The Next-Gen Procurement Podcast | The Tech-tonic Shift: Technical Competencies

next gen procurement episode 2
Last Updated on April 23, 2026

Focal Point CEO Anders Lillevik and procurement educator Roy Anderson teamed up for a live episode of The Next-Gen Procurement Podcast to explore how procurement technology is rapidly evolving and what it means for future leaders.

From agentic AI to orchestration and modern sourcing tools, the conversation unpacked how teams can move beyond legacy systems and rethink how procurement operates in a more dynamic, data-driven environment.

Key takeaways:

  • The window to adopt new procurement technology is now, as innovation continues to accelerate
  • Modern solutions are more flexible, user-centric, and easier to integrate across the business
  • Implementation cycles are significantly shorter, with faster time to value and quicker adoption
  • AI and automation are shifting teams away from transactional work toward more strategic activities
  • High-quality, connected data is essential to unlocking the full value of AI and orchestration
  • Future leaders need a blend of technical fluency and deep category expertise
  • Strong supplier collaboration is key to driving innovation and long-term business value

As procurement continues to evolve, success will depend on how well teams adopt new technology, rethink traditional processes, and build the right skills to lead transformation.

Watch the replay to hear how leading experts are navigating the next phase of procurement innovation.

Speakers

Professional headshot of Anders Lillevik - Chief Executive Officer

Anders Lillevik

Serial Chief Procurement Officer with 20+ years of experience in building and turning around large, complex procurement organizations to be best in class. Anders has extensive background in rolling out new procurement infrastructure and optimizing legacy technology investments. With this experience, Anders founded Focal Point to help organizations maximize the value of their procurement spend.
Roy Anderson Headshot

Roy Anderson

Roy Anderson is a procurement and supply chain leader with over 30 years of experience across global organizations. He has served as Chief Procurement Officer at companies like Tradeshift, State Street, and MetLife, and is now a lecturer from Northeastern University, helping develop future procurement professionals.

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