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

2025-10-29

In this inspiring episode of The Pivot Playbook, host Salene Mazur Kraemer talks with Sari Placona, partner at McManimon, Scotland & Baumann, LLC in New Jersey, about what it means to rebuild — in business, in friendship, and in yourself. A bankruptcy and restructuring attorney, IWIRC Rising Star, and fitness powerhouse, Sari shares how walking away from unhealthy friendships, rediscovering strength through fitness, and finding purpose in helping distressed businesses have shaped both her professional and personal pivots. It’s a candid, empowering conversation about authenticity, boundaries, and the cou...

In this inspiring episode of The Pivot Playbook, host Salene Mazur Kraemer talks with Sari Placona, partner at McManimon, Scotland & Baumann, LLC in New Jersey, about what it means to rebuild — in business, in friendship, and in yourself.

A bankruptcy and restructuring attorney, IWIRC Rising Star, and fitness powerhouse, Sari shares how walking away from unhealthy friendships, rediscovering strength through fitness, and finding purpose in helping distressed businesses have shaped both her professional and personal pivots.

It’s a candid, empowering conversation about authenticity, boundaries, and the courage to start again.

🧾 Show Notes

Guest: Sari Placona
Firm: McManimon, Scotland & Baumann, LLC (Roseland, NJ). 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)