The Way We Source

Kodiak Hub
  • 5.0 (1)
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  • Updated Weekly

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

    2d ago

    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. Adrianne 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.Adrianne’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, Adrianne 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.

    45 min
  2. 69. Hidden Dangers in Your Supply Chain: A Million-Dollar Risk

    Jun 11

    69. Hidden Dangers in Your Supply Chain: A Million-Dollar Risk

    Discover the hidden risks in supply chains that could cost your business millions. Justin Dillon, CEO of Freedom AI, reveals how legislation, consumer demand, and ethical challenges are reshaping responsible sourcing. This episode uncovers why supply chain visibility is not just a moral issue but a strategic necessity. Justin shares insights from his work with the White House, UN, and Google, explaining how companies are shifting from reactive compliance to proactive risk management. Learn how to use AI and real-time data to uncover bottlenecks before they become crises, embedding ethical sourcing into everyday operations. In an era where legislation and consumer voices grow louder, ignoring these invisible risks can lead to reputational damage and missed opportunities. Tune in to transform your supply chain approach, leveraging transparency as a competitive edge.

    48 min
  3. 68. From Daimler to Startups: Lessons from a Procurement Leader Who Has Seen It All

    May 28

    68. From Daimler to Startups: Lessons from a Procurement Leader Who Has Seen It All

    In this insightful episode, we sit down with Andreas Schulz, a procurement leader whose career spans from major corporations like Daimler, Allianz and Bosch to innovative startups. Andreas shares his wealth of experience, offering listeners a deep dive into the challenges and triumphs of procurement transformation. He unveils his acclaimed 7-step framework, designed to shift procurement from a mere cost center to a vital strategic partner within organizations. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the importance of cultural change, the power of strategic partnerships, and the real-world application of AI in procurement. Andreas also addresses common pitfalls and provides actionable strategies to overcome them, making this episode a must-listen for anyone looking to elevate their procurement practices and drive meaningful results.

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

    Apr 29

    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.

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

    Apr 16

    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!

    49 min
  6. 65. How a Non-Traditional Background Transformed Procurement Strategy

    Mar 31

    65. How a Non-Traditional Background Transformed Procurement Strategy

    The future of procurement isn’t about categories - it’s about strategic, end-to-end partnerships that drive revenue, not just cut costs. Bobby Baszynski, Head of Procurement at Mercury and former energy sector negotiator, shares how her unorthodox path taught her to operate in uncertainty and build relationships that lead to transformative business impact. Discover how procurement can elevate from a cost gatekeeper to a strategic partner by embracing agility, reskilling negotiation muscle, and shifting from siloed categories to integrated business workflows. Bobby breaks down proven tactics for navigating VUCA markets, managing vendor risks in AI-backed innovations, and designing scalable processes that support rapid growth. She reveals why moving away from rigid silos unlocks better ownership and outcomes, and how procurement’s true value lies in enabling revenue growth - not just savings. You’ll learn concrete frameworks, from negotiation preparation to risk mitigation and stakeholder choreography that can instantly reshape your approach. Whether you’re scaling a startup, leading large enterprise transformation, or just rethink how procurement can influence the top line, this episode offers actionable insights to make your team more strategic, more adaptable, and more valued.

    50 min
  7. 64. From FOMO to Confidence: How Procurement Leaders Are Stepping Beyond AI Anxiety

    Mar 11

    64. From FOMO to Confidence: How Procurement Leaders Are Stepping Beyond AI Anxiety

    Stop scrolling the AI hype and start building a strategy. Every procurement leader is feeling it: the pressure to "do AI" without a clear map of where to start. In this episode, Sam Jenks sits down with Marijn Overvest, founder of Procurement Tactics, to move past the anxiety and look at the actual reality of procurement in 2026. Marijn breaks down why 2024/25 was the "year of experimentation" and why 2026 is officially the Year of the AI Agent. We move beyond ChatGPT prompts to discuss how autonomous agents will soon handle the "boring" administrative tasks, finally freeing up procurement pros to do what they do best: build relationships and drive strategic value. In this episode, we cover: The 4 Stages of AI Maturity: Where does your team actually sit? The "Skills Gap" Myth: Why digital literacy is more important than buying new software. Sustainability vs. Survival: How to handle ESG goals when margins are under fire. Future-Proofing: Why empathy and "soft skills" are your ultimate shield against automation.

    48 min
  8. 63. The Surprising Secrets Behind Successful SRM & What Most Companies Miss

    Feb 26

    63. The Surprising Secrets Behind Successful SRM & What Most Companies Miss

    Unlock the secret to transforming procurement from a cost center into a powerhouse of value with Simon Frost, a true procurement adventurer and a seasoned strategist known for turning procurement into a strategic, value-creating function. After two decades working with giants like Mars and Innocent, Simon reveals how visionary sourcing and strategic supplier relationships can revolutionize your business - no matter the industry or size. If you’re a procurement leader feeling overlooked, overwhelmed, or underperforming, this episode is your blueprint to step into your true potential. Simon shares gripping stories from sourcing $5,000 tons of mango in India to building procurement functions from scratch - showing that procurement is less of a back-office support role and more of a high-stakes adventure. You’ll discover how elite teams leverage advanced cost modeling to slash costs, boost supply chain resilience, and embed sustainability directly into the P&L. He breaks down the often-misunderstood world of Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) and exposes the wild-west landscape of SRM technology, revealing how mature organizations turn supplier partnerships into strategic long-term alliances. We dive deep into the critical mindset shifts necessary to elevate procurement’s impact. Simon explains why positioning procurement as a true business partner - rather than a support function is fundamental to winning C-suite buy-in. Plus, he reveals why many teams fail at technology adoption and shares practical strategies that turn software implementations into lasting success stories. This episode isn’t just for procurement specialists - it's for any business leader eager to unlock procurement’s full potential.

    42 min
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Kodiak Hub
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    70
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Kodiak Hub
  • Show Website
    The Way We Source