Art of Procurement 834: Rewiring Operating Models for an Unpredictable Future W/ Darshan Deshmukh
Sep 29, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Darshan Deshmukh, President at ProcureAbility, shares insights on building resilient supply chains amidst geopolitical uncertainty. He emphasizes the need for procurement leaders to transition from transactional to collaborative relationships with suppliers, treating them as valued partners. Darshan explores how to differentiate real from perceived risks, the importance of investing in supply chain optionality, and the role of AI in transforming procurement skills. His call to action is clear: play the long game and embrace a mindset shift toward longer-term value.
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Anxiety Then Risk Fatigue Cycle
- Procurement leaders feel high anxiety from rapid geopolitical and trade uncertainty.
- Many teams then drift into change fatigue and reactive behavior instead of proactive planning.
Geography Shapes Risk Perception
- Sentiment varies by geography with non-US regions often experiencing greater anxiety.
- Asia shows mixed excitement where China-plus-one creates opportunities but also heightened trade concerns.
Build Intentional Optionality
- Invest in optionality for critical categories even if it costs more or takes longer.
- Balance short-term squeezes with long-term strategies like China-plus-one and supplier diversification.