GROUP CPO Bookclub August 2025

August 2025 Overview:Published in March 2025 and debuting at #3 on Amazon’s New Releases in Business & Purchasing, this book offers a comprehensive roadmap to successful procurement transformations. Drawing on Melissa Drew’s 30+ years of experience—as a consultant at Kearney, Deloitte, IBM, and a keynote speaker, the book dives deep into the pitfalls that cause procurement initiatives to fail, and how to avoid them

Key Insights

1. Historical Perspective & Roadblock Identification

   
   

   Drew traces the evolution of procurement from its roots to today’s strategic function, highlighting persistent barriers that have stalled transformation efforts for over a century.

2. Patchwork vs. Holistic Change

   
   

   Short-term fixes (a.k.a. “patchwork” solutions) often exacerbate inefficiencies. To succeed, transformation must be cohesive and supported across the organization.

3. Three Pillars of Effective Transformation

   • People & Culture: Embedding change mindsets and fostering collaboration

   • Processes & Policies: Re-evaluating outdated frameworks and enhancing efficiency

   • Technology & Automation: Leveraging AI, RPA, and analytics to optimize strategic activities

4. Sustainability & Procurement Value Expansion

   
   

   Beyond cost and efficiency, procurement must now deliver innovation, ESG outcomes, risk resilience, and stakeholder satisfaction.

5. Practical Questions & Case Studies

   
   

   The book provides guided questions and real-world scenarios to help leaders assess their transformations and implement meaningful change.

Why It Matters to Senior Procurement Leaders

• Avoid Repeating History: Learn from past failures to skip common transformation roadblocks.

• Adopt a Holistic Lens: Understand that transformation isn’t just tech—it’s an integrated effort across people, policy, and process.

• Align with Modern Expectations: Meet the expanding mandates around ESG, digital, and value-driven procurement.

• Achieve Real Change: Move from isolated initiatives to outcomes that endure and scale.

Book Club Discussion Prompts

1. Have you seen “patchwork” fixes in procurement—what were they, and how did they fail?

2. Which of the three pillars (people, processes, tech) is your organization weakest in—and how might you address it?

3. How is your procurement function expanding its value beyond cost—towards ESG, innovation, or resilience?

Bottom Line:Drew offers an essential playbook for procurement leaders seeking real, lasting transformation. It challenges us to rethink old assumptions and build frameworks that last—making it a must-read for any CPO, Head of Procurement, or trusted advisor today.