A great way to prepare for your next interview. Immerse yourself in focused talks on key procurement topics.
Each episode takes one core concept in procurement, such as category management, cost optimization, or digital transformation, and turns it into a focused conversation. Two professionals engage in a structured discussion, drawing directly from credible sources like recent reports by Gartner, McKinsey, and BCG. The result is a concise, insightful talk that helps you prepare by immersing yourself in the fundamentals.
The recording is done with help of AI based on credible sources.
<aside>
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3SrtT6hXz96M1pTbioyD6Z?si=CBr9vSyUTuC9dBfShk7fgg
In this episode, we dive into the fundamentals of category management, one of the most important skills for procurement professionals moving into senior roles. We discuss how to approach spend analysis, stakeholder engagement, and market insights, and why category strategies create long-term value beyond cost savings.
</aside>
<aside>
https://open.spotify.com/episode/74wXE9y2GGoqONB584RLrq?si=Kz8vifuIQv26EuSm9jNMrA
In this episode, we dive into cost optimization in times of uncertainty and why it’s not just about cutting costs, but about enabling growth. When markets are volatile, supply chains disrupted, and budgets under pressure, procurement has a unique role to play: turning cost optimization into a lever for resilience and competitiveness.
</aside>
<aside>
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4jHIhnt2JC78jb3tkFxZ2e?si=8Z8Hin9jQBiutZxUrcwLOg
In this episode, the concept of Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) is explored as one of the core principles in modern procurement. The discussion focuses on what TCO represents beyond the purchase price, how hidden costs across the supply chain can be identified, and why it is used by leading organizations to guide smarter and more sustainable sourcing decisions. It is designed as a quick warm-up before a procurement interview or strategic discussion.
</aside>
<aside>
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3DZ8ZX5taVihaay7FPYcmh?si=HNjBPWCjRf6joVrfaGGjlQ
In this episode, we explore the Source-to-Pay (S2P) process: the end-to-end framework that connects sourcing strategy with operational execution. As procurement evolves from a transactional function to a strategic business enabler, mastering the full S2P cycle has become essential.
We discuss how using integrated S2P suites enhances visibility, efficiency, and compliance across every step.
If you’re preparing for an interview or looking to deepen your grasp of modern procurement systems, this conversation offers a clear, structured walk-through of the tools and principles shaping the future of Source-to-Pay.
</aside>
<aside>
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2gv6NuuMoK85VH89h6UMy6?si=BCgqUJpkS5OnO6kUrBrP_A
In this episode of the Procurement Interview Warm-Up, we dive into the core of Supplier Relationship Management (SRM), what it really means and why it matters. Perfect for anyone preparing for a procurement interview.
</aside>
<aside>
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5ZCrDk3dWVzrxxAaObMIjo?si=F-RJv-CrRXusa7gM7fYLWw
This episode explores how procurement teams regain leverage by understanding what things really cost. The AI-powered conversation breaks down clean sheet target costing, parametric models, and cost-to-serve analysis, showing how data-driven costing reshapes negotiations, product design, and profitability across the supply chain.
</aside>
<aside>
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0UEwhzIeXczVAa1iKKoSE7?si=YFQF6CGsS8SM__L4Xtmkrg
In this episode, the AI powered conversation explores one of the most consequential choices in Procurement and Operations: whether a company should make something internally or buy it from a supplier. The discussion covers strategic value, cost structures, risk factors, and the scenarios that shape sound make-versus-buy decisions. Drawing on research from BCG, McKinsey, and Strategy&, the episode breaks down how organizations evaluate capabilities, manage trade-offs, and build more resilient supply chains.
</aside>
<aside>
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0J11qYzzVYBDUC6CC18qJH?si=Wtg5G6heTna00LuaMkLyEw
In this episode explores BATNA, the Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement, and why it underpins every effective procurement negotiation. The episode also breaks down how strong BATNAs shift leverage, shape strategy, and help procurement professionals walk into negotiations with clarity and confidence.
</aside>
<aside>
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5Jbs29JHP0tJfl1bUNRi5F?si=cAMg2tNFQ9CFKLxNX4qLWw
This episode explains how procurement teams use the Kraljic Matrix to segment their spend and how suppliers use the Supplier Preferencing Matrix to assess their customers. The AI walks through how these two lenses work together, helping you understand your own leverage, your position in the supplier’s portfolio, and the strategic choices that follow. A clear, practical warm-up for interviews and real negotiations.
</aside>
<aside>
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6rI65KJNA8RViz0rC5xrms?si=sAB1kPwxS0CcEX_1ZBGTcw
This episode explains how to use the STAR method to communicate procurement achievements with real impact. Many candidates know STAR, but often stop at describing events. This AI-powered dialog walks through how to shift toward outcome-driven storytelling, drawing on the Talent Supply STAR Guide and the HBR article on mastering STAR interviews. You will hear how to frame strategic context, leadership mandates, decisions and results in a way that reflects the expectations of today’s procurement roles. A practical warm-up for interviews, performance discussions and career transitions.
</aside>