Breaking Barriers: Diversity, Soft Skills and Rebranding Procurement with Nikki Wright

On this episode of the Talent Talks Podcast, Martin sits down with Nikki Wright, Director of Operations at 10X Banking, as she shares her extensive experience in procurement and operations across various industries, particularly in the banking sector.    She discusses the complexities of navigating procurement within a heavily regulated environment, the balance between compliance and agility, and the evolution of procurement roles.    Nikki emphasises the importance of diversity, soft skills, and the need to rebrand procurement to overcome negative perceptions.    She also highlights the commitment of 10X Banking to sustainability and its status as a B Corp certified organisation.    The discussion also touches on the evolving landscape of procurement, the impact of inflation on supplier relationships, and the necessity of digitalisation in procurement processes.    Nikki shares personal insights about her career journey, inspirations, and the importance of taking ownership of one"s career path.   Takeaways Procurement often involves navigating complex regulations, especially in finance. Procurement roles are evolving to include more operational responsibilities. Diversity in procurement is improving but still has a long way to go. Soft skills are essential for success in procurement roles. There is a need to change the negative perception of procurement. Procurement functions as a bridge between the company and suppliers. 10X Banking is committed to sustainability and is B Corp certified. Job titles in procurement need consistency to attract diverse talent.  B Corp accreditation is crucial for demonstrating commitment to ESG. The decisions we make today impact future generations. Change in large organisations is often slow and challenging. Risk mitigation is essential in today"s supply chain management. Digitalisation is necessary for effective procurement decision-making. Career ownership is key to professional growth.   Chapters   00:00 Introduction 02:48 Procurement in the Banking Sector 06:13 Compliance in Procurement 09:06 Procurement Roles 12:12 Diversity 14:54 Soft Skills 18:09 Negative Perceptions 20:52 Sustainability 23:48 B Corp Accreditation 27:04 Financial Sector 30:18 Challenges in ESG 34:27 Procurement Challenges 40:05 Personal Inspirations and Career Reflections