Pondering Procurement
Pondering Procurement is a podcast from CASME, a global membership community for procurement professionals. Each episode offers insights and conversation on the latest issues and trends in indirect procurement. It is aimed at practitioners and leaders who want practical perspective on sourcing, supplier management and category strategy. The show brings together commentary from people working in the field to help listeners keep pace with a changing procurement landscape.
Episodes
CPO's First 100 Days: Assessing Maturity and Building The Case for Change
What should a new procurement leader prioritise during their first 100 days? Emma Twomey, Chief Procurement Officer at Merlin Entertainments, joins Graham Crawshaw to reflect on how she approached this critical period: learning the business, assessing procurement maturity and building the stakeholder trust needed to shape a credible path forward. Emma explains why listening should come before act
Why Procurement Has Become a Critical Line of Defence Against Cyber Risk
Cyber-attacks are increasingly exploiting weaknesses in the supply chain rather than targeting organisations directly. In this episode, Graham Crawshaw speaks with cybersecurity specialist Ben Jones about why procurement now plays a critical role in protecting the business. They discuss supplier risk, cyber due diligence, contractual safeguards, and the importance of closer collaboration between p
Marketing Procurement: From Category Driven to Business First
Daniel Ebert, Global Head of Procurement Marketing Activation and Intelligence at Beiersdorf, explores how transforming the Marketing Procurement vision increases end-to-end accountability from strategy to execution. Discover how connecting the dots between Procurement, Marketing and Finance can improve products, unlock innovations, and enhance the consumer experience.
AI-Enabled Procurement: Driving Profit, Keeping Trust
Tim Major, VP of Global Procurement at Zendesk, explores what it takes to position Procurement as a strategic, front-and-centre business function.Drawing on 20+ years across pharma, the public sector and global tech, he shares how Zendesk’s shift to private ownership accelerated Procurement’s evolution. With strong executive backing, robust data and a partnership-led approach, Tim guided a lean gl
AI & the Human Touch in Procurement
Alessandro Comerci reflects on his 25-year procurement journey, sharing how human leadership and relationships shaped his growth. He explores the practical use of AI in procurement, reminding us that technology is an enabler not a replacement, and that success lies in blending digital intelligence with people-first leadership.
Why Procurement Needs to Keep Quiet
Procurement doesn’t build credibility by explaining more, it builds it by solving more. Richard Beaumont and Graham Crawshaw discuss why Procurement can sometimes over-communicate to prove its value, and how that can unintentionally weaken its influence. They explore why stakeholders want outcomes, not processes, and why judgment and clarity will matter even more as AI changes the function.
Bias, Behaviour & Buying Decisions
From human instincts to AI algorithms, bias is everywhere in procurement; often leading to unobjective and unhelpful outcomes. Irma Kopaliani and Luana Pagano, ambassadors for Women in Procurement, share compelling real-world stories and practical strategies into how to use behavioural economics to challenge assumptions and make more confident, data-informed procurement decisions.
The Art of Negotiation with Giuseppe Conti
Discover the powerful art of negotiation with Graham Crawshaw and the #1 Global Negotiation Guru, Giuseppe Conti. From knowing when to make the first move, to mastering tender strategies and active listening, gain practical insights to elevate every negotiation you make at work and beyond.
Behind the Deal: Procurement’s Role in Mergers & Divestitures
Join Ellen Lavender (MCIPS), Director, Global Commodities at GE Healthcare, as she shares how Procurement can play a pivotal role during mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures. From contract remediation to stakeholder alignment, Ellen offers practical lessons and strategic advice drawn from real-world experience. Hosted by Graham Crawshaw, this episode is essential listening for professionals nav
Supplier Diversity in Flux: Mapping the Road Ahead
Timo Worrall, a former leader in Johnson & Johnson’s Responsible Sourcing programme, and co-chair of the Supplier Diversity Chapter at the Sustainable Procurement Pledge, joins Graham Crawshaw to talk about the roots of supplier diversity. They explore how inclusion in Procurement has evolved, and how organisations can respond to today’s shifting political and commercial landscape.
Winning Procurement Hearts and Minds
Khalid Al Barwani MCIPS, Head of Contracts (IT and Digitalisation Services) at Petroleum Development Oman, is a rising star in Procurement and a true success story of how a young professional can accelerate his career. He has previously achieved CIPS Talent and ISM 30 Under 30 Awards and is a part-time University lecturer and international speaker. Khalid discusses his fast-paced career journey, t
Future-Proofing Category Management
Category management is evolving fast. So is the role of the procurement professional. Telia’s CPO Nicolas Passaquin joins CASME’s Graham Crawshaw to discuss how leaders are adapting strategies, embracing AI, and building data foundations to meet today’s cost, compliance, and technology demands.
Creating Real Value: A Customer-Centric Approach
Gain a fresh perspective on procurement in this insightful podcast! Join Jim Colangelo, former CPO for the State of Michigan and now Executive Director of the newly formed Michigan Institute of Public Procurement, as he challenges the cost-savings obsession in a thought-provoking discussion with CASME’s Graham Crawshaw. Together, they explore how shifting from cost-cutting to a customer-focused ap
Leading Procurement Through Change
Tamra Pawloski, Senior Director and Global Head of Leveraged Procurement and Corporate Real Estate at Corteva Agri-Science, joins host Graham Crawshaw to discuss the critical role of change management in Procurement. From harnessing technology and AI to revolutionise processes, to forging strategic relationships and uniting teams, they share actionable strategies for navigating change with precisi
The Power of Supplier Diversity
A diverse supply chain programme is essential for business today, as it enhances value, safeguards reputation, promotes sustainability, manages risks, and future-proofs procurement practices. In this episode, special guest Deaneesha Govender, Strategic Sourcing Category Manager at Intel Corporation, joins host Graham Crawshaw to explore Intel's globally-recognised supplier diversity programme
Spinning Plates: How to Master Marketing Procurement
Special guest Craig Butler, Senior Category Manager, Marketing Procurement, Europe at Kellanova discusses the pivotal role of Marketing Procurement in shaping business outcomes with host Graham Crawshaw. They highlight the need to apply diverse skill sets to navigate 3-pillar internal structures and manage the various business objectives, and simultaneously build trust both internally, and with ex
Building Procurement Talent Inside and Out
Join Chaminda Madduma, Head of Purchasing at 4Cabling, and host Graham Crawshaw in this engaging podcast about the complexities of talent management – one of the themes being tackled at this year’s ProcureCon Australia. Before they both appear at the event, they've taken the opportunity to discuss the critical role of talent in organisational success, and share insights on maximising internal
Ethical Procurement: From Cost to Conscience and the C-Suite
While environmental and economic sustainability have traditionally taken the spotlight for Procurement, it’s now the turn of social sustainability. Ignoring it could mean risking your organisation's reputation, embracing it presents an opportunity for success. Discover more from our special guest Victoria Folbigg, Co-Chair of the Sustainable Procurement Pledge (SPP) Human Rights Chapter, as
ProcureTech: Creating a Compelling Business Case
Given the rapid rise in the capabilities of generative AI, finding the right digital solution is crucial for transforming procurement processes; whether that be completely new tools, or existing system add-ons. Once again, the focus is on ProcureTech for special guest James Meads and host Graham Crawshaw. Together, they explore business case strategies for justifying the investment - from supplie
Be Mentored to Fast-Track your Business Skills
Business acumen training is not the exclusive entitlement of leadership; Procurement teams need it too! Beyond gaining the essential technical skills of procurement, business skills such as effective communication, change management and relationship-building are crucial for adding value, improving purchasing processes, and gaining innovation within the organisation’s supply base. In this episode
Mastering Digital Transformation With Jennifer Sieber
Discover the essential steps to a successful digital transformation in this insightful podcast with special guest, Jennifer Sieber, Head of Global Procurement Data and Insights at Gilead Sciences, Inc. Listen as she explains how to manage an efficient digital metamorphosis for Procurement that not only embraces technology, but also focuses on the vital components of people, process and change mana
The Journey to Supplier Diversity with Kylie McKinlay
Kylie McKinlay's journey with supplier diversity initiatives began in the late 1990s when she first ventured into the field of Procurement; becoming a diversity advocate, long before it gained global prominence. In this podcast, she emphasises Procurement’s role in actively fostering inclusion alongside other aspects of ESG. Drawing from her own experiences supporting indigenous and diverse
The Rise of Marketing Procurement
Starting her career in Procurement as a graduate recruit in 2000, Brioney Moore, now NPS Procurement Director Global Marketing at Reckitt, talks with Graham Crawshaw about the deepening influence of the marketing category. She explains why Marketing Procurement is a core business partner in driving successful business transformation and offers her advice on building relationships with other stakeh
Powering Procurement with AI
Go beyond the hype with practical examples from our special guest Sachin Kasture, Digital Excellence and Capability Director, Procurement at WPP Group. In this podcast, Sachin talks with host Graham Crawshaw about the mindset needed for an AI future, and how AI technology will streamline RFP processes to help both buyers and sellers. They review ChatGPT’s accuracy during a live test, introducing
Developing Procurement’s Win-Win Mindset
As a positive high-energy sports coach, and Global Head of Marketing Procurement at Seagen Inc., Garrett Clark shares his passion for applying the principles of athletics coaching to the practice of procurement. In this episode, we learn how he’s become a self-proclaimed ‘unconventional procurement innovator’ who has a healthy love-hate relationship with Procurement, what mentality he adopts for
The Neuroscience of Procurement
Stimulate your brain with this fascinating ‘NeuroProcurement’ podcast! Listen to Rob Halsall, certified NeuroLeadership™ Practitioner and CASME facilitator, as he reveals five simple and healthy habits to Graham Crawshaw for optimising your cognitive abilities, improving your executive performance, and ultimately setting you apart in the dynamic world of procurement.
Category Management: Insights and Strategies for Success
If Procurement is to add value to the business, plans need to be continuously developed to optimise spend, improve supplier relationships and boost innovation. Nicolas Passaquin, Head of External Spend Management at Telia Company AB, discusses the key challenges of category management with Graham Crawshaw and explains how the best use of talent and technologies can generate improvements that supp
CASME and The Smart Cube Webinar: Your Questions Answered
The dynamic duo of Omer Abdullah and Graham Crawshaw reunite to tackle some of the many questions submitted during the last joint webinar with The Smart Cube. In this special podcast, they look at key lessons learned and how Procurement is preparing for a potential recession in 2023.
There's No Hiding It: Procurement Found Me
Listen to Sarah Collins (FCIPS), CPO of the ABC, as she shares her varied procurement career path with Graham Crawshaw. During this podcast, Sarah gives her advice for those starting out in the function, explains the importance of women in Procurement, and reveals how she became involved in social and sustainable initiatives long before they became hot topics.
Unlocking the Value of Strategic Procurement
Discover the strategic procurement talking points from a recent CASME RoundTable. Highlights include: Strategic Development and Value, Stakeholder and Supplier Engagement, Trends and Technology and Talent Management.
Demystifying Procurement Tech
Are you puzzled or intrigued by the world of procurement technology, and how automation can streamline ineffective procurement processes? In this episode, CASME facilitator James Meads has a non-technical conversation with Graham Crawshaw about how procurement technologies can revolutionise business. Together they identify what's driving digitalisation, the problems it can solve, and why the
ESG Compliance in the Next Generation Operating Model - Part 3
Environmental, social and governance (ESG) compliance is now more important than ever. Corporate transparency is a necessity and organisations are now required to prove high moral and ethical leadership through measurable data rather than intent. Graham Crawshaw and Brian Cunningham discuss various requirements for creating the next generation procurement model, where they explain the third cruci
Shopping for the Freshest Graduates? Great opportunities await!
Whether you’re looking for your first job, seeking a career change, or recruiting a talented individual for your procurement team, this is the podcast for you! Emma Steward (MCIPS), an experienced Senior Procurement Manager, chats with CASME’s Graham Crawshaw (FCIPS) about why working in Procurement is the best job in the world. For those in the know - spread the word!
Procurement’s Shift to the Next Generation Operating Model - Part 2
Inaction is not an option – Procurement must adapt in order to thrive. In this podcast, a follow-on from Episode 2 in this series, Graham Crawshaw and Brian Cunningham continue to share thoughts on what it takes to succeed and maintain a competitive advantage for the organisation.
The Art and Science of Marketing Procurement
Tina Fegent is one of the most experienced and best-known names in marketing procurement. During this episode, she talks with Graham Crawshaw about how Procurement provides vital support to the marketing function and the growth of digitalisation. They also discuss different agency models, the increasing importance of ethics and trust, and how Procurement’s value can be lost if the pitching process
Effective Online Negotiations
Online negotiations have never been so important as the video-conferencing approach is likely to continue for the foreseeable future. This podcast offers key tips for maximising their effectiveness, with practical insights and tactics gathered from the CASME procurement community, that you too can follow when negotiating remotely with your suppliers.
Shift to Next Generation Operating Model - Part 1
Procurement has learned a lot through the pandemic and its credibility has grown significantly. As a result, this presents an opportunity for the profession to move forward and provide even deeper strategic value to the business. In this podcast, Graham Crawshaw, Services Director CASME, is joined by Brian Cunningham, an independent procurement facilitator. They discuss why a next-generation ope
The New Challenges Facing Buyers of Corporate Travel
Graham Crawshaw talks to business travel specialist Geoff Allwright, about the new challenges facing buyers of corporate travel as a consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic.
