SFNet 40 Under 40: Where Are They Now?
As we celebrate the ten-year anniversary of the inaugural SFNet 40 Under 40 Awards, we take a look at previous SFNet 40 Under 40 Award winners and what has changed in their careers — and in the industry — since they won.
How the Award Recognition Shaped Careers and the Opportunities That Followed
Looking back, how do you think the 2016 40 Under 40 recognition came at a pivotal moment in your career—and how did it shape the opportunities that followed?
Klein: In 2016, I was a 35-year-old banking and fi nance partner who was really just starting to cultivate meaningful relationships in our industry. I was quite fortunate to win the award at that time because it exposed me to a lot of fantastic people – some of whom became friends, some of whom became clients, and some of whom became (and remain) both. Just a few short months after winning, I moved to Winston Taylor LLP, where I’ve been the last nine years. As a result of winning and my exposure to so many great people in the industry, I’ve been lucky to become even more involved with SFNet in various other capacities. I’m not sure I would have done so if I didn’t win the award in 2016.
Nneoma, you were named an SFNet 40 Under 40 Award winner in 2017 while building your reputation as a rising leader in secured finance law. When you reflect on that recognition today, how do you see it fitting into your broader career journey?
Maduike: Being recognized as an SFNet 40 Under 40 honoree helped accelerate my career in a way that’s difficult to replicate through day-to-day work alone. At the time, I was an associate singularly focused on sharpening my technical skills and establishing myself within the secured fi nance industry. The recognition opened doors, or perhaps pushed them open even wider, both internally within my firm and externally across the market. It allowed colleagues, as well as existing and prospective clients, to see me not only as a strong executor, but also as someone with authority and a strategic point of view. At that stage in my career, I was already investing heavily in relationship building, but the recognition significantly expanded my access to a broader network of peers and mentors. It reaffirmed the idea that networking is a long-term asset and not just a professional obligation. Perhaps most importantly, the exposure and opportunities that followed the recognition allowed me to be more intentional about the kind of practice I wanted to build. As my platform grew, I became more focused on cultivating a client base aligned with my strengths, values, and interests. Essentially, I wanted clients with whom I could build enduring relationships as a trusted, commercial partner, rather than simply serving as a technical advisor. In that sense, the recognition was more than a milestone; it was a great stepping point that helped me shape a more deliberate and thoughtful career, defined not only by the work I do, but also by the relationships I build and the practice I continue to grow.
Tabitha, you were recognized as an SFNet 40 Under 40 Award winner in 2020. What has changed most in your career since? Was there a moment where you felt your responsibilities or visibility shift in a meaningful way?
Humphries: What a question for the Class of 2020! I was on maternity leave during the pandemic (and when I won an SFNet 40 Under 40 Award) and of course everything was different when I came back to work. I’d like to say it was mostly just learning how to use Webex, but in all seriousness, becoming a working mother was not an easy transition for me. I was accustomed to measuring my success by my timesheet and my list of deal closings. I remember having a call with our Diversity and Inclusion manager and being very upset that I could no longer easily bill 12-15 hours a day – lo and behold, there were suddenly other demands on my time! She emphasized to me that I was allowed to have this season in my life, which is something that I still have to tell myself periodically.
Rob, when you received an SFNet’s 40 Under 40 Award in 2016, you were already involved in the SFNet community. Looking back, how do you think that recognition influenced your professional trajectory as a leader early on?
Meyers: Easy to say that the award boosted my trajectory. It was a high-profile moment that I didn’t fully appreciate until I was in the room surrounded by the best and brightest young leaders of our industry! So many in that room have been promoted or spoken on SFNet panels. I believe it created opportunity and it was up to each of us to build on that moment.
Mitch, how did the SFNet 40 Under 40 Award recognition in 2023 influence your professional visibility, network, or confidence as you navigated the next phase of your career?
Rubin: I’ve always been a big proponent of the SFNet community, and the 40 Under 40 recognition was a fantastic honor that I will always be proud of. Being able to meet and learn more about my fellow honorees provided a significant boost to my network and I hope this year’s class finds the same benefits.
Succeeding in New Roles
Jordan, your role at Winston Taylor LLP has continued to expand, including leading key practice areas. What experiences since receiving the 40 Under 40 Award in 2016 have most influenced your approach to leadership within the firm?
Klein: I’ve observed several great leaders during the last ten years, and I’ve had a chance to witness folks lead in a “less effective” way, shall we say. Law firms often ask lawyers who have made meaningful individual contributions to their firm to step into leadership roles, with varying degrees of success. Leading a practice now in our Dallas office means that I’ve been doing a few things right along the way – but to think that I don’t still have much to learn about leadership and how to grow into that role while still practicing law would be foolish. The best leaders I know are ones that are authentic, empathetic, and smart enough to know how little they know, so they continually learn and develop. That’s who I want to be.
Mitch, what has motivated you when making career transitions?
Rubin: My decision to make a change is never made lightly. I spent 18 years across three large financial institutions and truly cherish all that I learned and the incredible people I worked with. When the opportunity to join Tiger Group presented itself, it felt like the right moment to make the change, and it has been nothing short of incredible so far.
How has your day-to-day role at Tiger differed from your past roles? What skills or lessons have proven most valuable in your current role?
The biggest change has been going from being a deal originator at a bank to being a service provider across the industry, including servicing the banks I worked at. The shift has allowed for increased flexibility entrepreneurial spirit and having a direct line to the top of the house. The ability to take an opportunity from cradle to grave is an invaluable skill and includes sourcing, structuring and pricing through portfolio management and credit committee preparations. Having worked on both the portfolio and new business side gives me a unique skill set for my current role, as we get a significant number of inbound calls seeking NOLV or industry-related guidance.
Tabitha, what has motivated your career transitions?
Humphries: I wanted more control over my career, and I wanted to develop more meaningful relationships with clients, particularly in the Chicago market. Benesch’s track record of hiring and retaining top talent, along with its disruptive rate structure, felt like a no-brainer as I leaned more into business development. At Benesch, there is an entrepreneurial spirit and a growth-mindset that informs everything we do. It’s been an exciting and energizing year.
How has your role evolved as you’ve grown more senior?
I still enjoy taking the pen on a credit agreement, but as you can tell, I’m much more focused on people these days. In addition to client service, I view my internal role more as a manager and a mentor. I’m happy to have a great team at Benesch and I feel responsible for their development as attorneys.
Rob, having grown alongside Republic Business Credit—through expansion, industry shifts, and new responsibilities, most recently being promoted to CEO—what lessons from the last several years have most shaped how you lead teams and make strategic decisions today?
Meyers: Perspective! The reality that today’s frustration or success needs to be put into the appropriate context for your individual journey. I am far calmer and steadier than I was 10 years ago, I enjoy less of the highs, however, I better understand the lows. Ten years ago, I would have been ecstatic with today’s challenges of growth or recruitment. Don’t rush people or strategy decisions, there is always more time than it might feel even in a fast-paced world. I remember an early mentor that shared “Remember people on the way up, as you will see them on the way back down.” Never forget that independent finance companies often fight for survival or relevance in their early years, but patience and persistence with the right team can achieve a tremendous amount of success.
How has your leadership mindset evolved from when you were first recognized as a 40 Under 40 winner to now leading Republic Business Credit at the highest level?
Meyers: The more I learn, the less I know. You can’t be an expert in everything, but it’s your responsibility to hire, listen and empower the experts that will take your business forward. I believe the quietest person in the room tends to have the best ideas and contribution, but it’s my responsibility to create an environment for everyone to be successful.
The Changing Landscape of the Secured Finance Industry
The secured finance landscape has changed significantly over the last decade—both legally and structurally. Jordan, from your vantage point as counsel to lenders, what shifts have had the greatest impact on your clients and your practice?
Klein: I think that as time has gone by, and new lending products have become more commonplace (e.g., unitranche, enterprise ABL, the rise of private credit, etc.), I feel like I’ve become incredibly valuable to clients by becoming an expert in a broader range of transactions. The traditional ABL deals have always been and continue to be there, and are a large part of my practice, but as the market’s need for more complex and sophisticated debt products has evolved, innovation has risen to meet it. As Aristotle once said, “Nature abhors a vacuum,” so the rise of these products to fill the market’s needs requires me to be an expert on a larger spectrum of deals than at the beginning of my career. More granularly, since 2016, COVID and tariffs were the two “shifts” that I’ve seen that have the greatest impact on my clients.
Nneoma, what aspects of secured finance law have changed the most, and what has remained surprisingly consistent?
Maduike: The most notable shift has been the increased participation of private credit in what was traditionally a bank-dominated ABL market. Private credit providers are often more flexible on structure, more aggressive on execution timelines, and, in some cases, more willing to stretch on advance rates or eligibility to win deals. This has driven traditional lenders to become more competitive and creative. We have also seen more variability, including more dynamic fee structures, competitive pricing, and lenders that are more open to “covenant-lite” structures. Personally, I think the biggest change has been the incremental borrower friendly shifts in competitive environments, particularly in stronger credits or sponsor-backed deals. For example, we see borrowers more frequently negotiating and often winning greater flexibility around baskets, more permissive investment and restricted payment capacity, and softer financial covenant triggers.
Mitch, what are the biggest shifts you’re seeing in asset-based lending and private credit today?
Rubin: Competition remains fierce, and what used to be considered a stretch on advance rates or eligible collateral buckets is now commonplace for most deals. Another big shift we’ve seen is the flow of deals going from traditional banks over to the private credit space.
SFNet Involvement and Words of Wisdom
Jordan, you’ve remained actively involved with SFNet over the years, from serving on committees, panels and now as a 40 Under 40 Awards judge. What has kept you engaged with SFNet as your career has evolved? How do you find the time?
Klein: 1) The people, and 2) The SFNet mission. Okay, and 3) because folks within the organization have asked really nicely. We make time for the things we find to be important. This organization is a fantastic one – turning down opportunities to remain engaged and involved would leave me less connected to our industry and its people. That’s the opposite of what I’m looking for.
Rob, you’ve stayed engaged as well, taking on leadership roles at both the chapter and national level, including serving as president of SFNet. What motivated that continued involvement, and what do you think makes SFNet unique as a professional community?
Meyers: Learning, curiosity and enjoyment of connection. Each year I meet incredible people across our community, which drives my desire to understand, improve and expand my perspective. Whether it’s mentorship, speaking or leading, SFNet provides opportunities for people to develop and improve outside of their company.
For today’s rising professionals who may be early in their SFNet involvement or aspiring to one day be a 40 Under 40 honoree, what advice would you give about building a meaningful, long-term career in secured finance?
Initiative, learn and surround yourself with the best people. Take an active role in your future, and others will invest in you along the way. While the 40 Under 40 was a boost, there were so many people that boosted me along the way through large gestures, simple cups of coffee or texts. Our community is strong, but it’s all of our jobs to invest in each other and the next generation of leaders.
Nneoma, for professionals in secured finance who may be weighing whether and when to make a career transition, what considerations should guide that decision, and how do those factors shape your own approach?
Maduike: Making a career transition is not an easy decision, especially when you have spent a significant portion of your career working with the same practice group and colleagues, developing strong relationships and a deep sense of familiarity. That continuity can be incredibly valuable, but it can also prompt you to reflect on whether you are continuing to grow and challenge yourself. Timing matters as well. For me, it became clear when an opportunity aligned with both my professional goals and my clients’ needs. I wanted the right environment to continue building a practice with greater breadth and impact, and at that point, the move felt like a natural next step. For younger professionals considering a move, my advice is to be honest about your long-term goals—whether on a five or ten year horizon—and assess whether your current platform positions you to achieve them. Before making a move, I created a clear “ideal” list of what I needed to support those goals, which helps keep my decision-making grounded and intentional. Leaving a familiar team or environment can feel like a risk, but it is also an opportunity to expand your perspective and redefine your trajectory. The key is ensuring that any move aligns with your long-term vision and allows you to continue developing both technically and professionally.
What advice would you give to the current SFNet 40 Under 40 class (or young professionals) about building a career with momentum?
Humphries: Network and Chill (about AI). I don’t know what changes are coming with AI any more than anyone else does, but what I do know is that the one thing it cannot replace is human connection. Keep learning your craft, don’t outsource your brain to AI, and go talk to people!
Eileen Wubbe is senior editor of The Secured Lender. This article originally appears in The Secured Lender.
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Senior Director of Business Development
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