CEO Speaks 4.19.25

Happy Saturday, and welcome to CEO Speaks for Saturday, April 19, 2025, brought to you exclusively by Second Wind Consultants, experts in Article 9 out-of-court transactional restructurings. They’re redefining the future of business solutions—and we’re proud to have them as our partner.

Now, let’s dive in so I can share the wave of unstoppable TMA energy these next few months will bring.

As we move deeper into the season of TMA opportunity, I challenge you to look around—everywhere you turn, there’s innovation, inspiration, and immeasurable member value.

Let’s start with Nashville. In just a few weeks, the powerhouses of TMA’s women’s community will take over Music City for what promises to be a record-breaking TMA NOW Summit. This isn’t just another event—it’s a movement. It’s where thought leadership meets empowerment, and where meaningful connections become lasting collaborations.

Taking center stage: Betsy Wills, co-founder of YouScience and author of the upcoming book Your Hidden Genius. She’s not just a keynote speaker—she’s a visionary. Betsy will share how neuroscience and self-discovery unlock true potential—and trust me, this is a talk that will resonate long after the final round of applause.

But that’s just the beginning.

The NOW Summit is packed with dynamic programming—from Hot Topics in Healthcare, to be moderated by Kaile Zagger, to Crisis Communication moderated by Karen Bubrowski, and Pathways to Leadership, spotlighting the tenacity and brilliance of the women who are shaping our profession every day.

Empowerment. Leadership. Networking. Growth.

This is TMA NOW—and it’s member value at its very best. Will you be there?

Next up—Awards Season is heating up!

The Turnaround and Transaction Awards submissions are in—and we’ve received nearly 40 entries! These awards represent the gold standard in our industry, celebrating the most complex, creative, and courageous deals of the year.

Winners will be revealed and celebrated in grand fashion at TMA Annual in New Orleans this October. And trust me—it’s going to be one unforgettable celebration of excellence.

But the celebration of excellence does not stop there—Chapter and Individual Award season is just around the corner! Soon, we’ll open submissions to honor the standout chapters and leaders who make TMA shine even brighter every day. Stay tuned for more—because being #TMAProud starts with celebrating you.

And speaking of unstoppable energy—the NextGen Turnaround Tourney is back and ramping up for season two of friendly competition, bringing the best of the best from our NextGen community to the forefront.

This competition is fast becoming the World Cup of turnaround case challenges. Last year, we watched TMA UK take the crown from West Michigan in a high-stakes, high-energy showdown.

Now it’s your chapter’s turn.

Two rounds of intense virtual competition. One live final at TMA Annual.

This is strategy, creativity, and collaboration at its peak. With chapters from the US, Canada, Europe, South America, and more assembling their teams now, year two of the Tourney will undoubtedly be one for the ages and an opportunity your chapter must not miss.

Deadline for team submissions? May 15. Don’t miss out on the moment of NextGen magic. Get your chapter team assembled today.

And that’s not all for NextGen.

Get ready for the TMA NextGen Leadership Conference, happening July 24–25 in the Big Apple, New York City.

This event brings together the boldest thinkers, the brightest rising stars, and the future of our profession. Expect skill-building, deep networking, and experiences that elevate your career—and your purpose.

With co-chairs Kate Yurkovich and Reggie Sainvil leading the charge, this year’s conference promises to be unforgettable.

Registration opens soon, and this is one experience you won’t want to miss.

And while we’re springing ahead, we’re also looking toward fall—because 2025 TMA Annual in New Orleans is coming! October 14–16, we’ll gather in The Big Easy to celebrate the year we’ve built and the future we’re forging.

Next week, I’ll introduce our planning committee—and from there, it’s full steam ahead. Because this year, we’re making sure every moment at Annual reflects the heart and soul of our community: impact, innovation, and member value.

But before we dive into all that fall energy, let’s talk about what’s fast become a TMA Summer Classic—the International Symposium and European Annual, happening this year in none other than Paris, France, June 1–3.

That’s right—over 200 global participants from nearly every continent will gather at the room where it happens—the stunning Pullman Hotel, nestled right beneath the iconic Eiffel Tower. And trust me, this isn’t just a conference—it’s an experience.

We’re talking seismic programming—literally—with sessions on Geopolitical and Economic Shifts, evolving Lender Landscapes, and Tech Trends that are shaping the world of restructuring.

And don’t miss a truly extraordinary keynote from Michael Picard, President of the Friends of Notre-Dame de Paris Foundation, who’ll share the inspiring story of the rebuilding of one of the world’s most cherished landmarks.

Plus, interactive NOW, NextGen, and EACTP workshops, expert-led industry roundtables, and endless opportunities to learn, connect, and grow.

This is more than a global gathering—it’s a world of opportunity. And it’s all happening only through TMA, so consider registering today.

Lastly today, on this segment of Member Moments, I want to recognize a leader who truly embodies the spirit of TMA:

Michael Rosow, 2025 Chair of the Chapter Resource & Response Committee.

Under Michael’s guidance, CRRC has become a force for innovation, awarding grants that help chapters break new ground and bring fresh programming to life. With all 2025 grant funds already awarded, Michael is now working to expand this impact even further—ensuring we continue to grow, engage, and inspire at every level.

Michael, thank you for your leadership and dedication. Your efforts remind us all why membership matters and how that makes us all #TMAProud.

As always, thanks for taking the time to listen today. And thanks again to our TMA CEO Speaks exclusive sponsor, Second Wind Consultants, for your support of TMA and this podcast.

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.