Grace, Grit & Growth: How Attorney Sari Placona Found Her Power — in Law and in Life

In this inspiring episode of The Pivot Playbook, host Salene Mazur Kraemer talks with Sari Placona, partner at https://www.msbnj.com/  Role: Bankruptcy & Restructuring Attorney — Chapter 11s, litigation, and assignments for the benefit of creditors Jurisdictions: New Jersey & New York Recognition: IWIRC Rising Star Award (2022); Co-Chair, IWIRC New Jersey Network LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sari-b-placona-51849147/  🔹 Highlights Career evolution from paralegal to partner, discovering a passion for restructuring law Leadership in IWIRC New Jersey and the impact of women supporting women Winning the IWIRC Rising Star Award and mentoring other young professionals Experience in complex Chapter 11 cases — including Rite Aid, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Mercedes-Benz How bankruptcy can be a path to renewal, not failure The bold personal pivot of leaving a toxic friendship group and choosing peace Sari’s fitness and mindset transformation, building confidence through discipline 💡 Key Takeaways Pivoting isn’t failure — it’s freedom. Sometimes leaving what no longer serves you opens new doors. Act early. In both business and personal life, clarity comes through decisive action. Strength is contagious. When you show up strong, others do too. Relationships matter. Nurture the ones that support your growth and peace. 💬 Notable Quotes “You should fill the cups that fill your cup.” “When I feel strong physically, I feel like I can take on whatever the day serves me.” “Be a good person — it’s really that simple.” “You can’t always control the storm, but you can pivot your direction.” ⚡️ Rapid-Fire Highlights Law School: Rutgers Law Undergrad: Rutgers University (New Brunswick — Communications & Sociology) Favorite Shows: The Morning Show (Apple TV), Love Is Blind (Netflix) Vacation: Greece with family Best Gift: Whitney Houston memorabilia (and her parents’ unwavering support) Music: Currently on a Taylor Swift kick 🎶 Workout Routine: HIIT and Warrior Sculpt Yoga Favorite City: Chicago Fun Fact: Has a twin brother, Scott, in sports marketing Pet: None (but grew up with a family dog) 🎧 Listen & Subscribe ➡️ The Pivot Playbook with Salene Mazur Kraemer Fresh starts. Turnarounds. Real-life resilience. 🌐 www.MazurKraemer.com #ThePivotPlaybook #MazurKraemer #Podcast #IWIRC #WomenInLaw #Resilience #Leadership #FreshStarts #Reinvention #TurnaroundStories #LawyersOfLinkedIn