The Supply Chain Ambassador

Sometimes the challenge isn’t the procurement but how your approach is received. In this episode of the Supply Chain Ambassador Podcast, Martin Stein shares how trying to move a file quickly taught him an important lesson: good intentions can still land the wrong way when people don’t know you yet. We talk about communication, trust, reading the person behind the requirement, and why strong relationships matter just as much as technical knowledge in procurement.

In this episode of the Supply Chain Ambassador Podcast, Bruno speaks with Nassima Zobir Bouguerba about procurement, leadership and working through change.Nassima shares a simple idea: we will not always have all the answers, but we can provide clarity. In procurement, that means helping people understand what needs to happen now, making good decisions, and being willing to adapt as things change.They also discuss why procurement is about more than rules and contracts. It starts with people, conversations and a clear understanding of what everyone is trying to achieve.A conversation about keeping procurement clear, practical and human.

Procurement is constantly changing—and no one can know everything. In this conversation, Richard Soulliere shares why procurement professionals need to keep learning, stay curious and draw on the knowledge of their community. Richard discusses his journey into federal procurement, the value of understanding your clients, and why procurement should be seen as a partner rather than a roadblock. He also explains how a simple workplace pain point led him to create Procurement Bliss and co-found an interdepartmental collaboration network now connecting procurement professionals across the Government of Canada. Whether you are new to procurement or an experienced practitioner, this episode offers practical ideas for solving everyday challenges, learning from others and turning small improvements into meaningful change.

After 42 years with National Defence, Richard Quinn is preparing for retirement and reflecting on what he has learned along the way. He discusses the shift from simply following procurement rules to delivering meaningful results, the growing importance of data, artificial intelligence and supply chain resilience, and the skills professionals will need for the future. His final advice is simple: keep learning, ask questions and stay professionally curious.

In this episode of the Supply Chain Ambassador Podcast, I sit down with Martin Chernier, founder of the Procurement Alliance of Canada (PAC) and a well-known voice in the Canadian public procurement community.Martin shares his unique career journey and the experiences that shaped his philosophy of procurement: stay curious, embrace different perspectives, and never stop learning. From his early days in sales and insurance to staffing, industry advocacy, and procurement education, we explore how seemingly unrelated experiences can come together to create meaningful impact.Some of the topics we discuss include:• Why great procurement professionals are translators and communicators. • The importance of understanding the perspectives behind every "hat" in the procurement process. • Building trust through clarity, storytelling, and collaboration. • Lessons learned from the evolving public procurement landscape. • Why it's okay not to know—and why curiosity is one of the profession's greatest strengths.Whether you're a procurement officer, supplier, project manager, or someone interested in leadership and professional growth, this conversation offers practical insights into creating better outcomes through better communication.Key takeaway: "It's okay not to know. Stay curious."To learn more about the Procurement Alliance of Canada, visit: https://procurementalliance.caAbout the Supply Chain Ambassador PodcastThe Supply Chain Ambassador Podcast explores the people, stories, and ideas shaping procurement and supply chain management. Through conversations with practitioners, leaders, and innovators, we aim to make complex topics more accessible and strengthen the connections that move our profession forward.

In this episode, I sit down with Matthew Johnson, Acting Director of Procurement and Contract Management at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Matthew shares his unique journey from construction logistics and criminology into federal procurement leadership, and how people-centered leadership continues to shape his career.

In this episode of The Supply Chain Ambassador Podcast, we sit down with Cedric Pilon, a seasoned public service leader whose 20+ year journey spans procurement, financial systems, and accounting operations across multiple federal departments.

In this episode of The Supply Chain Ambassador Podcast, we sit down with Emilio Franco to explore what it truly means to build a meaningful career in procurement.From supporting critical government services to playing a key role during national crises, procurement professionals are far more impactful than many realize. Emilio shares powerful insights on how to elevate your career by focusing on three core principles: passion, purpose, and service.We dive into:How procurement directly supports Canadians across sectorsWhy understanding the “why” behind client needs changes everythingThe importance of being proactive and “being useful” in your careerLessons from the pandemic and today’s economic challengesPractical advice for procurement officers at all levelsWhether you're new to procurement or a seasoned professional, this episode will challenge how you see your role—and inspire you to think bigger.📢 Call to action: Reflect on your work: How are you contributing to Canada today?

Is procurement really just bureaucratic red tape? Not according to Minh Khai Trinh, Director of Development Contracting at Global Affairs Canada. With 26 years in federal procurement, Minh Khai has worked across PSPC, DND, CIDA, and Global Affairs Canada, contributing to high-profile programs like the CF-18 fighter jets, the Snowbirds, and national defence procurement initiatives. In this episode of the Supply Chain Ambassador Podcast, we explore: • Why procurement professionals are often misunderstood • How leadership is about making decisions — even imperfect ones • The role of networks and collaboration in government careers • The future of procurement in the age of AI • Advice for the next generation of procurement officers If you want to understand the real impact procurement professionals have behind the scenes, this conversation will change the way you see the profession.

In this episode of the Supply Chain Ambassador Podcast, host Bruno sits down with Christine Lamarche, Director General of Procurement, Material Management and Asset Management at the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Christine shares her career journey from FSWEP student to executive leadership, offering insights into procurement, supply chain management, and the critical role of material management in government operations. Her team supports major national programs including the RCMP National Fleet Program, Policing Assets Program, and procurement service delivery across Canada.