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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.

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This week's episode tackles one of the most powerful drivers of value in Supplier Relationship Management: innovation. We'll explore quick, practical ways to stimulate supplier innovation and drive results through stronger collaboration.

We are joined by Erika Reynolds, Supplier Relationship Management Lead at the UK Cabinet Office, who shares her expert insights on enabling innovation. This discussion highlights how to identify innovative suppliers, the steps to unlock supplier-led innovation and strengthen your competitive edge. For more resources, visit www.worldcc.com.

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This episode of SRM Focus tackles the cornerstone of successful Supplier Relationship Management: communication. We'll explore crucial communication tactics designed to transform your supplier relationships, providing immediate strategies for improvement.

We are joined by Eero Halmari, an SRM expert from Valmet, who will share his valuable insights. This discussion will highlight key aspects of effective supplier dialogue, offering practical ways to foster transparent and productive interactions. Prepare to unlock the secrets to better supplier communication, vital for building strong and productive relationships. For more resources, visit www.worldcc.com.

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In this episode, Zuzanna dives into the exciting world of Artificial Intelligence and its practical applications in Supplier Relationship Management with guest Chris Atkins, Senior Supplier Manager at Lloyds Banking Group.

This episode is packed with actionable advice. Discover how AI can quickly improve supplier data analysis and learn about the key limitations to consider before implementation.

For more resources on AI and SRM, visit www.worldcc.com

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In this episode, we’re tackling a topic that’s essential to long-term supplier success but often overlooked — how SRM and contract management should work together throughout the supplier relationship.

When done right, SRM and contracting are not two separate activities. They are deeply connected, and integrating them well can unlock significant value for both buyers and suppliers.

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This week, Zuzanna welcomes Fayola-Maria Jack, CEO of Resolutiion and a leading expert in commercial dispute resolution.

Drawing on the recent WorldCC conflicts and disputes report, Fay shares crucial insights into conflict resolution within Supplier Relationship Management (SRM). Learn to identify common dispute causes like ambiguous contract terms and misaligned expectations, and how to prevent them through real-time relationship management and deep communication.

Fay also addresses ownership of SRM conflict resolution and common mistakes. Finally, she challenges the negative view of conflict, suggesting it's normal, inevitable, and an opportunity for growth.

Whether you’re a commercial and contract manager, procurement professional, supply chain enthusiast, or business leader, this episode offers valuable perspectives and practical knowledge on de-escalating conflict, active listening, and focusing on mutual benefits. Get ready to explore why supplier conflict is inevitable, how to respond effectively, and how to turn disagreements into opportunities.

Make sure to download the Conflicts and Disputes in Commercial and Contracting Relationships report.