully understand the impact of AI’s rapid development and disruption across society and business.

They conclude by sharing their optimism for the next generation to examinethe role of technology and the ethical application of AI.

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

We would love to hear from you, send us a text!

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

We would love to hear from you, send us a text!

Everyone has to Manage Up!  Discover the inner working  of leadership transparency in this episode of the Masterstroke podcast. Hosts Monica Enand and Sejal Pietrzak  dissect the vital role of communication in leadership and how to fine tune the flow of information between a CEO and their Board of Directors. 

You will  hear a story about the importance of creating an environment where team members feel safe to voice concerns. The episode also casts light on interdepartmental collaboration through the journey of a chief marketing officer who embraced the 'first team' mindset, leading to a profound ripple effect on productivity and success across the organization. Join them as they traverse the landscape of leadership, from fostering approachability to encouraging solution-oriented thinking, and learn how reshaping perspectives can unlock the full potential of a team.

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

We would love to hear from you, send us a text!

Have you ever stared failure in the face and wondered if it was the final chapter? Join us, Monica Enand and Sejal Pietrzak, as we take you through the winding path where stumbling blocks transform into stepping stones toward success. Our heartfelt conversation peels back the layers to show how resilience is the secret ingredient that turns defeat into victory. We share our own roller coaster rides, revealing how adopting a growth mindset, a concept beautifully articulated by Carol Dweck, can lead to unexpected personal and professional wins. This episode isn't just about rallying after a fall; it's an intimate look at how the taste of triumph is sweetened by the trials we overcome.

As we weave through the tapestry of our stories, the invaluable role of mentors and the art of heeding advice come to light. We recount poignant moments with key figures from Sejal's first boss to a mentor at Wells Fargo, illustrating how mentorship is not a one-way street but a shared journey of growth. We delve into the nuances of maintaining and nurturing these relationships, emphasizing the mutual benefits and the grace of gratitude. Furthermore, we discuss the art of teaching resilience, not just to oneself but to the next generation, ensuring they're equipped to face the inevitable ups and downs of life. Monica's insights, coupled with the behind-the-scenes magic of our executive producer, Georgianna Moreland, make this episode a trove of wisdom for anyone looking to thrive amidst life's ebbs and flows.

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

We would love to hear from you, send us a text!

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

We would love to hear from you, send us a text!

Have you ever been gripped by the fear of the unknown when standing at the precipice of a major life change?  Sejal Pietrzak and Monica Enand shares an intimate exploration of those transformative crossroads. From Sejal's plunge into the tech world to Monica's daring leaps from prestigious roles at Intel and IBM, we uncover the intricate dance with uncertainty that often accompanies life's biggest decisions. Together, they deconstruct the myths surrounding fear, change, and the liberating question, "What's the worst that can happen?" Listen in to discover strategies for navigating the waters of risk and the invaluable lessons that lie in wait when we dare to take the leap.

The emotional fabric of leadership and entrepreneurship is rich and diverse, and this episode pulls back the curtain on its many shades. We take a poignant look at the tough choices that define our paths—whether it's the leap from a secure job into the thrilling unknown of starting your own venture or the "motherhood tax" and the myriad sacrifices made along the way. It's a candid discussion about the personal costs and rewards that mold our professional identities. We also tackle the often unspoken struggle with shame and the many faces of success, dismantling the myth of a monolithic leadership persona. By honoring the emotional journeys unique to each of us, we celebrate the authenticity and growth that fuel true leadership. Tune in as we share personal stories and insights that affirm the value of charting your own course, even amidst the tumult of high-stakes decisions and personal sacrifice.

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

We would love to hear from you, send us a text!

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

We would love to hear from you, send us a text!

Prepare to be inspired by Merline Saintil, a tech industry vanguard, as host Monica Enand and Sejal Pietrzak honor International Women's Day and Women's History Month. Her remarkable ascent from Haiti to Silicon Valley COO is a testament to the power of diversity in transforming culture, innovation, and human capital. Through the lens of her own journey, Merline shares with Monica and Sejal the pivotal role that networks, such as our mutual Carnegie Mellon University connection, play in expanding opportunities from engineering to leadership. We also celebrate her passion project, "On Board," a documentary that casts a spotlight on the influential stories of Black Women in corporate boardrooms.

Governance in public company boards is rarely straightforward, and Merline generously offers an insider's view on this intricate world. She underscores the necessity for representation, noting that black women bring crucial perspectives to the table, leading to better organizational performance. As we discuss the significance of personal advisory boards and the transformative influence of sponsors, you'll gain invaluable insights into navigating the corporate landscape. Listeners will also learn why cultivating a diverse array of advisors is essential for both personal and professional flourishing.

Finally, we delve into the heartwarming success of Merline's groundbreaking documentary launch of OnBoard - The Story of Black Women on Boards, reflecting on the joy and connection found in telling the stories of black women trailblazers. Her infectious enthusiasm serves as a powerful reminder to seize every chance to make a difference. As we revisit the importance of mentorship and the wisdom of embracing risk and life integration, Merline's journey encourages us to challenge societal expectations and stride confidently toward our goals. Join us for a celebration of achievement, community, and the enduring influence of exceptional women like our colleague and friend Merline Saintil.

bit.ly/onboardthefilm

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

We would love to hear from you, send us a text!

Stepping into the tech arena, where the echo of male voices often drowns out the rest, Sejal Pietrzak and Monica Enand have carved out their own success stories that defy the status quo. Their conversation peels back the layers of their climb to the top in an industry where female CEOs are as rare as flawless code on the first try. Sejal, hailed as a top SaaS CEO, joins me to exchange tales from the trenches of tech leadership, from the adrenaline of startup life to the strategic moves behind boardroom doors. We get personal, revealing the struggles and triumphs of our journeys as women wielding gavels in high-growth firms.

This heart-to-heart isn't just a trip down memory lane—it's packed with the nitty-gritty of making 'masterstroke' decisions that can pivot a company from obscurity to industry buzzword. You'll get an insider's take on the audacity it takes to leap from a cushy job into the thrilling freefall of entrepreneurship. We dissect the critical role daily discipline plays alongside those bold choices that define a career. As we reminisce about the grit required to launch a business amidst financial crises, you'll find yourself nodding along, recognizing the universal dance of risk, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of that next breakthrough moment. Join us for a session that's as much about empowerment as it is about the hard-earned wisdom of two women who aren't afraid to lead the charge.

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

We would love to hear from you, send us a text!

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