Podcasts about Procurement

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 --

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  

UPS is currently stuck between dropping parcel rates, rising union leverage, and stiff competition from their peers. Unlike their peers, UPS is unionized (part of the Teamsters), adding additional complexity and bottom-line pressure. Not one to give up after 120 years in business, UPS has been looking for creative ways to make ends meet without disappointing the public. They created a massive buyout opportunity for drivers and have been working with gig drivers to handle spikes in seasonal volume without paying expensive overtime. Both strategies are saving them money, but running afoul of the Teamsters in the process. In this episode of the Art of Supply podcast, Kelly Barner looks at UPS's challenges and the creative options they are trying in response: Leveraging gig drivers while warning against the danger of a loosely-managed final mile Introducing automation where they can, shutting warehouses where they can't Working to maintain a premium delivery service in a world dominated by low-cost eCommerce volume Links: Negotiating the Big One: UPS and the Teamsters Labor Union Kelly Barner on LinkedIn Art of Supply LinkedIn newsletter  Art of Supply on AOP Subscribe to This Week in Procurement  

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

Avoiding the “AI stamp" trap in Procurement starts with one mindset shift: orchestrate AI, don't just adopt it.In this episode, host Mike Jansen speaks with Salvatore Lombardo, CPTO at Coupa, about how procurement leaders can turn AI into a true business driver.Salvatore explains why too many teams chase artificial intelligence for visibility rather than value, and what it takes to build sustainable impact instead. He breaks down how to move from scattered “one agent per pain point” initiatives to orchestrated AI ecosystems that connect data, workflows and people.Drawing on Coupa's real-world client successes, including a €25M saving achieved by Uber through AI-driven spend analysis, Salvatore reveals how to start small, measure what matters, and keep empathy and human judgement at the centre of decision-making.You'll learn:1. Why performative AI adoption fails and what to do instead2. How to start small and scale AI responsibly3. How to turn risk and opportunity into measurable business value4. How to orchestrate agents across business functions5. Why empathy remains Procurement's ultimate advantage___________Get in touch with Salvatore Lombardo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/salva-lombardo/___________About the host Mike Jansen:Mike Jansen is Partner at H&Z Management Consulting with over a decade of experience enhancing the value that procurement delivers to organisations. Driven by a passion for tackling challenges, Mike thrives on competition—whether with others or himself. Outside of work, Mike enjoys quality time with his wife and children.Get in touch with Mike Jansen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jansen-mike/

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

FPDS is one of the most valuable tools in your toolbox.Join me in this series and become an expert at using the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS).This is the second of a planned series about FPDS.In this training, you'll learn:• Why searching FPDS is vital to your sales success as a government contractor• Basic search techniques to find 'slam dunk' opportunities you can pursue• Advanced search criteria to narrow your search results___________________________________

Ethical procurement is becoming increasingly important in our ever more complex, interconnected, and global economy.  Implementing an ethical procurement strategy embeds values like fairness, transparency and sustainability in to the DNA of your organisations thinking regarding purchasing decision and that is a good thing.

"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  

Discover how public procurement is being redefined to drive innovation, sustainability and integrity in construction. This episode features insights from the City of Stockholm and Skanska Sweden on transforming traditional bidding into strategic partnerships for a better built future.

Faster and smarter procurement with AI isn't a promise, it's already a reality.What once required spreadsheets, endless follow-ups, and hours of manual comparison can now be solved in just a few minutes with the support of artificial intelligence.AI speeds up repetitive tasks, creates RFPs, analyzes suppliers, predicts risks, and turns technical data into strategic decisions. The buyer gains an “extra brain” by their side, one capable of seeing scenarios, analyzing trends, and anticipating problems before they appear.Platforms like ZINIT are already putting this into practice, integrating AI into the procurement process and enabling predictive analysis, automated controls, and intelligent visibility across the entire chain.The technical part tends to be automated… but the human part will be more valued than ever.The real shift isn't just technological, it's mental.Procurement stops being operational and becomes corporate intelligence.And those who learn to use AI now will lead the game in the coming years.The question is simple:Do you just want to execute… or do you want to become truly strategic?

Listen to the season finale of the Esker On Air Office of the CFO series as host Scott Leahy shares a clear, actionable roadmap for modernizing finance — based on insights gathered across AP, AR, Customer Service, and Procurement episodes this season.Learn the five steps CFOs can use to stabilize core processes, connect teams, plan automation rollouts, measure the right KPIs, and build the communication rhythms needed for long-term success.If you want clarity on what the modern Office of the CFO should focus on next, this episode is your guide.Resources:Esker: info@esker.comContact Us [Click Here]AI Automation Suite for the Office of the CFO

 Dustin reviews six reasons to be thankful for the work of procurement professionals this Thanksgiving. 

Episode 3 of our new podcast series on Collaborative Procurement and Contracting with Tom Douglas, Partner, Eversheds Sutherland and Edd Burton, Head of Advisory Services at AECOM. We welcome Patrick Guné, Executive Director Major Projects at Trafikverket and Jan Österman, Partner, Eversheds Sutherland, Sweden. Together, they share their insights from the Nordic region on new methods of contracting, including collaborative procuremen

Episode 2 of our new podcast series on Collaborative Procurement and Contracting with Tom Douglas, Partner, Eversheds Sutherland and Edd Burton, Head of Advisory Services at AECOM. We welcome Dr Steffen Jung from Eversheds Sutherland's office in Munich where he heads the construction practice group. Together, they share their insights from Germany and the UK, on new methods of contracting, including collaborative procurement.

Listen to our new series on Collaborative Procurement and Contracting podcast with Tom Douglas, Partner, Eversheds Sutherland and Edd Burton, Head of Advisory Services at AECOM. In this new series we will explore the international perspectives of Collaborative Contracting, the current trends and issues we are seeing in the various markets across the globe. We are delighted to welcome various colleagues and guest speakers to hear their perspectives.

In this episode of the ABB Solutions Podcast, host Mike Murphy is joined by Abel Cavazos and Wayne Paschal from ABB's High Power Division. The discussion focuses on understanding criticality levels in motor applications, how they impact equipment selection, and what facilities should consider to reduce procurement time and increase reliability. Tune in to hear insights on:Understanding Criticality: How CR1–CR4 ratings impact production risk, repair strategy, and motor specification.Purchasing Considerations: Why motor starting capability, torque requirements, and electrical system limitations drive design choices.Motor Starting Characteristics: How different applications—pumps, fans, conveyors, mills—affect rotor/stator design, starting current, and heat management.High-Inertia & Fully Loaded Starts: What engineering adjustments are required to ensure motors can safely start under demanding conditions.Bearings & Protection: The differences between anti-friction and sleeve bearings, and why lubrication, seals, and contamination control are essential for reliability.References:Transforming industry with energy-efficient motors and reliable power generators: https://new.abb.com/motors-generators

Dr. Paul Davis, Lecturer in Procurement at DCU

"We're always running at 100%. Some people love that. I think it's like an adrenaline rush."That's how Katie Coulson describes leading Skanska Advanced Technology—where construction projects that typically take 2-3 years get done in a fraction of the time.In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we had Katie Coulson from Skanska Advanced Technology and we got to learn about how they're building data centers and semiconductor fabs at tech company speed, why they're often starting construction before the design is even finalized, and what 31 years in construction has taught her about the future of the industry... and many more!Tune in to find out about:✅ How Skanska's vertical unit model combines national tech expertise with local market knowledge to deliver high-speed projects across the US✅ Why the traditional construction bell curve doesn't exist in data center and semiconductor work—and the type of people who thrive in that chaos✅ The sophisticated subcontractor relationships that make it possible to mobilize quickly across different markets✅ Katie's predictions on AI, offsite manufacturing, and robotics as solutions to construction's labor challenges (especially as remote work isn't an option for field teams)If you're building in the data center or semiconductor space, or just curious about how construction is adapting to move at tech speed, this one's for you. Watch the full episode now. Link in the comment!

"Taking the time to get input, to get the feedback and listen to the needs might add a few weeks up front, but ultimately, you're going to have a better, stronger solution and support and alignment." - Jesse Jacoby, Founder and Managing Principal, Emergent, LLC Procurement and business leaders face a tangled web: legacy systems, evolving digital capabilities, and rising pressure to do more with less.  How do you design an operating model that truly enables transformation without adding more complexity? In this episode, Philip Ideson speaks with Jesse Jacoby, Founder and Managing Principal at Emergent LLC. Jesse's experience guiding Fortune 500 organizations through high-stakes change gives him a practical, people-focused outlook on what really makes business transformation work. In this episode, Philip and Jesse explore how operating models can either help or hinder procurement, why quick fixes rarely stick, and how to leverage change management and AI for meaningful, lasting results. Jesse's insights on avoiding common mistakes and building "muscle memory" for change are a must-hear for anyone stepping into (or leading) transformation. In this episode, Jesse discusses how to: See operating models as interconnected "super systems" rather than isolated processes   Identify and untangle legacy complexity before making changes   Make the case for change both rationally and emotionally   Use AI to augment – not replace – human decision-making   Build resilience with ongoing, bite-sized upskilling programs Links: Jesse Jacoby on LinkedIn Subscribe to This Week in Procurement Subscribe to Art of Procurement on YouTube

In this conversation, Dawn Tiura speaks with David Wild and Mike Simms, founders of Sivuno - winning company of the SIG Startup Pitch session. They explore how Sivuno is tackling one of procurement's biggest challenges: bad data. David and Mike share how their AI-powered platform rapidly cleanses, structures, and normalizes procurement data, enabling teams to access clearer insights with far less manual effort. The discussion covers the real impact of poor data quality, showcases success stories from early adopters, and highlights how accurate, actionable data can transform procurement decision-making.

Commercial Driver's Licenses have been in the news a lot lately, and not for good reasons. A number of fatal accidents have been caused by questionably licensed drivers. These high profile incidents have caused a number of states and the Federal government to start digging into who is getting these licenses and how. Much of the current situation dates back to a regulatory change made in 2022 that allowed CDL training schools to 'self certify' that they are turning out qualified drivers. The idea was to make it easier to get more drivers on the road in response to a reported driver shortage, but we've gotten less safe roads instead. According to reporting by FreightWaves, there are approximately 100,000 truck crashes annually resulting in roughly 5,000 fatalities - a 40% increase over the last decade.  In this episode of the Art of Supply podcast, Kelly Barner digs past the recent headlines about CDL administration: Looking into the 2022 regulatory change, including the minimum federal requirements for safe commercial drivers and the system supposedly put in place to ensure training schools follow them The details behind the debate over English language proficiency and the eligibility status of non-domiciled drivers And the question that underpins it all: Is there a driver shortage?  Links: Kelly Barner on LinkedIn Art of Supply LinkedIn newsletter  Art of Supply on AOP Subscribe to This Week in Procurement

FPDS is one of the most valuable tools in your toolbox.Join me in this series and become an expert at using the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS).This is the first of a planned series about FPDS.In this training, you'll learn:• What FPDS is and why it is helpful to small business government contractors• Major sections of FPDS and how they help you find opportunities• Top information that can be found in FPDS___________________________________

This week, we, together with Gordon Donovan, explore the Procurement Imperative 2030 report, which outlines four future scenarios impacting procurement and supply chain: geopolitical shifts slowing globalization, the looming talent cliff, rising cybersecurity threats, and the urgency of climate resilience. Gordon discusses adapting strategies in sourcing, workforce, digital infrastructure, and sustainability, emphasizing collaboration, trust, and AI's role in navigating complexity toward rewarding outcomes

In this episode of Technology Reseller News, Publisher Doug Green speaks with Rob Bye, President & Founder of Zenture Partners, about why the traditional telecom procurement and management model is breaking down—and how AI-driven lifecycle management can restore clarity and control for large enterprises. Zenture Partners is a strategic consultancy and AI-powered lifecycle management provider focused on giving enterprises full visibility into, and control over, their global telecom ecosystem, from contracts and circuits to invoices and risk. Bye explains that most large enterprises now live in a state of telecom chaos: hundreds of vendors, hundreds of invoices, and little understanding of contract terms, renewal dates, dependencies, or actual business impact. The old world of a single global MPLS provider has given way to an “internet everywhere” model, with 16,000+ ISPs worldwide, SD-WAN, and cloud-first architectures. At the same time, IT priorities have shifted—cloud infrastructure, security, AI-infused SaaS and CX platforms now consume leadership attention and budget, while telecom is largely ignored “as long as nothing is on fire.” When things break, teams react, extinguish the fire, and then move straight back to higher-visibility projects. Traditional telecom brokers and “no value” agents, Bye argues, have often added complexity rather than removed it. Unlike familiar IT resellers and VARs, telecom agents rarely bring a unified, data-driven platform to the enterprise. Zenture's model is different: it acts as an extension of both IT sourcing and network teams, combining consulting plus a global AI-enabled platform. Enterprises still contract directly with service providers, while the carriers fund Zenture through residual commissions. For customers, the Zenture platform is delivered at no cost, with no contract, ingesting data from TEM systems, carrier portals, invoices, and spreadsheets into a single pane of glass and highlighting where attention is truly needed. AI is at the center of this transformation. Zenture uses AI to continuously evaluate inventory, identify high-risk sites (such as shared last-mile paths or POP exposure), benchmark pricing, and generate recommendations on whether to renew, replace, or upgrade services as contracts approach term. Agentic AI is also used to integrate with carrier marketplaces and portals, automating quoting, ordering, status checks, inventory updates, and billing validation across hundreds of providers. Instead of humans manually combing through dense, ever-changing telecom invoices, AI flags changes, ties new charges to past orders, and confirms that disconnects and adds have been billed correctly, allowing IT and sourcing teams to focus on decisions, not data entry. Looking ahead, Bye sees AI-driven procurement reshaping RFIs, RFPs, benchmarking, and contract review. Enterprise “house” agents will query external platforms like Zenture's marketplace, shrink long vendor lists to a short set of best fits, and then assist stakeholders with risk analysis and legal review. But this doesn't eliminate the human partner; it elevates them. As Bye puts it, “AI isn't going to replace anyone—it's like the moving walkway at an airport. It just helps you get where you're going faster.” Zenture's client success managers increasingly act as digital workforce managers, overseeing and training AI agents while still providing strategic guidance on vendor consolidation and cost optimization. Ultimately, Zenture Partners aims to help enterprises move from a reactive, invoice-driven view of telecom to a strategic, outcome-focused model—consolidating vendors, simplifying billing, optimizing costs, and freeing IT teams to concentrate on cloud, security, and customer-facing innovation. To learn more about Zenture Partners and its AI-powered lifecycle management platform, listeners are invited to visit https://www.zenturepartners.com/. Software Mind Telco Days 2025: On-demand online conference Engaging Customers, Harnessing Data

Neste episódio do Café com Comprador, recebemos Daniela Dias, fundadora da DDias Consultoria, para uma conversa sobre um dos mercados mais vibrantes e desafiadores: a moda.Apesar de movimentar bilhões e empregar milhões de pessoas, o setor da moda ainda enfrenta gargalos importantes na área de compras: desperdício de matéria-prima, baixa previsibilidade de demanda e processos pouco estruturados.Durante o bate-papo, Daniela trouxe insights valiosos sobre:Como reposicionar a área de compras como protagonista nas empresas de moda;Estratégias para aumentar a eficiência e reduzir perdas;O papel da inovação e da sustentabilidade nesse setor;Oportunidades de aprendizado com outros segmentos mais maduros em processos de compras;Como transformar a área em fonte de valor estratégico para o negócio.A mensagem é clara: em um mercado que consome, em média, 15kg de roupas por pessoa ao ano, compras não é só economia, é sustentabilidade, competitividade e inteligência de negócio.Um episódio imperdível para quem atua em moda e quer elevar o nível de sua performance em compras.

"We want our customers to be able to put their own internal procurement rules into our Amazon Business marketplace, so they can feel secure and still get that great experience." - Todd Heimes, Vice President and General Manager, Amazon Business Worldwide  Right now, procurement leaders are balancing pressure to deliver savings, manage risk, and remove barriers for business users. As organizations get more complex, the need for connected digital procurement – and real-time, actionable insights – makes all the difference. In this episode, Philip Ideson speaks with Todd Heimes, Vice President and General Manager of Amazon Business Worldwide. With over two decades at Amazon, Todd shares how the team is tackling tail spend, embedding compliance, and rolling out new analytics and AI-driven tools designed for modern enterprise needs. They go beyond just digital catalogs: this is about building a procurement ecosystem that works for both CPOs and everyday users. This conversation is an inside look at how Amazon Business is helping procurement teams automate the busywork, drive transparency, and support smarter, decentralized decision-making.  In this episode, Todd discusses: How to build digital procurement that fits your tech stack, not works against it Reducing rogue spend while making buying easier for users Using guided buying to set rules and drive compliance invisibly Turning analytics and AI into real actions, not just reporting Links: Todd Heimes on LinkedIn Subscribe to This Week in Procurement Subscribe to Art of Procurement on YouTube

In this podcast episode, Lauren Sabat, a senior manager of procurement at REI and winner of the Future of Sourcing Rising Star award, shares her journey into the procurement field, her experiences balancing work and family, and the importance of authenticity and emotional intelligence in her career. She discusses her passion for process improvement and the supportive work environment at REI, highlighting the significance of community and diversity in the workplace.

Audits aren't just about catching mistakes—they're about building better systems, identifying inefficiencies, ensuring compliance, and uncovering risks.  A good auditor will help you improve and grow your business so the next time an auditor comes knocking embrace the experience and improve your business.

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

Our guest on this week's episode is Alex Saric, CMO at Ivalua. We have definitely seen a lot of uncertainty this year due to changing economic policies and the supply chain shifts that have resulted. It has placed a lot of companies on the sidelines trying to figure out what to do next with their technology investments. How do they get from just being in survival mode to thriving? Our guest today joins Ben Ames with some insights.  Working with small businesses can help strengthen supply chains and boost local economies; that's according to a report from supplier intelligence platform Supplier.io, released earlier this week. The company analyzed data from more than 500 large enterprises for its 2025 Small Business Impact Report—to learn more about those companies' small sourcing initiatives. We share some highlights from that report.A report from the supply chain software company Kinaxis reveals that there is a gap between AI ambition and AI implementation. The report found that at many organizations, business leaders tend to underestimate the new risks and complexities that AI may introduce. But on the other hand, their staffers are very well aware of those complexities, because they're focused on the practical realities, such as the effort, change management, and technical challenges. The executives want a fast ROI from AI, but staffers see the hurdles.Supply Chain Xchange  also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane.  It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. A new series is now available on Top Threats to our Supply Chains. It covers topics including Geopolitical Risks, Economic Instability, Cybersecurity Risks, Threats to energy and electric grids; Supplier Risks, and Transportation Disruptions  Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:IvaluaSmall business spending fortifies supply chainsAI reality cap - C-Suite executives expect quick ROI but staff see hurdlesVisit Supply Chain XchangeListen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Xchange's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcastSend feedback about this podcast to podcast@agilebme.comThis podcast episode is sponsored by:  Storage SolutionsOther linksAbout DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITY

The HortWeek Podcast has joined ArbWeek to bring HortWeek readers a series of interviews with leading arborists. The first of these is Jeremy Barrell.A influential figure in the tree care landscape (and HortWeek columnist) Jeremy Barrell is one of the leading authorities on tree care.A passionate campaigner on street trees in the wake of a number of controversial local authority fellings, in this week's podcast HortWeek editor Matthew Appleby hears Jeremy's uncompromising views on tree safety, tree planting, tree production and local authority procurement.Barrell says: "The standard of training on some of the people that are planting [trees] - it's not surprising the trees don't survive...if you don't have a specification that is up to scratch, then of course contractors are going circles around you and you deserve to have a load of failures". "I deal with more tree failure cases that result in harm than any other expert in Britain...the harsh reality is there are many large duty holders...that don't do anything like the standard of tree checking that should be done". Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Discover how public procurement is being redefined to drive innovation, sustainability and integrity in construction. This episode features insights from the City of Stockholm and Skanska Sweden on transforming traditional bidding into strategic partnerships for a better built future. Guests in this episode: Karl Jonasson Collberg, Public Procurement Officer, City of Stockholm Development Administration Magnus Persson, CEO of Skanska Sweden Host: John Ambrose

On June 18, 2023, the OceanGate TITAN, a submersible on its way to the Titanic wreck site, imploded, killing all five passengers, including OceanGate CEO, Stockton Rush.  There were a number of factors leading to this tragic event, including a horrible disregard of basic safety measures, a deliberate effort to work outside of regulatory and inspection protocols, and a toxic company culture.  While many of these issues were internal, OceanGate did not make the TITAN or its predecessors in-house. This means that they had suppliers, and those companies had a front row seat to what was unfolding. In this episode of the Art of Supply podcast, Kelly Barner covers the OceanGate operation from a supply chain point of view: OceanGate's evolutionary journey – first to buy and retrofit their submersibles and then to build them The different suppliers that played a role in manufacturing the TITAN, and signs that the company was looking for alternatives The challenge presented by innovation that seems to defy convention. When is an idea truly groundbreaking, and when is it just reckless? Links: Marine Board's Report Into the Implosion of the Submersible TITAN in the North Atlantic Ocean Near the Wreck Site of the RMS TITANIC Resulting in the Loss of Five Lives on June 18, 2023 Kelly Barner on LinkedIn Art of Supply LinkedIn newsletter  Art of Supply on AOP Subscribe to This Week in Procurement

Procurement's problem isn't speed. It's form.  They've gotten great at automating and accelerating weak processes while quietly rewarding the "good contract, bad deal" mentality that ultimately undercuts their own efforts. In this podcast episode of "Buy: The Way…To Purposeful Procurement," Omid Ghamami, president of the Procurement and Supply Chain Management Institute and former Intel purchasing operations leader, joins co-hosts Philip Ideson and Rich Ham to challenge procurement's most comfortable (bad) habits.  He argues that the function claims victory at signature, books "savings" that never actually hit the P&L, and then moves on to the next thing while suppliers are left to harvest margin in the years that follow. Omid also goes after the most likely root causes of all these bad habits: procurement lets business units fixate on what they want to buy instead of what they need to accomplish. That framing hardwires cost into scopes through custom specs, gold-plating, and activity-based requirements.  The cure is outcome design and total cost discipline up front, informed by external references, public contracts, internal history, and supplier knowledge. Pay now or pay later… and most teams pay later. Procurement needs to stop rewarding the 'heroes' who rush in to fix broken deals instead of the leaders who design processes that prevent fires in the first place. As Omid puts it, "We don't reward Smokey the Bear. We reward the firefighters."  If incentives continue to glorify this kind of firefighting, the flames will keep coming. But when procurement starts recognizing prevention as performance, they will finally become the quiet force that keeps value – and trust – intact.  

On Episode 55 of the TID Water & Power Podcast we're joined by TID Materials Management Department Manager, Jason Perez, to discuss materials management. Driving around our community it's impossible to miss TID equipment—from poles to transformers, vehicles, canals, irrigation gates, and everything in between. At TID, the Materials Management Department is tasked with procuring all of these items. But it's much more than that. As publicly-owned utility, TID has strict purchasing guidelines it has to meet and the Materials Management Department ensures that the District stays in compliance.On this episode we discuss the District's purchasing requirements, how we work with vendors and suppliers, and how we manage an inventory of thousands of pieces of equipment. Let's get social! Facebook: @TurlockIDInstagram: @TurlockIDTwitter: @TurlockIDLinkedIn: /company/turlockid Find out more about TID at https://www.TID.org/podcast.

The range of skills and talent procurement professionals need in order to be successful is dizzying, but that also means that they end up being prime candidates for other roles. As procurement professionals deliberately build and add to those skills, they both increase their individual career trajectories and also increase the impact and output of the function. In this episode of The Sourcing Hero podcast, Host Kelly Barner welcomes Pamela Gerber. Pamela is a senior procurement executive with a long track record of working in sourcing and procurement roles across industries. That experience has given her many opportunities to form a perspective on the importance of investing in procurement talent. Pamela shares extensively with her own personal experience in procurement to offer insight into and recommendations about: Why it is so hard to establish a talent foundation in procurement How procurement can build the influence and seniority that will open doors to bigger opportunities The importance of being willing to seize unexpected opportunities as they present themselves Whether she sees a trend of people ‘falling out' of procurement and if she considers that a good thing or a bad thing Links: Pamela Gerber on LinkedIn

This Episode is Sponsored by: Performance Foodservice How important is it as a food distributor to build a brand for foodservice – especially since consumers may never see or recognize it? Mike Seidel, vice president of procurement at Performance Foodservice Corporate, shares how the company views the development of its existing foodservice brands, including Roma and Contigo, and how they helped in the creation of its most recent Mediterranean concept Zebec.  More about Mike Seidel: Michael Seidel is the corporate Vice President of Procurement for Performance Foodservice, one of the largest broadline foodservice distributors in the country. “Mike” brings to his role 28 years of sales, procurement, and leadership experience within the foodservice industry. In 2025, Mike is celebrating his fourteenth year with Performance Foodservice.   Over the course of 14 years from 1997, Mike held multiple sales and procurement roles at a Sysco operating company including Marketing Associate and Vice President of Merchandising and Marketing.   Mike served as a member of the Executive Board of Directors for the National Fisheries Institute (NFI) and was recently reappointed to the Board of Directors for NFI, to a term ending in late 2027. Mike currently serves as a board member of Circana Supply Track. Mike is an elected Manager of NFI's Better Seafood Board and is on the planning committee for the Global Seafood Market Conference (GSMC). Mike, annually, co-hosts or participates in GSMC panelist discussions. Mike is a delegated member of the Procurement Council for the Independent Procurement Alliance Program (IPAP).   During his career, Mike has testified before the U.S. International Trade Commission, on three occasions, regarding certain ripe olives and shrimp. Mike is an active speaker/presenter for various foodservice industry events.  He is married, lives in the Richmond, Virginia area, and has four children and one grandchild.   More About Performance Foodservice: Performance Foodservice is one of the nation's largest foodservice distributors, delivering quality ingredients, reliable service, and on-time consistency. With 125,000+ products and 67 distribution centers, we serve over 100,000 customers coast to coast. From restaurants and hotels to schools and healthcare, operators trust us for both food and non-food essentials that keep kitchens running. Backed by a best-in-class fleet and passionate associates, Performance Foodservice is more than a distributor—we're your partner in growth and success.  Learn more: http://performancefoodservice.com/   More About Zebec: Zebec is Performance Foodservice's exclusive brand of specialty Mediterranean foods and ingredients, inspired by the 16th-century sailing ships that once carried flavors and traditions across the sea. Just like those fast, agile vessels, Zebec delivers authentic spices, bold flavors, and versatile ingredients that make it easy for operators to bring the Mediterranean to their menus. From falafel to grilled chicken skewers, every item is crafted with quality and convenience in mind—helping passionate restaurateurs, whether inspired by global traditions or family roots, add an exciting Mediterranean twist to their offerings. With Zebec, a bold upgrade to the menu is always within reach.  Learn more: https://www.performancefoodservice.com/Products-and-Services/Our-Family-of-Brands/Zebec

"If your only role is cost management and processes, that's scary to me. The value of procurement is so much more than that." – Etosha Thurman, Chief Marketing Officer, Finance and Spend Management at SAP AI is rapidly changing procurement's mandate and the expectations that business leaders now have.  Technology is no longer just digitizing processes; it's opening the door to new operating models and deeper business impact. To thrive, procurement teams must deliver far more than savings. They must bring innovation, resilience, and data-driven influence to the table. In this episode, Philip Ideson welcomes Etosha Thurman, Chief Marketing Officer, Finance and Spend Management at SAP. Etosha's career spans sourcing at P&G to leading finance and procurement solutions at SAP. She shares stories and hard-earned insights on how AI is reshaping procurement, what it means for team structure, and why soft skills matter more than ever. Whether you're exploring practical use cases for AI or looking to reposition procurement as a strategic partner, Etosha offers advice you won't hear elsewhere. She also dives into driving internal investment and how procurement leaders can tell a more powerful story about their work. In this episode, Etosha explores how to:   Identify which procurement skills are critical and which may be automated   Rethink your operating model to match AI-enabled workflows   Secure buy-in by linking procurement to business growth and resilience   Turn data and technology investments into lasting business value   Build a stronger brand and tell your procurement story for greater influence Links: Etosha Thurman on LinkedIn Learn more about SAP's Spend Management software Subscribe to This Week in Procurement Subscribe to Art of Procurement on YouTube

Key topics covered in the podcast: What are market participants expecting for iron ore demand in the fourth quarter and early 2026, particularly from China and other major steel-producing regions? How are steelmakers adjusting procurement strategies in response to diverging trends between iron ore and coking coal? What is the role of the 61pc Fe index, and how does it compare to the established 62pc benchmark?

Emily Murphy, CEO and founder of Government Procurement Strategies (GPS), joins Off the Shelf for a wide-ranging discussion on the state of the federal procurement market. As a former GSA Administrator, Murphy shares her keen insights regarding the Trump administration's re-engineering and re-structuring of federal procurement. She highlights the administration's overarching policy and operational goals including, but not limited to, increasing efficiency, reducing operational costs, and increasing access to the commercial market and commercial solutions.Topics include the consolidation of procurement operations at GSA, how GSA is responding to its expanded role and the progress and potential impact of the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO). For example, Murphy addresses the significant changes to FAR Part 8 of the FAR. Finally, Murphy shares her thoughts on key management principles for government leaders. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Q4 2025 snapshot of market conditions Is market softness present? Preparing for 2026 with budget considerations Not a client on McKeany-Flavell's IQ Intelligence Platform? Visit mckeany-flavell.com to learn more! Commodity dashboards Dynamic data & interactive charts Analytics & calculators Price forecasts Downloadable data, charts, and tables Host: Nicole Thomas, Vice President – Information Services Guest Expert: Michael Workman, Growth Director at ResinSmart by RTi Global Guest Expert: Kevin Mekaru, Senior Business Unit Lead, Commodity Plastic Resin, RTi Global www.resinsmart.ai

“Is your project really compliant?”That's the billion-dollar question developers across the U.S. are asking as Foreign Entity of Concern (FEOC) rules tighten their grip on clean energy tax credits. If you are(were) banking on the ITC, PTC, or 45X, you can't afford to miss this Tactical Tuesday deep-dive.The rules are shifting. Supply chains are murky. And guidance is still evolving. Host Nico Johnson pulls together an expert panel to decode how FEOC is reshaping the way projects are sourced, engineered, financed, and papered across the U.S. solar and storage market.You'll hear from:Christian Roselund (Clean Energy Associates) — decoding ownership, material assistance, and effective controlRaj Pawar (EVS) — revealing how inverter-level definitions trigger real engineering redesignsAaron Gomolak (Ampt) — showing how string-level optimization keeps projects on schedule and compliantMona Dajani (Baker Botts) — outlining how to structure deals and mitigate legal risk while guidance evolvesExpect to learn:

"The value isn't in giving them the coffee beans and hoping they take that away and make a cup of coffee – what they need is a drink. So instead of giving them the data, do the extra steps and pull out the insights for them." - Satvinder Panesar, Data and Analytics Strategy Director, AstraZeneca Procurement leaders are surrounded by data, but turning numbers into true business impact is a new kind of challenge.  As AI and analytics tools promise even more information, the real differentiator is knowing how to interpret, validate, and act on those outputs… before your competitors do. Satvinder Panesar, Data and Analytics Strategy Director at AstraZeneca, joined Philip Ideson at ProcureTEX in London. Philip was there at the invitation of Beroe to speak with some of their customers about turning data into actionable insights. In this conversation, Sat breaks down the evolution of procurement analytics, explains why data literacy is a must-have skill, and points out how any leader or team can begin building those muscles, starting with the tools they already have. Expect a practical, honest conversation about the skills gap, the dangers of outsourcing data thinking, and how procurement teams can take charge in a world of increasingly complex analytics: Why "insights" matter more than raw data in procurement How to bridge gaps between data, category, and analytics teams  Practical first steps to improve procurement data literacy What AI can (and can't) do for procurement professionals Links: Satvinder Panesar on LinkedIn AOP Provider Directory: Beroe Subscribe to This Week in Procurement Subscribe to Art of Procurement on YouTube  

"The value you bring as a procurement function has transcended being a cost saver. They are now a discussion partner with other functions and bring value in the form of intelligence." - Adrian Vicol, Data Strategy Lead & Data Architect, Siemens Energy Procurement leaders are facing more complex questions about data than ever before. As organizations move toward AI and automation, the need for clean, reliable, and actionable data is skyrocketing – but most teams are still wrestling with legacy challenges and data silos.  Getting this right is no longer optional; it's becoming mission-critical. In this special episode, recorded on-site at ProcureTEX in London, host Philip Ideson speaks with Adrian Vicol, Data Strategy Lead at Siemens Energy. Philip was there at the invitation of Beroe to speak with some of their customers about turning data into actionable insights. Adrian shares a no-nonsense perspective on what it really takes to close the data-to-action gap for procurement. You'll hear firsthand how Siemens Energy is building a strong data foundation, implementing practical governance, and reshaping the way their procurement teams deliver value across the business. In this episode, Adrian discusses how to: Define a clear North Star for procurement data strategy and automation Structure strong data governance with business and technical roles Approach legacy data cleanup pragmatically to build trust in analytics Integrate internal and external data for real-time insights   Engage procurement professionals to share expertise and drive adoption Links: Adrian Vicol on LinkedIn AOP Provider Directory: Beroe Subscribe to This Week in Procurement Subscribe to Art of Procurement on YouTube  

Episode Summary: In this episode, Heather “Lucky” Penney talks to Lt. Gen. David Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Charles Galbreath, Kyle “Puma” Pumroy, Todd “Sledge” Harmer, and Anthony “Lazer” Lazarski about the top defense issues this month in Washington, D.C. and beyond. ​​​​​​ Our team digs into where the defense bills stand in Congress as well as the national security impact of the government shutdown. We also discuss the latest Ukraine news, plus several spacepower developments—everything from Chinese gains on orbit to the role orbital aggressors play in modern spacepower. Plus, we explore organizational happenings, like the decision to role the ICC function into A5/7, not pursue Space Force Futures, and downgrading USAFE to a 3-star billet. We wrap up by highlighting the new small UAS test efforts at Grand Forks AFB and jump into the renewed debate on whether too much is being spent on Air Force R&D vs procurement and readiness. Credits: Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin  Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Lt Gen David A. Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Dean, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Guest: Charles Galbreath, Senior Resident Fellow for Space Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE) Guest: Kyle "Puma" Pumroy, Senior Resident Fellow for Space Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE) Guest: Todd “Sledge” Harmer, Senior Vice President, American Defense International Guest: Anthony “Lazer” Lazarski, Principal, Cornerstone Government Affairs Links: Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: https://bit.ly/3GbA5Of Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitchellStudies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell.Institute.Aerospace LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nzBisb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellstudies/ #MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #rendezvous

Every product a company ships depends on thousands of tiny decisions happening deep inside the supply chain. But most organizations are still making those decisions using stale spreadsheets, fragmented systems, and guesswork. In this episode, we explore how AI-driven procurement intelligence is changing the game – moving teams from reactive firefighting to proactive supply chain planning. Our guest today is Shardul Shah, cofounder of Veritos.AI. He breaks down the hidden risks inside modern supply networks, why so many companies still lack real-time component and supplier visibility, and how better data can prevent shortages, backorders, and costly redesigns before they happen. We discuss:Why most organizations still rely on Excel for procurement decisionsThe real reason supply chain disruptions keep catching teams off guardHow AI and real-time data can alert teams to risks ahead of timeThe growing need for operational visibility across engineering, finance, and sourcingHow procurement becomes a strategic advantage, not just a cost center If you're responsible for building products, managing vendors, scaling hardware, or supporting manufacturing operations, this conversation will change how you think about supply chain intelligence and the future of procurement. Watch Next: https://youtu.be/OI0zRk7Mau4?si=7k0htLXyYJIWolpY Key Moments:0:00 Who Shardul Is & Why This Matters2:10 The Problem That Sparked Veritos.AI6:06 Why Procurement Visibility Is Broken15:55 How Veritos.AI Works (High-Level Overview)19:40 Why Supply Chain Is So Hard to Manage22:30 Identifying Alternative Parts & Replacements26:43 Real Example: The Power of Component Visibility29:00 The Role of AI in Modern Procurement35:15 The Current State of Procurement (And Its Challenges)38:50 The Biggest Skill Gap in Procurement: Understanding Cost46:00 The Disconnect Between Engineering & Procurement50:40 The Future: AI-Powered Procurement Command Centers -- This episode of IT Visionaries is brought to you by Meter - the company building better networks. Businesses today are frustrated with outdated providers, rigid pricing, and fragmented tools. Meter changes that with a single integrated solution that covers everything wired, wireless, and even cellular networking. They design the hardware, write the firmware, build the software, and manage it all so your team doesn't have to.That means you get fast, secure, and scalable connectivity without the complexity of juggling multiple providers. Thanks to meter for sponsoring. Go to meter.com/itv to book a demo.---IT Visionaries is made by the team at Mission.org. Learn more about our media studio and network of podcasts at mission.org. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Procurement's toughest problems rarely come from spreadsheets or contracts. They come from people. In this episode of "Buy: The Way…To Purposeful Procurement," David Loseby – professor, former CPO, and self-described "pracademic" – joins Philip Ideson and Rich Ham to explore why procurement's incentive systems often fail not because they're wrong on paper, but because they ignore how people actually think and act. Unfortunately, he says, most systems are designed for tidy models, not messy human behavior. Drawing on behavioral science and front-line experience, David introduces the idea of "behavioral architecture," a practical approach to shaping decisions by understanding how different audiences think, decide, and act. Finance wants the spreadsheet. Marketing wants the story. The CEO wants 30 seconds and a decision. A single, one-size-fits-all KPI (which we know is usually "savings") can't carry that load, and when it tries, it often drives the wrong behaviors. Instead, David makes the case for incentives that create shared ownership of outcomes across functions. He walks through a concrete example of shifting an energy "re-tender" into an enterprise-wide consumption program that improved P&L results through local engagement, gamification, and rapid payback actions – all proof that when the metric matches the mission, the business moves. He then applies the same logic to sustainability, customer experience, and resilience, showing how to frame the same initiative in different "languages" across the business without diluting the goal. David also offers actionable guidance: build balanced scorecards that include the business's priorities (not only procurement's), tie a portion of bonuses to stakeholder metrics, and tailor communications so each audience sees their value in the work. It's a call to action for procurement that may be uncomfortable, but it's exactly what they need to hear: if you want purposeful outcomes, you have to design for human behavior, not inhuman systems and processes. Links: David Loseby on LinkedIn Rich Ham on LinkedIn Learn more at FineTuneUs.com

Iran Defies West on Nuclear Program Despite Loss of Key Scientists. Jonathan Schanzer discusses Iran's defiant nuclear program, noting the procurement of air defense systems from Russia and China is debatable. A major setback has been the loss of nuclear scientists due to targeted assassinations. Iran is heavily supporting the Houthis (now a full proxy), sending ballistic missile components and IRGC officials to help assemble them in Yemen. Snapback sanctions' impact on Iran's partnerships with Russia and China remains uncertain. 1543