Episode 3: The Art of Phil Ideson

By Katherine McCleery | August 31, 2020

In this episode of The Sourcing Hero, we welcome Phil Ideson, Founder and Managing Director of Art of Procurement, and one of today’s top procurement leaders.

Phil’s journey is an inspirational tale of overcoming difficulty and learning to be the best version of yourself through resilience, motivation, and perseverance. The lessons he shares apply to the business of procurement as well as your personal life with a challenge to prioritize your health and happiness.

You won’t want to miss this episode of The Sourcing Hero. 

Listening Guide

[04:00] What is a Sourcing Hero? If you are a trusted advisor to your organization who is proactive about making a difference and driving the best outcomes, you are a Sourcing Hero. 

[06:55] Trial by fire. What started as a harsh introduction to procurement, became a lesson in resilience.

[17:42] Difficult situations. When you’re going through a tough situation, don’t take it personally. Focus on learning as many skills as you can and being the best you can be.

[19:33] Inspiring change. Phil’s journey to personal health and wellness is inspiring others to make positive changes with his “no excuses” mentality. 

[22:48] Family motivates. Learn how Phil’s family motivated him to stick with it through a rocky start to his career.

[25:08] Entrepreneurial origins. A unique 360-degree view of procurement gave Phil the ability to start his own company with the goal of transforming procurement.

Highlights

When times get tough, be resilient. 

Phil’s first boss was the definition of a bully. But through that difficult time in his early career, he learned resilience. His advice to up-and-coming Sourcing Heroes is that you’ll face tough times in your career, but you’ll also have good times. Have faith and confidence in yourself. Do the right thing. Use the hard times as motivation to rise above the obstacles in your way. You never know who will take notice when you persevere.

Let uncertainty motivate you.

In the uncertain times that we’re in, or when facing instability in your career, focus on being proactive. Learn as many new skills as you can and focus on being the best you can be. Try to be better every day. Don’t wait for something to happen or remain where you aren’t appreciated. There are always opportunities out there. In times of fear or uncertainty it can be hard to see those opportunities but proactively look for them. 

Be a better you.

Phil was inspired to prioritize his health and share his journey on LinkedIn. The impact of his motivational messages and “no excuses” mantra has been far-reaching. From weekly fitness motivation to his challenge to be more present and intentional, he sets an example to follow for anyone wanting to become the best version of themself.

From seeing it all to delivering it all.

After working as a generalist in different categories and then being involved in category management, supplier management, and risk management, Phil’s career culminated in a role as Head of International Procurement. To see the other side of the industry, he moved into consulting and outsourcing. His experience gave him a full, 360-degree view of procurement and he decided to take that knowledge and start his own company. Art of Procurement began as consulting and grew to deliver an industry podcast, webinars, and a newly-launched membership organization that offers microlearning courses and procurement excellence forums. His goal is to drive transformation in procurement to make it a business rather than a function, and he’s achieving his dreams.

Mentions

Host: Katherine McCleery, Head of Marketing

Special Guest: Anthony Clervi, CEO

Special Guest: Phil Ideson, Founder, Art of Procurement

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