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

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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 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

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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

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

* Website: https://www.freilibertas.com/founders-experience

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

***********************************

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 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

* Website: https://www.freilibertas.com/founders-experience

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

***********************************

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 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

***********************************

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 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