new south wales

Another highlight was when a large ASXlisted company that I acted for was pursued by a liquidator for an unfair preference claim, with a potential exposure in the millions. After careful and considered analysis of both the liquidators claim, and the various defences available to my client –and subsequent to rigorous negotiations with the liquidator’s solicitor, the liquidator decided not to pursue the claim any further.

I would add that many of my successes are a team effort. I would not have been able to achieve these results without the assistance of the team around me, and the support of my incredible clients who work tirelessly to provide me the ammunition needed in fighting these cases and delivering successful outcomes.

How long have you been a member of the AICM?

I became a member nearly 5 years ago. A colleague at Holman Webb suggested I join. I am a keen supporter of the AICM for its wonderful work in supporting credit professionals, and its efforts to seek reform on behalf of credit providers.

What has being a member of the AICM done for you?

The AICM continues to provide me with opportunities to network with credit professionals, as well as other stakeholders in the credit industry. In 2022 I had the privilege of being a guest speaker at the AICM National Conference, which was a fantastic experience.

The AICM gives me the opportunity to share my insights and learned experiences more generally (even when I’m not in front of a crowd!), particularly in relation to recoveries, securities and enforcement strategy. I have encountered many valuable experiences as a member of the AICM and those experiences have only strengthened me in my professional career. These opportunities give me a wholistic understanding of what credit professionals experience behind the curtain (before matters are referred to the lawyers). They also give me a better understanding of creditor operations, from both a sales and credit perspective, which helps me to collaborate with credit professionals when the time does come.

Why do you think the judges selected you for the Pinnacle Award?

I think it must have had a lot to do with a letter of recommendation submitted by one of my clients. My client commented that I have won a large majority of debt recovery and insolvency cases, that I am extremely thorough, persistent and that I have outshined in every legal matter they have had to date against opposing parties, administrators, liquidators, and bankruptcy trustees.

My client also indicated that I remain calm in crisis – a quality that people appreciate; that I am very personable and easily gain the trust of my clients and others alike. I was genuinely blown away, and very humbled by that letter.

I genuinely enjoy working with all of my clients and I know that nurturing these great relationships only works to fuel our joint success.

What advice can you give to emerging credit professionals?

Keep learning, meet new colleagues in the industry and share war stories. I’ve now been practicing for over 13 years as a commercial recovery and insolvency lawyer, but have never stopped learning and engaging in new experiences.

I would say don’t be afraid to participate in workshops, the AICM, credit events and insolvency seminars – as these activities will strengthen your ability to progress in your career.

It’s always a good idea, although particularly in this current economic environment, to engage in healthy conversation with insolvency professionals at industry events. Learn about the insolvency process, and how to best navigate your way through with the guidance of your lawyers.

What are your favourite things to do outside of your profession?

In terms of my social life, I generally like to spend time with close family and friends and travel locally whenever I can. My son Peter was born last year and has been the centre of my life since. Peter has a kind nature about him and tends to laugh at anything and everything. Being a father is so rewarding.

NRL is also a large part of my family life – in fact back in the 80’s my family used to host BBQ’s for the Canterbury team. I suppose that means besides teaching my boy about the Corporations Act, I will have to also have to show him how to kick goals with the footy!

Congratulations to Joseph Safi MICM Key Account Manager, ARMA – External Agent of the Year

Joseph (Joey) Safi was the winner of External Collections Agent of the Year in our 2022 Pinnacle Awards. A young man with wisdom beyond his years I am not surprised to see that he shone brightly to win the award. He has the drive and determination to succeed.

What has been your career story so far?

I joined ARMA full time at 18, straight out of school whilst also juggling full time Law degree at Notre Dame University, I was excited to start learning about the real world and was committed to making my mark. At ARMA I have progressed organically through the business, first as a commercial collector where l established the base of my communication skills. In this role, l spent my time on the phones, engaging with debtors who were typically business owners and company directors negotiating resolutions to their debt problems.

After a couple years, I moved into account management where I was able to develop personal relationships with our clients. In that role I gained an intimate understanding of the credit process works, from the moment a customer engages a credit provider to when litigation action to recoup their debt is in order.

I am now in my final year of Law School and now work in the role of Key Account Manager which is fantastic. Here I nurture often complex and sensitive relationships with a high-level view to get the best outcome for my clients. To do this well, l have learnt to understand the unconscious motives and intentions of the clients who l am servicing and deliver outcomes which they may not have expressly voiced, but desire nonetheless.

Do you have any good stories from your time in collecting?

There was this hilarious instance that an individual who was being served by a Process Server tried and failed at the old ‘no that’s not me’. As the Process Serves was at the door asking for the individual to confirm his details he said, “sorry mate, my names not John”, and an instant later his friendly neighbour stitched him up. He greeted his next door buddy, “Hiya John”. Classic!

What has been a member of the AICM done for you?

The AICM has allowed me to connect with people in the industry. Sometimes I work with likeminded and similar people and other times I see different perspectives. Not everyone does the same thing. Some are Credit Managers with different stresses so being able to engage with them and understanding them helps me do my job better.

Why do you think the judges picked you?

Communication skills made the difference. Commercial debt collection is often complex, and having the ability to accurately articulate and strip down the elements of the problem and find a logical resolution is key. Where large sums of money are involved, tensions run high and unchecked emotions can distract from the ultimate outcome – total resolution of the matter.

What advice can you give to emerging credit professionals?

Be disciplined in all areas of life, this will in turn will promote consistency in your performance which you and your peers can learn to depend on. Sharpen your superpower, figure out what you are naturally talented at and work at it with