Ep 229: Procurement as a Talent Launching Pad feat. Pamela Gerber

In The Sourcing Hero podcast, host Kelly Barner interviews Pamela Gerber, a seasoned sourcing and procurement professional, about the challenges of establishing a strong talent foundation in procurement, particularly in strategic sourcing. Pamela shares her unconventional journey into procurement, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and continuous learning. The discussion covers the confusion surrounding procurement titles, the impact of market conditions and technology like AI, and the necessity of soft skills alongside technical expertise. Pamela highlights the value of relationship-building and communication in successful negotiations and career advancement. She also touches on the trend of professionals transitioning out of procurement into other business areas, viewing procurement as a launching pad for diverse opportunities. Finally, Pamela defines heroism in a business context as companies that prioritize doing the right thing, supporting their employees, and using their business as a platform for good.