Procurement Pivots®

Donna Bowden & Laura Sellers
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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. 1 day ago

    EP 56: Are You Asking the Right Questions as a Procurement Leader? Successful Traits of Procurement Leaders: Curiosity

    Send us Fan Mail Successful Traits of Procurement Leaders: Curiosity Curiosity is a critical skill in procurement leadership, yet many procurement professionals don’t fully understand how to apply it in their day-to-day role. In this episode of Procurement Pivots, we explore how curiosity, questioning and self-awareness can elevate your procurement career, strengthen stakeholder relationships and improve decision making. We discuss: What curiosity really looks like in a procurement context and why it goes beyond simply asking more questionsHow asking the right questions can improve decision making, stakeholder relationships and business outcomesWhy many procurement professionals feel the pressure to have the answers, and how this can limit their effectivenessThe difference between open and closed questions, and how to use them more intentionally in meetings and conversationsHow curiosity helps you uncover what really matters, rather than accepting surface-level informationThe role of curiosity in building trust, collaboration and influence across the businessWhy curiosity starts with self, including understanding your own behaviours, reactions and decision makingHow self-awareness and curiosity work together to strengthen your leadership capabilityPractical ways to build curiosity as a habit in your day-to-day procurement roleThis episode builds on many of the themes we’ve explored around procurement leadership, influence and career progression. Because the most effective procurement leaders aren’t always the ones with the answers. They’re the ones asking the right questions. 🎧 New episodes weekly  Listen on Apple and Spotify  Watch on YouTube: Procurement Pivots Get in TouchIf this episode resonated, we’d love to hear your thoughts. And if you’d like to explore working with Procurement Pivots, or with either of us individually, you can contact us at hello@procurementpivots.com About Procurement Pivots We are passionate about supporting the people behind procurement success. Between us, we bring over 25 years of experience supporting procurement leaders in a variety of different ways, and we combine our diverse coaching expertise to bring to life the conversations from the coaching room that deserve a spotlight in today’s challenging and ever-changing procurement landscape. Over the past few years, we’ve built strong reputations as trusted coaches in the procurement space, supporting individuals and teams to navigate complexity, strengthen their leadership and progress with greater clarity and confidence. From positioning, visibility and career progression, through to leadership development, influence and navigating change, we’ve supported procurement professionals across every stage of their journey. Because success in procurement isn’t just about what you deliver. It’s about how you show up, how you’re perceived and how you create opportunities. About Donna BowdenDonna Bowden is a Procurement Career Coach and Founder of Narrate Your Career, supporting senior procurement professionals to build clarity, confidence and visibility in their careers. With over 20 years’ experience as a recruitment leader, she brings deep insight into what hiring managers are really looking for and how to position yourself effectively to identify, create and secure the right opportunities in your procurement career. If this resonates and you’re a procurement leader in the UK, you’re very welcome to explore working with Donna here: https://www.narrateyourcareer.com/book-a-call About Laura SellersLaura Sellers is an Executive and Leadership Coach, specialising in coaching for procurement professionals. She supports individuals and teams to strengthen self-awareness, develop leadership capability and lead with greater impact, influence and confidence. Laura also leads an ILM-accredited coaching centre, supporting procurement professionals to gain recognised coaching qualifications and develop practical coaching skills within their roles. If you’d like to explore developing your coaching and leadership skills through an ILM-accredited programme, you can connect with Laura to find out more. https://www.coachingforprocurement.co.uk/contact-me

    EP 56: Are You Asking the Right Questions as a Procurement Leader? Successful Traits of Procurement Leaders: Curiosity

  2. 27 Jul

    EP 55: How Are You Really Coming Across at Work? Successful Traits of Procurement Leaders: Self-Awareness

    Send us Fan Mail Successful Traits of Procurement Leaders: Self-Awareness How you see yourself isn’t always how others experience you. And that gap can have a significant impact on your procurement career, career progression and leadership development. In this episode of Procurement Pivots, we explore the role self-awareness plays in procurement leadership and why it is such a critical, but often overlooked, capability. We discuss: What self-awareness really means in a procurement leadership contextWhy there is often a gap between intent and perceptionHow others may experience your communication, behaviour and leadership styleThe impact of low self-awareness on relationships, visibility and progressionWhy feedback is essential, but often avoidedHow self-awareness shapes your leadership presence and credibilityThe role it plays in managing stakeholders and teams effectivelyWhy it becomes even more important as you progress into more senior rolesHow small shifts in awareness can have a meaningful impact on how you leadThis episode builds on many of the themes we’ve explored around visibility, positioning and progression in procurement careers. Because how you show up matters. And how others experience you matters even more. 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 If this episode resonated, we’d love to hear your thoughts. And if you’d like to explore working with Procurement Pivots, or with either of us individually, you can contact us at hello@procurementpivots.com

    EP 55: How Are You Really Coming Across at Work? Successful Traits of Procurement Leaders: Self-Awareness

  3. 20 Jul

    EP 54: Why Your Relationship with Your Boss Matters More Than You Think

    Send us Fan Mail Your relationship with your boss is one of the most important factors in your procurement career, career progression and leadership development. And yet, it’s often not given the attention it deserves. In this episode of Procurement Pivots, we explore why this relationship has such a significant impact on your experience, progression and long-term career decisions. We discuss: Why this relationship can influence whether you stay or leave a roleWhy most relationships aren’t broken, but still aren’t working well enoughThe importance of taking time to reflect on what you needHow clarity and alignment shape a strong working relationshipWhy communication style is often the root of the challengeThe role your boss plays in advocating for you internallyWhy you need to take ownership of building and shaping the relationshipThe importance of understanding the pressures your boss is underWhy knowing your non-negotiables mattersHow building a wider support network can strengthen your positionThis episode builds on many of the themes we’ve explored around visibility, positioning and progression in procurement careers. Because doing a great job isn’t always enough. The relationship around you matters more than you might think. 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

    EP 54: Why Your Relationship with Your Boss Matters More Than You Think

  4. 13 Jul

    EP 53: Introverted in Procurement? How to Still Be Seen and Heard

    Send us Fan Mail If you’re introverted in your procurement career, you might feel the pressure to be more visible, speak up more or show more confidence in meetings or whilst networking. And that doesn’t always feel natural. In this episode of Procurement Pivots, we explore what it really means to be introverted in procurement and how you can still have impact, visibility and influence without changing who you are. We discuss: What introversion actually means and why it is often misunderstoodWhy many procurement professionals identify with introverted preferencesThe pressure to “speak up more” and how that shows up in procurement environmentsHow to prepare for meetings in a way that plays to your strengthsPractical ways to contribute in meetings without needing all the answersHow asking questions and making observations can increase your influenceHow to be visible and credible without being the loudest voiceThis episode builds on many of the themes we’ve explored around visibility, positioning and influence in procurement careers. Because some of the most effective procurement professionals we see are introverted. Not despite it, but because of it. This is your last chance to sign up for our Interactive Webinar to celebrate our first year anniversary on 15th July at 12PM UK time: 6 Ways to Elevate Your Impact and Progression As a Procurement Leader in 2026 Sign up here: https://procurementpivots.com/home-page 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 If this episode resonated, we’d love to hear your thoughts. And if you’d like to explore working with Procurement Pivots, or with either of us individually, you can contact us at hello@procurementpivots.com

    EP 53: Introverted in Procurement? How to Still Be Seen and Heard

  5. 6 Jul

    EP 52: Why so many Procurement Professionals are Burning Out

    Send us Fan Mail Burnout in procurement is becoming more common. And it’s not always for the reasons we think. In this episode of Procurement Pivots, we explore why burnout is showing up more across procurement careers and what is really driving it. We discuss: Why burnout in procurement is increasing as the role continues to evolveThe pressure to constantly prove value and why this adds to the challengeWhy burnout is not just about long hours or workloadHow misalignment and the wrong environment can lead to burnout over timeThe impact of isolation, particularly at more senior levelsEarly warning signs including decision fatigue, withdrawal and changes in behaviourHow burnout affects confidence, relationships and decision makingWhat to look out for in your team as a leaderWhy high performers can often be most at riskThe importance of recognising the signs early and taking actionThis episode builds on many of the themes we’ve explored across the podcast around pressure, expectations and progression in procurement careers. Because burnout doesn’t always come from doing too much. It often comes from carrying too much for too long. Sign up for our Interactive Webinar to celebrate our first year anniversary on 15th July at 12PM UK time: 6 Ways to Elevate Your Impact and Progression As a Procurement Leader in 2026 Sign Up here: procurementpivots.com/home-page  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 If this episode resonated, we’d love to hear from you. You can message us directly or connect via the Procurement Pivots LinkedIn page.

    EP 52: Why so many Procurement Professionals are Burning Out

  6. 29 Jun

    EP 51: Internal Positioning – The Key to Progression in Senior Procurement Careers

    Send us Fan Mail Internal progression in procurement doesn’t happen by default. You can be delivering, experienced and performing well in your role, and still find that the next opportunity doesn’t come. In this episode of Procurement Pivots, we focus on internal positioning and why it is the missing link to progression in senior procurement careers. We explore what it really means to be seen as ready for the next level and how your day-to-day actions shape how others perceive your capability, potential and leadership. We discuss: Why internal progression is driven by perception, not just performanceHow your communication, consistency and contribution shape your positioningWhy you need to be seen operating at the next level before you are promotedThe importance of visibility with the right people, not just more visibilityHow internal opportunities are often created before they are advertisedThe role of relationships, sponsorship and advocacy in progressionWhy curiosity and cross-functional exposure can open new doorsHow to have the right conversations about your future without signalling that you want to leaveWhat it means to be opportunity ready and why it mattersThis episode builds on our previous conversation around performance versus progression and brings it into a practical, internal context. Because progression doesn’t happen when a role appears. It happens when you are already seen as the obvious choice. Sign up for our Interactive Webinar to celebrate our first year anniversary on 15th July at 12PM UK time: 6 Ways to Elevate Your Impact and Progression As a Procurement Leader 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 If this episode resonated, we’d love to hear from you. You can message us directly or connect via the Procurement Pivots LinkedIn page.

    EP 51: Internal Positioning – The Key to Progression in Senior Procurement Careers

  7. 22 Jun

    EP 50: The Gap We’re Seeing Between Performance and Progression in Procurement Careers

    Send us Fan Mail We’ve reached our 50th episode of Procurement Pivots, and rather than looking back, we wanted to focus on what we’re consistently seeing across the procurement profession right now. There is a gap. A gap between performance and progression. We are working with capable, experienced procurement professionals who are doing a good job, delivering results and adding value. And yet, for many, that isn’t translating into the visibility, recognition or opportunities they expected. In this episode, we explore why that gap exists and what it really means for your career. We discuss: Why doing a good job is no longer enough in today’s procurement landscape The disconnect between what procurement delivers and how it is perceived Why capability is rarely the issue, even when confidence starts to dip The difference between knowing your value and showing it consistently How changes in ways of working are impacting visibility and progression Why progression now requires a shift in how you think, communicate and show up This episode brings together many of the themes we’ve explored across the podcast and connects them into one overarching insight: Progression is no longer a natural by-product of performance. It requires intention. Sign up for our Interactive Webinar to celebrate our first year anniversary on 15th July at 12PM UK time: 6 Ways to Elevate Your Impact and Progression As a Procurement Leader in 2026  If you’ve been listening, reflecting, and thinking about what comes next, this is your opportunity to take action. You’ll find the link to join us in the show notes. 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 If this episode resonated, we’d love to hear from you. You can message us directly or connect via the Procurement Pivots LinkedIn page.

    EP 50: The Gap We’re Seeing Between Performance and Progression in Procurement Careers

  8. 15 Jun

    EP 49: Giving Feedback as a Procurement Leader to Drive Impact

    Send us Fan Mail In procurement careers, your ability to give feedback to teams and stakeholders directly impacts performance, influence and progression. Yet it’s one of the most avoided leadership skills. Whether it’s not wanting to upset someone, not knowing how to say it, or simply not making the time, many procurement leaders hold back from delivering the feedback their teams and stakeholders actually need. And when that happens, performance stalls, expectations become unclear, and frustration builds across procurement teams and stakeholder relationships. In this episode of Procurement Pivots, Donna and Laura explore how to give feedback as a procurement leader in a way that is clear, constructive and genuinely impactful. Because feedback done well doesn’t just improve performance. It strengthens procurement careers, builds confidence, and improves how you influence and work with stakeholders. In this episode we explore Why giving feedback is often avoided in procurement leadership And the impact this has on teams and stakeholder relationshipsWhy feedback must be intentional, not reactive Moving from ad hoc conversations to a consistent leadership approachThe risks of vague or unclear feedback Why general comments don’t help people or stakeholders improveHow to give feedback that actually lands Being specific, relevant and focused on impactWhy feedback needs to flow in all directions Across teams, stakeholders and senior leadershipThe role of feedback in building high-performing procurement teams Creating clarity, ownership and accountabilityHow poorly delivered feedback can have lasting effects On confidence, performance and perceptionPractical frameworks to improve your feedback conversations Including Radical Candor and the SBI (Situation, Behaviour, Impact) modelTakeaways A clearer understanding of how to give feedback effectively in procurement careersPractical ways to make feedback more specific, constructive and impactfulA reminder that avoiding feedback creates confusion across teams and stakeholdersEncouragement to make feedback a consistent part of your procurement leadership approachHosted 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 Are you giving the feedback your team and stakeholders actually need… or avoiding it?

    EP 49: Giving Feedback as a Procurement Leader to Drive Impact
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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

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  • Creator
    Donna Bowden & Laura Sellers
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    57
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Procurement Pivots®
  • Show Website
    Procurement Pivots®
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