In this episode of the Secret Expert Podcast, we sit down with Stephen Phillips, a veteran restructuring lawyer and the Founder of FreiLibertas Law. After 25 years as a partner in elite "Big Law" firms like White & Case and Orrick, Stephen stepped away to launch an independent, conflict-free firm dedicated to helping distressed companies navigate their darkest hours.

We dive deep into the misunderstood world of Distressed Debt, debating whether funds are predatory "vultures" or pragmatic partners who provide the new money needed to survive. Stephen also exposes the problem of "Sponsor Designation" (where Private Equity firms force lenders to use specific lawyers) and explains why independent counsel is critical when directors find themselves in the "maelstrom" of competing interests. Plus, we take a history lesson on how the UK Scheme of Arrangement was pioneered during the high-yield bust of the early 2000s.

🔗 Connect with Stephen Phillips:

• Firm: FreiLibertas.com

• LinkedIn: Stephen Phillips

  
  

  
  

Hashtags

#StephenPhillips #FreiLibertas #RestructuringLaw #Insolvency #DistressedDebt #PrivateEquity #TurnaroundManagement #CorporateFinance #BusinessRescue #Podcast

In this episode of the Secret Expert Podcast, we sit down with Eugene Tymchenko, a seasoned product leader and the Founder of PlusVibe, an AI implementation consultancy for mid-market companies. Eugene shares his journey of being the "First Product Hire" at four different startups that scaled 5x to 12x, managing the chaos of rapid growth, and why simply buying software like Apollo or Clay isn't enough.

We dive deep into why AI is neither a "silver bullet" nor "useless" it requires a human-in-the-loop strategy to actually work. Eugene explains why most companies fail at AI adoption (hint: they treat it like plug-and-play SaaS), how to build a holistic AI strategy without a 2-year PDF plan that goes obsolete in a month, and why future tech roles will shift from "executors" to "supervisors" of AI agents.

🔗 Connect with Eugene Tymchenko:

• LinkedIn: Eugene Tymchenko

• Company: Plus Vibe

Hashtags

#EugeneTymchenko #PlusVibe #AIImplementation #ProductManagement #MidMarketGrowth #AIStrategy #BusinessAutomation #StartupScaling #FutureOfWork #Podcast

In this episode of the Secret Expert Podcast, we sit down with Michael Plansky, the Founder and CEO of You're With Us!, a nonprofit revolutionizing disability inclusion. Michael shares the deeply personal story of his son, Max, who has cerebral palsy, and how a connection with the Northeastern University basketball team transformed Max from isolated to thriving.

We dive deep into why "college students" are the untapped superpower for disability support (Michael has 180 of them on payroll!), the true etymology of the word "Coach" (it's not what you think), and how he built a sustainable model where everyone wins, students get mentorship experience, and individuals with disabilities get a real community. Whether you are a parent, an educator, or a nonprofit leader, this episode offers a masterclass in turning personal pain into a scalable solution.

🔗 Connect with Michael Plansky:

• Website: yourewith.us

• LinkedIn: Michael Plansky

Hashtags

#MichaelPlansky #YoureWithUs #DisabilityInclusion #CerebralPalsy #NonprofitLeadership #Mentorship #CollegeSports #SocialImpact #InclusionMatters #Podcast

In this episode of the Secret Expert Podcast, we sit down with Rick Ornelas, a bestselling author, business strategist, and the founder of I Spark Change. With a track record of building three successful companies, Rick reveals why the biggest barrier to growth for entrepreneurs isn't market conditions or capital, it's the inability to give up control.

We dive deep into the power of psychometrics and behavioral analytics as a "cheat code" for placing the right people in the right seats. Rick also shares his personal transformation from a selfish, ego driven leader to a servant leader focused on lifting others up, and how that shift unlocked massive success. Plus, he breaks down the critical difference between self-awareness and self-delusion in leadership.

Connect with Rick Ornelas:

• Website: isparkchange.com

• LinkedIn: Rick Ornelas

#RickOrnelas #ISparkChange #ServantLeadership #BusinessStrategy #BehavioralAnalytics #Psychometrics #TeamBuilding #Entrepreneurship #PersonalDevelopment #Podcast

In this episode of the Secret Expert Podcast, we sit down with Claire Parsons, a practicing attorney, author, and mindfulness teacher who founded the Brilliant Legal Mind Blog. Claire shares her personal journey from battling anxiety and postpartum depression to becoming a "Badass Lawyer" who uses mindfulness not just to survive, but to thrive in a high-pressure career.

We dive deep into why lawyers struggle with perfectionism, the myth that you need to meditate for an hour to see results (Claire started with just one minute!), and why "Compassion" is the missing ingredient in most professional success stories. Claire also reveals why storytelling is the most effective way to teach resilience and how you can join a free community of legal professionals practicing mindfulness together.

🔗 Connect with Claire Parsons:

• Blog: brilliantlegalmind.com

• LinkedIn: Claire E. Parsons

Hashtags

#ClaireParsons #BrilliantLegalMind #LawyerWellbeing #MindfulnessForLawyers #LegalCareer #MentalHealthAwareness #BadassLawyer #WomenInLaw #Podcast #StressManagement

In this episode of the Secret Expert Podcast, we sit down with Thiago Ferreira, the Founder of Elevate AI Consulting. Thiago is on a mission to prove that AI is here to enhance humans, not replace them. He shares why his firm explicitly refuses to work with companies whose primary goal is firing employees and how he helps businesses upskill their workforce to survive the AI revolution.

We dive deep into the "deceivingly easy" nature of tools like ChatGPT , why "Garbage In, Garbage Out" is killing your results , and the incredible story of a marketing team that built a fully functional Prompt Library App in just 90 minutes during one of his bootcamps. Thiago also discusses the importance of diversity in tech leadership and why small business owners shouldn't fear the headlines about mass layoffs at Big Tech.

🔗 Connect with Thiago Ferreira:

• LinkedIn: Thiago Ferreira

• Instagram: @ElevateAIConsulting

• YouTube: Elevate AI Consulting

Hashtags

#ThiagoFerreira #ElevateAIConsulting #HumanCenteredAI #AITraining #Upskilling #NoCode #BusinessAutomation #EthicalAI #FutureOfWork #Podcast

In this episode of the Secret Expert Podcast, we sit down with Hillary Lyons, the founder of Syntropy, an AI-native marketing agency. Hillary shares her journey from a 15-year career in B2B tech marketing to building a boutique consultancy that blends human creativity with machine intelligence.

We dive deep into why generic AI prompts fail, the power of Custom GPTs (or "Toolmates") to maintain brand voice, and her 3-step "AI Content Engine" framework. Hillary also reveals her secret past as a trick riding cowgirl and sushi chef, and gives powerful advice on why you should stop seeking permission and start feeding what fuels you.

🔗 Connect with Hillary Lyons:

• LinkedIn: Hillary Lyons

• Syntropy: syntropymarketing.com

Hashtags

#HillaryLyons #Syntropy #AIMarketing #B2BMarketing #CustomGPTs #AIContentStrategy #MarketingAgency #HumanFirstAI #WomenInTech #Podcast

In this episode of the Secret Expert Podcast, we sit down with Ja Ronn Thompson, a vocal director, educator, and the founder of Yeah, Art! (Young Emerging Artists). Ja Ronn shares his incredible 20 year journey of using music and creativity to empower young people and corporate leaders alike.

We dive deep into his philosophy of "Passion and No Fear," exploring why making mistakes is essential for growth, how the tone of your voice dictates your leadership presence, and the science behind how sound carries emotion. Ja Ronn also discusses the importance of culturally responsive arts education and why one person truly can make a difference.

🔗 Connect with Ja Ronn:

• Yeah, Art!: yeahart.org

• LinkedIn: Ja Ronn Thompson

Hashtags

#JaRonnThompson #YEAArt #PassionAndNoFear #CreativeLeadership #ArtsEducation #VocalCoaching #CommunityBuilding #SocialJustice #Podcast #TheHomePlaceCollective