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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
545
Influencer
181
Speaker
387
Entrepreneur
931
Total
2235
Points based upon Thinkers360 patent-pending algorithm.
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
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
Tags: Digital Transformation, Procurement, Startups
20 Article/Blogs
Summary of the BBC Research into AI Assistants Study
Simply Transformed
February 17, 2025
The BBC researched the accuracy and reliability of AI assistants (OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Microsoft’s Copilot, Google’s Gemini, and Perplexity) in representing BBC News content. The study evaluated how well these AI models provided accurate and impartial responses when answering questions about news topics, especially when citing BBC sources.
Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement
Procurement & Supply Chain's Impact from the US Chips and Science Act
Simply Transformed
January 19, 2025
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.
Tags: Big Data, Digital Transformation, Procurement
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.
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.
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.
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.
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....
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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?
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
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
(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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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"
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.
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
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.
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
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"
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.
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.
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