Future of Sourcing - Innovation https://www.futureofsourcing.com/tags/innovation en SIG ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF THE 2022 FUTURE OF SOURCING AWARDS https://www.futureofsourcing.com/sig-announces-winners-of-the-2022-future-of-sourcing-awards <div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.futureofsourcing.com/sites/default/files/articles/Picture1.png"><a href="https://www.futureofsourcing.com/sites/default/files/articles/Picture1.png" title="SIG ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF THE 2022 FUTURE OF SOURCING AWARDS" class="colorbox" rel="gallery-node-2242-416na5F7sRE"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.futureofsourcing.com/sites/default/files/styles/juicebox_medium/public/articles/Picture1.png?itok=avV8fbLZ" width="902" height="472" alt="SIG ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF THE 2022 FUTURE OF SOURCING AWARDS" title="" /></a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-intro field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"> <h2><strong>The Sourcing Industry Group Names the Winners of the Future of Sourcing Awards at the 2022 Global Executive Summit</strong></h2> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"> <div>JACKSONVILLE, FL &mdash; October 25th, 2022 &mdash; Sourcing Industry Group (SIG), the premier membership organization for sourcing, procurement, outsourcing, and third-party risk executives, announced the winners of the Future of Sourcing Awards at its Global Executive Summit on October 19th, 2022.&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Held in Palm Springs, California, the Future of Sourcing Awards honored organizations and individuals that show innovation, leadership, and transformation in categories that are critical to the sourcing industry. The Future of Sourcing Awards is judged and selected by a prestigious panel in separate teams and individual categories.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <h3><strong>Future of Sourcing Team Winners:</strong></h3> <div><a href="https://www.salesforce.com" target="_blank">Salesforce, Inc.</a>: Innovations in Sourcing</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><a href="https://www.boeing.com" target="_blank">The Boeing Company</a>: Innovations in Outsourcing</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><a href="https://www.supplywisdom.com" target="_blank">Supply Wisdom</a>: Innovations in Third-Party Management</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><a href="https://www.bgis.com" target="_blank">BGIS Global Integrated Solutions</a>: Innovations in Supplier Performance</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><a href="https://www.dm.gov.ae" target="_blank">Dubai Municipality</a>: Innovations in Digitization&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><a href="https://www.aircanada.com/us/en/aco/home.html">Air Canada</a>: Innovations in Governance &amp; Compliance</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><a href="https://www.capgemini.com/us-en/about-us/technology-partners/sap/">SAP &amp; Capgemini</a>: Innovations in Talent Management</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><a href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/" target="_blank">Microsoft Corporation</a>: Innovations in Sustainability&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <h3><strong>Individual Awards:</strong></h3> <div><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonyorlando/" target="_blank">Tony Orlando</a>: 2022 Sourcing Star Winner</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-coor-06a8a42/" target="_blank">Dan Coor</a>: 2022 Sourcing Star Winner</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-heinzmann-787a5041/" target="_blank">Nick Heinzmann</a>: 2022 Rising Star Winner</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/veldaberryman/" target="_blank">Velda Berryman</a>: 2022 Rising Star Winner</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <h3><strong>Sourcing Supernova Hall of Fame:</strong></h3> <div><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-koontz-4226793/" target="_blank">Michael Koontz</a></div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Steve Griffiths</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-abate-8747446/" target="_blank">Tony Abate</a></div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>SIG&rsquo;s next major event, the Procurement Technology Summit, will take place from <strong>April 17&ndash;19th, 2023</strong>, in Amelia Island, Florida. This event is a one-of-a-kind experience that immerses delegates into industry trends, innovations, and solutions shaping high-performance teams and best-in-class procurement organizations.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>The Procurement Technology Summit focuses on how technology is changing and advancing sourcing and procurement. It features keynote and breakout sessions with live Q&amp;A and solution demos that show attendees how implementing artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robotics process automation can enhance the quality of work and ignite innovation. Registration for the event is open and can be found <a href="https://events.sig.org/en/60KUru6/2023-procurement-technology-summit-5a3N4z18mHk/overview" target="_blank">here</a>. &nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <h3>About Future of Sourcing</h3> <div><a href="http://futureofsourcing.com" target="_blank">Future of Sourcing</a> is a digital publication that produces the latest content for the opinion-formers and decision-makers at the heart of the global sourcing community. Future of Sourcing columnists and contributors are thought leaders in the global sourcing community and provide innovative, cutting-edge insight on challenges and opportunities in the industry today. Launched originally as Outsource Magazine in 2005, the digital publication has been rebranded to reflect the sourcing industry&#39;s innovations and celebrate those leading the change. Individuals interested in contributing bylined articles to FOS can email pitches or inquiries to <a href="mailto:info@futureofsourcing.com">info@futureofsourcing.com</a>.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <h3>About SIG</h3> <div>Sourcing Industry Group (SIG) is a membership organization that provides thought leadership and networking opportunities to executives in sourcing, procurement, and outsourcing from Fortune 500 and Global 1000 companies and the advisors who serve them. SIG is widely known as a forum for sharing &ldquo;next&rdquo; practices and thought leadership through live networking events, virtual forums, and a comprehensive online SIG resource center (SRC), which was developed by and for professionals in sourcing and outsourcing.&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>The organization is unique in that it blends practitioners, service providers, and advisory firms in a non-commercial environment. SIG is the parent organization for SIG University, a one-of-a-kind certification and training program for professionals and executives seeking deep expertise in sourcing and governance for themselves or their teams. Learn more at <a href="http://sig.org" target="_blank">www.sig.org</a>.&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tags/innovation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Innovation</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tags/transformation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Transformation</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tags/leadership" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Leadership</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tags/sourcing" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Sourcing</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tags/strategy" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Strategy</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-addthis field-type-addthis field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style " addthis:title="SIG ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF THE 2022 FUTURE OF SOURCING AWARDS - Future of Sourcing" addthis:url="https://www.futureofsourcing.com/sig-announces-winners-of-the-2022-future-of-sourcing-awards"><a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_linkedin"></a> <a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_facebook"></a> <a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_twitter"></a> <a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_googleplus"></a> <a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_pinterest_share"></a> <a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_reddit"></a> <a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_email"></a> <a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_print"></a> </div> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-region field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Region:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/regions/global" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Global</a></div></div></div> Fri, 21 Oct 2022 21:34:25 +0000 Future of Sourcing Awards 2242 at https://www.futureofsourcing.com https://www.futureofsourcing.com/sig-announces-winners-of-the-2022-future-of-sourcing-awards#comments New Year, New Outlook: Leading Procurement with Positivity https://www.futureofsourcing.com/new-year-new-outlook-leading-procurement-with-positivity <div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.futureofsourcing.com/sites/default/files/articles/New%20Year%2C%20New%20Outlook%20Leading%20Procurement%20with%20Positivity.png"><a href="https://www.futureofsourcing.com/sites/default/files/articles/New%20Year%2C%20New%20Outlook%20Leading%20Procurement%20with%20Positivity.png" title="New Year, New Outlook: Leading Procurement with Positivity " class="colorbox" rel="gallery-node-2263-416na5F7sRE"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.futureofsourcing.com/sites/default/files/styles/juicebox_medium/public/articles/New%20Year%2C%20New%20Outlook%20Leading%20Procurement%20with%20Positivity.png?itok=GKEcX8Wf" width="624" height="325" alt="New Year, New Outlook: Leading Procurement with Positivity " title="" /></a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-intro field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"> <p>&quot;Recent major shifts in the market should provide a welcome change for procurement professionals, even if it doesn&rsquo;t necessarily mean supply chain jobs will be dramatically easier,&quot; says Ron Giles, Strategic Sourcing Director at LevaData. Ron shares his thoughts on the future of procurement in 2023.</p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"> <div>The holiday season presents a perfect opportunity for reflection and gratitude. And after a long year, procurement teams can look forward to a new outlook for 2023.&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Being a procurement professional is not for the faint of heart. But, even so, the constant bombardment of issues related to cost, supply, quality, sustainability, risk, governance, and resilience has reached such a crescendo that a <a href="https://www.supplychainquarterly.com/articles/5736-gartner-challenges-supply-chains-to-be-sustainable-purpose-driven-and-connected" target="_blank">Gartner survey of supply chain professionals</a> revealed that since the start of the pandemic, nearly 85% of these professionals indicate they have become tired and burned out.&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>This dismal stat leads anyone to reasonably ask: what could procurement and supply chain professionals possibly have to be thankful for right now?</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Recent major shifts in the market should provide a welcome change for procurement professionals, even if it doesn&rsquo;t necessarily mean supply chain jobs will be dramatically easier. In tandem with market changes, procurement professionals are heading into 2023 with a renewed focus on price optimization and an expanded role aligned with their heightened organizational value. &nbsp;&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><strong>Market shifts: A better balance between supply and demand</strong></div> <div>We are already seeing a broad return to a balance between supply and demand and, in many cases, a likely oversupply situation that will lead to less &ldquo;chasing parts&rdquo; and more &ldquo;chasing price&rdquo; in the new year. Depending on the industry and category, this shift will occur at different rates.&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>The memory industry is already experiencing this reality, and for semiconductors, memory tends to be a leading indicator for predicting future trends. Between rising inflation and the reprioritization of consumer spending to other areas, such as travel and entertainment, the intense pace of technology purchases has slowed, making an oversupply almost inevitable. According to <a href="https://www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2022-11-28-gartner-forecasts-worldwide-semiconductor-revenue-growth-to-decline-3-6-percent-in-2023#:~:text=Global%20semiconductor%20revenue%20is%20forecast,billion%20(see%20Table%201)." target="_blank">Gartner&rsquo;s latest forecasts</a>, global semiconductor revenue is projected to decline by 3.6% in 2023, totaling $596 billion; this is down from their previous forecast of $623 billion.&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>We are seeing similar trends for other components because of the slowdown in demand for PCs and smartphones, especially in China. Some components, such as microcontrollers, are continuing to exhibit longer lead times, but unless the economic outlook shifts significantly, all signs indicate supply chain professionals will be chasing supply less and, instead, focusing again on how to ensure they are getting the best prices.&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Each industry and category has its own dynamics that influence supply and demand. Consider oil and gas, which will continue to be affected by the sanctions on Russia and OPEC+ targets, including The Group of Seven nations, Australia, and the European Union adopting a <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/eu-russia-oil-price-cap-60-barrel/" target="_blank">$60-per-barrel price cap on Russian oil</a>. There are also specific pockets of specialty items tied to the auto and cloud businesses that will continue to face part shortages due to insufficient capacity for demand.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>However, the general trend of slowing global economies suggests the days of broad-based supply shortages are over or will soon be, taking a little weight off many procurement team members&rsquo; shoulders.&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><strong>New priorities: From continuous escalations to continuous negotiation</strong></div> <div><span style="font-size: 13.008px;">Because of the many challenges with component supplies over the past two years, most category and commodity managers have felt like they have been bouncing from one supply shortage escalation to another. &nbsp;</span></div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>In 2023, this will shift, and their focus will migrate toward continuous negotiation, meaning procurement professionals will need to be on top of the market price dynamic to ensure they are getting the best pricing possible. This includes leveraging distribution or broker pricing because of the likelihood of excess inventory becoming available. With inflation pressure continuing and <a href="https://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/recession-expected-q1-2023-bank-of-america" target="_blank">recession expectations remaining high</a>, this will become incredibly important because suppliers will not want to reduce pricing as they continue to experience increased input costs for production.&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>However, procurement professionals armed with the right real-time market price and supply data will have a competitive advantage to continuously negotiate targeted pricing for specific component areas to ensure they are staying on the right pricing curve rather than being stuck with pricing that was last negotiated when suppliers had all the leverage.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><strong>Role transformation: Balancing and measuring upgrades for procurement professionals</strong></div> <div><span style="font-size: 13.008px;">Even with the shift in supply and demand and the likely return to more continuous price negotiations, the past two years have permanently changed how supply chain professionals will be measured going forward; however, this change has been for the better.&nbsp;</span></div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>In the past, when continuous adequate supply was considered a &ldquo;given,&rdquo; businesses pushed most category and commodity procurement managers to focus solely on price. That simplistic approach is no longer useful or wanted. Procurement professionals should now be measured by a truly accurate&ndash;&ndash;rather than theoretical&ndash;&ndash;balance among cost, quality, delivery, innovation, sustainability, and resilience, in addition to other factors. &nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>When it comes to procurement teams balancing strategies, diversification should also be top of mind. This may mean diversifying outside of China or simply ensuring there is more than one viable alternative for every part. Although this means the job of a procurement professional will be more complex, it also means they can take a more balanced and holistic approach in the long run.&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>With a new view on its role and responsibilities, procurement will likely have more influence in company strategy and business conversations because the role will now be seen as more than just a &ldquo;cost&rdquo; partner and as having comprehensive supply chain &ldquo;trust&rdquo; that must be carefully cultivated and protected.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>And although procurement professionals may not be able to bask in gratitude for the work they did over the difficult past few years, the new year will provide a new beginning while positively transforming the industry. I look forward with a measure of thankful anticipation to the dynamics of better supply, more pricing leverage, and support for a more holistic, long-term approach to supplier management.</div> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tags/innovation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Innovation</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tags/procurement" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Procurement</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tags/transformation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Transformation</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tags/leadership" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Leadership</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tags/sourcing" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Sourcing</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tags/strategy" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Strategy</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-addthis field-type-addthis field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style " addthis:title="New Year, New Outlook: Leading Procurement with Positivity - Future of Sourcing" addthis:url="https://www.futureofsourcing.com/new-year-new-outlook-leading-procurement-with-positivity"><a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_linkedin"></a> <a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_facebook"></a> <a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_twitter"></a> <a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_googleplus"></a> <a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_pinterest_share"></a> <a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_reddit"></a> <a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_email"></a> <a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_print"></a> </div> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-region field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Region:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/regions/global" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Global</a></div></div></div> Wed, 11 Jan 2023 20:15:23 +0000 Ron Giles 2263 at https://www.futureofsourcing.com https://www.futureofsourcing.com/new-year-new-outlook-leading-procurement-with-positivity#comments Finalist Interviews for Sourcing Star Awards: David Bush, Simfoni https://www.futureofsourcing.com/finalist-interviews-for-sourcing-star-awards-david-bush-simfoni <div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.futureofsourcing.com/sites/default/files/articles/fos-announcement-video_fos-site_hero_generic_0.jpg"><a href="https://www.futureofsourcing.com/sites/default/files/articles/fos-announcement-video_fos-site_hero_generic_0.jpg" title="Finalist Interviews for Sourcing Star Awards: David Bush, Simfoni" class="colorbox" rel="gallery-node-2254-416na5F7sRE"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.futureofsourcing.com/sites/default/files/styles/juicebox_medium/public/articles/fos-announcement-video_fos-site_hero_generic_0.jpg?itok=s8yj27nC" width="624" height="325" alt="Finalist Interviews for Sourcing Star Awards: David Bush, Simfoni" title="" /></a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-intro field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"> <div> <div><strong>Finalist Interviews for Sourcing Star Awards: David Bush, Simfoni</strong></div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><em><strong>With nearly 30 years of experience in executive management, David Bush is a leading subject matter expert in the fields of procurement, enterprise contract management and supply management. As CEO of Spend Automation at Simfoni, Bush leads a team of experts helping businesses around the world streamline operations, reduce costs and transform their procurement processes. Bush previously served as Chief Revenue Officer of SpendHQ, and prior to that, he served as co-founder and CEO of IASTA, an industry-leading SaaS-based strategic sourcing and spend management solutions company.</strong></em></div> </div> <p>&nbsp;</p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"> <div><strong>How did you get into this field. Was it purposeful or by accident? &nbsp;</strong></div> <div> <div> <div>Accidental! I had just exited my first company, named EcoSearch, which was an environmental mapping company. We had a SaaS (Software as a Service) solution in the mid-nineties, a decade before that term was even coined! I was sent information by a friend about FreeMarkets, the original architects of eSourcing, and their full-service model for reverse auctions. It was clunky and expensive, so we put together a team to build a better auction tool. &nbsp;That launched my career in procurement solutions with IASTA. &nbsp;The goal was to make a live auction when none existed, which we achieved and then built out the suite across all strategic sourcing functions over the following years. &nbsp;As we grew, we listened to customers and learned a great deal from them. It was then that I started to earn credibility in the procurement profession.&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> </div> <div>&nbsp;</div> </div> <div><strong>In what ways do you feel your professional contributions have influenced or transformed the industry?</strong></div> <div><span style="font-size: 13.008px;">ScoutRFP became well known as the &ldquo;easy to use&rdquo; sourcing app. However, before Scout, there was IASTA, and the founders of Scout used to call me The Sourcing OG. IASTA was founded in 2000 and the mission was to make eSourcing powerful and easy. To this day, 37 companies in the world still use that product, even though there hasn&rsquo;t been a line of code written on it since 2015. We totally revolutionized the way RFx technology worked with complex scoring and easy set up. Supplier adoption is critical to eSourcing and IASTA suppliers universally complimented the tool as being the best in the industry for submitting proposals.</span></div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><span style="font-size: 13.008px;">As mentioned before, I founded and authored the blog eSourcing Forum. This was originally suggested by Jason Busch of Spend Matters to help branding for IASTA. I launched the blog, which became the largest vendor (and second largest overall) procurement blog for many years. I wrote thousands of posts on many topics, and it helped me establish my personal brand as a thought leader in procurement.&nbsp;</span></div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div> <div>I think what differentiates my contribution is that I generate a lot of value around jobs, networks, csat, etc. Hundreds of people have worked for me, many of whom are now in Executive Leadership positions. I am very proud of the legacy established by my leadership at various organizations and grateful I was given the opportunity to influence and shape the careers of so many current industry leaders. I believe my management style and enthusiasm for procurement was instrumental in developing talent from entry level to star performers who are in turn making their own contributions. My network of procurement executives has always been a source of pride for me, as the industry is unforgiving of underperformers, so it validates my work. &nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> </div> <div><strong>In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges facing the industry today and what should be done to solve them?&nbsp;</strong></div> <div> <div> <div>The acute and obvious one right now is supply chain continuity and inflation. I believe companies should focus their talent on minimizing these impacts and use outside vendors for assistance on less critical issues in indirect procurement categories.&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div> <div>At a macro level of procurement in general, the same issues still exist and always will. Lack of internal stakeholder collaboration, credibility, and strategic alignment to the business are constant challenges. Additionally, poor data, poor contract compliance or visibility, lack of spend under management and inadequate supplier relationship management contribute to the previous issues. These are all very solvable but require a true vision and strategic plan to address them. Technology is a key asset but must be deployed correctly and become part of the ethos of the organization.&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> </div> </div> <div>&nbsp;</div> </div> <div><strong>Looking at the whole of your career, what do you consider to be your greatest achievement? &nbsp;</strong></div> <div> <div>I built IASTA with no outside capital or external board, and it eventually grew to 100 employees. Our growth was exclusive to having the best products and value proposition. We built a culture of team engagement, dedication and outperformed most of our peers for years. We had over 150 clients around the world who bought our solution because they believed in the company and product, not the marketing. The customers were just as loyal as the employees and the energy around it was an amazing experience.&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>During the years with IASTA, we experienced a natural decline due to scale and slow reaction times to growth issues. I launched a series of initiatives to diagnose and correct plateaus, which took about 2 years to complete. We came out of those strategies with a series of plans that led us back to sturdy growth and profitability&mdash;and being named the Top Employer in Indiana.&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Since then, I helped grow SpendHQ 300% during my tenure and am now focused on making Simfoni the undisputed leader in tail spend management. I am equally proud of these achievements. &nbsp;</div> </div> <div> <div>&nbsp;</div> </div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><strong>What three words do you feel your colleagues and peers would use to describe you?&nbsp;</strong></div> <div> <ol> <li> <div>Disruptive</div> </li> <li> <div>Integrity</div> </li> <li> <div>Leader&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> </li> </ol> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> </div> <div><strong>What advice do you have for those who are new to the profession or considering entering the industry?&nbsp;</strong></div> <div> <div>Be an honest and disruptive leader!</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Procurement can get isolated inside organizations. I would recommend any person starting in the field to do their homework (data driven is always the best foundation), be collaborative and listen, and then take the initiative to get results. Being genuine, trustworthy, and high energy is infectious and gets noticed. If you are in an organization that doesn&rsquo;t appreciate that, leave. Procurement can be exciting and make an enormous impact&mdash;do not settle for anything less.</div> </div> <p>&nbsp;</p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tags/innovation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Innovation</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tags/transformation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Transformation</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tags/leadership" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Leadership</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tags/sourcing" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Sourcing</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tags/strategy" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Strategy</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-addthis field-type-addthis field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style " addthis:title="Finalist Interviews for Sourcing Star Awards: David Bush, Simfoni - Future of Sourcing" addthis:url="https://www.futureofsourcing.com/finalist-interviews-for-sourcing-star-awards-david-bush-simfoni"><a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_linkedin"></a> <a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_facebook"></a> <a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_twitter"></a> <a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_googleplus"></a> <a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_pinterest_share"></a> <a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_reddit"></a> <a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_email"></a> <a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_print"></a> </div> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-region field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Region:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/regions/global" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Global</a></div></div></div> Tue, 15 Nov 2022 21:50:14 +0000 Future of Sourcing Awards 2254 at https://www.futureofsourcing.com https://www.futureofsourcing.com/finalist-interviews-for-sourcing-star-awards-david-bush-simfoni#comments Finalist Interviews for Sourcing Star Awards: Jerome Arfeli, UPS https://www.futureofsourcing.com/finalist-interviews-for-sourcing-star-awards-jerome-arfeli-ups <div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.futureofsourcing.com/sites/default/files/articles/fos-announcement-video_fos-site_hero_generic_0.jpg"><a href="https://www.futureofsourcing.com/sites/default/files/articles/fos-announcement-video_fos-site_hero_generic_0.jpg" title="Finalist Interviews for Sourcing Star Awards: Jerome Arfeli, UPS" class="colorbox" rel="gallery-node-2250-416na5F7sRE"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.futureofsourcing.com/sites/default/files/styles/juicebox_medium/public/articles/fos-announcement-video_fos-site_hero_generic_0.jpg?itok=s8yj27nC" width="624" height="325" alt="Finalist Interviews for Sourcing Star Awards: Jerome Arfeli, UPS" title="" /></a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-intro field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"> <div> <div><strong>Finalist Interviews for Sourcing Star Awards: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerome-arfeli/">Jerome Arfeli</a>, UPS</strong></div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><em><strong>Jerome is a Procurement professional with over 17 years&rsquo; experience in Global Procurement, Strategic Sourcing, Supplier and Program Management. He has held several roles and assignments, including managing raw materials commodities for Solvay, multiple indirect categories at The Coca-Cola Company and most recently Jerome has been leading Strategic Sourcing and helping to drive organizational transformation and S2P implementation technologies at UPS.&nbsp;</strong></em></div> </div> <p>&nbsp;</p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"> <div><strong>How did you get into this field. Was it purposeful or by accident? &nbsp;</strong></div> <div> <div>Actually, my entry into Procurement was unexpected. I was finalizing my engineering internship at Solvay in a production facility in Belgium, when I decided to submit my resume to the centralized HR database of resumes without applying to any specific role. A few weeks later, a recruiter called me to discuss an analyst opportunity within Solvay&rsquo;s newly created centralized procurement organization. I got the job and I was hooked on Procurement ever since!&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> </div> <div><strong>In what ways do you feel your professional contributions have influenced or transformed the industry?</strong></div> <div>Although I have always worked for well-established global companies. (Solvay 159 years old, The Coca-Cola Company 136 years old and UPS 115 years old), I seem to always arrive at the moment their Procurement departments were under-going tremendous changes. This allowed me to be part of impactful Procurement transformation initiatives, from standing up new teams from scratch, implementing transformative operating models and driving the implementation of innovative technologies to support the Sourcing to Contract process. &nbsp;</div> <div><span style="font-size: 13.008px;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><strong>In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges facing the industry today and what should be done to solve them?&nbsp;</strong></div> <div> <div>Delivering procurement savings in a significant inflationary and supply disruption environment as we are facing today, is more challenging than ever. Aligning with stakeholders to revamp major category strategies is key to executing on levers that might have been difficult to accomplish in the past. Just a few of those levers may require challenging demand and existing specifications, being more agile in allowing new entrants, and mitigating higher levels of risk alternative sources may represent. These actions are essential for any company working to balance cost and risk of supply in this unprecidented time.&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> </div> <div><strong>Looking at the whole of your career, what do you consider to be your greatest achievement? &nbsp;</strong></div> <div>Through my career in Procurement, I had the opportunity to work and live in four continents. From starting my career in Europe, then moved in the USA in 2010, followed by global assignments with team responsibilities located in Asia and Latin America. I could have not asked for a better opportunity to apply my multi-cultural and languages skillsets. &nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><strong>What three words do you feel your colleagues and peers would use to describe you?&nbsp;</strong></div> <div> <ol> <li>Perseverant&nbsp;</li> <li>Energetic&nbsp;</li> <li>Curious&nbsp;</li> </ol> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> </div> <div><strong>What advice do you have for those who are new to the profession or considering entering the industry?&nbsp;</strong></div> <div>Adapting to new technologies as they mature, being a change agent and challenging the status quos will allow you to grow as individual but also to provide the highest impact in the organizations you will be working for.</div> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tags/innovation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Innovation</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tags/transformation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Transformation</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tags/leadership" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Leadership</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tags/sourcing" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Sourcing</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tags/strategy" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Strategy</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-addthis field-type-addthis field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style " addthis:title="Finalist Interviews for Sourcing Star Awards: Jerome Arfeli, UPS - Future of Sourcing" addthis:url="https://www.futureofsourcing.com/finalist-interviews-for-sourcing-star-awards-jerome-arfeli-ups"><a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_linkedin"></a> <a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_facebook"></a> <a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_twitter"></a> <a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_googleplus"></a> <a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_pinterest_share"></a> <a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_reddit"></a> <a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_email"></a> <a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_print"></a> </div> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-region field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Region:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/regions/global" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Global</a></div></div></div> Tue, 15 Nov 2022 21:38:54 +0000 Future of Sourcing Awards 2250 at https://www.futureofsourcing.com https://www.futureofsourcing.com/finalist-interviews-for-sourcing-star-awards-jerome-arfeli-ups#comments Finalist Interviews for Sourcing Star Awards: Catherine Candland, nextSource https://www.futureofsourcing.com/finalist-interviews-for-sourcing-star-awards-catherine-candland-nextsource <div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.futureofsourcing.com/sites/default/files/articles/fos-announcement-video_fos-site_hero_generic_0.jpg"><a href="https://www.futureofsourcing.com/sites/default/files/articles/fos-announcement-video_fos-site_hero_generic_0.jpg" title="Finalist Interviews for Sourcing Star Awards: Catherine Candland, nextSource" class="colorbox" rel="gallery-node-2249-416na5F7sRE"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.futureofsourcing.com/sites/default/files/styles/juicebox_medium/public/articles/fos-announcement-video_fos-site_hero_generic_0.jpg?itok=s8yj27nC" width="624" height="325" alt="Finalist Interviews for Sourcing Star Awards: Catherine Candland, nextSource" title="" /></a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-intro field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"> <div> <div><strong>Finalist Interviews for Sourcing Star Awards: Catherine Candland is CEO of nextSource</strong></div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><em><strong>Catherine Candland is CEO of nextSource, a workforce solutions company and certified Women&#39;s Business Enterprise (WBE). She is committed to helping enterprises access great talent, improve operating efficiencies, mitigate risks, leverage costs, and build competitive advantages. Over three decades, Catherine has earned the trust of industry-leading clients while founding and leading businesses known for their innovation, integrity and ROI. Catherine&#39;s impact has not been limited to the firms she has led. She has been an active board and advisory body member in the not for profit and public sectors, including public and private higher education, business and professional associates, and the Federal Reserve system. Her leadership has received national recognition from Fortune Magazine, Entrepreneur Magazine, Staffing Industry Analysts and Ernst &amp; Young, as well as numerous regional and local entities.</strong></em></div> </div> <p>&nbsp;</p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"> <div><strong>How did you get into this field. Was it purposeful or by accident? &nbsp;</strong></div> <div>I have always been interested in why, how and with what criteria professionals make career choices. &nbsp;In college and as a young professional I often heard friends and colleagues say, &ldquo;this job is OK until I figure out what I want to do.&rdquo; &nbsp;I wanted to find a way to pre-emptively help employers and candidates make great choices. Companies struggle to build workforces that can drive their business priorities while individuals struggle to forge careers based on what they are passionate about, are inherently good at or desirous of being the best at. &nbsp;I took on the challenge of helping companies and individuals package those preferences for successful choices. &nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><strong>In what ways do you feel your professional contributions have influenced or transformed the industry?</strong></div> <div><span style="font-size: 13.008px;">My approach to workforce management is based on that belief that technology continues to enhance the science of workforce planning and management, but people and innovative processes drive the outcomes. In 1985, I founded Advantage Human Resourcing, a staffing company that quickly grew from a start up to $100 million and expanded to provide exceptional contingent workforce management solutions. &nbsp;Advantage developed the concept of Hire Thinking, a methodology that created excellent performance results based on fit, motivation, experience and skills evaluated across all programs, services, placements, and compliance. As a result, Advantage had the best client and staff retention rate in the industry for over twenty years. &nbsp;</span></div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>While most of our competitors focused on increasing the operational efficiency of temporary worker usage, Advantage viewed the market need differently, recognizing that clients were also seeking the knowledge and assistance needed to make and drive great talent choices. We were viewed as pioneers in what today is referred to as total talent management, managing all types of non-employees in a single program. &nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>In my career I have had the opportunity to apply this approach as the leader of some of the industry&rsquo;s best contingent workforce management companies including nextSource, where I serve as CEO today. &nbsp;At <em><strong>nextSource</strong></em>, we have further advanced the thinking regarding strategic workforce planning through the <em><strong>Program Agility Assessment</strong></em>, a proprietary methodology for ensuring alignment between corporate objectives/priorities and workforce programs. &nbsp;We recently introduced nextSourcing, a distinctive approach to direct sourcing that ensures continuous connections and frequent re-engagement of exceptional talent not sourced through traditional channels.&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Advocacy for great workforce programs, solid organizational talent selections, and growth opportunities for professionals is exhilarating work regardless of scale, sector, and position type. I have been fortunate to promote these ideas beyond the Companies I have led by serving as on corporate boards and advisory bodies in the not for profit and public sectors, including public and private higher education, business and professional associates, and the Federal Reserve system. &nbsp;&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><strong>In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges facing the industry today and what should be done to solve them?&nbsp;</strong></div> <div>The forces shaping talent markets have been accelerated by COVID but were well underway before and continue to be with us. The ability to pivot talent policy, practice and pay to meet talent needs during this time of scarcity is essential. Understanding that this in only the beginning of an era of worker leverage is even more important. &nbsp;These challenges also create opportunities for break-out growth:</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <ul> <li>I encourage enterprises to shift their workforce planning emphasis from roles / job functions to &ldquo;needed skills.&rdquo; The rapid pace of simultaneous changes means that talent demands are fluid and management flexibility is essential. &nbsp;Redeployment of employees and engagement of contingent workers based on &ldquo;skills to task matching&rdquo; will be far more efficient than endlessly defining or redefining positions, conducting searches as external events occur, onboarding new individuals into organizational culture, accepting &ldquo;just-in-case&rdquo; redundancy or furloughing during a time of scarcity. &nbsp;&nbsp;</li> <li>Flexible engagements will continue to replace traditional &ldquo;W2 employment,&rdquo; as our workforces become increasingly blended (gig, contractors, consultants, independent consultants, WFH, onsite, essential, non-essential, &ldquo;5 generational&rdquo;, and more). This blend can slow us down through complexity, or, if planned for strategically and managed well, simplify management&rsquo;s task by providing workforce flexibility, specialized talent when needed, demand elasticity and more predictable costs.&nbsp;</li> <li>Employment laws and regulations, many in conflict, are being continually introduced in so many jurisdictions that employers can struggle to be aware of, and adjust quickly enough, to avoid compliance risk while still maintaining the talent flexibility they need. Retaining a single compliance assurance service, fully integrated with talent acquisition, engagement and management systems, lifts the burden, improves results and helps control costs.&nbsp;</li> <li>Wages, while still important, are outweighed in employee priorities by other worker issues, starting with relationships with managers and the values of leaders. &nbsp;Effective talent management now requires more empathetic and flexible work environments, authentic diversity, ongoing learning opportunities, enhancement of personal (and portable) skills, and the willingness to hire and advance based on the probability of successful performance, rather than a traditional portfolio of job titles and credentials. &nbsp;</li> </ul> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><strong>Looking at the whole of your career, what do you consider to be your greatest achievement? &nbsp;</strong></div> <div>The mission of nextSource &ndash; and my personal mission &ndash; is to advance the way the world connects with talent. &nbsp;That starts within the companies I have been privileged to lead. &nbsp;My greatest source of pride comes from assembling and working with a group of outstanding professionals who are committed to providing to our customers, suppliers, and partners, a personalized, intelligent approach to workforce solutions. The team&rsquo;s demographic diversity drives innovation, and each day I learn more from them, enabling me to be a better leader and professional.&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><strong>What three words do you feel your colleagues and peers would use to describe you?&nbsp;</strong></div> <div>creative force; trustworthy; forward-thinking.&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><strong>What advice do you have for those who are new to the profession or considering entering the industry?&nbsp;</strong></div> <div>Success in this industry requires passion. &nbsp;There is an exceptional sense of accomplishment that comes from knowing that you helped someone launch their career or you enabled a client to build the workforce needed to take itself to the next level. &nbsp;When entering this industry, think broadly about the problems clients and candidates are facing, and strive to find new solutions. &nbsp;&nbsp;</div> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tags/innovation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Innovation</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tags/transformation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Transformation</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tags/leadership" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Leadership</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tags/sourcing" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Sourcing</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tags/strategy" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Strategy</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-addthis field-type-addthis field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style " addthis:title="Finalist Interviews for Sourcing Star Awards: Catherine Candland, nextSource - Future of Sourcing" addthis:url="https://www.futureofsourcing.com/finalist-interviews-for-sourcing-star-awards-catherine-candland-nextsource"><a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_linkedin"></a> <a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_facebook"></a> <a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_twitter"></a> <a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_googleplus"></a> <a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_pinterest_share"></a> <a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_reddit"></a> <a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_email"></a> <a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_print"></a> </div> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-region field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Region:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/regions/global" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Global</a></div></div></div> Tue, 15 Nov 2022 21:22:05 +0000 Future of Sourcing Awards 2249 at https://www.futureofsourcing.com https://www.futureofsourcing.com/finalist-interviews-for-sourcing-star-awards-catherine-candland-nextsource#comments Finalist Interviews for Rising Star Awards: Matt McLoughlin, Scientist.com https://www.futureofsourcing.com/finalist-interviews-for-rising-star-awards-matt-mcloughlin-scientistcom <div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.futureofsourcing.com/sites/default/files/articles/fos-announcement-video_fos-site_hero_generic_0.jpg"><a href="https://www.futureofsourcing.com/sites/default/files/articles/fos-announcement-video_fos-site_hero_generic_0.jpg" title="Finalist Interviews for Rising Star Awards: Matt McLoughlin, Scientist.com" class="colorbox" rel="gallery-node-2248-416na5F7sRE"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.futureofsourcing.com/sites/default/files/styles/juicebox_medium/public/articles/fos-announcement-video_fos-site_hero_generic_0.jpg?itok=s8yj27nC" width="624" height="325" alt="Finalist Interviews for Rising Star Awards: Matt McLoughlin, Scientist.com" title="" /></a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-intro field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"> <div> <div><strong>Finalist Interviews for Rising Star Awards: Matt McLoughlin, Scientist.com</strong></div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><em><strong>Matt has worked in the pharmaceutical industry for over 20 years. For 15 years, he worked within AstraZeneca (AZ), starting off as a scientist before moving to R&amp;D Procurement to support sourcing of pre-clinical services.Joining Scientist.com in 2016, he created COMPLi&reg;, an industry wide solution to address the challenges of sourcing regulated services.</strong></em></div> </div> <p>&nbsp;</p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"> <p><strong style="font-size: 13.008px;"><span style="font-size: 13.008px;">1) How did you get into this field? Was it purposeful or by accident?&nbsp;</span></strong></p> <div>I started my career as a geneticist for AstraZeneca at 18, so I would say that the first half of my career was not at all aligned with procurement and sourcing. However, as that role developed, I received more exposure to it and realized I found it more rewarding than bench science. &nbsp;In 2013, I made the conscious effort of applying for an internal procurement role, and with my scientific experience I was welcomed with open arms. &nbsp;I spent three years in a pure procurement role and loved every minute of it and began to study towards my CIPS. &nbsp;In 2016, I took the opportunity to join one of my then suppliers because I truly believed in what they were doing, their vision and their culture. &nbsp;Now I work with most of the world&rsquo;s top 30 biopharma, 100+ biotechs and over 4000 suppliers within our marketplace and support the development of new medicines, and I&rsquo;ve never looked back.&nbsp;</div> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong style="font-size: 13.008px;">2) In what ways do you hope to influence or transform the industry?&nbsp;</strong></p> <p>I am in the unique position to say that I believe I already have transformed the pharmaceutical industry. &nbsp;Obviously, to do that I needed the help of my amazing colleagues at Scientist.com, as they gave me the opportunity and confidence to take an idea I had at AstraZeneca and apply it across the entire pharma space. &nbsp;That idea became known as our COMPLi&reg; tool, and it has now supported the sourcing of hundreds of millions of dollars of research by embedding compliance at the heart of the outsourcing process with no negative effects. &nbsp;Moving forward, I want to grow COMPLi and Scientist.com in the pharmaceutical industry so that all sourcing can be done in 100% compliance of a company&rsquo;s internal policies and procedures while delivering the value procurement brings through cost effective sourcing to save time, money and resources. &nbsp;Within our company, we have the very lofty goal of helping to cure all diseases by 2050, and the work I and my fellow teams do is critical to us achieving that.&nbsp; &nbsp;
</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>3) Who are the mentors or role models who have guided you in your career? &nbsp;</strong></p> <p>Across my career I have been fortunate to work with some wonderful colleagues and persons. &nbsp;For me there are a number of people who have stood out and helped me get to where I am today. &nbsp;The first would be my mother; at 18 when I decided I didn&rsquo;t want to go to university, she was the one who charged me rent to live at home, meaning I had to get a job, which took me to AstraZeneca! &nbsp;Once there my first ever line manager, Suzanne Jenkins, taught me lessons on how to help someone grow that I still utilize today when working with my team. &nbsp;I worked side by side a phenomenal scientist, Caroline Dukes, for 13 years. &nbsp;She taught me everything about working in a scientific lab and the importance of quality supporting your colleagues. &nbsp;I still miss looking up from my desk and not seeing her face and having the laughs we used to have.</p> <p>Once I moved into procurement then there are three people who truly stand out and have enabled me to succeed. &nbsp;The first was my line manager and now Scientist.com teammate, Tom Dexter. &nbsp;He took a raw scientist with a bit of potential and taught me what procurement meant and had the faith to let me make mistakes and learn. &nbsp;His guidance was phenomenal, and I can&rsquo;t speak highly enough about him &ndash; he could easily be the Sourcing Star. &nbsp;Next is my General Counsel, Sarah Harkcom, who over the past 10 years singlehandedly taught me everything I know about legal and helped me grow into a more rounded procurement professional. &nbsp;Lastly is my current manager and Scientist.com COO and President, Dan Kagan, who, like Tom saw potential and brought me into the company and allowed me flourish. &nbsp;Writing this down makes me appreciate how lucky I have been to work with some fantastic individuals over the past 22+ years.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>4) What is something you wish more people knew about the sourcing and procurement industry?&nbsp;</strong></p> <div>I think for me I would love people to realize that a lot of procurement is just common sense and that everyone is a procurement professional in some capacity. &nbsp;When I speak to stakeholders, it is not uncommon for them to believe it is this very complicated process or is designed to stop them from doing what they want to do.&nbsp;<span style="font-size: 13.008px;">When I come up against that, I tend to use real life examples to get them to understand and appreciate what we are trying to achieve. &nbsp;For example, when someone is buying a car or booking an expensive holiday, they don&rsquo;t normally purchase the first thing they see &ndash; they do their research, look at the options (price, availability, etc.) and then make a decision. &nbsp;That&rsquo;s what we do in procurement but usually for bigger sums and with someone else&rsquo;s money! &nbsp;Once they understand that I think it breaks down the barriers and gets them to see us as a benefit vs. a nuisance or a roadblock.</span></div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <p><strong>5) Looking ahead, what trends do you think will emerge in the sourcing and procurement space?&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13.008px;">I think the next 10 years will continue the trend of digital transformation. &nbsp;The old ways of procurement in a lot of industries are exactly that &ndash; old ways. &nbsp;Successful companies in the future will embrace technologies, such as Scientist.com, to enable their procurement professionals to re-write their category strategies and extract new and enhanced benefits. &nbsp;Why would we spend months putting in place MSAs when we can utilize an online marketplace with pre-negotiated contracts? Why develop complex third-party risk management processes when you can collaborate with peers and use one process for the industry? Why utilize tools for RFPs that everyone hates when new solutions are available that addresses all the issues and makes the process more enjoyable for the suppliers and the customers? &nbsp;All of these things are still happening today, which no longer need to, and I believe it is because it&rsquo;s due to the classical &ldquo;well this is how we&rsquo;ve always done it&rdquo; mindset. &nbsp;For me, the new breed of procurement professionals need to not be constrained by the limitations of the past, as a lot of those have been solved with new technologies that still adhere to the principles of sound procurement practices but do so in a different, more agile, more cost effective, more transparent manner.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13.008px;">
&nbsp;</span></p> <p><strong>6) What advice do you have for those who are considering a career in sourcing or procurement?&nbsp;</strong></p> <p>Put simply - do not be put off by the name or the fancy terms that are used or think you can&rsquo;t do it. &nbsp;I truly believe everyone is a procurement professional in their personal lives so why not utilize those skills as part of your professional life? Procurement can give you exposure to the entire business internally and externally, it can present you new challenges every day, there is huge opportunity to grow and develop and you will meet some fantastic people along the way. &nbsp;For me it&rsquo;s been a fantastic career, and there isn&rsquo;t a single day where I regret leaving bench science so take the plunge &ndash; you will be surprised by what you find.&nbsp;</p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tags/innovation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Innovation</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tags/transformation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Transformation</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tags/leadership" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Leadership</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tags/sourcing" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Sourcing</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tags/strategy" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Strategy</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-addthis field-type-addthis field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style " addthis:title="Finalist Interviews for Rising Star Awards: Matt McLoughlin, Scientist.com - Future of Sourcing" addthis:url="https://www.futureofsourcing.com/finalist-interviews-for-rising-star-awards-matt-mcloughlin-scientistcom"><a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_linkedin"></a> <a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_facebook"></a> <a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_twitter"></a> <a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_googleplus"></a> <a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_pinterest_share"></a> <a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_reddit"></a> <a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_email"></a> <a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_print"></a> </div> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-region field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Region:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/regions/global" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Global</a></div></div></div> Tue, 15 Nov 2022 21:02:33 +0000 Future of Sourcing Awards 2248 at https://www.futureofsourcing.com https://www.futureofsourcing.com/finalist-interviews-for-rising-star-awards-matt-mcloughlin-scientistcom#comments Finalist Interviews for Rising Star Awards: Leyanna Torres, Amazon https://www.futureofsourcing.com/finalist-interviews-for-rising-star-awards-leyanna-torres-amazon <div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.futureofsourcing.com/sites/default/files/articles/fos-announcement-video_fos-site_hero_generic_0.jpg"><a href="https://www.futureofsourcing.com/sites/default/files/articles/fos-announcement-video_fos-site_hero_generic_0.jpg" title="Finalist Interviews for Rising Star Awards: Leyanna Torres, Amazon" class="colorbox" rel="gallery-node-2247-416na5F7sRE"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.futureofsourcing.com/sites/default/files/styles/juicebox_medium/public/articles/fos-announcement-video_fos-site_hero_generic_0.jpg?itok=s8yj27nC" width="624" height="325" alt="Finalist Interviews for Rising Star Awards: Leyanna Torres, Amazon" title="" /></a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-intro field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"> <div> <div><strong><span style="font-size: 13.008px;">Finalist Interviews for Rising Star Awards:&nbsp;Leyanna Torres, Amazon</span></strong></div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><strong><em>Truly dynamic and well-respected trailblazer within her field; Leyanna Torres started her journey at Michigan State University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in packaging engineering shortly followed by her MBA at University of Phoenix. She spent most of her career in automotive, specializing in vehicle packaging process and lineside packaging design. She eventually transitioned into direct then indirect procurement leadership at some of the largest automotive tier 1 suppliers in the world. She is now a Global Senior Category Manager for Amazon focusing on safety and powered industrial truck autonomy sourcing and technical program management.  She is member of the Michigan Oakland County&rsquo;s Elite 40 under 40, has delivered a TED talk spin off on &lsquo;Mindset and Culture&rsquo; and was a panelist on the Real Sourcing Networks (RSN) procurement talks alongside other global procurement leaders discussing the procurement hurdles they overcame during the pandemic.</em></strong></div> </div> <p>&nbsp;</p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"> <p style="font-size: 13.008px;"><strong style="font-size: 13.008px;">How did you get into this field. Was it purposeful or by accident?</strong></p> <p style="font-size: 13.008px;"><span style="font-size: 13.008px;">It was by a happy accident.&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: 13.008px;">I started in the packaging engineering industry. In that industry, I played the role of purchasing by sourcing my own customized packaging. In the process of combining engineering design with negotiation my savings were exceptional which pivoted me into purchasing and eventually into a purchasing leadership role. &nbsp;</span></p> <div><strong>In what ways do you hope to influence or transform the industry?</strong></div> <div>I believe that sourcing should include agile leaders. Those that may have a different point of view, understanding many different areas of a business adding additional value, even technical knowledge to the sourcing process. I am hopeful that my unique background shows others and companies that agility is not only important but a pivotal part of the sourcing industry. Having a broad perspective can add exceptional value. &nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><strong>Who are the mentors or role models who have guided you in your career?</strong></div> <div>My parents, husband, Manish Senta, Joe Gaus and Jeff Wells. &nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><strong>What is something you wish more people knew about the sourcing and procurement industry?</strong></div> <div>The market is the real cost driver. Quality is often more important than price. From a career perspective, you do not have to start your career in supply chain to enter the procurement industry. Anyone can learn to negotiate and source a supplier. It&rsquo;s about your ability to mine data and use it as leverage during the procurement process and most importantly your ability to build long term relationships. &nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><strong>Looking ahead, what trends do you think will emerge in the sourcing and procurement space?</strong></div> <div>The ability to more agile. Engineers, finance, and other roles bleeding into the procurement space bringing forth diverse perspectives to the role.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><strong>What advice do you have for those who are considering a career in sourcing or procurement?&nbsp;</strong></div> <div><span style="font-size: 13.008px;">Engage a mentor as procurement opens doors to other roles and industries. The possibilities are endless. Keep and open mind and always be willing to learn. The number of years someone has in procurement doesn&rsquo;t always translate to their potential and expertise. Take in all advice you can get as they may provide an alternative perspective you may not have considered. Watch the market and know what is going on around you, always. This allows you to be successful in your future negotiations and lets you know where your leverage may or may not lie.</span></div> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tags/innovation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Innovation</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tags/transformation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Transformation</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tags/leadership" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Leadership</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tags/sourcing" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Sourcing</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tags/strategy" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Strategy</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-addthis field-type-addthis field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style " addthis:title="Finalist Interviews for Rising Star Awards: Leyanna Torres, Amazon - Future of Sourcing" addthis:url="https://www.futureofsourcing.com/finalist-interviews-for-rising-star-awards-leyanna-torres-amazon"><a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_linkedin"></a> <a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_facebook"></a> <a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_twitter"></a> <a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_googleplus"></a> <a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_pinterest_share"></a> <a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_reddit"></a> <a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_email"></a> <a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_print"></a> </div> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-region field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Region:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/regions/global" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Global</a></div></div></div> Tue, 15 Nov 2022 20:52:59 +0000 Future of Sourcing Awards 2247 at https://www.futureofsourcing.com https://www.futureofsourcing.com/finalist-interviews-for-rising-star-awards-leyanna-torres-amazon#comments Finalist Interviews for Rising Star Awards: Tyler Higgins, Managing Director, AArete https://www.futureofsourcing.com/finalist-interviews-for-rising-star-awards-tyler-higgins-managing-director-aarete <div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.futureofsourcing.com/sites/default/files/articles/fos-announcement-video_fos-site_hero_generic_0.jpg"><a href="https://www.futureofsourcing.com/sites/default/files/articles/fos-announcement-video_fos-site_hero_generic_0.jpg" title="Finalist Interviews for Rising Star Awards: Tyler Higgins, Managing Director, AArete " class="colorbox" rel="gallery-node-2244-416na5F7sRE"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.futureofsourcing.com/sites/default/files/styles/juicebox_medium/public/articles/fos-announcement-video_fos-site_hero_generic_0.jpg?itok=s8yj27nC" width="624" height="325" alt="Finalist Interviews for Rising Star Awards: Tyler Higgins, Managing Director, AArete " title="" /></a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-intro field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"> <div> <div><strong><span style="font-size: 13.008px;">Finalist Interviews for Rising Star Awards:&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: 13.008px;">Tyler Higgins, Managing Director, AArete</span></strong></div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><em><strong><span style="font-size: 13.008px;"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-higgins-496ba012/" target="_blank">Tyler Higgins</a>, Managing Director at&nbsp;</span></strong><strong style="font-size: 13.008px;"><span style="font-size: 13.008px;"><a href="https://www.aarete.com" target="_blank">AArete</a></span></strong><strong><span style="font-size: 13.008px;">, has 15 years of experience leading multi-year sourcing initiatives within higher education, retail, consumer products, healthcare, transportation, and energy. His work in sourcing innovation, automation, and process improvement has achieved over $750 million in strategic profitability improvement for clients. Tyler has led projects in diverse sourcing categories including temporary labor, facilities, IT hardware /software, scientific supplies, supply chain/transportation, outsourcing and human resource benefits. Tyler holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Economics from the University of California, Berkeley, is a published author, and a sought-after expert widely quoted in national and industry publications.</span></strong></em></div> </div> <p>&nbsp;</p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"> <p><strong style="font-size: 13.008px;"><span style="font-size: 13.008px;">1) How did you get into this field? Was it purposeful or by accident?&nbsp;</span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13.008px;">Interestingly, it was both purposeful and accidental. The accidental side is that my first internship was with a CIO of a publicly traded engineering firm. The CIO, a family friend, hired me that summer to help him complete post-acquisition cost reduction efforts. They had acquired 50+ small engineering firms and the CIO had a proliferation of contracts, a fragmented supply base, and no visibility into his spend. I spent the summer rolling out managed print contracts, renegotiating telecom contracts, establishing new IT asset procurement processes, amongst many others. After that summer, I set a purposeful goal of focusing my career on cost reduction and procurement problem solving. Luckily, the company needed help, so it allowed me to work for 3+ years on sourcing projects and I fell in love with the impact cost reduction can have for an organization.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong style="font-size: 13.008px;">2) In what ways do you hope to influence or transform the industry?&nbsp;</strong></p> <p>When I shifted from the corporate side of sourcing to consulting, it was done with an intent to change the way sourcing organizations deliver value and increase the role sourcing has within companies. I&rsquo;ve long been a believer that sourcing leaders should have a seat at the executive table even when driving topline strategy. Through my career, I&rsquo;ve continued to elevate the role of CPOs and sourcing leaders and continued to challenge organizations to focus on strategic value-added efforts as opposed to the legacy transactional based focus of years past. As I continue moving forward in my career, my goal is to position sourcing as both a cost savings and revenue generating enabler &ndash; a critical dual role to support the execution of corporate strategy. The trendy words of today&rsquo;s organization &ndash; agile, nimble, digital &ndash; all need someone to execute them. The best person for that execution is a procurement leader. &nbsp;
</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>3) Who are the mentors or role models who have guided you in your career? &nbsp;</strong></p> <p>As my career progressed, I have had many mentors who have helped me find the right path for my career make the right career decisions. Early in my career, my mentor and role model was the CIO of my first internship. He provided me with insights into how business operates and most importantly, the role sourcing, cost management, and cost strategy can play in driving the bottom of line of publicly traded organizations. Moving on in my career, as I joined AArete, the leadership of AArete &ndash; our CEO and our west coast Managing Director &ndash; provided me with opportunities to demonstrate my capabilities while also being a sounding board to help ensure I stayed focused on delivering the best we could for our clients. One key aspect that all my mentors and role models have taught me is to put people first &ndash; lead, train, and mentor others &ndash; while also keeping an eye on value creation. If you can surround yourself with great people committed to value creation, you&rsquo;ll always be called upon to help move an organization forward. &nbsp;
&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>4) What is something you wish more people knew about the sourcing and procurement industry?&nbsp;</strong></p> <p>Most people know a fair amount about sourcing and procurement, but one perspective has always stuck well with me &ndash; ten dollars of revenue improvement creates one dollar of profit, but one dollar of cost savings creates one dollar of profit. At times, the ability of sourcing and procurement to hit the bottom line is under-appreciated. But the value to drive profit for an organization is easily attainable. &nbsp;
&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>5) Looking ahead, what trends do you think will emerge in the sourcing and procurement space?&nbsp;</strong></p> <p>As with many aspects of business, technology and automation will continue to have an expanded role in sourcing and procurement. Self-service platforms already exist, and we know we are seeing bots that can negotiate common terms. Over the next 3-5 years, we will continue to see the digital evolution of sourcing including mobile technologies, automation, and bots. For key sourcing leaders, we will continue to see the rise of collaboration tools between key stakeholders and procurement team members and the push to make decisions grounded in data and market intelligence. Sourcing is a fast-moving department, and the best companies will keep their leaders on the forefront of technologies, processes, and policies.</p> <p>
&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>6) What advice do you have for those who are considering a career in sourcing or procurement?&nbsp;</strong></p> <p>Procurement/sourcing is a great career, and its importance continues to grow at every company we support. The role of procurement has evolved and the move to more strategic delivery and value creation is changing the importance in an organization. What makes procurement and sourcing interesting is that you end up becoming a jack of all trades. In my career, I have learned about common indirect categories &ndash; office supplies, laptops, software &ndash; to complete niche categories &ndash; research animals, utilities, medical benefits, etc. Being able to bridge across an organization, you get to learn something new every day and that is what makes sourcing such an amazing career. When I meet with procurement and sourcing folks, I routinely share that the career path is blossoming and over the next 10-20 years, sourcing leaders will continue to gain a more vital role in successful driving corporate strategy.</p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tags/innovation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Innovation</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tags/transformation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Transformation</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tags/leadership" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Leadership</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tags/sourcing" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Sourcing</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tags/strategy" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Strategy</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-addthis field-type-addthis field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style " addthis:title="Finalist Interviews for Rising Star Awards: Tyler Higgins, Managing Director, AArete - Future of Sourcing" addthis:url="https://www.futureofsourcing.com/finalist-interviews-for-rising-star-awards-tyler-higgins-managing-director-aarete"><a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_linkedin"></a> <a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_facebook"></a> <a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_twitter"></a> <a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_googleplus"></a> <a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_pinterest_share"></a> <a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_reddit"></a> <a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_email"></a> <a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_print"></a> </div> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-region field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Region:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/regions/global" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Global</a></div></div></div> Mon, 07 Nov 2022 13:24:47 +0000 Future of Sourcing Awards 2244 at https://www.futureofsourcing.com https://www.futureofsourcing.com/finalist-interviews-for-rising-star-awards-tyler-higgins-managing-director-aarete#comments Work This Way! Why Leaders Are Hiring More External Workers https://www.futureofsourcing.com/work-this-way-why-leaders-are-hiring-more-external-workers <div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.futureofsourcing.com/sites/default/files/articles/Work%20This%20Way%202.jpg"><a href="https://www.futureofsourcing.com/sites/default/files/articles/Work%20This%20Way%202.jpg" title="Work This Way! Why Leaders Are Hiring More External Workers" class="colorbox" rel="gallery-node-2243-416na5F7sRE"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.futureofsourcing.com/sites/default/files/styles/juicebox_medium/public/articles/Work%20This%20Way%202.jpg?itok=Y6lI94CT" width="624" height="325" alt="Work This Way! Why Leaders Are Hiring More External Workers" title="" /></a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-intro field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"> <div><strong><em>&quot;Among the advantages of a staffing strategy that includes external workers is the ability to react quickly to changing business conditions, and to access highly skilled people at lower overall costs,&quot; says Gordon Donovan, Director of Market Research for Procurement and External Workforce for <a href="https://www.sap.com/index.html" target="_blank">SAP</a>. Gordon shares insight into an Economist Impact Survey sponsored by SAP, and&nbsp;<span style="font-size: 13.008px;">the shift to using external workforces amid disrupted supply chains, rising costs, growing uncertainty, and trends.</span></em></strong></div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"> <div>In a recent Economist Impact survey sponsored by SAP, half of the business leaders said they plan to increase their use of external workers in the next 12 months. While this represents a significant increase, the leaders&rsquo; reasons for doing this might surprise you.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>SAP started investigating these and other questions earlier this year when we engaged Economist Impact to conduct a global survey of C-level executives across various organizational functions. Respondents included 430 executives comprised of Chief Financial Officers (CFOs), Chief Operations Officers (COOs), Chief Procurement Officers (CPOs), and Chief Supply Chain Officers (CSCOs). Our goal was to learn how businesses and industries are transforming the procurement function amid disrupted supply chains, rising costs, growing uncertainty, and trends that are driving a new future for procurement.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>A new Economist Impact paper, <a href="https://www.ariba.com/resources/library/library-pages/chain-reactions" target="_blank">Chain reactions: building value in procurement through digitalization</a>, and a <a href="https://www.fieldglass.com/resources/reports/economist-impact-looking-out-the-rise-of-the-external-workforce-and-its-impact-on-internal-functions" target="_blank">specialist mini paper</a> on the external workforce, use survey data to provide insights into the evolution of the workforce, and an inside view of how the procurement function is evolving to help address this evolution.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><strong>Executives discuss the changing role of procurement.</strong></div> <div>After Economist Impact released its paper, a select group of executives convened in a roundtable discussion to share their thoughts on labor shortages, the rise of the external workforce, and the issues that are both solved and caused by these.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>The roundtable was convened under the Chatham House Rule, so I can&rsquo;t reveal who was there or specifically what they said. However, I can tell you that the key themes that emerged were:</div> <div>&bull; Labor shortages and their impacts</div> <div>&bull; Risks and solutions</div> <div>&bull; Strategic implications for procurement and supply chain leaders</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><strong>Labor shortages and their impacts.</strong></div> <div>As I mentioned earlier, the Economist Impact briefing paper reported that half of the survey respondents planned to increase their use of external workers over the next 12 months. Based on their own experiences, the roundtable panel cited a shortage of labor as one significant driver for this increase.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><strong>But what about the pandemic?</strong></div> <div>While the pandemic has accelerated labor shortages, the panel agreed it isn&rsquo;t the cause of labor shortages. Instead, skilled labor is simply in higher demand, and if the skill sets needed are not available internally, it is easier to &ldquo;buy&rdquo; the skills than to &ldquo;make&rdquo; them. As an example, members of the panel said that individuals with &ldquo;professional services&rdquo; skills are challenging to recruit. Therefore, they are looking to external or contingent workers to fill the skills gaps.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><strong>The changing nature of work.</strong></div> <div>Roundtable participants also noted that workers want to be more flexible in how and where they work, which is also contributing to a shortage of available workers. The convergence of digital and physical work is driving this change.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><strong>So, what to do?</strong></div> <div>Clearly, participants in the roundtable recognized the increased use of external workers as a key solution to labor shortages. But what are the risks, and where are the opportunities?</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><strong>The risks.</strong></div> <div>The roundtable identified the management of external workers as a key risk. Many participants said they are reaching out to their providers to understand how they are managing their workers. Unless managed effectively, they feared they might lose visibility into delivery teams. This is further complicated by the geographies where work is performed.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Culture and brand impacts were crucial to manage and understand. However, the roundtable also stated that the best organizations don&rsquo;t differentiate between external and internal talent. Members of the roundtable also expressed concern about risks associated with access to data and confidentiality issues.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><strong>The opportunities.</strong></div> <div>Among the advantages of a staffing strategy that includes external workers is the ability to react quickly to changing business conditions, and to access highly skilled people at lower overall costs (by using them for a shorter period).&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>This makes the budgeting process easier to manage and encourages many more organizations to buy an outcome rather than solely focus on filling a seat.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Also, from a cost management perspective, the use of temporary workers makes it easier to manage the massive wage rate fluctuations we are experiencing today in the &ldquo;fully employed model.&rdquo; Temporary workers offer greater flexibility on budgets, as well as the ability to take a longer-term view on fixed costs.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><strong>Talent sourcing is going global.</strong></div> <div>The pandemic proved that remote work was productive, not just for the employed but also for the external workforce. Many participants in the roundtable stated that this new reality had stimulated a change in internal strategy discussions.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><strong>Implications for procurement.</strong></div> <div>It&rsquo;s clear that one of the biggest changes in the way procurement operates is because of organizations&rsquo; increased reliance on the external workforce. That&rsquo;s because procuring external workers involves different processes than hiring full-time employees.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Procurement understands these processes. Therefore, it needs to work closely with the human resources function to ensure the business contracts the right temporary workers with the right skills.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Additionally, the work-from-anywhere strategy that some organizations are now pursuing has broader impacts on how to pull together an overall operating model and rhythm. Procurement functions will need to adjust to them.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><span style="font-size: 13.008px;">Overall, the roundtable was an enthralling discussion to hear. If you want to find out more, the research whitepapers from Economist Impact are available to download </span><a href="https://www.ariba.com/resources/library/library-pages/chain-reactions" style="font-size: 13.008px;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="font-size: 13.008px;"> for the main paper, and </span><a href="https://www.fieldglass.com/resources/reports/economist-impact-looking-out-the-rise-of-the-external-workforce-and-its-impact-on-internal-functions" style="font-size: 13.008px;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="font-size: 13.008px;"> for the external workforce paper.</span></div> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tags/innovation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Innovation</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tags/transformation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Transformation</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tags/leadership" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Leadership</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tags/sourcing" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Sourcing</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tags/strategy" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Strategy</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-addthis field-type-addthis field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style " addthis:title="Work This Way! Why Leaders Are Hiring More External Workers - Future of Sourcing" addthis:url="https://www.futureofsourcing.com/work-this-way-why-leaders-are-hiring-more-external-workers"><a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_linkedin"></a> <a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_facebook"></a> <a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_twitter"></a> <a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_googleplus"></a> <a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_pinterest_share"></a> <a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_reddit"></a> <a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_email"></a> <a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_print"></a> </div> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-region field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Region:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/regions/global" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Global</a></div></div></div> Thu, 27 Oct 2022 16:02:17 +0000 Gordon Donovan 2243 at https://www.futureofsourcing.com https://www.futureofsourcing.com/work-this-way-why-leaders-are-hiring-more-external-workers#comments Finalist Interviews • Future of Sourcing Awards https://www.futureofsourcing.com/finalist-interviews-%E2%80%A2-future-of-sourcing-awards <div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.futureofsourcing.com/sites/default/files/articles/fos-announcement-video_fos-site_hero_generic.jpg"><a href="https://www.futureofsourcing.com/sites/default/files/articles/fos-announcement-video_fos-site_hero_generic.jpg" title="Finalist Interviews • Future of Sourcing Awards " class="colorbox" rel="gallery-node-2241-416na5F7sRE"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.futureofsourcing.com/sites/default/files/styles/juicebox_medium/public/articles/fos-announcement-video_fos-site_hero_generic.jpg?itok=1L5NJ4LO" width="624" height="325" alt="Finalist Interviews • Future of Sourcing Awards " title="" /></a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-intro field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"> <h3>On October 19th, the&nbsp;<a href="https://futureofsourcingawards.com/?__hstc=215510152.344406f4865c40604cf6029be7e958e0.1543422516683.1570835886974.1570842947555.661&amp;__hssc=215510152.2.1570842947555&amp;__hsfp=847670889">Future of Sourcing Awards</a>&nbsp;will celebrate organizations and individuals that have shown innovation, leadership and transformation in categories that are critical to the sourcing industry. FOS interviewed the finalists to provide helpful insight about their projects, the problem they sought to solve, and the impact to their organizations.</h3> <h3>Explore all finalist interviews&nbsp;<a href="https://futureofsourcing.com/author/future-of-sourcing-awards" target="_blank">her</a><a href="http://futureofsourcing.com/author/future-of-sourcing-awards" target="_blank">e!</a></h3> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"> <div> <h3>&nbsp;</h3> </div> <div> <div>&nbsp;</div> </div> <p>&nbsp;</p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tags/outsourcing" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Outsourcing</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tags/innovation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Innovation</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tags/future-of-sourcing-awards" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Future of Sourcing Awards</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tags/awards" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Awards</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-addthis field-type-addthis field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style " addthis:title="Finalist Interviews &amp;bull; Future of Sourcing Awards - Future of Sourcing" addthis:url="https://www.futureofsourcing.com/finalist-interviews-%E2%80%A2-future-of-sourcing-awards"><a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_linkedin"></a> <a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_facebook"></a> <a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_twitter"></a> <a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_googleplus"></a> <a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_pinterest_share"></a> <a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_reddit"></a> <a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_email"></a> <a href="https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300" class="addthis_button_print"></a> </div> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-region field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Region:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/regions/global" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Global</a></div></div></div> Fri, 14 Oct 2022 22:44:36 +0000 Future of Sourcing Awards 2241 at https://www.futureofsourcing.com https://www.futureofsourcing.com/finalist-interviews-%E2%80%A2-future-of-sourcing-awards#comments