Talent Talks Podcast

Talent Drive

The Talent Talks Podcast provides regular insights and guidance to procurement and supply chain professionals. Host, Martin Smith interviews CPO's within large corporations and brands in the UK such as John Lewis, Mars, Babcock International, Managing Directors of procurement specialist companies including as Procurement Excellence and Embedded IT as well as thought-leaders and authors from the sector. Martin Smith, founder of Talent Drive is a specialist procurement and supply chain recruiter. He uses his network and expertise to provide insightful, thought provoking discussions, as well as providing tips on building your own career in the industry. The podcast is just one area of #projectprocurement; Martin's network of like-minded procurement professionals including webinars, content and events. Register your email to find out about our next meet-up and get involved: https://bit.ly/talenttalksmailinglist We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast, and do please reach out if you'd like to be a guest; martin@talentdrive.co.uk. All links and references at https://talentdrive.co.uk/

  1. Marching Forward: Ben Farrell’s Mission to Modernise Global Procurement

    1 THG 5

    Marching Forward: Ben Farrell’s Mission to Modernise Global Procurement

    On this episode, Ben Farrell MBE, discusses his journey from a 23-year military career to becoming the CEO of CIPS.  He shares insights on leadership, the importance of emotional intelligence, and the challenges and opportunities in the procurement profession.  Ben emphasises the need for CIPS to evolve and better represent procurement professionals globally, while also highlighting the importance of creating a supportive environment for career development in procurement.  They explore the challenges and opportunities facing procurement professionals today, particularly in the context of global supply chains and the integration of AI. Additionally, the conversation touches on Ben’s involvement with the Invictus Games Foundation. Some of the key moments during this podcast include: Ben Farrell joined CIPS to drive change in procurement. Human emotion plays a crucial role in leadership effectiveness. Transitioning from military to civilian life can be challenging but rewarding. CIPS has the potential to be a global leader in procurement. Ben aims to make CIPS more inclusive and relevant to all stages of a procurement career. The future of procurement requires adapting to changing global dynamics.  Marketing the procurement profession is crucial for attracting new talent. Procurement must shift from a process-oriented mindset to a strategic one. Global supply chains require resilience and adaptability in the face of disruptions. The Invictus Games Foundation supports the recovery of wounded servicemen and women. Talent in procurement is about finding the right fit for individuals. Continuous improvement is essential for professional bodies to remain relevant. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ben Farrell 01:15 Early Career and Military Background 04:37 Leadership Lessons from the Army 08:00 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life 12:17 Experiences at John Lewis 15:33 Becoming CEO of CIPS 18:40 Global Perspectives on Procurement 20:17 Challenges and Opportunities for CIPS 25:26 Marketing the Procurement Profession 30:11 The Future of Procurement 34:22 Navigating Challenges in Procurement 38:50 Global Supply Chains 43:01 Invictus Games Foundation 45:58 Defining Talent in Procurement

    49 phút
  2. The Future of NHS Procurement: Challenges, Leadership, and Patient Outcomes, with Richard Evans

    30 THG 1

    The Future of NHS Procurement: Challenges, Leadership, and Patient Outcomes, with Richard Evans

    In this episode, Martin Smith interviews Richard Evans, Executive Commercial Director for NHS Supply Chain.  Richard shares valuable insights from his extensive career in procurement, discussing his transition from consultancy to the NHS, the importance of purpose in his work, and the challenges faced by the NHS Supply Chain.  He emphasises the need for collaboration, effective team management, and the evolving landscape of procurement, particularly in the healthcare sector.  Richard also reflects on his career and the skills he values in procurement talent, concluding with quickfire questions about his inspirations and views on the future of procurement. Takeaways Collaboration and people management are key to successful procurement. Integrating previously separate organisations into one cohesive unit has been a challenge for the NHS Supply Chain. Value-based procurement is essential for improving patient outcomes. Richard advocates for a people-first approach in leadership. Adaptability and agility are crucial in the ever-changing landscape of healthcare. The future of procurement is pivotal, with a focus on innovation and technology. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:55 From Consultancy to NHS Supply Chain 05:49 Purpose in Procurement 09:10 Challenges in NHS Supply Chain 12:05 Team Management 15:02 Change in the NHS 17:52 Qualities in Procurement Talent 21:13 Future of Procurement 24:02 Reflections on Career 26:47 Quickfire Questions

    38 phút
  3. Leading Through Crisis: Procurement in a Startup World with Fraser McBeth

    16 THG 1

    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

    37 phút
  4. Talent Talks Live 2024: How Al is Shaping the Future of Procurement

    19/12/2024

    Talent Talks Live 2024: How Al is Shaping the Future of Procurement

    On this episode of Talent Talks, Samuel De Frates, Kathryn Thompson and Bilal Shaykh discuss the transformative role of AI in procurement, exploring its potential to enhance supplier selection, risk management, and overall efficiency.  They delve into the challenges faced by procurement professionals, the risks associated with AI implementation, and the importance of addressing resistance to change.  The conversation also highlights the evolving skills required for procurement professionals in the age of AI and the future trends that will shape the industry. Takeaways AI can significantly improve supplier selection and risk management.Using AI as a co-pilot rather than an autonomous decision maker is crucial.Automating simple tasks can free up resources for more complex challenges.Choosing the right technology to implement is critical for success.Fixing basic processes is necessary before adopting new technologies.Talent and skills gaps are major impediments to AI adoption in procurement.The future of procurement will heavily rely on AI technologies.Procurement professionals need to focus on relationship management.AI will enable procurement to concentrate on value creation rather than mundane tasks. Chapters 00:00 AI's Impact on Procurement 02:52 Challenges in Procurement 06:06 Risks of AI Implementation 08:56 Navigating Change in Procurement 12:12 Future Trends in AI and Procurement 15:00 Skills and Competencies for the Future 17:49 The Evolving Role of Procurement Professionals 21:01 Conclusion

    25 phút
  5. Cultural Adaptability and Soft Skills: A New Era in Procurement with Canberk Incekara

    05/12/2024

    Cultural Adaptability and Soft Skills: A New Era in Procurement with Canberk Incekara

    In this episode, Martin Smith interviews Canberk Incekara, Head of Indirect Procurement at OCS. Canberk shares his extensive experience in procurement and supply chains, discussing the evolution of the industry, the importance of understanding the end-to-end value chain, and the challenges of navigating external factors like COVID and Brexit.  He emphasises the need for a balance between globalisation and local support, the significance of soft skills in talent management, and the changing expectations of the new generation in the workforce.  The conversation also touches on cultural adaptability in negotiations, with Canberk discussing the differences between Turkey and the UK. He also discusses the importance of retaining talent through job satisfaction and growth opportunities.   Takeaways   · Canberk’s journey reflects the interconnectedness of procurement and supply chain. · Understanding the total cost of ownership is crucial in procurement. · COVID and Brexit have reshaped procurement strategies. · Supporting local businesses is essential in a globalised market. · Procurement is evolving into a more strategic function. · Cultural adaptability is key in international negotiations. · Soft skills are increasingly important in talent management. · Retention challenges stem from new generation expectations. · Transferable skills in procurement can apply across industries. · Agility in approach is necessary for success in procurement. Chapters  00:00 Journey Through Procurement and Supply Chain 02:23 End-to-End Value Chains 04:42 External Factors in Supply Chain 06:00 Globalisation and Local Support 09:09 The Evolution of Procurement 12:52 Cultural Adaptability 16:17 Talent in Procurement 19:30 Retention Challenges 22:08 Transferable Skills 23:34 Quickfire Questions

    25 phút
  6. Breaking Barriers: Diversity, Soft Skills and Rebranding Procurement with Nikki Wright

    28/11/2024

    Breaking Barriers: Diversity, Soft Skills and Rebranding Procurement with Nikki Wright

    On this episode of the Talent Talks Podcast, Martin sits down with Nikki Wright, Director of Operations at 10X Banking, as she shares her extensive experience in procurement and operations across various industries, particularly in the banking sector.    She discusses the complexities of navigating procurement within a heavily regulated environment, the balance between compliance and agility, and the evolution of procurement roles.    Nikki emphasises the importance of diversity, soft skills, and the need to rebrand procurement to overcome negative perceptions.    She also highlights the commitment of 10X Banking to sustainability and its status as a B Corp certified organisation.    The discussion also touches on the evolving landscape of procurement, the impact of inflation on supplier relationships, and the necessity of digitalisation in procurement processes.    Nikki shares personal insights about her career journey, inspirations, and the importance of taking ownership of one's career path.   Takeaways Procurement often involves navigating complex regulations, especially in finance. Procurement roles are evolving to include more operational responsibilities. Diversity in procurement is improving but still has a long way to go. Soft skills are essential for success in procurement roles. There is a need to change the negative perception of procurement. Procurement functions as a bridge between the company and suppliers. 10X Banking is committed to sustainability and is B Corp certified. Job titles in procurement need consistency to attract diverse talent.  B Corp accreditation is crucial for demonstrating commitment to ESG. The decisions we make today impact future generations. Change in large organisations is often slow and challenging. Risk mitigation is essential in today's supply chain management. Digitalisation is necessary for effective procurement decision-making. Career ownership is key to professional growth.   Chapters   00:00 Introduction 02:48 Procurement in the Banking Sector 06:13 Compliance in Procurement 09:06 Procurement Roles 12:12 Diversity 14:54 Soft Skills 18:09 Negative Perceptions 20:52 Sustainability 23:48 B Corp Accreditation 27:04 Financial Sector 30:18 Challenges in ESG 34:27 Procurement Challenges 40:05 Personal Inspirations and Career Reflections

    47 phút

Giới Thiệu

The Talent Talks Podcast provides regular insights and guidance to procurement and supply chain professionals. Host, Martin Smith interviews CPO's within large corporations and brands in the UK such as John Lewis, Mars, Babcock International, Managing Directors of procurement specialist companies including as Procurement Excellence and Embedded IT as well as thought-leaders and authors from the sector. Martin Smith, founder of Talent Drive is a specialist procurement and supply chain recruiter. He uses his network and expertise to provide insightful, thought provoking discussions, as well as providing tips on building your own career in the industry. The podcast is just one area of #projectprocurement; Martin's network of like-minded procurement professionals including webinars, content and events. Register your email to find out about our next meet-up and get involved: https://bit.ly/talenttalksmailinglist We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast, and do please reach out if you'd like to be a guest; martin@talentdrive.co.uk. All links and references at https://talentdrive.co.uk/