55. James Meads, Founder of Procurement Software & Independent Consultant

James Meads is a seasoned Procurement practitioner-turned-consultant and the Founder of ProcurementSoftware.site, a free to access website for anyone seeking a simple way to filter, compare and shortlist digital procurement solutions. Built by practitioners and completely unbiased, Procurement Software and James offer an easy-to-use, free resource for practitioners and solution providers alike. James also advises procurement technology start-ups / scale-ups, helping them understand their market, develop their product and reach their target audience – along with hosting, MCing, and moderating webinars for ProcureTech SaaS providers and hosting the Procurement Software podcast.

James returns to The Way We Source podcast for a fantastic discussion with Sam Jenks about the current state of Procurement, technology adoption, Procurement advocating and investing in itself, and more!
Get in touch with James Meads on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-meads/

And visit ProcurementSoftware.site

To learn more about Kodiak Hub and our world class Supplier Relationship Management solutions, check out: https://www.kodiakhub.com

(00:37) - Introducing James Meads

(01:34) - What does Sourcing & Procurement mean to James now?

(02:23) - Does James see anything that will help Procurement be more strategic?

(03:33) - James talks about his journey with ProcurementSoftware.site

(06:30) - What sets ProcurementSoftware.site apart from other Procurement agencies?

(07:25) - What does James think about build vs. buy with procure tech?

(12:38) - What are the biggest barriers for Procurement to get new technology?

(16:26) - How can more of an entrepreneurial spirt empower Procurement?

(21:10) - How can Procurement sell in the idea of pragmatism to their business?

(24:20) - Why does Procurement prioritize technocracy over entrepreneurialism?

(29:23) - Does Procurement have a problem with improving soft skills?

(30:39) - What have been the major eras of James’ 23 year career in Procurement?

(33:31) - Does James think Procurement has become the function of “No”?

(34:51) - James answers our round of quick-fire questions