Rebuild Procurement Podcast

Join Tom, Alan and Michael on Rebuild Procurement as they dive into the overlooked—but high-stakes—world of real estate in procurement. 
From 15-year leases that outlast CEOs to landlords who'd rather sit on empty buildings than negotiate, real estate can be a strategic landmine. Special guest Michael Katz, a real estate SME with 30+ years of experience, unpacks why flexibility is gold, how to dodge restoration traps, and ...

Join Tom and Alan on Rebuild Procurement as they take a look at whether procurement is undergoing an evolution or a revolution, and why AI couldn't quite ace the International Math Olympiad. Discover Alan's seven eras of procurement, from ancient temple provisioning to the current category management craze. Ever wondered if tariffs are actually helping or just making GM profits take a nosedive? Learn why planting a tree t...

Join Tom and Alan on Rebuild Procurement as they take a look at the evolving landscape of coding, SaaS, and the future of corporate structures. Discover why Tom's been spending his free time coding and Alan's hot take on the impending "death of SaaS" might just change how you view procurement. Ever wondered if you could code your way out of paying for that overpriced software? Learn how enterprises are starting ...

Join Tom Finn today on Rebuild Procurement as he takes a look at the game-changing study exposing how AI like ChatGPT is rewiring our brains—and what it means for procurement’s future. Discover why outsourcing your thinking to AI could turn your critical skills into a "use it or lose it" scenario, leaving your brain lazier than a Monday morning. Learn how generative AI’s "cognitive debt" risks creating a workfor...

Join Tom and Alan on Rebuild Procurement as they take a look at the mysterious world of the airplane black box — spoiler alert: it’s neither black nor a box! Discover the incredible materials and high-tech engineering that make these orange survival champions tough enough to withstand fiery crashes and ocean depths. Learn how a combination of titanium, thermal blankets, and advanced memory chips come together to tell the story when...

Join Tom and Alan on Rebuild Procurement as they take a look at the fascinating journey of the soccer ball, from pig bladders to high-tech, sensor-embedded precision spheres. Discover how material science and global sourcing shape every kick on the field—because even soccer balls have a supply chain that’s a real goal! Learn why Pakistan stitches over 70% of the world’s premium balls by hand and how innovation is kicking in with co...

Join Tom and Alan on Rebuild Procurement as they take a look at the fascinating evolution and complex sourcing behind the humble golf ball. Discover how a small ball made from layers of oil-based materials can make or break your drive—and your wallet! Learn why marketing and endorsements might cost more than the raw materials, and how Massachusetts became the unexpected hub for golf ball manufacturing. Ever wonder what’s inside tha...

Join Tom and Alan on Rebuild Procurement as they take a look at the fascinating evolution of tennis rackets, from humble wooden frames to high-tech composites. Discover how material science and clever sourcing have transformed the game, making rackets lighter, stronger, and more precise than ever. Learn why your tennis racket strings might have more in common with your favorite hot dog casing than you think! And if you thought tenn...

Join Tom and Alan on Rebuild Procurement as they take a look at the surprising story behind the American flag and how its iconic stars and stripes are sourced today. Discover why modern flags are more about polymers and plastics than old-fashioned fabric, making “Old Glory” more like “Oil Glory" with modern day materials. Learn the secrets behind the brass grommets, lifetime sewing threads, and why even flags have a supply cha...

Join Tom and Alan on Rebuild Procurement as they take a look at the surprising petrochemical origins of the gum you chew every day and how that sticky treat is sourced from global oil giants. Discover how the beloved sweet treat is sourced from oil, making you wonder if you're really chewing on a barrel of crude! Learn about the fascinating history of Wrigley and how they transformed the gum industry with innovative sourcing. ...

Join Tom and Alan on Rebuild Procurement as they take a look at how AI is becoming the ultimate cybernetic teammate, boosting team performance and making work feel less like a grind and more like a coffee break. Discover surprising insights from a Wharton professor’s experiment showing why your next best coworker might just be a smart algorithm. Dive into the latest twists in US-China tariff negotiations, where 10% is the new 125%,...

Join Tom and Alan on Rebuild Procurement as they take a look at the surprising supply chain challenges behind your favorite creamy avocado and why Chipotle might soon be saying “86” to guacamole. Discover how geopolitics and tariffs are shaking up the global fighter jet industry and what that means for the world’s most expensive airplane parts. Learn why a $5 component can ground an $80 million F-35—and how supply chains are more i...

Join Tom and Alan on Rebuild Procurement, with special guest Mike Brough from Starbucks, as they take a look at the captivating journey of how your favorite cup of coffee is sourced, from farm to cup. On this very first edition of "How It's Sourced, discover the critical role of procurement in the supply chain and the unseen efforts that guarantee quality and sustainability as Mike shares fascinating insights on sourcing ...

Join Tom and Alan on Rebuild Procurement as they take a look at Chinese tariff impacts on the procurement landscape. What is the essential art of driving procurement results beyond mere savings? Discover why aligning stakeholder expectations and communicating impact is the secret to procurement success. Explore the power of strategic category management paired with specialized execution teams to maximize value. Learn how tenacity a...

Join Tom and Alan on Rebuild Procurement as they take a look at the critical role of category management in driving procurement success. Discover how understanding stakeholder dynamics can elevate your procurement strategies and enhance organizational alignment. Explore the powerful Kraljic Matrix framework and its implications for effective spend management. Learn why balancing centralized and decentralized procurement is essentia...

Join Tom and Alan on Rebuild Procurement as they discuss the recent tariffs imposed by the U.S. government, exploring their implications for procurement teams within various sectors of the economy, particularly manufacturing and professional services. They delve into the concept of anchoring in negotiations, the need for reshoring manufacturing back to the U.S., and the potential impacts on the five largest industries in the countr...

Join Tom and Alan on Rebuild Procurement as they take a look at stakeholder experience, now considered the number one most important thing to focus on in procurement. They’ll dive into the importance of intake, implementation, and service levels, including real-world examples of procurement organizations. Discover how procurement can build strong relationships by operating as a customer service function and the value of viewing sta...

Join Tom and Alan on Rebuild Procurement as they take a look at the thrilling world of corporate espionage in the procurement space. Discover the shocking allegations surrounding Deal and Rippling that have sent ripples through the industry. Uncover the transformative strategies that procurement teams must adopt to stay ahead in an ever-evolving landscape. Explore the importance of stakeholder experience in making procurement a sea...

Join Tom and Alan on Rebuild Procurement as they take a look at the intriguing dynamics between merchandising and procurement at Costco. Discover how Costco's strategic shift from American Express to Visa reshaped their customer experience and financial model. Explore the critical role of procurement professionals in negotiating favorable terms that impact the bottom line. Learn about the unique skill sets required for merchan...