This month’s cover story features a genuine procurement and supply chain guru. CPOstrategy sits down with global procurement and technology leader, Nedra Dickson, Interim President and CEO, WBENC, to explore why small businesses are the most undervalued force in global supply chains – and how empowering them can unlock innovation, resilience and economic growth on a global scale…
In the world of procurement, conversations often circle around cost savings, risk mitigation and supply chain efficiency, often leading towards a bias – the bigger the supplier, the better the supplier. Yet for Nedra Dickson – a procurement and technology leader with a global track record working for companies such as Accenture – these discussions are missing a vital thread: the transformative role of small businesses in shaping economic resilience, innovation and community prosperity.
Few leaders have made as lasting an impact as Nedra Dickson. A seasoned executive with over two decades of experience across technology consulting, operations management and procurement sourcing, Dickson has built a reputation not just for managing billions in spend, but for reshaping how global companies think about supplier diversity and sustainable procurement.
In her view, procurement leaders hold a unique lever for change. By strategically integrating small and diverse suppliers into their sourcing mix, they can not only strengthen supply chains but also contribute to healthier economies.
“If I look at this on a global scale, it is about creating jobs around the world. That’s the common denominator. Let’s create jobs and drive an economic impact.”
Elsewhere, we also have insightful content from procurement leaders at Candex and Hitachi and an exclusive report from ProcureTEX, plus much, much more!
