Navigating burnout, influence, and what really matters in procurement

Tom Mills and Carl Ferrand, Head of Procurement at Specsavers, dive into the human side of procurement that doesn't often make it into job descriptions. Carl opens up about his career journey and shares honest insights about managing anxiety and burnout in a profession that can quietly take its toll.

You'll hear practical perspectives on communication strategies that actually work, why recognition matters more than most organizations realize, and how to build the kind of stakeholder relationships that make your job genuinely easier. Carl gets specific about the delicate balance between influencing decisions and falling into subservience - a challenge many procurement professionals face but few discuss openly.

The conversation tackles work-life balance head-on, exploring how to align your career with your personal values without compromising either. Carl shares what he's learned about self-awareness in procurement roles, why open communication is non-negotiable, and how to advocate for yourself and your team effectively.

This is a refreshingly real conversation about the joys and challenges of procurement work, offering insights that go beyond processes and frameworks. Whether you're early in your procurement career or a seasoned professional questioning your next move, Carl's candid reflections provide the kind of perspective that comes from lived experience.

Plus, you'll get his take on what truly makes procurement professionals effective beyond their technical skills.

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