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In this episode of SRM Focus, host Suzanna Bryant sits down with Sally Guy, CEO of World Commerce & Contracting, to explore how artificial intelligence is accelerating sustainability in global supply chains.

From ESG risk monitoring to building stronger supplier partnerships, AI is rapidly reshaping how organizations manage sustainability. Sally shares real-world examples—from Coca-Cola’s real-time ESG monitoring to Unilever’s use of satellite AI to detect deforestation—showing how leading companies are moving from reactive to proactive risk management.

The conversation goes beyond compliance to uncover how AI helps organizations:

• Assess ESG performance holistically, including environmental, social, and governance factors.
• Spot hidden risks and opportunities by analyzing vast datasets from audit reports, disclosures, media, and social channels.
• Support suppliers through shared responsibility models, training, and ecosystem collaboration.
• Reduce waste and emissions, illustrated by Walmart’s AI-driven approach to food freshness and inventory planning.

Sally and Suzanna also address the risks and governance considerations associated with AI adoption, including data bias, false positives, and the technology's environmental impact. Listeners will gain practical advice on integrating AI into SRM systems, from starting small with modular tools and pilots to scaling proven solutions across regions and commodities.

Whether you’re just beginning to explore AI or looking to deepen your ESG impact, this episode offers clear strategies, inspiring case studies, and actionable insights for SRM and sustainability professionals alike.

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In this episode of SRM Focus, host Zuzanna Briant dives into one of the most intriguing challenges in supplier relationship management: the paradox of supplier knowledge sharing. Why do suppliers really share their expertise with buyers? What hidden risks emerge when relationships become too close? And how can organizations strike the right balance between trust, collaboration, and formal governance?

Joining Zuzanna is Dr. Jie Chen, researcher at Leeds University Business School and an expert in buyer–supplier relationship dynamics. Drawing on fresh research, Dr. Chen reveals the key motivators behind supplier knowledge sharing, from commercial incentives to relational trust, and explains why close ties aren’t always as beneficial as they appear. While strong relationships can unlock collaboration and innovation, they also carry a “dark side” — risks of dependency, reduced objectivity, and misaligned incentives that can undermine long-term value.

Throughout the discussion, Zuzanna and Dr. Chen unpack:

• The real drivers that encourage suppliers to share knowledge with buyers.
• Why relationship dynamics matter just as much as contractual frameworks.
• What the “dark side” of overly embedded relationships looks like in practice.
• How these risks affect supplier motivations and buyer outcomes.
• Why relational motives often remain powerful, even when other benefits decline.
• The warning signs SRM professionals should watch for when managing close partnerships.
• Practical strategies for balancing trust and collaboration with structure and accountability.

Listeners will come away with a nuanced understanding of how to foster knowledge sharing without falling into relational traps. The conversation highlights the importance of both relational governance (trust, rapport, collaboration) and formal governance (contracts, clear rules, safeguards) in creating supplier relationships that are not only productive but also resilient.

Whether you’re a procurement leader, SRM professional, or business manager seeking to strengthen supplier partnerships, this episode provides actionable insights on building relationships that deliver sustainable value — without succumbing to the hidden risks of over-embedded ties.

Tune in to hear how to keep your supplier relationships healthy, balanced, and truly collaborative.

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In this episode of SRM Focus, host Zuzanna Briant sits down with leadership and AI expert Volker Ballueder to explore how emotional intelligence transforms contract management and supplier relationships. Discover why trust is the foundation of every agreement, the essential EI skills for negotiations, and how to preserve human connection in an age of automation and AI. Packed with practical advice—from active listening to managing stress and building resilience—this conversation will help you lead with empathy, navigate conflict, and strengthen long-term partnerships.