Talent Talks Podcast – Détails, épisodes et analyse

On this episode of Talent Talks, Samuel De Frates, Kathryn Thompson and Bilal Shaykh discuss the transformative role of AI in procurement, exploring its potential to enhance supplier selection, risk management, and overall efficiency. 

They delve into the challenges faced by procurement professionals, the risks associated with AI implementation, and the importance of addressing resistance to change. 

The conversation also highlights the evolving skills required for procurement professionals in the age of AI and the future trends that will shape the industry.

Takeaways

• AI can significantly improve supplier selection and risk management.
• Using AI as a co-pilot rather than an autonomous decision maker is crucial.
• Automating simple tasks can free up resources for more complex challenges.
• Choosing the right technology to implement is critical for success.
• Fixing basic processes is necessary before adopting new technologies.
• Talent and skills gaps are major impediments to AI adoption in procurement.
• The future of procurement will heavily rely on AI technologies.
• Procurement professionals need to focus on relationship management.
• AI will enable procurement to concentrate on value creation rather than mundane tasks.

Chapters

00:00 AI's Impact on Procurement

02:52 Challenges in Procurement

06:06 Risks of AI Implementation

08:56 Navigating Change in Procurement

12:12 Future Trends in AI and Procurement

15:00 Skills and Competencies for the Future

17:49 The Evolving Role of Procurement Professionals

21:01 Conclusion

On this episode, Martin Smith interviews John Butcher, the Procurement Director at Just Eat Takeaway. 

John shares his journey of building a procurement team from scratch, the challenges he faced, and the importance of hiring the right talent. 

He discusses the evolving procurement landscape, the importance of emotional intelligence, and the impact of technology, particularly AI, on the industry. 

John emphasises the need for agility in procurement and offers valuable insights for aspiring leaders in the field.

Takeaways

Building a procurement team requires a blend of internal and external talent.

Cultural fit and attitude are crucial in talent acquisition.

Procurement can add value beyond just cost savings.

Emotional intelligence is becoming increasingly important in procurement roles.

Delegation is essential for effective leadership.

Technology, including AI, is transforming the procurement landscape.

Continuous learning and adaptation are necessary for success in procurement.

Leadership involves pushing boundaries and extending influence.

Chapters

00:00 Building a Team from Scratch

09:46 The Importance of Talent

19:59 Procurement in 2024

23:52 Leadership Insights

In this episode, Martin Smith interviews James Ball, Associate Director at Infosys Portland.

James discusses the differences between working in industry and working in consultancy in the procurement field. 

James shares his insights based on his 25 years of experience in procurement, with 15 years in industry and the last 10 years in consultancy. 

He discusses the differences in thought processes, responsibilities and timeframes between the two roles, and explores the concept of adaptive procurement transformation and the evolving role of procurement in organisations.

This episode of Talent Talks covers…

●      Working in industry and working in consultancy in procurement have significant differences in thought processes, responsibilities and timeframes.

●      In industry, procurement professionals focus on long-term strategies, team well-being, stakeholder engagement, policies, processes and category plans. In consultancy, they focus on project-based work, specific work streams, and achieving outcomes for clients.

●      Procurement is evolving to become its own profit centre, with a focus on adding value to the business and digitalisation.

●      The skills required for modern-day procurement professionals include adaptability, business partnering, technology proficiency and a learning mindset.

●      Consultancy in procurement has experienced double-digit growth and continues to be in demand, with organisations using consultancies for transformation projects and as a flexible resource.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background of James Ball

01:25 The Differences Between Working in Industry and Consultancy in Procurement

11:46 Adaptive Procurement Transformation: Making Procurement Relevant

16:36 The Evolving Role of Procurement in Organisations

32:01 The Growth and Demand for Consultancy in Procurement

Are you looking for work in the procurement or supply-chain industry? In the midst of the coronavirus crisis the future is uncertain and job markets unstable. Martin Smith, founder of Talent Drive created this latest episode of the Talent Talks podcast to provide support and guidance to those wanting to stay ahead of the employment market.

He welcomes Alice Fewings, LinkedIn Trainer and Social Media Strategist to provide advice and guidance on building an online profile to improve your personal brand to appeal to recruiters and potential employers. Alice runs through the importance and value of Linked In, how to attract and engage your target audience, how to pull people through to your personal profile and how to get discovered on the platform. 

This episode of Talent Talks covers:

• Why LinkedIn is a really valuable tool for us to use right now
• How to create a professional profile image and banner image
• Four different ways to create an engaging headline
• Ways to ensure you’re contactable for employers or recruiters
• Keeping your profile up to date and descriptive of your skills

This is the first online webinar recording from the #projectprocurement programme which has been converted into a podcast. #projectprocurement has been created by procurement professionals, Martin Smith, Richard Struthers and Ricky Wallace, to provide support for those looking to get back into work due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Join us at our next webinar by registering on our eventbrite page; https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/talent-drive-30144105948

Links and references at: https://talentdrive.co.uk/category/talent-talks-podcast/

Martin Smith, host of Talent Talks interviews two of the UK’s leading procurement experts whose experience spans across the IT and Technology sectors, leading procurement divisions for brands such as Babcock International, British Airways, IBM, Accenture, Nokia, Virgin Atlantic and KPMG. In this episode, Phil Clark and Matt Man discuss the variety of skills now required in an ever-changing industry to work in IT or Technology procurement, the rise of commercial danger zones, the need to raise awareness of the procurement profession to schools and universities and the impact of emerging technologies including 5G, IoT and AI. This episode of Talent Talks covers: The changing environment of the technology industry, The skill set required within technology procurement, Commercial danger zones, The implications of changes to SAAS and cloud based services, Working with suppliers and colleagues to understand data and privacy regulations, Developing a career within IT & tech procurement, The impact of 5G, IoT & AI, Big Data & Blockchain. Links and references at: https://talentdrive.co.uk/category/talent-talks-podcast/

Martin Smith, host of Talent Talks interviews two of the UK’s leading Procurement Experts whose experience spans across the aviation, retail and banking sectors, leading procurement divisions for brands such as British Airways, M&S, John Lewis, JP Morgan, RBS and The Body Shop. 

In this episode, Amanda Earnshaw-Darg and Roger Davies discuss the key topics they feel need addressing in the procurement world, to help the industry be more aware and agile in 2020 including automation, digitalisation and category management, as well as a number of tips for those looking to progress their career in procurement. 

This episode of Talent Talks covers: Automation & digitalisation. How the future role of procurement is developing. The importance of networking. Advice on career and skills development in procurement. Differing views on category management. The impact of Brexit. Benefits of mentoring and role models. “Cost vs Value Add” and the importance of understanding the overall business strategy

Links and references at: https://talentdrive.co.uk/talent-talks-podcast/challenges-facing-the-procurement-industry-in-2020/

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In this episode, Martin Smith interviews Gavin Boswell, the Director of Procurement at Serco. 

They discuss Gavin’s 10-year career at Serco and the evolution of procurement over the past 30 years and the changing role of procurement professionals. 

They also explore the value proposition of procurement and the different methods used to deliver cost reduction and value optimisation. 

Gavin discusses the challenges and opportunities that come with leading transformation efforts in different organisations and emphasises the importance of creating alignment and appreciating the criticality of leadership in driving successful transformations. 

Gavin also discusses AI and its potential impact on procurement regarding processing activities, such as purchase order and invoice processing, as well as more strategic activities like supplier relationship management, innovation, sustainability and risk management.

This episode of Talent Talks covers:

• Different methods and approaches are used to deliver cost reduction and value optimisation in procurement. 
• Innovation and building relationships with suppliers are key to enhancing competitiveness.
• Procurement should align with the strategic priorities of the business.
• Curiosity leads to a data-driven approach and enables strategic and business-focused procurement.
• Being proud of the profession and the journey of development in procurement is rewarding and fulfilling. 
• AI could play a significant role in procurement, freeing up talent for more impactful activities.

Chapters

00:00

Introduction and Background

02:01

The Value Proposition of Procurement

04:20

Prioritisation and Focus in Different Business Units

06:23

Transformation and Development

08:23

Creating an Environment for Collaboration in Procurement

11:23

The Importance of Alignment

13:35

Challenges of Achieving Alignment in a Complex Business

15:50

Developing a Business Mindset

20:38

The Rewarding Journey of Development in Procurement

21:53

Continuous Learning and Evolution in Procurement

23:51

The Future of Procurement in the Digital Age

24:12

The Role of AI in Procurement

25:15

The Role of Automation in Procurement

25:58

Unlocking Talent through Automation

26:18

Using Automation for Processing and Strategic Activities

26:39