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. 3 DAYS AGO

    EP 39: From Operational to Strategic Procurement - The Reality Behind the Shift

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Procurement Pivots, we unpack one of the most talked-about transitions in the profession: the move from operational to strategic procurement. We hear it everywhere. Procurement must become more strategic. Roles are evolving. Expectations are rising. But what does that shift actually mean in practice? And why does it feel harder than it sounds? In this conversation, Donna and Laura explore the realities behind the operational to strategic transition. They discuss why the word “strategic” is often misunderstood, how misalignment creates frustration, and why many procurement professionals feel stuck between firefighting and future thinking. This episode shines a light on the behavioural, relational and mindset shifts required to move beyond operational delivery and into strategic influence. In this episode we explore: Defining what “strategic” really means Why the word is frequently used but rarely clarified, and how misalignment creates career friction.Context matters How operational and strategic procurement look different depending on sector, organisation and leadership appetite.The gap analysis Understanding whether the real gap is skills, relationships, visibility, confidence or support.Stop waiting for permission Why strategic influence often begins before the title changes.Visibility and communication The risk of internalising ambition and assuming others know what you want.Strategic does not mean political Why influence is not manipulation and how values-led leadership still drives results.The role of relationships How stakeholder trust and advocacy accelerate strategic progression.Takeaways Clarity on what strategic procurement means in your current environment.A practical framework to assess the gap between where you are and where you want to be.Encouragement to take ownership of small, intentional shifts rather than waiting for a promotion.A reminder that strategic behaviour often precedes strategic titles.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. #Procurement #ProcurementCareer #CareerDevelopment #Leadership #ProcurementProfessionals #ProcurementLeadership

    46 min
  2. EP 38: Owning Your Strengths: The Competitive Advantage in Procurement Careers

    30 MAR

    EP 38: Owning Your Strengths: The Competitive Advantage in Procurement Careers

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Procurement Pivots, we explore why owning your strengths is not simply a development exercise and how procurement professionals can use their strengths to accelerate their careers. This is a strategic advantage in your procurement career. We often hear the advice to “know your strengths.” But many procurement professionals either underestimate what they bring, build their careers around strengths they do not enjoy using, or assume others automatically see their value. In a competitive and evolving procurement landscape, technical competence alone is not enough. The real differentiator lies in how you bring your strengths to life, how clearly you communicate them, and whether you are intentionally building your career around them. In this conversation, Donna and Laura explore how strengths shape confidence, influence and long-term career satisfaction. They discuss why understanding your strengths deeply matters, how overusing them can create blind spots, and how to close the gap between knowing your strengths and being known for them. This episode shines a light on the practical and strategic role strengths play in career progression, visibility and opportunity within procurement. In this episode we explore: Why strengths are foundational to career confidenceHow truly understanding your strengths creates clarity and momentum.The difference between being good at something and enjoying itWhy competence alone is not enough to sustain long-term career growth.How strengths leave patterns across your careerIdentifying recurring themes, feedback and moments of success that reveal your true strengths.The visibility gapThe difference between knowing your strengths and ensuring others recognise and value them.When strengths become overusedHow attention to detail, leadership, negotiation or relationship building can become liabilities under pressure.Gathering meaningful feedbackPractical ways to uncover blind spots and ask the right question to understand how others see you at your best.Takeaways A clearer understanding of how strengths influence career direction and progression in procurement.Practical tools to identify patterns and close the visibility gap.Encouragement to build a career around strengths you enjoy using, not just those you perform well.A reminder that owning your strengths is not self-promotion. It's strategic positioning.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. #Procurement #ProcurementCareer #CareerDevelopment #Leadership #ProcurementProfessionals #Procurementleadership

    30 min
  3. EP 37: Resetting as a Procurement Team After Restructure

    23 MAR

    EP 37: Resetting as a Procurement Team After Restructure

    Send us Fan Mail Navigating Restructure in Procurement Series – Part 4 In this final episode of our four-part series on navigating restructure in procurement, we turn our attention to the team perspective. We have explored what happens when you exit an organisation, when you remain following change, and what leadership looks like in times of uncertainty. Now we focus on the collective impact. Because restructures do not just affect individuals. They reshape team dynamics, trust, identity and performance. In this conversation, Donna and Laura explore the responsibility and opportunity procurement teams have to reset intentionally after change. They discuss how trust can quietly erode, how old loyalties and tensions can linger beneath the surface, and why reconnecting as a team is not a luxury but a necessity for future performance. This episode shines a light on how procurement teams can rebuild confidence, strengthen relationships and move forward together with clarity and purpose. In this episode we explore 1. The team’s responsibility to lead through change Why leadership does not sit solely with the title holder and how team members can influence culture, standards and morale. 2. Re-establishing team identity and shared values How defining who you want to be as a team creates stability and belonging after disruption. 3. Trust, tension and unspoken dynamics after restructure Why unresolved issues can sit beneath the surface and what healthy teams do differently. 4. The ripple effect on stakeholder relationships How internal unity directly impacts how procurement is perceived across the wider business. 5. Creating space to reconnect in a resource-stretched world Why taking time to reset strategically builds long-term momentum and performance. 6. Recognising small wins to rebuild resilience How collective recognition strengthens morale and reinforces progress during uncertain periods. Takeaways A deeper understanding of how restructures affect team dynamics long after formal changes are announced.Practical reflections to help procurement teams rebuild trust and cohesion.Encouragement to have honest conversations rather than papering over cracks.A reminder that even in disruption, teams have agency in how they choose to move forward together.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
  4. EP 36: The Procurement Leader’s Role in Times of Uncertainty

    16 MAR

    EP 36: The Procurement Leader’s Role in Times of Uncertainty

    Send us Fan Mail Navigating Restructure in Procurement Series – Part 3 In this third episode of our four-part series on navigating restructures in procurement, we shift the lens to the procurement leader. Leading a team through organisational change can be one of the most challenging responsibilities in a senior role. You are supporting others while also managing your own emotions, dealing with ambiguity and being pulled in multiple directions by the business, stakeholders and your team. In this conversation, Donna and Laura explore what makes this leadership moment so uniquely complex, why it can feel isolating and how leaders can maintain clarity, presence and steadiness even when they do not have all the answers. They also discuss the role modelling effect leaders have, and how small actions and consistent communication can rebuild confidence and cohesion across the team. Whether you are leading through change right now or preparing yourself for future transitions, this episode offers grounded perspective and practical guidance to help you navigate uncertainty with intention. In this episode we explore: 1. The conflicting pressures placed on procurement leaders How leaders are often managing their own emotional responses while also carrying the expectations of the business and the needs of their team. 2. Why visibility and consistent messaging matter more than ever How being present, available and clear helps reduce anxiety and uncertainty across the team. 3. Role modelling calm, clarity and stability during change Why the way a leader shows up shapes how the team experiences the transition and regains confidence. 4. Communicating honestly when you do not have all the answers How transparency can build trust and reduce speculation in periods of ambiguity. 5. Resetting priorities and stakeholder expectations The importance of realigning goals, boundaries and resource levels so the team can deliver sustainably after restructuring. 6. Finding the right support for yourself as a leader Why leaders need space too, and how to stay resourced rather than isolated when navigating complex change. Takeaways: Practical insight into the realities and pressures procurement leaders face during restructure.Tools to support your team while also protecting your own wellbeing and confidence.Guidance on communication, visibility and role modelling during periods of uncertainty.Reassurance that leadership challenges in transition are normal and that strong support and clarity can make a critical difference.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 request a topic? Message us via the Procurement Pivots LinkedIn page or reach out to Donna or Laura directly.

    28 min
  5. EP 35: Rebuilding Confidence After Internal Change

    9 MAR

    EP 35: Rebuilding Confidence After Internal Change

    Send us Fan Mail Navigating Restructure in Procurement Series – Part 2 In Part 2 of our series on navigating restructure in procurement, Donna and Laura shift the focus to those who remain in the organisation after change has taken place. While redundancy often dominates the conversation, staying through a restructure comes with its own emotional, relational and professional challenges, many of which go unspoken. Internal change can shake confidence, disrupt team and stakeholder dynamics, alter relationships and create prolonged periods of uncertainty. In this episode, Donna and Laura explore what really happens beneath the surface when you stay, why it affects people so differently, and how you can rebuild clarity and confidence during times of ongoing organisational change. This episode is for anyone who is currently navigating internal restructure, leading through it, or preparing themselves for the reality of continuous change in the procurement landscape. In this episode we explore: The emotional impact of staying after a restructure: why guilt, relief, fear and doubt can coexist, even when your role is secure.The long periods of uncertainty leading up to structural decisions: how whispers, speculation and lack of clarity can create stress that builds over time.The importance of acknowledging your emotional response: why suppressing how you feel makes it harder to move forward with confidence.Changing dynamics with colleagues and stakeholders: how role changes, competition and leadership turnover alter relationships and influence.Managing fear based behaviours and protecting your energy: how to separate reaction from response and stay grounded in challenging environments.The value of support networks and safe spaces: why speaking with trusted people helps you process change constructively.Noticing opportunity within disruption: how restructure can also create moments of reset, clarity and positive career shifts.Reconnecting with yourself and what you want long term: how understanding your values, needs and career direction helps you decide whether this is still the right environment for you.Takeaways A clearer understanding of the emotional and practical realities of staying after restructure.Strategies to rebuild confidence, manage uncertainty and navigate shifting dynamics.Reassurance that your feelings are valid and normal during times of change.Encouragement to use this period as a chance to reflect, reset and take intentional action for your future.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 experience or ask a question about navigating restructure? Message us via the Procurement Pivots LinkedIn page or reach out to Donna or Laura directly.

    33 min
  6. EP 34: Building Momentum After Redundancy

    2 MAR

    EP 34: Building Momentum After Redundancy

    Send us Fan Mail Navigating Restructure in Procurement – Series Part 1 In this new four part series, we explore the realities of navigating restructure in today’s procurement landscape. And in this first episode, we explore one of the most challenging experiences a procurement professional can face: being made redundant. Redundancy is never a simple moment. It brings waves of emotion, identity questions and uncertainty about what comes next. But it can also mark the beginning of a more aligned chapter once the dust settles. In this conversation, Donna and Laura break down what actually happens in those first days and weeks, how to process the emotional impact and the small intentional steps that help you rebuild confidence and regain momentum. Whether you are experiencing redundancy right now, supporting someone who is or simply preparing yourself for future change, this episode offers grounded, compassionate guidance for navigating the transition with clarity and strength. In this episode we explore: 1. The emotional rollercoaster of redundancy Why feelings such as shame, fear, relief and hope often coexist and why every emotion you experience is valid. 2. Identity, confidence and the impact of loss How much of our identity is tied to our role and what happens when that structure suddenly disappears. 3. The importance of self compassion and self care Why rest, routine and stepping away from the “job search hamster wheel” are essential for perspective and resilience. 4. Moving from overwhelm to clarity Why diving straight into CV updates or scattergun applications rarely works and what to focus on instead. 5. Small steps that rebuild momentum How to regain a sense of control through manageable actions, reflection and reconnecting with your strengths and achievements. 6. Learning from regret without staying stuck How to use “I wish I had…” moments as insight for the future rather than punishment for the past. 7. Why support matters more than ever The role of community, trusted people and free resources that can help you feel less alone and more empowered. Takeaways A compassionate understanding of the emotional and practical challenges that follow redundancy.A clear, realistic path for rebuilding momentum through intentional small steps.Encouragement to focus on clarity, confidence and support rather than urgency or pressure.Reassurance that redundancy does not diminish your value, capability or the opportunities ahead. 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 suggest a topic for the series? Message us via the Procurement Pivots LinkedIn page or reach out to Donna or Laura directly.

    39 min
  7. EP 33: Building Stronger Procurement Teams Through the 7-Step P.R.O.C.U.R.E® Framework

    23 FEB

    EP 33: Building Stronger Procurement Teams Through the 7-Step P.R.O.C.U.R.E® Framework

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Laura takes us behind the scenes of the team coaching work she has been delivering across procurement functions in the UK and internationally. While most leaders approach her with a specific challenge or goal in mind, the deeper work almost always centers around one thing: impact. Using her 7-Step P.R.O.C.U.R.E Framework, Laura walks through the practical and human elements that shape how a procurement team performs, collaborates and influences. Whether you are leading a team, joining a new one, or navigating change, this episode offers an inside look at the patterns, behaviours and dynamics that determine real team impact. Donna guides the conversation, drawing out the lived examples, common challenges and practical steps leaders can take when their teams hit transition points, face recurring issues, or simply want to elevate performance. In this episode we explore 1. The real reason procurement leaders ask for team support Most requests are triggered by transition, change, or the desire to move from good to high performing. 2. Why understanding team PURPOSE matters The starting point of the P.R.O.C.U.R.E Framework and the foundation of choosing the right intervention. 3. The importance of assessing team REALITY Before any workshop or coaching begins, the team’s current state, emotions and needs must be understood. 4. How to surface OPPORTUNITY and move the team forward Creating space to explore what is possible, what can improve, and what commitments the team wants to make. 5. Common team CHALLENGES and how to approach them From category silos to tension after restructure, recurring issues often signal deeper needs that must be addressed safely. 6. Why UNDERSTANDING self is essential for team impact How confidence, mindset and identity shape how professionals show up in the room and how stakeholders experience the team. 7. The role of RELATIONSHIPS in procurement team performance Navigating dynamics, building alignment and strengthening collaboration across stakeholders. 8. How teams EVOLVE Translating insight into action, taking ownership and committing to continued development. Takeaways A clear understanding of the 7-Step P.R.O.C.U.R.E Framework and how it transforms team performance.Insight into the patterns and challenges procurement teams face during change, transition or growth.Practical reflections to help leaders identify when their team may need external support.Examples of how team coaching can strengthen collaboration, unity and impact.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 explore team coaching support? Message us via the Procurement Pivots LinkedIn page or contact Donna or Laura directly.

    30 min
  8. EP 32: 6 Steps to Position Yourself for a Successful External Move in 2026

    16 FEB

    EP 32: 6 Steps to Position Yourself for a Successful External Move in 2026

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Donna and Laura revisit one of the most requested topics on the podcast: positioning, with a dedicated focus on external career moves. With the market shifting again and early signs of improvement for 2026, many procurement professionals are already considering whether this might be the year to explore a new role. The challenge is that the job market at senior level remains highly competitive, and the old approach of updating the CV and starting to apply is no longer enough. Drawing on 25+ years of combined experience across senior recruitment, career coaching and leadership development, Donna breaks down the six step positioning framework she uses with senior clients to help them stand out, build confidence and secure roles that genuinely align with their future direction. Whether you're actively seeking a new position or simply want to future-proof your career, this episode gives you the practical, honest guidance you need to navigate today’s market with clarity and intention. In this episode we explore 1. Why clarity must come before action How reconnecting with what you actually want transforms every part of the job search and why skipping this step leads to generic CVs, misaligned applications and lost confidence. 2. Understanding your unique value and story Why your experience alone is not what differentiates you and how to identify, articulate and confidently own the strengths that make you stand out. 3. Building a CV that tells a compelling narrative Why context matters as much as outcomes, the common mistakes that close doors and how to ensure your CV communicates impact rather than tasks. 4. Optimising your LinkedIn profile for visibility and credibility How hiring managers and researchers actually use LinkedIn and the essentials you need in place to be found for senior level roles. 5. The power of networking and the hidden job market Why most senior procurement roles are filled through relationships rather than adverts and the small, consistent actions that expand your reach and opportunities. 6. Preparing for interviews long before you are invited How early preparation builds confidence, reduces pressure and changes the way you show up, plus why practising out loud is non negotiable. Takeaways A clear and practical framework to guide your 2026 job search with confidence and intention.A deeper understanding of what truly differentiates you in a competitive senior market.Tools to strengthen every touchpoint of your positioning including CV, LinkedIn, networking and interviews.Encouragement to step back, rethink your direction and build a strategy that aligns with the career you want next.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 suggest a topic? Message us via the Procurement Pivots LinkedIn page or reach out to Donna or Laura directly.

    44 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

Information

  • Creator
    Donna Bowden & Laura Sellers
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    40
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Procurement Pivots®
  • Show Website
    Procurement Pivots®

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