Pulmonary Embolism and Visibility
In episode 156 of Gratitude Geek podcast, I talk with Sarah Varughese about pulmonary embolism and visibility. Her story starts with pain she thought was ordinary soreness. It turns into a life-threatening wake-up call. Sarah then rebuilt her life with more intention, more honesty, and a lot more fun.
Originally aired: February 14, 2023.
This post has been updated and republished as part of rebuilding the Gratitude Geek podcast archive.
Key Takeaways
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Sarah missed the warning signs at first because she thought the pain was from normal physical strain.
- Her recovery forced her to slow down and question the cost of constant achievement.
- Martha the T. Rex became a playful symbol of resilience and personal branding.
- Sarah shows why being yourself attracts the right people.
- Visibility works best when people feel seen, heard, and understood.
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How the pain started
Sarah first thought she had done something ordinary, because she was active and used to soreness. Then the pain moved and became harder to ignore. When it started to hurt to breathe, she knew something was wrong. That moment led to a diagnosis of multiple pulmonary embolisms and DVTs.
Slow down and reset
The recovery period did not allow business as usual. Sarah was told to slow down, which was not easy for someone used to pushing hard. That forced pause helped her see that success had started to crowd out joy. She realized she needed more balance if she wanted a life that felt good to live.
Martha the T. Rex
Sarah’s tiny T. Rex, Martha, started as a playful idea during recovery and became part of her brand. She began taking Martha everywhere and telling stories through photos and captions. That made the brand more memorable and more human. It also gave Sarah a way to play again after a really hard season.
Visibility that feels human
Sarah’s approach to visibility is not about shouting louder. It is about helping people feel seen. She explains that the right message, body language, and energy all matter. Her “exposure triangle” reminds us that visibility is not just what you post. It is how you show up in every room.
Why the message sticks
Sarah’s work with clients centers on clarity, confidence, and language people can actually understand. She is especially strong on the idea that if someone does not understand your words, they will tune out. That is why she keeps coming back to the same truth. People do not just buy expertise. They buy the feeling that you get them.
Meet Sarah Varughese
Sarah Varughese is a visibility coach, photographer, and marketer who built her business after a major health crisis shifted everything. She is also the creator behind She Rex Marketing and the author of The Yellow Brick Road to Self Discovery. Her work blends creativity, self-awareness, and practical marketing in a way that feels playful instead of pushy.
“The more you show up as you, the more people are attracted to you that get you.” – Sarah Varughese
Connect with Sarah
Disclaimer: Some links may be affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase. No added cost to you.
- Podcast: The Visibility Coach with host Sarah Varughese
- Book: The Yellow Brick Road to Self Discovery: Developing The Mental and Emotional Strength of an Entrepreneur
Also Mentioned
Final Thoughts
This episode is a reminder that a hard diagnosis can become a turning point. It can also teach you to stop performing and start living more honestly. Sarah’s story is about survival, yes, but it is also about play, identity, and choosing a brand that actually feels like you. That part matters in business and in life.
Continue the conversation inside Gratitude Geek Lab.
Stay Groovy!
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