The Turnaround Podcast with Stephen Phillips, Episode 21
In this episode of The Turnaround Podcast, Stephen Phillips speaks with Tony Groom, Investment Partner and Founder of K2 Partners Ltd., a small turnaround firm of five turnaround professionals who act as advisors and/or directors to implement their triage and fundamental change approach to consensual restructuring for insolvent companies.
Tony is a certified turnaround professional accredited by the European Association of Certified Turnaround Professionals.
Tune in to the episode to hear about:
* How Tony’s company, K2 Partners sets a benchmark in the field of turnaround and restructuring
* Tony's economic stewardship, holding the prestigious title of a certified turnaround professional
* K2 Partners’ systematic and empathetic approach, which includes detailed assessments followed by the implementation of strategic plans tailored to the unique needs of each company
Learn more about Tony Groom:
* Connect with Tony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonygroom
* Visit K2 Partners’ website: https://www.k2-partners.com
* Email: tony.groom@k2-partners.com
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About The Turnaround Podcast:
In each episode of The Turnaround Podcast, Stephen Phillips speaks to experienced practitioners who discuss their careers, key moments, challenges, and lessons learned in financial turnarounds and business restructuring. Tune in as they unravel the secrets to turning struggling businesses into successful ones.
Watch more episodes of The Turnaround Podcast::
* FreiLibertas Law’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWzwWr13TM2692SYEJc-U3g/
Connect and learn more from your host, Stephen Phillips:
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-phillips-85034324/
The Turnaround Podcast with Stephen Phillips, Episode 20
In this episode of The Turnaround Podcast, Stephen Phillips speaks with Nick Kitchin, Managing Director, Head of Lending & Transactions, EMEA at Gordon Brothers. Nick is responsible for capital strategy and originating, structuring and executing investment opportunities in the United Kingdom and Europe. Gordon Brothers helps companies move forward through change. Since 1903, Gordon Brothers has partnered with operating companies, advisors, investors and lenders to help fuel growth, facilitate strategic consolidation, or finance new opportunities.
Tune in to the episode to hear about:
* Nick’s 15-year career in restructuring finance, distressed investing, and M&A
* Nick’s journey, key career moments, and his role at Gordon Brothers
* Successful refinancing examples like zavvi.com, French Connection, and Myers
* Gordon Brothers' history and its current approach to asset-based lending
* The current challenging investment climate in Europe
* A detailed overview of the practices and strategies employed by Gordon Brothers, including the use of restructuring plans, CVAs, and the implications of credit insurance on businesses
* Future investing trends, including the potential impact of AI on the sector
Learn more about Nick Kitchin:
* Email Nick: nkitchin@gordonbrothers.com
* Connect with Nick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-kitchin-99195949
* View Nick’s bio and learn more about Gordon Brothers on their website: https://www.gordonbrothers.com/people/nick-kitchin
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About The Turnaround Podcast:
In each episode of The Turnaround Podcast, Stephen Phillips speaks to experienced practitioners who discuss their careers, key moments, challenges, and lessons learned in financial turnarounds and business restructuring. Tune in as they unravel the secrets to turning struggling businesses into successful ones.
Watch more episodes of The Turnaround Podcast::
* FreiLibertas Law’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWzwWr13TM2692SYEJc-U3g
Connect and learn more from your host, Stephen Phillips:
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-phillips-85034324
The Turnaround Podcast with Stephen Phillips, Episode 19
In this episode of The Turnaround Podcast, Stephen Phillips speaks to Kunal Shah, founder and CIO of PVTL Point, a European opportunistic credit launch. Kunal was formerly a partner at Warwick Capital Partners, a London based special situations firm, and a partner at CapeView Capital, a London based hedge fund.
Tune in to the episode to hear about:
* Kunal’s journey from a pen salesman at 16 to a successful career in the finance industry.
* The motivations behind launching PVTL Point, driven by a vast opportunity he foresaw in European public credit markets
* The challenges of launching a fund and the importance of partnering with the right capital that aligns with the fund’s strategy
* PVTL Point’s robust social media presence, which is helping in brand recognition and organizing thought leadership content that resonates with a broad audience
* PVTL Point’s investment strategy and process, which is heavily reliant on robust screening techniques and a broad sourcing network built over years of experience
* Insights into the dynamics of the credit cycle, opportunities in post-reorganization investments, and the evolving landscape between public and private credit markets
* How technology plays a crucial role in enhancing operational efficiency at PVTL Point
Learn more about Kunal Shah:
* Connect with Kunal on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kunalpvtlpoint
* Follow PVTL Point on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pvtlpoint
* Visit PVTL Point’s website: https://pvtlpoint.com
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About The Turnaround Podcast:
In each episode of The Turnaround Podcast, Stephen Phillips speaks to experienced practitioners who discuss their careers, key moments, challenges, and lessons learned in financial turnarounds and business restructuring. Tune in as they unravel the secrets to turning struggling businesses into successful ones.
Watch more episodes of The Turnaround Podcast::
* FreiLibertas Law’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWzwWr13TM2692SYEJc-U3g
Connect and learn more from your host, Stephen Phillips:
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-phillips-85034324
The Turnaround Podcast with Stephen Phillips, Episode 18
In this episode of The Turnaround Podcast, Stephen Phillips speaks with Janka Krings-Klebe and Jörg Schreiner, experienced organizational coaches, who have led major transformation initiatives in international corporations, including Bosch. They are co-founders of co-shift GmbH, supporting companies in developing, repurposing, and scaling their existing capabilities to build long-term adaptability. They educate and prepare a new generation of managers to better deal with dynamic and complex transformation initiatives. Janka and Jörg are also co-authors of a new book, "Anti-fragile Organization."
Tune in to the episode to hear about:
* The need for resilience and adaptability in this rapidly evolving landscape of modern business and how the expertise of experienced organizational coaches is invaluable
* How Janka and Jörg’s mission to prepare a new generation of managers capable of navigating the intricacies of dynamic and complex business transformation initiatives
* Janka and Jörg’s book titled “Anti-Fragile Organization,” which serves as a guide for those aiming to fortify their organizations against the unpredictable tides of change
Learn more about Janka Krings-Klebe and Jörg Schreiner:
* Connect with Janka Krings-Klebe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janka-krings-klebe
* Connect with Jörg Schreiner on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joerg-schreiner
* Follow co-shift on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/co-shift
* Visit co-shift’s website: https://www.co-shift.com/imprint
* Check out Janka and Jörg’s book, “The Antifragile Organization: From hierarchies to ecosystems” https://www.amazon.com/Antifragile-Organization-hierarchies-ecosystems/dp/1915951879
***********************************
About The Turnaround Podcast:
In each episode of The Turnaround Podcast, Stephen Phillips speaks to experienced practitioners who discuss their careers, key moments, challenges, and lessons learned in financial turnarounds and business restructuring. Tune in as they unravel the secrets to turning struggling businesses into successful ones.
Watch more episodes of The Turnaround Podcast::
* FreiLibertas Law’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWzwWr13TM2692SYEJc-U3g
Connect and learn more from your host, Stephen Phillips:
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-phillips-85034324
The Turnaround Podcast with Stephen Phillips, Episode 17
In this episode of The Turnaround Podcast, Stephen Phillips speaks with renowned short seller Fraser Perring, founder and researcher at Viceroy Research, an international investigative financial research group. Perring founded Viceroy Research with Australian partners Aiden Lau and Gabriel Bernarde in 2016. Viceroy is dedicated to uncovering financial misconduct, promoting transparency, and holding public companies accountable. Their work plays a critical role in improving the quality of global financial markets.
Tune in to the episode to hear about:
* Fraser’s unconventional path into financial investigations, beginning his career as a social worker, transitioning into short selling after exposing a significant child risk issue in 2012
* The transferable skills from social work to short selling, such as looking at the bigger picture and refining research methodologies
* The beginning of Viceroy Research, starting as a small team of three, leveraging their unique skill sets
* Viceroy’s current evolution from a research provider towards hedge fund status
* How Viceroy identifies targets for their investigations, often beginning with word of mouth and media articles then diving deeper into financials, subsidiaries, and company behaviors
* Common red flags Viceroy sees in investigations such as overpromised returns and dismissive attitudes toward legitimate concerns
* Viceroy’s trading strategies, including the mechanics of short selling and the use of options for risk management
* The challenges Viceroy has faced, such as the potential for significant losses and the effects of high short interest
* The unique risks involved in short selling
* Regulatory pressures and investigations faced over the years and criticism of how some regulators are swayed by influential companies and pursue short sellers rather than addressing the fraud
* The positive changes Fraser sees in regulatory environments with the attitude of the SEC, providing an optimistic view for the future
* Intimidation tactics employed against short sellers with firsthand instances of unlawful surveillance and attempts to discredit him
* The importance of maintaining humor in the world of short selling
* The future of Viceroy with more targeted and significant projects, stressing the essential role of short sellers in maintaining market integrity and transparency
* The crucial role of activists and short sellers in the financial markets to ensure companies and regulators are fully accountable for the actions
Learn more about Fraser Perring:
* Connect with Fraser on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fraser-perring-b03589159
* Visit Viceroy Research’s website: https://viceroyresearch.org
***********************************
About The Turnaround Podcast:
In each episode of The Turnaround Podcast, Stephen Phillips speaks to experienced practitioners who discuss their careers, key moments, challenges, and lessons learned in financial turnarounds and business restructuring. Tune in as they unravel the secrets to turning struggling businesses into successful ones.
Watch more episodes of The Turnaround Podcast:
* FreiLibertas Law’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWzwWr13TM2692SYEJc-U3g
Connect and learn more from your host, Stephen Phillips:
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-phillips-85034324
The Turnaround Podcast with Stephen Phillips, Episode 16
In this episode of The Turnaround Podcast, Stephen Phillips speaks with Zip Jila, Partner at Warwick Capital Partners LLP, a global special situations investment firm, addressing complex capital needs across equity and debt.
Tune in to the episode to hear about:
* Zip’s compelling career journey into the realm of restructuring, entering during the Global Financial Crisis
* Clarification on the elusive nature of working in "special situations"
* The importance of diverse teams in driving better governance and risk management, leading to stronger financial performance
* Warwick Capital Partners’ strategy of unlocking value in special situations
* Potential opportunities arising from market dislocations, under-capitalization, and the shifting dynamics amid global challenges
Learn more about Zip Jila:
* Follow Warwick Capital Partners on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/warwick-capital-partners-llp
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About The Turnaround Podcast:
In each episode of The Turnaround Podcast, Stephen Phillips speaks to experienced practitioners who discuss their careers, key moments, challenges, and lessons learned in financial turnarounds and business restructuring. Tune in as they unravel the secrets to turning struggling businesses into successful ones.
Watch more episodes of The Turnaround Podcast::
* FreiLibertas Law’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWzwWr13TM2692SYEJc-U3g
Connect and learn more from your host, Stephen Phillips:
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-phillips-85034324
The Turnaround Podcast with Stephen Phillips, Episode 15
In this episode of The Turnaround Podcast, Stephen Phillips speaks to Andrew Pepper, Head of Special Situations and Restructuring at the newly relaunched professional service firm, S&W, a top 10 accountancy and advisory firm.
Tune in to the episode to hear about:
* Andrew’s career journey, including his experiences at KPMG, PWC, BDO, Hilco Capital, and his role in establishing Resolve and its evolution
* Andrew's problem-solving approach, his methods for saving struggling businesses, and the importance of early intervention and strategic planning in turnaround situations
* The future of special situations, the impact of technology and AI on the industry, and government involvement in restructuring, highlighting the need for adaptability and proactive management
Learn more about Andrew Pepper:
* Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-j-pepper-80b47016
* Follow S&W on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/swgroupuk
* Visit S&W’s website: https://www.swgroup.com
***********************************
About The Turnaround Podcast:
In each episode of The Turnaround Podcast, Stephen Phillips speaks to experienced practitioners who discuss their careers, key moments, challenges, and lessons learned in financial turnarounds and business restructuring. Tune in as they unravel the secrets to turning struggling businesses into successful ones.
Watch more episodes of The Turnaround Podcast::
* FreiLibertas Law’s YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWzwWr13TM2692SYEJc-U3g
Connect and learn more from your host, Stephen Phillips:
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-phillips-85034324
The Turnaround Podcast with Stephen Phillips, Episode 14
In this episode of The Turnaround Podcast, Stephen Phillips speaks with Clark Nicholls, CIO and Founder of Aucit Investment Management, a long and short fund specializing in high yield bonds.
Tune in to the episode to hear about:
* Clark’s career journey from being a senior portfolio manager at AXA to founding Aucit Investment Management and being on the boards of prominent finance associations
* The characteristics that define high yield bonds, differentiating them from investment-grade bonds.
* How technical and fundamental analyses play pivotal roles in decision-making frameworks
* The inspiration and journey to Clark launching Aucit rooted in the principle of stewardship—serving investors with a focus on risk-return performance
* How advancements in technology are reshaping financial landscapes and the impact on high yield markets
* Clark’s outlook on the future of the markets facing geopolitical pressures and changes in interest rates that affect the dynamics of high yield bonds.
* Ongoing opportunities in the high yield space, fueled by careful credit work and strategic foresight
Learn more about Clark Nicholls:
* Connect with Clark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clarknicholls
* Follow Aucit Investment Management on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aucit-im.com
* Visit Aucit Investment Management’s website (note this is password protected): https://aucit-im.com
***********************************
About The Turnaround Podcast:
In each episode of The Turnaround Podcast, Stephen Phillips speaks to experienced practitioners who discuss their careers, key moments, challenges, and lessons learned in financial turnarounds and business restructuring. Tune in as they unravel the secrets to turning struggling businesses into successful ones.
Watch more episodes of The Turnaround Podcast::
* FreiLibertas Law’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWzwWr13TM2692SYEJc-U3g
Connect and learn more from your host, Stephen Phillips:
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-phillips-85034324/
In this episode of The Turnaround Podcast, Stephen Phillips speaks with David Buchler, Chairman of Buchler Phillips, an independent boutique firm, with an impeccable Mayfair heritage, specialising in corporate recovery, turnaround, restructuring and insolvency.
Tune in to the episode to hear about:
- David Buchler’s career achievements, including leadership roles at Arthur Andersen, Kroll, and Buchler Phillips
- David ‘s early career transition from selling suits to becoming a Chartered Accountant, ultimately leading to his specialization in restructuring and insolvency
- David's experiences with Arthur Andersen, the intricacies of restructuring different businesses, and notable cases like Robert Maxwell's bankruptcy and football restructuring cases including his time as Vice Chairman at Tottenham Hotspur FC during the Alan Sugar era
- David’s passion for opera, detailing his involvement with the London International Opera Festival and his ongoing opera blog
- Career advice for aspiring restructuring professionals
- David’s views on the future of restructuring, attributing its increased demand to economic pressures and high tax burdens
Learn more about David Buchler:
* Connect with David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-buchler-156222151
* Visit Buchler Phillips’ website: http://www.buchlerphillips.com
* Read David’s Opera Reviews: https://www.operaspy.com
* Subscribe to Buchler Phillips’ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@buchlerphillips1946
* Follow Buchler Phillips on X: https://x.com/BuchlerPhillips
* Learn more about English National Opera: https://www.eno.org
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About The Turnaround Podcast:
In each episode of The Turnaround Podcast, Stephen Phillips speaks to experienced practitioners who discuss their careers, key moments, challenges, and lessons learned in financial turnarounds and business restructuring. Tune in as they unravel the secrets to turning struggling businesses into successful ones.
Watch more episodes of The Turnaround Podcast:
* FreiLibertas Law’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWzwWr13TM2692SYEJc-U3g
Connect and learn more from your host, Stephen Phillips:
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-phillips-85034324
The Turnaround Podcast with Stephen Phillips, Episode 12
In this episode of The Turnaround Podcast, Stephen Phillips speaks with renowned economist Julian Jessop. Tune in as Julian shares his expert analysis on financial turnarounds, the global economy, Brexit, and more. He currently operates semi-independently, contributing to think tanks like the Institute of Economic Affairs and engaging in various pro bono efforts.
Key takeaways:
* Julian Jessop's Career Journey — starting by reading economics at Cambridge, followed by significant roles at HM Treasury, HSBC, and Capital Economics.
* Why remaining independent as an economist is crucial, allowing him to offer insights without being constrained by affiliations or offending clients
* Julian’s sobering analysis of the UK and European economies
* Julian’s take on concerns about inflation and the potential for deflation
* The costs and benefits of Brexit
* Assessment of global economic players — China’s economic slowdown and deflationary concerns and the United States’ coming tariffs and fiscal imbalances
* Opportunities in UK consumer-driven sectors and construction
Learn more about Julian Jessop:
* Connect with Julian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julian-jessop-030ba43
* Visit Julian’s website: https://julianhjessop.com
* Follow Julian on X: https://x.com/julianhjessop
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About The Turnaround Podcast:
In each episode of The Turnaround Podcast, Stephen Phillips speaks to experienced practitioners who discuss their careers, key moments, challenges, and lessons learned in financial turnarounds and business restructuring. Tune in as they unravel the secrets to turning struggling businesses into successful ones.
Watch more episodes of The Turnaround Podcast:
* FreiLibertas Law’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWzwWr13TM2692SYEJc-U3g
Connect and learn more from your host, Stephen Phillips:
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-phillips-85034324
The Turnaround Podcast with Stephen Phillips, Episode 11
In this episode of The Turnaround Podcast, Stephen Phillips speaks with Saam Golshani, Partner in the EMEA Private Equity team of White & Case’s Global Mergers & Acquisitions practice.
Tune in to the episode to hear about:
- Saam’s career and the complexities of the French restructuring market
- The evolution of French restructuring laws, including the implementation of the EU directive in 2021, which introduced significant changes such as the cross-class cram down mechanism
- Notable case studies like Eurotunnel, Valourec, and a pioneering cross-class cram down deal, highlighting the challenges and successes in these high-profile restructurings
- The relative lack of impact of Brexit on UK-French legal collaboration within the restructuring and finance market
- The current restructuring market,and the future plus the importance of physical fitness to manage stress in the industry,
Learn more about Saam Golshani:
- Read Saam’s bio on White & Case’s website: https://www.whitecase.com/people/saam-golshani
- Connect with Saam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saam-golshani-60251b
- Email: saam.golshani@whitecase.com
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About The Turnaround Podcast:
In each episode of The Turnaround Podcast, Stephen Phillips speaks to experienced practitioners who discuss their careers, key moments, challenges, and lessons learned in financial turnarounds and business restructuring. Tune in as they unravel the secrets to turning struggling businesses into successful ones.
Watch more episodes of The Turnaround Podcast:
* FreiLibertas Law’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWzwWr13TM2692SYEJc-U3g
Connect and learn more from your host, Stephen Phillips:
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-phillips-85034324
The Turnaround Podcast with Stephen Phillips, Episode 10
In this episode of The Turnaround Podcast, Stephen Phillips speaks with Matthew Prest, Managing Director and Co-Head of Europe at Moelis & Company. With over 25 years of experience in financial restructuring, he advises companies and lenders on complex situations in Europe and Asia.
Tune in to the episode to hear about:
* Role of Financial Advisors: Matthew Prest likens financial advisors to firefighters, highlighting their key role in crisis management and stakeholder trust.
* Importance of Financial Modeling: Prest emphasizes the necessity of financial modeling for assessing liquidity and collaborating on cash flow forecasts.
* Management and Stakeholder Dynamics: Matthew stresses that restructuring success hinges on effective management taking ownership and adapting as needed.
* Navigating Stakeholder Perspectives: Matthew highlights the need for transparency and open communication to ease stakeholder anxiety during distress.
* Legal and Ethical Considerations: Prest notes that directors must prioritize creditors’ interests over shareholders’, requiring a mindset shift for management.
Learn more about Matthew Prest:
* Visit Moelis & Company’s website: https://www.moelis.com
* Follow Moelis & Company on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/moelis-&-company
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About The Turnaround Podcast:
In each episode of The Turnaround Podcast, Stephen Phillips speaks to experienced practitioners who discuss their careers, key moments, challenges, and lessons learned in financial turnarounds and business restructuring. Tune in as they unravel the secrets to turning struggling businesses into successful ones.
Watch more episodes of The Turnaround Podcast:
* FreiLibertas Law’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWzwWr13TM2692SYEJc-U3g
Connect and learn more from your host, Stephen Phillips:
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-phillips-85034324
The Turnaround Podcast with Stephen Phillips, Episode 9
In this episode of The Turnaround Podcast, Stephen Phillips speaks to Richard Heis, a Managing Partner at Interpath Advisory. Having been a well known figure on the restructuring and insolvency scene for the last 30 years, Richard is mainly known in the market for banking insolvencies going back to Barings Bank and more recently well known insolvencies as Dunfermline Building Society and MF Global.
Tune in to the episode for these key takeaways:
* Accidental Entry into the Profession: Richard Heis talks about entering the restructuring field by chance after a pivotal experience as an auditor at KPMG.
* Navigating High-Pressure Situations: Richard emphasizes making decisions with imperfect information in high-stakes situations, highlighting differing responses to pressure.
* Evolution of Insolvency Practices: Richard goes over how the field has evolved toward greater ethics and transparency, with technology accelerating banking crises.
* Experience with Iconic Insolvencies: He recalls landmark cases like the Barings Bank collapse, noting a shift to a more aggressive market approach.
* Career Pathways in Restructuring: Richard reflects on restructuring as a springboard for transitioning into senior management, hedge funds, or banks.
Learn more about Richard Heis:
* Connect with Richard Heis on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-heis-768678119
* Visit Interpath’s website: https://interpath.com/services/chief-restructuring-officer-services
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About The Turnaround Podcast:
In each episode of The Turnaround Podcast, Stephen Phillips speaks to experienced practitioners who discuss their careers, key moments, challenges, and lessons learned in financial turnarounds and business restructuring. Tune in as they unravel the secrets to turning struggling businesses into successful ones.
Watch more episodes of The Turnaround Podcast::
* FreiLibertas Law’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWzwWr13TM2692SYEJc-U3g/
Connect and learn more from your host, Stephen Phillips:
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-phillips-85034324/
The Turnaround Podcast with Stephen Phillips, Episode 8
In this episode of The Turnaround Podcast, Stephen Phillips speaks to James Hart, partner and co-founder of Hillmont Partners, a Ukrainian law firm. James heads the private client practice and co-heads the cross-border dispute resolution practice. His practice is focused on investment planning, asset structuring, acquisition, asset protection, cross-border transactional and litigation support. He focuses on special sets and the enforcement of creditor rights. James frequently advises foreign investors in the region.
Tune in to the episode to hear about:
* Overview of Ukraine’s Corporate Landscape — while the world’s eyes are on Ukraine’s resistance to the Russian invasion, its business industry is in need of investment to rebuild its economy
* James Hart’s Career Journey — James walks us through his beginnings at a bank, his start in a battle for control and the restructuring of a vodka business of a client, moving his focus to Ukraine and its neigbours co-founding Hillmont Partners, a Ukraine based law firm.
* Hillmont Partners' Services and Expertise — beginning as a pure litigation firm, they expanded quickly into areas of law and are now a full-service firm, handling transactional work, government consultancy, litigation, arbitration, and criminal litigation
* Ukrainian Litigation — how James and his team handle the challenges of litigation in Ukraine and the neighboring jurisdictions
* The Current State of Ukraine’s Legal System — James talks about his current case acting for investors battling for control of an Odessa grain terminal
* Restructuring and Settlement Milestones — we discuss the long running case we are working on together - Tristan Oil - one of the longest running international litigation battles spanning many different jurisdictions which is moving to a settlement
* Investment Opportunities in Ukraine — guidance on how to approach investing in areas of Ukraine that, despite the war, continues to thrive
Learn more about James Hart:
* Connect with James on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-hart-30487332
* Read James’ bio on Hillmont Partners’ website: https://hillmont.com/pr/commercial-litigation/james-hart
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About The Turnaround Podcast:
In each episode of The Turnaround Podcast, Stephen Phillips speaks to experienced practitioners who discuss their careers, key moments, challenges, and lessons learned in financial turnarounds and business restructuring. Tune in as they unravel the secrets to turning struggling businesses into successful ones.
Watch more episodes of The Turnaround Podcast:
* FreiLibertas Law’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWzwWr13TM2692SYEJc-U3g/
Connect and learn more from your host, Stephen Phillips:
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-phillips-85034324/
* Website: https://www.freilibertas.com/founders-experience
The Turnaround Podcast with Stephen Phillips, Episode 7
In this episode of The Turnaround Podcast, Stephen Phillips interviews John Roche, an experienced leader in restructuring advisory following his former career as a CEO of a drillships company and investment banker. John has overseen billion-dollar transactions and led major restructurings. John is Principal at Province, an industry-leading, nationally recognized consulting firm of senior business leaders specializing in financial advisory, corporate reorganization, and trustee-related services.
Tune in to the episode to hear about:
* Career Background: John Roche talks about the start of his career in investment banking at Morgan Stanley before joining Seadrill, a company heavily involved in offshore drilling.
* Financial Restructuring: In 2018, facing the need to insulate Seadrill Partners (SDLP) from its parent company's bankruptcy, Roche and his team successfully managed the company through a restructuring process.
* CEO Tenure and Second Restructuring: Roche goes over his journey of working with SDLP with a clear restructuring mandate.
* Lessons Learned: Roche emphasizes the importance of proactive preparation, independent board oversight, and securing legal counsel.
* Restructuring Advisory: Roche discusses his current role and outlook for restructuring in the current cycle in Europe
Learn more about John Roche:
* Connect with John on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-roche-8608459
* Visit John Roche’s website: https://www.provincefirm.com/team/john-roche/
* Follow Province Firm on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/provincefirm/about
* Email: jroche@provincefirm.com
***********************************
About The Turnaround Podcast:
In each episode of The Turnaround Podcast, Stephen Phillips speaks to experienced practitioners who discuss their careers, key moments, challenges, and lessons learned in financial turnarounds and business restructuring. Tune in as they unravel the secrets to turning struggling businesses into successful ones.
Watch more episodes of The Turnaround Podcast:
* FreiLibertas Law’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWzwWr13TM2692SYEJc-U3g
Connect and learn more from your host, Stephen Phillips:
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-phillips-85034324/
The Turnaround Podcast with Stephen Phillips, Episode 6
In this episode of The Turnaround Podcast, Stephen Phillips speaks with Barney Reynolds, an expert in financial services regulation and partner at the newly merged firm of A& O Sherman, a global law firm equally fluent in U.S. law, English law, and the laws of the world's most dynamic markets.
Tune in to the episode to hear about:
* Barney’s career journey and his experience with Lehman Brothers
* The regulatory reaction, creating a new architecture for regulation, to the Lehman Brothers collapse
* The bureaucratization of the banking industry through over-regulation
* Central Counterparties — how they developed and the role they play in the banking world
* New requirements on reporting of senior management to ensure accountability
* The shift of financial institutions being provided by funds rather than the banks
* Barney’s stance on Brexit and what he sees at the implications
Learn more about Barney Reynolds:
* Connect with Barney on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barnabas-reynolds-financiallawyerlondon
* Read Barney’s bio on A&O Shearman’s website: https://www.aoshearman.com/en/people/barnabas-reynolds
* Email: barney.reynolds@aoshearman.com
* Phone: +44 20 7655 5528
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About The Turnaround Podcast:
In each episode of The Turnaround Podcast, Stephen Phillips speaks to experienced practitioners who discuss their careers, key moments, challenges, and lessons learned in financial turnarounds and business restructuring. Tune in as they unravel the secrets to turning struggling businesses into successful ones.
Watch more episodes of The Turnaround Podcast::
* FreiLibertas Law’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWzwWr13TM2692SYEJc-U3g/
Connect and learn more from your host, Stephen Phillips:
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-phillips-85034324/
The Turnaround Podcast, Stephen Phillips, Episode 05
In this episode of "The Turnaround Podcast," host Stephen Phillips is joined by Lisa Rickelton, Senior Managing Director at FTI Consulting. Lisa brings over two decades of expertise in insolvency and restructuring, specializing in contingency planning and insolvency solutions. Her extensive experience spans advising stakeholders across various sectors and managing complex cross-border situations.
Tune in to this episode to hear about:
* Role of an Insolvency Practitioner: Lisa explains the evolving role of insolvency practitioners, discussing both the early days of her career and the complex tasks she handles today, such as managing company operations during insolvency to save jobs and optimize outcomes.
* Introduction to Insolvency: Lisa shares her journey into the world of insolvency, which began unexpectedly during her time with Arthur Andersen. She recounts her initial experiences and how they shaped her understanding of the industry.
* Tools and Techniques in Restructuring: The discussion covers various insolvency tools, including pre-packaged administrations and restructuring plans. Lisa provides insights into how these tools are applied in practice and the regulatory frameworks governing them.
* Challenges and Criticisms of Prepacks: Lisa addresses common criticisms of prepackaged insolvencies, such as transparency concerns and stakeholder skepticism, explaining the regulatory improvements made to ensure fairness and value preservation.
* Case Study - Adler Restructuring Plan: Lisa delves into the complexities of the Adler restructuring plan, a significant project involving cross-class cram down and cross-border legal considerations, highlighting her role in comparator analysis and court proceedings.
Learn more about Lisa Rickelton:
* Connect with Lisa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisarickelton/
* Follow FTI Consulting on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fti-consulting/
* Read Lisa’s bio on FTI Consulting’s Website: https://www.fticonsulting.com/experts/lisa-rickelton
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About The Turnaround Podcast:
In each episode of The Turnaround Podcast, Stephen Phillips speaks to experienced practitioners who discuss their careers, key moments, challenges, and lessons learned in financial turnarounds and business restructuring. Tune in as they unravel the secrets to turning struggling businesses into successful ones.
Watch more episodes of The Turnaround Podcast:
* FreiLibertas Law’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWzwWr13TM2692SYEJc-U3g/
Connect and learn more from your host, Stephen Phillips:
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-phillips-85034324/
The Turnaround Podcast with Stephen Phillips, Episode 04
In this episode of The Turnaround Podcast, Stephen Phillips speaks with Sabrina Fox, CEO of the European Leverage Finance Association and the founder of Fox Legal Training. Sabrina brings nearly two decades of experience in analyzing high yield covenants, initially as legal counsel and later as a covenant analyst and trainer.
Tune in to the episode to hear about:
* Sabrina's journey through the legal and financial sectors, leading to her roles in covenant analysis and the European Leveraged Finance Association.
* Insights into the evolution of covenant structures in high yield bonds and how they affect investor security
* Detailed discussion on the mechanics and implications of moving assets from restricted to unrestricted subsidiaries
* The concept of "value in a box" and how covenants aim to protect investor value within a corporate structure
* Current trends in the high yield market, including notable cases like J. Crew and Altice, highlighting the strategic use of covenants in financial restructuring
Learn more about Sabrina Fox:
* Connect with Sabrina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabrina-fox-45b29b7b/
* Visit European Leveraged Finance Association‘s website: https://elfainvestors.com/
* Visit Fox Legal Training’s website: https://www.foxlegaltraining.com/
***********************************
About The Turnaround Podcast:
In each episode of The Turnaround Podcast, Stephen Phillips speaks to experienced practitioners who discuss their careers, key moments, challenges, and lessons learned in financial turnarounds and business restructuring. Tune in as they unravel the secrets to turning struggling businesses into successful ones.
Watch more episodes of The Turnaround Podcast::
* FreiLibertas Law’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWzwWr13TM2692SYEJc-U3g/
Connect and learn more from your host, Stephen Phillips:
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-phillips-85034324/
* Website: https://www.freilibertas.com/founders-experience
The Turnaround Podcast with Stephen Phillips, Episode 03
In this episode of The Turnaround Podcast, host Stephen Phillips speaks with Wolfgang Felix, Co-founder and CEO of Sarria, a team of senior distressed credit analysts helping leading special opportunities hedge funds on either side of the pond to deploy their resources with the greatest efficiency.
Tune in to the episode to hear about:
* Wolfgang's journey through the world of distressed debt and the founding of his boutique firm, Saria
* An in-depth discussion on the methodologies used at Sarria for analyzing distressed securities
* Insights into the current trends and opportunities in the distressed debt market post-COVID
* Insights into hoe traders can use credit default swaps to profit from weaker credits
* Strategies for managing long and short positions in a volatile financial environment
* Wolfgang's perspective on the future of credit analysis
Learn more about Wolfgang Felix:
* Connect with Wolfgang on LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wolfgang-felix/
* Follow Sarria on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sarria/
* Visit Sarria’s Website: http://www.sarria.co.uk
* Follow Sarria on Twitter: https://twitter.com/wolfelix
* Follow Wolfgang on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wolfelix/
***********************************
About The Turnaround Podcast:
In each episode of The Turnaround Podcast, Stephen Phillips speaks to experienced practitioners who discuss their careers, key moments, challenges, and lessons learned in financial turnarounds and business restructuring. Tune in as they unravel the secrets to turning struggling businesses into successful ones.
Watch more episodes of The Turnaround Podcast:
* FreiLibertas Law’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWzwWr13TM2692SYEJc-U3g/
* Freilibertas website: https://www.freilibertas.com/the-turnaround-podcast
Connect and learn more from your host, Stephen Phillips:
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-phillips-85034324/
* Website: https://www.freilibertas.com/founders-experience
The Turnaround Podcast with Stephen Phillips, Episode 2
In this episode of The Turnaround Podcast, Stephen Phillips interviews Bill Blain, Author of the Morning Porridge, Founder of Windshift Capital, and seasoned Market Strategist. With over three decades of experience in financial markets, Blain offers invaluable insights into current market trends and investment opportunities. Tune in as he shares his expertise on navigating volatile market conditions and developing effective investment strategies.
Tune in to the episode to hear about:
* Bill Blain's career trajectory: He started with an interest in journalism but ended up in finance due to circumstances. Despite a successful career in financial markets, his passion for journalism remained.
* Insights into the financial industry: Blain shares experiences from working at institutions like Morgan Stanley, Euromoney, Bear Stearns, and HSBC.
* BIll’s daily financial commentary outlet, Blain's Morning Porridge: why he started it and how it got to over 10,000 subscribers
* Analysis of current financial markets: Blain discusses the distortion of stock prices due to quantitative easing and low-interest rates. He shares insights into sectors like artificial intelligence, private equity, and more.
* Economic and political factors: Blain delves into the impact of politics on markets, highlighting Brexit's consequences, potential restructuring opportunities, and the need for a new accommodation.
Learn more about Bill Blain:
* Connect with Bill on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-blain-05411932/
* Visit Windshift Capital’s website: https://windshift.capital/
* Follow Bill on Twitter: https://twitter.com/bill_blain
* Check out Blain's Morning Porridge, “Financial Market Insights for Thinkers!” https://morningporridge.com/
***********************************
About The Turnaround Podcast:
In each episode of The Turnaround Podcast, Stephen Phillips speaks to experienced practitioners who discuss their careers, key moments, challenges, and lessons learned in financial turnarounds and business restructuring. Tune in as they unravel the secrets to turning struggling businesses into successful ones.
Watch more episodes of The Turnaround Podcast::
* FreiLibertas Law’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWzwWr13TM2692SYEJc-U3g/
Connect and learn more from your host, Stephen Phillips:
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-phillips-85034324/