Podcasts about Strategic sourcing

Jay Iyengar, EVP, Chief Technology and Strategic Sourcing Officer, Oshkosh joined Grayson Brulte on The Road to Autonomy podcast to discuss Oshkosh's approach to autonomy and the development of physical AI across their diverse industrial technology portfolio.The operational backbone of Oshkosh's strategy is a hybrid approach targeted towards moments of autonomy where autonomy adds the most immediate value. By addressing repetitive, hazardous tasks and mitigating driver fatigue, Oshkosh is building purpose-built solutions to increase safety and productivity for the everyday heroes who build, serve, and protect communities.In the field, Oshkosh is rigorously applying Physical AI across a diverse array of use cases, from automating airport jet bridges that align precisely with aircraft doors to developing automated cargo loaders for complex tarmac operations.Oshkosh's Physical AI ecosystem also includes the HARR-E robot for on-demand refuse collection in planned communities, as well as advancing autonomous capabilities for military leader-follower programs and next-generation delivery vehicles.Looking ahead, Jay envisions a future where Physical AI has its own transformative ChatGPT moment, becoming a ubiquitous and intuitive part of the industrial landscape. This evolution aims to fundamentally transform markets, ensuring that autonomous technology operates so seamlessly that operators can focus entirely on their work, ultimately saving lives, increasing productivity, and unlocking new economic activity.Episode Chapters00:00 Moments of Autonomy Philosophy 04:45 The Jet Bridge Bottleneck 07:20 Deploying Physical AI at the Gate 10:45 Navigating Tarmac Chaos and Regulations 14:15 Blueprint for the Airport of the Future 16:05 The Data Moat & Oshkosh's AI Stack 19:30 Weighing Trash with AI Side-Loaders 21:30 Meet HARR-E: The On-Demand Trash Robot 26:30 Revolutionizing the Postal Delivery Fleet 28:15 Why You Shouldn't Over-Engineer Sensors 30:30 The Hidden Power of Strategic Sourcing 32:20 Level 5 Military Learnings 35:10 Waiting for Physical AI's ChatGPT Moment36:30 The Next 100 Years of Oshkosh --------About The Road to AutonomyThe Road to Autonomy is the definitive media brand covering the Autonomy Economy™. Through our podcasts, newsletter, and proprietary market intelligence, we set the narrative for institutional investors, industry executives, and policymakers navigating the convergence of automation, autonomy, and economic growth.Join institutional investors and industry leaders who read This Week in The Autonomy Economy every Sunday. Each edition delivers exclusive insight and commentary on the autonomy economy, helping you stay ahead of what's next. Subscribe today for free: https://www.roadtoautonomy.com/ae/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

IT cost management is more than a "finance cleanup exercise," it's a board-level priority. If you're responsible for major run-rate spend across cloud, software, telecom, and infrastructure, you've probably felt this shift. Cost questions used to be periodic, but now are continuous and tied directly to governance and risk. In this 11-minute episode of Staying Connected, TC2's Theresa Knutson joins Tony Mangino to unpack what this looks like from an executive perspective. If you would like to learn more about our experience in this space, please visit our IT Cost Management and Strategic Sourcing webpages. 

Enterprise IT and procurement teams start the year with big priorities; however without disciplined contract management and a clear view of services and spend, those good intentions may be lost as costs and risk can creep in, weakening your leverage. In this 11-minute episode of Staying Connected, Laura McDonald of LB3 joins Tony Mangino to walk through a practical New Year's "housekeeping" checklist to spotlight the steps teams should take to avoid missed credits, address chronic  service issues, build leverage, and tighten vendor governance so that the big priorities can be met without unnecessary friction. If you would like to learn more about our experience in this space, please visit our Network Services Transactions, Strategic Sourcing and IT Cost Management webpages. 

Legacy networks are a classic form of technology debt: they work, but they quietly limit agility, drive unnecessary cost and constrain innovation.  In this 10-minute episode of Staying Connected, TC2's Keith Cook joins Tony Mangino to talk through how enterprises are shedding that debt by moving to an Internet-first WAN—and how to do it with a clear plan rather than a disruptive leap.  We cover how enterprise buyers should think about connectivity mix, supplier selection, SD-WAN strategy, and security design—all before going to market.  If you would like to learn more about our experience in this space, please visit our Technology Consulting & Strategy Development Services and Strategic Sourcing webpages. 

As enterprises push to modernize, many find that years of accumulated decisions have created a heavy, often invisible burden in their IT environments. In this 9-minute podcast, Brent Knight joins Tony Mangino to discuss how technology debt accumulates over time, why it is so difficult to unwind, and how enterprises can build a fact-based view of their hardware, software and WAN liabilities to enable strategic, data driven, decision making and fund transformational initiatives. If you would like to learn more about our experience in this space, please visit our Technology Consulting & Strategy Development Services and Strategic Sourcing webpages.

As enterprises push to modernize, many find that years of accumulated decisions have created a heavy, often invisible burden in their IT environments. In this 9-minute podcast, Brent Knight joins Tony Mangino to discuss how technology debt accumulates over time, why it is so difficult to unwind, and how enterprises can build a fact-based view of their hardware, software and WAN liabilities to enable strategic, data driven, decision making and fund transformational initiatives. If you would like to learn more about our experience in this space, please visit our Technology Consulting & Strategy Development Services and Strategic Sourcing webpages.

Verizon is preparing to cut roughly 15,000 jobs — about 15% of its U.S. workforce — in a restructuring plan intended to reduce costs under its new CEO Dan Schulman. In this 7-minute podcast, Brent Knight from TC2 joins Tony Mangino to discuss the anticipated impact of the layoffs and what enterprise customers should be doing now to prepare.  If you would like to learn more about our experience in this space, please visit our Strategic Sourcing and Technology Consulting & Strategy Development Services webpages.

When doing a deal, invariably we get the "whose paper" question.  That is, should the enterprise start contract negotiations using its own paper or the vendor's paper?  The answer is…that depends. In this 10-minute podcast, Laura McDonald, a partner at LB3, joins Tony Mangino to discuss the best contractual starting point for your deal accounting for leverage, deal size, timing and resource constraints. If you would like to learn more about our experience in this space, please visit our Network Services Transactions and Strategic Sourcing  webpages. Follow us on LinkedIn:  LB3 & TC2

Lumen is once again raising rates for out-of-term services, with some customers now facing increases as high as 30% to 40%.  These changes put enterprise clients in a tough spot, often forcing them to choose between costly renewals or seeking alternatives in a competitive market.  In this 6-minute podcast, Theresa Knutson from TC2 joins Tony Mangino to break down what's driving these price hikes, how they impact your organization, and what strategies you can use to protect your bottom line. If you would like to learn more about our experience in this space, please visit our IT Cost Management and Strategic Sourcing webpages.

Green networking, carbon accounting, and energy-efficient hardware are becoming increasingly important for enterprises seeking to comply with ESG regulations and drive competitive advantage. In this 9-minute podcast, Tony Mangino and Julie Gardner from TC2 discuss why WAN sustainability should be on every CIO and procurement leader's radar and how to include measurable sustainability requirements in your next WAN RFP to enable meaningful supplier evaluation and differentiation.  If you would like to learn more about our experience in this space, please visit our Strategic Sourcing and Technology Consulting & Strategy Development webpages.

Pre-RFP activities are sometimes treated as optional, when in fact they're among the most strategic actions a sourcing team can take. If you want a high-quality RFP, the work starts long before it's published. In this 9-minute podcast, TC2 Managing Director Larry York joins Tony Mangino to discuss how to leverage three key pre-RFP activities in order to maximize the outcome of your next sourcing event. If you would like to learn more about our experience in this space, please visit our Strategic Sourcing and Technology Consulting & Strategy Development Services webpages.

Against the backdrop of the ongoing struggle with the Verizon outsourcing to HCL, enterprise customers are being forced to rethink their supplier support models and partners.  In this 7-minute podcast, Theresa Knutson and Brent Knight from TC2 join Tony Mangino to discuss what customers can actually do to manage, escalate, and potentially fix support issues with their strategic network suppliers. If you would like to learn more about our experience in this space, please visit our Strategic Sourcing and Technology Consulting & Strategy Development Services webpages.

Verizon recently notified its customers that it was sunsetting certain legacy voice services beginning on November 1, 2025.  In this 5-minute podcast, TC2's Theresa Knutson joins Tony Mangino to explain the significant cost increases that are now hitting customer invoices in advance of the anticipated sunset date. If you would like to learn more about our experience in this space, please visit our Strategic Sourcing and Technology Consulting & Strategy Development Services webpages.

It's been over two years now since Verizon and HCL announced their strategic partnership, which included Verizon retaining its sales function, solutioning, and customer acquisitions, and HCL taking over post-sale implementations and ongoing customer support.  In this 9-minute podcast, Theresa Knutson and Brent Knight from TC2 join Tony Mangino to discuss how the strategic partnership is impacting enterprise customers and if Verizon's HCL gamble is paying off. If you would like to learn more about our experience in this space, please visit our Strategic Sourcing and Technology Consulting & Strategy Development Services webpages. Follow us on LinkedIn: LB3 & TC2  

Most believe transformation begins with the latest tech stack or AI use case.The assumption? If you move fast and automate early, you'll outpace the market.But that belief can quietly derail even the best initiatives.In reality, starting with expensive technology layered on top of a poor process doesn't always accelerate change—it can even multiply dysfunction. As John puts it (a phrase that has stuck with him for years which he originally heard at a conference):PP + ET = EPPPoor Process + Expensive Technology = Expensive Poor Process.Real transformation demands a shift in mindset:Before aligning on tools, align on the problem. Get obsessed with understanding it. Involve stakeholders in mapping it. Only then will your solution earn buy-in—from boardroom to end user.John Adjami, IT Business Partner at Merck, shares how this problem-first approach helped him lead 50+ initiatives across global procurement, finance, and shared services—without losing trust, focus, or momentum.

When Kristine Morton's was first introduced to the flawed incentive structures plaguing much of corporate procurement, she said, “That all sounds stupid."  Her blunt reaction reveals something profound: it is possible to build a procurement career without ever encountering the dysfunctional systems that dominate so many large organizations. In this episode of "Buy: The Way...To Purposeful Procurement," Kristine Morton, Director of Strategic Sourcing at Unleashed Brands, joins Philip Ideson and Rich Ham to demonstrate what procurement looks like when stakeholders demand proof, not promises. Working across franchise systems and private equity-backed companies, Kristine serves over 1,000 individual franchise owners who scrutinize every P&L line item. In her world, "savings" means money that actually hits the bottom line, not projections based on contract signatures. Every initiative undergoes rigorous testing before rollout, and continuous measurement ensures stakeholders receive exactly what was promised. In this episode, she explains the stark contrast between procurement theory and practice. While large corporations debate abstract incentive structures, Kristine focuses on operational empathy, which means understanding what makes franchise owners' lives easier, cheaper, or better.  Her approach to category management is truly continuous. As Kristine puts it, “My vendor relationships don't end at contract signature. If I don't follow up and ensure our initiatives deliver what we promised, I won't learn when things don't work out.” Kristine's leadership journey demonstrates that purposeful procurement doesn't require managing billions in spend. There's profound purpose in simply making efforts real and ensuring stakeholders get what they were promised. With this perspective, adoption is validation; if programs don't deliver value, business owners simply won't participate.   Links: Kristine Morton Rich Ham on LinkedIn Learn more at FineTuneUs.com  

If your organization still has legacy Verizon voice, non-IP IVR, or access services in your inventory, changes are coming — and they're coming on a fixed timetable. Verizon has put out formal notice that these services are being retired, and customers need to move to alternatives well before the withdrawal date. In this 7-minute podcast, Bryan Carriker and Tony Mangino from TC2 discuss the recent notice from Verizon, the important milestone dates to track and how this move fits into the broader industry shift to all IP based networks. If you would like to learn more about our experience in this space, please visit our Technology Consulting & Strategy Development Services and Strategic Sourcing and webpages. Follow us on LinkedIn: TC2 & LB3  

Taxes, fees, and government surcharges on enterprise wireless services are at a record high, comprising upwards of 30% of the average taxable portion of a typical monthly bill.  In this 8-minute podcast, Frank Zagrodnik and Tony Mangino from TC2 do a deep dive on the fine print of your wireless bill to discuss the taxes, surcharges, and fees that have a material impact on your enterprise mobility budget, and what you can do to get a true picture of your wireless total cost of ownership. If you would like to learn more about our experience in this space, please visit our IT Cost Management and Strategic Sourcing and webpages. Follow us on LinkedIn: TC2 & LB3

Talento não nasce pronto. Em compras, ele é lapidado na pressão, na negociação e na estratégia. E em um cenário onde tecnologia, ESG e inteligência artificial estão transformando o papel do comprador, encontrar e formar profissionais estratégicos é um dos maiores desafios das empresas.Neste episódio, vamos discutir como identificar potenciais dentro da equipe, desde comportamentos como proatividade e resiliência até habilidades técnicas como TCO, Strategic Sourcing e domínio de ferramentas digitais. Também vamos falar sobre trilhas de desenvolvimento, mentoria, job rotation, exposição a projetos estratégicos e como criar um ambiente onde os talentos que surgem queiram ficar e crescer.Vamos compartilhar histórias reais de profissionais que começaram na operação e chegaram a posições de liderança, mostrar os erros mais comuns que travam o crescimento da equipe e explorar as estratégias mais eficazes para reter os melhores.Porque no fim, o melhor investimento que você pode fazer na sua área de compras não é apenas em sistemas ou processos — é nas pessoas que tocam cada etapa deles.E você? Como identifica e desenvolve talentos na sua equipe de compras? Conta pra gente nos comentários.#Compras #Procurement #GestãoDeTalentos #DesenvolvimentoDePessoas #Liderança #CaféComComprador

Send me a messageProcurement's role is changing, or at least, it should be. In this episode of the Sustainable Supply Chain podcast, I sat down with Conrad Snover, CEO of ProcureAbility, to unpack why procurement still struggles to evolve beyond a transactional role, and what it'll take to transform it into a true driver of value.We covered a lot, from why most procurement teams still don't have a seat at the strategy table, to how utilities are coping with 2+ year lead times on transformers while trying to hit electrification targets. Conrad shared real-world examples of how procurement leaders can build resilience without stockpiling inventory, and why relationships, not just contracts, are the key to sustainable supply chains.We also talked about the path from tactical to strategic to profit-generating procurement, how digital tools (including AI) are shifting the playing field, and the operational basics that still hold too many teams back.If you're leading supply chain or sustainability efforts, and you've ever been frustrated by the inertia of outdated procurement practices, this episode is well worth your time.

Arista's VeloCloud SD-WAN acquisition marks a major shift in the enterprise networking space, giving Arista a mature and cloud-native SD-WAN platform to complement its strengths in data center and cloud networking.  For enterprise customers, the move could mean faster innovation, improved support, and stronger WAN-to-cloud integration.  However, customers should be aware of potential risks with the acquisition including hardware changes, licensing shifts, and short-term integration hiccups.  In this 7-minute podcast, Larry York and Tony Mangino from TC2 break down why the deal matters — and the potential impact on competition in the SD-WAN marketplace from the likes of Cisco, Fortinet, and Juniper. If you would like to learn more about our experience in this space, please visit our Technology Consulting & Strategy Development Services and Strategic Sourcing webpages. Follow us on LinkedIn: TC2 & LB3

Regulatory pressure related to ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) is growing. While federal ESG rules in the U.S. remain fragmented, states like California are pushing forward with tough climate disclosure laws. Meanwhile, the EU is advancing sweeping directives like CSRD and CS3D, imposing new reporting and due diligence requirements across global supply chains. In this 10-minute podcast, Deb Boehling, a senior lawyer at LB3, and Tony Mangino discuss how procurement teams can reduce ESG compliance risks by building key obligations into vendor contracts, such as adherence to laws, third-party audits, and remediation for non-compliance.  The stakes are high—sustainability is no longer optional—it's a legal, financial, and reputational imperative. If you would like to learn more about our experience in this space, please visit our Network Services Transactions and Strategic Sourcing webpages. Follow us on LinkedIn: TC2 & LB3

Inevitably, many negotiations are not part of a competitive process and are simply a negotiation with a single vendor.  And often that vendor is fully aware that it's not facing any true competition for the services and products under negotiation. In this 11-minute podcast, TC2 Managing Director Ben Fox and Tony Mangino discuss tactics and approaches to conduct an effective sole-source negotiation when you don't have any competition. If you would like to learn more about our experience in this space, please visit TC2's Strategic Sourcing webpage. Follow us on LinkedIn: TC2 & LB3

Understanding Cisco Enterprise Agreements can be complex but with the right approach, enterprises can navigate these contracts effectively.  Key strategies involve mapping the contract landscape and ensuring financial protections against underperformance. In this 7-minute podcast, LB3 partner Marc Lindsey and Tony Mangino discuss how enterprises can move from complexity to clarity when negotiating with Cisco, and how they can avoid the “value trap” of bundled software, support, and services. If you would like to learn more about our experience in this space, please visit TC2's Strategic Sourcing and Technology Consulting & Strategy Development and LB3's Information Technology Advisory webpages. Follow us on LinkedIn:  LB3 & TC2

In mid-May, two of the largest cable companies in the US, Charter and Cox, entered into an agreement to merge in a deal valued at over $34 billion.  Pending regulatory approval, the deal is expected to close sometime in the latter half of 2026.  In this 5-minute podcast, TC2's Keith Cook joins Tony Mangino to discuss the merger and potential impact on enterprise customers.  If you would like to learn more about our experience in this space, please visit our Internet First & Broadband Services and Strategic Sourcing webpages. Follow us on LinkedIn: TC2 & LB3

In mid-April AT&T updated the General Terms and Conditions in their online Service Guide, which apply to pretty much all its wireline services, to allow them much broader leeway to migrate services as part of what they call a “Technology Migration”.  This is on top of an earlier AT&T Service Guide change that resulted in material cost increases on certain key components of their SIP Trunking service. In this 10-minute podcast, LB3's Laura McDonald joins Tony Mangino to discuss these changes and how to effectively manage your deal in the face of supplier service guides.  If you would like to learn more about our experience in this space, please visit our Network Services Transactions and Strategic Sourcing webpages. Follow us on LinkedIn: LB3 & TC2

Are you drowning in the complex world of international trade regulations? Buckle up for an eye-opening journey through the latest trade policy twists that are turning the importing and exporting landscape upside down! Episode Overview: In this explosive episode of Simply Trade News, host Annik sits down with trade expert Lenny Feldman to unpack the latest developments in international trade, including de minimis changes, stacking tariffs, and the shifting global trade landscape. Key Insights

The commitment to sustainability initiatives, such as net-zero emissions targets and renewable energy consumption measures, is moving from the corporate boardroom into the decision-making process for selecting strategic ICT service suppliers. In this 8-minute podcast, TC2 Director Tony Mangino joins LB3 Partner Deb Boehling to discuss the challenges of quantifying and evaluating the "soft benefits" of sustainability from an ICT procurement perspective and whether these benefits are translating into real cost savings for enterprise customers. If you would like to learn more about our experience in this space, please visit our Strategic Sourcing and Technology Consulting & Strategy Development webpages. Follow us on LinkedIn: LB3 & TC2

As Cisco has grown from a network device OEM to a multifaceted software supplier across networking, UC, security services, observability tools, and a plethora of other products, enterprises' relationships with Cisco have become correspondingly complex.  Add to this, a deep-rooted pattern at Cisco of targeting price increases, and any negotiation with Cisco quickly becomes very challenging. In this 10-minute podcast, TC2 Managing Director Ben Fox joins Tony Mangino to discuss the layers of complexity involved when engaging with Cisco and how to best prepare for and succeed in your next Cisco negotiation. If you would like to learn more about our experience in this space, please visit our Strategic Sourcing and Technology Consulting & Strategy Development webpages. Follow us on LinkedIn: LB3 & TC2

In 2025, we anticipate the continued enterprise migration to Contact Center as a Service (“CCaaS”) solutions. Customers are facing the difficulty of keeping good contact center agents, the end-of-life status of existing equipment and software, and the shift by providers from on-prem to cloud-based offerings with effective AI use cases.  In this 8-minute episode of Staying Connected, Julie Gardner of TC2 and Laura McDonald of LB3 join Tony Mangino to discuss the state of the CCaaS market, and how savvy customers are utilizing RFPs and pilots to select best in class solutions that align with business and technical requirements. If you would like to learn more about our experience in this space, please visit our Technology Consulting & Strategy Development Services and Strategic Sourcing webpages. ·         Follow us on LinkedIn: LB3 & TC2

Ofcom, the UK's communications regulator, has recognized that the market for mobile termination charges for bulk messaging isn't working. With significant market power, some providers have increased these charges by 70% since 2021 and there's no end in sight. On January 28th, Ofcom proposed a price cap on mobile termination charges for messaging.      In this 5-minute podcast, Deb Boehling, a partner at LB3, joins Tony Mangino to describe the proposal and consider what enterprise customers can do to take advantage of the potential savings. If you would like to learn more about our experience in this space, please visit our Strategic Sourcing and Network Services Transactions webpages. Follow us on LinkedIn: LB3 & TC2

In this episode, Mike and Orlando break down how to source like a pro, whether you're just starting or already an experienced reseller. They discuss why being intentional, staying consistent, and planning ahead are key to building a successful reselling business. They also share practical strategies like leveraging saved searches, sourcing based on geography, and how to become the expert in your niche. Whether you're sourcing from thrift stores, estate sales, or local groups, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you find better inventory and increase your reselling profits. Join the Discord and Partner with us via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/purehustlepodcast Sign Up with MY RESLLER GENIE with 15% off your first month for the best bookkeeping geared for resellers by using the link below and USE OUR CODE “PUREHUSTLE” all in caps: https://www.myresellergenie.com/?ref=purehustle Get a free $15 on Whatnot by using the link below: https://whatnot.com/invite/purehustlepodcast Get that Skullshaver using the link below and our code "Hustle": https://skullshaver.com/discount/Hustle?rfsn=6980222.2cfe107&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=6980222.2cfe107 Purchase bubble wrap from the best deal available ANYWHERE: https://www.americanbubbleboy.com?sca_ref=650095.KTEipe5MI4&sca_source=YouTube

Non-FCC mandated surcharges on ICT services have increased threefold over the last ten years, and AT&T's recent increase in its Property Tax Surcharge is just the latest installment.      In this 7-minute podcast, Deb Boehling, a partner at LB3, joins Tony Mangino to unpack the surcharge regimes and discuss what enterprise customers can do to address, or at a minimum be prepared for, these material service cost uplifts. If you would like to learn more about our experience in this space, please visit our Strategic Sourcing and Network Services Transactions webpages. Follow us on LinkedIn: TC2 & LB3

In her conversation with Dr. Kerl, Dr. Julia Georgesen shares her journey from aspiring veterinarian to Vice President of Strategic Sourcing at Mars Veterinary Health. She discusses her early influences, career development, and the challenges and rewards of owning a veterinary practice. Julia emphasizes the importance of teamwork, quality in veterinary medicine, and the role of partnerships in enhancing animal health. She also highlights her current responsibilities in sourcing and quality assurance, and the significance of having veterinary technicians involved in decision-making processes. Dr. Georgesen discusses the vital roles of veterinary technicians, the importance of sustainability in veterinary practices, and her involvement in charitable work aimed at improving access to veterinary care. She also shares insights on global vaccination efforts in Africa through her work with the Africa Network for Animal Welfare- USA and offers advice for veterinarians considering career changes, emphasizing the value of relationships and staying curious.Visit our website: vcavoice.comAll episodes produced by dādy creative

At TC2 we continue to see IT outsourcing as an important and growing space for enterprise customers.  Recent engagements confirm the shift away from "factory" style managed services toward dedicated staffing models as well as the evolution of IT tooling approaches and the rise of the experience level agreement (XLA).    In this 11-minute podcast, TC2 Managing Director Ben Fox and Senior Consultant Bryan Carriker join Tony Mangino to discuss current trends in IT outsourcing deals and the role of XLAs that measure end-user satisfaction and overall experience rather than just technical metrics. If you would like to learn more about our experience in this space, please visit our Strategic Sourcing and Technology Consulting & Strategy Development webpages. Follow us on LinkedIn: TC2 & LB3

Jonathan Gardner is the Principal and Founder of J. Gardner Group, where he leverages decades of expertise in strategic sourcing and relationship management to drive profitability for organizations. His career includes working with global powerhouses like Starbucks and Dell, where he developed an acute understanding of navigating large corporations and fostering long-term partnerships.SHOW SUMMARYIn this episode of the Selling from the Heart podcast, Larry Levine and Darrell Amy sit down with Jonathan Gardner to explore the art of strategic sourcing and relationship management. Drawing on his extensive experience with major brands, Jonathan reveals how sales professionals can establish genuine connections, navigate procurement processes, and avoid becoming just another number on a spreadsheet. He emphasizes the importance of building relationships across all levels of an organization, maintaining a strategic mindset, and engaging consistently for long-term success.KEY TAKEAWAYSBeyond Procurement: Build relationships across multiple departments to avoid relying solely on procurement.Strategic vs. Tactical Sales: Focus on strategic, long-term actions instead of short-term wins.Proactive Engagement: Start building connections before a need arises and nurture them consistently.Perceived Power of Procurement: Procurement's influence is often overestimated, especially when you're an incumbent supplier.Relationship Mapping: Create a "power map" of connections within your target organization to strengthen your approach.Holistic Strategies: Engage procurement as part of a comprehensive sales strategy, not as an obstacle to overcome.QUOTES TO REMEMBER"Don't let yourself become equal." — Jonathan Gardner"Procurement has way, way less power than they want you to think they do." — Jonathan Gardner"Be the octopus. Engage every tentacle of your relationship strategy." — Jonathan Gardner"Treat this as an 'and,' not an 'or.' Engage, engage, engage." — Jonathan Gardner"Avoid assuming. It's easy to think you're being ghosted, but they're probably just busy and rude." — Jonathan GardnerConnect with Jonathan GardnerJonathan's LinkedIn.Connect with Larry and DarrellDarrell Amy's LinkedInLarry Levine's LinkedInSelling from the Heart websiteADDITIONAL RESOURCES:Explore the secrets of heart-centered leadership and thriving workplace cultures with Culture from the Heart Podcast—nominate a visionary CEO at www.culturefromtheheart.com!Order Larry Levine's book, Selling in a Post-Trust World:Get it on Barnes & Noble and access exclusive content!SUBSCRIBE to our YOUTUBE CHANNEL!Stay updated with the latest episodes and leadership tips: Selling from the Heart YouTubeGet Your Daily Dose of Inspiration:Click Here for Your Daily Dose

What do all the telcos including AT&T, Lumen and Verizon have in common?  That's right, they all rely on service guides and online terms.  Not to be outdone, you'll now also find these shadow provisions in your deals with Avaya, Cisco, Nice, Palo Alto, Z-Scaler…the list goes on. In this 14-minute podcast, LB3 partners Laura McDonald and Deb Boehling join Tony Mangino to provide an update on the ever-changing world of service guides and online terms.  Listen as Laura and Deb reveal key insights on how these online publications are making their way into most ICT deals in your enterprise, what to look out for and what you can actually do about it! If you would like to learn more about our experience in this space, please visit our Network Services Transactions and Strategic Sourcing webpages. Follow us on LinkedIn:  LB3 & TC2

Euro, strategic sourcing e compras: insights internacionais no Café com Comprador!Hoje nossa "cotação está em euro" com a presença de Ana Bomfim, diretamente de Lisboa, Portugal! Com 20 anos de experiência em compras e suprimentos, Ana compartilha sua trajetória impressionante, equilibrando uma rotina dinâmica entre Brasil e Portugal, família e uma carreira global.Descubra como ela domina o tema Strategic Sourcing, explicando de forma clara e prática o que muitos só encontram no Google!No episódio, você vai aprender:O que é Strategic Sourcing e como aplicá-lo na prática.A transformação da área de suprimentos ao longo das décadas.⁠Estratégias valiosas para otimizar processos e inovar em compras.

The rapid pace of technology change coupled with a corresponding shift in the supplier landscape is driving the need for a fresh look at how to leverage RFPs to achieve improved ROI. In this 9-minute podcast, Larry York joins Tony Mangino to discuss this new sourcing paradigm and how to maximize the outcome of your next RFP. Stay tuned for a follow-up episode where we'll discuss key pre-RFP activities you need to take to deliver a market-leading result. If you would like to learn more about our experience in this space, please visit our Strategic Sourcing and Technology Consulting & Strategy Development Services webpages. Follow us on LinkedIn: TC2 & LB3

Can light therapy actually make you healthier, stronger, and more resilient?   In this episode on the Longevity podcast, I am joined by Forrest Smith, CEO of Kineon, to dive into the science of photobiomodulation - using specific wavelengths of light to trigger healing responses in your body.    We discuss "remote photobiomodulation" - the process of treating blood vessels in your neck for just 15 minutes daily to have widespread effects throughout your body, from improving gut health to boosting immunity. We also discuss why traditional LED panels might not be giving you optimal results, how to properly treat knee pain, and a surprising fertility study that had remarkable results.   Forrest Smith is the CEO and co-founder at Kineon. He is an entrepreneur, business operator, strategic planner, and leader. From startup COO to Director of Strategic Sourcing for Fortune 500, 14 years of supply chain management in China operations is a cornerstone of Forrest's professional experience.   And you don't want to miss their massive Black Friday deal starting Thursday, November 21st. Shop https://kineon.io/ with code NATNIDDAM to save.   Thank you to our sponsors for making this episode possible:                                                                                                                                                           Siphox: Visit http://SiPhoxhealth.com/nat and save on your test. Visit http://soltechealth.com/longevity to learn more and save $100 off your purchase using the code LONGEVITY. Experience the difference for yourself with a 60-day risk free trial. Lumiram: Get your Chromalux® bulbs at https://healthlighting.com and use promo code longevity to save 10%.   ENTER TO WIN THE ULTIMATE IMMUNITY GIVEAWAY: https://www.subscribepage.com/z6p8l8   Find more from Kineon:  Website: https://kineon.io/. Use code NATNIDDAM to save   Find more from Nathalie: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmholC48MqRC50UffIZOMOQ  Join Nat's Membership Community: https://www.natniddam.com/bsp-community  Sign up for Nats Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/i7d5m0  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathalieniddam/  Website: www.NatNiddam.com    Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/biohackingsuperhumanperformance    What We Discuss: 01:22 Understanding Photobiomodulation 05:44 Mechanisms of Action in Photobiomodulation 16:53 Lasers vs. LEDs in Light Therapy 23:33 Use Cases and Benefits of Photobiomodulation 28:54 Remote Photobiomodulation and Systemic Effects 39:40 Recovery and Regeneration with Kineon 43:35 Proximal Priority Therapy and Fertility 45:18 Impact of Blood Treatment on Health 48:27 Exploring Thymus and Thyroid Health 51:00 Innovations in Gut Health Technology 01:00:03 Children and Laser Therapy in Sports  

n this soothing episode, our hosts dive into the relaxing world of doTERRA's Serenity Restful Blend, a favorite for promoting peace and restful sleep. Discover everything you need to know about Serenity, from its powerful blend of calming essential oils to its sustainable sourcing.   Nicole Stevens, VP of Clinical Research at doTERRA, shares the science behind Serenity, highlighting the unique calming properties of ingredients like lavender, vetiver, and sandalwood. She also shares her own experiences of using Serenity, as well as DIY tips for integrating this blend into your daily routine.   Plus, Ben Platt, Senior Director of Strategic Sourcing, gives an insider's look into the sustainable sourcing of key ingredients like vetiver from Haiti and sandalwood from Hawaii, showcasing doTERRA's commitment to quality and community support.   Want to create your own peaceful sanctuary with Serenity? Tune in to learn how this essential oil can transform your nighttime routine and bring balance to your life. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share your favorite ways to use Serenity in the comments!

In this episode, hosts Saimoni Lesu and Paige Sorensen dive deep into the world of Wild Orange Essential Oil, one of doTERRA's most popular products. Joined by Lauren Busch, Director of Product Education, and Ben Platt, Senior Director of Strategic Sourcing, they reveal everything you need to know about this citrus favorite.   Learn about the unique chemistry and uplifting aroma of Wild Orange Essential Oil. Lauren shares personal tips for using Wild Orange essential oil at home—whether it's blending it with peppermint for an energizing boost or combining it with Serenity for a calming aroma. You'll also hear DIY tips like using Wild Orange and olive oil to polish furniture and adding it to water for a refreshing, healthful drink.   Ben Platt gives an inside look at the sustainable sourcing of doTERRA's Wild Orange, blending three unique varieties from Brazil and Greece. Discover how this carefully crafted process ensures top quality and a memorable, vibrant aroma that brightens any space. He also shares heartwarming stories from visiting orange groves in Brazil, showing how this oil benefits local families.   Want to experience the magic of Wild Orange Essential Oil for yourself? Tune in to learn how this essential oil can bring brightness to your day and wellness to your life! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts on Wild Orange Essential Oil in the comments.

Contact Center as a Service (or CCaaS) solutions are evolving in step with developments in the AI space.  AI is impacting both the pricing construct and contractual framework for CCaaS solutions.   In this 10-minute podcast, Laura MacDonald and Julie Gardner join Tony Mangino to share key insights into developing sourcing strategies and contracts for AI enabled CCaaS services and how to secure the right solution at the right price with the necessary terms and conditions. If you would like to learn more about our experience in this space, please visit our Strategic Sourcing and Network Services Transactions webpages. Follow us on LinkedIn: LB3 & TC2

Broadband technologies are at the heart of the transformation of the enterprise WAN. Wired broadband, Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) and Non-Terrestrial Networks (or satellite) are now being leveraged as a strategic WAN connectivity solution in enterprise networks, globally.  In this 10-minute podcast, David Lee and Brent Knight join Tony Mangino to discuss the broadband technologies being deployed to deliver enterprise-grade solutions that are high bandwidth, low cost, and resilient. If you would like to learn more about our experience in this space, please visit our Strategic Sourcing and Technology Consulting & Strategy Development webpages. Follow us on LinkedIn:  LB3 & TC2

The commercial model and supplier landscape for broadband service is evolving as the rate of enterprise adoption accelerates. In this 8-minute podcast, Keith Cook joins Tony Mangino to discuss the challenge of identifying the optimal balance between available broadband technologies, suppliers, and financial outcomes.   If you would like to learn more about our experience in this space, please visit our Strategic Sourcing and Technology Consulting & Strategy Development webpages. Follow us on LinkedIn:  TC2 & LB3

At LB3 and TC2 we are continuing to cover the strategic shift in enterprise networking toward broadband.  In this 7-minute episode, Tony Mangino joins Sara Crifasi to break down the business case for broadband and discuss how enterprise customers can leverage the opportunity for cost savings and enhanced connectivity.  With appropriate planning, enterprises can weigh the practicalities and potential challenges of integrating broadband into their network strategies, gaining necessary foresight prior to engaging procurement. If you would like to learn more about our experience in this space, please visit our Strategic Sourcing and Technology Consulting & Strategy Development webpages. > Follow us on LinkedIn: LB3 & TC2

What does it take to rebuild a struggling supply chain from the ground up? On this episode of Power Supply, we sit down with Lea Scopelliti, Director of Strategic Sourcing at Guthrie Clinic and recent Becker's "40 Under 40" honoree, to explore the power of relationships in healthcare supply chain. Lea joins us to share her inspiring journey--from hospital volunteer to supply chain innovator--revealing how she leveraged hometown connections and a healthy dose of persistence to transform a struggling emergency department and ultimately revitalize Guthrie's entire supply chain operations. From collaborating with ER nurses to forming lasting partnerships at national conferences, this episode is packed with expert tips and heartwarming stories that showcase the impact of building trust and fostering an environment of collaboration in healthcare supply chain. Tune in today to discover how small-town values and strong connections can lead to big-time results in your supply chain! Once you complete the interview, jump on over to the link below to take a short quiz and download your CEC certificate for .5 CECs! – https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/ps11-02 #PowerSupply #Podcast #AHRMM #HealthcareSupplyChain #RelationshipBuilding #EmergingLeaders #RuralHealthcare

In the wake of the pandemic, healthcare organizations were forced to venture beyond their trusted primary suppliers and into the unknown territory of secondary distributors – and the ripple effects are still being felt today in many healthcare facilities. This week on Power Supply, we sit down with Jody Eastland, Director of Strategic Sourcing and Procurement Operations at University Health and the newest member of the Power Supply Advisory Group, to identify the challenges and opportunities of navigating today's supply chain landscape. From the challenges of vetting secondary distributors to the delicate balancing act of honoring primary contracts while keeping shelves stocked, Jody offers a candid look at how this shift has impacted the success and bottom lines of supply chain departments nationwide. Tune in for insider tips on building a resilient supply chain in the face of ongoing disruptions and discover why the "old normal" may be a thing of the past! Once you complete the interview, jump on over to the link below to take a short quiz and download your CEC certificate for .5 CECs! – https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/ps10-7 #PowerSupply #Podcast #AHRMM #HealthcareSupplyChain #SecondaryDistributors #PandemicLessons #SupplyChainResilience

Supply chain management continues to be a hot topic in countless organizations in light of ongoing geopolitical challenges, evolving impacts of climate change, new tariffs, changing labor markets, and much more. How can supply chain and procurement leaders attack these and other challenges? It starts with building and implementing a strategic sourcing strategy.Protiviti recently published a whitepaper, Strategic Sourcing: Gaining Advantage, Mitigating Risk, which dives into this topic and provides practical guidance on anticipating and mitigating supply chain risk while improving resilience and responsiveness.In this episode of Powerful Insights, we talk with Lucas Manganaro, one of the authors of this paper. Lucas is a managing director with Protiviti and leads the supply chain innovation practice. Throughout his 20-plus year career, Lucas has held multiple supply chain and procurement leadership roles focused on transforming business processes and leveraging technology to improve top and bottom line results.Find more information about Lucas, including his contact information, here: www.protiviti.com/us-en/lucas-manganaro.Read our white paper, Strategic Sourcing: Gaining Advantage, Mitigating Risk, here: www.protiviti.com/us-en/insights-paper/strategic-sourcing-gaining-advantage-mitigating-risk.