The power of transparent supplier communication

In today’s fast-evolving procurement landscape, the foundation of long-term success lies in transparent, honest communication with suppliers. 

This theme took centre stage at DPW Amsterdam 2024, where Supplier Day’s Founder and CEO, Caitlyn Lewis, joined Alexandra Tarmo, Vice President of Procurement at Kenvue, to discuss the critical role that communication plays in driving resilient supplier relationships and sustainable growth. Their conversation highlighted how Supplier Day’s unique approach helps procurement leaders foster a collaborative environment that drives impactful outcomes for both customers and suppliers alike.

Read the full interview here.

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The journey to empowerment in supply chains

Supplier Day’s journey began in 2020, during a time when global supply chains were under unprecedented pressure. Faced with a sudden shift from in-person to virtual interactions, Caitlyn Lewis recognised an urgent need within procurement for more meaningful supplier engagement. Supplier Day was born to meet this demand, providing the tools, expertise, and platform necessary to deliver high-impact supplier events. 

Over the years, Supplier Day has evolved into a trusted partner for some of the world’s leading brands, including Siemens, Bayer, and PepsiCo, by focusing on one core mission: to build and strengthen relationships between procurement teams and their suppliers through thoughtful, strategic events.

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The importance of honest conversations

As Caitlyn shared during her talk at DPW, “How you communicate determines whether or not you achieve your goals.” 

This philosophy is woven into every event that Supplier Day creates. Each event, whether in-person, virtual, or hybrid is designed to prioritise open communication, providing a space where procurement teams and suppliers can engage in honest, productive discussions. This approach not only helps resolve immediate challenges but also lays the groundwork for resilient, long-term partnerships that can adapt to future demands.

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Creating Unmissable Experiences

Supplier Day’s commitment to empowering suppliers goes beyond just connecting procurement teams and suppliers; it’s about creating experiences that make a lasting impact. Caitlyn describes this as the “unmissable” factor, ensuring that each event is not only engaging but also strategically beneficial for all parties involved. 

By bringing “the outside in,” Supplier Day helps clients see their suppliers as essential partners in their success journey, often revealing untapped opportunities for innovation and collaboration. This strategy has proven effective for companies like Kenvue, where the Supplier Day experience has become an integral part of their procurement strategy.

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Balancing technology with the human element

While technology has opened doors to greater efficiency in procurement, Caitlyn emphasises the importance of balancing digital solutions with a human touch. “As great as this excitement about what AI can do and how this technology can make our lives easier, the human element remains so important”. 

This perspective reflects a growing realisation within the procurement community: technology alone can’t replace the trust and connection that come from face-to-face or open dialogue interactions. Supplier Day integrates this human-centred approach, encouraging procurement teams to view their supplier relationships as partnerships built on shared goals, rather than just transactions.

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Driving supplier success in a 10X World

A key takeaway was the need to think big, aiming for 10X growth rather than incremental improvements. For Caitlyn and Alexandra, this mindset requires a commitment to transparency with suppliers, as well as a willingness to embrace change together. 

Supplier Day’s “Starts with Suppliers” approach is an ideal example of this, ensuring that every event and every interaction focuses on creating genuine value for suppliers. When suppliers see themselves as valued partners, they’re more likely to engage fully, which ultimately drives better outcomes for everyone.

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Looking ahead: A future built on collaboration

As we move towards 2025, Supplier Day remains dedicated to its mission of empowering procurement leaders and their suppliers to achieve mutual success. Through transparent communication, human-centred events, and a relentless focus on adding value, Supplier Day continues to set new standards for what’s possible in supplier engagement. 

In the words of Caitlyn Lewis, “We talk about being unmissable, and a large part of that is bringing the outside in.” It’s this commitment to bridging gaps and creating meaningful connections that defines Supplier Day’s unique role in today’s supply chain landscape.

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Ready to transform your supplier relationships?

At Supplier Day, we believe that the strength of your supplier relationships is key to achieving long-term success. Contact us to learn more about our approach and discover how we can help you build the resilient, impactful partnerships your organisation needs to thrive in a 10X world.

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Ready to chat about your supplier engagement strategies? Reach out to info@supplierday.com for more information.

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