Welcome to the Graphite Connect Blog. Check in for frequent articles and podcast episodes that will help your team operate at the highest possible level.
The hosts detail their executive decision-making frameworks. Zach shares a 5-step analytical process verified by Claude AI, focusing on evidence and flexibility. Natasha relies on intuition and political capital, arguing true altruism doesn't exist amidst short-term quarterly incentives. Conrad outlines a structured problem-solving method based on data and expert believability.
Navigate the complexities of outsourcing in life sciences. Learn to differentiate between CRO, CMO, and CDMO models to optimize procurement, ensure GxP compliance, and build resilient supply chains.
Learn how to build an audit-ready procurement process for GxP environments. This playbook covers vendor onboarding, risk assessment, and continuous compliance.
In the pharmaceutical industry, procurement is no longer just about cost savings and supply chain resilience; it is about regulatory gatekeeping.
Learn how AI is being used in procurement and why AI readiness matters. Discover how data quality and standardized workflows can determine AI success.
Explore procurement maturity and learn why speed and security don't have to compete. See how mature procurement teams build processes that support both.
Conrad and Natasha record live to unpack core leadership philosophies. Natasha shares why "everything is rented"—from titles to teams—so leaders must be "great renters" who elevate others. They explore truth-telling over corporate spin, building a "personal board of directors" for peer support, and balancing head, heart, and hands to lead effectively.
What is an MCP server for procurement? Discover how the Model Context Protocol enables "Bring Your Own Agent" (BYOA) strategies, vendor-neutral AI connectivity, and secure access to your validated supplier data.
How do I connect ChatGPT or Claude to supplier data? Follow our step-by-step guide to secure, real-time AI access to your procurement records using the Model Context Protocol (MCP).
Discover the first supplier management MCP server by Graphite Connect. Connect Claude, ChatGPT, and other AI agents to secure, validated supplier data with no vendor lock-in.
Discover how "Bring Your Own Agent" (BYOA) is transforming procurement. Learn how the Graphite MCP server connects Claude and ChatGPT to validated supplier data with zero vendor lock-in.
Learn how to use AI agents and the Model Context Protocol (MCP) to automate supplier onboarding. Connect Claude or ChatGPT to Graphite for secure, agentic procurement.
Explore the best MCP servers for enterprise data in 2026. Learn how Graphite Connect and ZoomInfo are leading the way in secure, agentic AI for procurement and GTM teams.
See how poor supplier data creates hidden operational costs and why procurement data management matters for faster onboarding, better visibility, and AI readiness.
Discover the onboarding success metrics procurement teams should track, from average onboarding time to supplier data quality, and benchmark your process.
AI is making some procurement teams slower, not faster. See the full 2026 Procurement Benchmarking Report to find out if your data is actually ready for AI.
Learn what ACH fraud protection is, common ACH fraud red flags, dispute and recovery options, and how businesses can prevent fraudulent ACH transactions.
How long does an ACH wire transfer take? Learn ACH transfer times, how ACH compares with wire transfers, and which payment method is faster.
In Ep 50, Conrad, Zach, and Natasha detail practical steps to build a procurement operating model. They argue leaders must first map the enterprise's structure and goals (the "skeleton") before focusing on spend or org charts. They also share personal use cases of AI agents automating admin tasks like org charts and calendars , urging teams to repurpose freed FTEs for strategic value.
This episode of Proc n Roll features Natasha and Zachary interviewing Jason Busch on AI's impact on procurement. Jason divides AI into copilots, agentic systems, and AI employees. He advises leaders to build AI digital twins instead of relying on legacy SaaS. Jason warns AI will soon replace knowledge work, advising kids to pursue manual trades like electricians.
Conrad, Zachary, and guest Tomas Wiemer explore the procurement operating model of the future. With AI agents automating tasks like RFPs and TCO models, the focus shifts from rigid processes to fast outcomes. They discuss how procurement roles will evolve into AI supervisors and why leaders must adopt an abundance mindset to architect this new era of tech-driven sourcing.
The hosts explore OpenClaw AI agents. Kasey shows how non-technical users can build agents like "Gavin" to automate contract compliance. The team predicts these AI tools will replace expensive procurement tech stacks. They urge professionals to start experimenting today.
Conrad and Shunit Kainy discuss the power of procurement communities. Shunit explains how she built an IT procurement network in Israel to combat professional isolation. They explore overcoming introversion, the generosity of peer knowledge sharing, and why procurement must step up to lead. Finally, they note that human imagination is the biggest barrier to AI adoption.
In this episode, the team discusses how AI agents are transforming procurement from a "gatekeeper" of processes into a strategic enterprise "conductor". They argue for a shift from siloed goals to enterprise KPIs like revenue and margin. The focus must be on outcomes rather than bureaucratic ego , using technology to automate operations while humans handle critical, high-level decision-making.
The team explores Stakeholder Management through the lens of Emotional Intelligence (EQ). Zach argues that "people's feelings really matter" and emotional safety must precede logic. Natasha advocates for a 90-day "listening tour" and using a Stakeholder Map to prioritize relationships. They conclude that procurement succeeds by being an enabler, not a gatekeeper.
The hosts revisit the 2026 "Enterprise Mindset" prediction. Natasha warns against "hobby buyers" who just "end up" in procurement, while Zach fears "compliance bots" lacking business context. They explore the "Power of And" (savings + value) and the CPO’s fiduciary duty to know exactly where every $25M goes.
The hosts discuss why SRM hasn't evolved in 20 years and debate the Amazon-UPS split. Natasha argues QBRs are "useless theater" without buy-in, while Conrad advises starting small. They explore how "Data Gods" help non-technical leaders win.
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