Coffee Break Series

Take a quick break from your day and listen to short interviews with experts on issues important to the creditor's rights industry. If you or your company is interested in doing a Coffee Break Series episode, please contact us at membership@creditorsbar.org.

Getting to Know Your NCBA Leaders: Stacy Stein

In this insightful Coffee Break episode, we sit down with Stacy Stein, a dedicated leader on the NCBA Board of Directors and a small law firm owner. Stacy shares her significant role as a small firm practitioner and her active participation in NCBA’s Education Committee as co-chair. Stacy provides valuable insights into her firm's growth, including its recent expansion to Oklahoma, and discusses their cautious approach to implementing automation and AI. Tune in to learn more about the challenges and triumphs of leading a small law firm and the impact of active involvement in NCBA.

Getting to Know your NCBA Leaders: Curtis Robertson Shares NCBA Leadership and Career Reflections

In this episode of NCBA’s Coffee Break, host Nathan Willner chats with Curtis Robertson, NCBA Board of Directors member and seasoned creditors rights attorney. Curt shares his journey from a clerking opportunity to founding his own law firm, Weber Olcese, with offices in Michigan and Kentucky. He reflects on the best advice he ever received: “No one is irreplaceable.” Tune in to hear more about Curt’s insights and the his journey to NCBA leadership.

Getting to Know your NCBA Leaders: Sarena Gaylor’s Leadership vision, AI Insights and Navigating the Creditors Rights Legal Practice

Host Nathan Willner interviews attorney Sarena Gaylor, a member of NCBA’s Board of Directors, for the ‘Getting to Know Your NCBA Leaders’ Coffee Break series. Listen as Sarena shares her unexpected yet rewarding journey into creditors’ rights and her role in NCBA. She discusses the benefits and challenges of AI in legal operations, emphasizing the usefulness of NCBA’s education programs. Sarena also offers advice to law students on networking and finding the right fit for their careers and highlights Sarena’s passion and insights into the industry.

Getting to know your NCBA Leaders: Leadership, Law, and AI with Eric Logvin

In this episode of "NCBA's Coffee Break," host Nathan Willner welcomes Eric Logvin, a key NCBA Board member. Eric shares his journey into creditor rights law, the value of NCBA's advocacy, and his roles as president of the Arizona Creditor Bar Association and a teacher at Arizona State University.

They discuss Eric's practice, which includes seven attorneys in Arizona, Nevada, and Washington, and their NCBA membership since 2007. Eric also shares advice on having different mentors for business and family matters.

The conversation shifts to AI's role in law firm operations, with Eric revealing plans to use AI for coding tasks and managing large-scale PDFs. He emphasizes understanding AI to better serve clients and offers advice to third-year law students.

ConvergentDS’ Arnel Manalo unpacks NCBA’s new Committed to Security Program

Join us for another episode of NCBA's Coffee Break series with our guest, Arnel Manalo from ConvergentDS. Listen as our host, Nathan Willner and Arnel dive into the innovative Committed to Security Program (CTS) program, exploring technology advancements, privacy laws, and data security. Arnel shares valuable insights on PCI compliance, healthcare data privacy, and ethical banking concerns. Tune in for an engaging conversation on cybersecurity and industry standards, and discover how NCBA’s new Committed to Security program can boost law firm efficiency and profitability!

Getting to know your NCBA Leaders: Unlocking the Secrets of Creditors' Rights Law with Craig Noack

Join host Nathan Willner as he dives into an inspiring conversation with Craig Noack, a seasoned creditors' rights attorney and leader in the National Creditors Bar Association (NCBA). Craig takes us through his journey from practicing law since 2002 to working in-house for debt buyers and eventually starting his own firm in 2017. Craig also shares the incredible benefits of being part of NCBA, from networking and professional development to standing out in his career. He also reveals his father's sage advice about being “good or lucky”, highlighting the importance of seizing opportunities even during tough times. In an exciting twist, Craig explores the game-changing potential of AI in debt collection. Plus, Craig offers valuable advice to law students on gaining essential skills early in their careers. Don't miss this engaging episode packed with insights, personal anecdotes, and forward-thinking ideas!

Getting to Know Your NCBA Leaders: Brit Suttell

Join Coffee Break host Nathan Wilner for a lively chat with NCBA Secretary Brit Suttell, an attorney with 19 years of experience in regulatory compliance and defense litigation. Brit shares their journey, their role as NCBA's secretary, and the valuable connections they've made along the way. Brit also discusses the complexities of debt collection law, highlighting the importance of trial skills and people skills, and shares a life lesson from their father about perseverance and respect.

Additionally, Brit talks about their cautious approach to AI and offers advice to law students on maintaining friendships, staying focused, and not letting the bar exam define their lives. Tune in for Brit's insights, Nathan's engaging questions, and a conversation filled with wisdom and humor!

Getting to Know Your NCBA Leaders: Ellie Tami

In this episode of NCBA’s Coffee Break, host Nathan Willner sits down with Ellie Tami, NCBA Treasurer and dedicated creditors’ rights attorney. Ellie shares her journey from daily litigation to a compliance role at her firm, reflecting on her unexpected start in creditors rights law after graduating in 2010. Ellie discusses the importance of maintaining a good reputation, being open to new experiences, and the impact of AI and automation on the legal industry. She emphasizes the need for independent legal judgment in an evolving landscape.

Join us as we explore Ellie’s professional growth, her contributions to NCBA, and her insights on the future of the industry. Don’t miss this engaging conversation filled with practical advice and inspiring stories.

Getting to Know Your NCBA Leaders: Michael Stillman

Join host Nathan Willner as he sits down with NCBA President Michael Stillman in this insightful Coffee Break episode. Dive deep into the challenges and innovations shaping the industry and get to know the leaders driving change. From managing multiple states and increasing workloads to the rapid growth of AI and industry dynamics, they cover it all. Don't miss this engaging conversation that offers a glimpse of what makes NCBA’s Executive Experience such a compelling event, valuable industry insights, and strategies for staying competitive in an evolving landscape.

Transforming Contact Centers with People and Technology with Provana's Sean Clark and Deepak Rajput

Join host Nathan Willner as he sits down with two industry leaders, Sean Clark, SVP, Strategic Growth at Provana, and Deepak Rajput, Director of Contact Center at Provana. With over 20 years of experience each, Sean and Deepak have been pivotal in transforming contact center operations. In this episode, they discuss the relevance of contact centers in the age of AI and digital technologies, the challenges law firms face in balancing technology and human touch, and the importance of compliance and empathy in the industry. They also share insights on best practices for running a modern-day contact center and the strategic benefits of outsourcing.

Getting to Know Your NCBA Leaders: Tom Canary’s Journey and Leadership in the Legal World

Join Coffee Break host Nathan Willner as he chats with NCBA President-Elect Tom Canary. They explore the significance of Tom’s role as an NCBA leader and his professional journey. The conversation also covers the evolving role of AI in the legal profession, the irreplaceable value of the human touch, and Tom’s insightful advice for third-year law students. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on technology, leadership, and the future of law.

Outsourcing Legal Services and Security with Provana's Preeti Bajaj

Don’t miss this Coffee Break as Preeti Bajaj, a Director at Provana, dives into the essentials of outsourcing legal services. Learn about data security, quality standards, and smooth client onboarding. Preeti shares her insights on making outsourcing secure, efficient, and cost-effective. Plus, discover how Provana’s customization and quality assurance can benefit your firm.

The Power of Personal Connections in Legislative Negotiations with California Lobbyist Cliff Costa

In this Coffee Break, host Nathan Willner chats with Cliff Costa, a veteran California lobbyist. Cliff shares a compelling story about the power of personal connections in legislative negotiations and offers strategies for building strong relationships with legislators. He also discusses key issues for the creditors rights industry and how organizations can prepare for the legislative session. Don’t miss this insightful conversation, and be sure to register for the 2025 Executive Experience, where Cliff will lead a session on “Advocacy in Action.”

Production Management Best Practices with Provana's Aby Punnoose

In this Coffee Break, NCBA’s Nathan Willner chats with Aby Punnoose, Director at Provana, about the best practices in production management. Aby shares his insights on managing fluctuating volumes, optimizing teams for consistent delivery, and ensuring quality controls. Key topics include effective production planning, cross-training, resource optimization, and leveraging technology for workflow management. Discover how Provana’s innovative solutions can streamline production processes and boost efficiency.

Credit Card Charge-Offs and Delinquencies Hit 13-Year High with ProVest's Joel Rosenthal

Joel Rosenthal, ProVest’s VP of Credit Collections Business Development & Client Relations, discusses the recent surge in credit card charge-offs to 4.65% and delinquencies holding steady at 3.11%, both hitting 13-year highs according to the Federal Reserve’s Q3 report. Joel provides insights into these trends and their broader implications, including financial stress on younger and lower-income households.

Revolutionizing Debt Collection with AI with Provana's Sreenivas Gudavalli and Sameer Tikoo

This Coffee Break features Sreenivas Gudavalli, Provana’s Senior VP & CTO, and Sameer Tikoo, Provana’s Director of AI/ML discussing AI in debt collection. Sreeni, with over 30 years of IT experience, and Sameer, an expert in AI-driven transformation, discuss how AI can tackle key challenges in the debt collection industry. They delve into the benefits of AI, such as automating manual processes, enhancing data accuracy, and improving compliance. They also cover the transformative potential of AI in debt recovery, offering insights into leveraging technologies like RPA, OCR, and GenAI to boost efficiency and productivity.

Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and Business Process Management (BPM) with Provana's Brandon Speaks

In this Coffee Break, Provana’s Senior VP, Brandon Speaks, discusses the distinction between Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and Business Process Management (BPM), emphasizing an outcome-driven approach that prioritizes performance metrics over staffing levels. Speaks highlights how Provana’s unique blend of technology and human solutions, including call analytics and automated processes, optimizes workflows and enhances productivity while ensuring quality control. He also underscores the importance of maximizing top-line opportunities, demonstrating how even small improvements in efficiency can lead to significant financial gains for firms.

"NCBA Goes Back to Law School": Engaging Future Legal Minds

In this special Coffee Break episode, esteemed NCBA members, David Weimer, Joy Jackson, and Sarena Gaylor share their recent outreach experiences at Loyola New Orleans College of Law and Tulane Law School, focusing on the importance of mentorship and professional engagement in the field of creditors rights law.

Episode highlights include:

The Importance of Engagement with Law Students
Shaping Career Paths and Aspirations
Unique Perspectives and Mutual Benefits

Join us for an enlightening discussion that underscores the value of mentorship and professional engagement in shaping the future of the creditors rights legal profession.

Back to Law School Initiative with Chip Bergstrom

In this episode, Chip Bergstrom of Evergreen Communications shares his expertise on evaluating the effectiveness of the "NCBA Goes Back To Law School” initiative from an agency and marketer perspective. He discusses brand positioning, outreach, and offers strategic recommendations to enhance visibility and engagement among law students and potential NCBA law firm employers in the creditors rights field. Additionally, Chip provides valuable insights on leveraging digital and social media platforms to create a compelling narrative around the initiative and its benefits for law students.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain practical tips and innovative ideas to elevate outreach efforts!

State Lobbying and Advocacy with Doug Bell

It takes a team! In this Coffee Break, attorney, and Florida lobbyist, Doug Bell of Metz, Husband & Daughton, P.A., discusses the unique advantages that state lobbyists bring to associations’ in-house government relations teams and strategy, as well as how effective advocacy is a collaborative effort that takes a teamwork approach.

Court Rules Committee Advocacy with Alison Walters

In this Coffee Break, attorney, industry leader, and immediate past Chair of the Florida Bar Small Claims Rules Committee, Alison Walters, discusses the importance of court rules committee advocacy. Discover the critical role these committees play in shaping fair and effective policies and procedures and why creditors’ rights attorneys and state creditors’ bar associations must have a seat at the table.

Skip Tracing with ProVest's Joel Rosenthal

During this Coffee Break, Joel Rosenthal, ProVest's Vice President, Head of Credit Collections Business Development & Client Relations sits down with Nathan Willner to delve into the fascinating world of skip tracing. Listen as Joel shares strategic insights on how timing impacts private process service rates and contributes to a healthier bottom line. Don’t miss this informative and engaging “cup of coffee”!

Blitt and Gaines, P.C.'s Barb Nilsen & TransUnion’s Wendy Weinhardt

Take a Coffee Break with Barb Nilsen, Blitt and Gaines, P.C., and Wendy Weinhardt, TransUnion, discussing email communications and TransUnion's cutting-edge solutions to help identify and engage consumers.

Weltman, Weinberg & Reis Co.'s Charles “Chuck” Pona & TransUnion’s Wendy Weinhardt

Join another episode of NCBA’s Coffee Break as Chuck Pona and Wendy Weinhardt discuss the importance of consumer-creditor communications. In addition to hearing about the significance of effective consumer communication in the debt collection industry, our guests share insights on how TransUnion’s new tools enhance transparency and facilitate debt collection resolutions and settlements. Learn from Chuck’s extensive experience on how he utilizes TransUnion’s innovations to help foster better outcomes for his firm, clients, and consumers.

Part 2: National Foundation for Credit Counseling's Matt Ribe

Tune in as we delve deeper into the credit counseling industry with NFCC's General Counsel, Matt Ribe. Learn what’s on the horizon and the challenges legitimate credit counselors face dealing with technology, data security, and changing consumer needs. Highlights include debt settlement, CCCS oversight, state licensing, compliance and how non-profit CCCS companies adapt to digital platforms, innovative services, and financial literacy.

Part 1: National Foundation for Credit Counseling's Matt Ribe

Take a Coffee Break with Matt Ribe of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC). As the General Counsel, Matt wears many hats, from navigating complex legal strategies to fostering strong relationships with government entities. Listen to the first cup of coffee with Matt as we dive into his fascinating journey of how he came to be there and learn more about the critical work he does for NFCC.

FED Q3 Bankcard Data Indicates Higher Charge-Offs Continuing

Take a Coffee Break with Joel Rosenthal, ProVest's Vice President, Head of Credit Collections Business Development & Client Relations, discussing the current state of the industry and future indicators.

JST's Kurt Baese

JST’s Kurt Baese joins NCBA’s Coffee Break to discuss what’s new at JST and how firms large and small are facing challenges.

TransUnion's Jenna Munoz & Wendy Weinhardt

TransUnion's Jenna Munoz and Wendy Weinhardt discuss the important role email communications plays in the debt collection industry and what firms should be focused on.

KnovaOne's Neeraj Mendiratta

KnovaOne's Founder and Principle, Neeraj Mendiratta, discusses employee appreciation and data security with NCBA’s Government Affairs Officer, Nathan Willner.

Maryland Delegate Jon S. Cardin

Maryland Delegate Jon S. Cardin, attorney and Chair of the Maryland Judiciary Committee's Civil Law & Procedure subcommittee, stops by for a Coffee Break chat with NCBA’s Government Affairs Officer, Nathan Willner.

Maryland Attorney and Delegate Dalya Attar

Maryland Attorney and Delegate Dalya Attar checks in with NCBA’s Government Affairs Officer, Nathan Willner, for a Coffee Break chat on “What is it like to be a lawyer legislator?”.

Private Process, Quality Assurance, and Compliance with ProVest

This 11 minute Coffee Break features NCBA's Nathan Willner interviewing ProVest's Joel Rosenthal.

Data and Cybersecurity with KnovaOne

This 12 minute Coffee Break features NCBA's Nathan Willner interviewing Neeraj Mendiratta, Founder and Principle of KnovaOne.

Data and Cybersecurity with KnovaOne: Part 2

This 12 minute Coffee Break continues the conversation with Neeraj Mendiratta, Founder and Principle of KnovaOne.

Server Process Compliance with ProVest

This 10 minute Coffee Break features NCBA's Nathan Willner interviewing Joey Wilkins, Chief Compliance Officer and In-House Counsel from ProVest.

Educational Materials: