Happy Saturday—and welcome to CEO Speaks for Saturday June 28, 2025, brought to you exclusively by Second Wind Consultants, specializing in Article 9, out-of-court transactional restructurings.
Today’s episode—my 110th—is unlike any before it.
This isn’t just another Saturday. It’s a closing chapter.
The final message from me to you as CEO of the Turnaround Management Association.
After seven extraordinary, purpose-filled, and yes—glorious—years, this chapter now comes to a close. Mission fulfilled. Heart full. Soul changed forever.
When I came into this role, I made a promise to help grow something meaningful.
To expand our reach. To make being “TMA Proud” and the TMA #bigtent not just taglines, but a lived experience.
Together, we did that. Together, we redefined what it means to lead, to serve, and to belong in this professional community with camaraderie and care.
To the hundreds of you who so graciously imparted your generous sentiments in response to my recent LinkedIn post—your words deeply moved me. They reminded me this was never just about leadership.
It was about love.
About community.
And about making something enduring that lasts.
You reminded me that the work was great. That we were great. That what we built wasn’t just strong—it was true.
Each of these lasts seven years had its own heartbeat. And each was shaped by incredible leaders who gave me the space and latitude to lead with vision—and heart.
Kevin Krakora and I, back in 2018, planted seeds of our international growth—seeds that would take root across Europe, South America, and Southeast Asia.
In 2019, with Jeffrey Hampton, we doubled down on connectivity—and made it core to our identity.
In 2020, as the world shut down, TMA showed up. Derek Meek and I turned disruption into innovation as we pivoted with purpose. We built virtual bridges where none existed—and we didn’t just survive. We thrived.
And then came TMA Boot Camp—with Matthew English already pushing forward before his presidential year began. What started as a pandemic pivot became one of our signature programs.
In 2022 and 2023, under Janey Mitnick’s leadership—our fifth woman Global President—we reached new heights in excellence, international expansion, inclusion, and governance. Her strength lit a path for all of us.
Our conferences became more than events.
They became experiences—with themes that meant something:
“It Starts With One Connection.”
“TMA Love.”
We didn’t just say those words. We lived them.
Internationally—we caught fire.
The inaugural International Global Symposium Hamburg. The first ever internationally hosted Executive Board meeting in London. And this year, The Art of Renewal in Paris.
Not just moments, but milestones. Proof that our message, our mission, transcends borders.
We connected local to global.
NextGen to Now.
Ideas to actions.
We listened. We learned. We led—with courage and care.
For me, this was never just a job.
This was a calling.
A chance to give back to the community that gave me the privilege and honor to serve all of you and those who have joined this big tent along the way.
This… was my joy.
My reward.
And yes, my legacy.
To Team TMA—you are the heartbeat.
The unsung heroes who brought vision to life.
Who stood with me, for me, and most importantly—for this community.
I’m better because of you. And I thank you—deeply.
At my first Annual in 2018, I said we’d go to infinity and beyond.
And we did.
We grew. We mattered. We soared.
And now—with a rock-solid foundation, a global brand, and boundless opportunities ahead—
I pass the torch.
Not into the dark… but into the light.
I leave with grace.
With gratitude.
And with the hope that in some small way, I’ve helped your journey become more connected, more purposeful, and more fulfilling.
TMA will always be part of me.
And I hope my legacy lives on in the work you continue to do.
This chapter may be closing, but the story continues—and while this moment may be done-wherever I go —and whatever I do —I know my work will continue to touch each of you too.
So, for the last time as TMA CEO, I say—
As always, thanks for taking the time to listen today.
As #TMALightsTheWay, 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, from wherever that may be, I’m Scott Stuart. Be safe, resilient, and TMA proud.