asked to contribute in front of an audience that big – even as a straight , white , male – was a big deal for me and something I take a lot of personal pride in .
Q . WHAT INSPIRES YOU ?
» In my experience , indirect procurement is under-represented or overlooked in so many companies , across sectors and even in the discipline of supply chain itself . I think that dynamic is beginning to shift , and I get a lot of energy out of being one of the voices who ’ s challenging to change that perception in the field . . Q . WHAT IS THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU HAVE RECEIVED WHEN TRYING TO CLIMB THE LADDER IN THE PROCUREMENT INDUSTRY ?
» Ask ‘ Why ?’ and ask it often . I find that , often , we do a lot of things in procurement because of history or common practice or something similar . But that doesn ’ t mean its what we ‘ should ’ do . For example : if your business doesn ’ t want a category strategy and it doesn ’ t help them , then why do it ? Adjust what you produce to what the business needs !
Q . WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING TO DO OUTSIDE OF WORK ?
» I have a nine and six year old , so work is often a reprieve from very busy evening and weekend schedules ! But , when I do get some free time , it ’ s hard to keep me off a lake or river with a fishing rod in my hand . I love being outdoors !
“ WE ’ VE WORKED HARD TO RECRUIT TOP TALENT AND EVERYONE AROUND ME IS A LOT SMARTER THAN ME AND MORE WORLDLY THAN I AM . I FIND THAT MOTIVATING AND INTRIGUING ”
REAGAN SMITH
Worked at Expedia Group : February 2022 - present
Previous Companies : Dell Technologies ; DXC Technology ; Bank of America ; Mayer , Smith & Roberts ; and Visa
Education : B . A . in Business Management from Louisiana State University ; MBA in
Business from Texas Tech University - Rawls College of Business ; and J . D . in Law from Texas Tech University School of Law
Skills : Risk management , strategic sourcing , banking , business process improvement , business intelligence , process improvement , contract negotiation , leadership
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