In this episode of Proc & Roll, hosts Conrad Smith, Natasha Gurevich, and Zachary Bachir dive into Phase Two of Stakeholder Management while confronting the breaking disruption of AI agents.
The episode kicks off with a look at shifting global tariffs and the sudden rise of "Clawdbot", an AI agent capable of operating independently across your computer and files. The team debates a startling question: Is traditional procurement orchestration dead? As AI enables every business unit to have a virtual CPO (like the hypothetical "Tasha" bot) , procurement must shift away from being process gatekeepers to becoming strategic conductors of the enterprise.
The second half of the episode is a rapid-fire Q&A on the hard truths of Stakeholder Management, covering everything from rogue spend to hostile business partners.
Key Topics Covered:
The AI Agent Revolution: How independent AI agents might run the entire end-to-end sourcing process in the near future.
Savings vs. Speed: Knowing when to stop a stakeholder's process to protect the enterprise, and when to get out of the way.
Earning Your Seat: Why a seat at the executive table must be earned through strategic value, not mandated by policy.
Rethinking Maverick Spend: Why eliminating 100% of shadow procurement might make you more enemies than friends, and how to enable speed-to-market within compliant boundaries.
Enterprise KPIs: Shifting from functional procurement goals (like cost savings) to OKRs tied directly to enterprise revenue and operating margins.
The 7% Autopilot Rule: How technology will run 93% of procurement processes, leaving human professionals to "fly the plane" for the critical 3-7% of strategic decisions.
Navigating "Red" Stakeholders: Practical strategies for dealing with hostile relationships, from falling back on governance to knowing when it's time to simply step away.
About Proc & Roll:
Proc & Roll is your guide to practical procurement. Hosted by industry veterans Conrad Smith, Natasha Gurevich, and Zachary Bachir, the podcast brings together global minds to tackle the reality of modern supply chains, technology, and leadership. From navigating the rapid disruption of AI agents to mastering the soft skills of stakeholder management, Proc & Roll delivers the insights you need to elevate your career and drive true enterprise value.
