74. The Data Advantage: Turning Spend Data into Impact

How can procurement teams turn complex spend data into clearer decisions and measurable business impact? Sam Jenks speaks with Sammeli Sammalkorpi, co-founder of Sievo, about how procurement analytics has evolved from cleaning and organizing spend data to using benchmarks and insights to uncover opportunities, risks, and performance gaps.They discuss why imperfect data shouldn’t stop teams from getting started, how procurement can move beyond process compliance and category savings to focus on outcomes that matter to the business, and how AI could help teams work with long-tail spend and continuously improve sourcing decisions. Sammeli also shares why trustworthy AI claims, realistic expectations, and a clear understanding of enterprise complexity matter as procurement embraces new technology.

Procurement has a reputation problem, and Michael Shields, a three-time head of procurement now at Tropic, thinks the function can fix it. Sam Jenks talks with him about what that takes.In this episode:Why procurement should stop waiting for an invitation and lead with business value, not just savingsWhat companies get wrong when they build a procurement function, and what to do in the first 90 daysHow to judge build vs. buy vs. rent for AI, and how to avoid an "agent graveyard"Why Michael would rename the function, and what he'd call itMichael also shares his quick-fire picks, from his favorite podcast to his dream trip.Tune in!

Most procurement teams are stuck playing catch-up - but KR Barron reveals how to truly transform your role into a strategic, human-centered partnership that drives real business impact.In this eye-opening episode, KR Barron dismantles the traditional notion of procurement as a sideline advisory and shows how becoming embedded as a decision partner can redefine your influence. She shares her unconventional approach of "sitting at every lunch table", actively ingraining yourself into daily business conversations, and the power of transparency and kindness in building trust. Discover why process alone isn't enough - it's understanding, influence, and genuine human connection that unlocks value.You'll learn how to shift procurement from rigid protocols to scalable, digestible workflows that empower teams, reduce wasted time, and foster innovation. KR shares practical tactics for disrupting old habits, breaking bad processes, and turning savings into real value creation. We break down how to segment your purchases, assess risks, and create win-win negotiations, even in highly regulated environments like healthcare and tech.Ultimately, this episode emphasizes why putting people first isn't just ethical - it's essential to securing a more adaptable, resilient procurement function in a new era. Whether you're a sourcing pro, a business leader, or aspiring to lead with impact, KR’s insights will inspire you to forge stronger, more human-centric partnerships that deliver beyond cost savings.Ready to own your procurement narrative and lead with kindness and creativity? Tune in now.KR Barron is a seasoned procurement expert, building and rebuilding teams across tech, retail, healthcare, and grocery - known for her human approach and strategic impact in complex environments.This episode is perfect for procurement professionals, business leaders, and anyone looking to reframe the role of procurement as a true business partner—driven by purpose, influence, and genuine human connection.

In this episode of "The Way We Source," Sam Jenks sits down with Bart Van Veldhuizen, founder of Proactive Procurement, to explore the transformative journey of procurement from a policing function to a strategic partner. Bart shares insights on enabling value through proactive strategies, the role of technology in modern procurement, and the importance of building trust with suppliers. Discover how procurement can drive innovation, streamline processes, and foster long-term partnerships that benefit both businesses and their vendors.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.