EP09 - Craig Fenton, Managing Director at Google

In the ninth episode, I speak with Craig Fenton, a multi-talented businessman and entrepreneur. He has worked in technology for over 20 years and is currently MD, Strategy & Operations for Google in the UK. Craig is also an investor, mentor and founder of several start-ups, including 'Big Community Records' and 'Big Community Productions'. 

Three books that influenced Craig’s career:

1. “Man's Search for Meaning” by Viktor E. Frankl
2. “Who Moved My Cheese” by Spencer Johnson
3. “Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow” by Yuval Noah

EP08 - Paul Gardner, CPO at Mars Pet Nutrition

In the eighth episode, I speak with Paul Gardner, an experienced Sourcing Supply Chain Executive and outstanding leader. A fascinating personality whose unique leadership style and strong management skills make him a respected coach for building world-class performing teams. Paul is a naturally open and straight-talking individual who is fully committed to delivering business performance.

Three books that influenced Paul’s career:

1. “Leaders Eat Last” by Simon Sinek
2. “Solve for Happy” by Mo Gawdat
3. “Turn the Ship Around” by David Marquet

EP07 - Jim Townsend, Former CPO at Walgreens Boots Alliance

In the seventh episode, I speak to Jim Townsend, former CPO of Walgreens Boots Alliance, with global experience in aerospace, minerals, retail pharmacy and distribution.

He talks about his career path from engineering to change management to procurement. Jim believes that most people actually want to help you succeed, you just need to put yourself out there for the right people to see you.

Three books that influenced Jim’s career:

1. “Dictatory” by Oxford Languages
2. “Why should anyone be led by you” by Rob Goffee, Gareth Jones
3. “Windswept & Interesting: My Autobiography” by Billy Connolly

EP06 - Ninian Wilson, Procurement Director at Vodafone

In the sixth episode, I speak to Ninian Wilson, a good friend that I know for 24 years. Ninian is a charismatic Scot who has worked at Vodafone for over 14 years in a variety of roles and is currently the Technology Procurement Director and CEO of Vodafone Procurement Co Sarl. Ninian shares his views on the digitalisation of procurement and how important it is that we all care a little more in many facets of our lives and work.

Be inspired by his unique way of looking at things, and listen as he shares which famous books and films that many of us know and love have inspired him.

Three books that influenced Ninians’s career:

1. ⁠Treasure Island⁠ by Robert Louis Stevenson
2. ⁠Trainspotting⁠ by Irvine Welsh
3. Harry Potter⁠ by J. K. Rowling

EP05 - Russ Stewart, SVP at Tyson Food

In the fifth episode, I speak with Russ Stewart, an inspiring senior executive with global Sourcing & Supply Chain experience in multiple industries such as Military, Consumer Goods, Manufacturing, and Industrial.

Russ emphasizes that you should always work on what excites you the most, and then you will automatically surpass yourself. He talks about his global work experiences in China and Japan before returning to America, his work in change management at P&G, and how he took an exciting risk in a start-up that eventually led him to an SVP position at Tyson Food.

Three books that influenced Russ’ career:

1. "The Circle of Innovation" by Tom Peters
2. "Competitive Advantage" by Michael Porter
3. "The Bible"

EP04 - Joseph Martinez, Managing Director and CPO at BNY Mellon

In episode four, I speak with Joseph Martinez, a world-class supply chain and sourcing professional with extensive experience in global investment, retail, and general management on a global basis.

He recounts his past as a pilot in the U.S. Army, as a strategic advisor, and talks about his rise to leadership positions, particularly in financial services at companies such as Bank of America, Deutsche Bank, and BNY Melon.

In addition to his professional career, Joseph is an accomplished photographer and painter who seeks to make a positive impact with everything he does.

Three books that influenced Joseph’s career:

1. “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen R. Covey
2. “The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries
3. “Good to Great” by Jim Collins

EP03 - Len DeCandia, Former Global CPO at Johnson & Johnson

In the third episode, I speak with Len DeCandia, former Global Chief Procurement Officer at Johnson & Johnson.

During his extraordinary career, he also served as CPO and Senior Vice President at Estée Lauder, founded the Rutgers University Center for Supply Chain Management, and currently serves as Vice Chair of the Rutgers Business School Advisory Board. He makes a point of seeing technology as an opportunity, not a thread, and has much more wisdom to share that we can learn from.

Three books that have influenced Len's

1. "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald
2. "The Bible"
3. "Theodore Roosevelt: A Biography" Henry F. Pringle

EP02 - Peter Hasenkamp, Former Head of Supply Chain for Lucid and Tesla

In the second episode, I speak with Peter Hasenkamp, a multi-talented engineer who, over his 23-year career in the automotive industry, made a transition from engineering to supply chain management.

Peter spent 10 years at Ford before joining Tesla, where he was inspired by Elon Musk's vision to revolutionize the automotive industry with electric vehicles. He shares the challenges he faced in adapting to Tesla's more creative and innovative atmosphere after coming from Ford's highly structured environment.

We learn about the three things that have influenced Peter's career, from his favourite books to the people who have inspired him and the quotes which advice he followed.

Three books that have influenced Peter's career:

1. "Extreme Ownership" by Jocko Willink
2. "Never Split the Difference" by Chris Voss
3. "The Rare Find" by George Anders

EP01 - Alison Barto, CPO and Chair of CIPS

In the first episode, I speak with Alison Barto, the youngest Chief Procurement Officer and chair of CIPS.

Alison shares her remarkable journey and how she climbed the ladder of success while working in different parts of the world. She highlights why procurement is an excellent platform for young professionals to build a successful career and how it can be a stepping stone to other career paths. Alongside her professional career, Alison tells us about her fascinating encounter with the Dalai Lama, and she reveals the book that she consistently refers to whenever she starts a new job.

Three books that have influenced Alison's career:

1. "The First 90 Days" by Michael D. Watkins
2. "Alive at Work" by Daniel M. Cable
3. "The Art of Happiness" by Dalai Lama