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. 6d ago

    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

  2. Jul 6

    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

  3. Jun 29

    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

  4. Jun 22

    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

  5. Jun 15

    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

  6. Jun 8

    EP 48: The Feedback Gap: The Dangerous Truth About Where You Stand

    Send us Fan Mail Do you actually know where you stand in your procurement career? Or are you making assumptions? At senior level, feedback often becomes limited, filtered or disappears altogether.  And yet, this is exactly the point in your career where clarity matters most. Without it, you risk making decisions based on perception rather than reality. In this episode of Procurement Pivots, Donna and Laura explore what we’re calling the Feedback Gap -  the space between how you think you’re performing and how you’re actually perceived. Because if you don’t have that clarity, it’s very difficult to move forward with confidence. In this episode we explore Why feedback reduces as you become more senior (and why this creates risk, not reassurance)The gap between perception and realityHow assumptions quietly shape your career decisionsWhy many procurement professionals feel undervalued (and how lack of feedback contributes to that)The risks of operating without clear feedbackBlind spots, misalignment and missed opportunitiesWhy waiting for feedback doesn’t work at senior level and what to do insteadHow to ask for more meaningful, targeted feedbackMoving beyond vague questions to get real insightThe importance of seeking different perspectivesNot just feedback from those who already rate you highlyHow to use feedback to strengthen your positioningBuilding credibility, visibility and confidenceTakeaways A clearer understanding of the Feedback Gap and why it existsPractical insight into how to create your own feedback loopsA reminder that assumptions can quietly hold your career backEncouragement to seek clarity before making career decisionsHosted 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 Do you actually know where you stand… or are you assuming? Message us via the Procurement Pivots LinkedIn page or reach out to Donna or Laura directly.

    EP 48: The Feedback Gap: The Dangerous Truth About Where You Stand

  7. Jun 1

    EP 47: The Truth About “Underperforming” Procurement Teams

    Send us Fan Mail “Underperforming team.” It’s a label that gets used quickly in procurement. But what if it’s not the full picture? In today’s market, procurement teams are under more pressure than ever.  Expectations are rising. Resources are stretched. Change is constant. And what looks like underperformance is often something else entirely. In this episode of Procurement Pivots, Donna and Laura explore what’s really going on behind so-called “underperforming” procurement teams, and what leaders need to focus on to turn things around. Because this isn’t always about capability.  It’s about context, clarity and leadership. In this episode we explore Why “underperformance” is often misdiagnosedLooking beyond the label to understand what’s really happeningThe role of environment, pressure and unrealistic expectationsWhy teams may be stretched rather than strugglingThe importance of trust and psychological safetyHow breakdowns in trust impact performance and engagementWhy morale matters more than many leaders realiseThe impact of constant change, restructures and shifting expectationsThe role of leadership in creating clarity and directionWhy repetition, consistency and visibility are essentialHow to rebuild performance as a team, not just as a leaderCreating shared ownership, not top-down instructionThe power of small wins in rebuilding confidence and momentumShifting mindset through progress and recognitionWhy the narrative you create shapes the team you becomeMoving away from labels and towards a new identity Takeaways A clearer understanding of what sits behind “underperformance” in procurement teamsPractical insight into how leaders can diagnose and respond more effectivelyA reminder that performance issues are often rooted in environment, not individualsEncouragement to lead with clarity, visibility and trust to rebuild momentumHosted 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 seeing underperformance… or something else? Message us via the Procurement Pivots LinkedIn page or reach out to Donna or Laura directly.

    EP 47: The Truth About “Underperforming” Procurement Teams

  8. May 25

    EP 46: The Most Important Question in Your Procurement Career

    Send us Fan Mail “Tell me about yourself.” It sounds simple. But in reality, it’s one of the most important and most underutilised questions in your procurement career. It shows up everywhere:  Interviews. Stakeholder meetings. Networking conversations. New projects. And how you answer it shapes how people see you. In this episode of Procurement Pivots, Donna and Laura explore why this question carries so much weight, and how procurement professionals can use it more intentionally to build confidence, credibility and influence. Because this isn’t about walking through your CV. It’s about positioning. In this episode we explore: Why this question matters more than most people realiseHow your answer shapes perception, credibility and opportunityThe common mistakes procurement professionals makeChronological answers that miss the opportunity to position your valueWhy this isn’t about selling yourselfThe difference between self-promotion and helping others understand your impactHow to structure a strong and confident answerPresent positioning, what you’re known for and why it mattersWhy relevance is everythingTailoring your message for interviews, stakeholders and networkingHow this question can set the tone in interviewsOne of the few moments where you control the direction of the conversationWhy your professional identity goes beyond your job titleEspecially important when you’re between roles or navigating changeHow to evolve your message as your career developsKeeping your positioning aligned to where you’re going nextTakeaways A clearer understanding of why this is one of the most important questions in your procurement careerA practical structure to answer it with confidence and clarityA reminder that if people don’t understand your value, they won’t recognise itEncouragement to be intentional with how you position yourself in every interactionHosted 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 How are you currently answering “Tell me about yourself”? Message us via the Procurement Pivots LinkedIn page or reach out to Donna or Laura directly.

    EP 46: The Most Important Question in Your Procurement Career
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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

Information

  • Creator
    Donna Bowden & Laura Sellers
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    54
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Procurement Pivots®
  • Show Website
    Procurement Pivots®

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