Leadership Archive

This week marks the start of Steve Shivak, CAE, as president of NACM National, succeeding Robin Schauseil. Shivak joins NACM with decades of experience leading national and global professional organizations, most recently serving as the CEO of the International Society of Explosives Engineers.   Shivak’s vast experience working with associations coupled with his passion for education, professional development and innovation has primed him to lead NACM into the future. Ahead of his first week, Shivak sat down with us and shared what brought him to NACM and where he hop…

The National Association of Credit Management (NACM) is pleased to announce that Steve Shivak, CAE, will assume the role of President effective March 2, 2026. Following an exhaustive search led by a professional recruiting firm, the NACM Board of Directors selected Steve to lead the organization into its next chapter of growth and innovation. Steve brings more than 25 years of senior leadership experience guiding national and global professional associations through strategic transformation and operational excellence. As a Certified Association Executive, he has built a distinguished car…

Business-to-business (B2B) credit management is a field rooted in tradition, shaped by the leadership and institutional knowledge of those who came before us. Much of what makes a credit professional successful—risk assessment, negotiation, relationship-building and sound judgment—is not learned in isolation. It is developed over time, often with the guidance of someone who has navigated similar challenges.   Why it matters: Credit professionals who invest in mentorship relationships gain more than technical knowledge. They develop judgment, confidence and strategic thinking that fo…

Certifications build credentials. Webinars deliver focused learning. Conferences forge connections. Yet for many credit professionals, deeper understanding comes from everyday conversations with peers. When colleagues are spread across distances, continuing that dialogue between events can be a challenge. Why it matters: NACM’s monthly Thought Leader Forums bridge that communication gap, offering a space where practitioners discuss real-world challenges, share solutions and build lasting relationships. Thanks to our preferred payment processor, United TranzActions (UTA), Thought Leaders …

Career development is the key to long-term success within any profession. In a rapidly changing field like business-to-business (B2B) credit, professional advancement is essential. Yet not all professionals know how to advocate for it, and not every organization prioritizes it. Why it matters: Without meaningful support, both professionals and organizations risk missing opportunities for growth. With the right resources and determination, credit professionals can take ownership of their careers while contributing to the success of their organizations.  Credit manag…

Business-to-business credit management can sometimes be viewed as a behind-the-scenes function, focused solely on risk control and compliance. Yet the true role of the credit profession reaches far beyond internal processes.  Why it matters: Each day, credit professionals apply their expertise to support growth, build lasting relationships and contribute meaningfully to both their businesses and the credit community at large.  On the surface, trade credit is centered on maximizing profit while minimizing a company’s financial risk. When&nbs…

From day one, credit professionals learn that negotiation isn’t a one-time task—it’s a daily occurrence. Whether it’s a sales deal or a customer dispute, credit practitioners are always negotiating.  Why it matters: Effective negotiation goes beyond “winning” an argument; it’s about reaching a mutually beneficial agreement. No matter how conflicting each party’s interests may seem, the right negotiation tactics help credit professionals increase the likelihood of finding a resolution while also mitigating risk and preserving the relationship.  Do Your Homework: Know Your Cus…

As remote work has become increasingly popular, credit departments are seeing more and more team members clocking in from different states or countries. Managing a team spread across the world can present unique challenges, but managers have found ways to remain deeply connected with their teams despite the distance dividing them.   Why it matters: Many companies have maintained multiple locations across state lines and time zones for decades. While it can be challenging for those new to management roles, slight adjustments to your leadership can help you accommodate the distan…