In this episode of the Procurement Conversation, we talk with Pauline Potter, Director of Procurement and Sustainability at Evri, about the strategic role of procurement in business and how to get the right mix of cost, service and sustainability.

She shares insights on identifying value, prioritising tasks, and fostering continuous improvement within her team.

Pauline also discusses the importance of balancing urgent versus important tasks, building relationships across departments, and driving large-scale sustainability projects. The episode also touches on diversity in procurement leadership and how her team is hiring for new roles.

In this episode, the Rich speaks to Jeremy Smith, Managing Director at 4C Associates, about the critical aspects of building and retaining a great procurement team.

Jeremy emphasises the importance of diversity, skillsets, and personality in creating cohesive teams. He discusses recruitment challenges, the essential qualities for procurement professionals, and the evolving role of procurement in businesses, especially post-COVID.

Jeremy also touches on mentorship, the significance of AI in procurement, and trends including digitisation and sustainability. The episode also looks at how 4C Associates differentiates itself in the marketplace through its people-centric approach and cultural values.

In this episode of the Young Leader Series, Rich speaks to Karla Harris, Value Creation Senior Manager at PwC.

Karla shares her unconventional entry into procurement, the variety and tangible results that keep her passionate about the field, and the skills essential for success. She emphasises the importance of adaptability, communication, and continuous learning.

Karla also discusses her career highlights, including innovative ESG projects, and provides advice for those considering a career in procurement.

Finally, she offers insights into how the industry can attract more young talent by rebranding and better communicating the impact of procurement on global challenges.

In this episode of the Young Leaders series, Rich talks to Lada Samarska, Community Manager at Precoro, about her unintentional yet fulfilling journey into procurement.

Lada shares her insights on the importance of procurement in daily life, the collaborative nature of her role, and the external perception challenges faced by the profession.

She discusses the skills vital for procurement, her team's achievements amidst market turbulence, and her aspirations for the future.

Lada also offers advice for aspiring procurement professionals and emphasises the need for educational inclusion of procurement in universities to attract more young talent to the field.

In this episode of the Procurement Conversation, host Rich interviews Nils Brauckmann, Head of Procurement at Personio, as part of the Young Leaders series.

Nils shares his journey into procurement, the daily challenges and rewards of the role, and the skills necessary for success.

He discusses the importance of outside-the-box thinking, building relationships, and leveraging automation in procurement.

Nils also emphasises the necessity of more visibility for procurement in academia and the value of connecting with other professionals through communities like the Procurement Foundry.

In this episode of the Young Leaders Series, Rich interviews Isimeme Ughele, Head of Sourcing for West Africa and Morocco at Ericsson.

Isimeme shares her journey into procurement, from her entry into the field, the roles she has held, and the skills that have contributed to her success.

She emphasises the importance of continuous learning, mentorship, and emotional intelligence, and discusses the future of procurement, including digital transformation and sustainability.

Isimeme also shares personal anecdotes about career growth, leadership challenges, and offers advice for young people considering a career in procurement.

In this episode of the Procurement Conversation, part of the Young Leaders series, Laurie Franquesa, Managing Principal at Argon & Co., shares her journey into procurement from a mechanical engineering background.

Laurie discusses her career and the dynamic and strategic nature of procurement, her daily activities, and the challenges faced, such as being involved too late in processes.

She outlines key skills for success in procurement, highlights the importance of continuous learning and feedback, and reflects on her moments of pride and growth.

Laurie also discusses the future of procurement, focusing on cost efficiency, data analytics, AI, and sustainability.

She offers advice for those considering a career in procurement and emphasises the need for strategic positioning of procurement alongside spreading awareness about its value beyond cost-cutting.