Podcasts
The Power of 3
Learn From The Best in Procurement
Welcome to "The Power of 3" where I, Alan Day, interview leading Procurement Officers and Executives about three things that have influenced their careers. From books to bosses, from music to movies, we explore the three things that shaped their success.
Join us as we learn from the best of the business, here on the "Power of 3"!
EP11
If you know you can’t change it, embrace it
Hans Keeris, Former CTO/COO for Wilo Group
In the eleventh episode, I speak to Hans Keeris, who shares a quote from philosopher Alan Watts that resonates deeply with him: "The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it and join the dance." Hans talks about how he stopped fighting what he couldn't control and what happened when he finally let go of trying to change everything. He also shares his take on AI as a tool rather than a strategy, and he also shares his insights on leadership, particularly about motivating the people and the importance of respecting them as the foundation of effective leadership.
Three books that have influenced Hans's career:
1."The First 90 Days"- Michael Watkins
2."The Daily Stoics"- Ryan Holiday
3."Discilpline Is Destiny"- Ryan Holiday
EP10
Trust is your currency, and reputation is everything
Patrick Mcgee, Author of Apple in China
In the tenth episode, I speak to Patrick Mcgee, San Francisco correspondent for the Financial Times and author of Apple in China, a gripping investigation into how Apple’s supply chain strategy helped fuel China’s rise as a tech superpower. Patrick shares his unconventional journey, from studying religion and diplomacy to reporting across Hong Kong, Germany, and California. He reflects on formative experiences like blueberry picking in Australia, working in restaurants, and falling in love with reading, all of which shaped his thoughtful, investigate approach to journalism. He believes that trust is the true currency of reporting and that slow, careful storytelling can reveal the deepest truths. Listen and learn from one of the most insightful voices in global tech and economics here at the Power of 3.
Patrick’s book, "Apple in China" on amazon: https://a.co/d/a5EYqIx
EP09
Take risks when they present themselves
Craig Fenton, Managing Director at Google
In the ninth episode, I speak with Craig Fenton, a multi-talented businessman and entrepreneur. He has worked in technology for over 20 years and is currently MD, Strategy & Operations for Google in the UK. Craig is also an investor, mentor and founder of several start-ups, including 'Big Community Records' and 'Big Community Productions'.
Three books that influenced Craig’s career:
“Man's Search for Meaning” by Viktor E. Frankl
“Who Moved My Cheese” by Spencer Johnson
“Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow” by Yuval Noah
EP08
"If it doesn't go as planned, you'll learn from it"
Paul Gardner, CPO at Mars Pet Nutrition
In the eighth episode, I speak with Paul Gardner, an experienced Sourcing Supply Chain Executive and outstanding leader. A fascinating personality whose unique leadership style and strong management skills make him a respected coach for building world-class performing teams. Paul is a naturally open and straight-talking individual who is fully committed to delivering business performance.
Three books that influenced Paul’s career:
“Leaders Eat Last” by Simon Sinek
“Solve for Happy” by Mo Gawdat
“Turn the Ship Around” by David Marquet
EP07
"Remember, you are not on your own"
Jim Townsend, Former CPO at Walgreens Boots Alliance
In the seventh episode, I speak to Jim Townsend, former CPO of Walgreens Boots Alliance, with global experience in aerospace, minerals, retail pharmacy and distribution.
He talks about his career path from engineering to change management to procurement. Jim believes that most people actually want to help you succeed, you just need to put yourself out there for the right people to see you.
Three books that influenced Jim’s career:
“Dictatory” by Oxford Languages
“Why should anyone be led by you” by Rob Goffee, Gareth Jones
“Windswept & Interesting: My Autobiography” by Billy Connolly
EP06
"It is important that we all care a little more"
Ninian Wilson, Procurement Director at Vodafone
In the sixth episode, I speak to Ninian Wilson, a good friend that I know for 24 years. Ninian is a charismatic Scot who has worked at Vodafone for over 14 years in a variety of roles and is currently the Technology Procurement Director and CEO of Vodafone Procurement Co Sarl. Ninian shares his views on the digitalisation of procurement and how important it is that we all care a little more in many facets of our lives and work.
Be inspired by his unique way of looking at things, and listen as he shares which famous books and films that many of us know and love have inspired him.
Three books that influenced Ninians’s career:
Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
Trainspotting by Irvine Welsh
Harry Potter by J. K. Rowling
EP05
"Always embrace teamwork, always be curious"
Russ Stewart, SVP at Tyson Food
In the fifth episode, I speak with Russ Stewart, an inspiring senior executive with global Sourcing & Supply Chain experience in multiple industries such as Military, Consumer Goods, Manufacturing, and Industrial.
Russ emphasizes that you should always work on what excites you the most, and then you will automatically surpass yourself. He talks about his global work experiences in China and Japan before returning to America, his work in change management at P&G, and how he took an exciting risk in a start-up that eventually led him to an SVP position at Tyson Food.
Three books that influenced Russ’ career:
"The Circle of Innovation" by Tom Peters
"Competitive Advantage" by Michael Porter
EP04
"Try to make a positive impact in everything you do"
Joseph Martinez, Managing Director and CPO at BNY Mellon
In episode four, I speak with Joseph Martinez, a world-class supply chain and sourcing professional with extensive experience in global investment, retail, and general management on a global basis.
He recounts his past as a pilot in the U.S. Army, as a strategic advisor, and talks about his rise to leadership positions, particularly in financial services at companies such as Bank of America, Deutsche Bank, and BNY Melon.
In addition to his professional career, Joseph is an accomplished photographer and painter who seeks to make a positive impact with everything he does.
Three books that influenced Joseph’s career:
“The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen R. Covey
“The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries
“Good to Great” by Jim Collins
EP03
"Use technology to not just survive change, but thrive in it"
Len DeCandia, Former Global CPO at Johnson & Johnson
In the third episode, I speak with Len DeCandia, former Global Chief Procurement Officer at Johnson & Johnson.
During his extraordinary career, he also served as CPO and Senior Vice President at Estée Lauder, founded the Rutgers University Center for Supply Chain Management, and currently serves as Vice Chair of the Rutgers Business School Advisory Board. He makes a point of seeing technology as an opportunity, not a thread, and has much more wisdom to share that we can learn from.
Three books that have influenced Len's
"The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald
"Theodore Roosevelt: A Biography" Henry F. Pringle
EP02
"I convinced suppliers to trust in Tesla"
Peter Hasenkamp, Former Head of Supply Chain for Lucid and Tesla
In the second episode, I speak with Peter Hasenkamp, a multi-talented engineer who, over his 23-year career in the automotive industry, made a transition from engineering to supply chain management.
Peter spent 10 years at Ford before joining Tesla, where he was inspired by Elon Musk's vision to revolutionize the automotive industry with electric vehicles. He shares the challenges he faced in adapting to Tesla's more creative and innovative atmosphere after coming from Ford's highly structured environment.
Three books that have influenced Peter's career:
"Extreme Ownership" by Jocko Willink
"Never Split the Difference" by Chris Voss
"The Rare Find" by George Anders
EP01
"Procurement is a fantastic stepping stone"
Alison Barto, CPO and Chair of CIPS
In the first episode, I speak with Alison Barto, the youngest Chief Procurement Officer and chair of CIPS.
Alison shares her remarkable journey and how she climbed the ladder of success while working in different parts of the world. She highlights why procurement is an excellent platform for young professionals to build a successful career and how it can be a stepping stone to other career paths. Alongside her professional career, Alison tells us about her fascinating encounter with the Dalai Lama, and she reveals the book that she consistently refers to whenever she starts a new job.
Three books that have influenced Alison's career:
"The First 90 Days" by Michael D. Watkins
"Alive at Work" by Daniel M. Cable
"The Art of Happiness" by Dalai Lama