Happy Saturday, and welcome to CEO Speaks for Saturday, December 2nd, 2023.
As I have shared all throughout this triumphant TMA year, why TMA Lights The Way is largely because of how the vision of the possible becomes our TMA reality in how our range of programming opportunities defines an organization that is all about actionable optionality.
On the last leg of my TMA Europe tour just a few weeks ago, in groundbreaking fashion, our TAM UK chapter took conference programming to the next level when, at its Annual Conference, I was again awe-struck and inspired by one of the most eclectic TMA experiences I have had the privilege of participating in.
Under the theme of “Be the Exception…grasp opportunities in times of adversity,” the day was filled with programming that ranged from the real and relevant in our professional lives to deeply personal and genuinely authentic in the presentation of stories that embraced human tragedy and triumph.
Under the leadership of conference chair Johnny Abraham, he and the conference committee again set the example for how versatility in program opportunities that appeal to all segments of our professionally diverse organization stands for why we lead in member value worldwide.
Following my visit to the UK chapter for its annual conference, I next joined our TMA Deutschland chapter, where ahead of its Annual Conference, I attended a Network of Women program organized by TMA Deutschland Board Member and TMA Europe President Eva Ringelspacher and the chapter’s NOW committee, where all in attendance were treated to an inspirational program featuring German alpine climber, and world champion ice climber Ines Papert.
The sold-out conference day in Frankfurt had some of the most important leaders from academia, government, and the German banking sector speak on timely topics affecting the industry and the disruptive economic conditions that are being navigated in Germany and across Europe and the world.
Stateside last week, I next had the opportunity to experience a chapter event steeped deeply in tradition, as TMA Connecticut along with ACG, NACD, and XPX, hosted its 13th Annual Economic Forum held at the Fairfield University Dolan School of Business.
Greeted by Dean Zhan Li, and with a keynote by Connecticut State Comptroller Sam Scanlon, this regional opportunity focused on the state of the Connecticut economy, challenged traditional thought, and brought together some of the brightest academic scholars, economists, and political pendants to share, engage and connect through the people’s and power of a vibrant and actionable TMA.
Kudos to a stand-out chapter for showing thought leadership at its finest and bringing members together in an important and meaningful way.
As we continue to find new ways to support our members through meaningful education that teaches, inspires, and engages, I am TMA proud of the stand-out work of the TMA Global Education Oversight Committee, which under the leadership of VP of Education Brian Gleason, rolls out the TMA Winter Webinar Series on December 13th at noon CT/1 p.m. ET, with a Turnaround Square webinar Workplace Wellness: Building Career Long Resiliency: Thriving In The Turnaround Arena where panelists Dr. Gina Lepore, Adeola Akinrinade, Pat Bellot and Michael Litwack, will share experiences and discuss best practices for working in the turnaround industry while maintaining work-life balance and the management of stress and pressure in the workplace. CLE, CPE, and CEU credits will be available for this free program, and one not to be missed for sure.
The Winter Webinar Series will continue on December 20th with a webinar on fiduciary duties and a January program on bankruptcy mediation, both real and relevant skills-building opportunities, with much more to come.
Register for these industry-leading programs at turnaround.org/welcome-turnaround-square, and be part of these thought leadership and skills-building opportunities that stand for how TMA Lights The Way.
It may not quite be Christmas, but sooner than you think, it will be time for the 2024 TMA Distressed Investing Conference.
A reminder that early bird registration for the 2024 TMA Distressed Investing Conference ends on December 14th, and if you want to Ignite your year by being part of the deal-making conference that defines the year, each and every year, register today.
This will undoubtedly be a record year for conference attendance at the storied Encore Las Vegas February 6th-9th, with a TMA Bootcamp, a nearly sold-out Network of Women Luncheon, including a special session lead by Chicago-Midwest and TMA NOW Global Committee member Jill Kirshinbaum, on the five steps to improved networking, a keynote by Crisis Communications guru and TikTok and You Tube sensation Molly McPherson, and a whole lot more as we gear up for one of the industry’s most important, impactful, and industry-leading conference opportunities of the year. Register today!
Lastly, today, I wanted to take a moment to share just a little bit about my friend, colleague, and TMA luminary Shelia Smith, CTP, who passed away earlier this month after a long and heroic battle with pancreatic cancer.
Sheila, a true advocate of TMA, attributed much of her career success to the organization, having been a member, chapter president, and global leader since nearly its inception.
Sheila was a dedicated volunteer for the TMA Northeast chapter, having served in multiple roles on its board and then as Chapter President. She also aided in the advancement of the chapter’s Network of Women (NOW) as a member of that committee.
A fierce advocate for women in the industry, Sheila was an active member of the TMA NOW Global Committee, having served on the committee from 2013 through 2015. Likewise, she served in multiple global Executive Board and Board of Trustees roles
Sheila’s numerous accomplishments within TMA include receiving the TMA Individual Award in 2005, being inducted into the TMA Hall of Fame in 2013, and earning the Certified Turnaround Professional designation in 2018.
Sheila stood for industry excellence and the advancement of women in the corporate restructuring industry as a Certified Turnaround Professional, active participant in TMA NOW and an industry leader in her many defining professional roles, including as a senior advisor to Gordon Brothers Group LLC and a principal at Deloitte CRG.
We at TMA will remember Sheila dearly as a friend, mentor, and defining force who will long be the standard of professional excellence industry-wide. You were a force of nature, fiercely passionate, and forever the brightest of lights that shines brilliantly on many of us and always will. Rest in peace, Sheila Ann Tompkins Smith.
As always, thanks for taking the time to listen today. As TMA Lights The Way, your input is critical, your contributions paramount, and your engagement the foundation that will create a better TMA for all of our members.
Until next time, I’m Scott Stuart. Be safe, resilient, and TMA Proud.