"If you focus too much on efficiency, you might get something cheap – but it doesn't deliver what you want. If you focus too much on effectiveness, you might spend more than you need. Those two sides need to be balanced." - Andrew Quincey

It is much more difficult to measure value than savings, so even the most skilled procurement professionals tend to focus on savings instead of value. If, however, it is possible to identify why something is being done and how it is being done, procurement will be positioned to drive better overall outcomes.

Andrew Quincey is a procurement professional and academic with Leeds University Business School in the U.K. In this episode of Art of Supply, he comments on a recent article he wrote for the Journal of Public Procurement: "Achieving Value for Money Equilibrium."

He highlights how procurement can move beyond execution to play a more strategic role across the entire value chain, with a special focus on complex public-sector environments.

In this episode, Andrew and Kelly Barner discuss:

• The concept of "value for money equilibrium" and how balancing effectiveness and efficiency can lead to better outcomes
• How and why complexity increases exponentially in procurement projects, and what to do about it
• Practical ways procurement can move upstream, influence strategy, and engage more effectively in the "why" behind purchasing decisions

Links:

• Achieving value for money equilibrium (Emerald Publishing)
• Kelly Barner on LinkedIn
• Art of Supply LinkedIn newsletter
• Art of Supply on AOP
• Subscribe to the Art of Procurement Newsletter

"What happens clear across the world has a very, very big impact, potentially, to U.S. cargo. We've had to take a wider lens look at all of the risks." - FMC Chairman Laura DiBella

The Federal Maritime Commission is an independent, bipartisan agency of the U.S. federal government responsible for overseeing the international ocean transportation system as it relates to U.S. cargo. The FMC's jurisdiction centers specifically on U.S. cargo wherever it moves globally, regardless of vessel ownership or location.

FMC Chairman Laura DiBella has a diverse background that spans commercial real estate, economic development, and maritime operations. Before joining the FMC, she served as Florida's Secretary of Commerce and held leadership roles supporting port operations and maritime stakeholders, including the Florida Harbor Pilots Association.

In this episode of the Art of Supply podcast, Chairman DiBella and Kelly Barner discuss three major ongoing cases that the FMC is actively involved in:

• An investigation into global chokepoints, including the Northern Sea Passage, English Channel, Malacca Strait, Singapore Strait, Strait of Gibraltar, Panama Canal, and Suez Canal
• How flags of convenience are impacting worker safety and perpetuating the "shadow fleet"
• An investigation into allegations that Spain has blocked U.S. ships from docking in their ports

Links:

• Chairman Laura DiBella on LinkedIn
• Federal Maritime Commission
• Kelly Barner on LinkedIn
• Art of Supply LinkedIn newsletter
• Art of Supply on AOP
• Subscribe to the Art of Procurement Newsletter

"If you don't figure out a way to treat your carriers ethically and help them make money, you're not going to have them." - Michael Riccio, former TIA Chairman and founder of More Than Miles Consulting

In this episode, Kelly Barner is joined by two leaders from the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA): Michael Riccio, former TIA Chairman and founder of More Than Miles Consulting, and David Abell, CEO of AM Transport Services and a TIA Board Member.

Together, they explore the newly launched Freight Leadership Lab, a program designed to elevate leadership, ethics, and professionalism across the freight brokerage industry. From personal career journeys to the realities of ethical decision-making under pressure, this conversation offers both practical insights and a compelling vision for the future of freight.

Listen in to hear Mike, David, and Kelly discuss:

• How the TIA's new Freight Leadership Lab is developing the next generation of freight brokerage leaders
• The importance of ethics in freight brokerage, including how leaders can navigate gray-area decisions under time pressure
• Practical insights into the role of culture, values, and "extreme ownership" in building stronger teams and better decision-making habits
• A broader perspective on the future of freight brokerage, including why investing in people and relationships is key to raising professional standards across the industry

This conversation goes beyond freight—it's about leadership under pressure, ethical decision-making, and building sustainable businesses. Whether you're in logistics, procurement, or any fast-moving industry, the lessons here are broadly applicable.

Links:

• Mike Riccio on LinkedIn
• David Abell on LinkedIn
• TIA's Freight Leadership Lab
• Kelly Barner on LinkedIn
• Art of Supply LinkedIn newsletter
• Art of Supply on AOP
• Subscribe to the Art of Procurement Newsletter