Send us a text Influence is one of the most essential and misunderstood skills in procurement. In this episode, we unpack what it really means to influence effectively in your procurement career. Not manipulation, not power play, but the kind of influence that builds trust, credibility and long-term results. We talk about why influence starts with mindset, not methods, and why understanding your own relationship with influence matters more than any quick-win technique. We cover: • What ...

Send us a text What does it really take to create a procurement career that feels right for you, not one that just happens to you? In this episode, we explore what “planning for success” means, not as a rigid checklist but as an intentional practice that helps you shape your career on your terms. Too often, procurement professionals focus on delivering for everyone else, their teams, stakeholders, and organisations, without pausing to plan what they actually want next. We cover: Why being int...

Send us a text How well are you storytelling in your procurement career? In this episode, we explore how storytelling has become one of the most powerful and underrated skills in a procurement professional’s toolkit. Whether you are influencing stakeholders, leading a team or positioning yourself for your next move, your ability to communicate your story can make all the difference. We cover: Why storytelling is a vital leadership and communication skill in procurementThe difference between d...

What if the network you need to move forward in your procurement career is already there, and you’re simply not using it? In this Truth episode, we talk openly about the role of networking in procurement careers. Not the uncomfortable, transactional, awkward version of networking many people imagine, but the real version: building meaningful relationships that support your growth, your visibility and your opportunities. We cover: Why many procurement professionals network brilliantly for thei...

What happens when everything just feels too much? In this episode, we tackle a feeling that almost every procurement professional experiences at some point in their career: overwhelm. From the constant demands of stakeholders to ever-growing workloads and shifting expectations, it’s easy to feel like you’re running just to stand still. We explore: Why overwhelm isn’t failure but a signal that something needs to changeHow to decode what’s really driving your feelings of overloadThe importance ...

In this episode, we talk about an underlying theme in our coaching sessions: validation. Whether it’s feeling unseen by stakeholders, overlooked for promotion, or questioning your own value, validation sits at the heart of confidence, motivation and influence in procurement careers. We explore: The difference between external and internal validation and why both matterHow over-relying on others’ approval can quietly hold you backWays to recognise and communicate your value with credibilityH...

What does imposter syndrome really mean for procurement professionals, and how can we move past it? In this episode, we dive into one of the topics our listeners requested: imposter syndrome. While the phrase is widely used, we question whether it actually helps or whether it holds us back by labelling a very normal, very human experience. We cover: Why imposter feelings often arise during transitions and growth momentsHow labels like “imposter syndrome” can both normalise and limit usA model...

Is perfection really the goal – or is it actually holding you back? In this episode, we explore how striving for perfection can stall progress in procurement careers, and why embracing action (even if it feels messy) is often the real key to growth. From strategic plans to job searches, we look at how waiting for the “perfect moment” can stop you moving forward. We cover: How the pursuit of perfection shows up for procurement professionalsWhy fear is often at the root of “waiting until things...

What does self-employment really look like in the procurement world? In this episode, we open up about the realities of running your own business – the highs, the lows, and everything in between. While many dream of the freedom that self-employment promises, the truth is often more complex. We cover: The different paths into self-employment in procurementWhy knowing your purpose matters when the journey gets toughThe freedom and creativity self-employment can offer – and the trade-offs that c...

What are the hard truths about how procurement is perceived, and what role do we play in shaping that? In this episode, we tackle one of the most uncomfortable but important topics: the perception of procurement. Too often the focus is on how others see us, but are we, even unintentionally, fueling those same perceptions ourselves? From the memes we share on LinkedIn to the self-limiting beliefs we hold (“I’m just a buyer”), how we show up has a huge impact on how procurement as a function an...

What does ownership really mean in your procurement career? In this episode, we explore how ownership goes beyond accountability. It is about taking back control where you can, and recognising where you cannot. With so many external challenges affecting procurement right now, from tough job markets to organisational change, it is easy to feel powerless. But ownership gives you choice. It helps you respond with intention, create momentum, and build resilience, even in uncertain times. We cover...

What role do values really play in your procurement career? In this episode, we explore why knowing and honouring your core values isn’t just a “nice-to-have.” It can be the difference between thriving in the right role and staying stuck in the wrong one. When you’re clear on your values, you gain a powerful navigation system for your career. They shape your decisions, strengthen your leadership, and protect you from choices that may look good on paper but leave you feeling unfulfilled or mis...

What does identity really mean in your procurement career? In this episode, we explore a topic that shows up frequently in coaching - how tightly we link our identity to our role, our performance, or our job title. Whether you’re navigating change, uncertainty, or simply reflecting on your own growth, identity plays a bigger role than you might think We talk about the impact of labels (the ones we’re given and the ones we give ourselves) and how to start separating who you are from what you d...

What keeps you grounded in your procurement career when things feel uncertain or hard? In this episode, we explore the role of purpose. Not as a buzzword, but as a practical anchor for decision-making, direction and resilience. Because when you’re navigating change, uncertainty, or tough calls, clarity around your purpose can help you stay focused, intentional and confident. We cover: What purpose really means in a procurement context Why purpose doesn’t have to be fixed - and how it evolve...

What role does self-reflection really play in progressing your procurement career? In this episode, we unpack what it means to slow down just enough to reflect with intention - even when you’re busy, stretched or in the thick of change. Because taking time to reflect isn’t a luxury. It’s a powerful lever for making sustainable, strategic shifts that move you forward. We talk about: The difference between self-reflection and overthinking Why self-awareness is a hidden strength in high-...

Transitions are inevitable in any career. But navigating them with clarity, confidence and compassion is where the real challenge lies. In this episode, we explore the many forms of transition that show up in procurement from the changes we intentionally pursue to the ones that are thrust upon us unexpectedly. We cover: The different types of transitions that show up in procurement careersHow to prepare for change before it happensWhat to do when change shakes your identity or confidenceWhy s...

EP 04: OPPORTUNITY Mindset (Creating, Not Just Waiting in Your Procurement Career) What does opportunity really look like in procurement? In this episode, we explore how to spot, shape and seize opportunity in ways that are aligned with your goals, strengths and direction. Because career growth isn’t just about waiting for the right opening, it’s about creating momentum from where you are. We cover: The difference between passive and proactive opportunity mindsets How your environment can...

What does visibility mean in your procurement career? In this episode, we dive into one of the most common challenges that comes up in coaching: how to feel more visible without feeling overwhelmed or inauthentic. Visibility looks different for everyone. The key is finding an approach that fits your goals, your personality, and the stage you’re at in your career. Whether you're building your presence online, raising your profile internally, or simply wanting to be seen for the value you bring...

What does impact really mean in your procurement career? In this episode, we explore a theme that shows up in almost every coaching conversation: how your impact plays out with your stakeholders, your team, and yourself. Impact goes beyond the role you are in. It reflects both how others see your contribution, and how you recognise your own strengths. We cover: Why impact looks different depending on who you are working withHow to break it down so it feels more manageableThe link between ...

Welcome to Episode 01 of the Procurement Pivots Podcast. In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most important and often overlooked skills when it comes to building a career in procurement: POSITIONING. This is something that comes up in so many of our coaching conversations. Whether you’re feeling stuck, questioning your next step, or simply wanting to be more visible, how you position yourself really matters. And this isn’t just about applying for jobs or chasing the next title. I...