By VP of Communications, Kobus van der Zel, CTP, MorrisAnderson and Associates, Ltd.
Big wave surfer, Laird Hamilton, accomplished a very rare feat. Not only did he transcend his surfing sport, but he has become a legendary sports icon recognized across many sports and fitness domains. It started out by him and his group of friends working tirelessly for many years to master surfing the biggest waves on the planet, using motorized pull-in techniques, and developing special boards and hydrofoils to allow them to surf ever larger waves.
The turnaround industry started feeling tectonic plates in the economy move in 2008, which were met by multiple tsunami waves of government funded debt, which temporarily displaced the majority of the risk from the economy to the government. As we enter 2025 the weight of this debt and misappropriated capital is causing these tectonic plates to move once again with the appointment of Elon and Vivek to reign in government spending.
As a member of the Turnaround Management Association, you are also part of a special group that has been tirelessly using and developing the proven techniques to deal with the biggest waves in the economy and in distressed debt. Whether you are a “big wave” distressed lender, or “big wave” Certified Turnaround Professional, no one is better qualified than us to be part of this big wave that is developing before our eyes. We know what has to be done in overleveraged situations, in situations where massive waste has accumulated for many years, and how to sustainably transform it to be competitive once again.
We know that the answers are not found in the popular hand-outs for which everyone is lining up for, but in starting responsible discussions about the uncomfortable changes that have to happen to return our economy and government to be a sustainable and competitive force.
It starts with having the courage to call the Emperor naked, and in providing positive leadership in the discussions of how to best affect change during this transformation, where many more popular alternatives will continue to be pushed. There has never been a better time to be part of this special group of talented professionals to help bring about positive change in our country. Let’s communicate this!
Kobus van der Zel, CTP
VP Communications, TMA Chicago/Midwest
Interim and Business Improvement Services, MorrisAnderson and Associates, Ltd.
