Procurement Pivots®

Donna Bowden & Laura Sellers

Honest conversations and fresh perspectives to help procurement professionals, wherever you are in your career. Navigate change, grow with confidence and shape a career on your terms.Co-hosted by Donna Bowden (Procurement Career Coach, Founder of Narrate Your Career) and Laura Sellers (Executive & Leadership Coach, Founder of Coaching for Procurement) who bring a combined 20+ years of supporting procurement growth

  1. EP 31: The Career Story Behind Coaching for Procurement

    1 DAY AGO

    EP 31: The Career Story Behind Coaching for Procurement

    Send us a text Donna Bowden Interviews Laura Sellers This week, we continue our two-part mini-series where we turn the microphones on each other. After more than 30 episodes together, many listeners have asked a similar question. “How do the two of us support procurement professionals differently, and what does that look like in practice?” In last week’s episode, Laura interviewed Donna. This week, Donna interviews Laura. In this conversation, Laura shares the career journey that led her into executive and leadership coaching, why she chose to specialise in procurement, and how her business has evolved from one-to-one coaching into team coaching, leadership development programmes and coaching qualifications. Laura also talks about the pivotal experiences that shaped her coaching approach, the challenges she sees across procurement leadership teams, and why a confidential thinking partnership can be transformational for senior professionals navigating complexity, politics and change. In this episode we explore 1. How Coaching for Procurement began Laura’s journey from recruitment, to procurement leadership, to discovering coaching during the pandemic and building a business that supports leaders and teams at every stage of their evolution. 2. The challenges facing senior procurement leaders and teams Why restructures, shifting expectations and rising pressure make the leadership role feel heavier than ever and how coaching creates space to think, recover and rebuild. 3. Why senior leaders benefit from an external thinking partner The isolation that often comes with senior roles, the impact of internal politics, and the value of having a safe, neutral space to challenge assumptions and regain clarity. 4. How team coaching unlocks more than traditional training The silent dynamics that shape performance, the power of psychological safety, and why real progress happens when a team can speak honestly in the same room. 5. Advice for procurement leaders stepping into 2026 Why investing in yourself and your team matters more than ever, and how targeted development can build confidence, capability and long-term impact. Takeaways A clearer understanding of Laura’s career story and the purpose behind Coaching for Procurement. Insight into the real challenges procurement leaders face behind the scenes and how coaching supports them to navigate complexity. An appreciation of the difference between one-to-one coaching, team coaching and leadership development, and when each one adds the most value. Encouragement for leaders who feel stretched, isolated or under pressure, and reassurance that the right support can make meaningful progress possible. Hosted by Donna Bowden | Procurement Career Coach, Narrate Your Career Laura Sellers | Executive and Leadership Coach, Coaching for Procurement New episodes weekly Listen on Apple and Spotify Watch & Subscribe on YouTube: Procurement Pivots Follow us on LinkedIn: Procurement Pivots Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Message us via the Procurement Pivots LinkedIn page or contact Donna or Laura directly.

    25 min
  2. EP 30: The Career Story Behind Narrate Your Career

    2 FEB

    EP 30: The Career Story Behind Narrate Your Career

    Send us a text Laura Sellers Interviews Donna Bowden This week, we are doing something a little different. After more than 25 episodes, one question has come up again and again from listeners. What do you both actually do and how do your coaching approaches differ? So for the next two episodes, we are interviewing each other.  A small step outside our comfort zones, but an important one. Because so many procurement professionals are trying to understand what support they need and who to turn to at different stages of their career. We begin with Donna. In this conversation, Laura speaks with Donna about her journey from recruitment leader to procurement career coach, the purpose behind Narrate Your Career, the recurring patterns she sees in senior procurement careers, and why clarity and confidence are at the heart of all meaningful career progress. Donna also shares the moment her business name arrived at 1.23am, why so many people reach a crossroads without knowing what they want next, and the shift she hopes procurement professionals will make as they head into 2026. In this episode we explore 1. How Narrate Your Career began Why Donna stepped away from a successful recruitment career and built something new that supports procurement professionals in a deeper, more intentional way. 2. The challenges senior procurement professionals are facing today Why so many people feel stuck, overwhelmed or unsure of their next move and what this reveals about the evolving market. 3. Why clarity comes before action How getting clear on what you actually want transforms your confidence, your positioning and the opportunities that open up. 4. The importance of visibility and storytelling Why recognising your own achievements matters and how visibility impacts career progression at senior level. 5. Advice for procurement professionals planning for 2026 The mindset shifts, habits and reflections Donna believes will make the biggest difference this year. Takeaways A deeper understanding of Donna’s career story and the purpose behind Narrate Your Career.Insight into the patterns, blockers and opportunities she sees across senior procurement careers.Encouragement for anyone feeling stuck or uncertain about their next move.Practical mindset reminders to help you build clarity, momentum and confidence in 2026.Hosted by Donna Bowden | Procurement Career Coach, Narrate Your Career Laura Sellers | Executive and Leadership Coach, Coaching for Procurement New episodes weekly Listen on Apple and Spotify Watch on YouTube: Procurement Pivots Follow us on LinkedIn: Procurement Pivots Want to ask a question or share a topic you would like us to cover? Message us via the Procurement Pivots LinkedIn page or reach out to Donna or Laura directly.

    29 min
  3. EP 29: Securing the Support You Need to Achieve Your 2026 Goal

    26 JAN

    EP 29: Securing the Support You Need to Achieve Your 2026 Goal

    Send us a text Part 4: Your Procurement Pivot Plan for 2026: A 4-Step Series to Set, Shape and Achieve Your Career Goals This is the final episode in our four-part January series designed to help you set yourself up for sustainable, meaningful success in 2026. If you haven’t yet listened to Episodes 26-28, we recommend starting there and working through the series in order. In Part 4, we explore a crucial ingredient in achieving any goal: getting the right support and resources behind you. Whether you’re aiming for a promotion, planning a pivot, rebuilding confidence, or elevating your leadership presence, success isn’t a solo sport. Today we walk through the questions you need to ask to understand what you have, what you may be missing, and what will genuinely make the biggest difference to your progress. In this episode, we cover: How to assess whether you truly have the resources needed to reach your goalWhy a gap analysis often reveals far less “missing” than you thinkThe mindset barriers that stop many procurement professionals from asking for helpThe internal support available inside organisations (and how to choose the right people)The role external support can play, and why impartiality can transform clarity and momentumHow to build the network around you that supports (not stalls) your progressionBringing everything together to set yourself up for a successful, sustainable yearKey Takeaways: Understand what you already have, what’s missing, and what actually mattersBe honest about your mindset toward seeking supportUse your internal and external ecosystem intentionallyBuild the scaffolding that will sustain you through the year aheadIf you have questions or want to share your goal for 2026, we’d love to hear from you. Hosted by Donna Bowden | Procurement Career Coach, Narrate Your Career Laura Sellers | Executive and Leadership Coach, Coaching for Procurement New episodes weekly Listen on Apple and Spotify Watch on YouTube: Procurement Pivots Follow on LinkedIn: Procurement Pivots

    39 min
  4. EP 28: Part 3 - Anticipating Obstacles and Strengthening Your Path Forward

    19 JAN

    EP 28: Part 3 - Anticipating Obstacles and Strengthening Your Path Forward

    Send us a text Part 3 of Your Procurement Pivot Plan for 2026: A 4-Step Series to Set, Shape and Achieve Your Career Goals In this third episode of the series, Donna and Laura explore the obstacles that can appear when you start moving towards a meaningful career goal. Some challenges are external. Others come from your own thinking. What matters most is preparing yourself to navigate them so you do not lose momentum when things get difficult. This episode helps you anticipate what might get in your way and strengthen your plan for the year ahead. Key Takeaways Look back at challenges you have overcome beforeYour past successes hold clues for how you can approach future obstacles.Understand what is external and what comes from withinClarity here helps you regain control and respond more effectively.Brainstorm possible obstacles before you beginGetting everything out of your head makes patterns and solutions easier to see.Prepare how you want to respond when setbacks ariseA little future thinking strengthens confidence and resilience.Build in regular check ins to stay on trackSmall, consistent reviews keep your momentum strong.Remember that obstacles do not mean failureThey are part of the process and often reveal the skills you already have.Hosted by Donna Bowden | Procurement Career Coach, Narrate Your Career Laura Sellers | Executive and Leadership Coach, Coaching for Procurement New episodes weekly Listen on Apple and Spotify Watch on YouTube: Procurement Pivots Follow us on LinkedIn: Procurement Pivots Want to share your goal or ask a question? Message us via the Procurement Pivots LinkedIn page.

    24 min
  5. EP 27: Part 2 - Calibrating Your Goal

    12 JAN

    EP 27: Part 2 - Calibrating Your Goal

    Send us a text Part 2 of of Your Procurement Pivot Plan for 2026: A 4-Step Series to Set, Shape and Achieve Your Career Goals Welcome back to our January series designed to help you set and achieve a meaningful and sustainable career goal for 2026. This is Part 2 of a 4-step journey and we strongly recommend listening to these episodes in order, as each step builds on the last. If you have not yet listened to Episode 26, start there to define the goal you want to focus on. Today, we help you go deeper and sense check whether that goal is truly right for you. What we cover in Part 2: In this episode, we take the goal you identified last week and help you calibrate it so that it becomes clearer, stronger and more achievable. This step is all about refining your intention and making sure your goal stands up to real life, not just early January enthusiasm. We explore: How to define the evidence that will prove you are making progressWhy anchoring your goal in what you will see, hear and feel increases motivationHow to identify meaningful milestones so you can track progress, not perfectionWhy your goal must be based on what is within your controlHow to assess the difference the goal will make and why this matters for long term commitmentThe benefits and costs to consider before fully committing to your chosen directionThis episode strengthens your goal so you move forward with clarity, confidence and a realistic plan for success. Why this step matters: A goal that has not been fully thought through will crumble as soon as life gets busy. A goal that has been properly tested and calibrated has real staying power. Part 2 helps you sense check, refine and confirm that the goal you chose last week is the right one for you and worth your time and energy. Hosted by Donna Bowden | Procurement Career Coach, Narrate Your Career Laura Sellers | Executive and Leadership Coach, Coaching for Procurement New episodes weekly Listen on Apple and Spotify Watch on YouTube: Procurement Pivots Follow us on LinkedIn: Procurement Pivots Want to share your goal or ask a question? Message us via the Procurement Pivots LinkedIn page or reach out to Donna or Laura directly.

    21 min
  6. EP 26: Part 1 - Getting Clear on What You Really Want in 2026

    5 JAN

    EP 26: Part 1 - Getting Clear on What You Really Want in 2026

    Send us a text Part 1 of Your Procurement Pivot Plan for 2026: A 4-Step Series to Set, Shape and Achieve Your Career Goals This January, we are doing something different. For the first time on the Procurement Pivots Podcast, we are releasing a guided 4-part series designed to help you set and achieve meaningful and sustainable career goals for 2026. Unlike our usual episodes, we recommend listening to these four in order because each part builds on the last.  By the end of the series, you will have a clear goal, a stronger plan and a far higher chance of sticking with it long after the early January motivation fades. What we cover in Part 1: In this opening episode, we help you get clear on the goal you genuinely want to pursue this year. Not the goal you think you should set. Not the one shaped by expectations or pressure. The one that will actually make a difference to your career and your wellbeing. We explore: Why so many goals lose momentum by week threeHow to define your goal in a way that is specific, positive and meaningfulThe core questions that reveal what you truly want, even if it feels unclear right nowHow to sense check whether your goal is achievable without dampening your ambitionWhy grounding your goal in your personal values is essentialHow reflecting on last year’s proudest moments can help you choose the right focus this yearThis episode gives you clarity, direction and the starting point you need to build a goal that feels authentic and energising. Why this step matters: A clear and well-aligned goal creates momentum. A vague or misaligned goal creates stress and stagnation. Part 1 ensures you set a goal that matters and one you will want to stay committed to as the year unfolds. Hosted by Donna Bowden | Procurement Career Coach, Narrate Your Career Laura Sellers | Executive and Leadership Coach, Coaching for Procurement New episodes weekly Listen on Apple and Spotify Watch on YouTube: Procurement Pivots Follow us on LinkedIn: Procurement Pivots Want to share your goal or ask a question? Message us via the Procurement Pivots LinkedIn page or reach out to Donna or Laura directly.

    25 min
  7. EP 25: REFLECTIONS from Procurement Pivots 2025: The Key Insights to Help All of Us in 2026

    29/12/2025

    EP 25: REFLECTIONS from Procurement Pivots 2025: The Key Insights to Help All of Us in 2026

    Send us a text As we wrap up 2025, we’re closing the year with something a little different. This episode is an honest and uplifting reflection on the year just gone. We look back at the moments that shaped us, the lessons that surprised us, and the themes that consistently showed up in our work with procurement professionals across the industry. Whether your year felt full of progress, full of challenge, or a mix of both, this episode is designed to give you space to pause, notice the positives, and move into 2026 with intention. We talk through: What we’re most proud of this year, both personally and professionallyWhy recognising your own progress matters more than you thinkA challenge for you: share your proudest moment with someone you trustWhat to let go of as you move into 2026The habits and patterns we’re leaving firmly in 2025How to think about energy, boundaries and sustainability in a demanding careerWhat we want to do more of next year: joy, rest, connection and intentional growthWhy community and support networks make all the difference during career pivotsWe also share some candid reflections on running two growing businesses alongside the podcast, the partnership we’ve built, and the unexpected highs that have made this year such a rewarding one. Thanks for joining us on this journey. We’re incredibly grateful for everyone who has listened, shared, commented or reached out. Here’s to a more joyful, supported and intentional 2026. 👥 Hosted by:  Donna Bowden | Procurement Career Coach, Narrate Your Career  Laura Sellers | Executive and Leadership Coach, Coaching for Procurement 📅 New episodes weekly  🎧 Listen on Apple and Spotify  📺 Full episodes available on YouTube: Procurement Pivots – YouTube  📌 Follow us on LinkedIn: Procurement Pivots  💬 Got a topic or challenge you'd like us to cover? Message us via the page or contact Donna or Laura directly.

    30 min
  8. EP24: SUMMARY of the Procurement Pivots Podcast Episodes in 2025: The Common Patterns Behind Procurement Career Pivots

    22/12/2025

    EP24: SUMMARY of the Procurement Pivots Podcast Episodes in 2025: The Common Patterns Behind Procurement Career Pivots

    Send us a text Welcome to Episode 24 of the Procurement Pivots Podcast. In this final episode of our PIVOTS series, we take a step back and bring you a summary of everything we have covered so far. After more than twenty episodes exploring the themes that show up most often in procurement careers, we reflect on the patterns, lessons and insights that have emerged across all of our conversations. When we launched this podcast, our aim was simple. We wanted to create a practical and honest resource for procurement professionals at any stage of their career. A place to hear the topics that rarely get discussed openly, but that so many of you experience behind the scenes. And over the past year, you have told us how much these conversations have resonated. In this episode, we revisit the themes that have shaped the podcast so far, including: The topics procurement professionals come to coaching with most oftenThe threads that run underneath many of the episodesThe five common themes that emerged when we analysed every descriptionHow these topics link together to support confidence, clarity and career momentumWhy we see this podcast as a library you can return to whenever you reach a pivot pointWe also share what we have learned along the way, the moments that have surprised us and how progress over perfection has guided us throughout this journey. Whether you have listened from the beginning or are joining us for the first time, this episode brings together the core insights that sit behind the pivots so many procurement professionals navigate every year. Thanks for tuning in. We are so glad you are here. 👥 Hosted by:  Donna Bowden | Procurement Career Coach, Narrate Your Career  Laura Sellers | Executive and Leadership Coach, Coaching for Procurement 📅 New episodes weekly 🎧 Listen on Apple and Spotify 📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube: Procurement Pivots 📌 Follow us on LinkedIn: Procurement Pivots 💬 Got a topic or challenge you would love us to cover? Message us via the Procurement Pivots LinkedIn page or contact Donna or Laura directly.

    26 min

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About

Honest conversations and fresh perspectives to help procurement professionals, wherever you are in your career. Navigate change, grow with confidence and shape a career on your terms.Co-hosted by Donna Bowden (Procurement Career Coach, Founder of Narrate Your Career) and Laura Sellers (Executive & Leadership Coach, Founder of Coaching for Procurement) who bring a combined 20+ years of supporting procurement growth