Marching Forward: Ben Farrell’s Mission to Modernise Global Procurement

On this episode, Ben Farrell MBE, discusses his journey from a 23-year military career to becoming the CEO of CIPS.  He shares insights on leadership, the importance of emotional intelligence, and the challenges and opportunities in the procurement profession.  Ben emphasises the need for CIPS to evolve and better represent procurement professionals globally, while also highlighting the importance of creating a supportive environment for career development in procurement.  They explore the challenges and opportunities facing procurement professionals today, particularly in the context of global supply chains and the integration of AI. Additionally, the conversation touches on Ben’s involvement with the Invictus Games Foundation. Some of the key moments during this podcast include: Ben Farrell joined CIPS to drive change in procurement. Human emotion plays a crucial role in leadership effectiveness. Transitioning from military to civilian life can be challenging but rewarding. CIPS has the potential to be a global leader in procurement. Ben aims to make CIPS more inclusive and relevant to all stages of a procurement career. The future of procurement requires adapting to changing global dynamics.  Marketing the procurement profession is crucial for attracting new talent. Procurement must shift from a process-oriented mindset to a strategic one. Global supply chains require resilience and adaptability in the face of disruptions. The Invictus Games Foundation supports the recovery of wounded servicemen and women. Talent in procurement is about finding the right fit for individuals. Continuous improvement is essential for professional bodies to remain relevant. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ben Farrell 01:15 Early Career and Military Background 04:37 Leadership Lessons from the Army 08:00 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life 12:17 Experiences at John Lewis 15:33 Becoming CEO of CIPS 18:40 Global Perspectives on Procurement 20:17 Challenges and Opportunities for CIPS 25:26 Marketing the Procurement Profession 30:11 The Future of Procurement 34:22 Navigating Challenges in Procurement 38:50 Global Supply Chains 43:01 Invictus Games Foundation 45:58 Defining Talent in Procurement