Procurement Pivots®

Send us Fan Mail The procurement job market has changed. Competition for senior procurement roles has increased, hiring processes have evolved and technology is playing a greater role in how applications are screened. Which means the CV that successfully opened doors for you two, three or four years ago might not be enough to secure an interview today. In this episode of Procurement Pivots, Donna Bowden and Laura Sellers explore what senior procurement professionals need to think differently about when it comes to their CV in 2026. Drawing on Donna's experience of reviewing thousands of procurement CVs since moving into procurement recruitment in 2013, alongside the CV work she now does with senior procurement clients, they unpack some of the most common reasons even experienced and highly capable procurement leaders can struggle to stand out on paper. We discuss: Why a professionally written CV can still struggle to cut through in today's procurement market Why your CV shouldn't read like a job description The difference between describing what you've done and demonstrating the impact you've had Why results and metrics need context if you want the reader to understand their significance Why you can't expect a hiring manager or recruiter to join the dots for you How to bring more of your personality, leadership style and individual approach onto the page Why trying to showcase everything you're good at can actually dilute your positioning How to identify and elevate the two or three strengths you really want to be known for Why senior procurement professionals often downplay their achievements and value How to communicate your successes without feeling as though you're bragging Why your CV should be treated as a positioning tool rather than an administrative task How doing the deeper work behind your CV can strengthen your confidence and interview performance Why AI can sometimes make your CV blend in rather than stand out How to use AI as a tool without allowing it to take over your voice Why your CV needs to communicate where you're heading next, not simply where you've been And why, however strong it is, your CV alone isn't a job-search strategy Because in a crowded senior procurement market, simply having the right experience isn't enough. Your CV needs to help someone quickly understand your value, your impact, what differentiates you and why you make sense for where you're heading next. And even then, it's only one part of how you position yourself to create and secure the right opportunities. Get in Touch If this episode resonated, we'd love to hear your thoughts. When did you last look at your CV through the eyes of the person you're hoping will read it? If you'd like to explore working with Procurement Pivots, or with either of us individually, you can contact us at: hello@procurementpivots.com About Procurement Pivots We are passionate about supporting the people behind procurement success. Between us, we bring over 25 years of experience supporting procurement leaders in a variety of different ways, combining our diverse coaching expertise to bring to life the conversations from the coaching room that deserve a spotlight in today's challenging and ever-changing procurement landscape. We're proud to have built strong reputations as trusted coaches in the procurement space, supporting individuals and teams to navigate complexity, strengthen their leadership and progress with greater clarity and confidence. From positioning, visibility and career progression, through to leadership development, influence and navigating change, we've supported procurement professionals across every stage of their journey. Because success in procurement isn't just about what you deliver. It's about how you show up, how you're perceived and how you create opportunities. About Donna Bowden Donna Bowden is a Procurement Career Coach and Founder of Narrate Your Career, supporting senior procurement professionals to build clarity, confidence and visibility in their careers. With over 20 years' experience in procurement leadership hiring, she brings deep insight into what hiring managers are really looking for and how to position yourself effectively to identify, create and secure the right opportunities in your procurement career. If this resonates and you're a procurement leader in the UK who is serious about making a considered and intentional next move, you're very welcome to explore working with Donna here: https://www.narrateyourcareer.com/book-a-call About Laura Sellers Laura Sellers is an Executive and Leadership Coach, specialising in coaching for procurement professionals and teams. Drawing on her background in procurement and procurement development, she supports individuals and organisations to develop leadership capability, strengthen self-awareness and build coaching skills that elevate their impact, influence and performance. Laura also leads an ILM-accredited coaching centre, helping procurement professionals and organisations develop practical coaching capability and gain recognised ILM coaching qualifications that strengthen leadership and create lasting impact across their teams. Interested in developing your own coaching skills? Laura's next ILM coaching qualification cohort starts in September. Find out more about Laura's ILM coaching qualifications here: https://www.coachingforprocurement.co.uk/training Or get in touch with Laura directly here: https://www.coachingforprocurement.co.uk/contact-me

Send us Fan Mail Procurement leadership, workplace boundaries, strategic leadership, career progression, prioritisation and high performance are more closely connected than you might think. When we talk about boundaries at work, they're often associated with saying no, being less available or protecting our personal time. But what if better boundaries could actually help you become a more impactful procurement leader? In this episode of Procurement Pivots, Donna Bowden and Laura Sellers explore why boundaries aren't simply about doing less. Used well, they can create the clarity, focus and space you need to operate more strategically, make better decisions and deliver greater impact. We discuss: Why boundaries are about far more than simply saying no Why the desire to add value and prove procurement's worth can make boundaries particularly difficult The relationship between boundaries, prioritisation and your ability to operate strategically Why creating space to think can ultimately improve your decisions and outcomes How to recognise the red flags that suggest you're repeatedly crossing your own boundaries Why frustration can be a sign that your boundaries, or even your values, are being compromised How repeatedly going above and beyond can turn an exception into an expectation Why being the busiest and most dependable person doesn't necessarily make you the obvious choice for progression How managing your workload and priorities can help you appear more in control and ready to take on greater responsibility Why boundaries can help procurement leaders move from operational busyness towards greater strategic impact How boundaries can give you greater control when so much around you feels outside your control Why your boundaries need to evolve as your role, career and life evolve Because more busyness doesn't necessarily mean more impact. And it doesn't automatically lead to bigger and better opportunities. Strong boundaries can help you become clearer about what matters, communicate expectations more effectively and create the conditions for both high performance and a sustainable procurement career. Get in Touch If this episode resonated, we'd love to hear your thoughts. What boundaries have made the biggest difference to your impact, career or life? And which ones are still a work in progress? If you'd like to explore working with Procurement Pivots, or with either of us individually, you can contact us at: hello@procurementpivots.com About Procurement Pivots We are passionate about supporting the people behind procurement success. Between us, we bring over 25 years of experience supporting procurement leaders in a variety of different ways, combining our diverse coaching expertise to bring to life the conversations from the coaching room that deserve a spotlight in today's challenging and ever-changing procurement landscape. We're proud to have built strong reputations as trusted coaches in the procurement space, supporting individuals and teams to navigate complexity, strengthen their leadership and progress with greater clarity and confidence. From positioning, visibility and career progression, through to leadership development, influence and navigating change, we've supported procurement professionals across every stage of their journey. Because success in procurement isn't just about what you deliver. It's about how you show up, how you're perceived and how you create opportunities. About Donna Bowden Donna Bowden is a Procurement Career Coach and Founder of Narrate Your Career, supporting senior procurement professionals to build clarity, confidence and visibility in their careers. With over 20 years' experience in procurement leadership hiring, she brings deep insight into what hiring managers are really looking for and how to position yourself effectively to identify, create and secure the right opportunities in your procurement career. If this resonates and you're a procurement leader in the UK who is serious about making a considered and intentional next move, you're very welcome to explore working with Donna here: https://www.narrateyourcareer.com/book-a-call About Laura Sellers Laura Sellers is an Executive and Leadership Coach, specialising in coaching for procurement professionals and teams. Drawing on her background in procurement and procurement development, she supports individuals and organisations to develop leadership capability, strengthen self-awareness and build coaching skills that elevate their impact, influence and performance. Laura also leads an ILM-accredited coaching centre, helping procurement professionals and organisations develop practical coaching capability and gain recognised ILM coaching qualifications that strengthen leadership and create lasting impact across their teams. Interested in developing your own coaching skills? Laura's next ILM coaching qualification cohort starts in September. Find out more about Laura's ILM coaching qualifications here: https://www.coachingforprocurement.co.uk/training Or get in touch with Laura directly here: https://www.coachingforprocurement.co.uk/contact-me

Send us Fan Mail Procurement careers, career crossroads, career clarity, procurement leadership, career change and senior procurement job search can all collide at a point that many successful procurement leaders simply aren't expecting. On paper, everything might look good. You've built a successful procurement career. You're operating at leadership level. You're in a good organisation, perhaps with a team you enjoy working with. But something doesn't feel quite right anymore. You know you're ready for something different, or perhaps something more, but you're not entirely sure what that looks like yet. And when there isn't an obvious reason to leave, that uncertainty can be surprisingly difficult to navigate. In this episode of Procurement Pivots, Donna Bowden and Laura Sellers explore the procurement career crossroads that no one really prepares you for and how to navigate it with greater clarity, confidence and intention. We discuss: Why career crossroads can appear even when everything looks good on paper How changes in your life, priorities and values can change what you need from your career The danger of drifting through a successful career without consciously choosing where you're heading The early signs that something in your career may no longer be serving you Why career clarity doesn't start with your CV, job boards or the external market How understanding your strengths, values and what energises you can help uncover the right direction Why there's an important difference between responding to a crossroads and reacting to one How rushing into applications before you're clear can actually knock your confidence further Why the right answer isn't necessarily leaving your organisation, or even your current role How clarity helps you become more selective about what you say yes and no to Why people buy into your certainty, particularly at procurement leadership level The importance of understanding the why behind the what when deciding what comes next Because being at a career crossroads doesn't necessarily mean you need to leave. It might mean you need to pause long enough to understand what's changed, what matters to you now and what you really want your next chapter to look like. Clarity gives you back choice. And choice allows you to move forward intentionally. Get in Touch If this episode resonated, we'd love to hear your thoughts. If you'd like to explore working with Procurement Pivots, or with either of us individually, you can contact us at: hello@procurementpivots.com At a crossroads in your own procurement career? If you're a senior procurement leader in the UK and would like to explore how Donna could support you to get clear on what comes next and position yourself to make it happen, you can book a confidential Career Momentum Call here: https://www.narrateyourcareer.com/book-a-call About Procurement Pivots We are passionate about supporting the people behind procurement success. Between us, we bring over 25 years of experience supporting procurement leaders in a variety of different ways, combining our diverse coaching expertise to bring to life the conversations from the coaching room that deserve a spotlight in today's challenging and ever-changing procurement landscape. We're proud to have built strong reputations as trusted coaches in the procurement space, supporting individuals and teams to navigate complexity, strengthen their leadership and progress with greater clarity and confidence. From positioning, visibility and career progression, through to leadership development, influence and navigating change, we've supported procurement professionals across every stage of their journey. Because success in procurement isn't just about what you deliver. It's about how you show up, how you're perceived and how you create opportunities. About Donna Bowden Donna Bowden is a Procurement Career Coach and Founder of Narrate Your Career, supporting senior procurement professionals to build clarity, confidence and visibility in their careers. With over 20 years' experience in procurement leadership hiring, she brings deep insight into what hiring managers are really looking for and how to position yourself effectively to identify, create and secure the right opportunities in your procurement career. If this episode resonates and you're a procurement leader in the UK who is serious about making a considered and intentional next move, you're very welcome to explore working with Donna here: https://www.narrateyourcareer.com/book-a-call About Laura Sellers Laura Sellers is an Executive and Leadership Coach, specialising in coaching for procurement professionals and teams. Drawing on her background in procurement and procurement development, she supports individuals and organisations to develop leadership capability, strengthen self-awareness and build coaching skills that elevate their impact, influence and performance. Laura also leads an ILM-accredited coaching centre, helping procurement professionals and organisations develop practical coaching capability and gain recognised ILM coaching qualifications that strengthen leadership and create lasting impact across their teams. Interested in developing your own coaching skills? Laura's next ILM coaching qualification cohort starts in September. Find out more about Laura's ILM coaching qualifications here: https://www.coachingforprocurement.co.uk/training Or get in touch with Laura directly here: https://www.coachingforprocurement.co.uk/contact-me

Send us Fan Mail Successful Traits of Procurement Leaders: Coaching Procurement transformation, procurement leadership, coaching skills, stakeholder management, influencing skills and leadership development are increasingly interconnected. Successful procurement transformation isn't just about having the right strategy, processes, technology or technical procurement expertise. You also need to bring people with you. In this episode of Procurement Pivots, Donna Bowden and Laura Sellers explore why developing coaching skills can give procurement leaders a competitive edge and help them create greater impact across their teams, stakeholders and organisations. We challenge the perception that coaching is simply a "soft" leadership skill and look at how the capabilities behind great coaching can translate into very real procurement and commercial outcomes. We discuss: Why coaching skills are increasingly relevant for today's procurement leaders Why you don't need to have all the answers to demonstrate credibility as a leader How asking better questions can strengthen your influence and impact Why procurement transformation requires you to bring people with you How coaching skills can help overcome resistance and create greater stakeholder buy-in The connection between coaching, stakeholder relationships and commercial outcomes How active listening, self-awareness and adaptability can strengthen your negotiation skills Why many procurement leaders may already be coaching without recognising it How developing your coaching skills can change not only how you lead others, but how you lead yourself The difference between using coaching skills informally and developing them more intentionally through training and reflective practice Because successful procurement transformation isn't only about what you change. It's also about how effectively you can engage, influence and enable the people who will ultimately make that transformation happen. Get in Touch If this episode resonated, we'd love to hear your thoughts. If you'd like to explore working with Procurement Pivots, or with either of us individually, you can contact us at: hello@procurementpivots.com Interested in developing your own coaching skills? Laura's next ILM coaching qualification cohort starts in September, for procurement professionals who want to add coaching skills to their leadership toolkit. Find out more about Laura's ILM coaching qualifications here: https://www.coachingforprocurement.co.uk/training About Procurement Pivots We are passionate about supporting the people behind procurement success. Between us, we bring over 25 years of experience supporting procurement leaders in a variety of different ways, combining our diverse coaching expertise to bring to life the conversations from the coaching room that deserve a spotlight in today's challenging and ever-changing procurement landscape. We're proud to have built strong reputations as trusted coaches in the procurement space, supporting individuals and teams to navigate complexity, strengthen their leadership and progress with greater clarity and confidence. From positioning, visibility and career progression, through to leadership development, influence and navigating change, we've supported procurement professionals across every stage of their journey. Because success in procurement isn't just about what you deliver. It's about how you show up, how you're perceived and how you create opportunities. About Donna Bowden Donna Bowden is a Procurement Career Coach and Founder of Narrate Your Career, supporting senior procurement professionals to build clarity, confidence and visibility in their careers. With over 20 years' experience in procurement leadership hiring, she brings deep insight into what hiring managers are really looking for and how to position yourself effectively to identify, create and secure the right opportunities in your procurement career. If this resonates and you're a procurement leader in the UK who is serious about making a considered and intentional next move, you're very welcome to explore working with Donna here: https://www.narrateyourcareer.com/book-a-call About Laura Sellers Laura Sellers is an Executive and Leadership Coach, specialising in coaching for procurement professionals and teams. Drawing on her background in procurement and procurement development, she supports individuals and organisations to develop leadership capability, strengthen self-awareness and build coaching skills that elevate their impact, influence and performance. Laura also leads an ILM-accredited coaching centre, helping procurement professionals and organisations develop practical coaching capability and gain recognised ILM coaching qualifications that strengthen leadership and create lasting impact across their teams. If this episode has got you thinking about adding coaching skills to your own leadership toolkit, Laura's next ILM coaching qualification cohort starts in September. Find out more about Laura's ILM coaching qualifications here: https://www.coachingforprocurement.co.uk/training Or get in touch with Laura directly here: https://www.coachingforprocurement.co.uk/contact-me

Send us Fan Mail Procurement stakeholder management, stakeholder relationships, procurement leadership, influence, business partnering and procurement careers are all critical to becoming a successful procurement leader. Strong stakeholder relationships don't happen by chance. They're built through trust, curiosity, credibility and consistency. In this episode of Procurement Pivots, we explore what successful procurement leaders do differently when it comes to building relationships and influence across their organisations. Whilst technical procurement skills remain important, your ability to understand, engage and influence stakeholders will often determine your long-term success as a leader. We discuss: Why successful stakeholder relationships start long before you need something The difference between managing stakeholders and genuinely building relationships How curiosity helps you understand what really matters to your stakeholders Why listening is one of the most underrated leadership skills in procurement How adapting your communication style builds trust and credibility Why consistency in your actions shapes your reputation over time The importance of understanding your stakeholders' priorities, pressures and motivations How every interaction contributes to procurement's reputation within the business Why influence is built through credibility, empathy and adding value, not authority Practical ways to strengthen your stakeholder relationships and increase your impact as a procurement leader This episode builds on many of the themes we explore around procurement leadership, influence and career progression. Because successful procurement leaders don't just manage stakeholders. They build trusted relationships that create lasting influence. New episodes weekly Listen on Apple and Spotify. Watch on YouTube: Procurement Pivots. Get in Touch If this episode resonated, we'd love to hear your thoughts. And if you'd like to explore working with Procurement Pivots, or with either of us individually, you can contact us at hello@procurementpivots.com About Procurement Pivots We are passionate about supporting the people behind procurement success. Between us, we bring over 25 years of experience supporting procurement leaders in a variety of different ways, and we combine our diverse coaching expertise to bring to life the conversations from the coaching room that deserve a spotlight in today's challenging and ever-changing procurement landscape. We're proud to have built strong reputations as trusted coaches in the procurement space, supporting individuals and teams to navigate complexity, strengthen their leadership and progress with greater clarity and confidence. From positioning, visibility and career progression, through to leadership development, influence and navigating change, we've supported procurement professionals across every stage of their journey. Because success in procurement isn't just about what you deliver. It's about how you show up, how you're perceived and how you create opportunities. About Donna Bowden Donna Bowden is a Procurement Career Coach and Founder of Narrate Your Career, supporting senior procurement professionals to build clarity, confidence and visibility in their careers. With over 20 years' experience in procurement leadership hiring, she brings deep insight into what hiring managers are really looking for and how to position yourself effectively to identify, create and secure the right opportunities in your procurement career. If this resonates and you're a procurement leader in the UK who is serious about making a considered and intentional next move, you're very welcome to explore working with Donna here: https://www.narrateyourcareer.com/book-a-call About Laura Sellers Laura Sellers is an Executive and Leadership Coach, specialising in coaching for procurement professionals and teams. Drawing on her background in procurement and procurement development, she supports individuals and organisations to develop leadership capability, strengthen self-awareness and build coaching skills that elevate their impact, influence and performance. Laura also leads an ILM-accredited coaching centre, helping procurement professionals and organisations develop practical coaching capability and gain recognised ILM coaching qualifications that strengthen leadership and create lasting impact across their teams. If you're a procurement professional or organisation looking to develop coaching and leadership capability, or explore an ILM coaching qualification, you can connect with Laura here: https://www.coachingforprocurement.co.uk/contact-me

Send us Fan Mail Procurement leadership, first 90 days, stepping into a new role, procurement career progression, stakeholder management and leadership success are all critical factors when moving into a new procurement leadership role. You’ve secured the role. But what you do next will define your success. In this episode of Procurement Pivots, we explore how to successfully prepare for and step into a new procurement leadership role, focusing on what really matters in those first few months. Too often, procurement professionals invest heavily in securing the role, only to leave their transition and early impact to chance. This is where success is either accelerated or undermined. We discuss: How your first impressions shape your credibility with your boss, team and stakeholders Why stepping into a new role is an opportunity to reset how you show up as a leader The importance of understanding team dynamics, legacy and stakeholder expectations Why the reality of the role often differs from what you were told in the process How to assess the maturity of the function and identify the real starting point The mental stretch and transition that comes with stepping into a new leadership role How to set boundaries early to protect your time, energy and decision-making The risk of trying to prove yourself too quickly and saying yes to everything Why alignment with your boss and stakeholders is critical, and how to check it effectively The importance of building support around you, not just focusing on supporting others This episode builds on many of the themes we explore around procurement leadership, visibility and career progression. Because success in procurement isn’t just about securing the role. It’s about how you show up once you’re in it. New episodes weekly Listen on Apple and Spotify Watch on YouTube: Procurement Pivots Get in touch If this episode resonated, we’d love to hear your thoughts. And if you’d like to explore working with Procurement Pivots, or with either of us individually, you can contact us at hello@procurementpivots.com About Procurement Pivots We are passionate about supporting the people behind procurement success. Between us, we bring over 25 years of experience supporting procurement leaders in a variety of different ways, and we combine our diverse coaching expertise to bring to life the conversations from the coaching room that deserve a spotlight in today’s challenging and ever-changing procurement landscape. We’re proud to have built strong reputations as trusted coaches in the procurement space, supporting individuals and teams to navigate complexity, strengthen their leadership and progress with greater clarity and confidence. From positioning, visibility and career progression, through to leadership development, influence and navigating change, we’ve supported procurement professionals across every stage of their journey. Because success in procurement isn’t just about what you deliver. It’s about how you show up, how you’re perceived and how you create opportunities. About Donna Bowden Donna Bowden is a Procurement Career Coach and Founder of Narrate Your Career, supporting senior procurement professionals to build clarity, confidence and visibility in their careers. With over 20 years’ experience as a recruitment leader, she brings deep insight into what hiring managers are really looking for and how to position yourself effectively to identify, create and secure the right opportunities in your procurement career. If this resonates and you’re a procurement leader in the UK who is serious about making a considered and intentional next move, you’re very welcome to explore working with Donna here: https://www.narrateyourcareer.com/book-a-call About Laura Sellers Laura Sellers is an Executive and Leadership Coach, specialising in coaching for procurement professionals and teams. She supports individuals and organisations to develop leadership capability, strengthen self-awareness and build coaching skills that elevate their impact and influence. Laura also leads an ILM-accredited coaching centre, supporting procurement professionals to gain recognised coaching qualifications and develop practical coaching capability within their teams. If you’re a procurement professional or team looking to develop coaching and leadership capability, or explore gaining an ILM coaching qualification, you can connect with Laura to find out more. https://www.coachingforprocurement.co.uk/contact-me

Send us Fan Mail Successful Traits of Procurement Leaders: Curiosity Curiosity is a critical skill in procurement leadership, yet many procurement professionals don’t fully understand how to apply it in their day-to-day role. In this episode of Procurement Pivots, we explore how curiosity, questioning and self-awareness can elevate your procurement career, strengthen stakeholder relationships and improve decision making. We discuss: What curiosity really looks like in a procurement context and why it goes beyond simply asking more questions How asking the right questions can improve decision making, stakeholder relationships and business outcomes Why many procurement professionals feel the pressure to have the answers, and how this can limit their effectiveness The difference between open and closed questions, and how to use them more intentionally in meetings and conversations How curiosity helps you uncover what really matters, rather than accepting surface-level information The role of curiosity in building trust, collaboration and influence across the business Why curiosity starts with self, including understanding your own behaviours, reactions and decision making How self-awareness and curiosity work together to strengthen your leadership capability Practical ways to build curiosity as a habit in your day-to-day procurement role This episode builds on many of the themes we’ve explored around procurement leadership, influence and career progression. Because the most effective procurement leaders aren’t always the ones with the answers. They’re the ones asking the right questions. 🎧 New episodes weekly Listen on Apple and Spotify Watch on YouTube: Procurement Pivots Get in Touch If this episode resonated, we’d love to hear your thoughts. And if you’d like to explore working with Procurement Pivots, or with either of us individually, you can contact us at hello@procurementpivots.com About Procurement Pivots We are passionate about supporting the people behind procurement success. Between us, we bring over 25 years of experience supporting procurement leaders in a variety of different ways, and we combine our diverse coaching expertise to bring to life the conversations from the coaching room that deserve a spotlight in today’s challenging and ever-changing procurement landscape. Over the past few years, we’ve built strong reputations as trusted coaches in the procurement space, supporting individuals and teams to navigate complexity, strengthen their leadership and progress with greater clarity and confidence. From positioning, visibility and career progression, through to leadership development, influence and navigating change, we’ve supported procurement professionals across every stage of their journey. Because success in procurement isn’t just about what you deliver. It’s about how you show up, how you’re perceived and how you create opportunities. About Donna Bowden Donna Bowden is a Procurement Career Coach and Founder of Narrate Your Career, supporting senior procurement professionals to build clarity, confidence and visibility in their careers. With over 20 years’ experience as a recruitment leader, she brings deep insight into what hiring managers are really looking for and how to position yourself effectively to identify, create and secure the right opportunities in your procurement career. If this resonates and you’re a procurement leader in the UK, you’re very welcome to explore working with Donna here: https://www.narrateyourcareer.com/book-a-call About Laura Sellers Laura Sellers is an Executive and Leadership Coach, specialising in coaching for procurement professionals. She supports individuals and teams to strengthen self-awareness, develop leadership capability and lead with greater impact, influence and confidence. Laura also leads an ILM-accredited coaching centre, supporting procurement professionals to gain recognised coaching qualifications and develop practical coaching skills within their roles. If you’d like to explore developing your coaching and leadership skills through an ILM-accredited programme, you can connect with Laura to find out more. https://www.coachingforprocurement.co.uk/contact-me

Send us Fan Mail Successful Traits of Procurement Leaders: Self-Awareness How you see yourself isn’t always how others experience you. And that gap can have a significant impact on your procurement career, career progression and leadership development. In this episode of Procurement Pivots, we explore the role self-awareness plays in procurement leadership and why it is such a critical, but often overlooked, capability. We discuss: What self-awareness really means in a procurement leadership context Why there is often a gap between intent and perception How others may experience your communication, behaviour and leadership style The impact of low self-awareness on relationships, visibility and progression Why feedback is essential, but often avoided How self-awareness shapes your leadership presence and credibility The role it plays in managing stakeholders and teams effectively Why it becomes even more important as you progress into more senior roles How small shifts in awareness can have a meaningful impact on how you lead This episode builds on many of the themes we’ve explored around visibility, positioning and progression in procurement careers. Because how you show up matters. And how others experience you matters even more. Hosted by: Donna Bowden | Procurement Career Coach, Narrate Your Career Laura Sellers | Executive and Leadership Coach, Coaching for Procurement New episodes weekly Listen on Apple and Spotify Watch on YouTube: Procurement Pivots If this episode resonated, we’d love to hear your thoughts. And if you’d like to explore working with Procurement Pivots, or with either of us individually, you can contact us at hello@procurementpivots.com

Send us Fan Mail Your relationship with your boss is one of the most important factors in your procurement career, career progression and leadership development. And yet, it’s often not given the attention it deserves. In this episode of Procurement Pivots, we explore why this relationship has such a significant impact on your experience, progression and long-term career decisions. We discuss: Why this relationship can influence whether you stay or leave a role Why most relationships aren’t broken, but still aren’t working well enough The importance of taking time to reflect on what you need How clarity and alignment shape a strong working relationship Why communication style is often the root of the challenge The role your boss plays in advocating for you internally Why you need to take ownership of building and shaping the relationship The importance of understanding the pressures your boss is under Why knowing your non-negotiables matters How building a wider support network can strengthen your position This episode builds on many of the themes we’ve explored around visibility, positioning and progression in procurement careers. Because doing a great job isn’t always enough. The relationship around you matters more than you might think. Hosted by: Donna Bowden | Procurement Career Coach, Narrate Your Career Laura Sellers | Executive and Leadership Coach, Coaching for Procurement New episodes weekly Listen on Apple and Spotify Watch on YouTube: Procurement Pivots

Send us Fan Mail If you’re introverted in your procurement career, you might feel the pressure to be more visible, speak up more or show more confidence in meetings or whilst networking. And that doesn’t always feel natural. In this episode of Procurement Pivots, we explore what it really means to be introverted in procurement and how you can still have impact, visibility and influence without changing who you are. We discuss: What introversion actually means and why it is often misunderstood Why many procurement professionals identify with introverted preferences The pressure to “speak up more” and how that shows up in procurement environments How to prepare for meetings in a way that plays to your strengths Practical ways to contribute in meetings without needing all the answers How asking questions and making observations can increase your influence How to be visible and credible without being the loudest voice This episode builds on many of the themes we’ve explored around visibility, positioning and influence in procurement careers. Because some of the most effective procurement professionals we see are introverted. Not despite it, but because of it. This is your last chance to sign up for our Interactive Webinar to celebrate our first year anniversary on 15th July at 12PM UK time: 6 Ways to Elevate Your Impact and Progression As a Procurement Leader in 2026 Sign up here: https://procurementpivots.com/home-page Hosted by: Donna Bowden | Procurement Career Coach, Narrate Your Career Laura Sellers | Executive and Leadership Coach, Coaching for Procurement New episodes weekly Listen on Apple and Spotify Watch on YouTube: Procurement Pivots If this episode resonated, we’d love to hear your thoughts. And if you’d like to explore working with Procurement Pivots, or with either of us individually, you can contact us at hello@procurementpivots.com

Send us Fan Mail Burnout in procurement is becoming more common. And it’s not always for the reasons we think. In this episode of Procurement Pivots, we explore why burnout is showing up more across procurement careers and what is really driving it. We discuss: Why burnout in procurement is increasing as the role continues to evolve The pressure to constantly prove value and why this adds to the challenge Why burnout is not just about long hours or workload How misalignment and the wrong environment can lead to burnout over time The impact of isolation, particularly at more senior levels Early warning signs including decision fatigue, withdrawal and changes in behaviour How burnout affects confidence, relationships and decision making What to look out for in your team as a leader Why high performers can often be most at risk The importance of recognising the signs early and taking action This episode builds on many of the themes we’ve explored across the podcast around pressure, expectations and progression in procurement careers. Because burnout doesn’t always come from doing too much. It often comes from carrying too much for too long. Sign up for our Interactive Webinar to celebrate our first year anniversary on 15th July at 12PM UK time: 6 Ways to Elevate Your Impact and Progression As a Procurement Leader in 2026 Sign Up here: procurementpivots.com/home-page Hosted by: Donna Bowden | Procurement Career Coach, Narrate Your Career Laura Sellers | Executive and Leadership Coach, Coaching for Procurement New episodes weekly Listen on Apple and Spotify Watch on YouTube: Procurement Pivots If this episode resonated, we’d love to hear from you. You can message us directly or connect via the Procurement Pivots LinkedIn page.

Send us Fan Mail Internal progression in procurement doesn’t happen by default. You can be delivering, experienced and performing well in your role, and still find that the next opportunity doesn’t come. In this episode of Procurement Pivots, we focus on internal positioning and why it is the missing link to progression in senior procurement careers. We explore what it really means to be seen as ready for the next level and how your day-to-day actions shape how others perceive your capability, potential and leadership. We discuss: Why internal progression is driven by perception, not just performance How your communication, consistency and contribution shape your positioning Why you need to be seen operating at the next level before you are promoted The importance of visibility with the right people, not just more visibility How internal opportunities are often created before they are advertised The role of relationships, sponsorship and advocacy in progression Why curiosity and cross-functional exposure can open new doors How to have the right conversations about your future without signalling that you want to leave What it means to be opportunity ready and why it matters This episode builds on our previous conversation around performance versus progression and brings it into a practical, internal context. Because progression doesn’t happen when a role appears. It happens when you are already seen as the obvious choice. Sign up for our Interactive Webinar to celebrate our first year anniversary on 15th July at 12PM UK time: 6 Ways to Elevate Your Impact and Progression As a Procurement Leader in 2026 Hosted by: Donna Bowden | Procurement Career Coach, Narrate Your Career Laura Sellers | Executive and Leadership Coach, Coaching for Procurement New episodes weekly Listen on Apple and Spotify Watch on YouTube: Procurement Pivots If this episode resonated, we’d love to hear from you. You can message us directly or connect via the Procurement Pivots LinkedIn page.

Send us Fan Mail We’ve reached our 50th episode of Procurement Pivots, and rather than looking back, we wanted to focus on what we’re consistently seeing across the procurement profession right now. There is a gap. A gap between performance and progression. We are working with capable, experienced procurement professionals who are doing a good job, delivering results and adding value. And yet, for many, that isn’t translating into the visibility, recognition or opportunities they expected. In this episode, we explore why that gap exists and what it really means for your career. We discuss: Why doing a good job is no longer enough in today’s procurement landscape The disconnect between what procurement delivers and how it is perceived Why capability is rarely the issue, even when confidence starts to dip The difference between knowing your value and showing it consistently How changes in ways of working are impacting visibility and progression Why progression now requires a shift in how you think, communicate and show up This episode brings together many of the themes we’ve explored across the podcast and connects them into one overarching insight: Progression is no longer a natural by-product of performance. It requires intention. Sign up for our Interactive Webinar to celebrate our first year anniversary on 15th July at 12PM UK time: 6 Ways to Elevate Your Impact and Progression As a Procurement Leader in 2026 If you’ve been listening, reflecting, and thinking about what comes next, this is your opportunity to take action. You’ll find the link to join us in the show notes. Hosted by: Donna Bowden | Procurement Career Coach, Narrate Your Career Laura Sellers | Executive and Leadership Coach, Coaching for Procurement New episodes weekly Listen on Apple and Spotify Watch on YouTube: Procurement Pivots If this episode resonated, we’d love to hear from you. You can message us directly or connect via the Procurement Pivots LinkedIn page.

Send us Fan Mail In procurement careers, your ability to give feedback to teams and stakeholders directly impacts performance, influence and progression. Yet it’s one of the most avoided leadership skills. Whether it’s not wanting to upset someone, not knowing how to say it, or simply not making the time, many procurement leaders hold back from delivering the feedback their teams and stakeholders actually need. And when that happens, performance stalls, expectations become unclear, and frustration builds across procurement teams and stakeholder relationships. In this episode of Procurement Pivots, Donna and Laura explore how to give feedback as a procurement leader in a way that is clear, constructive and genuinely impactful. Because feedback done well doesn’t just improve performance. It strengthens procurement careers, builds confidence, and improves how you influence and work with stakeholders. In this episode we explore Why giving feedback is often avoided in procurement leadership And the impact this has on teams and stakeholder relationships Why feedback must be intentional, not reactive Moving from ad hoc conversations to a consistent leadership approach The risks of vague or unclear feedback Why general comments don’t help people or stakeholders improve How to give feedback that actually lands Being specific, relevant and focused on impact Why feedback needs to flow in all directions Across teams, stakeholders and senior leadership The role of feedback in building high-performing procurement teams Creating clarity, ownership and accountability How poorly delivered feedback can have lasting effects On confidence, performance and perception Practical frameworks to improve your feedback conversations Including Radical Candor and the SBI (Situation, Behaviour, Impact) model Takeaways A clearer understanding of how to give feedback effectively in procurement careers Practical ways to make feedback more specific, constructive and impactful A reminder that avoiding feedback creates confusion across teams and stakeholders Encouragement to make feedback a consistent part of your procurement leadership approach Hosted by: Donna Bowden | Procurement Career Coach, Narrate Your Career Laura Sellers | Executive and Leadership Coach, Coaching for Procurement New episodes weekly: Listen on Apple and Spotify Watch on YouTube: Procurement Pivots Follow us on LinkedIn: Procurement Pivots Are you giving the feedback your team and stakeholders actually need… or avoiding it?

Send us Fan Mail Do you actually know where you stand in your procurement career? Or are you making assumptions? At senior level, feedback often becomes limited, filtered or disappears altogether. And yet, this is exactly the point in your career where clarity matters most. Without it, you risk making decisions based on perception rather than reality. In this episode of Procurement Pivots, Donna and Laura explore what we’re calling the Feedback Gap - the space between how you think you’re performing and how you’re actually perceived. Because if you don’t have that clarity, it’s very difficult to move forward with confidence. In this episode we explore Why feedback reduces as you become more senior (and why this creates risk, not reassurance) The gap between perception and reality How assumptions quietly shape your career decisions Why many procurement professionals feel undervalued (and how lack of feedback contributes to that) The risks of operating without clear feedback Blind spots, misalignment and missed opportunities Why waiting for feedback doesn’t work at senior level and what to do instead How to ask for more meaningful, targeted feedback Moving beyond vague questions to get real insight The importance of seeking different perspectives Not just feedback from those who already rate you highly How to use feedback to strengthen your positioning Building credibility, visibility and confidence Takeaways A clearer understanding of the Feedback Gap and why it exists Practical insight into how to create your own feedback loops A reminder that assumptions can quietly hold your career back Encouragement to seek clarity before making career decisions Hosted by: Donna Bowden | Procurement Career Coach, Narrate Your Career Laura Sellers | Executive and Leadership Coach, Coaching for Procurement New episodes weekly: Listen on Apple and Spotify Watch on YouTube: Procurement Pivots Follow us on LinkedIn: Procurement Pivots Do you actually know where you stand… or are you assuming? Message us via the Procurement Pivots LinkedIn page or reach out to Donna or Laura directly.

Send us Fan Mail “Underperforming team.” It’s a label that gets used quickly in procurement. But what if it’s not the full picture? In today’s market, procurement teams are under more pressure than ever. Expectations are rising. Resources are stretched. Change is constant. And what looks like underperformance is often something else entirely. In this episode of Procurement Pivots, Donna and Laura explore what’s really going on behind so-called “underperforming” procurement teams, and what leaders need to focus on to turn things around. Because this isn’t always about capability. It’s about context, clarity and leadership. In this episode we explore Why “underperformance” is often misdiagnosed Looking beyond the label to understand what’s really happening The role of environment, pressure and unrealistic expectations Why teams may be stretched rather than struggling The importance of trust and psychological safety How breakdowns in trust impact performance and engagement Why morale matters more than many leaders realise The impact of constant change, restructures and shifting expectations The role of leadership in creating clarity and direction Why repetition, consistency and visibility are essential How to rebuild performance as a team, not just as a leader Creating shared ownership, not top-down instruction The power of small wins in rebuilding confidence and momentum Shifting mindset through progress and recognition Why the narrative you create shapes the team you become Moving away from labels and towards a new identity Takeaways A clearer understanding of what sits behind “underperformance” in procurement teams Practical insight into how leaders can diagnose and respond more effectively A reminder that performance issues are often rooted in environment, not individuals Encouragement to lead with clarity, visibility and trust to rebuild momentum Hosted by: Donna Bowden | Procurement Career Coach, Narrate Your Career Laura Sellers | Executive and Leadership Coach, Coaching for Procurement New episodes weekly: Listen on Apple and Spotify Watch on YouTube: Procurement Pivots Follow us on LinkedIn: Procurement Pivots Are you seeing underperformance… or something else? Message us via the Procurement Pivots LinkedIn page or reach out to Donna or Laura directly.

Send us Fan Mail “Tell me about yourself.” It sounds simple. But in reality, it’s one of the most important and most underutilised questions in your procurement career. It shows up everywhere: Interviews. Stakeholder meetings. Networking conversations. New projects. And how you answer it shapes how people see you. In this episode of Procurement Pivots, Donna and Laura explore why this question carries so much weight, and how procurement professionals can use it more intentionally to build confidence, credibility and influence. Because this isn’t about walking through your CV. It’s about positioning. In this episode we explore: Why this question matters more than most people realise How your answer shapes perception, credibility and opportunity The common mistakes procurement professionals make Chronological answers that miss the opportunity to position your value Why this isn’t about selling yourself The difference between self-promotion and helping others understand your impact How to structure a strong and confident answer Present positioning, what you’re known for and why it matters Why relevance is everything Tailoring your message for interviews, stakeholders and networking How this question can set the tone in interviews One of the few moments where you control the direction of the conversation Why your professional identity goes beyond your job title Especially important when you’re between roles or navigating change How to evolve your message as your career develops Keeping your positioning aligned to where you’re going next Takeaways A clearer understanding of why this is one of the most important questions in your procurement career A practical structure to answer it with confidence and clarity A reminder that if people don’t understand your value, they won’t recognise it Encouragement to be intentional with how you position yourself in every interaction Hosted by: Donna Bowden | Procurement Career Coach, Narrate Your Career Laura Sellers | Executive and Leadership Coach, Coaching for Procurement New episodes weekly: Listen on Apple and Spotify Watch on YouTube: Procurement Pivots Follow us on LinkedIn: Procurement Pivots How are you currently answering “Tell me about yourself”? Message us via the Procurement Pivots LinkedIn page or reach out to Donna or Laura directly.

Send us Fan Mail Procurement career growth often feels uncomfortable. As procurement careers evolve, many professionals are being asked to step into greater visibility, leadership and influence. You may want more impact, more progression or a more aligned role. But stepping outside your comfort zone, whether that’s speaking up in meetings, building your presence on LinkedIn or developing leadership confidence, can feel unfamiliar and uncertain. In this episode of Procurement Pivots, Donna and Laura explore why discomfort is a natural and necessary part of career growth, and how to navigate it with more clarity and intention. Because staying where it feels comfortable may feel safe, but it often leads to stalled procurement career progression. In this episode we explore: Why procurement career growth feels uncomfortable The gap between where you are today and where you want to get to How the comfort zone can quietly hold you back Why staying where things feel safe can limit progression, visibility and career development The three zones of growth: comfort, stretch and panic Understanding where confidence is built and where it can be lost Why many procurement professionals overwhelm themselves before they start Jumping straight to the end goal rather than breaking it down into manageable steps How to take practical, incremental steps forward Building confidence and leadership presence through action, not overthinking Rethinking visibility and influence in procurement Why you don’t need to be the loudest voice to have impact with stakeholders Applying this to real scenarios From speaking up in meetings to using LinkedIn more intentionally without needing to post Why clarity reduces fear Separating what is genuinely challenging from what feels overwhelming Takeaways A clearer understanding of why discomfort is part of procurement career growth A practical framework to help you step outside your comfort zone with more confidence A reminder that consistent stretch drives career progression, not big leaps Encouragement to stop waiting for confidence and start building it through action Hosted by: Donna Bowden | Procurement Career Coach, Narrate Your Career Laura Sellers | Executive and Leadership Coach, Coaching for Procurement New episodes weekly: Listen on Apple and Spotify Watch on YouTube: Procurement Pivots Follow us on LinkedIn: Procurement Pivots What is currently sitting just outside your comfort zone in your procurement career? Message us via the Procurement Pivots LinkedIn page or reach out to Donna or Laura directly.

Send us Fan Mail Procurement careers are evolving at pace. The remit is expanding. Expectations are rising. Pressure is increasing. Yet in many organisations, learning and development support has reduced, shifted or become less personalised. Some procurement professionals receive strong internal investment. Others receive very little. Even within the same organisation, the level of development can vary significantly. In this episode of Procurement Pivots, Donna and Laura explore what we are calling the Procurement Development Gap. This is the space between where your career is heading and the skills, capability and confidence you are intentionally building. Career acceleration rarely happens by accident. It happens through clarity, ownership and aligned investment. In this episode we explore: Why the L&D landscape has shifted in procurement > How reduced or inconsistent development support is impacting procurement careers What the Procurement Development Gap really looks like > The difference between evolving role expectations and personal capability building How to carry out a meaningful gap analysis > Identifying where you are now, where you want to go and what may be holding you back Why progression is often about leadership presence, influence and impact > Not just technical or category expertise Avoiding overwhelm in an age of information overload > How to prioritise what will genuinely move the needle The ROI of investing in your own professional development > Considering time, energy and financial investment with intention How to build a business case for support > Why development conversations can form part of annual reviews, salary discussions and retention strategies The power of accountability and aligned support > From coaching and mentoring to peer conversations and targeted learning Takeaways A clearer understanding of the Procurement Development Gap Practical guidance on prioritising procurement professional development with intention Encouragement to move from passive provision to proactive ownership A reminder that investing in yourself is strategic Hosted by: Donna Bowden | Procurement Career Coach, Narrate Your Career Laura Sellers | Executive and Leadership Coach, Coaching for Procurement New episodes weekly: Listen on Apple and Spotify Watch on YouTube: Procurement Pivots Follow us on LinkedIn: Procurement Pivots What development gap are you currently closing in your procurement career? Message us via the Procurement Pivots LinkedIn page or reach out to Donna or Laura directly.

Send us Fan Mail Communication sits at the heart of every procurement career. You can be technically strong, commercially capable and consistently deliver results. But if your communication does not land, your influence, credibility and progression can stall. In this episode, Donna and Laura explore why communication is one of the most powerful differentiators in procurement today. They discuss how self-awareness shapes the way you show up, why your style must evolve as your stakeholder audience becomes more senior, and how subtle shifts in tone, pace and language can significantly elevate how you are perceived. They also explore how AI and remote working are diluting personal voice, why many procurement professionals feel unheard or undervalued, and how influence is built through clarity rather than volume. If you want to operate more strategically, strengthen your presence and gain influence without compromising who you are, this conversation is for you. In this episode we explore Why communication underpins influence in procurement How your ability to translate procurement value into business language shapes how seriously you are taken. Understanding your natural communication style Why self-awareness is the foundation for confidence, adaptability and stronger stakeholder relationships. Tactical versus strategic communication How tone, clarity and delivery must evolve as your stakeholder audience becomes more senior. Confidence, perception and personal brand How posture, word choice and presence influence how others interpret your capability. The risk of diluted voice How AI-generated content and remote working can weaken your impact if you are not intentional. Influence without politics How to navigate communication dynamics while maintaining integrity and authenticity. Takeaways A clearer understanding of how communication shapes procurement career progression. Practical reflection points to help you identify where your current style is working and where small shifts could elevate your impact. Encouragement to communicate for the level you want to operate at, not just the role you currently hold. A reminder that influence is built through clarity, confidence and intentionality. Hosted by Donna Bowden | Procurement Career Coach, Narrate Your Career Laura Sellers | Executive and Leadership Coach, Coaching for Procurement New episodes weekly Listen on Apple and Spotify Watch on YouTube: Procurement Pivots Follow us on LinkedIn: Procurement Pivots Want to shape what comes next or suggest a topic? Message us via the Procurement Pivots LinkedIn page or reach out to Donna or Laura directly.