Audio PodcastIn this episode of the Smarter Sourcing podcast, John sits down with Ulunda Baker, Senior Director, Business Diversity, Category Management & Sourcing, Purchasing at TIAA, who shares her inspiring career journey. Ulunda discusses the importance of strategic sourcing and supplier relationships in achieving business goals.
She also explores her leadership approach and the value of teamwork and continuous learning. Through personal anecdotes and professional experiences, Ulunda underscores the significance of giving back to the community and fostering diversity in the corporate world.
Topics discussed:
- The significance of strategic sourcing in achieving business objectives and the transformative power of well-managed supplier relationships.
- Ulunda’s leadership approach is focused on mentorship and continuous learning, shaped by her upbringing.
- The impact of community outreach programs, including Ulunda’s family nonprofit.
- How supplier diversity not only enriches procurement processes but also enhances overall business resilience.
- The evolving landscape of sourcing practices, particularly during challenging times like the pandemic.
- Why diversity contributes to innovation and competitiveness in the industry.
Guest Quotes:
“A lot of what we do as procurement professionals takes creativity, it takes strategic thought, it takes learning. The business, their needs, your suppliers, how they operate. It’s more of, in my opinion, an art sometimes than a science.”
It’s so much more than retirement. It’s educating people on how to save money, how to plan for your short term, but your long term future. Right? So for me personally, it’s been such a benefit working for a company that’s focused on my future because it’s helped me really lock down a plan.
“I mean, people would say, have said to me over the years that, you know, I’ve had a unique ability to personalize our value and our why for people when they can’t see it for themselves.”
“If you are a professional, especially in the corporate business world, and you’re not giving back, I would say an hour a month in some way, shape or form, there’s an opportunity to give back to the youth in our country. It could be an hour a month.”
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About the Guest
Ulunda Baker
Senior Director, Business Diversity, Category Management & Sourcing, Purchasing at TIAA,
About the Host
John Pavia
Executive Producer, Smarter Sourcing
