Graphite Connect and Candor Procurement

Proc-N-Roll : Your guide to practical procurement!

Business EN ↓ 66 episodes

Welcome to Proc n Roll, where nearly 70 years of combined procurement expertise come together. Join Natasha, the PRO CPO with experience at IBM, McKesson, Salesforce, and Nike; Zach, the procurement guru from London; and Conrad, the visionary innovator behind transformational procurement at Intel and Adobe. We dive into the latest trends shaping the procurement landscape while breaking down the essential building blocks for success. Whether you’re new to procurement or a seasoned expert, our discussions will inspire you and keep you grounded in real-world value.

Author

Graphite Connect and Candor Procurement

Category

Business

Podcast website

podcasters.spotify.com

Latest episode

Jul 10, 2026

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Episodes

Tariffs, Trouble and The Procurement Wake Up Call 14.05.2025

How should procurement respond when the ground shifts beneath our feet? In this episode, Zach, Natasha, and Conrad break down how procurement teams can stay resilient in the face of trade disruptions, supply chain shocks, and global uncertainty. They cover proactive strategies for visibility, diversification, supplier collaboration, and why procurement must think beyond cost to lead through volati...

Rules That Rock: Making Procurement Policy Work 07.05.2025

In this episode of Proc & Roll , Zach Bachir, Natasha Gurevich, and Conrad Smith unpack the real reason procurement policies are often ignored — and what it takes to make them actually work. They explore: Why most policies are too long and disconnected from reality How a 2-page policy worked at a $52B company The importance of embedding policy into workflows and tools When rules matter — and w...

Inside the Mind of Dr. Elouise Epstein: Rethinking Procurement Tech 23.04.2025

In this episode of Proc & Roll, we’re joined by legendary procurement disruptor Elouise Epstein from Kearney to talk about the future of procurement — and what it really takes to lead in an AI-powered world. From spider charts to SaaS collapse to agent-based orchestration, Elouise breaks down what’s coming next and why most procurement teams aren’t ready for it. Plus, we dive into leadership g...

Orchestration Unplugged: Should Procurement Invest or Wait? (Part 2) 12.04.2025

Procurement orchestration tools promise to simplify intake, speed up processes, and unify tech stacks. But is it really the solution teams need right now? In Part 2 of our orchestration deep dive, Natasha and Conrad go beyond the hype to ask the hard questions:Is orchestration worth the investment? Where does it fit in the tech stack? And most importantly—what problem are you really trying to solv...

Orchestration Unplugged: Is Procurement’s New Buzzword Just Hype? (Part 1) 11.04.2025

“Orchestration” is showing up everywhere — conference panels, cold pitches, and LinkedIn posts. But what does it actually mean? And more importantly, should your procurement team care? In Part 1 of this two-part episode, Natasha and Conrad unpack the rise of procurement orchestration and why it’s suddenly in the spotlight.💡 In this episode: • What orchestration actually is (beyond the buzzword) •...

Tech Stack Remix: Fine Tuning Your Procurement System 12.03.2025

Feeling overwhelmed by the exploding procurement technology landscape? Join Natasha, Conrad, and Zach as they break down the evolution of procurement tech from paper-based systems to today's AI-powered solutions. Get practical advice on assessing your tech stack, learn why "less is more" with customization, and discover how to choose the right tools for your organization. From master data manageme...

Savings to Value: Cranking Up the Volume 26.02.2025

Tired of playing the same old savings tune? Join the Proc & Roll crew as they turn up the volume on procurement's evolution from pure cost-cutting to driving real business value. Procurement veterans Zach, Natasha, and Conrad share war stories about breaking free from the "S-word" stigma and reveal how modern teams are becoming strategic rockstars. Discover how procurement is wri...

Don't Stop Believin' in Procurement Basics 19.02.2025

🎸 In this head-banging episode, your favorite procurement rockstars break down why nailing the basics is your ticket to procurement stardom. Join Zach, Natasha, and Conrad as they riff on stakeholder mapping, data visibility, and why chasing the latest tech won't save you if your fundamentals aren't solid. Get ready to rock the essentials to make your procurement function a chart-topper!...

Stakeholder Spotlight: From Resistant to Rockstar 12.02.2025

🎸 Want to turn skeptical stakeholders into your biggest fans? Join procurement powerhouse Natasha, innovator Conrad, and expert Zach as they share real stories and strategies for breaking down business barriers and building trust. Learn how to move from being procurement's opening act to the company's headliner. Whether you're struggling with resistant departments or aiming for C-suite influence,...

Feedback That Doesn't Suck: A Leaders Guide 05.02.2025

Ready to level up your feedback game? In this episode of Proc-N-Roll, we're getting real about giving and receiving feedback in procurement. Our host Zach brings together procurement powerhouses Natasha Gurevich (ex-CPO at IBM, McKesson, and Salesforce) and Conrad Smith (former Intel CPO turned startup CEO) to discuss what makes feedback tick. There is no corporate fluff here—just honest talk...

Curiosity, EQ, and Problem-Solving: The New Procurement Skillset 29.01.2025

What makes a procurement superstar? In this episode, we're breaking down the essential skills that can make or break your procurement career. Join former Adobe CPO Conrad Smith, procurement leader Natasha Gurevich, and host Zach Bachir as they reveal why EQ might trump technical skills, how AI is reshaping the procurement toolbox, and why being "radically open to feedback" could be y...

It's All About Risk 22.01.2025

In this episode of Proc-n-Roll, our hosts Zach, Natasha, and Conrad tackle the crucial topic of risk management in procurement for 2025. Drawing from their combined 70+ years of experience, they discuss how procurement teams can prioritize and manage risks in today's complex business landscape. The conversation covers everything from supply chain disruptions and regulatory compliance to practical...

Procurement 2.0: How the Rules Have Changed and Why You Need to Adapt! 16.01.2025

Conrad from Graphite, along with Natasha and Zachary, discuss the evolution of procurement, highlighting its transition from an essential, tactical function to a more strategic one, focusing on value, transparency, and integrity. They explore the challenges of having a centralized procurement process versus a "shadow procurement organization" and the importance of tailoring procurement p...

Procurement in 2025 08.01.2025

Join procurement experts Zach, Natasha Gurevich, and Conrad on Proc and Roll as they share their bold predictions for procurement in 2025. From mastering the basics and aligning priorities with business goals to navigating the rapid rise of AI and emerging technologies, this episode dives into how organizations can evolve amidst industry challenges. Explore the shift from cost savings to enterpris...

Procurement Transformation - What it really means, how to approach it, and common pitfalls to avoid. 26.12.2024

This episode of Proc&Roll dives into procurement transformation, exploring what it truly means and how to approach it. The hosts, Natasha, Zach, and Conrad, with their combined 70 years of experience, emphasize that transformation is a holistic endeavor encompassing people, processes, technology, and stakeholder engagement. They debate the merits of "big bang" versus incremental approaches, hi...

Are You Ready to Proc-N-Roll? 21.12.2024

In this inaugural episode of Proc&Roll, hosts Natasha, Zach, and Conrad, with their diverse backgrounds and combined 70 years in procurement, share their unique journeys into the field. They discuss the evolving relevance of procurement in today's business landscape, emphasizing the need for strong leadership, continuous improvement, and a deep understanding of the organization's financial goa...

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