Podcasts about Procurement

"Persuasion is about your intent. If your intent is solely to win at the other person's expense, that's manipulation. If you want the other party to also benefit from the conversation, then that's collaborative, and that's ethical persuasion." - Martin John Procurement leaders know that success often depends on more than just negotiating skills or cost models; it demands the ability to influence people at every level.  But what does it take to move from presenting facts to truly persuading suppliers, stakeholders, and executives to take action? This is a question that's more urgent than ever in today's complex business environment. In this episode of Art of Procurement, Philip Ideson speaks with Martin John, a seasoned procurement pro and licensed ethical persuasion trainer. Martin shares tools and science-backed frameworks that chief procurement officers and their teams can use right away. He pulls back the curtain on Cialdini's principles, real-world negotiation stories, and how to avoid crossing the line into manipulation. In this episode, Martin discusses how to: Recognize the thin line between ethical persuasion and manipulation Build trust and rapport faster using evidence, not guesswork Move beyond data to engage the emotions and subconscious drivers of decision-makers Translate behavioral science into everyday procurement Links: Martin John on LinkedIn Subscribe to This Week in Procurement Subscribe to Art of Procurement on YouTube  

The supply chain landscape continues to shift at record speed, and on today's episode of Supply Chain Now, hosts Scott Luton and Kim Reuter unpack the leadership decisions, technology investments, and strategic partnerships shaping what's next for global supply chains. From the evolving relationship between Amazon and UPS to the growing influence of AI in procurement, this episode cuts through the noise to focus on what's practical, scalable, and impactful. Welcome to The Buzz powered by EPG!Scott and Kim dive into the biggest stories influencing supply chain strategy today, with help from special guest Scott McFee, CEO of SpendHQ.Together, they discuss:How Amazon's expanding logistics footprint is reshaping UPS's operations and long-term strategyWhy leadership turnover is creating disruption across supply chains, according to new Gartner researchWhat Oracle's latest findings reveal about AI's real impact on procurement productivityHow SpendHQ's investment in Sligo AI is unlocking smarter, data-driven purchasing decisionsLessons from Cowart Seafood's digital transformation — and what legacy businesses can learn from itHow Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s leadership principles still apply to today's supply chain leadersThis episode offers timely insights for executives navigating change, technology adoption, and organizational resilience — with practical takeaways to help teams lead with clarity, purpose, and confidence in an increasingly complex world.Additional Links & Resources:EPG: https://epg.com/ With That Said: https://bit.ly/WTS-18JAN2026American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN): https://www.alanaid.org/operations/ Gartner Survey Shows Leadership Turnover Is Harming Supply Chain Performance: https://gtnr.it/49KCQ9IAI May Boost Procurement's Bottom Line: https://bit.ly/AI-in-procurement-26SpendHQ CEO Scott MacFee on Bracing for USPS hikes: https://bit.ly/4r6EBoVEPG Develops AI-Driven Logistics Solutions Powered by NVIDIA Metropolis: https://bit.ly/EPG-News-2026SpendHQ Makes Strategic Investment in Sligo AI to Launch First Agentic Enterprise Procurement Platform: https://bwnews.pr/3ZlBqh4

Episode Summary: In this episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast, host Benoy Thanjan sits down with Abu Riaz, CEO and Founder of AMS Renewables, to discuss what it takes to scale a solar and storage EPC in today's rapidly evolving clean energy market. Abu shares how AMS Renewables grew out of a traditional construction background into a fast-scaling EPC platform, executing projects across commercial, community solar, and utility-scale segments. The conversation highlights why construction discipline, capital planning, and execution are critical differentiators in solar and storage development. Key topics include: How AMS Renewables evolved from C&I rooftop projects to large-scale community solar Why solar is fundamentally a construction-driven business The front-loaded capital and procurement challenges EPCs face at NTP Scaling without outside investors and maintaining operational flexibility Navigating industry disruption, EPC bankruptcies, and talent shifts The growing opportunity in solar + storage and standalone storage projects Managing risk, due diligence, and vendor compliance in a changing regulatory environment Leadership lessons from building a resilient EPC through market cycles This episode is a must-listen for developers, EPCs, and clean energy entrepreneurs looking to build durable, execution-focused businesses in the solar and storage industry.   About the Solar Maverick Podcast The Solar Maverick Podcast is a leading clean energy podcast hosted by Benoy Thanjan, Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy. The show features in-depth conversations with industry leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers shaping the future of solar, storage, and the global energy transition.   Biographies Benoy Thanjan Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy, solar developer and consulting firm, and a strategic advisor to multiple cleantech startups. Over his career, Benoy has developed over 100 MWs of solar projects across the U.S., helped launch the first residential solar tax equity funds at Tesla, and brokered $45 million in Renewable Energy Credits (“REC”) transactions. Prior to founding Reneu Energy, Benoy was the Environmental Commodities Trader in Tesla's Project Finance Group, where he managed one of the largest environmental commodities portfolios. He originated REC trades and co-developed a monetization and hedging strategy with senior leadership to enter the East Coast market. As Vice President at Vanguard Energy Partners, Benoy crafted project finance solutions for commercial-scale solar portfolios. His role at Ridgewood Renewable Power, a private equity fund with 125 MWs of U.S. renewable assets, involved evaluating investment opportunities and maximizing returns. He also played a key role in the sale of the firm's renewable portfolio. Earlier in his career, Benoy worked in Energy Structured Finance at Deloitte & Touche and Financial Advisory Services at Ernst & Young, following an internship on the trading floor at D.E. Shaw & Co., a multi billion dollar hedge fund. Benoy holds an MBA in Finance from Rutgers University and a BS in Finance and Economics from NYU Stern, where he was an Alumni Scholar.   Abu Riaz, Founder & CEO of AMS Renewable Energy Abu Riaz is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of AMS Renewable Energy, a solar and energy storage EPC (“Engineering, Procurement, and Construction”) firm based in New York focused on delivering large-scale distributed solar and storage solutions across the United States. Under his leadership, AMS has grown into a nationally respected solar EPC with deep expertise in project execution, from pre-construction planning through engineering, procurement, and construction management.  Abu holds a degree in Mathematics and Finance from Columbia University and continually expands his industry knowledge through ongoing education in energy and finance, grounding his business strategy in both technical rigor and financial insight.  Throughout his tenure, he has guided AMS Renewable Energy in completing numerous solar projects and scaling its capabilities, including strategic initiatives to expand the company's portfolio and service footprint. AMS is known for its commitment to quality, integrity, and delivering high-performance renewable energy assets for developers, independent power producers, and community solar stakeholders.  Under Abu's leadership, AMS has also pursued industry growth through strategic moves such as its acquisition of Collective Solar, enhancing AMS's construction capacity and positioning the firm to meet rising demand for distributed solar solutions across the Northeast and beyond.    Stay Connected: Benoy Thanjan Email: info@reneuenergy.com  LinkedIn: Benoy Thanjan Website: https://www.reneuenergy.com Website: https://www.solarmaverickpodcast.com/       Abu Riaz     Website: https://www.amsepc.com/     Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/abu-riaz-5a442663/   Please provide 5 star reviews      If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share the Solar Maverick Podcast so more people can learn how to accelerate the clean energy transition.    Reneu Energy Reneu Energy provides expert consulting across solar and storage project development, financing, energy strategy, and environmental commodities. Our team helps clients originate, structure, and execute opportunities in community solar, C&I, utility-scale, and renewable energy credit markets. Email us at info@reneuenergy.com to learn more.

Send us a text On this episode of The Fresh Bunch, we're excited to welcome the incredible team from Choice Farms for a high-energy conversation centered around WFFSA and the future of the floral industry. We're joined by Freddy Melero, Director of Sales and Procurement at Choice Farms and current President of WFFSA (Wholesale Florist & Florist Supplier Association), who shares how stepping into this role has been an inspiring opportunity to help shape the industry alongside a passionate and dedicated community. We're also joined by Jena Gizerskiy of Choice Farms, a member of the WFFSA Marketing Board, who brings her perspective on marketing, engagement, and building meaningful value for members.Throughout the episode, we explore how both Freddy and Jena became involved with WFFSA, what the organization stands for, and how it supports wholesale florists and suppliers in an ever-evolving industry. We dive into some of the biggest challenges facing the floral world today and how WFFSA helps its members navigate change, growth, and opportunity. The conversation also highlights what attendees can expect from the upcoming WFFSA Conference in Miami, including key takeaways and what's new and different this year.We go beyond Miami to discuss future WFFSA events, the organization's broader calendar.  Freddy and Jena also share insights on major industry trends, including the rise of larger flower buying groups, what those shifts mean for wholesalers, and how WFFSA continues to position itself as a relevant, valuable, and forward-thinking organization. The episode wraps with a powerful look at why joining WFFSA matters and what the vision is for the association in the years ahead.Whether you're already part of the WFFSA community or just discovering it, this episode is a must-listen and a reminder that when it comes to our industry, the CHOICE is WFFSA.To learn more about WFFSA visit: https://wffsa.org/

In late 2023, one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints effectively broke. After Hamas' October 7th attack on Israel, Houthi militants began targeting commercial shipping in the Red Sea. Initially, their target was Israel-linked vessels, then they increasingly started targeting anything that passed through. What followed was a near-collapse of confidence in the Suez Canal, a route that normally handles roughly 10–12% of global seaborne trade. Ocean carriers rerouted thousands of ships around the Cape of Good Hope, adding weeks, cost, fuel burn, and complexity to global supply chains. Fast forward to late 2025 and early 2026, and something quietly significant happened: Maersk, the world's second-largest container carrier, sent ships back through the Red Sea. It wasn't a full return or a declaration of victory, but it was a meaningful test. In this episode of the Art of Supply podcast, Kelly Barner covers:  Why Maersk's Red Sea test voyages matter more than they may appear The economic and capacity pressures pushing carriers back toward Suez Why a "safe reopening" may still create winners and losers What procurement and supply chain leaders should be watching for next Links: High Stakes in the Red Sea Kelly Barner on LinkedIn Art of Supply LinkedIn newsletter  Art of Supply on AOP Subscribe to This Week in Procurement  

In this episode, Sagi Eliyahu welcomes back Dr. Elouise Epstein, Partner at Kearney, to explore how AI is reshaping enterprise functions, procurement and the future of work. The conversation moves from personal AI-skepticism-to-believer journeys to radically new mindsets around black-box corporate functions, personal AI productivity and governance for an agent-driven enterprise. Listeners in operations, procurement and technology leadership gain a forward-looking view of how to navigate the next decade of AI-driven transformation.Key Takeaways:00:00 Introduction. 05:05 Education systems face an impending AI-driven learning crisis.09:20 Personal AI productivity is mandatory, not optional, for professionals.13:55 AI job disruption creates a painful lag before new roles emerge.17:18 Corporate functions evolve into AI black boxes managed by specialists.18:10 Procurement shifts from transactional tasks to embedded business partnership.27:44 New mindset favors highly personalized tools over standardized platforms.30:56 Governance must enable experimentation while protecting core enterprise data.34:27 Invisible personal AI agents will outlive roles and preserve institutional knowledge.Resources Mentioned:Dr. Elouise Epsteinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/drelouise/Kearney | LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/kearney/Kearney | Websitehttps://www.kearney.com/This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.#Operations #BusinessOperations

Aging power grids in the U.S. and rising clean energy demand are both influencing the outlook for buyers in 2026. In this episode of Sustainability Leaders, host Angela Adduci from the BMO Climate Institute sits down with Rich Powell, CEO of the Clean Energy Buyers Association (CEBA), to explore the evolving dynamics of corporate clean energy procurement. They discuss: How the US can meet rising energy demand, the critical role of permitting reform and electricity grid enhancement, and how innovative approaches—from data center flexibility to technologies such as geothermal and nuclear—are shaping the future of energy markets.

In part one of our discussion with Sherry Neas, Division Director of Shared Services for North Dakota's OMB, we walk through a practical framework for pre-session preparation, stakeholder alignment, and testimony that actually moves the needle.We start with the pre-legislative rhythm: weekly collaboration with higher ed, monthly sessions with state agencies, and a quarterly procurement advisory council that surfaces policy gaps early. Sherry explains how to decide what belongs in statute versus guidelines, why governments express authority matters, and how opening a law invites amendments you need to anticipate. Then we dive into testimony craft—writing with busy legislators in mind, using concrete examples, pausing for questions, and closing with a crisp call to action. We talk media training, committee protocol, and choosing speakers who want the podium and can handle rapid-fire questions.Once the session heats up, systems and teamwork take over. Sherry details a bill tracking workflow, cross-division assignments, and the necessity of freeing someone's time to focus on legislative work. We get into internal approvals—how subject matter experts, legal counsel, leadership, and the governor's office align positions with policy, resources, and fiscal notes. When stakeholders disagree, she shows how to prevent surprises by briefing sponsors and chairs early, proposing amendments, and keeping associations in the loop. And when controversy sends a bill to conference committee, Sherry treats it like a complex RFP: listen first, map concerns, iterate toward solutions, and support the carrier with clear talking points.If you're a procurement leader navigating legislative season, this conversation offers a repeatable playbook: begin with the end in mind, engage stakeholders early, testify with clarity, and build relationships through respect and helpfulness. Subscribe, share with your team, and leave a review telling us your best tip for surviving the session storm.Follow & subscribe to stay up-to-date on NASPO!naspo.org | Pulse Blog | LinkedIn | Youtube | Facebook

In part two of our discussion with Sherry Neas from North Dakota, we lay out a practical playbook that starts with a precise legislative summary, aligns interpretations with partners like risk management and the AG, and then moves through manuals, training, website updates, and template revisions that vendors can actually follow.We talk about capacity like operators do: splitting the team so daily buying continues while a focused group drives implementation on deadline. Sherry shares how to use bill tracking tools to catch amendments that change scope at the last minute, and how to communicate updates to counties, cities, schools, and vendors in plain language. We also dig into sponsor relationships and why a short, proactive email confirming a policy launch or contract award earns lasting trust at the capitol. When vendors escalate, transparency about protests and resolution processes turns conflict into clarity.If you care about public procurement, legislative implementation, vendor communication, and building leaders who think in laws and deliver in practice, this one's for you. Listen, share with your team, and leave a review telling us your best post-session habit.Follow & subscribe to stay up-to-date on NASPO!naspo.org | Pulse Blog | LinkedIn | Youtube | Facebook

When global mobility technology company Vontier sought to optimise procurement payments and working capital across its European entities, it turned to banking partner BNP Paribas for assistance.  Alison Crossman (Vontier) and Corine Spier (BNP Paribas) explain how the partnership produced an innovative procurement card programme that streamlined supplier payments, strengthened cash flow, and set a blueprint for the next wave of digital card-to-account innovation.

In this episode of the Produce Industry Podcast, Patrick Kelly sits down with Jeff Cady, Vice President of Procurement for Tops, to discuss retail sourcing, supplier relationships, and today's produce market challenges. Jeff shares insights on procurement strategy, leadership, and what it takes to succeed as a retail partner in an evolving industry.

"Direct materials is the most under-innovated, untouched by modern technology of any spend area." - Spencer Penn, Co-Founder and CEO, LightSource Direct spend makes up the lion's share of the procurement budget, but all too often, it's still managed in spreadsheets and disconnected tools. Today's volatile supply market and relentless cost pressures demand more.  What is holding companies back from real transformation in direct procurement, and where do the smartest teams focus their innovation efforts? In this AOP podcast episode, host Philip Ideson speaks with Spencer Penn, co-founder and CEO of LightSource. Drawing from his hands-on experience at Tesla and Waymo, Spencer explains why direct procurement's digital journey has lagged behind indirect, and what it takes to move from manual, reactive "firefighting" to scalable, collaborative value creation.  If you're wondering how to unite engineering, procurement, and finance to drive structural cost reduction, or how to leverage tech for more than basic automation, this episode is a must-listen. In this episode, Spencer talks about how to: Make sense of why most direct procurement processes are still manual Learn how collaboration between procurement, engineering, and suppliers drives lasting savings See where legacy thinking and incentives stall change (and how to overcome it) Discover what tech can enable and when people are essential Find out why small sourcing decisions at scale become huge bottom-line wins Links: Spencer Penn on LinkedIn Subscribe to This Week in Procurement Subscribe to Art of Procurement on YouTube  

In this episode of the Federal Help Center Podcast, Randie Ward breaks down one of the most overlooked—but most critical—factors in government contracting success: procurement readiness. This session is designed especially for new and growing GovCon businesses that want to avoid common early mistakes and present themselves as credible, professional, and prepared partners to government agencies. Randie walks through what "being ready" actually means long before you submit a proposal—starting with foundational assets like SAM and SBA profiles, professional branding, and internal documentation. She explains how agencies research contractors, why incomplete profiles hurt your visibility, and how small details like email domains and keyword-rich narratives influence whether you're taken seriously or ignored. Key Takeaways Procurement readiness is a credibility signal—being overprepared helps you stand out in a crowded GovCon landscape. Your SAM/SBA profile and branding matter more than you think, including email domains, narratives, and uploaded assets. Pre-building resumes, project sheets, and capability materials makes proposal responses faster, stronger, and less chaotic. If you want to learn more about the community and to join the webinars go to: https://federalhelpcenter.com/  Website: https://govcongiants.org/  Connect with Encore Funding: http://govcongiants.org/funding 

In early December of last year, two thefts took place in Taunton, Massachusetts, that involved two usually wonderful things: lobster and logistics.  The stolen property was valued at $400,000: approximately $250,000 worth of lobster and $150,000 in crabmeat. Both thefts took place at the same warehouse. The crimes were a massive hit to all of the businesses involved at one of the most critical times of the year. Unfortunately, this kind of fraud-based theft is all too common. Even more unfortunately, the opportunity to steal this property was created by security lapses in the supply chain. Significant effort went into tricking the warehouse to hand over the seafood, but it worked. In this episode of the Art of Supply podcast, Kelly Barner covers: The theft: who, what, where, and when How common this form of theft is, and the multi-agency law enforcement effort that is being mounted in response All of the forms of cost associated with 'fictitious pickups' Links: Kelly Barner on LinkedIn Art of Supply LinkedIn newsletter  Art of Supply on AOP Subscribe to This Week in Procurement

"AI has fantastic value when you look at spend analytics, sourcing decisions, and process efficiency, but to replace the infancy stage that allows you to have a relationship with stakeholders, I think, is a mistake." – Brad Keighley Digitization and automation promise so much for procurement, but what gets lost if we let technology run the show? As organizations scale and regulatory pressure mounts, the ability to connect on a human level can become a procurement superpower. Ignore it, and procurement risks becoming just another system, not a strategic partner. As a multiple-time CPO and procurement transformation leader, Brad Keighley has built teams for startups, pre-IPO rocket ships, and tech giants. In this episode, he shares how to structure procurement for growth while staying close to stakeholders, explains why focusing only on savings is a mistake, and offers practical approaches to scaling service without losing the personal touch. In this conversation, Brad discusses how to: Diagnose and fix legacy issues to win skeptical stakeholders Sell the true value of procurement by leading with risk management and compliance Build a "white glove" centralized service model for maximum spend capture and influence Layer automation and analytics where it matters, without sacrificing partnership Use stakeholder feedback to drive continuous improvement and protect procurement's reputation Links: Brad Keighley on LinkedIn Subscribe to This Week in Procurement Subscribe to Art of Procurement on YouTube  

Procurement is experiencing a significant shift as organizations increasingly adopt automation and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance sourcing, purchasing, and spend management processes. Kevin Frechette, CEO and co-founder of Fairmarkit, discusses how their platform enables enterprises to transition from manual procurement methods to AI-driven autonomous sourcing. This shift allows procurement teams to handle up to ten times more sourcing events per buyer and potentially save $40,000 weekly per full-time employee (FTE) by streamlining operations and reducing the time spent on repetitive tasks.Frechette highlights a case study involving a Boston-based customer that reduced the time required to clarify requests and set up sourcing events from 40 minutes to just 2 minutes through Fairmarkit's automation capabilities. The platform employs AI to facilitate various stages of the sourcing process, including demand capture, supplier identification, and event awarding. However, Frechette emphasizes the importance of maintaining human oversight in certain areas, particularly where nuanced decision-making is required, ensuring that AI complements rather than completely replaces human judgment.The conversation also touches on the evolving role of procurement professionals in the face of automation. While some experienced workers may resist change, Frechette notes that younger professionals are often more adaptable and eager to embrace new technologies. This generational shift could lead to a more innovative approach to procurement, as new entrants to the field leverage AI tools to enhance their decision-making capabilities and drive efficiency.For Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and IT service leaders, the implications of these developments are clear. Embracing AI and automation in procurement can lead to significant operational efficiencies and cost savings. However, it is crucial for organizations to establish a framework for human involvement in decision-making processes, ensuring that the benefits of AI are maximized while maintaining accountability and oversight. As the landscape of procurement continues to evolve, staying informed and adaptable will be essential for MSPs and IT providers looking to remain competitive.

This week's guest is Kevin Zweier, Partner & Lead of North American Transportation Practice for Argon & Co.  Kevin is a leading expert in transportation procurement having been in the practice for three decades now.    In today's conversation, we discuss the current state of freight procurement as we enter 2026. While market volatility has led to a "cry wolf" syndrome regarding shippers falsely sensing the market tightening for three bid cycles, shippers are now prioritizing stability. There has also been a significant shift toward removing low-volume lanes from traditional bidding processes in favor of API-driven digital solutions and dynamic pricing. Zweier also explains that while generative AI is becoming a valuable tool for task automation and data translation, it has not yet replaced human decision-making in complex strategies. Finally, the discussion touches on the rise of committed capacity, a more flexible alternative to traditional dedicated fleets, as a way for companies to secure reliable transportation in a shifting market. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

"When the Wright brothers got their airplane up in the air for the first time, it wasn't because they overcame the laws of physics, it was because they figured out how to harness those laws." - Patrick Kilbride, Policy Fellow at the Center for American Principles The rate and scale of change taking place around us are so destabilizing that it would be easy to think that 'old ideas' no longer apply. Could economic principles that were articulated in the late 1700s possibly be relevant in a global, digital economy?  Patrick Kilbride, Policy Fellow at the Center for American Principles, and principal at Kilbride Public Affairs, says yes – and he recently re-read Adam Smith's Wealth of Nations to prove it to himself. Patrick is a public policy expert with experience as a Deputy Assistant U.S. Trade Representative. He has held a number of executive strategy- and policy-focused roles at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Today, he is a Policy Fellow at the Center for American Principles, a 501(c)(4) focused on personal liberties, free markets, and strong national security. In this episode of the Art of Supply podcast, Kelly Barner speaks with Patrick about the wisdom Adam Smith and his contemporaries can still offer us today: Why (and which) economic principles articulated during the Enlightenment still hold true today The quality of life improvements that have been driven by productivity gains despite population growth The role that governments can play in supporting enlightened self-interest Links: Patrick Kilbride on LinkedIn The Center for American Principles Kelly Barner on LinkedIn Art of Supply LinkedIn newsletter  Art of Supply on AOP Subscribe to This Week in Procurement  

In today's government marketplace, the rules aren't just changing, they're being rewritten; and agencies are rethinking risk, innovation, cybersecurity, and the role small businesses play in the mission.Procurement reform, mission shifts, cybersecurity pressure, and the rise of data-driven acquisition are transforming how small businesses compete. And for small GovCon firms, especially the ones trying to position themselves for the future, the biggest question isn't “How do we survive?” It's “How do we stay ready?”Guest Bio:Lisa Wood is the Statewide Director of the Virginia APEX Accelerator, hosted by George Mason University. Before joining the APEX community in 2010, Lisa was a Procurement Specialist for Bechtel Plant Machinery, Inc. in the Greater Pittsburgh Area. In this role, she performed contract administration and negotiation duties. She also recommended bidders, handled issue inquiries, negotiated bids, performed cost and price analysis, and prepared comprehensive letters to justify recommended contract actions. Ms. Wood holds an MBA from the University of New Haven and is also an Adjunct Professor of Management at George Mason University.Call(s) to Action:Have you heard of My Bid Match? Here's the step-by-step, how a small business can register with their APEX Accelerator (registration is required) and activate MyBidMatch, which is a very valuable but underutilized tools. Go to your APEX Accelerator site (GMU AA: https://virginiaapex.org) and locate the “Request Counseling” or “Client Registration” link/tab; and then:Create a Client ProfileTypical information required may include: Business name, UEI, NAICS codes, Contact info, and a Summary of needsStep 3: Activate MyBidMatchSelect preferred agencies and NAICS codes / PSCs, choose keyword filters, and set frequency (daily or weekly)Step 4: Meet with an APEX CounselorCounselor helps refine: Target agencies, market intelligence, bid/no-bid criteria, and opportunity alignmentStep 5: Begin a Consistent Forecasting RoutineReview MyBidMatch alertsCheck agency forecastsMap opportunities 6–18 months outBuild capture sequences earlyHelp spread the word about Unveiled: GovCon Stories: https://shows.acast.com/unveiled-govcon-storiesDo you want to be a guest or recommend a topic that you would like to learn or hear about on the podcast? Let us know through our guest feedback and registration form.Links & Resources:GMU Apex AcceleratorUnveiled: GovCon Stories Cheat Sheet – “Make it Make Sense for Small Business”Project SpectrumRevolutionary FAR OverhaulSponsors:The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the hosts and guests, and do not reflect the views or endorsements of our sponsors.Withum – Diamond Sponsor!Withum is a forward-thinking, technology-driven advisory and accounting firm, helping clients to be in a position of strength in today's complex business environment. Go to Withum's website to learn more about how they can help your business! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this podcast episode, Dawn Tiura interviews Stan Garber, co-founder and president of Levelpath, discussing the transformative impact of AI on procurement processes. They explore the differences between AI-native solutions and traditional tools, the barriers to AI adoption, and the potential for AI to enhance team collaboration and efficiency. Stan shares insights from his entrepreneurial journey and emphasizes the importance of integrating AI into workflows to achieve significant improvements in productivity.

"Efficiency should fund the future, not erase the people needed to deliver it." – Philip Ideson, Founder and Managing Director of Art of Procurement 2026 is going to be another year of volatility, but it will also be a year of immense opportunity for procurement pragmatists, the ones who are willing to do the work to build the future rather than just waiting for it to arrive. In a tradition that dates back to 2018, Art of Procurement rings in the new year with Founder and Managing Director Philip Ideson's Annual Message. Each year's perspectives are shaped by hundreds of conversations with procurement leaders, providers, subject matter experts, and people both inside and outside the world of procurement. This year, Philip reflects on changes being felt across the professional community and also shares his vision for the next evolution of Art of Procurement.  In this episode, Philip elaborates on: Which path to take in an exciting, but also overwhelming, digital procurement landscape How procurement operating models need to adjust to take not just AI into account, but also the pure intent of the function The 'elephant in the room' - which is not AI, but the readiness and culture that have to be prepared to receive and leverage the new opportunities it creates Links: Art of Procurement Annual Letters Philip Ideson on LinkedIn Subscribe to This Week in Procurement Subscribe to Art of Procurement on YouTube

Meet Malcolm Ali a.k.a. Mr. Purchase Order GovCon Expert, Entrepreneur, #1 best selling author, AI Alchemist and motivational speakerMalcolm "Mr. Purchase Order" Ali is a nationally certified procurement expert, government contracting strategist, and business coach who helps minority-owned businesses win government contracts and scale with confidence. As the founder of ProcureForce, Inc., Malcolm has helped entrepreneurs secure millions in public sector contracts through targeted certifications, AI-powered tools, and step-by-step coaching. Links & Resources:

"Integration with Procore? Everyone warned us they'd copy our product. We did it anyway - and it became our best go-to-market decision."In today's episode of Bricks and Bytes, we had Or Lakritz, founder of StructShare (now Trimble Materials), and we got to learn about how a 21-person startup navigated acquisition conversations with multiple players, the critical importance of transparency during M&A, why integrating with Procore in 2021 was one of their best decisions... and many more!Tune in to find out about:✅ Why Trimble chose to buy instead of build - and how StructShare filled a strategic procurement gap✅ The real differences between being acquired by a platform giant vs. private equity (spoiler: it's all about narrative)✅ How Or managed team culture and morale through the acquisition process with full transparency✅ Why distribution matters more than product in construction tech - and what AI might change about thatThis one's packed with honest insights from someone who actually lived through it. Worth the listen.Our Sponsor:Aphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.coArchdesk -  “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision -   streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.ioChapters0:00 Intro4:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests 4:59 The Acquisition Story of Structure 9:17 Navigating the Acquisition Process 16:18 Cultural Integration Post-Acquisition 18:15 Lessons Learned from Building Structure 31:46 The Evolution of the Procurement Space 33:04 The Evolution of Construction Tech 35:58 AI's Impact on Procurement Processes 39:20 Building the Future of Procurement 42:24 Navigating Go-to-Market Strategies 44:36 Acquisition Insights and Market Dynamics 57:35 Integrating with Industry Giants 1:01:02 Personal Growth and Impact in Business

A VAIO é uma marca que marcou gerações e até hoje desperta curiosidade e dúvidas entre consumidores brasileiros. Mas o que muita gente ainda não sabe é como funciona, na prática, a parceria entre a marca japonesa e a Positivo Tecnologia no Brasil. Neste episódio do Podcast Canaltech, Sérgio Oliveira, editor de hardware do Canaltech, conversa com Daniela Collin, diretora de Procurement e Desenvolvimento de Produtos da Positivo, sobre os bastidores dessa relação: como os produtos são desenvolvidos em conjunto com o Japão, quais padrões técnicos e de design precisam ser seguidos, o papel da fábrica de Manaus e como a VAIO chegou à marca de 1 milhão de dispositivos vendidos no país. Você também vai conferir: PicPay transforma celular em maquininha de cartão, Gemini passa a identificar conteúdos criados por IA e novo recurso do Windows 10 promete PC até 80% mais rápido. Este podcast foi roteirizado e apresentado por Fernada Santos e contou com reportagens de Marcelo Fischer e João Melo, sob coordenação de Anaísa Catucci. A trilha sonora é de Guilherme Zomer, a edição de Jully Cruz e a arte da capa é de Erick Teixeira.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

'Tis the season… for making supply chain predictions. Given how volatile 2025 was, anyone willing to share their opinions about the coming year deserves an award for courage.  In this episode of Art of Supply, the last of 2025, Kelly Barner shares her curated list of picks for the most compelling 2026 supply chain predictions, not ranked in any particular order, and with no guarantees for how likely they are to come true. These predictions suggest that: Localization, automation, and resilience will keep colliding with reality, not hype Decision-making will stay fast, data will stay late, and companies will learn to live with the gap Rising costs and tighter oversight (from freight to cyber risk to returns) will force uncomfortable tradeoffs Government influence on supply chains isn't fading, it's expanding in new and unexpected ways Links: Kelly Barner on LinkedIn Art of Supply LinkedIn newsletter  Art of Supply on AOP Subscribe to This Week in Procurement  

Agencies have 90 days to update acquisition polices to ensure that the artificial intelligence tools they purchase are truth seeking and ideological neutral. A new memo from the Office of Management and Budget details new requirements starting March 11 for contracts awarded for large language models. Federal News Network executive editor Jason Miller joins me with more on what agencies will have to do to meet the administration's new AI guidelines.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Procurement may just be one of the most social functions in the company. Not only does the team have to interact successfully with the executive team, budget holders, other stakeholders, and suppliers, but they must do so without having authority over any of them. Their relational skills - including communication, negotiation, and influencing - are constantly being put to the test.   In this episode of The Sourcing Hero podcast, Host Kelly Barner welcomes Matthieu Garnier. Mattheu has extensive procurement experience, including in the automotive industry, where the results of a negotiation or a relationship are felt long into the future.   Matthieu shares his personal philosophy on the humanity of procurement, and why that will make all the difference as the world of business becomes increasingly AI-driven: The value of investing in a professional community Why procurement needs to develop their listening skills just as much as their communication and negotiation skills How to balance being relational with being tough, as circumstances require Procurement's opportunity to ‘shine a light' in the grey spaces that every company must travel through   Links: Matthieu Garnier on LinkedIn

I started in the family manufacturing company in 1978 after being encouraged by my parents. Shortly after starting I began a formal, two years, machinist apprenticeship. I worked on the manual machines in the factory for about six years when my father tasked me with implementing CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machinery in our company. It was highly successful. For the next decade, I worked and managed the operations of the family business and segued into administrative roles; Procurement, Quoting, HR, Business Development, Sales, Marketing and PR. I literally learned the family business from the back door to the front door. After years of encouraging my father to create a business succession plan, we did, and in 2004 I became President and sole shareholder. Running a small business is challenging as we wear a lot of hats in our day to day. I kept pushing through those roadblocks; recessions, employees, customers, vendors and more and in 2007 we had our most profitable year. But as we all know the Great Recession came along – it hit us in the 4th quarter of 2008 – and we had to layoff 60% of our workforce. It was not pleasant and it was gut-wrenching to one by one tell my veteran employees, who I cared about there was no work for them. I vowed I would never let that happen again so made a decision to start working on the business rather than in it. I reached out to our long-term manufacturing association – the TMA and started learning about marketing and networking. It was out of my comfort zone but knew if I pushed myself the rewards would come and they did. I was encouraged to join committees, peer groups and attend industry-specific networking events around Chicago. I met like-minded people that ironically all shared the same pains and stories of my decades in the business. I became friends with these peers and created a small, personal Board of Directors with them, people that I could trust and could ask anything. It was and still is one of the most rewarding experiences in my business career. I found I had an innate ability and passion for marketing and suddenly found myself mingling with these professionals too. We would share our frustrations, successes and technologies with each other which helped me grow my personal and business brand – which I found out are together as one. As my networking evolved, I was asked to join the exclusive TMA Board of Directors and in my third year was voted by my peers to move into the executive chairs, culminating into Chairman, the highest Board level position. I was humbled and accepted. Through this networking platform, I was presented with an opportunity to be interviewed on a local Chicago AM radio station and share my marketing savvy and wisdom with their audience about how I was using social media to brand my manufacturing company – nobody was doing it at that time. Also at my interview was Jason Zenger, the President of Zenger's Industrial Supply. My company was a premier vendor who was buying industrial cutting tools from his business for years. We had never met but knew of each other. Jason was there to add to the discussion about what he was doing differently as a third-generation business owner at his company. We hit it off. Shortly after our interview aired he called me to ask if I had heard of or listened to podcasts. I said yes, I knew of that media but was not actively listening. Jason said, “I think we have a deep knowledge of our industry, we are not competitors, are highly connected to the community, have a commanding presence and no one relevant in our industry was in that space.” Suddenly a light bulb in my head went off – that a-ha moment – I had felt that feeling when I started using social. I wanted to be the trailblazer and this seemed like a fairly low-risk proposition. I agreed. The only caveat was I would only do it if it was well structured, thought out and quality was the overwhelming key. We planned for a year doing research on the average American commute, joined online podcast communities to learn tips on what other successful podcasters were doing, hired professional voice talent and sound editors and at the onset of 2015 released our first show. It was immediately well-received and in two weeks we were on the iTunes New & Noteworthy List of Podcasts. A few major trade publications did some articles on us and of course, we used our social media savvy to target our audience. We were on our way. What we didn't realize is that although our mission was to equip and inspire manufacturing leaders, with the hope that we could garner some thought leadership and interest in our respective manufacturing companies, major brands that sold to our audience started to notice us and inquired about advertising on our show. We were excited but didn't know how to react. This was strictly a grassroots project and neither of us knew much about this space. Of course, we accepted and the rest is history. We are new an income-producing, bona fide brand, that is known among our community and we have lucrative contracts with some of the largest players in our industry. The next step. We are definitely busy people, me running my manufacturing company, conducting interviews and shows with Jason and to retain the level of networking that helped me grow into what I am today. It's not easy but as my father always used to tell me: “Jim, if it was easy, everybody would be doing it”. He couldn't be more right.

Analyst firm Forrester has projected that AI-native cloud solutions could generate $20 billion in revenue by 2026, significantly reshaping enterprise IT operations. However, the transition to these solutions raises concerns about governance gaps that could lead to outages. Organizations are increasingly redesigning their systems across various sectors, including education and infrastructure financing, to manage the risks associated with AI. This shift is underscored by a recent Gallup poll indicating that 45% of U.S. employees are using AI at work, reflecting a growing reliance on AI tools for operational efficiency.The term "SLOP" has been designated as Merriam-Webster's 2025 Word of the Year, highlighting the cultural implications of AI's integration into daily communication. This term encapsulates the challenges of quality control in AI outputs, as the rapid scaling of AI tools often outpaces human judgment. Managed Service Providers (MSPs) are urged to focus on helping clients discern which AI outputs are reliable and which require scrutiny, emphasizing the need for quality control over mere automation.In the education sector, a notable trend is the adoption of oral exams to assess student learning, ensuring evaluations reflect genuine understanding rather than reliance on AI-generated content. Additionally, major tech companies like Microsoft and Google are adopting innovative financing strategies, such as short-term leasing agreements for computing power, to mitigate financial risks associated with AI infrastructure investments. These strategies allow companies to scale their AI capabilities while maintaining flexibility in their financial commitments.For MSPs and IT service leaders, the evolving landscape of AI presents both challenges and opportunities. The emphasis on governance and quality control in AI tools indicates a shift in how organizations will approach AI adoption, necessitating new validation steps and risk models. MSPs can leverage this moment by providing guidance on AI evaluation and compliance, ensuring that clients can navigate the complexities of AI integration while minimizing potential liabilities. Four things to know today 00:00 AI Adoption Surges as Forrester, Gallup, and Merriam-Webster Signal a Quality Problem04:40 -Education and Big Tech Respond to AI by Reworking Assessment and Risk Models07:13 OMB Uses Procurement Power to Set Federal Standards for Truthful, Unbiased AI Tools09:11 Disney Sets AI Rules:  This is the Business of Tech.    Supported by:  https://cometbackup.com/?utm_source=mspradio&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=sponsorship

In this inspiring and educational episode of The Big Bid Theory, host Bill Culhane engages in a powerful conversation with procurement thought leader Chris Smith about the evolving role of public procurement and what it means to lead with purpose in 2026 and beyond. Public procurement professionals, leadership‑minded listeners, and anyone passionate about ethical impact will discover fresh perspectives on how the field is transforming from a compliance‑driven function into a strategic engine of trust, innovation, and measurable outcomes. Together, Bill and Chris explore:Why public procurement is a tremendous opportunity for professionals driven by ethics and meaningful impact.The core principles of servant leadership and how putting people first builds more effective teams and sustainable results in government procurement.The role of AI and strategic thinking in optimizing procurement processes while safeguarding integrity and accountability.How professional certification, including the NIGP Certified Public Procurement (CPP) credential, boosts credibility, career growth, and elevates procurement as a respected profession.Real‑world insights on leadership, career development, and the future of public procurement that will inspire you to think differently about your role and opportunities ahead.Appropriate to this episode, Bill shares a reminder that the 2025 David and Beverly Nash Leadership Award recipient will be named this week!Whether you're a seasoned Chief Procurement Officer, an emerging leader in public procurement, or someone curious about the intersection of leadership and public service, this episode delivers compelling insights, practical advice, and strategic inspiration to fuel your professional journey.If you believe public procurement should be more than a checkbox, you want to build trust, drive impact, and lead with purpose, this episode of The Big Bid Theory is made for you.Rick Jennings shares the final Crazy Bids You Can Win of season 11. Don't miss it!

"The first time that you speak with a supplier shouldn't be in a time of crisis. Our best customers work with us regularly, and we're constantly hearing from them." - Rick Bond, Chief Revenue Officer, Safeware When a crisis hits, procurement must move at lightning speed… but without cutting corners.  How do public agencies build systems that are nimble, compliant, and ready for anything? The answer to that question lies in proactive preparation, robust cooperative agreements, and the partnerships that power an effective emergency response. In this episode, Philip Ideson speaks with Tammy Rimes, Executive Director of National Cooperative Procurement Partners, and Rick Bond, Safeware's Chief Revenue Officer. Together, they share what really happens behind the scenes when disaster strikes, and how contract strategies and supplier relationships can turn from routine to lifesaving overnight. They also examine hard lessons learned from the pandemic, the critical role of due diligence, and why warehousing strategies are making a comeback. From practical war stories to high-level frameworks, this episode is a playbook for anyone navigating risk and rapid response. In this episode, Tammy and Rick discuss how to: Create ready-to-launch emergency contracts before you need them Run fast but thorough due diligence, even with "easy" agreements Build supplier relationships that go beyond the transaction Balance just-in-time strategies with smart warehousing investments Hold both parties accountable for resilience, not just price Links: Executive Briefing: Cooperative Procurement as a Tool for Emergency Preparedness Tammy Rimes on LinkedIn Rick Bond on LinkedIn Subscribe to This Week in Procurement Subscribe to Art of Procurement on YouTube

Forget everything you thought you knew about government procurement transformation. Michigan's innovative approach proves that sustainable improvement isn't about massive overhauls—it's about maintaining what Chief Procurement Officer Jared Ambrosier calls "a constant low simmer" of innovation.In this fascinating conversation, Ambrosier and Supplier Relations Manager Will Camp reveal how Michigan's procurement office has evolved from executing a directive-driven transformation to cultivating an organic culture of continuous refinement. Rather than exhausting staff with comprehensive changes, they maintain a portfolio of 10-15 improvement projects simultaneously, each addressing specific pain points or opportunities. Their annual visioning process provides structure, while daily openness to new ideas keeps innovation flowing from all levels of the organization.For procurement professionals looking to create lasting improvements, Michigan's leaders offer this wisdom: focus on changes that benefit staff quality of work/life, not just leadership priorities. Understand the "why" behind each initiative. And perhaps most importantly, recognize that improvement isn't a destination—it's an ongoing journey that requires constant adaptation, especially as emerging technologies like AI create new opportunities for efficiency. From helicopter purchases to horse urine testing for race tracks, this episode showcases both the fascinating variety and the strategic sophistication of modern public procurement. Subscribe now for more insights that will transform how you think about government purchasing!Follow & subscribe to stay up-to-date on NASPO!naspo.org | Pulse Blog | LinkedIn | Youtube | Facebook

What if you could cut overdue bids by more than half without buying a new e-procurement system? We sit down with Stacia Dawson and Michael Stroud from Missouri's Division of Purchasing to unpack a practical playbook for turnaround time management that anyone can adopt. Their approach blends simple tooling—Smartsheet for structured data and Tableau for clear visuals—with tight weekly reviews that turn insights into action.We walk through the foundations: setting phase-based goals, logging actual dates with consistency, and using a stoplight status to keep focus on what's at risk. Stacia shares how the team moved beyond giant spreadsheets and guesswork to a living dashboard that sorts work from oldest to newest, reveals bottlenecks fast, and makes it easy to intervene. Michael explains why low-code tools were the right fit: low cost, fast to implement, and flexible enough to evolve as the team learned. The result? A 62% reduction in overdue bids, faster cycle times, and a shared understanding of what drives delays.If you're looking to modernize public procurement with limited resources, this story shows exactly where to start: one sheet, a few well-chosen fields, simple color rules, and a weekly cadence that makes data matter. Subscribe for more practical procurement strategies, share this episode with your team, and tell us: which metric would you track first to unlock faster, fairer awards?Follow & subscribe to stay up-to-date on NASPO!naspo.org | Pulse Blog | LinkedIn | Youtube | Facebook

From Procurement Insider To Mr. Purchase Order: The Raw Truth About Winning Government Contractsm.ali@mrpurchaseorder.comon DiversifiedGame.com

GE Appliances has been making news for years for the success of their reshoring program. It is a great story: a well-known consumer brand that is bringing production home, both to their own benefit and also to the benefit of customers and employees. But even while GE Appliances has continued to make investments and earn positive headlines for continuing their commitment to reshoring efforts and partnering with suppliers, one of their competitors isn't so sure. Whirlpool recently alleged that GE Appliances, along with two other competitors, was evading tariffs by artificially lowering the declared value of the goods they import – without passing those 'savings' along to customers. But does the data show evidence of misdeeds? In this episode of the Art of Supply podcast, Kelly Barner covers the balance of GE Appliances's good headlines and recent allegations against them: Background on GE Appliances's efforts to reshore production and the investments that has required The additional ways they are investing in domestic supplier partnerships, through collaboration and consultation And the recent investigation into potential tariff fraud… as alleged by Whirlpool… and what might explain the discrepancies Links: Advancements & Adjustments in the GE Appliances Supply Chain Kelly Barner on LinkedIn Art of Supply LinkedIn newsletter  Art of Supply on AOP Subscribe to This Week in Procurement  

A new guide from the Open Contracting Partnership frames procurement as the key to effective AI adoption in government. It highlights how agencies can manage risk, cut through vendor hype, and foster collaboration between IT and acquisition teams. We'll explore those insights with Kathrin Frauscher, Deputy Executive Director at the Open Contracting Partnership (OCP). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton Can fixing the Pentagon's back office make the front lines stronger? Procurement could decide whether AI succeeds or fails in governmentAI is stepping into the fight for supply chain resilience and battlefield readinessSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After 23 episodes of dissecting procurement's incentive flaws, behavioral blind spots, and structural contradictions, the "Buy: The Way…To Purposeful Procurement" podcast team closes season one with something different: reflection, humor, a little chaos, and a first look at what comes next. In this episode, Rich Ham seizes the mic for a surprise "hostile takeover," pulling Philip Ideson and Kelly Barner into a rapid-fire look back at the most memorable moments of the season. What follows is part game show, part roast, and part highlight reel. In short, the perfect way to close a project built on saying the quiet parts out loud. Rich counts down his "top seven" insights from guests like Martin Chilcott, Thomas Udesen, Kate Vitasek, and Omid Ghamami, and the topics they discussed, from decarbonization realities to incentive design failures, from short-termism to purpose-driven procurement.  The list captures what this season repeatedly revealed: procurement isn't held back by a lack of talent or ambition, but by systems and incentives that don't reflect the impact leaders know they can deliver. This episode isn't just a retrospective. It also marks the transition from discovery to design.  After months of interviews, research, and internal debate, the team announces what's next: The Buylaws – a set of guiding principles for a healthier, more purposeful procurement incentive system. Early 2026 will bring a new mini-series dedicated to unpacking each one of these recommendations. As we've learned, procurement's potential is enormous, but potential becomes purpose only when incentives, behavior, and business outcomes finally align. Links: Rich Ham on LinkedInLearn more at FineTuneUs.com

December deals are different. Negotiations drag. Legal stalls. Procurement kicks it to January. And your EOQ slips away. In this Masterclass, Todd Caponi joins Nick and Armand to share strategies from his new book, Four Levers Negotiating. He'll show you how to flip the script and close what's left on the table — before the ball drops. Todd is the founder of Sales Melon, the host of The Sales History Podcast, and an author of award-winning business books. He's also a C-Level sales leader, and he knows what he's talking about. You'll learn how to win negotiations the moment pricing enters the conversation, use give-get momentum to cut deal times in half, and blast through legal, security, and procurement reviews that usually stall you until Q1. -- Buy 'Four Levers Negotiating' here: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Four-Levers-Negotiating/Todd-Caponi/9781637748404 -- Use Code HOLIDAY50 for $50 off any course (expires at midnight on 12/25): https://www.30mpc.com/courses --

Hebrews 12:7-14 Printable Outline:  12-7-25     Sermon audio:    12-7-25

This special edition of our Collaborative procurement podcast supplements our new report featuring Andrew Thompson and Marc Gibbons from AECOM, alongside Dominic Lacey, Tom Douglas and Roberta Wertman from Eversheds Sutherland. We examine attitudes to collaborative procurement across the Middle East exploring adoption rates and understanding of collaborative procurement models providing insights into the problems facing the delivery of major projects in the region, and the challenges anticipated going forwards.

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, host Scott Luton sits down with Todd Heimes, Vice President of Amazon Business, live from Amazon Reshape 2025 in Seattle. Todd—an Amazon veteran of 26 years and a Seattle resident for over 30 years—shares rare, behind-the-scenes insights on scaling Amazon Business across Europe, Japan, and India, and leading multiple global teams including small business, global marketing, Business Prime, and international expansion.Todd explains how AI and innovation are reshaping procurement, with Amazon working to eliminate inefficiencies, reduce manual drudgery, and empower organizations to make smarter, faster purchasing decisions. He underscores the enduring influence of Jeff Bezos' principle: start with the customer and work backwards.Todd shares a fascinating look at how Amazon Business streamlines procurement for large-scale, high-stakes operations, and also breaks down Amazon's newest AI-driven capabilities—like the Amazon Business Assistant and Spend Anomaly detection—designed to elevate customer experience and bring intelligence to purchasing workflows.Todd closes with advice for today's supply chain leaders: master your data to navigate uncertainty and drive smarter decisions. Tune into this episode to hear how Amazon Business is using AI, innovation, and customer-obsessed strategies to transform procurement and empower organizations to work smarter and faster.Additional Links & Resources:Connect with Todd: https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-heimes-854666/Learn more about Amazon Business: https://business.amazon.com/See more interviews from Amazon Business Reshape 2025: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlLoUG3n7TmW4c7RknasnchSaxRDauGyyLearn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comWatch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-nowSubscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/joinWork with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkWEBINAR- Inside Outdoor Cap's Warehouse: How Voice Picking Elevated Daily Operations: https://bit.ly/49m4D1zWEBINAR- Supply Chain Strength: Strategies that Deliver in any Economy: https://bit.ly/4hqTnTHWEBINAR- Owens Corning's Roadmap to Fuel Cost Visibility and Savings: https://bit.ly/4pfn5hgThis episode is hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/how-ai-innovation-reshaping-procurement-amazon-business-1516

"If you don't go on the journey, you risk being left behind. The key is to try, learn, and apply AI in a way that creates real value." - Fang Chang, EVP and Chief Product Officer at SAP AI isn't just another feature on your tech checklist. It's changing the way procurement teams deliver impact… but only for those bold enough to rethink from the ground up.  In this podcast episode, host Philip Ideson speaks with Fang Chang, EVP and Chief Product Officer at SAP, who shares what it looks like to rebuild an established platform like Ariba on a true AI foundation. Fang's team didn't just layer new tech onto old workflows; they tore everything down and rebuilt with AI at the core.  If you've ever asked whether your team should wait for the "next" wave of AI innovation or start learning by doing, this conversation is a must-listen. Fang walks through technical choices, balancing agility with reliability, and what an AI-powered procurement experience now enables for the business. In this episode, Fang discusses: Why simply layering AI onto legacy tools leaves value on the table How to decide where AI creates business outcomes… and where it doesn't What real agility looks like in a fast-evolving AI landscape How contextual "insights to action" bring value at every step The new balance of human oversight with AI-driven workflows Links: Fang Chang on LinkedIn Subscribe to This Week in Procurement Subscribe to Art of Procurement on YouTube  

Cities and other local governments aren't required to go through a formal procurement process to join the TML Risk Pool because they are essentially self-insuring when they do so. That being said, many do for various reasons. And when they do, local officials should be aware of various industry tactics to ensure an apples-to-apples coverage comparison. In this episode, Scott visits with the Pool's Director of Risk Services – Aaron Hardiman – about what that means and how local officials can ensure integrity in their processes.Further InformationClaims Made v. Occurrence-Based Coverage Article

After nearly a year of exploring procurement's incentive paradox from every angle, Philip Ideson, Rich Ham, and Kelly Barner reconvene to connect the dots between three of the series' most thought-provoking guests: Jason Brown, David Loseby, and Omid Ghamami. Each offered a distinct lens on the same fundamental question: What does performance really mean in procurement today? Jason Brown framed incentives as an operating system: a structure that shapes behavior and defines what purpose looks like in practice. David Loseby reminded us that real change starts with understanding people, not just systems. And Omid Ghamami challenged procurement to stop claiming victory at contract signature and start measuring success by real-world outcomes actually achieved. As the co-hosts unpack these different takes on procurement performance, they uncover a unifying truth: procurement's metrics may have been right for their time, but the time has changed. Savings-driven scorecards and transactional incentives no longer fit a function expected to deliver innovation, resilience, and strategic value. The discussion also looks ahead to what comes next as the co-hosts think about how AI reshapes the function, causing headcounts to shrink and expectations to rise. Can procurement redefine its purpose before automation defines it for them? The answer, they argue, lies in alignment: between incentives and impact, between humans and technology, and between what we buy and what we're genuinely trying to achieve. Links: Rich Ham on LinkedInLearn more at FineTuneUs.com

In this episode of Gov Tech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha discuss a significant rulemaking process initiated by the Department of General Services (DGS) to change small business and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) procurement processes. They examine the new statutory mandate requiring 25% of state spending to go to small businesses and 3% to DVBEs. Jennifer highlights the impact on technology procurements and the potential for leveling the playing field for small businesses. The conversation also delves into the increased contract limit from $250,000 to $3.5 million for small business procurements and the need for education and awareness within both government and vendor communities. The episode closes with a look at the opportunities and challenges this new regulation presents.00:00 Introduction to Govtech Today00:29 Regulatory Changes in Small Business and DVB Procurement02:08 Impact on Technology Procurement04:11 Small Business and DVB Off-Ramp Procurement06:49 Increasing the Procurement Limit09:33 Educating the Business Community15:24 Conclusion and Future Outlook

"Your contracts are your source of truth. You should have a tool that can go through the contracts and help you understand the impact and make an assessment, all in one place." -Toby Laforest, Senior Director PMM - Market Insights and Solutions at Ironclad  Procurement leaders can no longer afford to wait for requests to land in their inbox. Facing regulatory change, market volatility, and growing demand for business partnership, some organizations are reimagining their procurement operating models and putting technology and process both front and center.  In this Art of Procurement podcast episode, Clare Cassano, Head of Procurement Strategy & Execution at Invesco, and Toby LaForest from Ironclad, share how Invesco tackled the shift from reactive service to proactive business enablement. They discuss the tough choices behind their technology stack, the reality of orchestration layers, and why "best fit" often wins over "best-in-class" for their unique needs. Listen in for practical lessons on realigning talent, building true contract intelligence, and future-proofing your procurement process with an eye toward AI and automation.  In this episode, Clare and Toby discuss: How AI-enabled contract management can deliver real-time contract insights, not just document storage Honest advice about choosing best fit tech over one-size-fits-all suites Future opportunities (and things to watch out for) related to agentic AI in procurement Links: Toby Laforest on LinkedIn Clare Cassano on LinkedIn From Reactive to Strategic: Transforming Procurement Through Contract Intelligence Contracting for Speed: How Orchestration Empowers Procurement Subscribe to This Week in Procurement Subscribe to Art of Procurement on YouTube  

Craig Unger describes his 2014 visit to Iran's "Den of Spies" embassy museum, where he interviewed Moshen Rafi Duce, Iran's arms procurement head, who seemingly made an accidental admission about meeting "the Republicans." Former Iranian president Abolhassan Banisadr confirmed the October Surprise was a double coup d'état, destabilizing both the US and moderate Iranian elements. The timing of the hostage release confirms a prior deal: they were freed only three minutes after Ronald Reagan took the oath of office on January 20, 1981. This event, Unger concludes, fits a pattern of Republican reliance on adversarial nations to intervene in US elections. Guest: Craig Unger. Retry