Let's Talk Procurement
Welcome to "Let's Talk Procurement" - the procurement podcast where Lukes 1 and 10 navigate the wild world of purchasing with a side of humour and a dash of dad jokes. đď¸ Join Luke 1, the procurement prodigy, and Luke 10, the tender-hearted jokester, as they untangle the knotty world of supply chains and contracts, one laugh at a time. From negotiating deals to chasing down the best bulk discounts, these Lukes have it all covered â and yes, they'll probably throw in a few puns along the way. Take a break from the text books & join us on the journey to procurement enlightenment served with a smile and a sprinkle of procurement magic! đâ¨
Feel free to get in touch with us on our socials or 2lukes1cip@gmail.com.
https://linktr.ee/letstalkprocurement
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are like coffee preferences â diverse and subject to change. The hosts may spill the beans on their thoughts, but they don't claim to be everyone's cup of tea. Listener discretion is advised. Remember, it's all in good fun and the only thing brewed here is a blend of entertainment and conversation with a hint of education. Sip responsibly! âđď¸
Episodes
69 episodes
S3.E9 How Procurement Thinking Can Stretch A South America Travel Budget
Forty-seven and a half hours before a flight, Luke admits he has not packed, has no local currency, and only has a rough budget for a four to six month backpacking trip across Central and South America. So we do what we do best: drag travel pla...
S3.E8. Has Procurement got..Easier? 1990s CIPS v 2026 CIPS
A listener asks a simple question that every procurement professional should take personally: what can we do right now to stay future-proof over the next five years? Our first instinct is to joke about AI hype and quitting to âfind yourselfâ, b...
S3.E7. The final Procurement assignment: Does Luke 10 get his CIPS?
We turn a silly pun challenge into a serious guide to passing the Advanced Practitioner project and building change that lasts. It ends with a live CIPS results reveal at the airport and a cheer as the plane boards. Will Luke 10 get his final p...
S3. E6. Procurement Frameworks Made Simple, Really Simple
We answer a listenerâs question on breaking into procurement, then unpack how frameworks speed buying while staying compliant. Along the way we share real CCS evaluation insight, social value pitfalls, and where a DPS can beat a framework.<...
S3. E5. We Share Big Life Updates And Tease A Packed Procurement Lineup For 2026
We share a quick checkâin from a cold January, outline whatâs coming in 2026, and talk through Lukeâs sabbatical plans with a mix of jokes and practical next steps. From a CIPS tutor session to vintage exam papers, we set a path for useful, hum...
S3.E4. Data Protection Essentials for Procurement Professionals
Ever wonder how much personal data passes through your contracts, emails, and supplier handshakes? We sat down with Sara, a compliance lead who lives at the intersection of data protection, information security, and business continuity, to tran...
S3.E4. From Setbacks To Passes: Practical CIPS Procurement Exam Retake Strategies
Ever failed an exam and felt like it defined you? Weâve been there, and today we unpack a practical, no-fluff plan to turn repeated CIPS Level 4 setbacks into momentum. Starting from Kareemâs email, we map the exact steps to recover confidence ...
S3.E3. How Procurement Automation Wins Trust, Time and Stakeholder Buy-in
Ever wish stakeholders called procurement first, not last? We dig into a live MCIPS Corporate Award project aimed at fixing exactly that, using three leversâprocurement efficiency, process automation and behavioural insightsâto make early engag...
S3.E2. Porter's Five Forces Explains Sportswear Buying Industry
A chance encounter at a wedding with a sportswear buyer kicks off a fast, funny, and deeply practical tour of the football kit business. We break down the hidden economics behind those ÂŁ70 shirts using Porterâs Five Forces, showing where brand ...
S3. E1 Why tariffs raise pricesâand what smart buyers can do about it
Tariffs can feel like a policy headlineâuntil they hit your PO, your budget, and your delivery dates. We unpack what a tariff really is, why governments reach for it, and how those choices cascade through price, lead time, and supplier behaviou...
Let's Talk Procurement Season Three, For Real This Time
We draw a clear line: season three starts now with a sharper format, stronger guests, and a promise to keep the humour while raising the bar. We share whatâs comingâCIPS tutors, practical topics like data protection and team design, and a stead...
S2. E31. Ship Happens: Global Trade Disruption Duck Up
A single ship lodged sideways for six days. Global trade paralyzed. Billions of dollars in goods delayed. The Ever Given incident in the Suez Canal wasn't just a maritime mishapâit was a wake-up call for procurement professionals everywhere.
S2. E30 The Next Wave: Gen Z in Procurement
What does Generation Z want from a career in procurement? And are industry bodies like CIPS missing the mark completely when trying to attract young talent?In this thought-provoking episode, we dissect a recent CIPS article attempting t...
S2. E29. When Contract and Category Management Collide: CIPS Assignment Survival Story
Have you ever submitted an assignment and immediately thought "I've definitely failed that one"? In this candid episode, Luke 10 takes us through his experience with the dreaded Category Management and Contract Management combined assignment fo...
S2. E28. Why you should NOT become a procurement person. Become a business person instead!
What makes the difference between an average procurement professional and a genuinely influential business partner? The answer might surprise you â it's not just procurement expertise, but genuine business acumen that transforms your impact.
S2. E27. Learn These Important Procurement Acronyms: Decoding Procurement Buzzwords
Ever feel like procurement professionals are speaking an entirely different language? You're not alone. In this episode, we tackle the cryptic world of procurement acronyms â those seemingly innocent letter combinations that can make or break y...
S2. E26. What is the Dream Procurement Job?
What does your dream procurement job look like? That's the question at the heart of this revealing episode where we open up about our ideal roles in the procurement world.The episode takes an unexpected personal turn with the announcemen...
S2. E25. How to Smash CIPS Multiple Choice Exams (Tips from a 90% Achiever)
Want to learn about CIPS Objective Response (OR) exams? This episode delivers exactly what you need to succeed.We're joined by Nic, a procurement professional from a multi-generational procurement dynasty, who shares how he's achieved a...
S2. E24. CIPS Essay Route (Part 3): Global Strategic Supply Chain Management. Including Live Results!!
The hosts discuss global strategic supply chain management while revealing Luke 10s third assignment results live.Lowlights⢠Haircuts and barber experiences sets a light tone for the episode⢠Celebration of reaching 6,000...
S2.E23. The Real Work: What Procurement Professionals Actually Do Daily
We dive deep into what procurement professionals actually do day-to-day, breaking down misconceptions and revealing the strategic value behind the function. Sharing personal experiences, we explore how procurement is about far more than simply ...
S2. E22. The Path to Procurement Excellence (Career growth)
Our hosts discuss practical strategies for progressing in a procurement career, covering everything from education pathways to handling imposter syndrome and building influential stakeholder relationships.⢠Multiple pathways into procur...
S2. E21. Navigating the CIPS Essay Route (Assignment 2: Commercial Management)
We discuss the challenges and unexpected triumphs of tackling the CIPS Commercial Management in Procurement module, revealing Luke 10's results to you listeners and Luke live on this recording.⢠Deep dive into the content of the Commerc...
S2. E20. Statements of Work: When, Why, and How to Use Them in Procurement (SOWs)
Confused about Statements of Work (SOWs)? You're not alone! We cut through the jargon to reveal what truly matters in this essential procurement document.We start by addressing a common misconception that procurement professionals simpl...
S2.E19. From Classroom to Career: A Procurement Graduate's Journey
Ever wondered if there's a more direct route into procurement than the typical "falling into it" story most professionals share? In our fascinating conversation with Loren, we uncover the surprising world of dedicated procurement degrees and ho...
S2.E 18. Strategic Procurement in 2025's Tech-Driven World (Short Episode)
Today's discussion unveils the five procurement trends set to dominate in 2025, highlighting the critical role of technology, sustainability, and collaboration. We explore how these trends will reshape decision-making processes and supplier rel...