The Procurement & Finance Coffee Break
Welcome to the Procurement & Finance Coffee Break in which we take a light-hearted approach to finding all the ways that Procurement and Finance need to work better together...because we're not that different!
Episode 23 - Working Smarter!
Hello, folks, and welcome back to another episode of "The Procurement & Finance Coffee Break"! ☕️
Today, we've got a hot topic that's sure to resonate with everyone - how to work smarter and find that ever-elusive work-life balance. 🎯
We've all been there, juggling meetings and deadlines, and it feels like time is slipping through our fingers. Clair and Richard, your friendly coffee break hosts, know this all too well. Their schedules are so jam-packed that they had to flip teams just to meet up!
So, what's the secret sauce to working smarter? It's about creating space to think, folks. 🧠 Clair wisely points out that we're not designed to work 24/7. It's all about balance and enjoying your work without the stress and wasted time.
The key? Declutter! Just like tidying up your desk, you need to declutter your schedule. 🗑️ Richard's got some genius tips, like the "Under the Bus" test - if you got hit by a bus, which meetings would your colleague need to attend? That's where you start. 🚌
Then, there's the traffic light test for your meetings - red, yellow, and green. 🚦 Prioritize what's crucial, shorten the important ones, and ditch the green ones. We all know those are the real time-wasters!
But it's not just about meetings; it's about setting boundaries, managing technology, and continuous learning. 📚 And remember, it's not about being rigid, it's about going with the flow. Some days are busy, others aren't.
If you don't have 20% of your week just for you, you need to free up some time. Use these tips and you'll be on your way to a more balanced work-life equation. 📈
Stay tuned for our next coffee break where we dive into another exciting topic. We promise it won't be thrown together in a spare hour! 😉☕
Don't miss out on more insightful discussions. Subscribe to "The Procurement & Finance Coffee Break" now! ☕️✨
#WorkSmarter #WorkLifeBalance #DeclutterYourSchedule #CoffeeBreakChats #TimeManagement
Hey there, finance and procurement enthusiasts! Welcome back to another episode of "The Procurement & Finance Coffee Break"! ☕️
Today, we're diving into the fascinating world of operating models. You've heard about target operating models, but we're here to simplify the current one.
An operating model, folks, is the blueprint of your business – what you do, how you do it, your organization, systems, processes, and even your culture. Think of it like decluttering your smartphone, cleaning out unused apps and freeing up space.
So, how do you simplify this intricate web? Claire recommends taking a step back and assessing your current model. Examine your business processes, structure, skills, data, technology, and governance. It's like tidying up a messy room, but for your business!
Now, here's a key question – when do you simplify, and when do you keep the "fat" in your system? Well, it depends on how far your current model is from your strategic direction. If it's a bit out of shape, focus on identifying pain points and building a culture of continuous improvement.
#OperatingModels #SimplifyBiz #BusinessCulture #ContinuousImprovement #CoffeeBreakChats
Episode 21 - Priorities for 2030
Welcome to "The Procurement & Finance Coffee Break"! ☕️ Today, we're diving into the exciting world of 2030 priorities for finance and procurement teams. Get ready for some mind-boggling insights that could shape the future of your business.
In this lively conversation, our hosts stumble upon a McKinsey article from 2020 that now feels like a time capsule from the past. They explore four critical imperatives for 2030: post-transactional efficiency, driving value, reimagining the operating model, and mastering data and analytics.
But here's the kicker - the rise of AI is turning everything on its head! The traditional way of doing things is rapidly evolving. What worked before might not cut it anymore. AI is poised to revolutionize transactional tasks and redefine how businesses operate.
So, what's the key takeaway? Invest in data management and analytics like they're timeless treasures. As for the rest, buckle up and stay agile because the future is unpredictable, and opportunities are boundless.
Episode 20 - Contracts
🎉 Ladies and gentlemen, get ready for another piping hot episode of "The Procurement & Finance Coffee Break"! ☕️☕️ Today's topic might seem a bit dry at first – Contracts – but fear not, we're turning this into an exhilarating ride! 🤝📄
Join us as our dynamic hosts, delve into the world of contracts, collaborating like never before! They're bringing legal eagles, procurement wizards, and finance gurus together to create a symphony of success. 💼💡
Hold onto your coffee cups because they're about to flip your contract notions upside down! Ever thought contracts were like prenups, only for the sour times? 🤔 Think again! These savvy minds are here to show you that contracts can be your growth guidebook, not just your emergency kit. 💍💰
Oh, and they're not stopping at just contracts. They're also serving up piping hot insights about fostering relationships, nailing red lines, and embracing innovation. From high-flying startups to AI-infused future visions, they're leaving no stone unturned! 🚀🌟
So, fellow caffeine enthusiasts and business aficionados, don't miss this rollercoaster of a conversation. It's time to shift your perspective, sip your coffee, and subscribe to "The Procurement & Finance Coffee Break" with Richard Beaumont and Clair Green BA(Hons) BFP FCA for more eye-opening insights! ☕️✨
Episode 19 - Setting Targets & Objectives
Welcome back to a different sofa for today's Procurement & Finance Coffee Break from @EruditicTraining!
Today, Clair Green and I are chatting about SETTING GOALS & OBJECTIVES
This one follows on quite closely from our chat about BALANCED SCORECARDS but also revisits the world of SMART objectives
Have a listen and let us know your thoughts/experiences!
In the meantime, keep sharing your ideas for topics and why not give us a like and subscribe too!
Episode 18 - Cost Reduction vs Value Creation
Welcome back to a room with both of us in the same place for today's Procurement & Finance Coffee Break from @EruditicTraining, our YouTube channel!
Today Clair and I are chatting about Cost Reduction (oh boy) In fact, what we're really talking about VALUE CREATION and why we need this mindset NOT a focus on cost reduction
Have a listen and let us know your thoughts/experiences!
In the meantime, keep sharing your ideas for topics and why not give us a like and subscribe too!
Episode 17 - Balanced Scorecards
Welcome back to a room with both of us in the same place for today's Procurement & Finance Coffee Break from @EruditicTraining! We're delighted with this one as well as it's another "Request" from our viewers.
Today Clair and I are chatting about Balanced Scorecards
Once upon a time I was a Harvard trained Balanced Scorecard Practitioner, so this topic is one that I love. Balanced Scorecards deliver both organisation alignment and focussed performance reporting.
Have a listen and see how they might help your teams?
In the meantime, keep sharing your ideas for topics and why not give us a like and subscribe too!
Episode 16 - Maturity Model Assessments
Welcome back to a room with both of us in the same place for today's Procurement & Finance Coffee Break from @EruditicTraining! We're delighted with this one as well as it's another "Request" from our viewers. Even better, we have 3 more requests that we're going to be tackling in the next few weeks.
Today Clair and I are chatting about Maturity Model Assessments…
Maturity model assessments are a useful tool for benchmarking as they provide a comprehensive framework to evaluate an organisation's current capabilities and maturity level in a particular business process.
These assessments enable organisations to identify gaps, prioritise improvement initiatives, and compare their performance against industry best practices.
In the meantime, keep sharing your ideas for topics and why not give us a like and subscribe too!
Episode 15 - ERP Implementation
Welcome back to a Room and a...Room for today's Procurement & Finance Coffee Break from @EruditicTraining! We're delighted with this one as well as it's another "Request" from our viewers. Even better, we have 4 more requests that we're going to be tackling in the next few weeks.
Today Clair and I are chatting about ERP Implementation… what can go wrong and how do we set ourselves up for success?
Have you implemented an ERP system (or other major software)? How did you approach it? What did you learn that could help others?
Episode 14 - Benchmarking
Welcome back to a Room and a Tent for today's Procurement & Finance Coffee Break from @EruditicTraining! We're really delighted with this one as it is our first "Request" from our viewers (thanks Howard). Even better, we have 5 more requests that we're going to be tackling in the next few weeks.
Today we’re talking about BENCHMARKING… how do we determine the performance of our functions or our suppliers?
Do you use Benchmarking? How do you approach it? Please share your thoughts!
Episode 13 - Growth
Welcome to a Room and a Tent for today's Procurement & Finance Coffee Break from @EruditicTraining!
Today we’re talking about growth… how do we scale our functions as the business grows?
Is this a challenge you’ve faced? How did you approach it?
Episode 12 - Can Procurement Love Finance?
Welcome back one last time to the lovely Ruby Lucy Bar (and coffee shop) in Lower Marsh, London for today's Procurement & Finance Coffee Break from @EruditicTraining!
It's time for the return match and this one is all about role play and feedback!
Actually, Clair asks Richard why Procurement doesn't love Finance and what could be done to build a better relationship? With a bit of role play (yep, seriously) we look at whether being better at giving feedback could be the key...
Please also let us know what you think and share your ideas for topics you would like us to discuss over a coffee!
Episode 11 - The Triple Bottom Line
Welcome back to the lovely Ruby Lucy Bar (and coffee shop) in Lower Marsh, London for today's Procurement & Finance Coffee Break from @EruditicTraining!
Today, Clair and I talk about the "Triple Bottom Line" - always seen as a good thing that has really been adopted - but which could not become a reality. If you enjoyed our session on ESG, you'll love this!
Please also let us know what you think and share your ideas for topics you would like us to discuss over a coffee!
Episode 10 - Agile Working
Welcome back to the lovely Ruby Lucy Bar (and coffee shop) in Lower Marsh, London for today's Procurement & Finance Coffee Break from @EruditicTraining!
Today, Clair and I talk about the impact that AGILE working could have on both Procurement and Finance teams and we take a quick look at the ING case study (you can read more here https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/financial-services/our-insights/ings-agile-transformation)
Please also let us know what you think and share your ideas for topics you would like us to discuss over a coffee!
Episode 9 - Does Finance love Procurement?
Lights, camera, action! Recorded in the lovely Ruby Lucy Bar (and coffee shop) in Lower Marsh, London, and all in glorious 4k with the right aspect!!!
Here's the latest Procurement & Finance Coffee Break from @EruditicTraining, in which Clair Green and I talk about all the reasons why Finance might not love Procurement and what we could do to make the relationship better!
Let us know your experiences and ideas for building great relationships in your businesses!
Please also let us know what you think and share your ideas for topics you would like us to discuss over a coffee!
Episode 8 - Accounting Data Models
Arrrrggghhhh, it's the one where everything goes wrong! But sit tight - here's the latest Procurement & Finance Coffee Break from @EruditicTraining in which Clair and I talk about Accounting Data Models, with coffee but not in the same place!
...and just when you think it couldn't get worse - add a house move, rubbish wifi, and terrible directing (by me) - and you can guess what happened!
But! The good news is that the message survived! Have a listen and hear about the importance of an Account Data Model and what Procurement and Finance can do together to improve it because if you want good data, you need a data model!
Episode 7 - Working Capital Management
OK, here's the latest Procurement & Finance Coffee Break from @EruditicTraining in which Clair and I talk about Working Capital Management!
Yes, really! Do you know what - this is an area that can make a huge difference to the success of your business and it's an area in which Procurement & Finance can work together to deliver great outcomes...
Episode 6 - Business Cases
In this episode of the Procurement & Finance Coffee Break, Clair and I discuss why having a business case is so important and what you can do to make sure your Business Case is as good as it could be!
Episode 5 - Data
OK, here's one on Data... strong coffee required for this week's Procurement & Finance Coffee Break!
Actually we're joking - grab a coffee and have a listen to understand the importance of sorting out your data and what might go wrong if you don't...
...and yes - another triumph of camera settings by yours truly!
Episode 4 - Change Management
Well this 4th episode of the Procurement & Finance Coffee Break is all about Change Management and what you need to think about to make it work! Have a listen to hear the shared view of Procurement and Finance...
ps I only had one job - set up the camera. Guess what - I chose the wrong ratio!
Episode 3 - ESG & Legislation
Welcome back to the Procurement & Finance Coffee Break in which we take a light-hearted approach to finding all the ways that Procurement and Finance can work better together...because we're not that different!
In this third episode, Clair interviews Richard about the 3 key bits of sustainability and environmental legislation that all companies are going to have think about... and what it means for the way finance and procurement will have to work together to deliver real change.
Episode 2 - AI
Welcome to the Procurement & Finance Coffee Break in which we take a light-hearted approach to finding all the ways that Procurement and Finance can work better together...because we're not that different!
In this second episode, Richard and Clair discuss the concerns about, and potential benefits of, AI and machine learning in Procurement and Finance Technology and whether it could help us perform better?
Episode 1 - Vision and Transformations
Welcome to the Procurement & Finance Coffee Break in which we're going to take a light-hearted approach to finding all the ways that Procurement and Finance need to work better together...because we're not that different!
In this first episode, Richard and Clair talk about the importance of having a vision if your transformation to a future operating model is to succeed.