442: On The Margins – How to Thrive Through Cost-Cutting and Corporate Changes
Rendi Miller from GitLab is a procurement leader with over 25 years of industry experience, including navigating multiple private equity buyouts. She shares that her favorite aspect of procurement is the people, emphasizing the importance of building a strong network of trusted colleagues. Miller's core advice for thriving through corporate change is to remain adaptable, build a solid foundation of trust with teams and suppliers, and not be afraid to ask for help. She believes leaders must be calm, centered, and authentic to effectively support their teams emotionally during times of uncertainty.
It’s a couple of days before the holidays, the Let’s Talk Supply Chain team are having a well-deserved break, and so today, instead of an interview, we’re bringing you one of my favorite recent episodes from one of our live shows – On The Margins with Coupa.
On the Margins inspires business leaders to explore the what-ifs of success in the modern era. The show explores the often overlooked and seemingly marginal aspects of procurement, supply chain, and finance operations to reveal thought-provoking insights and practical advice.
So let me ask you a question: Is your business feeling the pinch from cost-cutting and corporate changes? I’m guessing: Yes. So in today’s episode of On The Margins, I’m teaming up with Michael van Keulen and special guest Rendi Miller from GitLab to explore how leaders can thrive through tough transitions. We’ll be talking about how procurement leaders can maintain supplier relationships under pressure; exploring the best ways to support teams emotionally during big changes; and sharing some key strategies to build resilience in volatile markets.
Cost-cutting and corporate changes are something we all face, at one time or another, within our businesses – and it’s not easy. So it’s best to do your research when the water is still and be prepared, just in case, for what the future might bring.
An introduction to Michael van Keulen, and what he loves about travel and spending time with the supply chain community.
From the opportunities in technology to big macro challenges, the issues that are top of mind for the procurement community right now, and why collaboration remains crucial.
Coupa’s Mind Your Business campaign.
The importance of talking about how to thrive through cost-cutting and corporate changes.
An introduction to Rendi Miller from GitLab, and what she loves about procurement.
How to approach change and navigate transition, and Rendi’s personal experience of managing big corporate transitions.
Rendi’s advice to her younger self for navigating change.
The challenges Rendi faced, and lessons she learned, from managing corporate transitions.
Rendi’s advice for procurement leaders to help maintain supplier relationships in the face of pressure.
How leaders can support their teams emotionally during big changes.
What procurement leaders can do now to improve resilience for the future.
It’s trivia time! Three questions stand between an audience member and a brand new pickleball set.
Coupa Inspire returns in 2025 – don’t miss your chance to meet Sarah and Michael in Las Vegas.
Resources & Links Mentioned
- If you enjoyed the show, there are plenty more episodes of On The Margins to explore, or check out 213: Manage Your Supply Chain Planning Smarter and Safer with Coupa.
- Check out our other podcasts HERE.
