Gregory P. Steffine 

Award-Winning Catholic Author & Amazon Bestseller

Mr. Steffine launched his career in 1986 at a rapidly growing direct marketing agency, where he cut his teeth on data and the fundamentals of database marketing. He was the marketing guy who branded and led the first data warehousing initiative for an innovative package delivery company that would later become known as FedEx Ground. And, at Deloitte, he led an impressive team of consultants that transformed the surveillance strategy for CDC’s National Center for HIV, STD, and TB Prevention. Over the course of his career, Greg has had the privilege of helping some of the most recognizable names in business become smarter, analytics-driven organizations. He became a well-known strategist and solution delivery leader with a knack for solving complex business problems. By 2016, Greg was an award-winning author and had risen to senior vice president and head of analytics enablement for one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial services firms.

Then, one day, everything changed.

Sanderson Press caught-up with Greg to discuss the uncertainty and struggle that came with the unexpected.

[SP] To begin, take us back to February 1, 2021.
"I didn't know it at the time, but it would become the final day of my professional career. My body was really struggling—weakness, exhaustion, organ problems, memory gaps. I couldn’t even write a simple note."
[SP] That had to be frightening.
"It was a progression of my MS. I was diagnosed in 2001. I had done a pretty good job over the years managing the symptoms, but in late 2020 and into January of '21, I started to really struggle with work. When another episode of aphasia hit, this time in the middle of a conference call, I knew I needed a break."
[SP] Aphasia. Explain.
"It's a neurological condition that impairs your language. You can't communicate. You know what you want to say or write but it comes out as gibberish. Everyone on the call thought I was having a stroke. It freaked them out. It's unsettling."
[SP] So you decided to take a step back.
"Yea, I went on short-term disability. But subsequent tests weren't good. Turns out I was worse off than I thought."
[SP] And a planned 6-week break...
"Unexpectedly turned into permanent disability. Yea. I felt like I was thrown into the great unknown. Scary."
[SP] How did you cope with that shift?
"Not well. My care team helped a lot. So did my legal and financial advisors. My wife, of course, was an angel. But it took a while to even get my bearings. For more than a year, I just drifted through my days, trying to figure out what to do with myself. I dabbled here and there, but nothing really stuck. The physical stuff with MS is one thing—I've always found a way to cope. But losing a career is a real gut punch."
[SP] Then COVID.
"Not good memories. My immune system was already compromised, right? So when I got COVID, it literally incapacitated me. I was bedridden for a week—couldn’t move my arms, couldn’t feed myself, couldn’t even lift a glass of water. It was physically brutal, but mentally worse. You’re stuck in your head, trapped in a body that doesn't work. That’s a dark place to be. It helped to be anointed and receive the Holy Eucharist."
[SP] What was the hardest part of it all?
"Not being prepared for the unexpected. As I said, the physical stuff is tough, no doubt—but I've learned over the years what to expect from MS. Change is a part of the disease. To unexpectedly lose a career is something else. It’s like the ground’s been yanked out from under you. It shakes your sense of self and purpose. It really messes with your head."
[SP] You built a career solving problems. What did you do about it?
"Well, after struggling to figure things out on my own, I finally turned to the Lord and asked for help."
[SP] One problem solver to another?
"You might say that. I wouldn't." (Laughs)
[SP] What did you say?
"I just asked Him to give me some guidance on what to do with my time."
[SP] And what did He tell you?
"February 17, 2024. It was late. I was in the shower. It takes me a while to shower because of my condition, so I do a lot of praying there. I asked God again for guidance and, clear as a bell, the Lord says to me: 'I've given you time to rest your weary body. What can you do with the time I've given you that is of greater value or more consequence than pray?'"
[SP] Fascinating. What did you think?
"I was shocked. Speechless, really."
[SP] And what was your takeaway?
"Well, it actually impacted me in a couple of ways. I remember being embarrassed."
[SP] Embarrassed? Why?
"I think it was a combination of feeling both unworthy and ignorant—of course, prayer should have been front of mind. I just wasn't focused enough on godly things during this time to recognize it. Secondly, though, it really fortified my faith. There's great confidence that comes from knowing the Lord's listening and has a desired plan for you."
[SP] It's right in Scripture.
"It is. Jeremiah 29:11."
[SP] So how have you used the guidance you received?
"I have a much deeper and consistent prayer life now. A morning routine, a nightly routine, and I converse with the Lord throughout the day. Beyond that, I've started to live my mission of discipleship in ways I had never considered."
[SP] Like?
"Like writing about Catholic things, not just business things, faith instead of data. My new passion is to uplift believers and guide hearts to God, beginning with my kids and grandkids and extended family. I want to leave with them a legacy of prayer, faith, and faithfulness."
[SP] So you have your purpose after all.
"I suppose I never really lost it. I think God needed to grab my attention so He could reorient my thinking—get me focused on things that really matter."
[SP] Great story, Greg! Thanks for your time.
"My pleasure."

Greg has been featured in TechTarget, O'Reilly, TeQ, plugin, PEX, and Enterprise Mobility Exchange.

He is a member of the Catholic Authors Guild.