Young Leaders in Procurement: Laurie Franquesa from Argon & Co

In this episode of the Procurement Conversation, we talk with Pauline Potter, Director of Procurement and Sustainability at Evri, about the strategic role of procurement in business and how to get the right mix of cost, service and sustainability. She shares insights on identifying value, prioritising tasks, and fostering continuous improvement within her team. Pauline also discusses the importance of balancing urgent versus important tasks, building relationships across departments, and driving large-scale sustainability projects. The episode also touches on diversity in procurement leadership and how her team is hiring for new roles.

In this episode, the Rich speaks to Jeremy Smith, Managing Director at 4C Associates, about the critical aspects of building and retaining a great procurement team. Jeremy emphasises the importance of diversity, skillsets, and personality in creating cohesive teams. He discusses recruitment challenges, the essential qualities for procurement professionals, and the evolving role of procurement in businesses, especially post-COVID. Jeremy also touches on mentorship, the significance of AI in procurement, and trends including digitisation and sustainability. The episode also looks at how 4C Associates differentiates itself in the marketplace through its people-centric approach and cultural values.

In this episode of the Young Leader Series, Rich speaks to Karla Harris, Value Creation Senior Manager at PwC. Karla shares her unconventional entry into procurement, the variety and tangible results that keep her passionate about the field, and the skills essential for success. She emphasises the importance of adaptability, communication, and continuous learning. Karla also discusses her career highlights, including innovative ESG projects, and provides advice for those considering a career in procurement. Finally, she offers insights into how the industry can attract more young talent by rebranding and better communicating the impact of procurement on global challenges.

In this episode of the Young Leaders series, Rich talks to  Lada Samarska, Community Manager at Precoro, about her unintentional yet fulfilling journey into procurement. Lada shares her insights on the importance of procurement in daily life, the collaborative nature of her role, and the external perception challenges faced by the profession. She discusses the skills vital for procurement, her team's achievements amidst market turbulence, and her aspirations for the future. Lada also offers advice for aspiring procurement professionals and emphasises the need for educational inclusion of procurement in universities to attract more young talent to the field.

In this episode of the Procurement Conversation, host Rich interviews Nils Brauckmann, Head of Procurement at Personio, as part of the Young Leaders series. Nils shares his journey into procurement, the daily challenges and rewards of the role, and the skills necessary for success. He discusses the importance of outside-the-box thinking, building relationships, and leveraging automation in procurement. Nils also emphasises the necessity of more visibility for procurement in academia and the value of connecting with other professionals through communities like the Procurement Foundry.

In this episode of the Young Leaders Series, Rich interviews Isimeme Ughele, Head of Sourcing for West Africa and Morocco at Ericsson. Isimeme shares her journey into procurement, from her entry into the field, the roles she has held, and the skills that have contributed to her success.She emphasises the importance of continuous learning, mentorship, and emotional intelligence, and discusses the future of procurement, including digital transformation and sustainability. Isimeme also shares personal anecdotes about career growth, leadership challenges, and offers advice for young people considering a career in procurement.

In this episode of the Procurement Conversation, part of the Young Leaders series, Laurie Franquesa, Managing Principal at Argon & Co., shares her journey into procurement from a mechanical engineering background. Laurie discusses her career and the dynamic and strategic nature of procurement, her daily activities, and the challenges faced, such as being involved too late in processes. She outlines key skills for success in procurement, highlights the importance of continuous learning and feedback, and reflects on her moments of pride and growth. Laurie also discusses the future of procurement, focusing on cost efficiency, data analytics, AI, and sustainability. She offers advice for those considering a career in procurement and emphasises the need for strategic positioning of procurement alongside spreading awareness about its value beyond cost-cutting.

In this episode, Rich speaks to Jennifer Francis, Category Manager for Indirects at Thames Water. Jennifer shares her journey into the procurement field, expressing her love for the diverse challenges and opportunities it offers, from building supplier relationships to formulating business strategies and negotiating commercial terms. Jennifer talks about how she found her calling in procurement and discusses the daily dynamics of her role, the strategic importance of procurement in business, and the challenges faced within the field, such as stakeholder alignment and the evolving focus beyond cost savings to building strategic supplier relationships. Jennifer emphasises the importance of integrity, ethical decision-making, and critical thinking as key skills in procurement. She reflects on her growth and achievements within her career, particularly her pride in becoming MCIPS qualified. Looking ahead, Jennifer sees procurement playing a central role in business decisions and believes AI will enhance rather than replace procurement roles. She aspires to be recognised as a rounded procurement professional, capable of leading significant projects. Jennifer offers advice to those considering a career in procurement, highlighting the importance of a supportive environment, effective management, and professional development through certification and continuous learning.

In this episode of our Young Leaders series, Rich speaks to Ed Gamble, Digital Garage Manager at BP, who shares his journey into procurement, the evolving role of technology in procurement, and the importance of emotional intelligence and people skills in the field. Ed discusses how his team at BP's 'Garage' seeks innovative tech solutions to improve procurement processes, his accidental entry into the field post-university, and the fulfillment he finds in tackling diverse challenges and collaborating with a wide range of people. He highlights the shift towards digital transformation in procurement, emphasizing the need for investment in technology and the shift towards strategic relationships with suppliers. Ed also reflects on his career achievements, the value of graduate programs, and the importance of altering the perception of procurement to attract young talent into the field. Finally, Ed shares his approach to continuous learning and development, underscoring the crucial role of emotional intelligence and commercial acumen in procurement's future.

In this episode of the Procurement Conversation, part of the Young Leaders series, host Rich talks with Ann Dhondt, Category Manager at Vodafone Procurement and Procurement Manager at HANNDS'ON. Ann shares her journey into procurement, beginning with her creative endeavours in product management and sourcing in Asia. She expresses her love for the creativity and variability the field offers, emphasising how procurement isn't just about negotiation but also about fostering relationships, creativity, and dealing with various challenges. Ann talks about her optimism about the impact that AI will bring to procurement such as in automating administrative tasks. She also highlights the importance of soft skills and adapting to technology. Reflecting on her career, Ann appreciates the growth and challenges she's faced, including those related to gender in the workplace. Looking forward, she anticipates technological advancements in procurement and advises those interested in the field to embrace curiosity, value creation, and the dynamic nature of procurement. The episode concludes with thoughts on attracting more young people to the procurement profession through education and social media.