The Way We Source

Kodiak Hub

A podcast hosted by Kodiak Hub SRM Software, where we interview professionals, tech vendors, researchers and people we find inspiring in Procurement, Sourcing, Supply Chain and Sustainability. The way we source and procure impacts they way we live and has an effect on every person on the planet in some way. We want to dig a bit deeper into the lives and the profession of the people behind this scene.

  1. 25 juni

    70. The Power of "Using Your Legs" - A Simple But Essential Procurement Rule

    Most procurement advice focuses on negotiation tactics or savings - but Adrienne Cole reveals the real secret weapon: your feet. In a world rushing toward AI-driven insights, she argues that the human edge in procurement is your ability to connect, think, and act outside the spreadsheet. This episode is a masterclass for professionals craving strategic relevance in a data-flooded landscape. We dive into why the most valuable procurement skill isn't just crunching numbers but using your legs, literally and figuratively, to build relationships and gather intel. Adrienne shares how moving beyond emails to face-to-face conversations unlocks trust, cooperation, and hidden opportunities no machine can replace. She’s an independent procurement strategist, working globally with scaling businesses and enterprises. With decades of experience at giants like P&G, BT, and Citibank, she brings a unique blend of operational expertise and strategic insight, now empowering teams to excel in an AI-accelerated world. Her stories of supplier negotiations, strategic decision-making, and avoiding costly traps are packed with timeless lessons. You'll discover: How AI accelerates data analysis but shifts the real value to human judgment and emotional intelligence.Concrete examples of speed and insight transforming procurement - from rapid RFP cycles to spotting subtle supplier risks.Why being a generalist can be your superpower - and how this broad perspective is more critical than ever.The importance of strategic thinking: aligning procurement activities with company goals - no matter how complex or fast-changing.Adrienne’s take on the future: How small teams and emerging markets are leveraging AI to level the playing field and innovate faster than the giants.In an era where tech is reshaping every process, Adrienne warns: the human in the loop is your true competitive advantage. If you're eager to harness AI without losing the strategic, relationship-driven essence of procurement, this conversation is destined to shift your perspective - and your career. Whether you’re starting out, scaling up, or leading transformation, this episode arms you with the mindset and insights to thrive in the new procurement frontier. Perfect for strategic thinkers, aspiring generalists, and anyone determined to keep the human touch central amidst endless data.

    70. The Power of "Using Your Legs" - A Simple But Essential Procurement Rule
  2. 29 apr.

    67. Surprising Lessons From Manufacturing on How Supply Chain Disruptions Are Managed

    Most manufacturing procurement teams overlook a critical opportunity: leveraging AI and strategic communication to unlock their true potential. Wilbert Baerwaldt, a seasoned expert with over 30 years in supply chain and procurement, reveals for Kodiak Hub how organizations can shift from reactive order takers to trusted strategic partners, without falling into common pitfalls. When procurement is buried in bureaucracy or seen merely as an administrative function, companies miss out on huge value. Wilbert shares concrete signs of trust - like direct reporting lines to leadership - and warns of red flags such as fragmented supplier management or poor data quality that undermine strategic influence. He emphasizes that a well-organized procurement function, embedded within the leadership structure, is essential for not just surviving but thriving in today's volatile market. You'll discover: how to align procurement and planning for smoother operations; the role of communication and stakeholder management in building trust; and how AI can optimize supplier screening, risk assessment, and negotiation prep, if used correctly. Wilbert discusses the importance of clean data, responsible AI application, and the dangers of overestimating AI's current capabilities, especially around data quality and interpretation. The stakes are high: organizations that neglect strategic procurement and AI integration risk losing efficiency, competitive advantage, and resilience. The opportunity lies in embracing automation to handle routine tasks, freeing teams to monitor risks, foster supplier relationships, and innovate. The future favors proactive, data-driven procurement that anticipates disruptions rather than reacts to them.

    67. Surprising Lessons From Manufacturing on How Supply Chain Disruptions Are Managed
  3. 16 apr.

    66. The Hidden Power of Sourcing: How Strategic Procurement Unlocks Hidden Value

    Most procurement teams miss the potential of sourcing by treating it as a one-and-done task - Oscar Fernández reveals how shifting to continuous discovery can unlock hidden value you didn't know was there. If you’re tired of sourcing being a boring checkbox or an overhead activity, this episode will challenge your assumptions about how to truly leverage sourcing for competitive advantage. Oscar Fernández, founder of Procurement & senior partner at Plima, brings over 15 years at the intersection of manufacturing discipline and software chaos. With a background from automotive and high-growth tech companies, he challenges the conventional wisdom that sourcing is just about price and compliance. Instead, Oscar shares how authentic competition, stakeholder alignment, and early leverage create real power—beyond the typical RFP process. You’ll discover why many procurement functions fall into the trap of process obsession and how shifting focus to market insights, cost modeling, and vendor shaping transforms sourcing from tactical to strategic. In this episode, we break down: Why most organizations view sourcing as a tedious, compliance-driven activity—and how to turn it into a continuous competitive advantage.The key to creating real, authentic competition instead of superficial "artificial" bids.When leverage is actually created—before the RFP hits the table, not during.How transparency, market intelligence, and timing can unlock massive savings and strategic value.Why the same principles of cost breakdown and vendor transparency from manufacturing can revolutionize SaaS and service sourcing.Tune in!

    66. The Hidden Power of Sourcing: How Strategic Procurement Unlocks Hidden Value
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A podcast hosted by Kodiak Hub SRM Software, where we interview professionals, tech vendors, researchers and people we find inspiring in Procurement, Sourcing, Supply Chain and Sustainability. The way we source and procure impacts they way we live and has an effect on every person on the planet in some way. We want to dig a bit deeper into the lives and the profession of the people behind this scene.