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MELISSA DREW

Chief Executive Officer at Simply-Transformed

Maryland, United States

Melissa Drew is an international keynote speaker with over 30 years of data and digital transformation expertise. Her professional career has contributed to her breadth and depth of knowledge working in the private sector, with startups, and as a consultant with Kearny, Deloitte, and IBM. She focuses on how emerging technologies impact procurement and supply chain organizations.

Ms. Drew was ranked #34 of the Top 100 Women in Supply Chain 2023, was named a Top 25 Global Consultant, and is a Top 50 Global Thought Leader and Influencer on Supply Chain 2024. She hosts the “Impact of Data & AI Literate Citizen' podcast, interviewing female leaders worldwide about their perspectives on today, tomorrow, and beyond.

Ms. Drew is a TEDX speaker and is featured in a variety of digital magazines and technology podcasts. Recently, she became the founder of the non-profit organization, The AI Literate Citizen, with a mission to advocate and educate AI literacy to all global citizens of all ages. Melissa's personal life, including her dedication to her twin teenage daughters and her love for international travel, adds a relatable touch to her professional profile. When not writing or speaking, Ms. Drew mentors others and tries to keep up with her busy life. One of her most outstanding achievements is to remain cancer-free since October 2022.
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She has worked and lived abroad in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, the Netherlands, France, China, South Korea, and Malaysia.

Update: Her first book, “The Evolution of Procurement and Supply Management Transformation—Removing Obstacles to Success,” will be published in Q1 2025. Her second book, “The Impact of AI in Procurement and Supply Management,” has been approved for a tentative publication date of Q4 2025.

Available For: Advising, Authoring, Consulting, Speaking
Travels From: East Coast

Speaking Fee $2,000 (In-Person)

MELISSA DREW Points
Academic 191
Author 543
Influencer 181
Speaker 387
Entrepreneur 931
Total 2233

Points based upon Thinkers360 patent-pending algorithm.

Thought Leader Profile

Portfolio Mix

Company Information

Company Type: Service Provider
Theatre: Global
Minimum Project Size: N/A
Average Hourly Rate: $200-$300
Number of Employees: 1-10
Company Founded Date: Undisclosed
Media Experience: 28
Last Media Interview: 03/05/2024

Areas of Expertise

Agile 30.34
AI 33.21
Big Data 56.10
Cloud 30.35
Design Thinking 32.50
Digital Transformation 43.76
Entrepreneurship 33.46
Future of Work 30.43
Leadership 41.58
Legal and IP 57.54
Procurement 92.54
Project Management 32.47
Public Relations 34.05
Quantum Computing 33.24
Startups 42.18
Supply Chain 44.62

Industry Experience

Automotive
Consumer Products
Financial Services & Banking
Hospitality
Industrial Machinery & Components
Media
Oil & Gas
Professional Services
Retail

Publications

17 Academic Certifications
Social & Behavioral Research
Marymount University
January 13, 2025

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

GDPR & Human Subjects Research in the U.S
Marymount University
January 11, 2025

See publication

Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Trustworthy AI and AI Ethics
IBM
July 13, 2023

See publication

Tags: AI, Big Data, Procurement

Garage Essentials
IBM
March 30, 2023

See credential

See publication

Tags: Design Thinking, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Moderators Mastery Program
WLDA (Women Leaders in Data & AI)
February 19, 2023

See publication

Tags: AI, Leadership, Procurement

Enterprise Design Thinking - Team Essentials for AI
IBM
January 30, 2023

See credential

See publication

Tags: Big Data, Design Thinking, Digital Transformation

AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
AWS
February 28, 2022
Earners of this certification have a fundamental understanding of IT services and their uses in the AWS Cloud. They demonstrated cloud fluency and foundational AWS knowledge. Badge owners are able to identify essential AWS services necessary to set up AWS-focused projects.

Issued Feb, 2022 – Expired Feb, 2025

Credential ID 7060f978-bf51-48d5-bc9c-2f09db1b5cf9

See credential

See publication

Tags: Big Data, Cloud, Procurement

Mentoring
IBM
September 01, 2021
This badge holder is recognized by IBM for developing and cultivating a mentoring relationship with others. Mentoring is an important career development opportunity to enhance skills and achieve long-term career aspirations. The guidance given to the protégé has subsequently enabled the protégé to gain skills and expertise to support their career development, expertise in the job, and/or social skills. The value of the mentoring benefits and impact was validated by the protégé

See credential

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Tags: Digital Transformation, Leadership, Procurement

Enterprise Design Thinking Practitioner
IBM
June 30, 2021

See credential

See publication

Tags: Design Thinking, Digital Transformation, Procurement

SAFe 5 Agilist
Scaled Agile, Inc.
November 12, 2020

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Tags: Agile, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Direct Procurement SMART Configuration
Jaggaer
December 14, 2019

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Tags: Big Data, Procurement, Supply Chain

Indirect Procurement Configuration
Jaggaer
November 19, 2019

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Procurement Platform & Configuration
Coupa
November 01, 2016

See publication

Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Project Management Professional (IT)
The George Washington University
July 30, 2002

See publication

Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Masters - Management Information Systems
Auburn University
June 12, 1997

See publication

Tags: Big Data, Procurement, Supply Chain

Paralegal
NRI (McGraw Hill Subsidiary)
December 02, 1995

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Tags: Legal and IP, Procurement, Supply Chain

Bachelors of Science - Management Information System
Auburn University
June 30, 1994

See publication

Tags: Big Data, Procurement, Supply Chain

1 Academic Course
Data Strategy - Leveraging Data as a Competive Advantage
UC Berkley
January 29, 2024

See publication

Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

1 Adjunct Instructor
Adjunct Instructor Rutgers University - Supply Chain Program
Simply-Transformed
December 22, 2024
Topic: Emerging Technologies in Supply Chain

See publication

Tags: Big Data, Procurement, Supply Chain

3 Advisory Board Memberships
Board Advisor
DVSum
August 14, 2023

See publication

Tags: Big Data, Procurement, Startups

Advisory Board Center for Intelligent Process Automation
Nichols College
December 15, 2021

See publication

Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Board Advisor
EyeMail Inc.
July 01, 2020

See publication

Tags: Digital Transformation, Procurement, Startups

18 Article/Blogs
Data is Foundational To Creating Organizational Value
Simply
April 30, 2024
In a recent survey by Deloitte, 65% of procurement professionals believe that data-driven decisions are crucial for achieving procurement excellence. Yet many organizations continue to struggle with executing strategies to achieve these goals.

See publication

Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Accelerating Global Transformation with Automation and Analytics
Simply
April 16, 2024
In today's fast-paced business world, organizations constantly seek ways to stay ahead of the competition and drive growth. Global transformation initiatives have become an essential strategy for many companies but often come with challenges.

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Harnessing the Power of Data
Tech-Exec Magazine / Stroud and Clarke (UK)
November 10, 2022

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Predictive Analytics Creates New Insurance Products Previously Deemed as Uninsurable
AI Time Journal
July 20, 2022

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Tags: AI, Big Data, Procurement

Remaining Relevant with Socially Active Customer
AI Time Journal
June 27, 2022

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Tags: AI, Big Data, Procurement

Realizing the Power of Data and Predictive Technologies, AI Governance, Women in AI, and More
AI Times Journal
March 01, 2022

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Why Should We Care about TinyML & AutoML?
AI Times Journal
January 31, 2022

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Tags: AI, Big Data, Procurement

21st Century Skills for Data Scientist
AI Times Journal
September 03, 2021

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Tags: Big Data, Leadership, Procurement

Data Intelligence is Key to Understanding our Customers
AI Times Journal
August 23, 2021

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

EyeMail Technology: Reshaping the Communications Experience
Global Business Leaders
August 13, 2021

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Tags: Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Procurement

Leadership's Role to Embracing The Impact of AI
AI Times Journal
July 08, 2021

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Tags: AI, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Leadership’s Role in Embracing the Impact of AI
AI Times Journal
July 06, 2021

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Tags: Design Thinking, Leadership, Procurement

Impact of AI on the Evolution of the Procurement & Supply Chain Organizations
AI Times Journal
May 28, 2021

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Innovating without Restrictions
CIOLOOK
May 17, 2021
Great leaders have the courage to believe what they can imagine can also become a reality. Great leaders are audacious to pursue their goals no matter what. Great business leaders go beyond their comfort zone and refuse to stay on the sidelines. Great leaders are aware that innovative technology can be leveraged to support a change for the better, and digital transformation can change what we are today, to become something more tomorrow.

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Tags: Digital Transformation, Leadership, Procurement

Delivering the Best Visual and Engaging Email Communication Experience
Industry Wired
February 23, 2021
Email is one of the most widely used communication tools in the world today. While email is still the go-to–tool for many individuals, businesses often find the drawbacks outweigh the benefits when messages are not effectively delivered to recipients. Common problems faced by businesses is the size and format of email communications which includes sending video and audio messages.

A company that has revolutionized email communications, through advance features that drive and deliver actionable results, directly from the inbox is EyeMail Inc.

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Tags: Digital Transformation, Entrepreneurship, Procurement

2019 Procurement Trends
Institute for Supply Management - NY
January 12, 2019
Innovation is the act or process of introducing new ideas, devices or methods. For example, the first telephone was an invention,
but the Smart Phone was an innovation. When innovation is adopted by 20-30% of enterprise organizations, this is considered a
‘trend’. When the adoption is closer to ~80%, this is now labelled a ‘leading practice’. The Procurement and Supply Chain industry continues to shift its paradigm to meet global demand and improve competitive
advantages. Among the top trends identified for 2019 are....

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Procurement Transformation: Why Now?
The Shelby Group
June 26, 2013
any organizations are undergoing Procurement Transformation processes with two – to four-year maturity cycles. To help executives plan and lead such initiatives, as well as help those who are contemplating significant Change Management initiatives, we have come across several common challenges and areas of interest and confusion.

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Supplier Diversity - Beyond Tomorrow
Institute for Supply Management - NY
February 09, 2009
Newsletter Issue Vol. XXVIX No. 5

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Tags: Digital Transformation, Procurement, Supply Chain

10 Board Memberships
President (2025)
Blended Pledge
January 15, 2025

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Tags: Leadership, Procurement, Startups

President & Chair of the Board (2024)
Blended Pledge
January 15, 2024

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Tags: Leadership, Procurement, Startups

YMCA Swim Team Committee Chair
Melissa Drew
May 01, 2023

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Tags: Leadership, Procurement

President and Chair of the Board (2023)
Blended Pledge
January 01, 2023

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Tags: Leadership, Procurement, Startups

Acting President
Blended Pledge
July 08, 2022
Blended is a non-profit organization. Our Mission is to make a visible impact in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Our Promise is to include more diverse speakers & participation at conferences and other educational venues with a focus on women, minority, and LGBTQ owned businesses.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-us-see-more-diversity-on-stages

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Tags: Leadership, Procurement, Startups

2nd Vice President
Institute for Supply Management - NY
June 01, 2018

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Tags: Leadership, Procurement, Supply Chain

2nd Vice President
Institute for Supply Management - NY
June 01, 2017

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Tags: Leadership, Procurement, Supply Chain

Retail & Manufacturing Committee Chair
Institute for Supply Management - NY
June 01, 2016

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Tags: Digital Transformation, Leadership, Procurement

Retail & Manufacturing Committee Chair
Institute for Supply Management - NY
June 01, 2015

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Tags: Digital Transformation, Leadership, Procurement

Public Relations Officer
North Country ToastMasters
May 05, 2013

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Tags: Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Public Relations

3 Books
The Evolution of Procurement and Supply Management Transformations: Removing Obstacles to Success
J. Ross Publishing
March 11, 2025
The procurement and supply chain landscape is evolving faster than ever. Yet, 70% of transformation initiatives fail. Why? Lack of strategy, outdated processes, and failure to leverage technology effectively.

Melissa Drew explains what works, what doesn’t, and how to build a successful procurement function. Before developing AI Use cases that can not be properly adopted for scale, a flexible foundation is a must.

This book provides:
A roadmap for successful procurement transformation
Real-world case studies to avoid costly mistakes
Practical insights to drive long-term success

If you're a procurement leader, supply chain professional, or executive looking to future-proof your organization, this book is a must-read. Don’t just adapt—lead the transformation.

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Renter's Right - WA
Melissa Drew
June 01, 1994
Booklet. Outlined the rights & responsibilities of Landlords & Tenants per state law. Self published and printed. Sold for a small fee to agencies who sell renter's insurance.

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Tags: Big Data, Leadership, Legal and IP

Renters Rights - AL
Melissa Drew
January 01, 1993
Booklet. Outlined rights & responsibilities for renters & landlords per the state law. Self-published and printed. Distributed for free to students at Auburn University sold for a fee to Landlords & agencies who sell renter's insurance. Copyright 1991 & updated in 1993.

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Tags: Big Data, Leadership, Legal and IP

1 Book Foreword
Data Science Trends in 2022
AI Times Journal
February 24, 2022

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

10 Coursewares
Thinking Differently - Analytics & Spend Management
Melissa Drew
April 19, 2018

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Effective Communications for Supply Chain Professionals
Melissa Drew
March 15, 2018

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Tags: Design Thinking, Procurement, Supply Chain

45 Things to know about Change Management
Melissa Drew
March 01, 2018

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Tags: Design Thinking, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Identify, Manage, & Reduce Supplier Risk
Melissa Drew
February 22, 2017

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Tags: Big Data, Procurement, Supply Chain

Strategic Sourcing - Building the Fundementals
Melissa Drew
February 23, 2016
Similar to a Strategic Sourcing 101 Course, it was designed to support professional just starting of shifting into the Procurement organization with no procurement / sourcing background.

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Maximizing Your Management Skill - For Procurement & Supply Chain professional
Melissa Drew
March 11, 2014
Understanding your management style, impact to others and how to adjust to maximize value. Management in virtual teams and across cultures. Create & maintain career development plan. Giving performance evaluations including class & team exercises.

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Tags: Leadership, Procurement, Supply Chain

Principles of Project Management
Melissa Drew
December 18, 2012

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Tags: Big Data, Procurement, Project Management

Supplier Information Performance Management
Melissa Drew
April 19, 2012

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Tags: Big Data, Procurement, Supply Chain

Introduction to Grammar Based NML (Natural Modeling Language)
Melissa Drew
April 02, 2005
how patented grammar based technology can automate the data normalization, classification and enrichment of spend data, how it work, and how to write industry specific models. Note: this is specific to the application developed by Softface.

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Tags: AI, Big Data, Procurement

Introduction to Star Schema & Developing Star Schema Conceptual Data Model
Melissa Drew
February 15, 2005
What is the star schema, how it work, value over relationship database, and how to develop a star schedule data model from report requirements -> field requirements -> to final data model.

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Tags: Big Data, Leadership, Procurement

6 Executives
CEO
Simply-Transformed
August 14, 2023

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Chief Data and AI Officer (2024)
Curio Wellness
February 16, 2023

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Tags: AI, Big Data, Supply Chain

Associate Editor
AI Times Journal
May 17, 2021

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Tags: AI, Big Data, Procurement

Associate Partner
IBM
April 12, 2021

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Digital Transformation - Executive Advisor
Deloitte
January 01, 2019
Collaborating with C-suite executives, to re-think digital transformation by setting aside what we think we know. Using design & human-centered thinking, transform procurement and supply chain into a data-driven & scalable organization.

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Head of Operations & Growth Strategy
Dominion Wireless
January 01, 2003

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Tags: Big Data, Leadership, Procurement

5 Founders
AI LIterate Citizen
Melissa Drew
October 22, 2024

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Tags: AI, Big Data, Procurement

WLDA - Women Leaders in Data & AI
WLDA
April 01, 2021
Fouding Member

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Simply-Transformed
Melissa Drew
September 14, 2020
Develop and execute Procurement and Growth Strategies for small and medium sized companies.

International Speaker

Author

Content Contributor to multiple digital magazines

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Mdrew Consulting
Melissa Drew
May 01, 2006
Cloud Procurement Implementations and Supplier Diversity Initiatives for US Fortune 100.

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Creative Concepts
Melissa Drew
November 29, 1995
Provide growth strategy & mentoring to small and medium sized businesses through increasing revenue, reduction of cost, and marketing core competencies effectively through online databases capturing supplier information and optimizing award scenarios.

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Tags: Big Data, Procurement, Supply Chain

2 Groups
Wowful Living - community project for healthy eating
Queensbury, NY
May 01, 2013

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Tags: Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Project Management

The GLOW project
The GLOW Project
August 15, 2008
The GLOW Project is a full-length feature movie that spotlights 14 incredible women. The GLOW Project movie is the most significant and powerful movie of its kind for inspiring and uplifting women. From teenagers to presidents of major organizations, the GLOW Project transforms the viewer by motivating, expanding, nurturing and feeding the mind, spirit and soul of women

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Tags: Entrepreneurship, Leadership

25 Industry Awards
2024 Women in Supply Chain Award
Supply Demand and Chain Executive
September 17, 2024

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Tags: Supply Chain

2024 Women In Supply Chain Award
Supply Demand and Chain Executive
September 16, 2024

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Tags: Supply Chain

#34 (top 100 women in supply chain)
Supply Chain Magazine
March 24, 2023

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Tags: Supply Chain

2023 - Women Leaders in Technology - Excellence in Client Service NOMINEE
Consulting Magazine
January 27, 2023

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Tags: Digital Transformation

Global Leaders in Consulting 2023 (NOMINEE)
Consulting Magazine
November 04, 2022

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Tags: Procurement

Leading Data Consultants - North America 2022
CDO Magazine
July 07, 2022
Making sense of the massive amount, speed, and variety of data available to organizations is similar to drinking from a fire hose. The challenge in the data industry isn't whether organizations can collect massive amounts of data, but how they can extract usable droplets of wisdom from such deluges.

This is where data consultants come in. They are the ones who assist organizations in making better data-driven decisions. These consultants are the interface between management and information technology. They are the ones who implement the appropriate data technology for a specific firm while also providing valuable management advice. CDO Magazine is excited to announce the Leading Data Consultants for North America List 2022.

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Tags: Big Data

Nominee - Best Motivator
WLDA (Women Leaders in Data & AI)
October 15, 2021

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Tags: Procurement

The Top 25 Consultants 2021
Consulting Magazine
October 13, 2021

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Tags: Digital Transformation

Nominee - Women Leaders in Consulting
Consulting Magazine
August 16, 2021

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Tags: Digital Transformation

2021 Women in Technology
Connected World
July 22, 2021

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Tags: Digital Transformation

Global Leaders in Consulting - Excellence in Influence
Consulting Magazine
April 15, 2021
International award

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Tags: Digital Transformation

Top Pros to Know
Supply & Demand Chain Executive
March 17, 2021

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Tags: Digital Transformation

Nominee - Cloud Girls Rising
Cloud Girls
March 15, 2021

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Tags: Digital Transformation

Nominee - Women in Technology Awards 2021
Consulting Magazine
February 10, 2021

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Tags: Procurement

Women in Supply Chain
Supply Demand & Chain Executive
September 01, 2020

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Tags: Supply Chain

Top Providers to Know
Supply Demand & Chain Executive
February 23, 2018

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Tags: Digital Transformation

Nominee - JH LEONARD Award
Institute for Supply Management - NY
May 01, 2015
The JH Leonard Award was established in March 1963 to recognize and honor regular members who have contributed time and talent to the continued growth, development and professional stature of the Institute for Supply Management – New York, Inc.

James H. Leonard or “Jep” as he was fondly known, served as the first Executive Director of ISM-New York from 1920 until his retirement in 1957. He served under 30 association presidents. Jep set the standard of excellence for all members of ISM-New York. His example had thereby enabled the truly outstanding individual to rise above all and be recognized by his or her peers as an individual deserving the highest praise our association could bestow.

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Tags: Procurement

Top Providers to Know
Supply Demand & Chain Executive
February 24, 2015

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Tags: Digital Transformation

Top Providers to Know
Supply Demand & Chain Executive
February 24, 2014

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Tags: Digital Transformation

Outstanding Volunteer Appreciation
Institute for Supply Management - NY
July 01, 2012

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Tags: Procurement

Top Providers to Know
Supply Chain & Demand Executive
February 14, 2012

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Tags: Digital Transformation

Adhering to Blue Box Values
American Express
March 06, 2007

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Tags: Leadership

Laser Award - Superior Contribution
Softface
June 01, 2003

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Tags: Procurement

Exceeding Expectations - Chemical Manufacturing
ATKearney
June 01, 2001

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Tags: Procurement

Great Client Work Award - Automotive
ATKearney
June 01, 2000

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Tags: Procurement, Automotive

3 Industry Badges
Mentor
IBM
October 21, 2021

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Tags: Digital Transformation, Leadership, Procurement

IBM Way
IBM
October 01, 2021

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Tags: Digital Transformation, Leadership, Procurement

Enterprise Design Thinking Practitioner
IBM
June 30, 2021

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Tags: Design Thinking, Digital Transformation, Procurement

7 Industry Council Chairs
Committee Chair WLDA AI Accelerator Program
WLDA (Women Leaders in Data & AI)
December 05, 2022
My role is to establish the methodology and materials to train our mentors, have a comprehensive matching criteria and process to link the write mentors and advisor who can provide the most benefit to the Startup leadership team, ensure consistency in our first co-hort and outline lessons learned for future AI-accelerator programs.

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Tags: AI, Big Data, Startups

Committee Chair - Non Profit Operations
Women Leaders in Data and AI
June 02, 2021
Supporting Women Leaders in Data & AI

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Tags: Big Data, Leadership, Procurement

Producer Annual Conference: Procurement Trends & Innovation
Institute for Supply Management - NY
March 08, 2018
Responsible for venue, marketing, speakers, and sponsorships.

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Tags: Leadership, Procurement, Supply Chain

Retail & Manufacturing Committee Chair
Institute for Supply Management - NY
January 01, 2015
Took on role mid-year due to unplanned vacancy

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Tags: Digital Transformation, Leadership, Procurement

Supplier Diversity Committee Chair
Institute for Supply Management - NY
June 01, 2008

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Tags: Leadership, Procurement, Supply Chain

Supplier Diversity Committee Chair
Institute for Supply Management - NY
June 01, 2007

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Tags: Leadership, Procurement, Supply Chain

Supplier Diversity Committee Chair
Institute for Supply Management - NY
June 01, 2006

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Tags: Leadership, Procurement, Supply Chain

5 Industry Council Members
13th World Congress Breast Cancer Conference & Research
Breast Cancer Conference Series
January 13, 2023

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Tags: AI, Big Data, Leadership

N.E. Certification Committee
Women's President Educational Organization
December 01, 2009
Certification Committee Member evaluating women-owned business

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Tags: Leadership, Procurement, Supply Chain

N.E. Certification Committee
Women Presidents' Education Organization
December 01, 2008
Certification Committee Member evaluating women-owned business

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Tags: Leadership, Procurement, Supply Chain

N.E. Certification Committee
Women Presidents' Education Organization
December 01, 2007
Certification Committee Member evaluating women-owned business

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Tags: Leadership, Procurement, Supply Chain

Global Purchasing Service Quality Council
American Express
November 29, 2007
Invitation by Amex. Council member & Change Management subcommittee.

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Tags: Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Procurement

14 Influencer Awards
20 Best 'Women in Data' Podcasts
Feedspot
January 15, 2025
The best Women In Data podcasts from thousands of podcasts on the web and ranked by relevancy, authority, social media followers & freshness.

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Tags: Big Data

125 Podcasts from Thinkers360 Thought Leaders You Should Listen To in 2024
Thinkers360
February 27, 2024

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Tags: Big Data

Top Voice 2023
Thinkers360
February 05, 2024

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Tags: Big Data

Top Podcasts from Thinkers360 Thought Leaders (1H’23)
Thinkers360
July 17, 2023

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Tags: Procurement

Top 50 Global Women Leaders to Look up to
Passion Vista
March 08, 2023

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Tags: Digital Transformation

Top 50 B2B Thought Leaders & Influencers You Should Work With In 2023 (North America)
Thinkers360
December 16, 2022

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Tags: Procurement

Data Literacy Award (Nominee)
Data Literacy, LLC
November 14, 2022

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Tags: Big Data

Women B2B Thoughts Leaders to Follow in 2023
Thinkers360
November 13, 2022

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Tags: Procurement

150 Women B2B Thought Leaders to Follow in 2022
Thinkers360
December 18, 2021

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Tags: Digital Transformation

Volunteer of The Year
WLDA (Women Leaders in Data & AI)
December 09, 2021
For the influence achieved in 2021 to bringing a voice to women in data and AI.

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Tags: Leadership

Data Literacy Advocate of the Year Nominee
Data Literacy, LLC
November 22, 2021

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Tags: Big Data

13 Global Procurement Leaders You Should Be Following
RFP360
August 25, 2021

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Tags: Procurement

10 Women to Watch in Procurement
Fairmarkit
March 30, 2021

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Tags: Procurement

Top 100 Leaders and Influencers to Follow in 2021
Thinkers360
January 29, 2021

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Tags: Digital Transformation

2 IP Assets
Carbon Footprint Calculation Tied to Actual $
Department of Education NYC
April 02, 2015
Develop unique methodology & calculation assessing the reduction of Carbon Footprint as a result of consolidating multiple logistics carries into single 3PL. The calculation ties the total tons of C02, to $ dollars. This resonated well with CFOs. In 2015, this was a creative way to quantify the Carbon Footprint Reduction impact.

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Tags: Big Data, Procurement, Supply Chain

Inference Engine for Patented Data Enrichment Application
Softface
March 01, 2004
My intellectually knowledge was used as an Industry expert to develop the Inference Engine, a component of a patented Data Classification & Enrichment Application owned by Softface (Patent number: 6714939). This application was purchased by Ariba in March 2004 and now supports all Ariba Spend Visibility solution. The Inference Engine is an algorithm which reads multiple inputs of line level purchasing data resulting in a classification to a UNSPSC code, along with confidence & accuracy levels.

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Tags: AI, Big Data, Procurement

18 Keynotes
State of AI in Procurement, Gaps, and the Road Ahead
ProcureCon West 2025
March 04, 2025
Abstract for my Topic:
As AI reshapes industries, procurement and supply management are rapidly transforming.

My session explores the current state of AI in procurement, highlighting its role in automation, data-driven decision-making, and supplier management.

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Impact Of AI And The Future Of Transformation
ProcureCon West 2024
March 13, 2024

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Impact of AI on the Everyday Citizens
Tedx Hagerstown
October 02, 2023

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Leadership

Impact of AI on the Everyday Citizen
TEDx Women Hagerstown
August 11, 2023

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Tags: AI, Big Data, Procurement

Women in Technology
Auburn University
April 11, 2023

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Tags: Digital Transformation, Leadership, Procurement

International Women's Day 2023 #embraceequity
Infocepts
March 09, 2023

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Tags: Big Data, Procurement, Leadership

Keeping Procurement On The Edge of Innovation and Technology
ProcureCon West 2023
March 01, 2023
DAY 3- March 1, 2023 The Future Shines Bright: Keeping Procurement On The Edge of Innovation and Technology
9:20 AM Keynote Presentation – ProcureCon Authors Series Getting It Done Right The First Time: Challenging Assumptions Regarding Procurement Transformation
Taking excerpts from her recent book, “Transforming the Procurement Organization: Building a Flexible Foundation for Future Disruption.', leading procurement expert Melissa drew will discuss why existing transformation efforts fail and what steps the procurement industry must do to course correct.

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Feb 15 - Ask not what quatum is, but what it can do for you
Our Crowd
February 15, 2023
Why should we care, how are we solving problems tomorrow that we could not 5 years ago, what is the impact, and are you ready?

Our Crowd International Summit brings startups, corporations, investors, and venture captitals together.
️ What are the business challenges enterprise organizations are facing today and tomorrow?
Where should startups focus their efforts in using #aitechnology?
Can corporations mitigate risk and reduce cycle time to solve future challenges through corporate venture captial investments?
Where is the priorities for funds distributed by venture capitals and investors?

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Tags: Digital Transformation, Procurement, Quantum Computing

Feb 14 - Does Every Corporation Need a CVC?
Our Crowd
December 30, 2022
Benefits and value to diversity, strategic partners ships, and how this will mitigate risk against future disruptins for the enterprise organizations. Shoud a CVC be a part of your transformation strategy in 2023 ?


Our Crowd International Summit brings startups, corporations, investors, and venture captitals together.
️ What are the business challenges enterprise organizations are facing today and tomorrow?
Where should startups focus their efforts in using #aitechnology?
Can corporations mitigate risk and reduce cycle time to solve future challenges through corporate venture captial investments?
Where is the priorities for funds distributed by venture capitals and investors?

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

ProcureCon Authors Series Getting It Done Right The First Time: Challenging Assumptions Regarding Procurement Transformation
ProcureCon 2022
December 06, 2022

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Harnessing Data & AI to Transform into the Future
PGRX
September 20, 2022
Abstract: The future is happening now. Procurement & supply chain organizations still lingering behind can not remain competitive in our constantly changing global landscape. Without knowing how to leverage data to its fullest potential, organizations lose the capability to generate value-based outcomes. AI technologies have become the catalyst to do more with less and finally unleash the power of data.

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Airlines Industry Transformation
OurCrowd
June 30, 2022
- Now is the right time to prioritize transformation
- Playing catch up to the 10 new airlines in production during 2021
- Translating digital transformation into renvenue generating opportunities
- Breaking down organizational silos
- Lessons Learned from other industries
- the 'front seat leader' is pivotal - what does that mean

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Shifting from the Agile to the Intelligent Organization (Day 1)
ProcureCon West 2022
April 11, 2022
• Where is AI being used today - procurement is already working and using products & services with AI technology
• Culture Shift - What does that mean & are you ready?
• What questions should procurement be asking when
evaluating AI products & services

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Tags: AI, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Importance of Collaboration (Diversity) in Development AI
Women in Data Science Tunisia - AI Summitt Africa
March 17, 2022
Ensuring we have mitigate risk of data bias, social bias, etc. and the impact that has to all stakeholders, not just procurement but for everyone who is using the application built on those bias.

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Tags: AI, Big Data, Procurement

Negotiation the Deal: Key Considerations in Procurement Technology
ProcureCon IT Sourcing
June 06, 2017

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Tags: Digital Transformation, Procurement, Supply Chain

Automating a Global Supplier Performance Management Program
American Express
March 05, 2008
Invited to speak at American Express Global Procurement Leaders to discuss end to end Supplier Lifecycle, Supplier Diversity and Risk.

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Tags: Digital Transformation, Procurement, Supply Chain

Enhancing Commodity Strategies through Sourcing Technology
Melissa Drew
October 01, 2007
Invited to speak at Financial Services Annual Global Sourcing Directors Conference, hosted by American Express

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Value of Leveraging Aggregated Sourcing / Procurement Model for Non-Profits
Alabama Turfgrass Association
September 24, 1994
Keynote speaker (back then, I was the only speaker) at Annual Turfgrass Conference outlining the approach & benefits of an aggregated Sourcing / procurement model levering US Turfgrass state associations . I.e. increase revenue, reduce cost, and minimize risk. I have a very nice engraved letter opener as a speaker gift.

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Tags: Big Data, Procurement, Supply Chain

29 Media Interviews
Becoming AI Literate Citizens in a Global World with Melissa Drew
Narativ
February 26, 2024
“In order for us to be AI literate, we have to be aware of what and how much data we’re creating. We have to understand when and how our personal data is being stored, shared, deleted, and sold to a third party. An AI literate citizen is someone who can feel confident that they understand how the data is being used in the products and services that they consume and interact with”, Melissa Drew

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Using AI to Find $ in Supply Chain and Ethical Labor Practices
Let's Talk Supply Chain
May 23, 2023

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Tags: Big Data, Supply Chain, Procurement

Using AI to find in Supply Chain and Ethical Labor
Let's Talk Supply Chain
May 23, 2023

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Tags: Big Data, Procurement, Supply Chain

Highlighting Strong and Intelligent Women CX leaders
Clootrack
March 08, 2023

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Rise of AI technologies and the evolving digital landscape
Stroud and Clarke
November 09, 2022
IBM’s Melissa Drew discusses the rise of AI technologies, the evolving digital landscape for organisations and how to best leverage the power of data

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Evolution from All-In-One Suites to Hybrid
ProcureTech Podcast
October 24, 2022
As a result of AI Technologies, we are working with up to 40% of new suppliers using AI technologies to develop new products and services supporting every aspect of the enterprise organization. In this interview, we explore how this impacts the future of procurement technology.

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

66 Questions with Melissa Drew
The Data Strategy Show
October 23, 2022

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Can AI Increase Project Success? Interview with Melissa Drew
Greyfly.ai
October 18, 2022
“The use cases for AI in Project Management are endless” – Melissa Drew

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Tea Time with Tamra - Supplier Diversity in Technology
ISM - NJ
September 29, 2022
In this 1-hour program, Tamra Pawloski, Global Director, Indirect Procurement, Corteva Agriscience will discuss Supplier Diversity within Technology with our guest, Melissa Drew, Associate Partner, IBM.

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

AI & Supply Chain
Let's Talk Supply Chain
August 09, 2022

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Tags: AI, Procurement, Supply Chain

Melissa Drew on Fast Talk, AI, & Closing the Gender Gap in Supply Chain
Let's Talk Supply Chain
July 29, 2022

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Tags: Supply Chain, Procurement, Leadership

Melissa Drew Shares her thoughts on the Impact of AI, Leadership, and What's Trending
Voice of Supply Chain (from Source Day and ISM NJ)
April 25, 2022
In this episode of Voice of Supply Chain, sponsored by ISM New Jersey and SourceDay, the CMO of SourceDay, Sarah Scudder, is joined by Melissa Drew. Melissa is a total boss lady, wicked smart, and a great speaker and storyteller. She's had quite a supply chain career, knows tons about AI and supply chain technology, and she's here to share all her wisdom.

The biggest takeaway is that? Melissa shares that in order to set up somebody for success, there's a whole host of variables that come with that: What does that person need to be successful? What do I need from that person for me to be successful? And, know that you need to set yourself up for success and recognize that we're all working together. Melissa discusses the importance of self-awareness – reflect on your actions, capabilities and gaps.

01:33 Melissa goes down memory lane to her college years
03:29 The most important thing learned in college and post-college
06:35 Melissa's attraction to data throughout her career
09:41 How she got into the procurement industry
11:19 The biggest miss that companies experience around data
13:23 Post-Kearney and where Melissa is today
15:14 The hardest decision made as a boss and learnings
23:11 Advice for someone try to get into data or tech in the supply chain realm
31:21 A situation in which a company has adopted AI well
34:37 Exciting AI projects to come for procurement in the future
38:26 Notable trends outside of the world of AI
45:19 Melissa's new podcast and the inspiration behind the launch
50:41 Managing being a wife, mom, and businesswoman
55:24 Spitfire round of questions

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Tags: Big Data, Leadership, Procurement

102 Customer Experience Experts Reveal their CX Challenges and Actions
Clootrack
February 21, 2022

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Tags: AI, Big Data, Procurement

AI in Procurement: Opportunities and Watch-outs
Procuretech Podcast
January 19, 2022

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Top 25 Consultants - Excellence in Leadership
Consulting Magazine
November 26, 2021

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Applying AI Technology to Procurement
Art of Procurement
October 25, 2021
Interview highlights how will AI Technologies Impact the Procurement Organization

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Tags: AI, Big Data, Procurement

Hyper-Personalization - Impact of AI in Retail
Crossover Commerce with Ryan Cramer
October 13, 2021

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Tags: AI, Big Data, Procurement

WLDA & Upcoming 1st Annual Summit
WLDA (Women Leaders in Data & AI)
October 01, 2021

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Tags: AI, Big Data, Procurement

Digital Transformation & AI Technologies
Digital Enterprise Society
September 21, 2021

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Interview Digital Transformation Direct Products
WBS Rocks
July 19, 2021

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Tags: Digital Transformation, Procurement, Supply Chain

The Hyper-personalized Experience
CX Leader Podcast
June 15, 2021

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Tags: AI, Big Data, Digital Transformation

How Hyper-personalization meet Customer Experience
B2C Business to Community
June 09, 2021

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Tags: AI, Big Data, Procurement

Digital Transformation: OEM vs. Consulting Companies
WBS Rocks
June 03, 2021

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Interview with Melissa Drew
AI Times Journal
April 29, 2021

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Tags: AI, Digital Transformation, Procurement

2021 Global Leaders in Consulting
Consulting Magazine
April 19, 2021

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Tags: Digital Transformation, Leadership, Procurement

28 Memberships
Member
Women Leaders Association
August 01, 2022

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Tags: Digital Transformation, Leadership, Procurement

Women Leaders in Data and AI (WLDA)
WLDA
May 03, 2021

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Tags: AI, Big Data, Digital Transformation

UNSPSC.org
UNSPSC.ORG
February 08, 2021

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Tags: Big Data, Leadership, Procurement

Sourcing Industry Group
SIG
January 05, 2021

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Member
Procurious
July 22, 2020

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

NY Chapter Member
Institute for Supply Management - NY
June 01, 2020

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

NY Chapter Member
Institute for Supply Management - NY
June 01, 2019

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

NY Chapter Member
Institute for Supply Management - NY
June 01, 2018

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

NY Chapter Member
Institute for Supply Management - NY
June 01, 2017

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

NY Chapter Member
Institute for Supply Management - NY
June 01, 2016

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

NY Chapter Member
Institute for Supply Management - NY
June 01, 2015

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

NY Chapter Member
Institute for Supply Management - NY
June 01, 2014

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

NY Chapter Member
Institute for Supply Management - NY
June 01, 2013

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Member
North Country Toast Masters
January 05, 2013

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Tags: Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Public Relations

NY Chapter Member
Institute for Supply Management - NY
June 01, 2012

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

NY Chapter Member
Institute for Supply Management - NY
June 01, 2011

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

NY Chapter Member
Institute for Supply Management - NY
June 01, 2010

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Member
Women's President Educational Organization
December 01, 2009

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Tags: Leadership, Procurement, Supply Chain

NY Chapter Member
Institute for Supply Management - NY
June 01, 2009

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Member
Women's President Educational Organization
December 01, 2008

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Tags: Leadership, Procurement, Supply Chain

NY Chapter Member
Institute for Supply Management - NY
June 01, 2008

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

NY Chapter Member
Manhattan Chamber of Commerce
January 01, 2008

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Tags: Leadership, Procurement, Supply Chain

Member
Women's President Educational Organization
December 01, 2007

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Tags: Leadership, Procurement, Supply Chain

Chapter Member
Institute for Supply Management - NY
June 01, 2007

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Tags: Big Data, Procurement, Supply Chain

NY Chapter Member
Institute for Supply Management - NY
June 01, 2006

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Tags: Big Data, Procurement, Supply Chain

2 Mentors
WLDA AI Accelerator Program Cohort 1 (2023)
WLDA (Women Leaders in Data & AI)
December 05, 2022
I will be a mentor for the WLDA AI Accelerator program to support women-owned startups

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Tags: Big Data, Leadership, Startups

IBM Mentor
IBM
September 01, 2021

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Tags: Digital Transformation, Leadership, Procurement

3 Miscellaneouss
Producer #3 Women in Procurement Leadership & Networking Event
Thinkers360
May 13, 2024

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Producer #2 Women in Procurement Leadership & Networking Event
Procurement Foundry
November 15, 2023
Nov 15, 2023 in Atlanta, GA

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Tags: Digital Transformation, Procurement

Producer #1 Women in Procurement Leadership & Networking Event
Procurement Foundry
May 01, 2023
April 30, 2023, in Chicago - a 4 hour session dedicated to women in procurement and supply chain management.

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Tags: Digital Transformation, Leadership, Procurement

5 Miscellaneouss
Negotiate Like a Women ... Because you will be more Sucessfull
Procurement Foundry
July 25, 2023

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Tags: Digital Transformation, Leadership, Procurement

Day 1 Morning Chairperson - Procurement Foundry Conference (May 1)
Procurement Foundry
April 30, 2023

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Operationalising AI Policies and Ethics
WLDA (Women Leaders in Data & AI)
March 28, 2023
Candid Conversation on Operationalizing AI Policies with our featured speaker, Laura Miller, MA, Director of Ethics - Integrity, and Technology at Shadowing AI, and our moderator champion, Melissa Drew, Associate Partner, Finance & Supply Chain Transformation at IBM. Discover how to implement ethical AI policies within your organization and learn from real-world examples of successful practices.

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Tags: AI, Big Data, Procurement

From Protocol to Product - Building the Next Generation Asset Management for Families
WLDA (Women Leaders in Data & AI)
February 09, 2023
Moderator and interviewer.
Kelly Cambry Co-founder and CEO of Blue Studios.io

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Tags: AI, Big Data, Digital Transformation

Moderator: Building Your Global Brand
WLDA (Women Leaders in Data & AI)
November 29, 2022
Happy to participate as #moderator for Women Leaders In Data & AI (WLDA) members only Fireside Chat with Steve Wanamaker, #CEO of CDO Magazine.

Developing a personal brand is no longer just about gaining a competitive advantage, but can also
- highlight your value
- strengthen your self-awareness
- improve your ability to achieve your goals
- Improve your exposure

Your brand tells us who you are, what you care about, and your contribution within your industry or topic you are passonate about.

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Tags: Big Data, Leadership, Procurement

18 Panels
The Evolution Of Intelligence—Emerging Paradigms Beyond AI And ML
Internet2.0
March 18, 2024

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Women In ERP - The Good, The Bad, The Ugly (02-2022)
SourceDay
February 01, 2022

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Procurement Talks - Upping the Ante
Real Sourcing Network
October 07, 2021

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Business Growth with ERP and Digital Transformation
WBS Rocks
October 01, 2021

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Tags: Digital Transformation, Procurement, Supply Chain

Digital Transformation - Business Simplification Before Implementation
WBS Rocks
September 23, 2021

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

AI & Manufacturing
App Orchid Inc.
August 26, 2021

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Tags: Big Data, Procurement, Supply Chain

AI & Logistics / Transportation
App Orchid Inc.
August 19, 2021

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Tags: Big Data, Procurement, Supply Chain

Digital Transformation
WBS Rocks
August 12, 2021

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Tags: Digital Transformation, Procurement, Supply Chain

AI & Automotive
App Orchid Inc.
July 22, 2021

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Digital Transformation Enterprise Data
WBS Rocks
July 15, 2021

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

AI & Procurement Process Automation
App Orchid Inc.
July 08, 2021

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Trainwrecks, Nightmares & Meltdowns: Tales of Contracting Woes
App Orchid Inc.
July 06, 2021

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

What is AI and its Impact in Procurement Part 2
App Orchid Inc.
June 24, 2021

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Procurement Evolving to Support Decentralized Purchasing
Procurement Foundry
June 22, 2021

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

What is AI and its Impact in Procurement Part 1
App Orchid Inc.
June 17, 2021

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Tags: AI, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Digital Transformation: OEM vs Consulting
WBSRocks
June 03, 2021

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

SAP Ariba Makes Procurement a SNAP for Midmarket
Ariba Live - Las Vegas
March 05, 2018

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Tags: Digital Transformation, Procurement, Supply Chain

Strategies for S2P Implementation
Melissa Drew
October 01, 2010
Positive impact on the procurement department and value of leveraging technology.

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

71 Podcasts
AI Agent - Your New Sidekick
Impact of Data & AI Literate Citizen
April 02, 2025

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Tags: AI, Big Data, Digital Transformation

(68) Devadharshinin Murugan - Conversation with an Associate (Python) Developer
Youtube
March 11, 2025
AI technologies impact all of us, no matter where we are in our life journey. From high school students to full-time retirement on the beach, we each have a different perspective. How we navigate forward depends on our own experiences with AI technologies.Meet Devadharshinin in her first interview ever!! She received her bachelor's degree in Data Science and started the M.B.A. program in Business (Artificial) Intelligence in the Summer of 2024. At the same time, she works full-time at Mavdero Techservices Pvt Ltd as a software (python) developer. This episode is hearing the perspective of someone continuing her (AI) educational journey and, at the same time, just starting her professional journey. Topics covered are: - Developer vs Data Science- MBA in AI Business Strategy- Value of automation- The software she uses in her job - Learning on the job- Her pick of the most exciting feature she is working on- What is an AI Agent?Mavdero is a technology provider for intelligent automation services using artificial intelligence, RPA, and machine learning. The Devadharshinin is working on contract management automation.

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

(68) Devadharshinin Murugan - Conversation with an Associate (Python) Developer
Impact of Data & AI Literate Citizen
February 15, 2025
AI technologies impact all of us, no matter where we are in our life journey. From high school students to full-time retirement on the beach, we each have a different perspective. How we navigate forward depends on our own experiences with AI technologies.Meet Devadharshinin in her first interview ever!! She received her bachelor's degree in Data Science and started the M.B.A. program in Business (Artificial) Intelligence in the Summer of 2024. At the same time, she works full-time at Mavdero Techservices Pvt Ltd as a software (python) developer. This episode is hearing the perspective of someone continuing her (AI) educational journey and, at the same time, just starting her professional journey.
Topics covered are: - Developer vs Data Science- MBA in AI Business Strategy- Value of automation- The software she uses in her job - Learning on the job- Her pick of the most exciting feature she is working on- What is an AI Agent?

Mavdero is a technology provider for intelligent automation services using artificial intelligence, RPA, and machine learning. The Devadharshinin is working on contract management automation.

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Tags: AI, Digital Transformation, Procurement

(67) Melissa Drew - AI 101, What is AI, Really?
Impact of Data & AI Literate Citizen
January 19, 2025

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

(66) Susan Walsh - The Human Touch of Automating Spend
Impact of Data & AI Literate Citizen
May 14, 2024

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

(65) Julienne Ryan - Communication in a World of Technology
Impact of Data & AI Literate Citizen
March 20, 2024

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

(64) Adita Karkera - Shaping the Future of the Public Sector Through Data
Impact of Data & AI Literate Citizen
February 12, 2024

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

(63) Isabella Richard - Marketing Strategy for Emerging AI Products
Impact of Data & AI Literate Citizen
January 15, 2024

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

(60) Melissa Drew - Reducing Risk with Project Intelligence
Impact of Data & AI Literate Citizen
June 12, 2023

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

(62) Laura Ellis - 'Little Miss Data' & the Evolution of Data Over Time
Impact of Data & AI Literate Citizen
June 12, 2023

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

(61) Interview Himali Kumar - Reoccuring Data (Quality) Audits
Impact of Data & AI Literate Citizen
May 17, 2023

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

(59) Bhuva Shakti - Championing Women's Financial Inclusion in Technology
Impact of Data & AI Literate Citizen
May 07, 2023

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

(58) Kamal Distell (Part 1) - Minimal Viable Data is the Future of Data Intelligence
Impact of Data & AI Literate Citizen
March 23, 2023

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

(57) Rehka McCarthy - Clear Outcomes Lead to Sucessful (AI) Proof of Concepts
Impact of Data & AI Literate Citizen
March 08, 2023

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

(56) Sneha Kumari - Circular Supply Chains (the line in the sand is constantly moving)
Impact of Data & AI Literate Citizen
February 22, 2023
While there were many 'Ah ha' moments, one moment of enlightenment was just how much carbon is produced for the inefficiency in training an AI model. We looked it up during this podcast. It was shocking. AI is used to support research in reducing carbon emissions, but we may not be fully aware how much AI technologies act as a carbon emitter.

Our goal with this discussion is by then end you are asking yourself questions you may not have thought about and/or starting asking new questions at your job tomorrow.

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

(55) Aruna Pattam - Top 5 AI Trends to Watch for in 2023
Impact of Data & AI Literate Citizen
February 13, 2023
AI technologies are not new. They only became popular after some time. They have been around for decades. As a result of supporting components such as cloud architecture and semiconductor chips, using AI technologies has become more accessible. This accessibility brings this topic into the mainstream for discussing positive and negative impacts.

Aruna Pattam, Head of AI & Analytics for the Asia Pacific region, is my guest on this episode. In 2021, she was Linked in Top Voice 2021 for Technology and Innovation and recently named of the 2023 Top 100 Brilliant Women in AI Ethics. Additionally, she continuously contributes her thought leadership as a group member of the Responsible AI Think Tank.

In Jan 2023, Aruna published her perspectives on the Top AI Trends for 2023. Today's discussion discusses those trends and why we should be watching these more closely in 2023.

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

(54) Laura Miller - Ethics Professor 'It is time to do business right, ethically'
Impact of Data & AI Literate Citizen
January 30, 2023
This interview, our discussion, and our views are now a part of the global data set.

According to Laura, data is impartial. It doesn't have human-like qualities. The unclean data, the unstructured data is the best mirror to ourselves. Ultimately, we are responsible for the data-sets that are pulled into other organizations. i.e. we buy, we post, we upload, we like, we repost. We can clean data to redefine a better 'prettier' answer, but if we want to fix the data, we may want to shift that focus to ourselves.

"... you play an active role whether you have known it or not. You have been in it all along",Laura.

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

(53) Lisa Palmer - 'Doing the Right Thing' AI Governance
Impact of Data & AI Literate Citizen
January 17, 2023
AI-related projects are not typical IT projects with a traditional waterfall approach. My conversation with Lisa Palmer, Chief AI Strategist & Ethicist, AI Leaders focused around her recent doctorial thesis and research on 'Artifical Intelligence: Are For-Profit Entities using the "Do the right thing' goverance to drive business results"

When her customers claimed they were 'doing the right thing', Lisa wanted to take that further i.e. 'What does that really mean and more importantly, what does the customer believe that means? This led to her doctoratal statement and how companies are:
1. Making decisions
2. Taking action
3. The results of those actions

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

(52) Skyla Wesolowski - From an Accounting to Automation Degree & Career
Impact of Data & AI Literate Citizen
January 03, 2023
A recent graduate from Nichols College in Boston, MA and now working as an Automation Engineer at Paragus IT, Skyla started her educational journey with an Accounting degree, but later changed that concentration to technology and automation.

In a conversation with her advisor, it was suggested perhaps Accounting wasn't the right fit. These discussions led to an internship through Center of Intelligent Automation (CIPA) program at Nichols College.

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

(51) Shiran Somech - 'Listen to my Voice'...stories of women who can no longer speak
Impact of Data & AI Literate Citizen
December 20, 2022

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Tags: AI, Digital Transformation, Procurement

(50) Michelle Dunivan - Data Transforms the Animal Welfare Industry
Impact of Data & AI Literate Citizen
December 06, 2022

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

(49) Marcia William - Project Intelligence for the 21st Century
Impact of Data & AI Literate Citizen
November 22, 2022

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Debbie Botha - Inclusive AI Benefits a Multi-Cultural Global Society
Impact of Data & AI Literate Citizen
November 16, 2022
It would take 152 years to close the gendergap, if we did nothing more than what we are doing today, according to a World Economc Forum study. This was just one insights during my discussion with Debbie Botha, Global Chief Partnership Officer, who further dscribes the Women in AI organization as a 'Do-Tank' not just another 'Think-Tank'.

"Even with the hardest efforts, we will still be biased human beings .... important teams building the future of our world with AI applications embrace internal diversity as much as they can, in order to create an inclusive AI and represent a right image of a multi-cultural society. That’s why we need... more women in AI, but (also) more diversity in general. This can extend to the skin color, religion, education, country, family, age and etc." Founders of Women in AI.

From a grass roots organization, Women in AI has grown to global organization in 150 countries with boots on the ground in over 40 countries.

Our conversations dives deeper into the following:

- make visible impact on minimizing bias and closing the gender gap
- five (5) ways to increase (or speed up) the process
- how does culture impact hurts or help the progress
- example such as job description, where a small change can make a dig difference

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Tags: AI, Leadership, Procurement

Donna Forsdyke - Reducing Bias in Customer & Call Center Operations
Impact of Data & AI Literate Citizen
November 08, 2022
Is customer service really servicing the customer if the priority is capturing data rather than understanding the customer?

Think about the last time you called customer service and spoke with someone who spent more time on data entry than really helping you, or what about a non-profit organization whose support center is manned by volunteers or interns.

Perhaps the customer service agent does not want to ask the customer to repeat themselves and thereby miss out on documenting key information, or perhaps the agent is so busy hearing the conversation for data entry they are not really listening to the customer's needs.

Wyser is a 2-year-old start-up using AI technologies to document, in real-time, the voice of the customer. This reduces data entry errors while increasing data accuracy. More importantly, it allows the customer service agent to provide service to the customer rather than risk escalating customer frustration even further.

Donna, "we are processing data in the most intelligent way to fully use it without someone having to manually look at it.... able to identify patterns and keywords to establish trends and then adapt accordingly."

Additional topics discussed are:

- Shifting into an early-stage start-up from a long career in industry
- Is this value of what you are doing immediately understood
- Types of bias in the traditional customer service approach
- Cultural challenges in off-shore call centers
- Loss of valuable information due to individuals who are slow at data entry

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Erin McFarlane - Farimarkit is Solving Procurement Challenges with AI Technologies
Impact of Data & AI Literate Citizen
October 11, 2022
With the increase of AI technologies and, at the same time, a decrease in the cost of using those technologies, we are seeing a rise in startups and small businesses that can focus attention on solving specific business challenges.

In this episode, Erin McFarlane, VP of Product Innovation at the Boston, MA startup Fairmarkit is doing just that with a new round of funding in 2022, bringing 'fairness to the market is possible.

Three (3) years ago, Erin took a risk to shift from working on the buy-side, most of her professional career, to the supply side and work with a very young start-up company.

Erin, "Policies often state using procurement at a threshold of $X. P-card is reserved for smaller but more frequent spending. The middle ground is where Fairmarkit excels, supporting both direct & indirect spending."

Additional topics covered:
- What lured you away from industry to a start-up?
- Fairmarket overview
- What use cases is Fairmarkit solving for?
- Does it really cost more for the organization to use diverse suppliers?
- What and where are the AI technologies used?
- Lessons Learned in working with Startups from Erin

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

25 Presentations
Change Management - Proving Value for the Non Believer
Melissa Drew
February 08, 2022
Developing the right Change Mgmt. Framework, is similiar to building the right kind of chair that will not fall down over time.

Starting with the Foundation - 3 legged stool

Leg 1 - Traditional Program focused on 80% end users, to minimize the negative impacts of change
Leg 2 - Targeted approach to the remaining 20% of the users who can indavertenly create an obstacle for sustainable end user sucess
Leg 3 - Executive Leadership needs attention as well. If your leadership is not saying or doing anything, then they are really saying a lot! If leadership is not communicating the right message, telling the right story, and with consistency, then leadership can become the largest obstacle.

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Tags: Design Thinking, Digital Transformation, Leadership

Data Ethics & Bias for Procurement Professionals
Melissa Drew
November 10, 2021
- Introduction to AI & Cognitive Technologies
- What is Ethical AI & Why do we care
- How does this impact procurement - what to look for when evaluating AI solutions
- Considerations and Check List
- Conclusion

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Hyper Personalization in Health Care
Melissa Drew
September 16, 2021

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Tags: Big Data, Design Thinking, Digital Transformation

Impact of Millennials in the Workforce: International Perspective
Melissa Drew
June 05, 2019

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Tags: Future of Work, Leadership, Procurement

Diversity & Inclusion
Melissa Drew
June 03, 2019

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Tags: Digital Transformation, Leadership, Procurement

Thinking Differently - Analytics & Spend Management
Melissa Drew
April 19, 2018

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Effective Communications for Supply Chain Professionals
Melissa Drew
March 15, 2018

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Tags: Entrepreneurship, Procurement, Supply Chain

Negotiation the Deal: Key Considerations in Procurement Technology
Melissa Drew
June 06, 2017

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Strategic Sourcing Building the Foundation
Melissa Drew
February 23, 2016

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

CFO: Procurement's Impact on Carbon Footprint
Melissa Drew
April 12, 2015
For the NYC Department of Education, I redesigned the logistics & supply chain processes consolidating 17 suppliers into a single 3PL to deliver all school materials, science kits and supplemental information, across 1300+ public schools in 5 boroughs. Presentation included an analysis of the additional benefits to reduction of carbon footprint & traffic congestion caused by large semi-trucks. Presented to CFO of NYC Department of Education and aligned with the NY state Green Initiatives promoted by the Governor.

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Tags: Big Data, Procurement, Supply Chain

Calculating Spend to Develop Buying Channel (strategic sourcing)
Melissa Drew
April 02, 2015
Overview of souring buying channels with a decision tree to provide guidance on when and how to purchase. Including data collection of spend, defining addressable spend and how to calculate it.

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Tags: Big Data, Procurement, Supply Chain

Maximizing Savings Through Procurement Operations
Melissa Drew
January 13, 2015

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Supplier Information Performance Management
Melissa Drew
March 08, 2013

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Modern Day Challenges in Spend Management
Melissa Drew
March 05, 2013

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Attract, Motivate, Retain Millennial Workforce
Melissa Drew
February 23, 2013

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Tags: Future of Work, Leadership, Procurement

Assessing Risk Throughout S2P Lifecycle
Melissa Drew
February 23, 2013

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Identify, Manage, & Reduce Supplier Risk
Melissa Drew
January 22, 2013

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Tags: Big Data, Procurement, Supply Chain

Principles of Project Management
Melissa Drew
December 18, 2012

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Tags: Big Data, Procurement, Project Management

Enhancing Commodity Strategies Through eProcurement
Melissa Drew
June 01, 2009

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Tags: Big Data, Procurement, Supply Chain

Total Cost of Ownership: Global Sourcing Case Study
Melissa Drew
May 15, 2007

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Tags: Digital Transformation, Procurement, Supply Chain

Developing the Foundations of a Supplier Diversity Program
Melissa Drew
January 22, 2007
Outline program framework for a new Supplier Diversity Program specific to Estee Lauder

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Tags: Big Data, Procurement, Supply Chain

Spend Visibility - Foundation for Effective Procurement
Melissa Drew
August 01, 2003

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Tags: Big Data, Procurement, Supply Chain

Building the Cube
ATKearney
January 01, 1999
What do you buy, who do you buy from, and where do you purchase from. Understanding how to capture data and develop a spend cube.

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Tags: Big Data, Procurement, Supply Chain

Sourcing Opportunity Assessment Framework
ATKearney
January 01, 1999
Defining total spend, sourceable spend, how to define sourcing categories, positioning those categories to outline a wave strategy based on spend volume versus supply market complexity.

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Tags: Big Data, Procurement, Supply Chain

Normalized Spend Data
ATKearney
January 01, 1999
To support the opportunity assessments, spend data had to be manually normalized and classified using the UNSPSC. The presentation outlined how to use MS Access Database to yield results in 9 weeks to support the opportunity assessment outcome.

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Tags: Big Data, Procurement, Supply Chain

5 Quotes
Intelligent Organization is the next Phase of Procurement's Evolution
AI Time Journal
May 28, 2021
When procurement and supply chain can embrace AI and cognitive technologies, to evolve into a better-informed, decision-based organization, only then can the procurement goals be fully realized. The (Intelligent) digital organization will be the next wave of procurement success.

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Tags: Digital Transformation

Poem: Great Leaders Mentoring Others to Lead
Melissa Drew
February 02, 2021
"Great Leaders did not become great on their own, through mentoring these skills were shown. Even the best climbers had tools helping them succeed, take time to share your knowledge, so that others may lead"

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Tags: Leadership

It's more than Digital Disruption but rather Digital Interruption
Melissa Drew
December 01, 2020
'Disrupt' is an event, activity, or process that causes a disturbance. Whereas, 'Interrupt' is to stop the current progress of the event, activity or process. Our goal as innovators and thought leaders are to stop the norm, change the paradigm so it can transform into something different.

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Tags: Digital Transformation

"There is no such thing as a bad project, only poor project planning"
Melissa Drew
December 05, 2015

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Tags: Leadership

"We live each day by what we get, we live our lives by what we give"
Melissa Drew
December 06, 2001

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Tags: Leadership

33 Speaking Engagements
Hybrid Architecture With Purpose
Linkana
September 28, 2024

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

ChatGPT (Gen AI Use Cases for Procurement)
Procurement Foundry
February 05, 2024

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Responsibilities of the AI Literate Citizen in the Evolving Future of AI & Quantum Technologies
ICASETM
January 29, 2024

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Impact of Gen AI in Procurement
Procurement Foundry
November 16, 2023

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Transforming MRO Sourcing for Complex Organizations - How Data F0undation is the Success Factor
Creactives
September 20, 2023

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Digital Transformation 2nd Generation - Bringing AI in Supplier Risk and Compliance
Procurement Foundry
September 01, 2023

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Impact of AI in Global Supplier Risk
Procurement Foundry
July 31, 2023

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Impact of AI & Quantum Technologies in Supply Chain
Melissa Drew
May 07, 2023

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Tags: Digital Transformation, Procurement, Quantum Computing

Male allyship - finding and navigate the relationship
Procurement Foundry
April 30, 2023

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Tags: Digital Transformation, Leadership, Procurement

Supplychain Innovation Day
Rutgers Business School
April 14, 2023

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Supply Chain

Leveraging Data to Transform your Supplier Diversity Program (as part of ESG)
ISM - NJ
April 12, 2023

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

The Impact of AI Technologies in Procurement
ISM NY
August 24, 2022

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Tags: AI, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Disruptive Innovation in Procurement
Procurement Foundry
August 16, 2022
Host and Speaker for Procurement Foundry's Engage Conference on November 2-3, 2023.

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Tags: AI, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Wiping The Slate Clean: A True Procurement Team of the Future For 2022
ProcureCon West 2022
April 12, 2022
CPO Invite Only Interactive Workshop - understanding how the impact of AI will foster the procurement teams of the future and steps needed to move in the right direction

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Tags: AI, Leadership, Procurement

Saving Big With Sustainable Sourcing
ProcureCon West 2022
April 11, 2022
Sustainable sourcing has taking center stage across so many organizations and continues to be vital to a company’s overall reputation. This workshop will focus on key success stories and challenges encountered by sourcing professionals in developing supplier diversity and sustainability programs.

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

How is AI impacting our procurement organization & our teams
Art of Procurement (digital outcomes 2022 conference UK)
March 08, 2022
Augmenting the tactical, can AI elevate procurement's focus to the strategic

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Tags: AI, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Change Management - Leading With Change Mindset
Women Leaders in Data and AI
February 10, 2022

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Tags: Design Thinking, Digital Transformation, Leadership

Impact of AI in Procurement - Introduction to Data Ethics & Bias
GSA-UK
November 10, 2021
- Introduction to AI & Cognitive Technologies
- What is Ethical AI & Why do we care
- How does this impact procurement - what to look for when evaluating AI solutions
- Considerations and Check List
- Conclusion

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Tags: AI, Big Data, Procurement

Hyper Personalization in Health Care
Cardinal Health
September 16, 2021
Audience of 135 people across Cardinal Health U.S. associated with FUSE division, which was "created to live at the intersection between emerging technology and healthcare"

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Tags: Big Data, Design Thinking, Digital Transformation

Impact of Millennials in the Workforce: International Perspective
Ariba Live - Barcelona
June 05, 2019
Looking the state of the Millennial workforce on a global scale, the presentation highlighted where the Millennials are today, the potential impacts to consider, and as the largest generation of workforce, how our global procurement & supply chain will shift as new countries emerged with growths in population.

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Tags: Future of Work, Procurement, Supply Chain

Diversity & Inclusion
Ariba Live - Barcelona
June 03, 2019
My introduction speech prior to the KeyNote Speaker - at the Diversity & Leadership Luncheon - provided a creative approach to outlining the values of Diversity and Inclusion.

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Tags: Future of Work, Leadership, Procurement

Advantages of eProcurement: On Demand vs Behind Firewall
Melissa Drew
October 08, 2018

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Maximizing Savings Through Procurement Operations
ProcureCon Indirect East
February 12, 2015

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Supplier Information Performance Management
Institute for Supply Management - AZ
March 28, 2013

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Tags: Digital Transformation, Procurement, Supply Chain

Modern Day Challenges in Spend Management
Institute of Supply Management - Central Florida
March 05, 2013

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

5 Videos
GenAI in Supplier Relationship Management
Impact of Data & AI Literate Citizen
May 15, 2024

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Gen AI in Predictive Demand Forecasting
Impact of Data & AI Literate Citizen
May 01, 2024

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

AI is Reshaping Procurement Transformation
Impact of Data & AI Literate Citizen
April 29, 2024

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Digital Tranformation Airline Industry
Our Crowd
July 08, 2022
What is Transformation?
Can Airlines Catch up?
Translating Digital Transformation into Revenue?
Breaking Down Silos - leverage cross industry lessons learned

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Insights Series: Melissa Drew - What should leaders be doing now to prepare for a post-Covid world?
Thinkers360
March 03, 2021
Melissa Drew, Director, Cloud Procurement, PwC discusses "What should leaders be doing now to prepare for a post-Covid world?"

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Tags: Leadership, Future of Work, COVID19

6 Webinars
Supply Chain Distribution Model: European Expansion
Melissa Drew
April 28, 2015

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Tags: Digital Transformation, Procurement, Supply Chain

Retail European Expansion: Collaboration between Procurement and Corporate Tax
Melissa Drew
April 28, 2015

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Tags: Digital Transformation, Procurement, Supply Chain

How the Millennial Generation is changing the workforce
Melissa Drew
September 17, 2014

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Tags: Future of Work, Procurement, Supply Chain

Maximizing Savings Through Procurement Operations
Institute for Supply Management - NY
January 13, 2014

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Modern Day Challenges in Spend Management
Institute for Supply Management - NY
March 13, 2013

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Identify, Manage, & Reduce Supplier Risk
Institute of Supply Management - Chicago
January 22, 2013

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Tags: Design Thinking, Procurement, Supply Chain

1 Whitepaper
Master's Thesis Database Theory & Foundation: Relational database has no future real-world applications
Auburn University
March 30, 1997
Master's Thesis Database Theory & Foundation: relational database (fully normalized data) has no practical real-world applications. Due to the need for increased storage of large sets of data & need to report or extract data in a meaningful way, a normalized data model is not practical.

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Tags: Big Data, Procurement, Supply Chain

24 Workshops
Thinking Differently - Spend Management
Institute for Supply Management - NY
April 19, 2018
Delivering full day workshops for 7 CEUs

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Effective Communications for Supply Chain Professionals
Institute for Supply Management - NY
March 15, 2018

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Tags: Digital Transformation, Procurement, Supply Chain

Strategic Sourcing - Building the Foundation
Institute of Supply Management - CT
February 18, 2018

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Strategic Sourcing Building the Foundation
Institute for Supply Management - NY
February 08, 2018
Delivering full day workshops for 7 CEUs

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Strategic Sourcing - Building the Foundation
Institute of Supply Management - CT
December 11, 2017
Delivering full day workshops for 7 CEUs

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Building The Foundation - Fundamentals of Procurement
Institute for Supply Management - NY
September 15, 2016

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Strategic Sourcing - Building the Foundation
Institute for Supply Management - NY
April 28, 2016

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Tags: Big Data, Leadership, Procurement

Principles of Project Management
Institute for Supply Management - NY
April 07, 2016
Delivering full day workshops for 7 CEUs

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Tags: Big Data, Procurement, Project Management

Strategic Sourcing - Building the Foundation
Institute for Supply Management - NY
February 23, 2016
delivering full day courses for 7 CEUs

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Tags: Big Data, Procurement, Supply Chain

Principles of Project Management
Melissa Drew
April 09, 2015

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Tags: Supply Chain, Procurement, Project Management

Calculating Spend to Develop Buying Channel (strategic sourcing)
Melissa Drew
April 02, 2015
Overview of souring buying channels with a decision tree to provide guidance on when and how to purchase. Including data collection of spend, defining addressable spend and how to calculate it.

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Tags: Big Data, Procurement, Supply Chain

Maximizing Your Management Skill - For Procurement & Supply Chain professional
Melissa Drew
March 11, 2014
Understanding your management style, impact to others and how to adjust to maximize value. Management in virtual teams and across cultures. Create & maintain career development plan. Giving performance evaluations including class & team exercises.

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Tags: Leadership, Procurement, Supply Chain

Maximizing Management Skills for Today’s Supply Chain Teams
Melissa Drew
March 11, 2014

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Tags: Leadership, Procurement, Supply Chain

Principles of Project Management
Institute for Supply Management - NY
February 06, 2014
Instructor for ISM Delivering full day workshops for 7 CEUs

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Tags: Big Data, Procurement, Project Management

Supplier Information Performance Management
Institute for Supply Management - AZ
March 29, 2013
Delivering full day workshops for 7 CEUs

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Identify, Manage, & Reduce Supplier Risk
Institute for Supply Management - NY
February 28, 2013
Instructor delivering full day workshop for 7 CEUs

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Tags: Big Data, Procurement, Supply Chain

Principles of Project Management
Institute for Supply Management - NY
January 17, 2013
Instructor for ISM full day workshop delivering 7 CEUs

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Tags: Big Data, Procurement, Project Management

Principles of Project Management
Institute for Supply Management - NY
December 18, 2012
Delivering full day workshops for 7 CEUs

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Tags: Big Data, Procurement, Project Management

Risk Management for Supply Chain Professionals
Institute for Supply Management - NY
May 02, 2012

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Tags: Big Data, Procurement, Supply Chain

Supplier Information Performance Management
Institute for Supply Management - NY
April 19, 2012
ISM Instructor delivering full day workshop for 7 CEUs.

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Project Management for Supply Chain Professionals
Institute for Supply Management - NY
February 16, 2012

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Tags: Big Data, Procurement, Project Management

Enhancing Commodity Strategies Through eProcurement
Financial Services Global Sourcing Directors Conference (hosted by Amex in Arizona)
June 01, 2009
Workshop introducing eProcurement to support strategic sourcing. Deeper dive into 3 commodities with analysis impacting increase savings, shift in roles and responsibilities, and organization alignment with the procurement organization.

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

Introduction to Grammar Based NML (Natural Modeling Language)
Melissa Drew
February 15, 2005
how patented grammar based technology can automate the data normalization, classification and enrichment of spend data, how it work, and how to write industry specific models. Note: this is specific to the application developed by Softface.

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Tags: AI, Big Data, Procurement

Introduction & Developing Star Schema Conceptual Data Model
Melissa Drew
February 15, 2005
What is the star schema, how it work, value over relationship database, and how to develop a star schedule data model from report requirements -> field requirements -> to final data model.

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Tags: Big Data, Leadership, Procurement

Thinkers360 Credentials

16 Badges

Radar

3 Predictions
Procurement Organization's Value

Date : October 13, 2021

The Procurement Organization will no longer use 'cost reduction' to define its value.

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AI's Impact on the Next Phase of the Procurement Organization

Date : June 15, 2021

The next phase of evolution for the procurement organization is 'The Informed Organization'. The new 'Informed Organization', as a result of cognitive technologies, will bridge the remaining gaps still lingering after six (6) years:
- lack of confidence in the data
- lack of visibility in evaluating real-time supplier risk
- inaccuracy in the data which limits the ability to make an actionable decision in a time frame when those decisions have the most impact
– users performing manual tail-end activities

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Blending AI with Video-In-Mail Technology

Date : December 13, 2020

With the current patent-pending technology to automatically play full video-in-email, the evolution will be to merge this with Artificial Intelligence advancing customer service & digital communications. Users will experience an avatar communicating their past due notices or upcoming appointments. With call-to-action buttons they will be able to pay bills, change their appointments for confirm ordering information. The use cases would be endless reaching horizontality across all industries and verticals.

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Blog

4 Article/Blogs
U.S. Egg Shortage Preventable with AI
Thinkers360
March 14, 2025

Could AI Help the Egg Shortage in the US?  The answer is Yes!

The United States has been experiencing periodic egg shortages due to avian flu outbreaks, supply chain disruptions, and rising feed costs. These challenges have led to fluctuating egg prices and difficulty maintaining a steady supply. Artificial intelligence (AI) is a tool that can mitigate these issues, helping optimize supply chains, prevent disease outbreaks, and improve egg production efficiency. This article explores the key ways AI can be leveraged to address the egg shortage crisis effectively.

1. Predictive Analytics for Supply Chain Management

AI-driven predictive analytics can help producers, distributors, and retailers forecast egg production and demand more accurately. By analyzing historical data, weather patterns, disease trends, and consumer behavior, AI can generate real-time insights to adjust production and logistics accordingly. This can help prevent overproduction or underproduction, reducing waste while ensuring a steady supply.

For instance, AI models can predict seasonal demand spikes and suggest preemptive stock adjustments to prevent shortages. Furthermore, retailers can use AI-based inventory management systems to track egg sales in real-time, optimizing restocking schedules to ensure availability without excessive stockpiling.

2. AI-Powered Disease Detection and Prevention

Avian flu is one of the biggest threats to egg supply, and it can rapidly decimate poultry populations. AI-powered computer vision and IoT (Internet of Things) sensors can monitor bird behavior, detect early signs of illness, and alert farmers before a full-scale outbreak occurs. By analyzing data from sensors tracking temperature, air quality, and bird movement, AI can identify anomalies that indicate disease presence, allowing for immediate intervention.

Additionally, AI can assist in biosecurity measures by analyzing movement patterns within farms to suggest improvements in sanitation and isolation protocols. This can significantly reduce the risk of disease transmission and improve overall poultry health.

3. Smart Farming for Increased Production

AI-driven automation in poultry farms can improve efficiency and egg production rates. Intelligent farming systems equipped with AI can monitor environmental factors like temperature, humidity, lighting, and feed intake to ensure optimal conditions for hens. These systems can automatically adjust in real-time, ensuring hens remain healthy and productive.

Moreover, AI-powered robotic systems can be employed for egg collection, sorting, and packaging, reducing human error and increasing operational efficiency. AI can help farmers maximize egg production while reducing resource wastage by optimizing feeding schedules and identifying individual hens with lower productivity.

4. Supply Chain Optimization

AI-driven logistics platforms can enhance egg distribution efficiency, ensuring eggs reach consumers faster and fresher. Machine learning algorithms can optimize delivery routes based on traffic patterns, weather conditions, and demand fluctuations. This reduces delays, minimizes spoilage, and enhances overall supply chain resilience.

AI can also streamline warehousing and cold storage management. Sensors and AI-powered monitoring systems can track egg storage conditions and provide real-time alerts if temperatures fluctuate beyond safe levels. This prevents spoilage and reduces losses within the supply chain.

5. Alternative Egg Production Solutions

Beyond traditional poultry farming, AI is crucial in the development of lab-grown and plant-based egg alternatives. Companies developing these alternatives use AI to analyze consumer preferences, optimize formulations, and scale production efficiently. Machine learning models can identify the best plant-based ingredients to mimic the taste and texture of eggs, improving the quality and acceptance of these products in the market.

By advancing the production of alternative eggs, AI can help reduce reliance on traditional poultry farming, offering consumers more choices and increasing supply resilience.

6. Market Price Optimization

Egg prices fluctuate based on supply and demand dynamics, sometimes leading to consumer panic and hoarding. AI-powered pricing models can help retailers and suppliers set fair, dynamic pricing strategies. AI can recommend price adjustments that balance affordability with profitability by analyzing demand trends, competitor pricing, and external factors like inflation and supply chain disruptions.

This approach can prevent price gouging during shortages and ensure a more stable market for consumers and producers.

Conclusion

The U.S. egg shortage is a complex issue driven by multiple factors. Yet AI technologies represent a range of solutions to enhance production, streamline distribution, and reduce risks associated with disease outbreaks. From predictive analytics and smart farming to alternative egg production and pricing optimization, AI can play a pivotal role in stabilizing the egg supply chain. By leveraging these technologies, the industry can build a more resilient and sustainable system to meet consumer needs efficiently.

Most of the ideas in the article remain either as concepts or ideas adapted from other industries or are currently in research and development. 

As AI continues to evolve, its integration into the poultry industry will likely become more sophisticated, further improving food security and supply chain efficiency. Technology will reshape the future of egg production, ensuring that shortages become less frequent and less disruptive to consumers and businesses.

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Tags: AI, Digital Transformation, Supply Chain

AI & Memory Bias Share Similiarities
Thinkers360
March 12, 2025

The bias we attribute to memory recall is similar to AI bias, which shapes how information is retrieved, interpreted, and presented.

1. Data Degradation Bias – Just as human memories fade over time, AI models trained on older datasets may generate narratives influenced by incomplete or outdated information, leading to inaccuracies.

2. Sentiment Amplification Bias – AI may amplify nostalgic tones or negative framing based on patterns in historical data, exaggerating emotions associated with past events.

3. Selection Bias—The data an AI system relies on might not represent the full range of experiences, leading to an overemphasis on certain aspects while ignoring others.

4. Confirmation Bias in Training Data – AI models may reinforce dominant narratives from historical datasets, aligning with prevalent perspectives, even if they don’t reflect a more nuanced or updated understanding.

5. Hindsight Bias in AI Predictions – AI-generated retrospectives may present past events as more predictable or inevitable than they were, reflecting patterns learned from outcome-based training data.

6. Self-Preservation Bias—AI models may generate responses that favor consistency with previous outputs, reinforcing existing perspectives rather than questioning or revising past conclusions.

7. Anchoring Bias in Information Retrieval—AI may disproportionately weight early details when reconstructing past events, shaping the overall narrative around the most prominent or first-retrieved pieces of information.

8. Peak-End Rule in AI Storytelling – AI may emphasize the most dramatic or conclusive moments when summarizing or retelling events, mirroring human tendencies to focus on peaks and endings rather than the full event distribution.

To mitigate these biases, AI systems must be designed to cross-reference diverse data sources, adapt to evolving knowledge, and recognize the limitations of historical narratives.

Including team members with diverse perspectives will alls mitigate risks.

Encouraging transparency and human oversight can help AI-generated information balance accuracy and meaningful information.

The more you understand AI limitations, the better you will become an AI-literate citizen.

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Tags: AI, Big Data, Digital Transformation

Procurement & Supply Chain's Impact from the US Chips and Science Act
Thinkers360
January 14, 2025

The Chips and Science Act of 2022, effective since November 2023, has major implications for U.S. procurement and supply chain operations to revitalize domestic manufacturing to create jobs in America. 

The plan is for US companies to become more competitive by strengthening American manufacturing, supply chains, and national security. Funding includes investments in research and development, science and technology, and the workforce of the future to keep the leader in nanotechnology, clean energy, quantum computing, and artificial intelligence. We are just now experiencing the full impact.

WHAT IS IT?

  • The Act aims to boost advanced chip manufacturing domestically and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers.
  • $280 billion allocated for funding, with $52 billion dedicated to research, including support for green manufacturing initiatives, R&D, workforce development, and communications & marketing. 

POLICY GOALS:

  • Enhance silicon chip production within the US
  • Strengthen Supply Chain resilience
  • Foster research and development activities
  • Mitigate national security concerns related to foreign chip manufacturing

IMPACT TO PROCUREMENT & SUPPLY CHAIN:

  • Reshoring manufacturing operations to the US, diminishing dependencies on China and Taiwan, mitigating risks and future delays.
  • Adapting Supply Chain structures to include new domestic suppliers.
  • Initial rise in short-term costs (operational, labor, switching, and other overheads).
  • More access to AI technologies for US suppliers leads to increased evaluation of suppliers by procurement entities.

NEXT STEPS

  • 1. Review existing supplier networks to incorporate previously unconsidered suppliers.
  • 2. Adjust supplier onboarding procedures for the influx of new suppliers.
  • 3. Secure external compliance management resources compliant with US and EU regulations.
  • 4. Evaluate and potentially modify contractual agreements.
  • 5. Reassess supplier collaborations.
  • 6. Conduct scenario analyses balancing cost and Supply Chain security.
  • 7. Enhance team members' AI literacy concerning its impact.

CONCLUSION

This disruption, part of ongoing US and EU initiatives, necessitates proactive measures to adapt to the evolving landscape. It is not about transforming all over again. There should be steps to fold into the existing foundation that has already been developed. Expect more frequent changes shortly and have the foundation, resources, and skills necessary to adjust.

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Tags: Digital Transformation, Supply Chain, Procurement

Procurement Organization as a Value Creator Relies on Data
Thinkers360
April 24, 2024

In a recent survey by Deloitte, 65% of procurement professionals believe that data-driven decisions are crucial for achieving procurement excellence. Yet many organizations continue to struggle with executing strategies to achieve these goals.

Procurement organizations are implementing profound transformations due to the rapidly changing business landscape; constant fluctuations in consumer demand, faster technological evolution, and frequent disruptions are no longer the exception. However, transformation efforts come with challenges, particularly in data management.

One of the underlying problems facing procurement professionals today is the vast amount of data generated throughout the procurement process. From supplier information and pricing data to market trends and performance metrics, procurement teams are inundated and often overwhelmed by the amount of data available.  

This data is dispersed across multiple systems and formats, making accessing, analyzing, and deriving meaningful and actionable insights difficult. Furthermore, the quality of this data is often compromised, leading to inaccuracies, inconsistencies, and inefficiencies in data-driven decisions.

It is no longer about having the right data at the right time. We need the right data at the point in time when it has the most impact on our decisions. According to research by The Hackett Group, poor data quality costs organizations an average of $9.7 million annually in missed savings opportunities and increased operational expenses.

So why is data quality essential? Because data drives everything, data underpins every aspect of the procurement process, from identifying cost-saving opportunities and mitigating risks to optimizing supplier relationships and enhancing operational efficiency.

High-quality data enables procurement professionals to make informed decisions, mitigate risks, and drive strategic value for their organizations. By improving data quality, procurement teams can unlock additional benefits, such as enhanced supplier performance, reduced process end-to-end cycle times, and strengthened compliance.

With advanced analytics and artificial intelligence, high-quality data lays the foundation for predictive and prescriptive insights that can further optimize procurement processes and drive continuous improvement.

In summary, in today's data-driven world, data quality is no longer a nice to have; it is a critical component of procurement success. By addressing the underlying problems of data management and prioritizing data quality initiatives within the Transformations, the organizations can empower their procurement teams to become real value creators, drive strategic impact, and deliver tangible results.

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Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement

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