TMA Nation—ARE YOU READY?!
Happy Saturday, and welcome to CEO Speaks for February 22nd, 2025, sponsored exclusively by Second Wind Consultants—specializing in Article 9, out-of-court transactional restructurings.
And WOW—just WOW! What a MASSIVE, MOMENTOUS, and MIND-BLOWING week we had at the 2025 TMA Distressed Investing Conference in Las Vegas!
- 900+ powerhouse professionals.
- Connections that will fuel the future.
- Ideas that will reshape the industry.
- Deals, deals, and MORE DEALS!
From an electric DE&I Speakeasy, where we doubled down on our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, setting the tone for an event like no other!
Then—BOOM! Another sold-out TMA Bootcamp, proving once again that when it comes to learning, the TMA community shows up hungry!
And let’s talk about “Whiskey and War Stories”—a NEW, exclusive event featuring TMA Certified Turnaround Professionals. If you weren’t there, you missed out on some epic moments with the pros who are leading the way. But don’t worry—this is just the beginning of something big!
Networking? OFF. THE. CHARTS.
A SOLD-OUT Network of Women luncheon that was as fun as it was inspiring.
Capital Connections reception—where the room was buzzing, the ideas were flowing, and the deals? They were happening in REAL TIME!
The “who’s who” of the industry—together, in one space.
And let’s talk education—because this year’s content? GAME-CHANGING. Engaging. Relevant. Straight-up NEXT-LEVEL.
Mic-drop moment: TMA Global President-elect Brian Gleason, CTP, presenting retired bankruptcy judge Jean FitzSimon with an honorary CTP—a recognition that had the room on its feet. Goosebumps.
And THEN—the keynote.
ANDREW. YANG.
The ballroom was PACKED. The energy? PALPABLE. Yang delivered a keynote that was bold, brilliant, and completely unforgettable. And in a high-energy fireside chat, TMA Global President Rachael Smiley brought humor, insight, and a fresh perspective to a conversation that left everyone inspired!
And just when you thought the week couldn’t get any better…
The marquee reception at East Side Bar—a grand finale for the books! Unparalleled energy. Unforgettable conversations. A true celebration of what makes TMA so powerful!
Now, let’s take a BIG ROUND OF APPLAUSE for the team that made this all happen!
Jennifer Meyerowitz & Jeanine Krattiger—our unstoppable VPs of Conferences
DIC Committee Co-Chairs: Alison Elko Franklin, Anton de Leeuw, and Ron Reuter, CTP, and our esteemed DIC planning committee—you CRUSHED IT!
And to our record-breaking sponsors, our speakers, and every single attendee—YOU made this conference what it was!
But wait—we’re not done yet!
A HUGE shout-out to TMA leadership, especially our 2025 TMA Global Chair Allen Wilen, and the LEGENDS, our former TMA Global Chairs who continue to shape our future: Milly Chow, David Cohen, Matthew English, CTP, Holly Etlin, Jeffrey Hampton, Mark Indelicado, Jane Mitnick, and John Rizzardi.
TMA Leadership stands tall. TMA Leadership sets the standard.
And of course… it wouldn’t be a TMA event without a few SCOTTIES!
Big thanks to Kate Aiello, our Chapter Presidents’ Council Vice Chair, and all the rockstars who posted their Scotties with me, including Sean Gordon, David Ramsey, John Baumgartner, Rob Saunders, Enrica Maria Ghia, Eva Ringelspacher, and Anton de Leeuw. Social media tells our story—so keep sharing, keep posting, and let’s show the world why TMA lights the way.
Lastly today, on this segment of member moments, I want to give a special salute to Janine Figueiredo, our VP of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.
Diversity and belonging is at the heart of who we are, shaping the values we hold dear and strive to embody with honor and humility.
Janine, your passion, dedication, and fearless leadership have taken DE&I at TMA to the next level. No matter the challenges, you stand strong, and because of you, TMA is stronger than ever in support of a truth that is part of the cultural fabric of everything we stand for.
And with that, TMA Nation, I say: THANK YOU!
Thank you for being part of this incredible community.
Thank you for making this conference a massive success.
And thank you for proving, once again, that TMA is the place where BIG THINGS HAPPEN.
A final huge shout-out to Second Wind Consultants, our exclusive sponsor, for your support of TMA and for making this podcast possible.
As always—Thanks for taking the time to listen today. As #TMALightsTheWay, your input is critical, your contributions paramount, and your engagement will create a better TMA for all of our members.
Until next time—I’m Scott Stuart—STAY SAFE, RESILIENT, and TMA PROUD!