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Lourdes Coss

Principal/Owner LLC at M. L. Coss and Associates, LLC

Greater Chicago Area, United States

Lourdes Coss is a transformational leader, executive coach, professional speaker, trainer, author, and Founder/Owner of M. L. Coss and Associates, LLC. She helps organizations develop high-performing teams and coaches individuals to become better leaders.

She's an Independent Executive Director of the John Maxwell Team and a DISC Personality Assessment Trainer & Consultant. Lourdes is also an instructor for NIGP and the American Management Association and a senior consultant for NIGP Consulting.

As a well-respected former Chief Procurement Officer, Lourdes invested most of her 27-year career successfully leading procurement transformations at some of the US's largest agencies such as the City of Houston, Cook County, University of Illinois, the Public Building Commission of Chicago, and the City of Chicago. Her book: "Procurement Methods: Effective Techniques" has helped many procurement professionals enhance their procurement skills. She continues to add value to the procurement profession through her educational blog "Procurement Transformation" and as the host of the "Transforming Procurement with Lourdes Coss" podcast.

Lourdes is a University of Puerto Rico manga cum laude graduate with an MPA from Florida State University. The recipient of the 2016 Spirit of NIGP Award and the 2018 NIGP Integrity Award who has served on several boards, including the NIGP Board. She is the Vice-Chair of the NIGP Talent Council Leadership Committee and a member of the John Maxwell Team President's Advisory Council.

Available For: Advising, Authoring, Consulting, Influencing, Speaking
Travels From: Chicago, IL
Speaking Topics: Transformation, Procurement, Leadership, Communication

Speaking Fee $3,000 (In-Person)

Lourdes Coss Points
Academic 10
Author 307
Influencer 42
Speaker 7
Entrepreneur 20
Total 386

Points based upon Thinkers360 patent-pending algorithm.

Thought Leader Profile

Portfolio Mix

Company Information

Company Type: Individual
Business Unit: Procurement and Leadership

Areas of Expertise

Change Management
Diversity and Inclusion
Leadership 34.52
Management 37.32
Mental Health
Procurement 47.56
Supply Chain 30.11

Industry Experience

Professional Services

Publications

1 Academic Certification
ExecutiveCoach/Teacher/Professional Speaker/Trainer
The John Maxwell Team
August 01, 2016

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Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership

22 Article/Blogs
Enhance Your Leadership: 3 Steps to Improve your Relationships
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May 21, 2022
Leaders must be able to cultivate relationships to increase their influence. Many put more emphasis on the education and experience of the leader. Certifications and credentials are essential as they provide evidence of a leader’s domain over a specific body of knowledge required to perform well i

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Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership

Enhance your Leadership Skills with these 4 Steps
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September 27, 2021
Who do you think about when you hear the word leadership? Many associate the word with political officials, CEOs, C-Suite executives, military commanders, or even athletes. While it’s true that you need good leadership skills to excel at these occupations, leadership is a valuable skill.

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Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership

Can the Leader Change the Team?
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May 15, 2021
by Lourdes Coss, MPA, CPPO “A leader is best when people barely know he exists when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves.” —Lao Tzu Seasoned leaders may have contemplated the answer to this question before.  For the new leader, it may be a p

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Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership

Think “The Lucky 7” for Your Strategic Plan
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May 03, 2021
by Lourdes Coss, MPA, CPPO Building your strategic transformation plan should not be a one-time exercise. This plan is a document that one should review often.  The strategic plan paints the picture of the future state, considering where the entity is going.  Often you hear of pe

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Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership

Three Skills to Conquer The Modern Day Frontier
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April 16, 2021
by Lourdes Coss, MPA, CPPO Procurement professionals’ role continues to evolve with the increase of technology and automation.    The pandemic presented us with a wake-up call on preparedness.  Technology and automation were no longer an option to function and stay re

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Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership

The Three Things Leaders Should Do To Help their Teams Readjust Post-COVID-19
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April 07, 2021
by Lourdes Coss, MPA, CPPO Some organizations are gradually welcoming back employees to begin the process of “today’s normal.” Leaders should recognize that it’s been a year since the world shut down for business.  A year is enough time to anchor new habits. &#

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Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership

The 3 Resources for which you should ask funding early in a Transformation Initiative
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March 16, 2021
by Lourdes Coss, MPA, CPPO The 3 Resources for which you should ask funding early in a Transformation Initiative I spent about 75% of my 27-year public service career leading transformations. I enjoyed seeing progress in the organization and the people’s development and how it positioned the p

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Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership

Procurement Month: Reflect, Act, and Celebrate
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March 08, 2021
by Lourdes Coss, MPA, CPPO Happy Procurement Month!  During the month of March, procurement professionals celebrate each other and the procurement profession.  This year, we celebrate the leadership and ingenuity of many procurement professionals.  Procurement has been

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Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership

The Six Most Common KPIs for Procurement
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January 15, 2021
by Lourdes Coss, MPA, CPPO An important aspect of transformation is setting and achieving goals. Whenever an organization establishes a goal, it should also implement a process to manage it.  That means that you need to measure progress towards the target.  Transformation is not a pre-requisite

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Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership

The 3 Things You Can do to Become More Adaptable
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January 03, 2021
by Lourdes Coss, MPA, CPPO Good leaders are adaptable.  Being adaptable in a time when there is so much uncertainty has been beneficial to many.  People that have developed this skill can pivot and adjust to whatever life throws at them. There’s been no time like the present when this skil

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Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership

3 Elements to Create a Collaborative Culture
Procurement Transformation
November 15, 2020
Do you know what makes a culture? There are reasons why you should consider it to develop a collaborative environment? Several factors make up cultures, such as habits, preferences, styles, unwritten codes of behavior, etc. One thing I learned while leading transformations was that it is the leader that sets the tone. When I hear the saying, “culture eats strategy for lunch,” I can relate. When strategies and culture do not align, change may have a short life span.

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Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership

The Principles of Growth and Procurement Transformation
Procurement Transformation
November 01, 2020
Transformation and growth go together, and awareness is a prerequisite for development. I found this to be true throughout my career in public service. Both personal and organizational development requires the understanding that there is the potential to expand our capabilities and perform at a higher level. We may have a natural talent in some areas.

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Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership

The ABC Strategies for Procurement Transformation
Procurement Transformation
October 15, 2020
Change is certain in every aspect of life. A major change or transformation may present some complexities particularly when resources are scarce. In my 27-year government career, I had a chance to test a few strategies. There are some strategies that worked for me whenever I went to a new agency to lead a procurement transformation. These became my “go to” strategies to initiate the process and show progress in critical areas. The success of their implementation helped me gain the support for resources needed down the road and accelerate the momentum in the transformation process.

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Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership

Perspectives on Ethics
Procurement Transformation
October 01, 2020
Ethics is very important in every field, particularly in procurement. I want to first acknowledge the high ethical standards that my colleagues live by in the performance of their duties as public procurement officials. Many states and municipal level governments have adopted their own ethics laws. These laws generally prescribe principles that all public officials must abide by.

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Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership

Purposeful and Transparent Supplier Communication
Procurement Transformation
September 15, 2020
Procurement officials should develop good supplier relations in order to maximize the benefits to the organization. This is sometimes challenging due to agency practices associated with restrictions on external parties’ communications. The restrictions generally stem from cases where abuse and undue influence have plagued the procurement environment with bad press and public distrust.

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Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership

Five Truths I Learned About Leadership
Procurement Transformation
September 01, 2020
There’s plenty of talk about leadership these days. Whenever you tune into a subject, you seem to attract more of it. Similar to when you purchase a yellow car, you start seeing more yellow cars on the road. The same has happened with leadership. As I started talking more openly about the importance of leadership, I have met people who feel the same way or have thoughts about it. To me leadership skills are a game changer when it comes to procurement transformation. I strongly believe that acquiring leadership skills is a critical element in achieving the goal of elevating the procurement profession. I want to share some leadership truths that I have learned along the way and continue to learn as I transition to a new phase in my career.

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Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership

The 3 Things We Should Know about Effective Communication …and Practice
Procurement Transformation
August 15, 2020
It’s been said that communication is the single most important skill to the success of individuals in all aspects of life. I often listen to the advice that great communicators have to offer, such as Oprah Winfrey, Tony Robins, John Maxwell, Les Brown and others. I also listen to experts dissect the different communication styles of these great speakers with the goal of learning about patterns, techniques, and their take on “the secret sauce” to effective communication. I have found that the advice provided by these experts is somewhat similar, even if they don’t use the same terms to express it.

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Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership

The Five Qualities of a Highly Impactful Team
Procurement Transformation
August 01, 2020
It takes a team…! Whenever you see a successful leader, there is certainly a capable team beside that leader. As Dr. John C. Maxwell stated: “One is too small of a number to achieve greatness”. A leader can accomplish some goals but to reach significance a leader needs a team. Phil Jackson, the head coach of the Chicago Bulls back in the 1990s, stated: “The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team.” Team members contribute their talents, and the entire benefit from the collective contributions of each member.

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Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership

Procurement and Pandemic: Adjust, Learn, Grow
Procurement Transformation
July 15, 2020
Many of us entered the public procurement profession by accident. Perhaps the variety was enough to keep you interested or you may have stayed because you were too busy to think about anything else. Either way, it must have brought enough satisfaction that maybe five years into it you saw possibilities for growth or to positively impact the community.

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Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership

Transformation: 3 Things You Shouldn’t Miss
Procurement Transformation
July 01, 2020
True transformation is not an event, it is a journey. It may be triggered by an event or a life-changing experience that may cause a disruption to our comfortable auto pilot routine. Such a circumstance may inspire us to reflect on the road traveled thus far and consider whether we are moving in the direction of our goals and the live that we see ourselves living.

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Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership

The Journey Begins
Procurement Transformation
June 01, 2020
Thanks for joining me!

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Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership

Update on paperback release date!
linkedin
April 11, 2016
Hello, there is an update on the book release date. The eBook is already available. The paperback is now scheduled for release May 5th. You may pre-purchase your copy from Amazon.com. The site has been updated. http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=procurement+methods%3A+effective+techniques

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Tags: Procurement

3 Books
Procurement Methods: Effective Techniques
Amazon
May 05, 2016
Procurement Methods: Effective Techniques – a resource for all procurement professionals and those seeking to understand government procurement. Whether you need a reference to support your procurement method selection and process or a resource to help train staff to consistently apply procurement method requirements, you’ll enjoy having this concise and easy read desk reference. Available from all major online platforms in paperback and electronic book.

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Tags: Procurement

Procurement Book Now Available!
linkedin
April 07, 2016
Reference book for procurement professionals. The eBook is now available at Amazon, iBookstore, and BookBaby. You may pre-purchase the paperback, but it will be released on 4/25/16. Here are the links:

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Tags: Procurement

Procurement Methods: Effective Techniques
BookBaby
March 25, 2016
The book offers managers a tool to train new professionals on the correct use of the basic procurement methods. The material was tested in different organizations. It offers practical examples and lessons learned. It focuses on the three basic competitive methods and addresses the appropriate use of each method explaining the rationale for the inclusion of key components in the solicitation document, elaborating on how these components work together to make the process effective. It illustrates the difference between evaluation criteria and submittal requirements; and provides guidance for their development. A final high-level guide depicting the use and evaluation milestones.

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Tags: Procurement

1 Founder
M.L COSS AND ASSOCIATES, LLC
Lourdes Coss
March 01, 2016
Every day, I'm training government procurement teams and teach them the values I leave by. I know they work because I use them all the time. Success in this role is measured in my client's wins - whether that be transforming their lives or their organizations. I help them find clarity, create consistency, and see the potential in taking the next big step. This work is so special because these are people's lives, not just government budgets and financial quarters.

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Tags: Procurement, Leadership

1 Media Interview
84. Procurement cost savings strategies
BICARA Supply Chain
December 29, 2020
Lourdes is an author, executive coach, professional speaker, consultant and trainer who specializes in procurement, personal development, leadership, and transformation. She is the principal owner at M.L. Coss and Associates, LLC. Before running her own business, she held Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) and executive level positions in some of the largest government organizations in the US. She dedicated most of her career to successfully leading procurement transformations resulting in multi-million financial and operational efficiencies. Visit her website on: https://www.lourdescoss.com/​

In this episode we discuss:

How does procurement reduce cost
What are the basic steps in the procurement cost savings
How to develop the strategy in procurement to be inline with a cost savings target
What’re other considerations for procurement savings ? And any specific areas we should focus on ?

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Tags: Supply Chain, Procurement, Leadership

1 Panel
Work Smarter, Not Harder: CAPPO 2022
CoProcure
February 03, 2022
Rondell Schroeder, Purchasing Specialist with Mt. San Antonio College, and Lourdes Coss, former CPO for the City of Houston & Cook County shared their experience utilizing cooperative procurement to work smarter, not harder at CAPPO 2022. Below is a recording of the conversation and a short recap with key takeaways.

Public procurement has always had a strong spirit of collaboration. However, this collaborative spirit isn’t just an energy among procurement professionals; it can be a practical tactic for doing more with less. During this panel discussion, Lourdes and Rondell share how collaboration - and cooperative procurement in particular - can help public procurement professionals save time, delight end users, and drive agency goals forward.

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Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership

35 Podcasts
Episode 33: Your Evaluation Process and your Solicitation Goals
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September 19, 2022
In this episode, I talk about the objective of the evaluation process, qualitative evaluations, and scores.Website: http://www.lourdescoss.comWebinars: https://lourdescoss.leadingthebest.comFree Leadership Newsletter: https://lourdescoss.leadingthebest.com/JMTN0001Live2Lead 2022-23:  https://leader

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Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership

Episode 32: Is your team happy?
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September 13, 2022
Judgment, lack of trust, and an unfriendly environment may block your team's happiness. What can you do about it? The financial condition of the organization may depend on it.Live2Lead Tickets: https://leaderpass.com/pass/live2lead/host/?ref=RV8479GJLive2Lead Preview: https://leaderpass.com/pas

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Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership

Episode 31: Three Mistakes Leaders Make When Implementing Transformation
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September 06, 2022
In this episode, I talk about three mistakes to avoid when implementing a change or initiating a transformation of your organization.Website:      http://www.lourdescoss.comWebinars:      https://lourdescoss.leadingthebest.comFree Leadership Newsletter:     https://lourdescoss.leadingthebes

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Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership

Episode 30: Communicate, Listen, Connect
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July 04, 2022
In this episode, I talk about the importance of effective communication, how to prepare, and how to deal with the feedback.Website:      http://www.lourdescoss.comFree Leadership Newsletter:     https://lourdescoss.leadingthebest.com/JMTN0001

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Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership

Episode 29: Courage to Grow
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June 27, 2022
In this episode, I talk about courage and taking action towards your growth.Website: http://www.lourdescoss.comFree Leadership Newsletter: ·      https://lourdescoss.leadingthebest.com/JMTN0001

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Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership

Episode 28: A Plan for Inspired Action
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June 13, 2022
In this episode, I talk about the importance of having a plan, what to include in the plan, and what can you do to direct your brain to help you achieve the plan.· Website, Contact Information & Programs:     http://www.lourdescoss.com·   Upcoming Webinars & Events:   https://lourdes

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Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership

Episode 27: Intentionality and Change
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June 06, 2022
In this episode, I talk about the need to be intentional about change so that you can achieve the goals that you want to achieve. This may also require making adjustments to your environment and creating a culture of support, growth, and development - a laboratory for growth. ·   Contact and prog

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Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership

Episode 26: Awareness Precedes Change
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May 30, 2022
In this episode, I talk about change and the first requisite for change, awareness. I recommend that you use a tool like DISC to help identify blind spots that get in the way of progress. ·  Contact Information & Programs available:     http://www.lourdescoss.com·   Upcoming webinars and

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Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership

Episode 25: Values, Happiness and the Impact on Performance
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May 23, 2022
In this episode, I offer thoughts about the relevance of happy individuals and a productive and high-performing team.  This is one thing to consider if you are considering transformation. ·  My contact information and programs available:     http://www.lourdescoss.com       ·  Upcoming

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Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership

Episode 24: Procurement Method Selection
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October 18, 2021
In this episode I talk about the responsibility and process for selecting the procurement method.Visit my website for information on programs and events: www.lourdescoss.comLive2Lead 2021:  l2lhost.com/mlcossThink, Act, Transform Retreat: https://www.mlcoss.comFree Leadership Newsletter: https://lo

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Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership

Episode 23: Lessons from NIGP Leadership Summit
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September 27, 2021
In this episode, I talk about the value of being more intentional with our networking and the value of the mastermind.  NIGP Leadership Summit in AnaheimLive2Lead 2021 link:  l2lhost.com/mlcossThink, Act, Transform personal development retreat in Puerto Rico:  https://www.mlcoss.com

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Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership

Episode 23: The Effect of Growth on the Leader, the Team, the Organization, and Your Health
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June 20, 2021
In this episode, I talk about the importance of having a growth mindset, especially if you are a leader.  If the leader stops growing, he/she will limit the growth and effectiveness of the team and ultimately negatively impact the organization.Learn about programs at:    http://www.lourdescoss.co

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Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership

Episode 22: A conversation with David Yarkin
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May 17, 2021
In this episode, David Yarkin talks about how Procurated adds value to procurement professionals and entities.  We also talk about the procurement profession, transformation, and the paths to continue adding value to the procurement profession. Visit Procurated's website for more information:

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Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership

Episode 21: Talking with Rick Grimm about the NIGP-CPP Certification
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March 23, 2021
Rick Grimm is the CEO of the NIGP: Institute for Public Procurement organization He talks about his journey to CEO of NIGP, Pathways, NIGP-CPP, and the value of becoming a certified procurement professional.Visit my website for upcoming programs:   http://www.lourdescoss.comFree Monthly Leadership

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Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership

Episode 20: A Conversation with Dr. Stephen Gordon regarding the Continuity of Supply Initiative
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March 08, 2021
In this episode, Dr. Stephen Gordon talks about the genesis and purpose of the Continuity of Supply Initiative (CoSi).  If you'd like to take a step towards adding value to the procurement profession and add resiliency to the process, contact CoSi members for more information on how to get inv

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Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership

Episode 19: Perspectives on Procurement and Technology - A conversation with Darin Matthews
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March 02, 2021
In this episode, I talk with Darin Matthews about his perspectives on procurement and technology.  He also offers his thoughts on mentorship and shares his journey in the procurement profession.Please visit my website for programs on leadership, communication, and procurement. http://www.lourdescos

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Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership

Episode 18: Getting Employee Engagement in a Transformation
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February 17, 2021
In this episode, I describe a strategy for getting employee engagement.Visit my website for upcoming events & programs: ·      www.lourdescoss.com Upcoming webinars:  ·      https://lourdescoss.leadingthebest.comSign up for the Monthly Leadership Newsletter: ·      https://lourdesco

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Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership

Episode 17: Getting your Team's Buy-in for Transformation
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February 09, 2021
In this episode, I share two strategies and give examples of how to get your team's buy-in.Please visit my website for upcoming webinars and other leadership, communication, and procurement programs:      www.lourdescoss.comUpcoming webinars:  https://lourdescoss.leadingthebest.comFree Lead

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Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership

Episode 16: Enabling Resources for your Transformation
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January 18, 2021
Topic: Three key enablers for which you want to request funding early in your transformation process.Visit my website: www.lourdescoss.comFor upcoming events: https://lourdescoss.leadingthebest.com Free Leadership Newsletter: https://lourdescoss.leadingthebest.com/JMTN0001Live2Lead 2020, February 12

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Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership

Episode 15: Your Goals and Your KPIs
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January 11, 2021
KPIs help you stay on track to achieve your goals. Visit my website for upcoming events: www.lourdescoss.comFree Monthly Leadership Newsletter: https://lourdescoss.leadingthebest.com/JMTN0001Upcoming webinars and events: https://lourdescoss.leadingthebest.comLive2Lead - January 15, 2021, or February

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Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership

Episode 14: Establishing your Key Performance Indicators
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January 04, 2021
KPIs are important but prioritize the implementation based on data availability and effort required to collect data.Live2Lead 2020 rebroadcasts January 15, 2021, and February 12, 2021. Link: https://leaderpass.com/pass/live2lead-2020?ref=RV8479GJWebsite: www.lourdescoss.comRequest information about

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Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership

Episode 13: Communicating your Transformation Plan
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December 28, 2020
Strategies for disseminating your transformation plan and getting support for the plan and needed resources.Live2Lead 2020 - There are 2 rebroadcasts left: January 15, 2021, and February 12, 2021.Lind: https://leaderpass.com/pass/live2lead-2020?ref=RV8479GJMonthly Leadership Newsletter Link: https:/

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Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership

Episode 12: Starting a Transformation
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December 21, 2020
First steps of starting a transformation.  This is the first of several episodes of the transformation process.Visit www.lourdescoss.com for information on professional development programs.The next two Live2Lead re-broadcast are January 15, 2021, and February 12, 2021.  You have 5 days to access

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Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership

Episode 11: Adaptability
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December 16, 2020
Adaptability is an important leadership quality.  Some people are less adaptable due to fear of the unknown or for a preference of the comfort zone.Link to next rebroadcast of Live2Lead 2020 on January 15, 2021: https://leaderpass.com/pass/live2lead-2020?ref=RV8479GJ Visit: Lourdescoss.com for pro

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Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership

Episode 10: Remote Employee Engagement
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November 13, 2020
In this episode, I talk about three things to maintain employee engagement while working remotely: inclusion, positive attitude, and appreciation.Book reference: "The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace" by Gary Chapman & Paul White.Visit NIGP.org for information on "Core

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Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership

Episode 9: Connecting with People
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November 02, 2020
In this episode, I talk about ways in which you can establish a connection with people to increase your influence and add value to people with whom you connect. Live2Lead 2020 Link: https://leaderpass.com/pass/live2lead-2020?ref=RV8479GJSpeakers are Dr. John C. Maxwell, Steve Harvey, Alan Mulally,

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Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership

Episode 8: Increasing your Influence
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October 28, 2020
In this episode, I talk about four levels of influence in the context of procurement.Live2Lead 2020: https://leaderpass.com/pass/live2lead-2020?ref=RV8479GJ Speakers: John C. Maxwell, Alan Mulally, Kat Cole, Steve Harvey, Craig Groeschel.Rebroadcast: November 13, 2020. only $79 with the discount li

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Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership

Episode 7: Change and Transformation
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October 18, 2020
In this episode, I refer to the four stages of change based on the paper "Emotional Cycle of Change"  written by Psychologists Don Kelley and Daryl Connor.Join me for the rebroadcast of Live2Lead 2020 on November 13, 2020. The speakers are Dr. John C. Maxwell, Steve Harvey, Kat Cole, Alan

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Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership

Episode 6: Growth
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October 11, 2020
Growth is change and essential in transformation.  In this episode, I talk about several of the laws of growth from the book written by Dr. John C. Maxwell "The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth".  These laws are related to the transformation process in that growth is uncomfortable, but neces

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Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership

Episode 5: High Performing Team
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September 21, 2020
High performing teams have some characteristics in common.  In this episode I talk about some of the common traits of teams whose performance positively impact the organization.Live2Lead 2020: Join leaders around the globe in this simulcast on October 9, 2020.  If you are a leader, you cannot effo

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Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership

Episode 4: Interview with Marcheta Gillespie on NIGP's Mentorship Program
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September 14, 2020
In this episode, Marcheta Gillespie of MG Procurement Consulting and Vice-Chair of NIGP's Mentorship Committee talks about the Mentorship Program for public procurement professionals.   If you are interested in mentoring or being mentored, search for the Facebook Page: NIGP Mentorship and ask

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Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership

Episode 3: Leader's Mindset
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September 04, 2020
If you are leading or preparing to lead a transformation, put yourself in the right mindset.  Think about growth, your behavior, values, and others mindset.Join me and other leaders worldwide in the global leadership simulcast, Live2Lead 2020. Link: https://leaderpass.com/pass/live2lead-2020?ref=RV

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Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership

Episode 2: Leadership Skills
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August 18, 2020
Importance of leadership skills and tips to develop or enhance your leadership skills.M L Coss and Associates, LLC Coaching, Training, Consulting - Procurement, Leadership, Communication, and Diversity & Inclusion

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Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership

Foundational Aspects of Transformation
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August 06, 2020
In this episode I set the foundation for transformation.  The "what is" "the why" and "the how" of transformation.  An inside job that manifests in physical progress and a transformed organizational culture.

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Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership

Transforming Procurement with Lourdes Coss
Buzzsprout
August 05, 2020
Episodes are filled with tips and lessons learned regarding procurement, leadership, mindset, communication, and topics of interest to procurement professionals.

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Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership

2 Webinars
Advancing equity through cooperative procurement
CoProcure
June 16, 2022
CoProcure speaks with Lourdes Coss and Keith Glatz about how public agencies can achieve equity and local economic development objectives through cooperative procurement.

4 tactics you can use:
1. Leverage technology to discover diverse suppliers already on cooperative contracts.
2. Push to include local and/or diverse businesses when you use cooperative contracts from national purchasing cooperatives.
3. Add piggybackable language to your entity’s contracts so other public entities can work with your local and diverse vendors
4. Promote local/diverse suppliers through publishing and distributing contracts on CoProcure.

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Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership

Captain Co-Op: Building Buy-In with Executive Stakeholders
CoProcure
February 23, 2022
CoProcure hosted a conversation on how to be an agent of change within your agency. Panelists from innovative agencies told us all about how they advocated for changes to their procurement code, resulting in more permissive cooperative contracting – saving their agencies time, money, and effort. Featured panelists:

Lourdes Coss, former Chief Procurement Officer, Cook County, IL & City of Houston, TX
Darren Muci, retired Division Director of Operations, Wichita Public Schools
Chris Schroeder, Purchasing Agent, City of Milpitas, CA
Moderated by: Becca Blazak, Partnerships & Community, CoProcure

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Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership

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