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In this week’s episode of The Never-Ending Climb to Stronger Supply Chain and Procurement for Companies Running SAP, I host the esteemed Katie McEwan, better known as The Procurement Girl as she shares her tips for building a thriving procurement career.
What I love about the way Katie shows up both in this episode and on her own platforms, is how her why goes back to supporting the community and the underdog. If you don’t get a chance to watch the full episode, some of my favourite takeaways were …
🧐 Embrace Your Limitations 🧐
In her words, she found her path by embracing her limitations.
She goes on to state that each organization is a unique puzzle, and one-size-fits-all advice falls short. Therefore, building your career in procurement requires finding mentors and joining networks.
Katie has built her career by acknowledging her own limitations and embracing the fact that she wouldn’t have all the answers. Every organization is unique, and providing one-size-fits-all advice is futile. It would take years to truly understand the intricacies of any given organization.
That's why I'm a strong advocate for software companies that roll up their sleeves and work side by side with procurement pros.
They understand that true value extraction from tools requires a hands-on approach.
🎯 Become a Specialist 🎯
Katie's second nugget of wisdom is to wholeheartedly embrace your role as a procurement specialist.
Instead of constantly chasing new categories or corporate promotions, focus on becoming an expert in your specific field.
This path transforms you into an indispensable asset for your organization.
🎉 Celebrating Achievements and Cultivating a Supportive Community 🎉
Many procurement professionals, especially those working alone or in small teams, often feel underappreciated and overwhelmed.
Katie's advice for them is simple yet powerful: celebrate your achievements and meticulously document them.
Even if your leadership doesn't take notice, maintaining a record of your successes can boost your confidence and serve as a valuable resource in the future.
Katie also emphasizes the importance of building a supportive network and finding mentors within the procurement domain.
✨ In Conclusion: Thriving in Procurement ✨
In a world where procurement professionals encounter a flood of advice and high expectations, it's crucial to stay grounded, specialize, and establish a robust support network.
Katie McEwan's insights underscore the significance of embracing your role, critically assessing guidance, and looking to mentors and the community to keep growing.
Who else do you look up to for coaching in the procurement space?