What changed my mind about negotiating on price first
The habit I used to have Early in my career, I walked into every negotiation with one number in my head. The lowest price I could get. I’d spend the whole conversation steering toward that number, and I counted it a win if I got there. It took years of running procurement for large capital […]
Leadership Lessons from Managing Cross-Functional Procurement Teams
Over the course of my career in procurement, I have had the opportunity to work with people from many different departments, backgrounds, and areas of expertise. Some of the most valuable leadership lessons I have learned have come from managing cross-functional teams where everyone brings a different perspective to the same project. Procurement rarely operates […]
Building Strong Vendor Relationships in High-Complexity Supply Chains
In high-complexity supply chains, success is rarely determined by one organization acting alone. It is shaped by how well multiple parties work together over time. When I think about my experience in large infrastructure environments, especially with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and Metro-North Railroad, one thing has always stood out. The strength of vendor relationships […]
What Cycling Has Taught Me About Persistence and Long-Term Goals
Over the years, I have learned valuable lessons from many places. Some came from my professional career in procurement and transportation management. Others came from mentors, colleagues, and life experiences. Surprisingly, some of the most important lessons I have learned came while riding a bicycle. As a member of cycling groups in Westchester, I have […]
Success Is Measured by the People You Help Along the Way
When people think about success, they often think about promotions, titles, awards, or financial achievements. While those things certainly have value, my definition of success has changed over the years. Looking back on my career, I do not measure success by the positions I have held or the projects I have completed. Instead, I measure […]