PSC LIVE Chicago: Women In Procurement Panel with HH Global

Proceedings on the Procurement Stage at Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE Chicago got under way with a breakfast briefing in the form of the Women in Procurement Panel, sponsored by HH Global.

The session brought together three accomplished leaders who have navigated the various challenges associated with building careers in a traditionally male-dominated field:

• Kimberly Green Reynolds, Chief Procurement Officer at Coca-Cola Bottlers'​ Sales & Services
• Kathy Presto, Chief Procurement Officer at HH Global
• Nancy Tiran, Global Head of Commercial Procurement at AstraZeneca 

Their candid discussion revealed both the progress made and the work still needed to achieve true equality in procurement leadership.

Unconventional paths to procurement excellence

None of the panellists followed a conventional route into procurement, highlighting the diverse backgrounds that can lead to success in the field.

Kimberly revealed an unexpected beginning: "When I was growing up, I actually wanted to be the next Oprah Winfrey. I thought I was going to have a career in television and media."

Her journey took her through agribusiness before finding her calling in procurement, where she now serves nearly 70 independent bottlers across North America.

Kathy described her entry into procurement as serendipitous. Starting in the publishing industry buying print and paper for magazines, she transitioned when a printer offered her a corporate procurement role.

"I was hired in what was a very male dominated industry," she recalled. "I used to fly down into nowheresville,  places where they didn't even have hotels or restaurants, and to the pressmen I was a triple threat: I was from New York, I was corporate and I was a woman.

"I became really good at engaging with people who could make things happen and would succeed in what I was negotiating."

Nancy, meanwhile, summed up a common theme: "I lovingly say I didn't pick this: procurement chose me. I started my path through a less traditional way through media and marketing."

She explained that her background in agency marketing provided valuable perspective that she now applies to pharmaceutical procurement challenges.

The credibility challenge

All three leaders emphasised the ongoing need to establish credibility in male-dominated environments.

Nancy reflected on early career challenges: "I think a lot of it is about building your credibility and building your voice when you're in a very male-dominated organisation.

"Sometimes, it's hard to be polite, and sometimes you want to be polite, but it really doesn't allow you to find your voice or find your credibility."

Kimberly identified visibility as a crucial hurdle: "The challenge that I found, especially early on in my career, was creating opportunities to gain the visibility necessary to demonstrate my talent.

"Another challenge was that, when I was entering rooms, I had to continuously prove myself over and over again."

Kathy said her personal approach was focused on building relationships and demonstrating expertise: "I think you have to be credible in what you do and you have to do your homework. If you go in there and try to B.S. your way through it, then you're going to be found out."

The power of advocacy

The discussion emphasised that advocacy extends beyond formal mentoring programmes.

In fact, Nancy highlighted that anyone can make a difference: "One of the most important things anyone can do is be the person in the room that looks for inclusion, marks it and allows people to have that voice and have that moment.

"You don't have to have a certain title – everyone can play that role."

Kimberly stressed the importance of having passionate commitment to advocacy: "I think the way you go about being an advocate is by leveraging your relative power or influence in rooms where some of these great, talented women really do need the leg up, the assistance, the opportunity to have that visibility.

"So first and foremost, identify the talent; second, after you've decided it's something you're passionate about, make sure that you are offering up those opportunities."

Looking ahead

Despite acknowledging ongoing challenges, all three leaders expressed optimism about the future.

Kimberly articulated the business case for change: "If we're crystal clear in the idea that the future of procurement – the future of business – will continue to be global, we are going to need to reflect the communities that we serve and our consumer base.

"And, if we want to be forward-thinking, if we want to ensure resiliency and innovative thoughts and make sure we are successful long term, then we will have women at the helm of leadership."

Overall, the trio's message was clear: while progress has been made, sustained effort from all quarters – including male allies who model inclusive leadership – remains essential to creating lasting change in procurement's leadership landscape.

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