#Stakeholder management is not a soft skill.

It’s a strategic capability.

The success of #procurement initiatives is rarely decided by processes or tools. It’s decided by alignment, trust, and influence.

High-performing procurement #leaders:

1. Engage stakeholders early — before decisions are locked

2. Translate procurement strategy into business outcomes

3. Balance commercial logic with organizational realities

4. Build long-term credibility, not short-term compliance

The best savings ideas fail without stakeholder buy-in. The best stakeholder relationships multiply value far beyond cost. In modern procurement, stakeholder management is value management.

#StakeholderManagement #ProcurementLeadership #StrategicProcurement #BusinessInfluence #LeadershipSkills #ValueCreation #theprocurementplaybook

We saved 15% on rates. Our costs still went up. Here’s why most procurement teams get category management wrong.

Category management isn’t about managing suppliers — it’s about managing business outcomes. But most organizations treat it like a sourcing calendar: run tenders, negotiate prices, report savings. Rinse and repeat.

In this video, I break down a real example of how one organization transformed their IT consulting spend — not by negotiating harder, but by thinking differently.

The shift? Moving from “How do we get lower rates?” to “How do we reduce total cost and increase delivery value?”

**What you’ll learn:**

✅ Why focusing only on rates leads to higher total costs

✅ The difference between tactical sourcing and strategic category management

✅ How to map demand and align stakeholders for real results

✅ The tiered supplier model that reduced costs AND improved delivery

✅ How procurement moves from gatekeeper to strategic advisor

Great category managers think in ecosystems, not vendors. They shape demand, understand markets and risks, and know where partnerships create competitive advantage.

If you’re in procurement, supply chain, or category management — this is for you.

**Category management isn’t about buying better. It’s about enabling the business to perform better.**

👉 Subscribe for more procurement and category management insights!

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#CategoryManagement #Procurement #StrategicSourcing #SupplyChain #ProcurementStrategy #CostReduction #SupplierManagement #BusinessStrategy #ProcurementLeadership #StrategicProcurement #CategoryStrategy #SupplyChainManagement #CostSavings #ProcurementTips #B2BProcurement #SourcingStrategy #ProcurementExcellence #SupplyChainStrategy #BusinessOutcomes #ProcurementTransformation

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Welcome to The Procurement Playbook—your go-to podcast for actionable insights, expert interviews, and real-world strategies in procurement and supply chain management. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just curious about the field, this podcast has something for everyone.

Hosted by procurement expert Deepak Kamboj, The Procurement Playbook delves into the strategies, trends, and innovations that are shaping the future of procurement. In each episode, Deepak brings you thought-provoking discussions, industry best practices, and practical advice that you can apply immediately in your business.

In this episode of The Procurement Playbook, we dive into the European Union AI Act— a groundbreaking framework set to redefine how artificial intelligence is developed, deployed, and governed. From banning AI systems deemed a threat to fundamental rights to setting stringent rules for high-risk applications like healthcare diagnostics and biometric identification, the Act is paving the way for a safer, more transparent AI-driven future.

We’ll explore:

• ​The EU’s risk-based approach, categorizing AI into Unacceptable, High, Limited, and Minimal/No Risk.
• ​Real-world examples of how the Act impacts industries, from medical AI tools to chatbots.
• ​Transparency obligations for general-purpose AI models and what they mean for developers and businesses.
• ​Why the EU AI Act is more than legislation—it’s a global call to action for ethical AI innovation.

Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, business leader, or procurement professional, this episode is your guide to understanding the Act’s far-reaching implications. Tune in to learn how this landmark regulation is shaping the global AI landscape—and what it means for you.

Subscribe now and join the conversation about the future of AI governance. Let’s shape tomorrow, today.

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@theprocurementplaybook

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theprocurementplaybook

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deepakkambojofficial

Thanks, Deepak

Welcome to the first episode of The Procurement Playbook !

Join me Deepak Kamboj as I explores the art and science of procurement. With over 15 years of experience in procurement and vendor management, I will provides valuable insights into how procurement drives organizational success. In each episode, you’ll learn about the fundamentals of procurement, the importance of ethical sourcing, risk management strategies, emerging technologies and trends and much more.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your career in procurement, this podcast is packed with practical tips and expert advice to help you excel in the field.

In this episode, we dive deep into the fundamentals of procurement, exploring how this essential function impacts organizational success. Learn about key roles like procurement managers and buyers, the strategic importance of ethical sourcing, transparency, and risk management. Whether you’re new to procurement or a seasoned professional, this episode offers valuable insights to help you excel.

Don’t forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes!

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@theprocurementplaybook

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theprocurementplaybook

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deepakkambojofficial

Thanks, Deepak