TSL Feature Articles

SFNet’s Annual Convention was held in Austin from November 9-11.  This article provides an overview of the key topics addressed. 

Listening to Convention keynoter Peter Zeihan’s geopolitical perspectives is a reminder of the many global and economic disruptors possible and all that one can’t control. However, in keeping with the event’s theme of "Mastering Disruption, Putting Capital to Work in the New Global Environment,” the breakout sessions triggered healthy discussion about what a new global environment for lending could look like, how data could be more strategically used to protect cross-border interests or prevent fraud, and how new supply chain models are forming. The factoring and asset-based lending sessions presented ways to master their markets while facing recessionary headwinds.

Besides the many opportunities to network with peers and clients, attendees in Austin, TX, could absorb others’ views on economic conditions affecting the industry and dive into niche topics of strategic importance.

The way an organization handles change is critical to its success, particularly during periods of uncertainty. In the year 500 B.C., the Greek philosopher Heraclitus observed that life was in flux, with everything constantly on the verge of becoming something else. He noted that resisting this natural flow was a hindrance to progress and growth in all aspects of life.

Resistance, however, has proven to be a very normal human response to change over the centuries and in organizations today, often manifests itself in the form of the formidable Change-Prevention Committee. 

Food. It’s at the heart of all our lives. We love it – we think about it – we plan it – we talk about it.

Never before has there been so much focus on food: where it comes from, how much it costs and how to keep getting it. Just about all of us who have recently bought groceries think: “Wow – that’s a lot more expensive than it was last year.” When I said that recently to a good friend, she responded that this must be due to inflation and Ukraine. I thought: that is too simple an answer.

As recent years have demonstrated, a variety of events, from a once-in-a-lifetime worldwide health crisis like a pandemic to a regional conflict like the Russian invasion of Ukraine to long-planned political changes such as Brexit, can easily interrupt global supply chains. These recent events resulted in three phases of supply chain disruptions.

Mark Cuccinello is a senior ABL originator for J.P. Morgan Commercial Banking, where he is responsible for providing asset-based loans to middle market companies. Mark has been with the bank for 17 years and has more than 25 years of asset-based lending experience. Mark resides in New Jersey with his family.

In June, Access Capital, a leading independent lender to the staffing industry, announced it named Terry Keating chief executive officer. Recently TSL Express’ senior editor met with Keating to discuss how his career trajectory helped prepare him for this role, his goals and responding to some of the challenges the industry is experiencing.