On this episode, Ben Farrell MBE, discusses his journey from a 23-year military career to becoming the CEO of CIPS. 

He shares insights on leadership, the importance of emotional intelligence, and the challenges and opportunities in the procurement profession. 

Ben emphasises the need for CIPS to evolve and better represent procurement professionals globally, while also highlighting the importance of creating a supportive environment for career development in procurement. 

They explore the challenges and opportunities facing procurement professionals today, particularly in the context of global supply chains and the integration of AI. Additionally, the conversation touches on Ben’s involvement with the Invictus Games Foundation.

Some of the key moments during this podcast include:

Ben Farrell joined CIPS to drive change in procurement.

Human emotion plays a crucial role in leadership effectiveness.

Transitioning from military to civilian life can be challenging but rewarding.

CIPS has the potential to be a global leader in procurement.

Ben aims to make CIPS more inclusive and relevant to all stages of a procurement career.

The future of procurement requires adapting to changing global dynamics. 

Marketing the procurement profession is crucial for attracting new talent.

Procurement must shift from a process-oriented mindset to a strategic one.

Global supply chains require resilience and adaptability in the face of disruptions.

The Invictus Games Foundation supports the recovery of wounded servicemen and women.

Talent in procurement is about finding the right fit for individuals.

Continuous improvement is essential for professional bodies to remain relevant.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ben Farrell

01:15 Early Career and Military Background

04:37 Leadership Lessons from the Army

08:00 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life

12:17 Experiences at John Lewis

15:33 Becoming CEO of CIPS

18:40 Global Perspectives on Procurement

20:17 Challenges and Opportunities for CIPS

25:26 Marketing the Procurement Profession

30:11 The Future of Procurement

34:22 Navigating Challenges in Procurement

38:50 Global Supply Chains

43:01 Invictus Games Foundation

45:58 Defining Talent in Procurement

In this episode, Martin Smith interviews Richard Evans, Executive Commercial Director for NHS Supply Chain. 

Richard shares valuable insights from his extensive career in procurement, discussing his transition from consultancy to the NHS, the importance of purpose in his work, and the challenges faced by the NHS Supply Chain. 

He emphasises the need for collaboration, effective team management, and the evolving landscape of procurement, particularly in the healthcare sector. 

Richard also reflects on his career and the skills he values in procurement talent, concluding with quickfire questions about his inspirations and views on the future of procurement.

Takeaways

Collaboration and people management are key to successful procurement.

Integrating previously separate organisations into one cohesive unit has been a challenge for the NHS Supply Chain.

Value-based procurement is essential for improving patient outcomes.

Richard advocates for a people-first approach in leadership.

Adaptability and agility are crucial in the ever-changing landscape of healthcare.

The future of procurement is pivotal, with a focus on innovation and technology.


Chapters

00:00 Introduction

02:55 From Consultancy to NHS Supply Chain

05:49 Purpose in Procurement

09:10 Challenges in NHS Supply Chain

12:05 Team Management

15:02 Change in the NHS

17:52 Qualities in Procurement Talent

21:13 Future of Procurement

24:02 Reflections on Career

26:47 Quickfire Questions

On this episode, Fraser McBeth, Procurement Director at Volta Trucks, shares his journey from working in established OEMs to leading procurement in a startup environment. 

He discusses the unique challenges faced during the transition, particularly during the company's bankruptcy, and how he navigated these difficult times while maintaining team morale and supplier relationships. 

Fraser emphasises the importance of building a high-performance culture, adapting to technological changes, and fostering open communication within the team. 

He reflects on the lessons learned throughout this journey and offers insights for others considering a similar path in the startup world.

Takeaways

Startups require a different mindset and approach than established companies.

Navigating cash flow is crucial in a startup environment.

Building strong supplier relationships can provide access to valuable technology.

Creating a high-performance culture involves continuous improvement and engagement.

Transparency with the team fosters trust and resilience.

Adapting to technological advancements is necessary for competitiveness.

Flexibility in work arrangements can enhance talent acquisition.

Leadership during tough times requires a balance of support and accountability.

Learning from experiences in a startup can shape future career paths.


Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Volta Trucks

02:46 From OEM to Startup

06:08 Bankruptcy

11:51 Leadership in Crisis

17:57 Building a High-Performance Culture

24:00 Supplier Relationships

30:07 Reflection and Future Outlook

On this episode of Talent Talks, Samuel De Frates, Kathryn Thompson and Bilal Shaykh discuss the transformative role of AI in procurement, exploring its potential to enhance supplier selection, risk management, and overall efficiency. 

They delve into the challenges faced by procurement professionals, the risks associated with AI implementation, and the importance of addressing resistance to change. 

The conversation also highlights the evolving skills required for procurement professionals in the age of AI and the future trends that will shape the industry.

Takeaways

• AI can significantly improve supplier selection and risk management.
• Using AI as a co-pilot rather than an autonomous decision maker is crucial.
• Automating simple tasks can free up resources for more complex challenges.
• Choosing the right technology to implement is critical for success.
• Fixing basic processes is necessary before adopting new technologies.
• Talent and skills gaps are major impediments to AI adoption in procurement.
• The future of procurement will heavily rely on AI technologies.
• Procurement professionals need to focus on relationship management.
• AI will enable procurement to concentrate on value creation rather than mundane tasks.

Chapters

00:00 AI's Impact on Procurement

02:52 Challenges in Procurement

06:06 Risks of AI Implementation

08:56 Navigating Change in Procurement

12:12 Future Trends in AI and Procurement

15:00 Skills and Competencies for the Future

17:49 The Evolving Role of Procurement Professionals

21:01 Conclusion

On this episode, Martin Smith interviews John Butcher, the Procurement Director at Just Eat Takeaway. 

John shares his journey of building a procurement team from scratch, the challenges he faced, and the importance of hiring the right talent. 

He discusses the evolving procurement landscape, the importance of emotional intelligence, and the impact of technology, particularly AI, on the industry. 

John emphasises the need for agility in procurement and offers valuable insights for aspiring leaders in the field.

Takeaways

Building a procurement team requires a blend of internal and external talent.

Cultural fit and attitude are crucial in talent acquisition.

Procurement can add value beyond just cost savings.

Emotional intelligence is becoming increasingly important in procurement roles.

Delegation is essential for effective leadership.

Technology, including AI, is transforming the procurement landscape.

Continuous learning and adaptation are necessary for success in procurement.

Leadership involves pushing boundaries and extending influence.

Chapters

00:00 Building a Team from Scratch

09:46 The Importance of Talent

19:59 Procurement in 2024

23:52 Leadership Insights

In this episode, Martin Smith interviews Canberk Incekara, Head of Indirect Procurement at OCS.

Canberk shares his extensive experience in procurement and supply chains, discussing the evolution of the industry, the importance of understanding the end-to-end value chain, and the challenges of navigating external factors like COVID and Brexit. 

He emphasises the need for a balance between globalisation and local support, the significance of soft skills in talent management, and the changing expectations of the new generation in the workforce. 

The conversation also touches on cultural adaptability in negotiations, with Canberk discussing the differences between Turkey and the UK. He also discusses the importance of retaining talent through job satisfaction and growth opportunities.

Takeaways

· Canberk’s journey reflects the interconnectedness of procurement and supply chain.

· Understanding the total cost of ownership is crucial in procurement.

· COVID and Brexit have reshaped procurement strategies.

· Supporting local businesses is essential in a globalised market.

· Procurement is evolving into a more strategic function.

· Cultural adaptability is key in international negotiations.

· Soft skills are increasingly important in talent management.

· Retention challenges stem from new generation expectations.

· Transferable skills in procurement can apply across industries.

· Agility in approach is necessary for success in procurement.


Chapters 

00:00 Journey Through Procurement and Supply Chain

02:23 End-to-End Value Chains

04:42 External Factors in Supply Chain

06:00 Globalisation and Local Support

09:09 The Evolution of Procurement

12:52 Cultural Adaptability

16:17 Talent in Procurement

19:30 Retention Challenges

22:08 Transferable Skills

23:34 Quickfire Questions 

On this episode of the Talent Talks Podcast, Martin sits down with Nikki Wright, Director of Operations at 10X Banking, as she shares her extensive experience in procurement and operations across various industries, particularly in the banking sector. 

She discusses the complexities of navigating procurement within a heavily regulated environment, the balance between compliance and agility, and the evolution of procurement roles. 

Nikki emphasises the importance of diversity, soft skills, and the need to rebrand procurement to overcome negative perceptions. 

She also highlights the commitment of 10X Banking to sustainability and its status as a B Corp certified organisation. 

The discussion also touches on the evolving landscape of procurement, the impact of inflation on supplier relationships, and the necessity of digitalisation in procurement processes. 

Nikki shares personal insights about her career journey, inspirations, and the importance of taking ownership of one's career path.

Takeaways

Procurement often involves navigating complex regulations, especially in finance.

Procurement roles are evolving to include more operational responsibilities.

Diversity in procurement is improving but still has a long way to go.

Soft skills are essential for success in procurement roles.

There is a need to change the negative perception of procurement.

Procurement functions as a bridge between the company and suppliers.

10X Banking is committed to sustainability and is B Corp certified.

Job titles in procurement need consistency to attract diverse talent. 

B Corp accreditation is crucial for demonstrating commitment to ESG.

The decisions we make today impact future generations.

Change in large organisations is often slow and challenging.

Risk mitigation is essential in today's supply chain management.

Digitalisation is necessary for effective procurement decision-making.

Career ownership is key to professional growth.

 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

02:48 Procurement in the Banking Sector

06:13 Compliance in Procurement

09:06 Procurement Roles

12:12 Diversity

14:54 Soft Skills

18:09 Negative Perceptions

20:52 Sustainability

23:48 B Corp Accreditation

27:04 Financial Sector

30:18 Challenges in ESG

34:27 Procurement Challenges

40:05 Personal Inspirations and Career Reflections 

In this episode, Martin Smith interviews Carl Ferrand, Head of Procurement at Specsavers. 

Carl shares his journey into procurement, emphasising the importance of people in leadership and the need to stand out when applying for positions.

He discusses the evolution of procurement, highlighting the increasing responsibilities and skills required in the field, and offers valuable advice for aspiring procurement leaders, encouraging curiosity and consistency in their careers. 

The conversation also touches on the role of LinkedIn in professional identity and community building within procurement.

Takeaways

• Carl Ferrand's journey into procurement was a conscious choice.
• Leadership in procurement should focus on people and their well-being.
• The evolution of procurement has led to increased responsibilities and skills.
• Aspiring leaders should embrace curiosity and enjoy their work.
• Building relationships is crucial for success in procurement.
• Consistency in performance is key to career advancement.
• LinkedIn serves as a valuable platform for community and professional growth.
• Taking time for self-care can enhance productivity and mental health.
• Saying yes to opportunities can lead to personal and professional opportunities.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

08:32 Leadership Philosophy

11:47 Resilience in Procurement

20:48 Evolution of Procurement

25:37 Advice for Aspiring Leaders

36:19 LinkedIn 

On this episode of the Talent Talks Podcast, Martin talks to Jonathan Wharfe, Director of Procurement and Commercial Operations at Transport for London.

Jonathan shares insights from his extensive career in procurement. He emphasises the importance of building communities, listening to stakeholders and fostering a culture of trust and collaboration. 

Jonathan discusses the evolution of procurement practices, the impact of AI and the need to address geopolitical challenges. 

He also highlights the significance of talent management and the necessity of changing the narrative around procurement to attract new talent.

Takeaways

·       Listening is crucial for building trust in teams.

·      Culture should be developed collaboratively with teams.

·      Dyslexia can be a unique advantage in problem-solving.

·      AI will enhance procurement processes and decision-making.

·       Procurement must adapt to geopolitical challenges.

·       The narrative around procurement needs to be improved.

·      Mentorship plays a vital role in career development.


Chapters

00:00 Building Communities in Procurement

02:53 The Importance of Listening

06:12 Cultural Transformation

08:56 Career Transitions and Mentorship

12:12 The Evolution of Procurement Practices

14:56 AI

17:48 Geopolitical Challenges in Procurement

21:08 Talent in Procurement

24:01 Changing the Narrative

26:48 Advice for Aspiring CPOs

On this episode of the Talent Talks Podcast, Martin speaks with Suzanna Hinnell, Operations and Marketing Director at 4C Associates, about B Corp and its impact on sustainable business practices. 

They discuss the certification process, the importance of ethical business, and how B Corp helps attract talent and engage clients.

Suzanna shares her personal passion for sustainability and how businesses can implement sustainable practices to help create a better future.

The Key Areas of Conversation in this Podcast Episode with Suzanna Hinnell were;

+ B Corp certification focuses on sustainable and responsible business practices.

+ 4C Associates aims to be a force for good in the consultancy space.

+ The certification process requires significant documentation and policy implementation.

+ Sustainable travel practices are essential for reducing carbon footprints in consultancy.

+ Engaging employees in sustainability initiatives enhances team cohesion.

+ B Corp certification helps attract talent who are passionate about sustainability.

+ B Corp certification provides a framework for ethical decision-making.

+ The future of B Corp may depend on evolving legislation and societal expectations.

Chapters
00:00 - Introduction to B Corp
02:49 - The Importance of B Corp
06:05 - B Corp Certification Process
08:50 - Sustainable Travel Practices
12:10 - Sustainability and Ethics
15:02 - Attracting Talent with B Corp
17:52 - Competition in Consultancy
21:08 - Client Engagement in Consultancy
24:04 - Challenges and Opportunities of B Corp Certification
26:56 - Future of B Corp