The Sourcing Hero

It is common for business strategy discussions to start with a definition of ‘Why?' This makes it easier for leadership teams to formalize and articulate the reasons behind a set of decisions, and to share that vision with the rest of the company. As hard as it is to define a shared ‘Why?' pairing that with an effective ‘How?' may be even harder.  In this episode of The Sourcing Hero podcast, Host Kelly Barner welcomes Tara Milburn. Tara is the President and CEO at Ethical Swag, a Certified B Corp and the leading on-line distributor of sustainably sourced promotional products in North America. Tara speaks about how she and her team combine their ‘Why?' and ‘How?' across everything they do: The ‘North Star' that guides the company from the top, but also by empowering each employee to keep the team on track How digital advancement is creating opportunities for companies to align with change in families and communities What “meaningful work” looks like in practice, and the benefits of creating these kinds fo opportunities Links: Tara Milburn on LinkedIn

The discussion about how much technical category knowledge procurement should have is ongoing - and the right answer depends a lot on the company in question. When close collaboration is needed between procurement, R&D, and suppliers, technical expertise is a must, but so are humility and curiosity. In this episode of The Sourcing Hero podcast, Host Kelly Barner welcomes Chuck Shehadi. Chuck is the COO at Solugen, a chemical manufacturing company based in Houston, Texas. When it comes to the skills required to be considered a talented procurement professional in his world, that means technical - highly technical - and with the right level of category specialization. In this interview, Chuck talks about the unique backgrounds he and his team have and how they put them to work: Why former engineers and PhDs would choose to pursue a career in procurement How they balance having that knowledge with the experience brought by R&D and suppliers His advice for someone in procurement looking to become more technically proficient or someone in engineering that might want to step into procurement Links: Chuck Shehadi on LinkedIn

On April 28, 2025, most of Spain, Portugal, and the south of France lost power for a day. Everything instantly ground to a halt: transportation, airports, ATMs, hospitals, cell phones, traffic lights, etc., and while this was a rare event for an area roughly the size of the state of Texas, it was catastrophic for everyone affected. In this episode of The Sourcing Hero podcast, Host Kelly Barner welcomes back Kris Lance, Vice President and Senior Director at Una, for a monthly conversation about current news stories. Kris has experience in multiple industries and has his finger on the pulse of the trends and topics that procurement, sourcing, and supply chain professionals need to be aware of. In this month's discussion, Kris and Kelly discuss the power outage:  The most popular speculations about how and why the outage occurred, and what those theories tell us about people's mindset Lessons the rest of the world can learn about the risks to nations, governments, families, and energy infrastructure Silver linings that may show themselves under difficult circumstances like these  Links: Under Armour, Unless partner on plant-based sportswear collection Kris Lance on LinkedIn Subscribe to Una's Procurement Newsletter, “The Sidekick” Episode 212: Trying Regenerative Sportswear on for Size Episode 208: All Cracked Up - Understanding Today's Egg Prices Episode 204: Hot Times in the Arctic Circle Episode 200: Fostering the Conditions That Lead to Success

For most procurement professionals, the only contact they have with finance is when their savings projections are being audited or approved for internal communication. Those are hardly the circumstances under which collaborative relationships form - but that doesn't have to be the extent of their contact. In this episode of The Sourcing Hero podcast, Host Kelly Barner welcomes Mark Gilham. Mark is the Vice President and Head of the Enable Advisory practice. Most of his past positions have been strategic finance and accounting roles, allowing him to develop a first hand perspective that can certainly help procurement teams today. In this interview, Mark talks about the opportunity that exists for finance and procurement teams who can work together: What it looks like when finance takes a broader, more commercially-minded perspective Forms of value beyond savings that finance can help procurement make the business case for achieving The number one thing procurement should never (ever) do to finance Links: Mark Gilham on LinkedIn

Procurement is the kind of job where success is largely fueled by the strength of your relationships. Having trust and respect between procurement and the business, as well as between procurement and suppliers, can often make or break an effort. But it all starts with the team dynamic that exists within procurement. In this episode of The Sourcing Hero podcast, Host Kelly Barner welcomes Dr. Cindie Burkett. Cindie is the Vice President of Procurement for Specialty Dental Brands where she is busy building out her procurement team and forging relationships with suppliers for the good of the organization.  Cindie shares her point of view on relationships, and why they are so critical to business success: Healthy ways individuals can process their mistakes in a way that everyone benefits Why having close relationships with suppliers doesn't reduce procurement's leverage at renegotiation time or when there are performance issues How procurement can resolve perception-based issues that the business has with a supplier's performance Links: Dr. Cindie Burkett on LinkedIn

Procurement has come a long way over the last few decades, but the fact that they always want to achieve more shouldn't lead them to discount or overlook how good they have it today. Whether that means the quality of supplier relationships, the speed of spend analytics, or the regard they enjoy from stakeholders, there is a lot to be grateful for. In this episode of The Sourcing Hero podcast, Host Kelly Barner welcomes John Latham. John has a really interesting mix of experience - deep category expertise on the buy side of the procurement process, but also business development and account management roles as well. In this interview, John shares lessons from his many years working in and around procurement: Why today's procurement professionals should appreciate the digital support they may take for granted Knowing when it is valuable to have category expertise in house and when it is not necessary What procurement and sales professionals should both remember about the objectives they share Links: John Latham on LinkedIn

Activewear company Under Armour unveiled a line of regenerative sportswear at Milan Fashion Week in 2025. This is their first collaboration with recent acquisition Unless Collective, a producer of zero-plastic, plant-based fashion.  The effort to remove non-degradable textiles from landfills is admirable, but will it work? In this episode of The Sourcing Hero podcast, Host Kelly Barner welcomes back Kris Lance, Vice President and Senior Director at Una, for a monthly conversation about current news stories. Kris has experience in multiple industries and has his finger on the pulse of the trends and topics that procurement, sourcing, and supply chain professionals need to be aware of. In this month's discussion, Kris and Kelly talk about Under Armour's decision to experiment with plant-based clothing:  Consumer first impressions to new innovations, and how the best of intentions don't always work as planned Being aspirational about brand identity, while staying firmly rooted in reality How we can ensure space for experimentation, suspending disbelief  long enough to allow new ideas an opportunity to prove themselves Links: Under Armour, Unless partner on plant-based sportswear collection Kris Lance on LinkedIn Subscribe to Una's Procurement Newsletter, “The Sidekick” Episode 208: All Cracked Up - Understanding Today's Egg Prices Episode 204: Hot Times in the Arctic Circle Episode 200: Fostering the Conditions That Lead to Success Episode 196: The Best of Kris Lance in 2024      

What would it feel like if all of the tasks, meetings, obligations, and pressures of work were suddenly… gone? Would it be a relief or would the stress associated with making the decision to step away from work be so strong that it ruined your newfound freedom? In this episode of The Sourcing Hero podcast, Host Kelly Barner welcomes Vytas Sliesoraitis. Vytas is a career procurement professional with experience at companies like Intel, Google, Epic Games, and Gilead Sciences. That said, it is the time he has spent away from the office, taking a deliberate sabbatical, that has taught him the true value of time. In this interview, Vytas shares some of the details of his sabbatical experience: How he structured his time, balancing family, professional development, and Ironman training What he learned about himself during this period How it has changed his outlook now that he has returned to the professional world Links: Vytas Sliesoraitis on LinkedIn

A career is a heck of a thing to manage - especially when it is your own. You change with each phase of growth and new experience, and your job prospects change as well. The better you know yourself and what makes you happy - yes, HAPPY - at work, the more successful you will be in your next endeavor. In this episode of The Sourcing Hero podcast, Host Kelly Barner welcomes Gale Daikoku. In addition to having deep experience in the procurement space and the global influencer marketing space, Gale is a highly professional networker. She is constantly commenting on other people's content and always knows someone else to pull in on the topic. Gale shares what she has learned by managing the twists and turns of her own professional journey: What you need to know about yourself Taking a big picture view of compensation Why relationships are one of the most important parts of any job Links: Gale Daikoku on LinkedIn

While procurement often thinks about purchase price as equal to cost, some purchases come with a longer term cost to own and maintain. Being able to understand the concept of total cost of ownership (TCO) and factor that into sourcing and award decisions will ultimately determine whether procurement's negotiated savings reach the bottom line or evaporate into costs for waste, downtime, and maintenance. In this episode of The Sourcing Hero podcast, Host Kelly Barner welcomes Louis Bastone. Louis is the Senior Indirect Procurement Category Manager - Real Estate and Facilities at ASML. After holding sourcing specialist and manager roles in the pharmaceutical industry, Louis made the jump to manufacturing where he works to drive cost savings and improve strategic processes within construction, site services, and utilities categories. Louis shares his experience with TCO management: The role that specifications play in reducing total cost How to win stakeholders over to the variability associated with individual supplier innovations Which categories best lend themselves to a first-time TCO-driven sourcing project Links: Louis Bastone on LinkedIn

Could how you think - about yourself - change the way you experience the world around you? We all have past experiences that we carry with us, often for life. Those experiences and how we process them not only become a part of who we are, they influence how we process later events and circumstances. In this episode of The Sourcing Hero podcast, Host Kelly Barner welcomes Ryan Christensen. Ryan is a professional hypnotist specializing in peak mental focus and performance. After 23 years of experience in the intelligence community, he's now worked with hundreds of high-achievers and neurodivergent professionals to radically transform their mindset and shift their subconscious beliefs towards inevitable success. In this interview, Ryan talks about his own experiences dealing with emotion and how he now helps others do the same: Why many ‘healing methodologies' fail to reach below the surface Why emotions can be so challenging to process Changing how we relate to our own emotions and becoming our best selves Links: Ryan Christensen on LinkedIn

Hard boiled. Over medium. Scrambled. Poached. Deviled. There are lots of ways to enjoy eggs, one of the most popular and least expensive sources of healthy protein available, but lately there has been only one way to describe them: expensive. In this episode of The Sourcing Hero podcast, Host Kelly Barner welcomes back Kris Lance, Vice President and Senior Director at Una, for a monthly conversation about current news stories. Kris has experience in multiple industries and has his finger on the pulse of the trends and topics that procurement, sourcing, and supply chain professionals need to be aware of. In this month's discussion, Kris and Kelly talk about gradual rise and sudden fall of egg prices in America:  What factors have contributed to the high and rising cost of eggs over the last few years Whether we are starting to see signs that those costs - and prices - are on their way back down Why procurement and supply chain professionals are uniquely positioned to be rational about supply shocks and the impact they have on consumers  Links: Kris Lance on LinkedIn Subscribe to Una's Procurement Newsletter, “The Sidekick” Episode 204: Hot Times in the Arctic Circle Episode 200: Fostering the Conditions That Lead to Success Episode 196: The Best of Kris Lance in 2024 Episode 192: The Surging Power of the Podcast Format

We all know that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, but it is easy to forget how intimidating those first few feet can be. Whether procurement is focused on strengthening their core skills or pushing for larger scale impact, it is essential for everyone to be aligned in their thinking, to leverage their strengths, and to know where the journey is expected to end. In this episode of The Sourcing Hero podcast, Host Kelly Barner welcomes Priya Kumari. Priya is a manager at Kearney where she specializes in strategic operations, sustainability, and innovation. Her experience in consulting gives her a broad perspective on the importance of performance transformation, operating model design, and change management. Priya speaks about the many opportunities procurement has to increase their impact: Where the boldest leaders and decision makers find the inspiration for their ideas How procurement can balance ‘big bold' aspirations with table stakes efforts What separates companies that struggle with procurement transformation from those who succeed Links: Priya Kumari on LinkedIn

Most procurement professionals will acknowledge that supplier relationship management (SRM) is a core part of value creation and risk management, but how many organizations are effectively carrying SRM out at scale to the benefit of their company and their suppliers? Not as many as would like to be successful at supplier relationship management. In this episode of The Sourcing Hero podcast, Host Kelly Barner welcomes Celia SGAR. Celia is the co-founder of Vendor Score IT, a solution based on the premise that procurement can and should improve the way they manage supplier relationships and performance. In this interview, Celia speaks about what she has learned by specializing in SRM: Why it is such a challenge for procurement teams to execute successful SRM at scale The levels of governance that are necessary to make sure SRM works for the business and suppliers over time The roles procurement may play - or share with other parts of the business - in strengthening supplier relationships Links: Celia SGAR on LinkedIn

Imagine a group of people is having lunch on the deck of a ship, and that ship is sailing into a storm. Along comes a waiter with a tray of drinks, and that waiter is riding… a monocycle. Even as the seas start to rise and the wind blows, the tray can't be allowed to fall. That waiter… is procurement. In this episode of The Sourcing Hero podcast, Host Kelly Barner welcomes Richard Beaumont. Richard is the Founder of Eruditic, a professional training and coaching organization, and the co-host of "The Procurement & Finance Coffee Break" on YouTube. In this interview, Richard shares why he'd rather be on the monocycle than at the table any day, but especially in a storm: The influence procurement holds even without being the ones to decide which suppliers are selected for contract How quantitative decision making can help procurement support initiatives like ESG that might otherwise fall victim to ‘altruist' short term rationales Why it takes so much courage to work - and be successful - in procurement   Links: Richard Beaumont on LinkedIn

One minute you're going about your business, and the next minute all of the news headlines are focused on the Arctic Circle. What may initially seem like overblown geopolitical drama and hyperbole quickly comes into sharp focus with just a bit of reading: especially where ocean trade routes are concerned. In this episode of The Sourcing Hero podcast, Host Kelly Barner welcomes back Kris Lance, Vice President and Senior Director at Una, for a monthly conversation about current news stories. Kris has experience in multiple industries and has his finger on the pulse of the trends and topics that procurement, sourcing, and supply chain professionals need to be aware of. In this month's discussion, Kris and Kelly talk about the sudden interest (and intensity) focused on the Arctic Circle:  The global players in this region and what their interests are How it directly touches on our ever-evolving supply routes and sources of key materials Other topics and areas of concern that might be just beyond the common consciousness, but could be tomorrow's breaking news  Links: Kris Lance on LinkedIn Subscribe to Una's Procurement Newsletter, “The Sidekick” Episode 200: Fostering the Conditions That Lead to Success Episode 196: The Best of Kris Lance in 2024 Episode 192: The Surging Power of the Podcast Format with Kris Lance Episode 189: The Calm? After the Storms feat. Kris Lance

Regardless of the industry you work in, deciding which third parties to work with requires strategic trade-offs, such as choosing between cost, quality, and lead time. Procurement and sourcing professionals play a critical role helping decision makers discuss and rank those variables and then use them to select and contract with suppliers. In this episode of The Sourcing Hero podcast, Host Kelly Barner welcomes Eric Westerduin. Eric is the Founder and Chief Problem Solver at GO Get Made, a global sourcing and manufacturing company that specializes in helping businesses optimize their supply chains and scale efficiently with the help of overseas partners. In this interview, Eric and Kelly discuss: The importance of ‘stress testing' the specifications and requirements shared with suppliers who will participate in a bid process How cultural norms and expectations can affect the outcomes associated with global manufacturing Procurement's role as the ‘go between' in conversations with business decision makers and current/prospective suppliers Links: Eric Westerduin on LinkedIn

Polyglot - noun. A person who knows and is able to use several languages. The spoken or written word can divide people as easily as it can unify them - even when they are speaking the same language. Terminology, shorthand, and acronyms may be convenient or efficient, but when they get in the way or fail to communicate the desired meaning, they aren't doing us any favors. In this episode of The Sourcing Hero podcast, Host Kelly Barner welcomes Bennett Glace. Bennett has held a number of content marketing and communications roles, both inside and outside of procurement, and each one has given him the opportunity to see new ways that humans connect - or don't - based on medium and message. In this interview, Bennett embraces his inner ‘polyglot' to help procurement build stronger relationships: How using a common language can increase the likelihood that others will be willing to collaborate The trouble that can be caused when colleagues have a negative past perception of procurement The mindset shift procurement might need to undergo to start projecting a more optimistic and open-door ‘brand' Links: Bennett Glace on LinkedIn

Depending on your point of view, the idea of transformation is either alluring or terrifying - or maybe a little bit of both? And while procurement teams rarely have the formal skillset to lead transformation projects, they are often tasked with just that. Fortunately, with a bit of planning and some well asked questions, it is possible to keep your transformation on track. In this episode of The Sourcing Hero podcast, Host Kelly Barner welcomes Ron Crabtree. Ron is the CEO of MetaOps and MetaExperts, organizations focused on business process improvement. He has over 30 years of experience implementing Lean, Six Sigma, and supply chain methodologies in industries from automotive and healthcare to government and financial services. In this interview, Ron shares his point of view on: The knowledge and skills procurement professionals should be building to support their ability to lead transformation What sets transformational procurement leaders and executives apart from the rest How to spot (or prevent!) the warning signs that your transformation project is headed for trouble Links: Ron Crabtree on LinkedIn

The vast majority of podcasts fizzle out before they reach 10 episodes, so making it past that point is a real achievement. 100 episodes is seen as a tipping point, both for the host and the audience. But 200? That puts a show above the crowd. In this very special 200th episode of The Sourcing Hero podcast, Host Kelly Barner is joined by Anthony Clervi, Principal Owner at Una, and Kris Lance, Vice President and General Manager at Una, to mark this milestone with an in-studio conversation. Listen to - or watch - their conversation to hear about: The connections they see between content creation, community building, and value generation How to understand your own perspective on risk before trying to make high stakes decisions as a team Anthony and Kris's ‘Why' and how that connection to their personal and professional focus Links: Anthony Clervi on LinkedIn Kris Lance on LinkedIn Subscribe to The Sidekick, Una's Procurement Newsletter

Companies - and their procurement teams - are always looking for opportunities to differentiate. These opportunities take many forms, but few appeal to leadership, shareholders, customers, and the supplier community as universally as social procurement. Of course, that broad appeal brings systemic challenges with it that procurement will have to be prepared to overcome. In this episode of The Sourcing Hero podcast, Host Kelly Barner welcomes Jaime H. Paiva. Jaime is the Head of Procurement and Vendor Management at Zurich, an insurance company that covers both global and local markets. We met through Colin Downie, a previous guest of The Sourcing Hero podcast. In this interview, Jaime shares his advice about: How the industry a company is in should shape their approach to social procurement  Defining what constitutes a “social enterprise” when evaluating suppliers How companies new to the social procurement space can start their own journey Links: Jaime H. Paiva on LinkedIn

Procurement is a function whose time has arrived. The question is whether they are ready to make the changes necessary to seize the opportunity and meet business-wide expectations for process and experience at the same time. In this episode of The Sourcing Hero podcast, Host Kelly Barner welcomes Peter Sharoff. Peter has executive-level experience in a number of functional areas, including transformation, integration, finance, and… of course… procurement. As he describes it, he has worked a ‘puzzle piece' career, having the opportunity to see what each of the pieces of the business is capable of - and the image they can form if they work together. In this interview, Peter speaks about: How procurement leaders can separate important or fundamental procurement skills from the skills that are truly transformative How procurement can ‘create a space' that other functional leaders and decision makers want to step into Advice for capturing and messaging the ROI of having a better procurement user experience  Healthy ways for procurement to pursue and think about their own importance Links: Peter Sharoff on LinkedIn

Working for a large ‘household name' company has both advantages and disadvantages. On the plus side are the established processes, time-tested pathways that keep everything rolling. At the same time, these same processes can be a bit restrictive. Fortunately for procurement, striking a balance of structure and creativity can create the perfect environment for innovation at scale. In this episode of The Sourcing Hero podcast, Host Kelly Barner welcomes Karen Betancourt. Karen is the CEO of Vanguard Medical Logistics, a company that supports the manufacturing, storage, and transportation needs of medical supply chains in Central and South America. In this interview, Karen talks about her experience working in large companies and the opportunity that exists for procurement teams: How procurement's line of reporting can affect their impact Her advice for anyone looking to make connections and grow their influence  Ways to invest in culture, and the power associated with that kind of opportunity Links: Karen Betancourt on LinkedIn Business Casuals podcast on YouTube Business Casuals podcast on Spotify

As listeners know well, the goal of The Sourcing Hero podcast is to capture the epic stories of people who are rising up and beating the odds to create exceptional value within procurement directly from those heroes themselves. Kris Lance is definitely one of those people. Kris is the Vice President and General Manager at Una, and for the last few years, he has occupied a monthly spot on The Sourcing Hero podcast schedule, discussing current news stories, trends, and supply chain issues. In today's very first episode of 2025, Kelly Barner take a look back at three of Kris's most popular episodes last year, sharing a short clip from each of the three episodes.  In this you will hear about: How the surging power of the podcast medium is driving business impact How to fight off professional inertia and fatigue to find joy in your work  The launch of “The Sidekick,” a thought-provoking must-read for supply chain and procurement professionals Links: Kris Lance on LinkedIn Subscribe to “The Sidekick” The Surging Power of the Podcast Format with Kris Lance Fighting Off the Impact of Slow Onset Inertia with Kris Lance  The Sourcing Hero Gets a Sidekick with Kris Lance

As we approach the end of the year - not to mention the holiday season - many of us will be taking time to stop and reflect. Was the year gone by what we expected? What hopes, wishes, and aspirations will we step into the new year holding high? In this episode of The Sourcing Hero podcast, Host Kelly Barner welcomes back Kris Lance, Vice President and General Manager at Una, for a monthly conversation about current news stories. Kris has experience in multiple industries and has his finger on the pulse of the trends and topics that procurement, sourcing, and supply chain professionals need to be aware of. In this month's discussion, Kris and Kelly reflect on the need to be purposeful in this ‘Golden Hour' between 2024 and 2025:  What business leaders should be focused on doing at this time of year Striking a balance between sentimentality and professionalism in the workplace Positioning ourselves for success in what promises to be a very different new year   Links: Kris Lance on LinkedIn Subscribe to “The Sidekick” Episode 192: The Surging Power of the Podcast Format with Kris Lance Episode 189: The Calm? After the Storms feat. Kris Lance Episode 184: Speculating About a 2024 October Surprise with Kris Lance Episode 180: Metacognition - Thinking About Thinking with Kris Lance

The goal of The Sourcing Hero Podcast is to capture the epic stories of people who are rising up and beating the odds to create exceptional value within procurement - directly from those heroes themselves. Over the last 12 months, we've heard from some of the most innovative minds in procurement and beyond to explore topics that range from cutting-edge optimization strategies to deeply personal journeys of purpose and passion.  In this episode of The Sourcing Hero podcast, Kelly Barner takes a look back at the most downloaded episodes of 2024 - wrapping the year by celebrating the interviews that resonated most with you.  No spoiler alerts… but listen in to hear excerpts of episodes about: Finding purpose in life, and achieving it through balance The power of storytelling in procurement A humorous take on procurement's past - and future - reputation And more!   Links: Episode 151: What You Don't Know About Shipping Can Hurt You with Nick DiNatale Episode 153: Finding Purpose in Procurement and in Life with Paul Nilsen Episode 157: Telling a Compelling Procurement Story with Alex Ball Episode 146: Calling all Solution Enthusiasts! With A'Keela Johnson Episode 148: Optimization of Procurement in the Automotive Industry with Robert Čačković

Lots of organizations want to ‘do good' through environmental programs, social programs, or both. But scaling those programs and making them truly successful on a commercial level requires a different level of strategic planning - especially when the impact and the opportunity are global. In this episode of The Sourcing Hero podcast, Host Kelly Barner welcomes Michael Amos. Michael is the Managing Director of Waste to Wonder Worldwide, an organization with a unique origin story that has been able to deliver amazing results over the last two decades.  In this interview, Michael speaks about: Waste to Wonder Worldwide's mission to turn unwanted office furniture into an opportunity for education across the world How they went from a single set of circumstances to large scale impact with the help of a bit of serendipity Some of the stories that illustrate the meaning of their massive impact on a personal level Links: Michael Amos on LinkedIn

Canadian media studies philosopher Marshall McLuhan rose to prominence in the 1960s when he declared, “The Medium is the message.” For McLuhan, it was the medium itself that shaped and controlled "the scale and form of human association and action." We saw this dynamic in full force this year, with podcasts rising to the top of the media landscape during the 2024 presidential election cycle. In this episode of The Sourcing Hero podcast, Host Kelly Barner welcomes back Kris Lance, Vice President and General Manager at Una, for a monthly conversation about current news stories. Kris has experience in multiple industries and has his finger on the pulse of the trends and topics that procurement, sourcing, and supply chain professionals need to be aware of. In this month's discussion, Kris and Kelly talk about why podcasts are so powerful and what their popularity may suggest about today's content preferences:  The advantages podcasting has over traditional media formats and channels What he has learned about podcasting as a monthly guest on The Sourcing Hero for two and a half years His advice for anyone considering appearing as a guest on a podcast for the very first time Links: Kris Lance on LinkedIn Subscribe to “The Sidekick” Episode 189: The Calm? After the Storms feat. Kris Lance Episode 184: Speculating About a 2024 October Surprise with Kris Lance Episode 180: Metacognition - Thinking About Thinking with Kris Lance Episode 176: Fighting off the Impact of Slow Onset Inertia with Kris Lance

Continuous improvement is as desirable as any other strategic business objective, but making it happen, or - better still - starting an ongoing cycle of continuous improvement is the ultimate goal. If procurement wants to be part of that positive cycle, they have to collaborate with, listen to, and communicate effectively with the business. In this episode of The Sourcing Hero podcast, Host Kelly Barner welcomes Jonathan Gardner. Jonathan has worked in supply chain, sourcing, and procurement at a number of well-known companies, including Starbucks, GM, and Dell. Today, he is using that combined experience to help other procurement leaders and teams (as well as suppliers) maximize the value created through every contract and supply relationship.  In this interview, Jonathan speaks about: The intersection of procurement culture and corporate culture What to emphasize when having conversations about procurement-driven continuous improvement The due diligence procurement needs to do before documenting category strategy or making recommendations to the business  How procurement can figure out what is a top priority and assign their resources accordingly Links: Jonathan Gardner on LinkedIn

“I'm having an issue with one of my suppliers.”  That is how many conversations begin between procurement and the business. While a problem has been recognized, and the business knows it needs to be resolved, they can't risk their day-to-day relationship with that supplier. Enter their friends in procurement. In this episode of The Sourcing Hero podcast, Host Kelly Barner welcomes Joseph Scull. Joseph has deep experience managing functions like real estate, operations, and procurement - and sometimes all three at once - at the enterprise level. In this interview, Joseph speaks about: How process, direct contact, and results shape internal perceptions of procurement Using budgets to incentivize decision makers to work with procurement When the business is most likely to seek out procurement's help, and how procurement can turn that into added value Links: Joseph Scull on LinkedIn

On September 26th, Hurricane Helene hit Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Hurricane Milton hit Florida less than two weeks later. The stories coming from these states are shocking, devastating, and inspiring - all at the same time. In this episode of The Sourcing Hero podcast, Host Kelly Barner welcomes back Kris Lance, Vice President and Senior Director at Una, for a monthly conversation about current news stories. Kris has experience in multiple industries and has his finger on the pulse of the trends and topics that procurement, sourcing, and supply chain professionals need to be aware of. In this month's discussion, Kris and Kelly talk about the lessons we can learn from Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton:  Preparation: Could other steps have helped people or businesses stay safe and whole? Response: What did we see from the days immediately following the hurricanes' landfalls?  Aftermath: What long term systemic changes will result from the handling of these two massive weather events?   Links: Kris Lance on LinkedIn Subscribe to “The Sidekick” Episode 184: Speculating About a 2024 October Surprise with Kris Lance Episode 180: Metacognition - Thinking About Thinking with Kris Lance Episode 176: Fighting off the Impact of Slow Onset Inertia with Kris Lance Episode 171: Japan: A Silent Player in the Semiconductor Supply Chain with Kris Lance

Every time the world is hit by a supply chain disruption, strategies are changed, new technologies are invented, implemented, and invested in, and everyone vows to be too agile and resilient for it to happen again. And yet it does - there is always another surprise, another disruption around the corner. In this episode of The Sourcing Hero podcast, Host Kelly Barner welcomes Aviv Castro. Aviv is the CEO of Sensos, a company spun off from Sony that makes it possible to streamline supply chain operations through increased visibility. In this interview, Aviv shares his perspective on: What ultimately motivates the decisions of supply chain management teams How improved supply chain efficiency is an enabler for sales and top line growth Key success factors for sustained supply chain efficiency Predictions for supply chain practices and strategy that will affect companies in the year to come Links: Aviv Castro on LinkedIn

Sometimes procurement says “savings” and people's eyes light up with the possibilities associated with a budget poised to go further. Other times, their eyes glaze over and their attention drifts… elsewhere. Like anywhere else.  The trick for procurement teams who want to build strong internal relationships is knowing the difference - and communicating accordingly. In this episode of The Sourcing Hero podcast, Host Kelly Barner welcomes Barry Kull. Barry is the Senior Director, Category Management Americas for AstraZeneca. His experience has given him the opportunity to develop capabilities in a broad range of spend categories as well as the transformation power of technology. In this interview, Barry and Kelly discuss how building relationships can lead to procurement making a greater impact: How procurement should think about internal brand identity and management Strengthening stakeholder relationships through the procurement user experience  The critical role of language in stakeholder receptivity and relationship building Links: Barry Kull on LinkedIn

Procurement is a difficult field to work in. Days are busy, unpredictable, and often stressful. Each person's ability to perform despite the challenges determines not only their evaluation or procurement's evaluation, but the financial success of the entire company. Doesn't it make sense to look for guidance and support from a higher power? In this episode of The Sourcing Hero podcast, Host Kelly Barner welcomes Jennifer Sterbling, a Senior Manager of Indirect Procurement. Jennifer has expertise in both indirect and direct procurement as well as category management, sourcing, supplier management, and contract negotiation. In this interview, Jennifer and Kelly talk about the role that faith plays in how they conduct themselves professionally: What it means to bring your whole self to work when you are a person of faith Approaching all colleagues with compassion and active listening but not evangelism The benefits of stopping to think - and pray - about the consequential decisions facing procurement professionals Links: Jennifer Sterbling on LinkedIn

Supplier diversity programs have gotten a lot of attention in recent years, but the values and vision that underpin them is hardly new. Some dedicated advocates have been working since the 1960s to create opportunities and develop capabilities at the same time. Our guest in this episode is one of those advocates. In this episode of The Sourcing Hero podcast, Host Kelly Barner welcomes James Lowry. James is an Advisor at Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and his past work experience includes time at McKinsey, Toyota, the Peace Corps and an ongoing academic advisory role at the Kellogg School of Management. In this interview, James talks about why investing in the growth of minority-owned businesses is so critical and how we can make that growth possible: The role CEOs and executive boards play in making their supplier diversity programs successful - starting with knowing the CPO's name Why growth - not participation - must be the success metric for minority-owned supplier programs Equity as the best way for minority-owned businesses to access funding and grow without losing their ownership identity Links: James Lowry on LinkedIn

According to Merriam-Webster, an October Surprise is “a significant revelation or event in the month prior to an election that has the potential to shift public opinion about an election candidate and that is often orchestrated to influence the election's outcome.” What will it be in 2024? Anyone's guess could be right. In this episode of The Sourcing Hero podcast, Host Kelly Barner welcomes back Kris Lance, Vice President and Senior Director at Una, for a monthly conversation about current news stories. Kris has experience in multiple industries and has his finger on the pulse of the trends and topics that procurement, sourcing, and supply chain professionals need to be aware of. In this month's discussion, Kris and Kelly speculate about the sources of an October Surprise, ranging from concerning to entertaining:  A major financial or economic shock that puts policies and campaign promises to the test Geopolitical risk stemming from world leaders or political/military activist groups who decide to seize the moment… and the headlines Humanitarian, entertainment, or sports-based stories that dominate headlines and occupy hearts and minds Links: Kris Lance on LinkedIn Subscribe to “The Sidekick” Episode 180: Metacognition - Thinking About Thinking with Kris Lance Episode 176: Fighting off the Impact of Slow Onset Inertia with Kris Lance Episode 171: Japan: A Silent Player in the Semiconductor Supply Chain with Kris Lance Episode 167: Bird (Flu) Watching: Tracking the Spread of H5N1 with Kris Lance

Procurement is notorious for attracting professionals from all backgrounds and dispositions, so how could there possibly be one right way to ‘do procurement?' There couldn't be. Each individual has an opportunity to put their own spin on everything from negotiation to strategy development and relationship building. In this episode of The Sourcing Hero podcast, Host Kelly Barner welcomes Hugo Sanchez. Hugo is a Senior Category Manager for supplies and MRO in the commercial real estate industry. In addition to being a pun lover (according to his LinkedIn profile), Hugo has a very clear philosophy on procurement that is tied closely to his philosophy on life. In this interview, Hugo talks openly about why he believes building strong relationships inside and outside of the organization makes all the difference: How procurement can measure the value created through trust-based relationships Why it is possible to build influence without trying to exert authority over others Whether it is possible to be “too nice” to work in procurement Links: Hugo Sanchez on LinkedIn

Procurement is laser focused on spend, suppliers, risk, sustainability, regulations and more… is it possible that we need to add LOVE to the list of things we are trying to contribute to the organization? In this episode of The Sourcing Hero podcast, Host Kelly Barner welcomes Natalia Pickett. Natalia is Head of Procurement at Keolis Amey, a global transportation company focused on public transport, as well as a non-Executive Director for Woodenshark.  In this interview, Natalia shares her passion and enthusiasm for procurement, with a focus on the relationships they should aim to build: Procurement's strategic role as matchmaker The relationships that need to exist between procurement and the business, and procurement and suppliers, as well as how to foster them Why process, tech, and analytics are nothing if there is no ‘spark' Links: Natalia Pickett on LinkedIn

We are all subject to stereotypes about what procurement professionals are like, what suppliers are like, and what procurement-supplier relationships are like. But those kinds of models are made to be broken, often to the benefit of everyone involved. In this episode of The Sourcing Hero podcast, Host Kelly Barner welcomes Keri Peña. Keri didn't start her career in procurement - she started in IT - but she didn't work in procurement for long before she was hooked! Keri reached out and offered to tell her story to help other procurement professionals succeed in the field while forming meaningful relationships and having FUN!  In this interview, Keri talks about how she puts herself into her role and how connecting on a personal level can help drive desired business outcomes: How to progress from the name or email address of a supplier representative to the beginnings of a bond What to do when someone is not receptive to forming a collaborative relationship The importance of empathy, transparency, trust, being genuine, and humor, to personal and professional success Links: Keri Peña on LinkedIn

We're all constantly being bombarded with breaking news about the most sensitive topics - and almost nothing seems to be off-limits anymore, even in the workplace. Add to that sensational, over-the-top media coverage and it can be hard to think straight - but it isn't impossible. In this episode of The Sourcing Hero podcast, Host Kelly Barner welcomes back Kris Lance, Vice President and General Manager at Una, for a monthly conversation about current news stories. Kris has experience in multiple industries and has his finger on the pulse of the trends and topics that procurement, sourcing, and supply chain professionals need to be aware of. In this month's discussion, Kris and Kelly talk about techniques for thinking through a never-ending stream of complex topics:  What factors influence the way we respond to new information and form opinions about it How to prepare for a conversation on a sensitive topic that is likely to start with disagreement Preventing passion-driven topics from dividing each of us from our friends and family Links: Kris Lance on LinkedIn Subscribe to “The Sidekick” Episode 176: Fighting off the Impact of Slow Onset Inertia with Kris Lance Episode 171: Japan: A Silent Player in the Semiconductor Supply Chain with Kris Lance Episode 167: Bird (Flu) Watching: Tracking the Spread of H5N1 with Kris Lance Episode 162: Remembering the Port of Baltimore with Kris Lance

Procurement thinks that the accounts payable team ‘just' pays suppliers. Accounts payable teams think that procurement ‘just' finds suppliers and negotiates contracts. In reality, both teams do quite a bit more - and the better they understand each other's priorities, contributions, and challenges, the more they can do for each other and for the business. In this episode of The Sourcing Hero podcast, Host Kelly Barner welcomes Anders Lassen. Anders is the Owner and Senior Procurement Consultant at Gradus Consult and the Founder of P2Connct, a Danish boutique consultancy focused on procure-to-pay process optimisation and transformation. In this episode, Anders talks about the common misperceptions and missed opportunities that keep procurement and AP apart: The type of relationship most procurement teams have with AP How procurement reporting into finance (versus the CEO or operations) might influence their relationship with AP  The value opportunities that can be created by strengthening this - and all other - internal relationships Links: Anders Lassen on LinkedIn

Although AI is not new, applications of it are constantly evolving. This is especially true of generative AI. The low barrier to use encourages innovation and experimentation, and people are learning to use it personally and professionally. Over time, it is likely to become so pervasive that anyone who does not develop a basic understanding may be left behind.  In this episode of The Sourcing Hero podcast, Host Kelly Barner welcomes Alan J. Rice. Alan is the Managing Director of Caché Procurement, LLC, a boutique provider of procurement and AI advisory services. In this interview, Alan talks about how AI - and mindsets around AI - are changing procurement: Why embracing AI is a matter of survival How procurement can achieve professional courage at scale The level of AI expertise procurement should be expected to develop  Links: Alan J. Rice on LinkedIn

Procurement professionals need to have excellent soft skills, especially when they are working across geographies and cultures. A simple gesture like a handshake is expected in one culture, and may offend in another. Knowing the difference and being able to read the room are essential. In this episode of The Sourcing Hero podcast, Host Kelly Barner welcomes Dupre Jones. Dupre is a Regional Category Manager, specializing in Logistics & Warehousing for CSL. He also has an MBA from the Thunderbird School of Global Management, where he no doubt learned many of the skills needed to navigate today's complex business landscape. In this interview, Dupre shares his point of view on why cultural understanding and active empathy should be considered in all business strategies: Expectations for cross cultural communications and mannerisms The role that empathy can and should play in contract negotiations How procurement can help decision makers determine what they want before selecting a supplier Links: Dupre Jones on LinkedIn

After the ‘working from home' movement that began a few years ago, the professional world then passed through ‘quiet quitting' on its way to something that feels a little heavier. Whether we call it apathy, nihilism, or inertia, the current mood is affecting individuals and teams in a way that we should all be aware of. In this episode of The Sourcing Hero podcast, Host Kelly Barner welcomes back Kris Lance, Vice President and Senior Director at Una, for a monthly conversation about current news stories. Kris has experience in multiple industries and has his finger on the pulse of the trends and topics that procurement, sourcing, and supply chain professionals need to be aware of. In this month's discussion, Kris and Kelly talk about the sense of emotional fatigue that seems to be spreading across companies:  Why it is affecting our ability to be at our best and even find enjoyment in our work How leadership methods and incentive programs need to adapt in response Advice for pulling ourselves and our colleagues out of the malaise Links: Kris Lance on LinkedIn Subscribe to “The Sidekick” Episode 171: Japan: A Silent Player in the Semiconductor Supply Chain with Kris Lance Episode 167: Bird (Flu) Watching: Tracking the Spread of H5N1 with Kris Lance Episode 162: Remembering the Port of Baltimore with Kris Lance Episode 158: All Eyes Should Remain on the Red Sea with Kris Lance

When we think about what excellence looks like, especially on a podcast about heroism, it would be reasonable to assume that it involves feats of superhuman strength, altruistic triumph, and being 100% on point 110% of the time. Not so, says this episode's guest. Excellence is doing just that much better than the competition - and your own past performance - consistently over the long term. In this episode of The Sourcing Hero podcast, Host Kelly Barner welcomes Keith Wright. Keith is an independent procurement consultant and the author of The Power of Professional Procurement, a book for businesses and decision makers determined to make a material difference for their supply chain. In this interview, Kelth talks about his idea of excellence and why it is actually much more attainable than many of us think: The importance of investing in ourselves as professionals and creators and what that looks like in practice Why having an active network is an essential part of individual success Ways customer expectations of all kinds continue to evolve, and how procurement can continue to meet them Links: Keith Wright on LinkedIn

Fast growth company leadership teams have a lot on their plates. They are balancing building a solution or offering, building brand recognition, and closing deals. But no concern is higher priority than funding. In order to secure that funding, they also need to invest in accounting - and it is never too soon to get started. In this episode of The Sourcing Hero podcast, Host Kelly Barner welcomes Lonnie Bloom. Lonnie is a Partner at Withum, where he specializes in auditing and supporting the growth of some of the most well-known tech and emerging growth companies in the country. He also co-leads the firm's e-commerce practice which serves hundreds of brands and household names in the e-comm industry.  In this interview, Lonnie talks about the importance of solid accounting procedure and documentation to fast growth companies: The unique financial challenges faced by growth stage tech firms Advantages, such as specific decisions, leadership qualities, etc., that can position firms for long term growth How contract management practices can contribute to a company's success Links: Lonnie Bloom on LinkedIn

When procurement needs to deliver savings, the reflexive response is usually to go to market, approaching suppliers for discounts or putting a contract out to bid. While this approach works, the results often pale in comparison to what procurement can deliver by having internal conversations about specifications, requirements, and projected demand.   In this episode of The Sourcing Hero podcast, Host Kelly Barner welcomes Omid Ghamami. Omid is the CEO of the Procurement and Supply Chain Management Institute – PSCM Institute for short.  He is the innovator of the CPSCM™ certification program and works with Fortune 500 companies to elevate their procurement and negotiation capabilities.   In this interview, Omid shares his point of view on leveraging procurement influence with both stakeholders and suppliers: The relationship procurement needs to forge with internal colleagues to maximize savings Ways procurement can support better outcomes from suppliers - before even reaching the negotiating table The danger of a misplaced focus on SRM, and how it can negatively impact procurement  Links: Omid Ghamami on LinkedIn

For all of the hopes and expectations around AI's ability to support human decision making, it is important to acknowledge that people and companies make decisions for different kinds of reasons. According to Aristotle (384 BCE – 322 BCE), there are three persuasions: logos, pathos, and ethos. Thousands of years after his death, we are still making decisions on logic, emotion, and character, or some combination of the three.  In this episode of The Sourcing Hero podcast, Host Kelly Barner welcomes Matt Palackdharry. Matt is the Chief Strategy Officer at Apty, a digital adoption platform companies can use when working to coordinate their people, processes, and technology. In this interview, Matt talks about how the power of AI is (and is not) changing the way we make decisions: Understanding the differences between how humans and computers learn Supporting human creativity and multi-factored decision making with today's analytical capabilities Ensuring that business processes keep up with the investments being made in people and technology Links: Matt Palackdharry on LinkedIn

Most of us think about Taiwan, China, and - to some extent - the U.S. when it comes to semiconductor manufacturing… but Japan is just as critical. They are a primary (and dominant) supplier of semiconductor related chemicals, packaging materials, and tools. In fact, Japan views the industry as part of their national security strategy, and is currently investing nearly one percent of GDP in those companies.  In this episode of The Sourcing Hero podcast, Host Kelly Barner welcomes back Kris Lance, Senior Director at Una, for a recurring monthly conversation about current news stories. Kris has experience in multiple industries and has his finger on the pulse of the trends and topics that procurement, sourcing, and supply chain professionals need to be aware of. In this month's discussion, Kris and Kelly talk about the semiconductor supply chain and ALL of the countries and political concerns that will have to align to increase resilience:  Why market overconcentration continues to surprise and affect businesses worldwide The role that governments play in private sector innovation through subsidies and investment How procurement and supply chain leaders should be factoring geopolitics into their management of spend and suppliers Links: Kris Lance on LinkedIn Subscribe to “The Sidekick” Episode 167: Bird (Flu) Watching: Tracking the Spread of H5N1 with Kris Lance Episode 162: Remembering the Port of Baltimore with Kris Lance Episode 158: All Eyes Should Remain on the Red Sea with Kris Lance Episode 154: The Sourcing Hero Gets a Sidekick with Kris Lance

The volume of data available at our fingertips can sometimes create the illusion that any information is accessible, that decision making is improved, and that failure is avoidable. Once we get past that illusion and accept the reality of even data-driven decision making, we can finally be on the road to success. In this episode of The Sourcing Hero podcast, Host Kelly Barner welcomes Blake Tablak. Blake is the CEO of Trax Technologies, a company that provides transportation spend management visibility for freight audit and payment solutions. With data at the heart of everything procurement is looking to achieve today, his perspectives on data and risk are valuable and highly applicable. In this interview, Blake shares his perspective on data and the very human conditions that have to be in place for companies to deploy data successfully: How much data is “a lot” today The current state of data confidence Where “doing nothing” falls on the business risk continuum Links: Blake Tablak on LinkedIn

There will always be challenges to overcome - personally, professionally, and combined - but by finding the courage to work in community and to receive all each employee has to give, leaders can allow themselves and their teams to attain a new level of achievement. All it takes is a bit of generosity, purposefully carried out. In this episode of The Sourcing Hero podcast, Host Kelly Barner welcomes Joe Davis. Joe is a Managing Director and Senior Partner at the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and author of The Generous Leader: 7 Ways to Give of Yourself for Everyone's Gain, which was published in April 2024. In this interview, Joe speaks candidly about the personal and professional experiences that showed him the true power of generosity and inspired his book: How an emphasis on generosity in leadership could change a company's decisions about who to elevate What a lack of generosity might feel like on an otherwise solid team Understanding the ‘ROI' of generosity in all its forms Links: Joe Davis on LinkedIn