The Sourcing Hero

Ep 192: The Surging Power of the Podcast Format feat. Kris Lance

Canadian media studies philosopher Marshall McLuhan rose to prominence in the 1960s when he declared, “The Medium is the message.” For McLuhan, it was the medium itself that shaped and controlled "the scale and form of human association and action." We saw this dynamic in full force this year, with podcasts rising to the top of the media landscape during the 2024 presidential election cycle.
In this episode of The Sourcing Hero podcast, Host Kelly Barner welcomes back Kris Lance, Vice President and General Manager at Una, for a monthly conversation about current news stories. Kris has experience in multiple industries and has his finger on the pulse of the trends and topics that procurement, sourcing, and supply chain professionals need to be aware of.
In this month’s discussion, Kris and Kelly talk about why podcasts are so powerful and what their popularity may suggest about today’s content preferences: 
The advantages podcasting has over traditional media formats and channels
What he has learned about podcasting as a monthly guest on The Sourcing Hero for two and a half years
His advice for anyone considering appearing as a guest on a podcast for the very first time
Links:
Kris Lance on LinkedIn
Subscribe to “The Sidekick”
Episode 189: The Calm? After the Storms feat. Kris Lance
Episode 184: Speculating About a 2024 October Surprise with Kris Lance
Episode 180: Metacognition - Thinking About Thinking with Kris Lance
Episode 176: Fighting off the Impact of Slow Onset Inertia with Kris Lance

Ep 191: Building a Procurement Culture for Continuous Improvement feat. Jonathan Gardner

Continuous improvement is as desirable as any other strategic business objective, but making it happen, or - better still - starting an ongoing cycle of continuous improvement is the ultimate goal. If procurement wants to be part of that positive cycle, they have to collaborate with, listen to, and communicate effectively with the business.
In this episode of The Sourcing Hero podcast, Host Kelly Barner welcomes Jonathan Gardner. Jonathan has worked in supply chain, sourcing, and procurement at a number of well-known companies, including Starbucks, GM, and Dell. Today, he is using that combined experience to help other procurement leaders and teams (as well as suppliers) maximize the value created through every contract and supply relationship. 
In this interview, Jonathan speaks about:
The intersection of procurement culture and corporate culture
What to emphasize when having conversations about procurement-driven continuous improvement
The due diligence procurement needs to do before documenting category strategy or making recommendations to the business 
How procurement can figure out what is a top priority and assign their resources accordingly
Links:
Jonathan Gardner on LinkedIn

Ep 190: Why the Business Needs a Friend in Procurement feat. Joseph Scull

“I’m having an issue with one of my suppliers.” 
That is how many conversations begin between procurement and the business. While a problem has been recognized, and the business knows it needs to be resolved, they can’t risk their day-to-day relationship with that supplier.
Enter their friends in procurement.
In this episode of The Sourcing Hero podcast, Host Kelly Barner welcomes Joseph Scull. Joseph has deep experience managing functions like real estate, operations, and procurement - and sometimes all three at once - at the enterprise level.
In this interview, Joseph speaks about:
How process, direct contact, and results shape internal perceptions of procurement
Using budgets to incentivize decision makers to work with procurement
When the business is most likely to seek out procurement’s help, and how procurement can turn that into added value
Links:
Joseph Scull on LinkedIn

Ep 189: The Calm? After the Storms feat. Kris Lance

On September 26th, Hurricane Helene hit Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Hurricane Milton hit Florida less than two weeks later. The stories coming from these states are shocking, devastating, and inspiring - all at the same time.
In this episode of The Sourcing Hero podcast, Host Kelly Barner welcomes back Kris Lance, Vice President and Senior Director at Una, for a monthly conversation about current news stories. Kris has experience in multiple industries and has his finger on the pulse of the trends and topics that procurement, sourcing, and supply chain professionals need to be aware of.
In this month’s discussion, Kris and Kelly talk about the lessons we can learn from Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton: 
Preparation: Could other steps have helped people or businesses stay safe and whole?
Response: What did we see from the days immediately following the hurricanes’ landfalls? 
Aftermath: What long term systemic changes will result from the handling of these two massive weather events?
 
Links:
Kris Lance on LinkedIn
Subscribe to “The Sidekick”
Episode 184: Speculating About a 2024 October Surprise with Kris Lance
Episode 180: Metacognition - Thinking About Thinking with Kris Lance
Episode 176: Fighting off the Impact of Slow Onset Inertia with Kris Lance
Episode 171: Japan: A Silent Player in the Semiconductor Supply Chain with Kris Lance

Ep 188: Solving Supply Chain Challenges with Increased Visibility feat. Aviv Castro

Every time the world is hit by a supply chain disruption, strategies are changed, new technologies are invented, implemented, and invested in, and everyone vows to be too agile and resilient for it to happen again.
And yet it does - there is always another surprise, another disruption around the corner.
In this episode of The Sourcing Hero podcast, Host Kelly Barner welcomes Aviv Castro. Aviv is the CEO of Sensos, a company spun off from Sony that makes it possible to streamline supply chain operations through increased visibility.
In this interview, Aviv shares his perspective on:
What ultimately motivates the decisions of supply chain management teams
How improved supply chain efficiency is an enabler for sales and top line growth
Key success factors for sustained supply chain efficiency
Predictions for supply chain practices and strategy that will affect companies in the year to come
Links:
Aviv Castro on LinkedIn

Ep 187: Building Relationships to Broaden Procurement’s Impact feat. Barry Kull

Sometimes procurement says “savings” and people’s eyes light up with the possibilities associated with a budget poised to go further. Other times, their eyes glaze over and their attention drifts… elsewhere. Like anywhere else. 
The trick for procurement teams who want to build strong internal relationships is knowing the difference - and communicating accordingly.
In this episode of The Sourcing Hero podcast, Host Kelly Barner welcomes Barry Kull. Barry is the Senior Director, Category Management Americas for AstraZeneca. His experience has given him the opportunity to develop capabilities in a broad range of spend categories as well as the transformation power of technology.
In this interview, Barry and Kelly discuss how building relationships can lead to procurement making a greater impact:
How procurement should think about internal brand identity and management
Strengthening stakeholder relationships through the procurement user experience 
The critical role of language in stakeholder receptivity and relationship building
Links:
Barry Kull on LinkedIn

Ep 186: A Faith Journey That Leads Through the Workplace feat. Jennifer Sterbling

Procurement is a difficult field to work in. Days are busy, unpredictable, and often stressful. Each person’s ability to perform despite the challenges determines not only their evaluation or procurement’s evaluation, but the financial success of the entire company. Doesn’t it make sense to look for guidance and support from a higher power?
In this episode of The Sourcing Hero podcast, Host Kelly Barner welcomes Jennifer Sterbling, a Senior Manager of Indirect Procurement. Jennifer has expertise in both indirect and direct procurement as well as category management, sourcing, supplier management, and contract negotiation.
In this interview, Jennifer and Kelly talk about the role that faith plays in how they conduct themselves professionally:
What it means to bring your whole self to work when you are a person of faith
Approaching all colleagues with compassion and active listening but not evangelism
The benefits of stopping to think - and pray - about the consequential decisions facing procurement professionals
Links:
Jennifer Sterbling on LinkedIn

Ep 185: A Specific Vision for Fostering Minority-owned Business Growth feat. James Lowry

Supplier diversity programs have gotten a lot of attention in recent years, but the values and vision that underpin them is hardly new. Some dedicated advocates have been working since the 1960s to create opportunities and develop capabilities at the same time. Our guest in this episode is one of those advocates.
In this episode of The Sourcing Hero podcast, Host Kelly Barner welcomes James Lowry. James is an Advisor at Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and his past work experience includes time at McKinsey, Toyota, the Peace Corps and an ongoing academic advisory role at the Kellogg School of Management.
In this interview, James talks about why investing in the growth of minority-owned businesses is so critical and how we can make that growth possible:
The role CEOs and executive boards play in making their supplier diversity programs successful - starting with knowing the CPO’s name
Why growth - not participation - must be the success metric for minority-owned supplier programs
Equity as the best way for minority-owned businesses to access funding and grow without losing their ownership identity
Links:
James Lowry on LinkedIn