Love Procurement: The Podcast
Welcome to the #loveprocurement podcast, where we bring you a fresh and lighthearted take on all things procurement. Join us as we dive into the fascinating world of Procurement with a twist of humor and a sprinkle of fun. We'll explore a different topic in each episode, inviting industry experts and special guests to share their insights, experiences, and stories. Whether you're a seasoned procurement professional or just curious about the field, this podcast is for you. Get ready to laugh, learn, and deepen your appreciation for procurement!
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Ep 5: Building Procurement Careers with Meaning feat. Lauren Feery and Kathryn Thompson
04/29/2025
Ep 5: Building Procurement Careers with Meaning feat. Lauren Feery and Kathryn Thompson
Procurement leaders are notorious for finding varied paths into the function, often bringing with them a depth and breadth of experience that the teams they join benefit from. Just as important as the knowledge they gather are the people they meet along the way - mentors and trailblazers who inspire them and open doors ahead of them, clearing a path for them to do the same. In this episode of the #LoveProcurement podcast, Kelly Barner is joined by Lauren Feery and Kathryn Thompson. Lauren is the Group Procurement Director at DS Smith, a leading global sustainable package company. With extensive experience in procurement across 30 countries, Lauren has been instrumental in aligning procurement strategies with overall business objectives. Kathryn is a leading figure in procurement as well, currently heading the procurement practice for Deloitte EMEA. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in digital procurement and has led numerous transformation programs across various sectors, including consumer products, oil and gas, retail, financial services, and life sciences. In this episode, Lauren and Kathryn speak openly about: The professional journey and background that brought each of them to this point in their career The professional skills and personal traits that set procurement leaders up for success How they think about (and benefit from) working with diverse teams
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Ep 4: How to Become a Procurement 'Prepper' ft Ted Nordquist
04/15/2025
Ep 4: How to Become a Procurement 'Prepper' ft Ted Nordquist
Procurement organizations are no strangers to change, but, over the past few years, the rate and scale of that change have both increased in a way that even veterans of the profession might not have expected. The impact of this change has clearly registered with procurement leaders, many of whom are now working hard to prepare their teams for future shifts and disruptions. In this episode of the #LoveProcurement podcast, Kelly Barner is joined by Ted Nordquist. Ted is the CEO of Sourcian Partner, a professional services firm based in Sweden. During their conversation, Ted shares how current and past challenges are shaping the procurement teams of tomorrow: The circumstances and events that have had the greatest impact on procurement The technical and ‘soft’ skills that will be most in demand moving forward Why communication is key to ensuring procurement receives the recognition and influence they deserve Links:
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Ep 3: Spicing Up Procurement with New Ideas ft Paul Derogee
04/01/2025
Ep 3: Spicing Up Procurement with New Ideas ft Paul Derogee
Procurement has changed considerably over time, from the associated skills and formal professionalism to the available platforms and sources of information. With that change has come more opportunities to collaborate with suppliers, impact the performance of the company as a whole, and incentives for the next generation of professionals to enter the field. In this episode of the #LoveProcurement podcast, Kelly Barner is joined by Paul Derogee, Head of Procurement Heat and Distribution UK at Vattenfall. It wasn’t easy for him to get into procurement at the start of his career, but he’s fully in favor of welcoming any and all to the field today. In this episode, Paul speaks about getting into procurement and building his career: The personal decision - and investment - that opened the door to him starting decades of work in procurement The unique characteristics of working in procurement in the utilities industry Why aspiring young professionals should consider a career in procurement, both for the work it will enable them to do today and the doors it can open for the future Links:
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Ep 2: A New Era in Corporate Compliance ft Nicole Sherwin #LoveProcurement
03/18/2025
Ep 2: A New Era in Corporate Compliance ft Nicole Sherwin #LoveProcurement
As compliance shifts from an internal process-related concept to one associated with external expectations and regulations, procurement’s role continues to grow. Understanding what is at stake, the up and down-side benefits, as well as the why driving the company’s investment are all critical to success. In this episode of the #LoveProcurement podcast, Kelly Barner is joined by Nicole Sherwin, Chief Impact Officer at EcoVadis. Nicole and her colleagues are dedicated to empowering businesses to transform and magnify their sustainability impacts in the value chain in large part by investing in and ensuring compliance. In this episode, Nicole speaks to the challenges and opportunities inherent in modern day compliance: The current level of instability in regulatory compliance and how it affects procurement’s work The benefits associated with early, and potentially optional, compliance reporting - and how to catch up if that is not an option The importance of why a company works to be compliant to the outcomes they are able to drive Links:
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Ep 1: Feel the magic! Procurement meets at Ivalua NOW 2025 ft Aurelie Lucas & Aurelie Teyssier
03/04/2025
Ep 1: Feel the magic! Procurement meets at Ivalua NOW 2025 ft Aurelie Lucas & Aurelie Teyssier
World class events go beyond people, place, and time. If they are planned for and hosted with purpose, they can take on a culture or ‘vibe’ of their own. The more unique and cohesive the event experience is, the more impactful and lasting it will be in the minds of attendees - as well as those who help to run the event. In this episode of the #LoveProcurement podcast, Kelly Barner is joined by Aurelie Teyssier, Ivalua’s Vice President of Corporate Marketing, and Aurelie Lucas, Ivalua’s Senior Marketing Director for EMEA & APAC. They play a critical role in planning for and hosting Ivalua NOW events in Europe and the United States. In this episode, recorded just before Ivalua NOW 2025 will begin, they share behind-the-scenes details about what makes these events truly unique: Getting the right venue, and making sure the surroundings for the event match and even build upon the desired ‘vibe’ Balancing fun experiences and serious professional development in a way that delights and surprises guests What surprises are in store for attendees of Ivalua NOW 2025 in Paris, France and New Orleans, Louisiana Links: on LinkedIn on LinkedIn
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Ep 26: Stimulating an Appetite for Digital Change ft Sam Bowyer
02/18/2025
Ep 26: Stimulating an Appetite for Digital Change ft Sam Bowyer
How well an organization - or a procurement team - knows itself plays a huge role in how successful they are able to be in any change effort, systems implementations included. Knowing what the objectives of the project are and having a plan to stay focused on them until they are achieved is both absolutely critical and also a lot harder than it sounds. In this episode of the #LoveProcurement podcast, Kelly Barner is joined by Sam Bowyer. Sam is a Director at Optis Consulting, where he focuses on the strategy side of implementation. Over the last decade, he has helped procurement teams prepare for, strategize about, and - in some cases - execute systems implementations. Sam shares his experience with some of the greatest challenges and opportunities procurement faces during times of change: How a desire to proceed deliberately may clash with the business’s enthusiasm about new capabilities and functionality The connections (and correlations) between procurement’s mindset towards change and their overall maturity as a function Characteristics he sees among his most effective procurement points of contact Links:
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Ep 25: Selling Procurement for a Living ft Thomas Germer
02/04/2025
Ep 25: Selling Procurement for a Living ft Thomas Germer
Expectations drive what procurement is able to deliver. Whether that means the business’s expectations, supplier expectations, or procurement’s own expectations, what they think they can achieve, and how they think they should spend their time, drives outcomes - for better or worse. While that may sound limiting, if procurement can change their expectations of themselves, they can take on a whole new trajectory. In this episode of the #LoveProcurement podcast, Philip Ideson is joined by Thomas Germer. Thomas is the Director of Central Procurement for ADAC, the “AAA” of Germany and Europe’s largest Automotive Association with over 22 million members and service offerings from roadside assistance, airlines, and helicopters to insurances, credit cards, call centers and many more. Thomas talks about some of the key things he has learned in roles both inside and outside of procurement: How previously being a small business owner impacts his approach to enterprise procurement Why procurement can deliver far more when they move from operations to strategy and vision The importance of matching procurement’s priorities with the company’s business model Links:
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Ep 24: Variety is the Spice of Procurement ft Amanda Christian
01/21/2025
Ep 24: Variety is the Spice of Procurement ft Amanda Christian
Procurement is a diverse profession. Every category presents procurement with unique opportunities and challenges, ensuring that no two days are ever the same. This variety is one of the features that procurement professionals love most about the field. But, when procurement works in government contracting, a whole new set of rules, expectations, and processes apply. In this episode of the #LoveProcurement podcast, Kelly Barner is joined by Amanda Christian. Amanda is the Senior Vice President of Contracts and Subcontracts at CACI. Amanda heads up both the sell and buy side for a government contractor, and she has years of experience navigating the requirements of “Gov Con,” many of which just don’t exist in the private sector. Amanda shares her insight into what it’s like to lead procurement for a government contractor, including: The adjustments procurement has to make when working in government contracting versus the private sector How to meet the needs of a large enterprise or government entity while still prioritizing small businesses, and maintaining data and system security along the way What the intense audit process is really like for procurement when they work in government contracting Links:
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Ep 23: Procurement is For Everyone ft Adele Bleakley #LoveProcurement
01/07/2025
Ep 23: Procurement is For Everyone ft Adele Bleakley #LoveProcurement
The categories procurement manages are as varied as the stakeholders they work with and the suppliers they buy from. But that does not mean learnings from one category, or industry even, can’t be transferred from one to another. In fact, when the objective is value creation, this may be the very advantage that allows procurement to succeed. In this episode of the #LoveProcurement podcast, Kelly Barner is joined by Adele Bleakley. Adele is a Procurement Manager for Sainsburys and was recently recognized as the ‘Highly Commended – Young Talent’ winner at the 2024 CIPS Excellence in Procurement & Supply awards. Adele answers questions about: Her procurement experience that varies from work in automotive direct materials sourcing to retail marketing spend How she collaborates with the business to manage suppliers in a category that is more value than savings focused Her passion for finding new ways of working in procurement Links:
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Ep 22: The Epic Supplier Management Maturity Journey ft Florent Connac
12/17/2024
Ep 22: The Epic Supplier Management Maturity Journey ft Florent Connac
Procurement’s value comes from many different sources, but supplier relationships are a nearly inexhaustible source of potential. Over the last few years, procurement has made significant investments - and substantial progress - in their ability to build relationships with key suppliers as well as to improve the supplier experience overall. In this episode of the #LoveProcurement podcast, Kelly Barner is joined by Florent Connac. Florent is a Project Director for Cyrias, and he has decades of experience in procurement. Florent takes this opportunity to share his perspective on procurement’s supplier management maturity: The skill sets that have contributed to procurement’s supplier relationship improvements How divides such as direct/indirect spend and local v. global play into the maturity journey Success stories from his experience working with companies and observing their supplier relationship habits Links:
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Ep 21: Race to Maturity: Generative AI v. Mankind feat Pascal Bensoussan #LoveProcurement
12/03/2024
Ep 21: Race to Maturity: Generative AI v. Mankind feat Pascal Bensoussan #LoveProcurement
Generative AI, and the models that underpin it, are maturing at a rapid pace. Even procurement, a function that has always been a proving ground for emerging digital capabilities, is scrambling to keep up. In this time of growth, procurement has the chance to stretch their use of technology and also to uncover current mindsets about innovation and experimentation. In this episode of the #LoveProcurement podcast, Pascal Bensoussan, Chief Product Officer at Ivalua, returns to speak with Kelly Barner about the progress that has been made with generative AI and what it has revealed about procurement’s approach to adopting new technologies. Pascal brings the generative AI conversation up to date and looks forward to what may be next: The role that large language models (LLMs) play in the advancement of generative AI Current perspectives from the C-suite and their expectations about digital advancement The mindset shifts that seamlessly integrated technology should drive - especially between corporate functions Links:
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Ep 20: Empowering Procurement in Times of Change feat Mathew Schulz #LoveProcurement
11/19/2024
Ep 20: Empowering Procurement in Times of Change feat Mathew Schulz #LoveProcurement
Many procurement conversations are focused on tech, but the work of procurement is innately human - even the digital parts. As procurement systems become bridges to the business, procurement professionals have the opportunity to cross them and forge strategic, more meaningful relationships with entirely new parts of the business. In this episode of the #LoveProcurement podcast, Kelly Barner is joined by Mathew Schulz. Mathew is the Founder of matchat, an accelerator for career-minded procurement professionals. Mathew shares his view on the role of humanity and real connections in driving procurement excellence: The opportunity associated with the data created by and collected in procurement systems How blending art with science is the best way to drive desired business outcomes The value of having an engaged professional network, in person and online Links:
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Ep 19: Procurement Trends and Opportunities for 2025 feat. Ari Stone
11/05/2024
Ep 19: Procurement Trends and Opportunities for 2025 feat. Ari Stone
Each year contains unexpected developments and surprises. Some of them are mere flashes of circumstance while others change the trajectory of industries, communities, and individuals for the long term. The challenge for procurement is knowing what to watch for and then deciding how to prepare. In this episode of the #LoveProcurement podcast, Kelly Barner is joined by Ari Stone. Ari is the Global SVP for Value Engineering, Solution Consulting, and Services at Ivalua, a role that requires him to understand all the factors that impact procurement’s work. Ari shares the key trends he is watching as 2024 draws to a close and offers predictions about what we might expect in the new year: The storylines procurement can expect to see around generative AI in 2025 and how procurement can seize the associated opportunity The critical role that data will play in corporate decision making and how it may change the role of the Chief Procurement Officer How workforce trends are affecting procurement’s ability to influence their peers and how a new generation of professionals is remaking the procurement brand in their own image The ongoing drama of geopolitics and how it is putting pressure on global supply chains while increasing the need for risk management and transparency Links:
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Ep 18: A Passion for Category Management feat. Sabrina Hueren
10/08/2024
Ep 18: A Passion for Category Management feat. Sabrina Hueren
Category management is as fundamental part of procurement as strategic sourcing, supplier management, and negotiation. At the same time, there is a chasm between optimism about the potential of category management and examples of where it has been carried out successfully. In this episode of the #LoveProcurement podcast, Kelly Barner is joined by Sabrina Hueren. Sabrina is a manager and strategy consultant for Sourcing Champions, a boutique procurement consulting firm based in Amsterdam. Not only does Sabrina love procurement, but she also has a passion for category management! In this episode, Sabrina speaks about why category management is more relevant for procurement today than ever before: The ‘soft’ skills that are required to successfully build and execute against a category strategy, whether procurement is made up of generalists or category experts How to make sure your category strategy delivers results rather than gathering dust on a shelf or in a drawer Why category management is one of the best ways for procurement to demonstrate their potential for overall business impact far beyond savings Links:
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Ep 17: Modernizing Procurement for the State of Ohio feat. Andrew Cochran
09/24/2024
Ep 17: Modernizing Procurement for the State of Ohio feat. Andrew Cochran
Procurement transformation is always a complex, high-stakes effort, but when the organization going through the change is in the public sector, every effort has to be made to minimize disruption - especially when the public may be affected. When the state of Ohio decided to transform their procurement organization, they started by laying a foundation that combined vision, communication plans, and change management. In this episode of the #LoveProcurement podcast, Philip Ideson is joined by Andrew Cochran, the State eProcurement Manager at the Ohio Department of Administrative Services. Andrew has worked for the state since 2013 and is involved in everything from system design to change management and rollout to continuous improvement activities. Andrew takes this opportunity to explain how his team set themselves up for success before, during, and after their transformation: Defining and then staying true to Ohio’s statewide guiding vision for procurement The importance of investing in a stakeholder roadmap and consistent communication plan Ensuring that procurement is prepared to support public policy and adjust with it over the long term Links:
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Ep 16: Love Them or Leave Them - Procurement Buzzwords & Acronyms featuring Vishal Patel and Philip Ideson
09/10/2024
Ep 16: Love Them or Leave Them - Procurement Buzzwords & Acronyms featuring Vishal Patel and Philip Ideson
Language has the power to unite a community. Not only does it create a feeling of belonging, using the same terminology as others makes the speaker’s meaning clear, despite challenging circumstances. On the other hand, language can also alienate, frustrate, and just plain annoy people who are not familiar with the acronyms and terminology used by others. In this episode of the #LoveProcurement podcast, Kelly Barner is joined by Vishal Patel, Vice President Product Marketing at Ivalua, and Philip Ideson, Managing Director at Art of Procurement. They take on the issues and challenges of language head on - and with a healthy sense of humor. Join us as Kelly, Vishal, and Philip talk about: Which business buzzwords they would use to describe themselves and their organizations The trending phrases they would ‘vote off the island’ if given the opportunity How communication can - and should - be a top priority for anyone working in or with procurement Links:
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Ep 15: Firm but Empathetic: Procurement’s Role in Implementation feat. Katarzyna Fonteyn
08/27/2024
Ep 15: Firm but Empathetic: Procurement’s Role in Implementation feat. Katarzyna Fonteyn
No digital solution can deliver an ROI without a successful implementation, and yet procurement often finds themselves taking a key role in critical implementations without necessarily having the skills or experience to do so. On the other hand, few efforts provide procurement with a greater opportunity to build relationships across the organization, improve efficiency and workflows, and strengthen their own understanding of how the business works. In this episode of the #LoveProcurement podcast, Kelly Barner is joined by Katy Fonteyn, Head of Global Marketing and Partnerships for OJC Consulting. She has deep experience in managing technical implementations as well as many of the human elements that are encountered along the way. Katy takes this opportunity to discuss the practices and preparation that will help procurement lead successful implementations: What an RFP may reveal about procurement long before the selection and implementation begin How procurement can serve as an effective ‘face’ for the project, communicating with stakeholders and turning their feedback into actionable information Ways procurement should invest in their own preparedness for implementation, especially given the change management-heavy nature of the effort Links:
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Ep 14: One Year into the Generative AI Journey feat. Chris Sawchuk and Vishal Patel
08/13/2024
Ep 14: One Year into the Generative AI Journey feat. Chris Sawchuk and Vishal Patel
For almost two decades, The Hackett Group has been asking procurement leaders about their priorities for the current year, how they plan to invest in skills and technology, and what new and trending topics have seized their attention. Since procurement is a constantly evolving professional discipline, some areas of the study show only minor adjustments year to year while others - like AI - enter the results with disruptively innovative force. In this episode of the #LoveProcurement podcast, Philip Ideson is joined by Chris Sawchuk, Principal and Global Procurement Advisory Practice Leader at The Hackett Group, and Vishal Patel, Vice President Product Marketing at Ivalua. They discuss some of the high level findings of the most recent study data and how it tracks what they are seeing transpire as we move through the year. Chris and Vishal discuss their individual experience and perspectives on: The milestones and potential risk areas associated with generative AI The ongoing struggle to create or free up more time for procurement to spend on strategic tasks What they expect to see emerge as major trends in 2025 Links:
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Ep 13: Soft Skills - Applying the Art of Improvisation to Procurement feat. Carmen Carulli
07/30/2024
Ep 13: Soft Skills - Applying the Art of Improvisation to Procurement feat. Carmen Carulli
Despite the interest and attention being heaped upon digital platforms, leadership teams still have to emphasize the importance of developing their team’s soft skills. Whether that means improved two-way communication abilities or a willingness to trust one’s instinct when it matters most, strengths and abilities have to go far beyond technical areas. In this episode of the #LoveProcurement podcast, Kelly Barner is joined by Carmen Carulli. Carmen is the former Country Purchasing Director and current Sales Director at L’Oreal as well as the author of Leadership dell'essere, or Leadership of Being, a book about the soft skills all future leaders will need. Carmen paused from her jam-packed schedule to share her philosophy on life and leadership: What we really mean when we talk about ‘soft skills’ How expectations for leadership have changed in a highly digital world Why she chooses to make time for mentoring, and what her mentees have taught her Links:
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Ep 12: Taking an Operational View of Procurement and Supply Chain feat. Michael Stietz #LoveProcurement
07/16/2024
Ep 12: Taking an Operational View of Procurement and Supply Chain feat. Michael Stietz #LoveProcurement
Aspiring professionals have to deliver more than table-stakes results if they want to climb the corporate ladder. In fact, they have to do more than climb: they need to time travel. Most hard working individuals can create value for today, in their current role, given the present circumstances. The real prize goes to those who manage to create a source of value that extends into the future, generating benefits that can be passed along to the next group of leaders. In this episode of the #LoveProcurement podcast, Kelly Barner is joined by Michael Stietz, EVP Operations at Körber Business Area Technologies. Michael is a ‘recovering’ procurement executive, someone who is taking his learnings and experience from years in procurement and applying them in the world of operations. Michael shares his long-held philosophy, which connects procurement to supply chain to operations in a progressive flow of work: How procurement has become a launching pad for careers across the C-suite What procurement needs to know about their internal and external customers Critical investments in communications that can ensure procurement’s full value proposition is recognized across the company Links:
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Ep 11: Unveiling the Secrets of Selling to Procurement: feat. Franck Lheureux #LoveProcurement
07/02/2024
Ep 11: Unveiling the Secrets of Selling to Procurement: feat. Franck Lheureux #LoveProcurement
Many procurement professionals cringe and cover their ears at the mere mention of “selling.” The fatigue associated with being ‘sold to’ for their own solutions and the solutions associated with sourcing projects across the business is real. But legacy perceptions of selling are no more representative than legacy perceptions of procurement. In this episode of the #LoveProcurement podcast, Kelly Barner is joined by Franck Lheureux, Chief Revenue Officer at Ivalua, to talk about what it is like to sell to procurement when a sales team’s goals include partnership and building a shared vision. Franck paints a vivid picture of his philosophy on sales, including what it should deliver for procurement and the internal stakeholders they work with: The common characteristics shared by procurement teams that deliver maximum value from the services and solutions they buy The importance of cultural alignment (in addition to system capabilities) that should be considered when procurement is selecting a solution provider Earned knowledge and experiences that procurement should be asking all supplier representatives to share with them Links:
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Ep 10: Successful Change Management, Implementation, and Adoption feat. Dan Amzallag
06/18/2024
Ep 10: Successful Change Management, Implementation, and Adoption feat. Dan Amzallag
When a decision is made about what procurement platform will be put in place, the team’s effort is not done. In fact, it is only the beginning. A well-managed implementation process ensures that the company achieves the objectives and benefits associated with the solution, and it takes into consideration input from a wide variety of users. Implementation is an active time for procurement and all of the third parties they are working with to roll out the solution and maximize adoption. In this episode of the #LoveProcurement podcast, Kelly Barner is joined by Daniel Amzallag, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer at Ivalua, about his perspectives on implementation, change management, and adoption. Daniel shares practical and strategic advice learned over many years and many implementations, and provides actionable guidance on a number of topics: When implementation should begin, and when it truly comes to an end The benefits associated with managing implementations through a series of phases Common roadblocks - and key success factors - from the implementations he has seen, and how procurement can ensure continuous improvement Links:
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Ep 9: Going from Procurement to the Dark Side feat. Arnaud Malarde and Jarrod McAdoo
06/04/2024
Ep 9: Going from Procurement to the Dark Side feat. Arnaud Malarde and Jarrod McAdoo
Being ‘in procurement’ can mean a number of things, but typically it is assumed to mean that someone is a procurement practitioner. When a practitioner makes the decision to stay in procurement but take on another role - say working at a service or solution provider - their colleagues may be distrustful. Some will even believe they have gone over to ‘the dark side.’ In this episode of the #LoveProcurement podcast, Kelly Barner is joined by Arnaud Malarde, Product Marketing Director at Ivalua, and Jarrod McAdoo, Director of Product Marketing at Ivalua. All three of them are ‘dark siders,’ practitioners who dared to cross the line to join a provider. Arnaud and Jarrod discuss what this transition is like and how it may actually position them to do more in support of procurement than if they had stayed as practitioners: How having a background in procurement changes the way they do your jobs today Why so many people think a job at a provider is the ‘dark side’ The advice they would give their former practitioner selves knowing what they know now Links:
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Ep 8: Forming a Lasting Data Strategy feat. Joseph Yacura and Alex Saric
05/21/2024
Ep 8: Forming a Lasting Data Strategy feat. Joseph Yacura and Alex Saric
Data is one of the most valuable resources any company can have, but having it versus being able to trust it and put it to work are two different things. Some data is brought in from the outside with a clear purpose, and other data is created as a byproduct of business processes and transactions. Being able to pull it together as part of a cohesive strategy can be a source of competitive advantage or an opening for risk. In this episode of the #LoveProcurement podcast, Kelly Barner is joined by Joseph Yacura, Senior Advisor at the MIT Chief Data Officer Information Quality program, and Alex Saric, Chief Marketing Officer at Ivalua, to talk about the importance of having a data strategy. Joseph and Alex talk about their perspective on the importance of data for its own sake and for the impact it enables a procurement team to have on the company: Whether data quality or data accessibility is actually the larger challenge The effort to designate and preserve a ‘single source of truth’ across business units and enterprise systems How procurement can contribute to a ‘data strategy’ above and beyond the work that is being done to meet business objectives through data Links:
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Ep 7: Telling the Ivalua Story feat. David Khuat-Duy
05/07/2024
Ep 7: Telling the Ivalua Story feat. David Khuat-Duy
Today’s emerging technology is based on artificial intelligence and machine learning, but it wasn't so very long ago that the Internet, followed by cloud computing and SaaS, revolutionized enterprise systems. At the start of each new age, disruptive thinkers have to imagine - and then build - platforms that are able to apply the new capabilities to specific use cases. Fortunately, procurement and supply chain are often early beneficiaries of this progress. In this episode of the #LoveProcurement podcast, Philip Ideson is joined by David Khuat-Duy, Founder and CEO of Ivalua, to talk about how procurement - and procurement technology - have progressed since the company was founded in 2000. David shares his observations from over two decades worth of change in the procurement space: The vision for procurement impact that was driving technology development in the early 2000’s How customer and user demand have shaped the journey over the last two decades The innovation and experimentation happening today that are shaping the future of the procurement tech landscape Links:
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Ep 6: 2024 Big Trends in Procurement feat. Andrew Bartolini and Vishal Patel
04/23/2024
Ep 6: 2024 Big Trends in Procurement feat. Andrew Bartolini and Vishal Patel
While some market research reports capture a snapshot in time, others play a long game, watching priorities shift over a decade or more. Those annual reports can often capture more nuanced trends, providing actionable insight that executives can use to position themselves, their teams, and their companies as leaders in an incredibly competitive marketplace. In this episode of the #LoveProcurement podcast, Philip Ideson is joined by Andrew Bartolini, Founder and Chief Research Officer at Ardent Partners, and Vishal Patel, Vice President of Product Marketing at Ivalua. They share their perspectives on the big trends - and a few predictions - for procurement in 2024. Andrew and Vishal focus on some of the topics highlighted in the Ardent Partners Big Trends and Predictions report: Separating the practical applications of generative AI from the hype Why cost savings are back as a top area of focus for Chief Procurement Officers The complexity caused by intertwined global trade, deglobalization, and geopolitical tensions Links:
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Ep 5: Why and How Generative AI Is Changing Procurement feat. Pascal Bensoussan
04/09/2024
Ep 5: Why and How Generative AI Is Changing Procurement feat. Pascal Bensoussan
In late 2022, OpenAI’s ChatGPT set the world’s imagination on fire. The possibilities of generative AI seemed endless, but at some point the work of applying this new technology had to begin. Companies of all sizes and across industries started experimenting with all kinds of generative AI use cases. Which of them will stand the test of time - and how will procurement be affected? In this episode of the #LoveProcurement podcast, Kelly Barner is joined by Pascal Bensoussan, Chief Product Officer at Ivalua, to talk about applied generative AI and how procurement teams can start preparing to leverage its potential advantages now. Pascal speaks about generative AI use cases and how procurement can be part of the journey from hype to helper: Where the mandate and ownership of generative AI projects are likely to reside within the corporate hierarchy What procurement teams need to know before they start experimenting with generative AI or volunteering to be part of an internal pilot How generative AI is likely to change procurement, tactically and strategically, short and longer term Links:
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Ep 4: Procurement as the Agent of Sustainable Change feat. Thomas Udesen and Oliver Hurrey
03/26/2024
Ep 4: Procurement as the Agent of Sustainable Change feat. Thomas Udesen and Oliver Hurrey
While the work to reduce emissions is not simple, it is absolutely critical for organizations worldwide. Fortunately for them, procurement’s core skills - multi-tasking, resilience, and an emphasis on taking action - are precisely what is needed to lay the foundation for a more sustainable future. In this episode of the #LoveProcurement podcast, Kelly Barner is joined by Thomas Udesen, Chief Procurement Officer at Bayer and Co-Founder of The Sustainable Procurement Pledge, as well as Oliver Hurrey, Lead of the Champions Program. Thomas and Oliver talk about their experience working to move the needle on sustainability using the strengths that procurement already brings to the table: How factors such as regulation, geography, and general business mindset help or hinder the journey towards sustainability Tips for motivating skeptics, and decision makers who don’t put a priority on reducing emissions Straightforward steps procurement can take today to start driving measurable change Links:
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Ep 3: Women and Procurement feat. Katie McEwan and Laura Smith
03/12/2024
Ep 3: Women and Procurement feat. Katie McEwan and Laura Smith
International Women’s Day is an opportunity to raise awareness about experiences and challenges, bringing everyone together for the sake of driving needed change. But it is also an opportunity to recognize, to celebrate, and reflect on the progress that has been made, in some cases, one connection at a time. In this episode of the #LoveProcurement podcast, Kelly Barner is joined by Laura Smith, Vice President Sales North America at Ivalua, and Katie McEwan, The Procurement Girl, for an open and honest conversation about what it means to be a woman in procurement as the world marks International Women’s Month in March and Day on March 8th. Kelly, Katie, and Laura dig into their own personal and professional experience to share perspectives and advice about: How to build community, either online or locally Ways women can support and inspire each other, regardless of where they work The importance of authenticity, bringing your whole self to work - and home again - each day Links:
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Ep 2: When Procurement Changed the Course of History feat. Stephen Carter
02/27/2024
Ep 2: When Procurement Changed the Course of History feat. Stephen Carter
In 1685, two armies led an armed rebellion against King James II of England. Their goal was no less than to remove him from power. In the final battle, 3,600 Government soldiers faced off against 4,000 soldiers led by the Duke of Monmouth. Despite being outnumbered, the Government army took the day. What was it that allowed King James II and the Government soldiers to triumph? Their strategic procurement capabilities. In this episode of the #LoveProcurement podcast, Kelly Barner is joined by Stephen Carter, Director of Product Marketing at Ivalua and a noted historian specializing in the life and times of Monmouth and the Restoration. Stephen combines his love for procurement with his love of history to look at modern business challenges in a brand new context: How procurement has changed since the 17th century and how it remains almost the same Why a ‘boots on the ground’ perspective is critical to procurement’s success The challenges associated with fighting any kind of battle on two fronts at the same time Links:
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