Art of Procurement

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• EP 10: Supplier Management as a Connected Discipline W/ Jesse Lee 01.07.2026 31dk

  "If your business is getting bigger, then supplier management is going to be ever more important to you." - Jesse Lee, Co-founder, CEO of Brooklyn Solutions Procurement's role in managing suppliers is transforming fast: scope is growing, expectations are higher, and the risks are real. Getting supplier management right is essential to business resilience, especially when the entire organization depends on partners and external providers. In this episode, Brooklyn Solutions CEO Jesse Lee joins ProcureTech Insider host Jyothi Hartley to zero in on today's big challenges and the practical answers that have worked in enterprise environments. Jesse brings experience across engineering, law, and SaaS product management, giving him a unique vantage point on how supplier management actually drives (or stalls) value. Hear their frank conversation about what "good" truly looks like in supplier management, how to connect data and teams, and which steps CPOs should prioritize right now. In this episode, Jesse discusses how procurement should: -Redefine supplier management to accelerate your business roadmap -Address expanding scope: onboarding, third-party risk, and relationship management -Make operational resilience a built-in feature, not an afterthought -Connect data and policies for seamless end-to-end supplier oversight -Build a holistic roadmap when evaluating new solutions   Links: Jesse Lee on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-lee-64310a/  Visit the Brooklyn Solutions profile in the AOP Provider Directory: https://artofprocurement.com/provider-directory/brooklyn-solutions  Subscribe to the AOP Newsletter: https://resources.artofprocurement.com/art-of-procurement-podcast-subscribe  Subscribe to Art of Procurement on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ArtofProcurement   
• 872: Beyond Automation: Accelerating Agentic AI Transformation in Procurement W/ Vishal Patel 29.06.2026 28dk

  "The future of procurement isn't actually AI. It's people using AI to improve business outcomes and improve their own value add." - Vishal Patel, SVP Product & Customer Marketing at Ivalua Many procurement teams have adopted AI in some aspect, but only a few have figured out how to turn those early experiments into sustainable, scalable business value. With market expectations rising and teams overstretched, leaders are being challenged to translate AI's potential into measurable outcomes. In this episode, Philip Ideson speaks with Vishal Patel, SVP of Product and Customer Marketing at Ivalua, at their Procurement Innovation On Tour event. Vishal candidly shares what separates companies truly scaling value from those still spinning their wheels, from focusing on quick wins to treating AI as strategic muscle instead of just another tool. He also shares several practical ways procurement can accelerate their AI journey, without waiting for perfect conditions… or data.  In this episode, Vishal discusses how to: -Identify quick-win AI projects that unlock real business value   -Turn data challenges into progress instead of roadblocks   -Build confidence and trust through transparency and feedback   -Avoid "agent sprawl" and focus on scalable skills   -Make AI a capability, not just software   Links: Vishal Patel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vishal-patel-841574/  Subscribe to the AOP Newsletter: https://resources.artofprocurement.com/art-of-procurement-podcast-subscribe  Subscribe to Art of Procurement on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ArtofProcurement   
• 871: The New Rules of Procurement Leadership W/ Gary Mizhir 22.06.2026 46dk

  "I measure success by the number of executives that come to us before they make decisions." - Gary Mizhir, Senior Director Head of Innovation & Excellence, FIS The pressure to move from tactical cost savings to strategic business impact is growing, especially as AI, data, and new business needs emerge faster than ever.  But what does it mean to drive innovation with AI and still keep procurement a credible and sought-after partner at the executive table? In this episode, Philip Ideson speaks with Gary Mizhir, Senior Director, Head of Innovation and Excellence at FIS. Gary brings a holistic perspective, shaped by experiences in the Navy, consulting, product management, and years leading Fortune 500 supply chain and procurement teams. His take on the future, from paradigm-shifting AI to building trust with stakeholders and translating procurement's value into corporate terms, offers practical guidance for CPOs and their teams. In this episode, Gary discusses: -Why we need to challenge traditional procurement roles  -How to use AI to redefine value and operating models -The importance of tying procurement's ROI directly to corporate outcomes  -How to build trusted partnerships with internal stakeholders  -Rethinking process design by experiencing it through your stakeholders' eyes   Links: Gary Mizhir on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mizhir-b923344/  Subscribe to the AOP Newsletter: https://resources.artofprocurement.com/art-of-procurement-podcast-subscribe  Subscribe to Art of Procurement on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ArtofProcurement   
• EP 09: Provider of the Week: ProcureAbility 17.06.2026 25dk

  In this Provider of the Week episode of the ProcureTech Insider podcast, host Jyothi Hartley speaks with Darshan Deshmukh, President of ProcureAbility. ProcureAbility is a leading procurement and supply chain services provider, offering advisory, managed services, digital solutions, and talent support to help organizations drive measurable value and build sustainable procurement capabilities. In this episode, Darshan shares how ProcureAbility has evolved from a traditional consulting model into a full-service partner, one that not only identifies opportunities but also helps clients execute and sustain results over time. From their focus on procurement-specialized talent to their emphasis on becoming a seamless extension of client teams, this discussion highlights what it takes for high-performing procurement teams to move beyond strategy and deliver consistent outcomes and value to the business. In this episode, you'll learn: -How ProcureAbility structures its services across advisory, managed services, staffing, and digital -Why talent specialization is a core differentiator in procurement delivery -How they measure success through both traditional KPIs and "client implied promise" -The growing importance of revenue enablement and supply chain resilience as procurement metrics -What procurement leaders should expect as AI reshapes service delivery models Links:  Darshan Deshmukh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darshan-deshmukh/ AOP Provider Directory - ProcureAbility: https://artofprocurement.com/provider-directory/procureability  Subscribe to the AOP Newsletter: https://resources.artofprocurement.com/art-of-procurement-podcast-subscribe  Subscribe to Art of Procurement on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ArtofProcurement   
• 870: Managing the New Spend Frontier: AI Tokens in Procurement W/ Jon Winsett 15.06.2026 45dk

  "You need to get visibility into the AI tokens, what workloads they are being used for, which users are using them, and what department they're coming out of. Most organizations don't have that visibility yet. They just get the bill." - Jon Winsett, CEO, NPI AI tokens have gone from a niche curiosity to a major line item practically overnight.  The cost models are new, spending is climbing at breakneck speed, and most enterprises can't actually see what's driving their biggest AI bills. For anyone tasked with managing technology spend, this is mission-critical territory for the rest of 2026 and beyond. In this episode, Philip Ideson speaks with Jon Winsett, CEO of NPI, to unpack everything procurement leaders need to know about AI tokens. Jon and his team advise some of the world's largest companies on navigating this new category and share what's working (and what's not). From budgeting pitfalls to guarding against runaway costs, Jon explains the challenges and opportunities associated with AI tokens. Jon tackles questions like: Where are organizations overspending? How do you negotiate when the rules keep changing? What practical steps can CPOs take right now?  Listen in for a pragmatic, insider's view on: -How and where rapidly rising AI token costs are hitting enterprise budgets   -Ways to build practical guardrails and learn from early missteps   -How to use open source models and contract negotiation as real levers   -Why current consumption-based pricing is likely to change again soon     Links: Jon Winsett | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-winsett-0734b/  Enterprise AI Pulse Study: https://arcana-research.com/study/npi - For Fortune 1000 enterprises that want to participate Governing AI Token Spend - A Five-Layer Defense Framework: https://www.npifinancial.com/knowledge-center/white-paper-governing-ai-token-spend/ - Whitepaper Learn more about NPI: https://www.npifinancial.com/  Subscribe to the AOP Newsletter: https://resources.artofprocurement.com/art-of-procurement-podcast-subscribe  Subscribe to Art of Procurement on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ArtofProcurement   
• 869: The Modern Operating Model: Building a Lean, High-Value Procurement Team W/ Stephen Rauf 08.06.2026 41dk

  "Don't overvalue the top procurement spot, and don't undervalue the tools and the budget required. It's an ecosystem." - Stephen Rauf, Global Head of Indirect Procurement, Zoetis Delivering more value with fewer resources is an easy thing to want, but tough to execute consistently over time… unless procurement rethinks their entire approach, from operating model and team structure to technology and stakeholder influence. In this episode, Philip Ideson speaks with Stephen Rauf, Global Head of Indirect Procurement at Zoetis, the world's leading animal health company. Stephen unpacks how he has steered a lean, high-impact team through transformation, why "build vs. buy" is a weekly question, and what it takes to create true business partnership – while surfacing next-gen use cases for AI.  In this episode, Stephen shares his point of view on: -Building nimble procurement teams that can punch above their weight -Moving from managing spend to shaping demand with stakeholders -Using tech – and especially AI – to enable rather than overwhelm -Deciding when to build internal strength vs. partnering for expertise -Measuring a broader spectrum of procurement value, not just cost savings   Links: Stephen Rauf on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenrauf/  Subscribe to the AOP Newsletter: https://resources.artofprocurement.com/art-of-procurement-podcast-subscribe  Subscribe to Art of Procurement on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ArtofProcurement   
• EP 08: Startup of the Week: Suplari W/ Jeff Gerber 03.06.2026 24dk

  Procurement teams are under increasing pressure to do more with less… less time, less headcount, and often less budget. But, at the same time, the volume of data they manage continues to grow, making it harder to uncover insights and act on them quickly. That's the challenge Suplari wants to solve. In this ProcureTech Insider Startup of the Week episode, Jyothi Hartley speaks with Jeff Gerber, Co-Founder and CEO of Suplari, about how AI-powered procurement intelligence can help teams move beyond visibility and into action. Suplari brings together fragmented spend, supplier, and contract data into a single, governed source of truth. From there, its AI capabilities identify opportunities, surface risks, and increasingly help teams take action by automating the path from insight to impact. Jeff shares Suplari's origin story, why traditional analytics fall short, and how procurement teams can start unlocking value from their data faster than they might expect. In this episode, Jeff discusses: Why connecting siloed procurement data is the foundation for better decision-making How AI can move procurement beyond analytics into action and orchestration What makes Supplari different in a crowded AI and analytics market How procurement teams can uncover hidden savings and inefficiencies Why imperfect data shouldn't stop you from getting started Links: Jeff Gerber on LinkedIn Subscribe to the AOP Newsletter Subscribe to Art of Procurement on YouTube  
• 868: Catalyst SFO: (Re)Designing Procurement for an Agentic World W/ Christine Moore and Joe Postiglione Sr. 01.06.2026 28dk

  "Catalyst is really a unicorn. You walk in the room, check your ego at the door, and everybody is there to learn." - Christine Moore, Managing Partner, RAUS Global Procurement is racing to harness AI, but simply "doing more" won't be enough. At Catalyst San Francisco, the most recent in-person event hosted by Art of Procurement, procurement executives came together to confront what's truly needed right now: going beyond efficiency, investing in stronger change management, and breaking free of the old excuses that hold teams back. In this event recap conversation, Christine Moore, Managing Partner at RAUS Global, and Joe Postiglione Sr., author of the upcoming book Achieve Results with AI and Avoid the CFO Hot Seat, join Philip Ideson to discuss how intimate, curated professional gatherings like Catalyst drive practical, real-world progress.  Listen in to hear what sets this unique environment apart, why open dialogue matters more than buzzwords, and how procurement leaders can champion a culture that turns AI into a strategic advantage to deliver measurable, real-world results. Whether you're developing your own digital roadmap or guiding your business partners, these takeaways will help you reframe what's possible for procurement. In this episode, Christine and Joe describe how procurement can: Build a proactive, outcome-driven approach to AI projects   Lead change and create a sense of safety for candid discussions   Reframe the "data problem" and move initiatives forward   Recognize how compute and AI usage costs can impact value   Shift from pure efficiency to growth-focused thinking Links: Christine Moore on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-adamsson-moore/  Joe Postiglione Sr. on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joepostiglione/  Subscribe to the AOP Newsletter: https://resources.artofprocurement.com/art-of-procurement-podcast-subscribe  Subscribe to Art of Procurement on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ArtofProcurement   
• BTW EP 32: The Final Phil-Ins: Closing One Door, Opening Another 27.05.2026 43dk

  In the final episode of "Buy: The Way...To Purposeful Procurement," Philip Ideson, Rich Ham, and Kelly Barner reflect on 18 months of exploration, 32 episodes, and a remarkable roster of guests who collectively proved that procurement's incentive problems are both bigger and more solvable than most realize. The flaws we uncovered aren't just procurement's problem, and there are often far-reaching, real-life consequences. For example, when buyer-side dysfunction enables seller-side exploitation, consumers absorb higher costs. When short-term savings metrics kill long-term initiatives like energy efficiency investments, the climate crisis deepens. When procurement is measured on fictional savings rather than actual P&L impact, the entire profession gets relegated to asking for a seat at the table instead of earning one. Building on Alan Veeck's call from the previous episode to convene "the smartest thinkers in our industry," the hosts sketch out what should come next from pragmatists alongside visionaries, skeptics alongside believers, and C-level advocates outside of procurement who can sell the vision to their peers. We don't need philosophical discussions about value, but actual business cases quantifying both the harms of keeping things status quo and the upside of change. Not just theoretical frameworks, but practical answers to the logistics of administering new measurement systems. Not just ideas, but examples shown in action that give others confidence to follow. As automation commoditizes tactical work, procurement has never been under more pressure to articulate what they stand for and how they connect to business value. The pace of AI-driven change makes solving the incentive problem more critical than ever, because the function needs to know what higher-value work looks like before the efficiencies arrive. So, while the series may be ending, as Rich notes, it feels more like a beginning. Thirty-two episodes proved the story was worth covering. Now comes the harder part: turning all of that conversation into action. Links: Rich Ham on LinkedInLearn more at FineTuneUs.com
• 867: Building Bridges Between Procurement and the Business W/ Brad DeHart 25.05.2026 34dk

  "If you focus on stakeholders' needs and add value, the savings will always follow." - Brad DeHart, Senior Vice President, Customer Growth, Continuum Procurement leaders have always been expected to deliver value under pressure, but when resources are thin, the old playbook just doesn't cut it. What does it take to truly become a trusted partner to the business and move beyond savings-only conversations? Art of Procurement host Philip Ideson welcomes Brad DeHart, a seasoned leader who's helped shape marketing procurement functions across industries. Brad's experience spans both the buy and sell sides, giving him a front-row seat to what works, and what might set your team back. In this candid discussion, Brad challenges common assumptions about where procurement should focus their efforts, why some models falter, and how the right mindset (and soft skills) open real doors to influence. He shares memorable stories and actionable advice for CPOs and category leads navigating complexity and stakeholder fatigue. In this episode, Brad covers: - Redesigning relationships with marketing to move beyond 'just savings' - Recognizing why the 'strategic vs. tactical spend' debate misses the point - Structuring teams for trust, influence, and long-term results - Building soft skills that matter as much as procurement expertise   Links: Brad DeHart on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/braddehart/  Subscribe to the AOP Newsletter: https://resources.artofprocurement.com/art-of-procurement-podcast-subscribe  Subscribe to Art of Procurement on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ArtofProcurement   
• EP 07: Procurement as Ecosystem Builder in the Age of AI W/ Saurabh Gupta 20.05.2026 30dk

  "Procurement has to become an ecosystem builder for the enterprise, because no enterprise can do everything by itself in today's world." - Saurabh Gupta Procurement leaders are feeling the pressure to "be AI-first," yet most struggle to get past the hype and deliver real business value. With AI reshaping buying categories and challenging process norms, now is the time to rethink procurement's role. In this ProcureTech Insider episode, Saurabh Gupta, President of HFS, joins Jyothi Hartley to talk candidly about how AI is forcing procurement to confront old habits and rethink category strategy. Saurabh introduces practical frameworks for CPOs striving to become strategic partners, not just operational gatekeepers. He shares how blending services and software is creating a new buying challenge, and why procurement must finally forge closer ties to business outcomes and work across traditional silos. In this episode, Saurabh discusses how to: Pinpoint the "debts" holding procurement back from adopting AI Build a balanced 4P framework for tracking AI's value Prepare for the rise of "services as software" and what it means for category management Shift the procurement mindset from reactive support to enterprise ecosystem builder Links: Saurabh Gupta on LinkedIn The CPO mandate: Seize the AI moment and claim the strategy seat Subscribe to the AOP Newsletter Subscribe to Art of Procurement on YouTube  
• 866: How Digital Masters Are Preparing for an AI-enabled Future W/ Deloitte 18.05.2026 41dk

  "Digital masters aren't just deploying technology. They're changing the way procurement runs." - Chris Riley, Partner - Supply Chain and Procurement, Deloitte As AI-enabled tools shift the landscape from efficiency to true strategic impact, CPOs are tasked with making sense of new operating models, changing expectations, and how to redeploy talent toward higher-value work. In this episode, Deloitte's Chris Riley, Ryan Flynn, and Jocelyn Mayfield join Philip Ideson to break down the findings of Deloitte's latest CPO and AI surveys. They reveal what sets digital masters apart, how top teams link digital investments to business outcomes, and what it takes to move from process efficiency to business advisor. Whether you're rolling out AI for the first time or redesigning your operating model, this conversation dives deep into practical lessons and next steps for forward-thinking procurement teams. In this episode, Chris, Ryan, and Jocelyn will discuss: - What "digital masters" do differently  - Why operating model design now has existential importance for procurement - The real opportunity (and challenge) in reskilling for the AI era - How cultural change and reward systems drive sustainable transformation Links: Chris Riley on LinkedIn Ryan Flynn on LinkedIn Jocelyn Mayfield on LinkedIn Subscribe to the AOP Newsletter Subscribe to Art of Procurement on YouTube   As used in this document, "Deloitte" means Deloitte Consulting LLP, a subsidiary of Deloitte LLP. Please seewww.deloitte.com/us/aboutfor a detailed description of our legal structure. Certain services may not be available to attest clients under the rules and regulations of public accounting. This podcast contains general information only and Deloitte is not, by means of this podcast, rendering accounting, business, financial, investment, legal, tax, or other professional advice or services. This podcast is not a substitute for such professional advice or services, nor should it be used as a basis for any decision or action that may affect your business. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your business, you should consult a qualified professional advisor. Deloitte shall not be responsible for any loss sustained by any person who relies on this podcast.  
• BTW EP 31: The Fellowship Against Fake Savings with Alan Veeck 13.05.2026 39dk

  "Isn't it true that everybody talks about supplier management, but nobody does it?"  This observation from Summit Procurement CEO and Founder Alan Veeck captures the delta between procurement's aspirations and the reality on the ground. It's a gap, he says, that AI might finally help close, but only if organizations resist the temptation to simply slash headcount when AI-powered efficiencies arrive. In this episode of "Buy: The Way...To Purposeful Procurement," co-hosts Philip Ideson and Rich Ham speak with Alan Veeck to explore what it might look like if procurement was unleashed to pursue actual value, and why the resistance to that vision remains so formidable. Alan presents listeners with a thought experiment: imagine a CPO given two directives: first, embrace AI to drive maximum efficiency, but second, keep every team member despite the bandwidth freed up by AI. His answer reveals momentous untapped potential: those 25 entry-level people whose salaries total $2.5 million annually? In a billion-dollar enterprise, he says, they could find 10x that value "in their sleep" within months through proper supplier engagement, category management, and relationship building.  This notion also brings procurement's existential challenge into the light. Without fixing flawed incentive structures, procurement will "continue to be the ones asking for a seat at the table."  One-off conversations and content won't solve these issues. Instead, Alan says it's time to convene "the smartest thinkers in our industry" into what Rich dubs a "fellowship." The goal: creating industry standards for measuring value across different contexts, giving organizations practical frameworks to escape the savings delusion. As Rich notes, there's no general ledger line item for savings, only costs. Procurement can be "the hero of the expense side of the ledger," but only if they muster the collective confidence to take the necessary steps. Links: Alan Veeck on LinkedInRich Ham on LinkedInLearn more at FineTuneUs.com
• 865: Confidence, Cost, and Compliance: Insights from the Economist Impact Report W/ Gordon Donovan 11.05.2026 49dk

  "Right now, procurement needs to define their future role in the business. Procurement needs to drive that for themselves, because if we don't, then someone is going to drive it for us, and that could drive us out." - Gordon Donovan, Vice President Research - Procurement & External Workforce, SAP Business models are being disrupted, and so is procurement. This year's Economist Impact report reveals a sharp drop in C-suite confidence, a dramatic return to basics on cost and compliance, and AI taking center stage as both opportunity and challenge.  Amid these changes, how can CPOs set a strategy that's fit for tomorrow, not just today? Gordon Donovan, VP of Research for Procurement and External Workforce at SAP, returns to the show with exclusive data and a candid view on industry shifts. Gordon breaks down what really matters in this year's survey: the operational realities behind AI, the new direction for category management, and why rethinking old processes is the only way forward. In this episode, Gordon discusses: Why procurement confidence shrank up to 18% globally   The importance of zeroing in on cost and compliance as resurgent priorities   Rethinking category management for a complex new landscape   How to pinpoint where AI delivers and the barriers still holding teams back   Why now is the time to reinvent, not just digitize Links: Gordon Donovan on LinkedIn Homepage: The Procurement Imperative 2026 Report: The Procurement Imperative Infographic: A View from the C-Suite in 2026 Subscribe to the AOP Newsletter Subscribe to Art of Procurement on YouTube  
• EP 06: Startup of the Week: Zinit W/ Stan Moskovtsev 06.05.2026 25dk

  It's no secret: procurement teams are under increasing pressure to deliver savings, handle more work with leaner teams, and modernize outdated processes… all at once. While software solutions have flooded the market, much of the daily reality still involves spreadsheets and emails, especially for indirect or non-strategic spend. Stan Moskovtsev, co-founder and U.S. CEO of Zinit, wants to solve this. Drawing on his years leading digital procurement at McKinsey, Stan built a SaaS-enabled B2B marketplace that addresses these day-to-day pain points. In this ProcureTech Insider Startup of the Week episode, Stan joins Jyothi Hartley to unveil Zinit's unique "AI-native" architecture, outcome-based commercial model, and flexible approach to getting clients up and running quickly. Curious how a new breed of marketplace could break the cycle of underutilized tools and lagging ROI? Hear firsthand what drives procurement results in markets large and small. In this episode, Stan discusses: Why procurement teams still default to email and Excel, even after investing in tools How outcome-based pricing removes cost barriers and drives adoption What it means to build with AI at the foundation not as an afterthought How Zinit enables fast, low-lift pilots and delivers clear ROI on tail spend   Links: Stan Moskovtsev on LinkedIn Visit Zinit's Page in the AOP Provider Directory Subscribe to the AOP Newsletter Subscribe to Art of Procurement on YouTube  
• 864: Benchmarking Procurement: Lessons from $1.4 Trillion in Spend W/ Sammeli Sammalkorpi 04.05.2026 44dk

  "Don't speak about category savings because that's procurement lingo. We need to speak about gross margin expansion at the end-product level." - Sammeli Sammalkorpi, Co-Founder and CEO, Sievo Spend analytics has moved well beyond spreadsheets, but most organizations are still guessing about what 'good' performance looks like.  When Sievo analyzed $1.4 trillion of procurement spend, the findings were both confirming and, in some places, eye-opening. With the business landscape changing rapidly, adaptation backed by data is more important than ever. In this Art of Procurement podcast episode, Philip Ideson and Kelly Barner are joined by Sammeli Sammalkorpi, Co-Founder and CEO of Sievo. Sammeli details Sievo's approach to benchmarking, the surprising patterns in the data, and where CPOs may be missing untapped value. He also shares practical ways to reframe procurement's business impact, anchoring spend to revenue, and challenging old assumptions about control. The conversation covers fresh ways to benchmark your team's performance, build actionable industry comparisons, and rethink what matters in spend analytics. In this episode, Sammeli discusses: Why even the most mature organizations still miss large opportunities How to identify the hidden business impact of spend spikes and payment terms The importance of comparing industry benchmarks to spot real, actionable gaps Rethinking "control" in procurement: Is a PO always required? How clean data unlocks speed and better decisions Links: Sammeli Sammalkorpi on LinkedIn State of Spend Report 2025 Subscribe to the AOP Newsletter Subscribe to Art of Procurement on YouTube  
• BTW EP 30: The Talent Shift No One in Procurement Is Ready For W/ Friddy Hoegener 29.04.2026 39dk

  AI is already changing procurement, but, for many, the bigger and more difficult question is what will happen to people in the process. Procurement has long been constrained by capacity: too much data, too many transactions, and not enough time to step back and think strategically. Now, with AI accelerating analysis, automating tasks, and reshaping workflows, that constraint is starting to loosen. But more capacity doesn't automatically create more value. In this episode of Buy: The Way…To Purposeful Procurement, Friddy Hoegener, co-founder of Scope Recruiting and a former procurement practitioner, joins co-hosts Philip Ideson and Rich Ham to explore what AI really means for procurement talent, hiring, and the future of the function. Friddy sits at a unique intersection. He has lived procurement from the inside and now evaluates it from the outside, helping companies hire the people who will define its future. What he sees is both promising… and unsettling. On the one hand, AI is making work more efficient. Recruiters no longer spend hours taking notes or writing candidate summaries, and procurement can analyze data faster and make decisions more quickly. Entry-level roles that once focused on repetitive tasks are beginning to evolve into something more strategic. However, AI is also distorting how talent is evaluated, and not always to the benefit of the candidate or the employer. It has never been easier for candidates to look polished, tailored, and highly qualified on paper. Resumes, outreach messages, and even interview preparation can be AI-assisted, making it harder than ever to distinguish between genuine capability and well-generated output. As a result, the traditional filters procurement relies on are breaking down, forcing hiring teams back to something more fundamental: actual human conversation. Links: Friddy Hoegener on LinkedIn Rich Ham on LinkedIn Learn more at FineTuneUs.com  
• 863: The Agentic Shift in Procurement: The Rise of Autonomous Processes 27.04.2026 38dk

  "Procurement now gets to decide where to play, who does the work, and how much of that work is done by humans versus agents." - Viji Doraiswamy, VP Product Marketing, Coupa Senior procurement leaders are under pressure to deliver much more than just savings. The next advantage lies in the intelligent orchestration of processes, where agentic AI not only automates intake, but enables teams to truly focus on value and strategy. In this episode, Philip Ideson speaks with Viji Doraiswamy, VP of Product Marketing at Coupa. Drawing on hands-on experience with large-scale clients, Viji explains what's actually working with agentic AI, how companies are overcoming trust barriers, and why orchestration (not just digitization) holds the key to operating model transformation. She also shares specific use cases where teams are already realizing ROI and freeing up time for strategic work. In addition to sharing proven tactics for building adoption, assessing risk, and unlocking the next level of procurement impact, Viji discusses: How to separate intake from orchestration and why orchestration drives impact How to shift your procurement operating model for greater control and delegation Building confidence in agent-driven outcomes with explainability and phased rollouts Where most companies start on the agentic AI journey and where they get the greatest ROI Links: Viji Doraiswamy on LinkedIn Subscribe to the AOP Newsletter Subscribe to Art of Procurement on YouTube  
• EP 05: Provider of the Week: Prewave W/ Harald Nitschinger 22.04.2026 26dk

  In a world defined by volatility, procurement leaders need more than gut instinct to navigate supply chain risks. From regulatory pressure to sudden trade disruptions, organizations can't afford blind spots. This is why risk intelligence and AI-powered efficiency are climbing the CPO agenda. This week, Harald Nitschinger, co-founder and CEO of Prewave, joins the ProcureTech Insider podcast to discuss how their platform helps organizations move beyond basic supplier visibility to real-time, actionable risk insights. Built with both ESG compliance and resilience in mind, Prewave's approach helps procurement teams anticipate – not just react to – new threats and opportunities. Harald shares how deep supply chain mapping, scenario planning, and seamless integration with procurement tools have set Prewave apart with over 250 global brands. Listen to the full episode to hear Harald's insights on: Uncovering ways to map and monitor risk across all supplier tiers in real time How Prewave's approach balances compliance, sustainability, and operational resilience How leading procurement teams are automating risk identification and avoiding survey overload What's next for AI-driven supply chain intelligence and how CPOs can get ahead Links: Harald Nitschinger on LinkedIn Subscribe to the AOP Newsletter Subscribe to Art of Procurement on YouTube Learn More About Prewave in AOP's Provider Directory  
• 862: AI, Talent, and the New Shape of Procurement in India W/ Dr. Swapnil Dubey 20.04.2026 34dk

  "In the AI regime, things are going to be disrupted. So be ready to be disrupted." - Dr. Swapnil Dubey In a market as complex and fast-changing as India, procurement's role has transformed from tactical to strategic… and fast. As global manufacturers shift operations and Indian firms chase world-class performance, the need for advanced procurement leadership has never been greater. In this Art of Procurement podcast episode, Philip Ideson speaks with veteran procurement leader Dr. Swapnil Dubey, whose four-decade career spans India's procurement evolution, from the early days of shared service centers to today's digital and AI-driven frontier.  They discuss how Indian procurement teams are matching their global peers, why AI could upend white-collar work, and where new career opportunities are emerging for the next generation. Swapnil also explains how local strengths, regulatory shifts, and new tech are shaping India's overall procurement landscape. Listen to the full episode to hear Swapnil's perspective on: Why executives at every level are now championing procurement The true drivers (and blockers) of digital transformation in Indian firms How AI will reshape talent, roles, and upskilling Diverse career journeys to today's CPO seat Links: Dr. Swapnil Dubey on LinkedIn Subscribe to the AOP Newsletter Subscribe to Art of Procurement on YouTube