The Procurement Software Podcast

In this episode of The Procurement Software Podcast, James Meads is joined by Gaurav Sharma, Head of Procurement Centre of Excellence at MTN, with a background that uniquely combines procurement expertise and data science.

We explore how Gaurav’s journey from category manager to leading digital transformation has shaped his view on procurement technology, user adoption, and the need for more practical, cost-effective solutions. Alongside his corporate role, he introduces his side project, SuperNegotiate, designed to simplify sourcing processes and enable tool-less digitisation for procurement newcomers.

Gaurav shares why many e-sourcing tools fall short of addressing real category manager needs, focusing instead on vanity features. He explains how AI and machine learning are already transforming sourcing, paving the way for outcome-based pricing models and moving procurement away from traditional RFPs.

Other topics covered include:

1. Why data science skills are becoming essential in procurement
2. How current tools fail to deliver true user-centric functionality
3. The growing demand for tech-savvy procurement professionals
4. Why outcome-based pricing could reshape procurement tech contracts
5. How Super Negotiate offers a lightweight entry point for digital procurement

A must-listen for anyone interested in the next generation of procurement technology and the evolving skill sets that will define future teams.

[[00:00] Introduction to Gaurav Sharma and His Unique Skills

[01:14] Journey from procurement to data science

[04:34] The future of procurement skills and technology

[08:55] Critiquing procurement tech and vanity features

[13:56] In-house solutions vs. traditional procurement tools

[21:11] Super Negotiate: a new approach to sourcing

[30:11] The future roles of procurement teams

And that wraps up another episode of The Procurement Software Podcast!

Thanks again for listening, and do please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify. Every one helps!

We'll be back at the same time next month, so see you there.

If you want to learn more about Procurement Software, check out the useful links below.

1. Connect with Gaurav Sharma on LinkedIn
2. Check out Supernegotiate
3. Download our Tech Map for Enterprise
4. Download our Tech Map for Mid-Market
5. Download our Tech Map for SMEs
6. Find your perfect procurement tech solution in our Software Finder app
7. Sign up for the Procurement Software Newsletter
8. Book an Intro Call and let’s talk all things Digital Procurement!
9. Connect with James on LinkedIn

In this episode of The Procurement Software Podcast, James Meads is joined by Oscar Fernandez, founder of ProCREWment and former Principal Procurement at mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) company FreeNow.

We dive into a compelling case study on building an effective procurement process using existing tools, without splurging on expensive enterprise suites.

Oscar shares how his small procurement team transformed chaos into clarity by leveraging Jira, Workato, and Yooz to automate intake-to-PO, approvals, and even contract renewals. This episode is a blueprint for procurement leaders operating in fast-growth environments with tight budgets and limited resources.

You’ll hear how Oscar turned Jira—typically used for IT support—into a fully functional procurement intake and requisition system, integrated with finance and legal workflows. Plus, why choosing a standalone e-sourcing tool like DeepStream delivered faster ROI than investing in an all-in-one platform.

Other topics covered include:

1. Why Jira became the backbone of their intake and approval flows
2. Using Workato to link tools and automate tasks across systems
3. How they structured parallel approvals to speed up decision-making
4. Automating contract renewals and spend visibility with Atlassian modules
5. Why DeepStream was the right sourcing tool for their needs
6. Tips for prioritising digitisation based on procurement maturity

A must-listen for procurement professionals seeking practical, flexible solutions to scale procurement operations.

[01:46] Meet Oscar Fernandez, his procurement journey

[03:45] Starting with manual-heavy processes at FreeNow

[05:43] Early chaos: approvals and email overload

[07:26] Spotting inefficiencies and team scaling challenges

[10:12] Cost barriers to adopting full suites

[13:18] Jira as a no-code intake and requisition tool

[17:47] Automating approvals and connecting tools with Workato

[23:45] Choosing e-sourcing over analytics or SRM

[27:16] Why DeepStream fit their sourcing needs

[32:09] Advice for procurement leads with limited budget

[33:22] About ProCREWment—Oscar’s consultancy initiative

And that wraps up another episode of The Procurement Software Podcast!

Thanks again for listening, and do please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify. Every one helps!

We'll be back at the same time next month, so see you there.

If you want to learn more about Procurement Software, check out the useful links below.

1. Connect with Oscar Fernández on LinkedIn
2. Check out ProCREWment
3. Download our Tech Map for Enterprise
4. Download our Tech Map for Mid-Market
5. Download our Tech Map for SMEs
6. Find your perfect procurement tech solution in our Software Finder app
7. Sign up for the Procurement Software Newsletter
8. Book an Intro Call and let’s talk all things Digital Procurement!
9. Connect with James on LinkedIn

In this episode of The Procurement Software Podcast, James Meads welcomes Brajan Gatys, Procurement Operations Lead at Personio, to explore how lean procurement teams can build powerful systems without specialist procurement tech.

Recorded after James and Brajan met in person at the Wolf Pack Summit in New York, this episode is a masterclass in how low-code and no-code platforms can transform procurement operations at scale.

Brajan walks us through how Personio uses tools like Airtable, Make, and Jira to manage intake, automate purchasing workflows, and even parse contracts with LLMs, all without being locked into a single vendor. Instead of buying off-the-shelf procurement suites, his team has built over 250 automations tailored to their exact needs.

You’ll learn why agility, vendor flexibility, and team-wide tech fluency have been core to Personio’s success, and how other teams can adopt a similar mindset.

Other topics covered include:

1. Avoiding traditional P2P and orchestration suites in favour of low-code tools
2. Using Airtable as a central procurement database and workflow engine
3. How they integrate with Ironclad (CLM) and Workday (ERP system)
4. Automating contract parsing and clause extraction with AI
5. Building internal SRM scoring models based on vendor risk and importance
6. Creating a culture that blends procurement expertise with tech-savviness

A must-listen for tech-savvy procurement teams looking to do more with less.

[01:05] Meet Brajan Gatys, Personio

[03:30] Why they chose low-code over SaaS

[07:40] Airtable as the procurement engine

[10:20] Automating POs and vendor onboarding

[14:00] Sourcing and async vendor collaboration

[18:00] Contracts, Ironclad, and clause extraction

[22:30] SRM scoring and supplier risk

[27:00] Culture, mindset, and learning low-code

[32:00] Time-saving tips and breaking the “no capacity” cycle

And that wraps up another episode of The Procurement Software Podcast!

Thanks again for listening, and do please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify. Every one helps!

We'll be back at the same time next month, so see you there.

If you want to learn more about Procurement Software, check out the useful links below.

1. Connect with Brajan Gatys on LinkedIn
2. Check out Personio
3. Download our Tech Map for Enterprise
4. Download our Tech Map for Mid-Market
5. Download our Tech Map for SMEs
6. Find your perfect procurement tech solution in our Software Finder app
7. Sign up for the Procurement Software Newsletter
8. Book an Intro Call and let’s talk all things Digital Procurement!
9. Connect with James on LinkedIn

In this episode of The Procurement Software Podcast, James Meads sits down in person with Harry Wilde, co-founder of Cotiss, a source-to-contract platform purpose-built for regulated industries.

Recorded live at the Wolfpack Summit in New York, it’s a rare face-to-face conversation packed with insight, humour, and honest reflections on building procurement tech for complex sourcing needs.

They unpack how Cotiss helps procurement teams running high-stakes, non-price-driven RFPs—think airports buying hovercrafts or telcos procuring fibre optic cable, by simplifying evaluation, driving internal engagement, and replacing spreadsheets with intuitive tools.

The conversation also explores how Harry and his co-founders spotted a global gap in the market for mid-sized, heavily regulated organisations still stuck with Excel and email, and decided to build a tool that balances ease of use with just enough customisation.

Other topics covered include:

1. Why big, “gnarly” RFPs demand more than just basic e-sourcing tools
2. What good procurement planning should look like
3. How AI should be applied to solve real problems—not just add hype
4. Cotiss’s US go-to-market strategy and learnings from New Zealand
5. Why fast implementation cycles matter for small procurement teams

A must-listen for procurement leaders, founders, and anyone navigating sourcing in complex, regulated environments.

[01:20] Guest introduction: Harry Wilde

[04:30] Sourcing in regulated industries

[07:10] What makes Cotiss different

[10:20] Founding story & background

[14:30] Expanding into the US market

[18:10] Best practice sourcing process

[22:00] Evaluation tools & impact

[26:10] AI use in sourcing tools

[30:00] Implementation & where to learn more

And that wraps up another episode of The Procurement Software Podcast!

Thanks again for listening, and do please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify. Every one helps!

We'll be back at the same time next month, so see you there.

If you want to learn more about Procurement Software, check out the useful links below.

1. Connect with Harry Wilde on LinkedIn
2. Check out COTISS
3. Download our Tech Map for Enterprise
4. Download our Tech Map for Mid-Market
5. Download our Tech Map for SMEs
6. Find your perfect procurement tech solution in our Software Finder app
7. Sign up for the Procurement Software Newsletter
8. Book an Intro Call and let’s talk all things Digital Procurement!
9. Connect with James on LinkedIn

In this episode of The Procurement Software Podcast, Raphael, co-founder and CEO of Growin.Co interviews your usual host, James Meads, alongside Linkana co-founder Leo Cavalcanti. It's a lively and forward-looking discussion about the next wave of digital transformation in procurement.

They explore how AI, agentic automation, and no-code tools are disrupting traditional approaches—especially for mid-market businesses looking to leapfrog outdated ERP systems and legacy S2P suites.

The conversation dives into how AI is already being used in supplier onboarding, document validation, and spend analytics. James and Leo also reflect on whether SaaS UIs will soon be replaced by agent-driven interfaces—and the strategic decisions procurement tech founders must now make.

Other topics covered include:

1. Why mid-sized firms are well-placed to leapfrog legacy systems
2. The rise of no-code tools and what they mean for small teams
3. Moving from structured to unstructured data with AI
4. The challenge of understanding real customer problems
5. Insights into the emerging Latin American procurement tech scene

A must-listen for procurement professionals, founders, and anyone curious about the future of digital procurement.

[00:35] Guest introductions: James Meads & Leo Cavalcanti

[03:15] Why procurement needs better tech—and where mid-market firms fit in

[07:42] How AI is changing supplier onboarding and document validation

[11:20] The rise of no-code tools and what they mean for smaller businesses

[16:05] Is the SaaS UI dead? Enter: agentic automation

[20:51] Why defining the problem is more important than choosing the solution

[26:34] Common buyer mistakes when scoping procurement tech

[30:12] Challenges and opportunities in the LatAm procurement tech ecosystem

[34:45] Advice for founders building in procurement today

And that wraps up another episode of The Procurement Software Podcast!

Thanks again for listening, and do please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify. Every one helps!

We'll be back at the same time next month, so see you there.

If you want to learn more about Procurement Software, check out the useful links below.

1. Connect with Raphael Traticoski
2. Check out Growin.Co
3. Connect with Leo Cavalcanti
4. Check out Linkana
5. Download our Tech Map for Enterprise
6. Download our Tech Map for Mid-Market
7. Download our Tech Map for SMEs
8. Find your perfect procurement tech solution in our Software Finder app
9. Sign up for the Procurement Software Newsletter
10. Book an Intro Call and let’s talk all things Digital Procurement!
11. Connect with James on LinkedIn

In this episode of the Procurement Software Podcast, host James discusses the critical topic of cybersecurity in procurement with expert Jano Bermudes from CyXcel.

They explore the importance of cybersecurity in vendor selection, the regulatory landscape, and the necessary precautions organisations must take to protect their data.

The conversation covers security questions procurement professionals should ask when evaluating software vendors, the importance of security certifications like ISO 27001 and SOC 2, and how companies—big and small—can mitigate cyber risks in their supply chains.

Jano shares insights into regulatory requirements such as GDPR and DORA, the complexities of supplier compliance, and the critical contract clauses buyers should insist on to protect their businesses.

Other topics covered include:

1. How small businesses can enhance their cybersecurity approach
2. Common pitfalls in cloud software security assurances
3. Why due diligence and ongoing monitoring are essential
4. Negotiating limitation of liability clauses in contracts

[00:48] Guest introduction: Jano Bermudes

[02:02] Key cybersecurity questions

[07:53] Important regulations & compliance

[11:44] Cloud security misconceptions

[14:29] Security certifications explained

[19:25] Due diligence importance

[24:16] Essential contract clauses

[30:00] Negotiating liability limits

[34:56] Where to learn more

And that wraps up another episode of The Procurement Software Podcast!

Thanks again for listening, and do please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify. Every one helps!

We'll be back at the same time next month, so see you there.

If you want to learn more about Procurement Software, check out the useful links below.

1. Connect with Jano Bermudes on LinkedIn
2. Check out CyXcel
3. Download our Tech Map for Enterprise
4. Download our Tech Map for Mid-Market
5. Download our Tech Map for SMEs
6. Find your perfect procurement tech solution in our Software Finder app
7. Sign up for the Procurement Software Newsletter
8. Book an Intro Call and let’s talk all things Digital Procurement!
9. Connect with James on LinkedIn

Welcome back to The Procurement Software Podcast! We’re kicking off Series 6 with a shift to a monthly format and an emphasis on more guest episodes.

This week, host James Meads welcomes back Sheldon Mydat, founder and CEO of Suppeco, marking his third appearance on the show. Together, they dive deep into the transformative potential of generative AI in SRM and how it’s revolutionising the way procurement professionals handle unstructured and qualitative, rather than quantitative data.

This episode unpacks the evolution of SRM from spreadsheets and KPI dashboards into a dynamic, relationship-driven process that prioritises operational excellence, resilience, and narrative over mere numbers. If you’ve been curious about AI’s real-world applications in procurement, this conversation is a must-listen.

Suppeco is on a mission to redefine SRM by introducing a digital relationship layer that integrates operational data from diverse sources such as emails, chats, and project documentation. This approach focuses on the qualitative aspects of supplier relationships, fostering collaboration and mitigating risks. Sheldon explains how SRM has evolved from being KPI-heavy to prioritising relationship-driven resilience, a shift accelerated by the pandemic. With the SRM market projected to hit $8 billion by 2030, the importance of this transformation is evident.

Generative AI is particularly suited for analysing unstructured data, which makes up a significant portion of operational information. Suppeco’s AI capabilities dynamically identify risks, measure cultural fit, and optimise supplier relationships, providing actionable insights and creating contextualised RFPs. By offering a scaled-down SME version, Suppeco ensures that even smaller organisations can leverage advanced SRM features, making it accessible and impactful across different business sizes.

Addressing data privacy concerns, Sheldon highlights Suppeco’s multi-tenancy system, which keeps customer data securely isolated and ensures that models are never trained on proprietary information. This robust approach underscores their commitment to confidentiality and compliance, ensuring that businesses can adopt this technology confidently.

[00:01:00] Introduction to Series 6 and guest Sheldon Mydat.

[00:03:12] Sheldon’s approach to investing $50,000 in procurement tech.

[00:09:27] The evolution of SRM and Suppeco’s role.

[00:14:50] Managing unstructured data in SRM.

[00:22:31] Use cases for generative AI in SRM.

[00:29:34] Addressing data privacy concerns.

[00:35:05] Integrating external data sources into SRM platforms.

[00:37:24] Democratising SRM for SMEs.

And that wraps up another episode of The Procurement Software Podcast!

Thanks again for listening, and do please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify. Every one helps!

We'll be back at the same time next month, so see you there.

If you want to learn more about Procurement Software, check out the useful links below.

1. Connect with Sheldon Mydat on LinkedIn
2. Check out Suppeco
3. Download our Tech Map for Enterprise
4. Download our Tech Map for Mid-Market
5. Download our Tech Map for SMEs
6. Find your perfect procurement tech solution in our Software Finder app
7. Sign up for the Procurement Software Newsletter
8. Book an Intro Call and let’s talk all things Digital Procurement!
9. Connect with James on LinkedIn

In this special Christmas episode of The Procurement Software Podcast, we celebrate the end of 2024 with a roundup of the latest developments in the procurement technology space.

James shares insights on the evolution of the industry and presents predictions for 2025 in the "state of procuretech address."

Whether you're enjoying a festive meal or relaxing during the holiday season, this episode aims to educate and inspire professionals about the exciting changes shaping the procurement landscape.

This week, James announces a change for The Procurement Software Podcast coming in 2025. We're shifting from weekly podcast episodes to a dynamic weekly newsletter, which will also house a couple of subscriber-only podcasts.

Plus, we're keeping The Procurement Software Podcast too with monthly, open access episodes.

A key focus of the newsletter will be audience segmentation.

Procurement practitioners and tech professionals have distinct needs, and this tailored approach ensures we put out content that resonates with both groups individually.

Expect insights that are specific, actionable, and engaging.

While podcast episodes will become monthly, the emphasis will shift to producing high-quality, in-depth discussions on key topics. This ensures every release is impactful and well-researched.

Finally, audience feedback will play a central role in shaping this new chapter. By aligning with listener preferences, the podcast evolves into an even more valuable resource for its community.

Stay tuned as Procurement Software Podcast embraces this exciting new direction!

[00:02:03] Weekly newsletter transition announcement.

[00:08:59] Procurement tech warning signs.

[00:12:51] Agentic AI in procurement tech.

[00:17:27] B2B marketplaces' future relevance.

[00:21:06] AI's impact on procurement roles.

[00:26:58] AI in document analysis.

[00:31:20] Build versus buy debate.

[00:33:30] Software buying versus building.

And that wraps up another episode of The Procurement Software Podcast!

Thanks again for listening, and do please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify. Every one helps!

We'll be back at the same time next week, so see you there.

If you want to learn more about Procurement Software, check out the useful links below.

1. Download our Tech Map for Enterprise
2. Download our Tech Map for Mid-Market
3. Download our Tech Map for SMEs
4. Find your perfect procurement tech solution in our Software Finder app
5. Sign up for the Procurement Software Newsletter
6. Book an Intro Call and let’s talk all things Digital Procurement!
7. Connect with James on LinkedIn

In this episode of The Procurement Software Podcast, host James Meads welcomes Gregory Vider, co-founder and CEO of Apadua, to discuss their recent Indirect Procurement Days invite-only mini conference held near Frankfurt, Germany.

Their conversation delves into the benefits of networking in a more intimate setting compared to larger conferences.

Tune in to explore how these innovative events could shape the future of marketing in the procurement space.

This week, Gregory explores the rise of micro events and their unique role in transforming procurement marketing. These intimate gatherings offer a fresh alternative to traditional conferences, prioritising personal connections and meaningful engagement.

Gregory highlights how micro events, like Apadua’s recent gathering at the Villa Rothschild in Königstein, create a relaxed atmosphere for attendees to connect. Through informal settings—such as a “kitchen party” with tapas and self-serve drinks—participants can engage in deeper conversations and build lasting relationships.

A key insight is the focus on community-building. By bringing together satisfied clients and potential customers, Apadua fosters authentic interactions that extend beyond the event itself. Gregory explains how this approach strengthens emotional connections with the brand, laying the groundwork for trust and loyalty.

Another advantage? Micro events offer cost-effective solutions while giving organisers complete control over the attendee experience. This enables companies to align the event’s structure with their values and goals, ensuring a more targeted and impactful outcome.

By reimagining networking through micro events, Gregory demonstrates how companies can create memorable experiences, nurture relationships, and drive long-term value in today’s dynamic procurement landscape.

[00:03:07] Productivity and collaboration platform.

[00:04:11] Procurement and stakeholder collaboration.

[00:11:41] Kitchen party event concept.

[00:12:11] Unconventional event networking experience.

[00:17:06] Emotional attachment to software.

[00:21:30] ROI from conference participation.

[00:25:49] Community building through events.

And that wraps up another episode of The Procurement Software Podcast!

Thanks again for listening, and do please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify. Every one helps!

We'll be back at the same time next week, so see you there.

If you want to learn more about Procurement Software, check out the useful links below.

1. Connect with Gregory Vider on LinkedIn
2. Check out Apadua
3. Download our Tech Map for Enterprise
4. Download our Tech Map for Mid-Market
5. Download our Tech Map for SMEs
6. Find your perfect procurement tech solution in our Software Finder app
7. Sign up for the Procurement Software Newsletter
8. Book an Intro Call and let’s talk all things Digital Procurement!
9. Connect with James on LinkedIn

In this episode of The Procurement Software Podcast, host James Meads welcomes Richard Brown from Anvil Analytical to discuss the transformative power of spend analytics in procurement.

The conversation explores the evolution of spend analytics technology, highlighting the advancements from previous years and discussing practical applications that can help organisations operate faster, better, and smarter.

Tune in to learn how these developments are reshaping the procurement profession and the tools available to help organisations embrace change.

This week, Richard sheds light on the growing importance of spend analytics tools, particularly when integrated with consultancy services. This winning combo can optimise procurement strategies across every industry. He highlights how this combination delivers both immediate insights and ongoing value, meeting the evolving demands of procurement professionals.

Richard emphasises the critical role of visibility in spending patterns, enabling organisations to identify cost-saving opportunities, negotiate better supplier terms, and make informed decisions. He explains how tools equipped with advanced AI and large language models (LLMs) revolutionise data handling—turning unstructured data, like invoices in multiple languages, into actionable insights.

A key insight is the shift from traditional consultancy to integrated solutions. With tools such as Anvil that extend beyond short-term projects, it's helped their parent company 4C to now offer long-term partnerships, fostering trust and collaboration over a longer period.

Richard also explores Anvil’s approach to democratising analytics for SMEs, providing cost-effective solutions that meet their unique needs while building sustainable client relationships. This adaptability empowers smaller organisations to unlock the benefits of advanced spend analytics, but without overwhelming their existing processes.

By integrating cutting-edge technology with tailored consultancy services, Richard demonstrates how spend analytics can drive immediate value and establish a foundation for long-term success in the dynamic procurement landscape.

[00:01:10] Spend analytics in procurement.

[00:05:22] Customer demographics in procurement services.

[00:09:44] Accelerated sector entry with LLMs.

[00:10:36] Unstructured data processing solutions.

[00:15:08] Revenue stability through technology.

[00:20:00] SME analytics pricing model.

[00:22:23] Customer acquisition through procurement tech.

[00:24:25] Carbon accuracy pyramid challenges.

[00:29:50] Long-term carbon reduction partnerships.

And that wraps up another episode of The Procurement Software Podcast!

Thanks again for listening, and do please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify. Every one helps!

We'll be back at the same time next week, so see you there.

If you want to learn more about Procurement Software, check out the useful links below.

1. Connect with Richard Brown on LinkedIn
2. Check out Anvil Analytical
3. Download our Tech Map for Enterprise
4. Download our Tech Map for Mid-Market
5. Download our Tech Map for SMEs
6. Find your perfect procurement tech solution in our Software Finder app
7. Sign up for the Procurement Software Newsletter
8. Book an Intro Call and let’s talk all things Digital Procurement!
9. Connect with James on LinkedIn