Leading Through Crisis: Procurement in a Startup World with Fraser McBeth

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