Talent Talks Podcast

Procurement has a reputation problem, but what if it could become one of the most strategic, human-led functions in a modern business?

In this episode of the Talent Talks Podcast, we sit down with Darren Bosman, an experienced procurement leader who has built and scaled functions across continents and industries. From South Africa and the Seychelles to the UK, Darren brings a global perspective shaped by fintech, professional services and high-growth organisations. He is currently Head of Procurement at Tide, where he is helping the business scale through better systems, stronger stakeholder partnerships and a clear route to commercial value.

Darren shares practical insight into what it really takes to set up procurement in fast-growing businesses, how to overcome the “procurement as police” stereotype, and why trust and stakeholder experience matter more than perfect processes. The conversation also explores centralised versus decentralised models, supplier relationships, hiring the right talent, and how AI is reshaping procurement by removing admin and elevating strategic impact.

This episode is full of grounded advice, real-world examples and a refreshing take on where the profession is heading.

This podcast is proudly sponsored by Omnea.

If you enjoyed the episode, please subscribe, share, and leave a review to support the Talent Talks Podcast.

What The Episode Covers

• Setting up procurement functions in scaling businesses
• Overcoming negative perceptions of procurement
• Building trust with stakeholders and suppliers
• Centralised vs centre-led procurement models
• Managing resistance to change
• Why procurement skills are highly transferable
• Simplifying procurement processes and language
• The role of AI in automating admin and enabling strategy
• What Darren looks for when hiring procurement talent
• The future of procurement as a value-driving function

Chapters

00:00 – Who is Darren Bosman and what is his background?

01:00 – What are the biggest challenges when building procurement from scratch?

03:00 – How do you change negative perceptions of procurement?

05:20 – When should a business move from decentralised to centre-led procurement?

08:15 – How do you manage resistance while maintaining supplier relationships?

13:45 – Are procurement skills transferable across industries and regions?

18:05 – What lessons and advice have shaped your career most?

20:00 – How will AI and technology reshape procurement roles?

24:00 – What does the future look like for procurement and your team at Tide?

How does someone with no procurement background end up building one of Europe’s fastest-growing procure-tech companies?

In this episode of Talent Talks, Martin Smith sits down with Ben Freeman, co-founder and CEO of Omnea, the AI-native intake and orchestration platform transforming how companies like Spotify, Wise, Monzo and Adecco manage spend, supplier risk and procurement workflows.

Ben shares his unexpected path into procurement tech, from founding cybersecurity scale-up Tessian to spending 18 months searching for his next big idea. After more than 300 interviews with procurement leaders, Ben uncovered systemic problems around collaboration, process, risk and user experience - leading him to build Omnea in 2022.

Now over 150 people strong across London and New York, Omnea has raised more than $75 million from Accel, Khosla and Insight Partners, and is redefining how procurement operates in the AI era.

This conversation covers talent density, efficiency, product philosophy, market noise, AI realities, and what CPOs are really struggling with today. Ben’s honesty, clarity and founder mindset make this one of the most insightful episodes to date.

This episode is proudly sponsored by Omnea!

If you enjoy the episode, please subscribe, share, and leave a review to help more listeners discover Talent Talks.

Some of the key moments during this podcast:

• How Ben went from cybersecurity founder to procure–tech CEO
• Why he spent 18 months exploring ideas before launching Omnea
• What 300+ interviews revealed about procurement’s biggest problems
• Why talent density is the most important factor in scaling
• Lessons learned from Tessian and applying them to Omnea
• The importance of patience and product quality in enterprise software
• Why brand awareness matters - even with an 86% RFP win rate
• How AI is reshaping procurement roles and team structures
• The difference between hype-driven AI and real operational impact
• Why the future of procurement is collaborative, connected and AI-native

Chapters

00:00 – Intro & Who Is Ben Freeman?
01:30 – How did a non-procurement founder build a procure–tech company?03:45 – What did 300+ interviews reveal about procurement’s biggest problems?
05:10 – How did Omnea scale to 150 people and $75m raised in 3 years?
06:35 – What pressures and realities come with leading a hypergrowth company?
08:15 – What has Omnea done right, and what’s been underestimated?
13:20 – Why is talent density the biggest determinant of success?
14:50 – How does Omnea balance efficiency with product quality and patient execution?
15:55 – Why is lack of brand awareness Omnea’s biggest growth limiter today?
19:55 – What does Ben really think about the current procure-tech landscape?
23:10 – What challenges are CPOs facing right now across industries?
26:00 – How can procurement fix its reputation and elevate its influence?
29:10 – How should procurement leaders position themselves for 2026’s opportunities?
32:00 – Will AI replace procurement roles, or transform them?
35:00 – What’s the difference between real AI substance and market hype?
36:00 – Final reflections

What does it take to grow from a young apprentice to leading global procurement transformation?

In this episode of Talent Talks, Leigh Hurrell, Director of Indirect Procurement at Entrust, joins Martin Smith to discuss his two-decade journey through aerospace, defence and technology. From BAE Systems, Thales, Onfido and now Entrust. 

Leigh shares how he built a career grounded in curiosity, long-term planning and a deep belief in the value of trust and relationships.

Leigh offers practical advice for building great teams, fostering transparency with suppliers and balancing commercial rigour with innovation and agility.

This episode is proudly sponsored by Omnea!

If you enjoy conversations that unpack leadership, growth and the evolving role of procurement, this one’s for you. Don’t forget to subscribe, share and leave a review to help more people discover Talent Talks.

Some of the key moments during this podcast include:

How Leigh first discovered procurement at BAE Systems
The lessons learned from early management roles
Why having a 10-year plan changed his career
Building long-term supplier relationships based on trust and respect
Leading procurement transformation at Onfido and Entrust
Managing growth, acquisitions and rapid change
Balancing commercial decisions with innovation and risk
Hiring for values, not just skills
The evolving role of procurement in cyber and digital supply chains

Chapters

00:00 – Intro

00:40 – How Leigh started in procurement

02:50 – Early lessons from BAE Systems and Thales

06:36 – The power of curiosity and career planning

08:24 – Building lasting supplier relationships

13:19 – Moving to Onfido and adapting to rapid growth

17:42 – Procurement during acquisition and transformation

20:30 – Balancing technology, budgets and risk

23:14 – Building teams and hiring the right people

27:29 – Leadership and team culture

31:10 – The evolution of procurement and new challenges

37:14 – Quickfire questions and final reflections

On this episode of Talent Talks, Rob Douglas joins Martin Smith to share lessons from a remarkable 30-year career spanning Ford, Capgemini, Barclays, Currys, National Grid, and Direct Line Group. From his first role in “purchasing” to his evolution as Chief Procurement Officer, Rob reveals what it takes to build influence, lead through change and stay curious in a fast-evolving profession.

He discusses leadership lessons learned from the Army, the art of supplier relationships, the challenges of attracting new procurement talent and how AI will shape the future of commercial decision-making.

This episode is proudly sponsored by Omnea.

Tune in for a masterclass in leadership, strategy and staying adaptable in an ever-changing procurement landscape.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it with a colleague and leave us a quick review. It really helps the show grow!

Some of the key moments during this podcast include:

How Rob started his career in procurement after the Army

Lessons learned from Ford’s legendary graduate program

Building lasting supplier relationships and trust

Adapting across industries: retail, energy and financial services

What defines “the buyer’s instinct” and how to spot it

How procurement has evolved over three decades

The growing role of risk management and cyber resilience

Why graduate programs are disappearing, and why that’s a problem

Rob’s advice for aspiring CPOs

How AI and automation could enhance, not replace, procurement

Soundbites

“You can be fact-driven without being horrible.”

“The buyer’s instinct. You either have it or you don’t.”

“Procurement isn’t just about savings anymore. It’s about resilience and relationships.”

“As a leader, it’s not about winning every argument. It’s about helping your team make great decisions.”

“Treat suppliers well. It’s a small industry, you’ll meet them again.”

“We’ve lost too many graduate programs, and the profession will feel that gap.”

“Curiosity has taken me further than ambition ever did.”

“AI will enhance procurement. It won’t replace human instinct.”

“Preparation is everything. You can’t fake being ready.”

“If you want to be a great CPO, keep lifting the bonnet and stay curious.”

Chapters

00:00 – Intro

01:00 – Early Career and Army lessons

03:00 – Learning the Foundations at Ford

05:20 – Building Strong Supplier Relationships

08:10 – Adapting Across Industries

11:50 – How Procurement has Evolved

13:10 – Buyer’s Instinct

18:00 – Balancing Risk and Commerciality

20:40 – Leadership Lessons and Developing Teams

24:30 – The Future of Procurement Talent

30:10 – Advice for Aspiring CPOs

37:00 – Quickfire Questions

Summary

What happens when you bring sport, leadership, and purpose into procurement?

In this episode of Talent Talks, host Martin Smith sits down with Stuart Farrell, Group Procurement Director across the FFTL portfolio (including All Points, Cuckoo Broadband and FFTL itself). 

With more than 25 years of global procurement experience at companies like Vodafone, Fujitsu and HPE, Stuart shares his journey from “falling into procurement” to leading transformation across multiple industries.

They explore the power of authentic relationships, why remembering people’s names and passions builds better business outcomes and how lessons from sport, especially cricket, shape high-performing teams. 

Stuart also opens up about why safety must always come before savings, how procurement’s role is evolving in an AI-driven world and the traits he looks for when hiring top talent.

Whether you’re a procurement professional, people leader or simply curious about the human side of business, this episode offers candid stories, practical wisdom and inspiration in equal measure.

This episode is proudly sponsored by Omnea.

If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share the episode with someone who loves good leadership stories.

Some of the key moments during this podcast include:

How a charity cricket match strengthened supplier relationships.

Stuart’s unconventional entry into procurement and the deal that changed his career.

Why relationships, not transactions, drive business success.

Lessons learned from legendary leaders at Vodafone.

The importance of empathy, curiosity and memory in leadership.

How elite sport data inspired Stuart’s recruitment strategy.

Why “Safety First” is the #1 KPI in his procurement organisation.

The evolving role of procurement in cybersecurity and ESG.

How AI can empower, not replace, procurement professionals.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to Stuart Farrell

02:51 - Sports & Business Relationships

05:51 - Stuart's Entry into Procurement

11:51- Building Relationships in Procurement

18:44 - Authenticity in Business

25:49 - Defining Talent and Hiring Strategies

33:42 - The Evolution of Procurement

38:48 - Creating a Mandate for Procurement

45:48 - The Future of AI in Procurement

This episode is proudly sponsored by Omnea.

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