This episode, we’re joined by Chris Sawchuk - Principal & Global Procurement Advisory Practice Leader at The Hackett Group. With over 20 years of experience in supply management, Chris works directly with the Global 2000 and midsized companies around the globe, and in a variety of industries, to improve all aspects of supply management, including process redesign, technology enablement, operations strategy planning, organizational change, and strategic sourcing. Mr. Sawchuk specializes in working directly with CPOs to help define a long-term strategy. He is a regular contributor to business publications, a frequent presenter at industry events, and author of numerous research papers and books. Mr. Sawchuk’s background includes engineering, operations, and sales roles with both United Technologies and IBM.

Timestamps:

(00:37) - Introducing Chris

(02:02) - How has the Hackett Group been either reactive or proactive with tall the volatility in the Procurement industry?

(04:28) - How have the dominant priorities at the beginning of 2025 changed or held up throughout the year?

(07:28) - What do Procurement teams and leaders mean when they say “transforming the operating model” is a top priority?

(11:11) - Is AI at the center of a Procurement operating model in 2025?

(13:36) - Are Procurement’s changing priorities a result of direct de-prioritization or bandwidth limitations?

(21:05) - Is the deprioritization of SRM contradictory to Procurement’s other higher priorities?

(25:56) - Where does Procurement fit into the top priorities of a CEO or broader business?

(31:02) - Why does volatility the biggest driver of transformation in Procurement?

(32:32) - Should companies invest through volatility to get a competitive edge or tighten the purse strings during the crisis? And how does this apply to AI adoption?

(41:00) - Chris answers Sam’s round of quick-fire questions

(44:54) - What does Chris think will define Procurement in 2026?

Daniela Osio is a trailblazer in sustainable procurement and technology - and another returning Hall of Fame guest to The Way We Source! A former DuPont executive, she played a pivotal role in the Dow-DuPont merger and led global risk management for a $4B business unit. Now CEO and Founder of Kloopify, Daniela is transforming procurement by equipping teams with data-driven tools to cut costs, reduce risk, and embed sustainability into every decision. Her work has earned her the Innovation Award from the Future Insights Network and recognition as an ISM 30 Under 30 Supply Chain Star. Passionate and visionary, Daniela is redefining what modern procurement can achieve.

Connect with Daniela on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielaosio/

Learn more about Kloopify: https://www.kloopify.com/

Get in touch with Kodiak Hub: https://www.kodiakhub.com

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:38) - Introducing Daniela

(01:44) - What are Daniela’s biggest learnings since founding Kloopify?

(02:39) - What was the turning point for Daniela to go from procurement practitioner to procuretech founder?

(04:34) - What did Daniela see that Procurement leaders were missing that inspired her to found Kloopify?

(08:37) - Does Daniel think that companies are turning their backs on sustainability and is she concerned by this?

(11:00) - What are Procurement teams getting right and wrong about AI?

(14:52) - How does Daniela think that Procurement should tackle the challenges of these turbulent times?

(18:40) - Does Daniela see a difference between the early adopters and laggards of AI in Procurement?

(21:28) - How was Kloopify’s founded driven by trends in the Procurement market?

(26:05) - What is Daniela spending her week on as a procuretech founder and CEO?

(28:51) - What does Daniela see as the next chapter of Kloopify?

(30:38) - What other AI solutions in the market does Daniela find exciting?

(32:35) - Daniela answers our round of quick-fire questions!

In our first cross-over episode, Kodiak Hub's Sam Jenks sits down with Ed Cross & Richard Beattie of the "Procurement Says No" podcast for candid convo about Procurement, full of hot takes, laughs, and learnings.

"Procurement Says No" is an irreverent but insightful take on all things procurement through podcasting - with the thoughts of two CIPS award-winning procurement Gods who want to share their love of procurement with newbies, oldies and the procurious.

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:36) - Introducing Ed Cross & Richard Beattie of the “Procurement Says No” podcast

(01:55) - What is Procurement Says No’s philosophy of Procurement and what do they say no to?

(03:50) - Why do Procurement professionals take themselves so seriously? And does it play into their role?

(07:12) - How can Procurement reposition itself to align with the order and be seen as helpful rather than hindering?

(11:13) - How can Procurement avoid having their process get in the way for the business?

(15:20) - How have Ed & Richard seen AI in Procurement work and not work?

(25:06) - How should Procurement respond to geopolitics and tariffs?

(30:50) - How should Procurement respond to the tariffs in their sourcing?

(37:40) - What should business professionals do to navigate these challenges?

(40:23) - How does Procurement get beyond the spreadsheets and act?