The Way We Source

Most procurement teams are stuck playing catch-up — but KR Barron reveals how to truly transform your role into a strategic, human-centered partnership that drives real business impact.In this eye-opening episode, KR Barron dismantles the traditional notion of procurement as a sideline advisory and shows how becoming embedded as a decision partner can redefine your influence. She shares her unconventional approach of "sitting at every lunch table", actively ingraining yourself into daily business conversations, and the power of transparency and kindness in building trust. Discover why process alone isn't enough - it's understanding, influence, and genuine human connection that unlocks value.You'll learn how to shift procurement from rigid protocols to scalable, digestible workflows that empower teams, reduce wasted time, and foster innovation. KR shares practical tactics for disrupting old habits, breaking bad processes, and turning savings into real value creation. We break down how to segment your purchases, assess risks, and create win-win negotiations, even in highly regulated environments like healthcare and tech.Ultimately, this episode emphasizes why putting people first isn't just ethical - it's essential to securing a more adaptable, resilient procurement function in a new era. Whether you're a sourcing pro, a business leader, or aspiring to lead with impact, KR’s insights will inspire you to forge stronger, more human-centric partnerships that deliver beyond cost savings.Ready to own your procurement narrative and lead with kindness and creativity? Tune in now.KR Barron is a seasoned procurement expert, building and rebuilding teams across tech, retail, healthcare, and grocery—known for her human approach and strategic impact in complex environments.This episode is perfect for procurement professionals, business leaders, and anyone looking to reframe the role of procurement as a true business partner—driven by purpose, influence, and genuine human connection.

In this episode of "The Way We Source," Sam Jenks sits down with Bart Van Veldhuizen, founder of Proactive Procurement, to explore the transformative journey of procurement from a policing function to a strategic partner. Bart shares insights on enabling value through proactive strategies, the role of technology in modern procurement, and the importance of building trust with suppliers. Discover how procurement can drive innovation, streamline processes, and foster long-term partnerships that benefit both businesses and their vendors.

Most procurement advice focuses on negotiation tactics or savings - but Adrienne Cole reveals the real secret weapon: your feet. In a world rushing toward AI-driven insights, she argues that the human edge in procurement is your ability to connect, think, and act outside the spreadsheet. This episode is a masterclass for professionals craving strategic relevance in a data-flooded landscape.We dive into why the most valuable procurement skill isn't just crunching numbers but using your legs, literally and figuratively, to build relationships and gather intel. Adrienne shares how moving beyond emails to face-to-face conversations unlocks trust, cooperation, and hidden opportunities no machine can replace. She’s an independent procurement strategist, working globally with scaling businesses and enterprises. With decades of experience at giants like P&G, BT, and Citibank, she brings a unique blend of operational expertise and strategic insight, now empowering teams to excel in an AI-accelerated world. Her stories of supplier negotiations, strategic decision-making, and avoiding costly traps are packed with timeless lessons.You'll discover:How AI accelerates data analysis but shifts the real value to human judgment and emotional intelligence.Concrete examples of speed and insight transforming procurement - from rapid RFP cycles to spotting subtle supplier risks.Why being a generalist can be your superpower - and how this broad perspective is more critical than ever.The importance of strategic thinking: aligning procurement activities with company goals - no matter how complex or fast-changing.Adrienne’s take on the future: How small teams and emerging markets are leveraging AI to level the playing field and innovate faster than the giants.In an era where tech is reshaping every process, Adrienne warns: the human in the loop is your true competitive advantage. If you're eager to harness AI without losing the strategic, relationship-driven essence of procurement, this conversation is destined to shift your perspective - and your career.Whether you’re starting out, scaling up, or leading transformation, this episode arms you with the mindset and insights to thrive in the new procurement frontier. Perfect for strategic thinkers, aspiring generalists, and anyone determined to keep the human touch central amidst endless data.

Discover the hidden risks in supply chains that could cost your business millions. Justin Dillon, CEO of Freedom AI, reveals how legislation, consumer demand, and ethical challenges are reshaping responsible sourcing. This episode uncovers why supply chain visibility is not just a moral issue but a strategic necessity.Justin shares insights from his work with the White House, UN, and Google, explaining how companies are shifting from reactive compliance to proactive risk management. Learn how to use AI and real-time data to uncover bottlenecks before they become crises, embedding ethical sourcing into everyday operations.In an era where legislation and consumer voices grow louder, ignoring these invisible risks can lead to reputational damage and missed opportunities. Tune in to transform your supply chain approach, leveraging transparency as a competitive edge.

In this insightful episode, we sit down with Andreas Schulz, a procurement leader whose career spans from major corporations like Daimler, Allianz and Bosch to innovative startups.Andreas shares his wealth of experience, offering listeners a deep dive into the challenges and triumphs of procurement transformation. He unveils his acclaimed 7-step framework, designed to shift procurement from a mere cost center to a vital strategic partner within organizations.Listeners will gain valuable insights into the importance of cultural change, the power of strategic partnerships, and the real-world application of AI in procurement. Andreas also addresses common pitfalls and provides actionable strategies to overcome them, making this episode a must-listen for anyone looking to elevate their procurement practices and drive meaningful results.