First, I’d like to wish every CPO Crunch reader a happy new year and all the best for 2025 – with all the challenges and adventures it’s likely to bring.
Before the holidays, I spent a little time sharing how readers might want to prepare for a period of profound uncertainty, increasingly local-first strategies and internal competition for investment in AI. While these are three important areas that CPOs must focus on in 2025, they are three among many.
From the collaborations and interactions that we facilitated for members of the Procurement Leaders community in 2024, some recurring themes included: the design of operating models to support a more customer- and stakeholder-centric approach; talent strategies to facilitate how CPOs build future-ready functions; and a growing focus on building stronger cultures among increasingly complex working environments.
All of these are linked to the increasingly strategic – and board-relevant – nature of the function. As we have said multiple times in the past two or three years, procurement and supply chain is business-critical, investor-relevant and becoming more so each month.
That’s why one of the areas I feel CPOs must focus on more deeply and deliberately this year is building a better board presence.
By this, I mean push the narrative of procurement and supply chain further, more frequently and with greater clarity to the executive committee and board. Work with professional communicators to develop the message, and ensure you provide timely insights to the CEO and executive committee regularly and with purpose.
Some might consider working with a mentor or coach to help them finesse their approach. I often hear of CPOs working with a coach as they take on new roles, but rarely when they are established in post and looking to develop their existing capabilities.
With all that’s going on in the world, and with the opportunity to drive impact across so many different areas, now might be a good time to develop this vital skill.
WPA 2025: One week until entries close
Monday 13 January marks the deadline to enter the World Procurement Awards 2025. With procurement playing such a central role in so many of the biggest challenges and opportunities society faces, the need to recognise and celebrate the very best of the function has never been greater.
Make sure you make the most of this unique opportunity to shine a spotlight on the projects, individuals and teams that you’re rightly proud of.
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