Conversations.

With Linc Markham, Executive Workforce Solutions AdvisorThe messy middle where services procurement and contingent labour overlap, is where value quietly leaks through misclassified work, duplicated outsourcing, and runaway change requests. AI, requisition-stage data, and stronger cross-team partnering are making this spend possible to spot, quantify, and route the right way.11:09 - What grey spend actually is and why it matters18:11 - Why it pays & matching work to the right channel28:57 - Quantifying it & deciding how the work gets done44:19 - The new grey spend: SaaS and AI agents51:05 - Breaking silos & partnering for a win-win

With Sam Smith, President, PontoonExploring how AI, workforce strategy, and evolving MSP models are reshaping the future of work. From services procurement and talent management to leadership and innovation, looking at how businesses can build smarter, more agile workforce solutions while keeping people at the center of transformation.15:52 - The Rise of The Agentic MSP39:54 - Utilizing Skills and Moving Towards Total Talent Management48:38 - MSP and Technology Value01:02:14 - Simplifying Services Complexity01:17:20 - Suppliers and Strategic Workforce Planning

The shift from contingent labor to total talent management is reshaping how organisations approach services procurement. AI, data, and stronger oversight are enabling better control, visibility, and value from complex services spend.With Betty Sweetman, Indirect Procurement Leader04:31 - How AI Helps Address Complexity in Services17:30 - From Contingent Labour to Outcomes in Total Talent Management30:45 - Sourcing and Alignment in Services Procurement52:11 - The Structural Bias Toward Direct Procurement59:44 - Why Services Procurement can be a Competitive Advantage When Leveraged Properly

When services are clearly defined upfront, organisations gain more control, better outcomes and stronger partnerships. This discussion examines what needs to change early to support scalable, effective services procurement.With David Orme, Global Head, Services Procurement, Pontoon00:02:11 - Creating services procurement conversations00:11:34 - The importance of a full services lifecycle00:24:52 - The current services procurement tech landscape00:36:04 - Leveraging the most suitable tech00:49:44 - Achieving 'best fit' for innovation and agility

Many organizations are still early in their services procurement maturity journey. This podcast explores how starting small and evolving over time can unlock value and build the foundation for more advanced supplier sourcing, analytics, and governance in services.With Joe David, Services Procurement & Contigent Workforce SME09:51 - The evolution of services procurement understanding 45:56 - Moving towards maturity in services procurement54:39 - The possibilities in transforming the way you procure services01:10:17 - How AI and technology can help to move the services procurement market forward01:18:41 - Why operational service excellence is critical