Listening in Leadership: How to Build Trust in Procurement, with Jonathan Wharfe

On this episode of the Talent Talks Podcast, Martin talks to Jonathan Wharfe, Director of Procurement and Commercial Operations at Transport for London. Jonathan shares insights from his extensive career in procurement. He emphasises the importance of building communities, listening to stakeholders and fostering a culture of trust and collaboration.  Jonathan discusses the evolution of procurement practices, the impact of AI and the need to address geopolitical challenges.  He also highlights the significance of talent management and the necessity of changing the narrative around procurement to attract new talent.   Takeaways   ·       Listening is crucial for building trust in teams. ·      Culture should be developed collaboratively with teams. ·      Dyslexia can be a unique advantage in problem-solving. ·      AI will enhance procurement processes and decision-making. ·       Procurement must adapt to geopolitical challenges. ·       The narrative around procurement needs to be improved. ·      Mentorship plays a vital role in career development. Chapters 00:00 Building Communities in Procurement 02:53 The Importance of Listening 06:12 Cultural Transformation 08:56 Career Transitions and Mentorship 12:12 The Evolution of Procurement Practices 14:56 AI 17:48 Geopolitical Challenges in Procurement 21:08 Talent in Procurement 24:01 Changing the Narrative 26:48 Advice for Aspiring CPOs