The Supply Chain Ambassador

The Supply Chain Ambassador

by Mr Abrauna Yakubu
EducationGovernment
Season 4
Stay Professionally Curious: Lessons from a Career in Supply Chain, with Richard Quinn
After 42 years with National Defence, Richard Quinn is preparing for retirement and reflecting on what he has learned along the way. He discusses the shift from simply following procurement rules to delivering meaningful results, the growing importance of data, artificial intelligence and supply chain resilience, and the skills professionals will need for the future. His final advice is simple: keep learning, ask questions and stay professionally curious.
S4 · E13
Jul 23, 2026
27:24
It's Okay Not to Know. Stay Curious, with Martin Chénier (PACMAN)
In this episode of the Supply Chain Ambassador Podcast, I sit down with Martin Chernier, founder of the Procurement Alliance of Canada (PAC) and a well-known voice in the Canadian public procurement community. Martin shares his unique career journey and the experiences that shaped his philosophy of procurement: stay curious, embrace different perspectives, and never stop learning. From his early days in sales and insurance to staffing, industry advocacy, and procurement education, we explore how seemingly unrelated experiences can come together to create meaningful impact. Some of the topics we discuss include: • Why great procurement professionals are translators and communicators. • The importance of understanding the perspectives behind every "hat" in the procurement process. • Building trust through clarity, storytelling, and collaboration. • Lessons learned from the evolving public procurement landscape. • Why it's okay not to know—and why curiosity is one of the profession's greatest strengths. Whether you're a procurement officer, supplier, project manager, or someone interested in leadership and professional growth, this conversation offers practical insights into creating better outcomes through better communication. Key takeaway: "It's okay not to know. Stay curious." To learn more about the Procurement Alliance of Canada, visit: https://procurementalliance.ca About the Supply Chain Ambassador Podcast The Supply Chain Ambassador Podcast explores the people, stories, and ideas shaping procurement and supply chain management. Through conversations with practitioners, leaders, and innovators, we aim to make complex topics more accessible and strengthen the connections that move our profession forward.
S4 · E12
Jun 14, 2026
50:31
Plan for Flexibility, Not Rigid Rigidity with Matthew Johnson
In this episode, I sit down with Matthew Johnson, Acting Director of Procurement and Contract Management at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Matthew shares his unique journey from construction logistics and criminology into federal procurement leadership, and how people-centered leadership continues to shape his career.
S4 · E11
May 25, 2026
25:13
Bridging Procurement and Finance in Government with Cedric Pilon
In this episode of The Supply Chain Ambassador Podcast, we sit down with Cedric Pilon, a seasoned public service leader whose 20+ year journey spans procurement, financial systems, and accounting operations across multiple federal departments.
S4 · E10
Apr 18, 2026
22:52
Passion, Purpose, Service: 3 Things Every Procurement Officer Needs with Emilio Franco 
In this episode of The Supply Chain Ambassador Podcast, we sit down with Emilio Franco to explore what it truly means to build a meaningful career in procurement. From supporting critical government services to playing a key role during national crises, procurement professionals are far more impactful than many realize. Emilio shares powerful insights on how to elevate your career by focusing on three core principles: passion, purpose, and service. We dive into: How procurement directly supports Canadians across sectors Why understanding the “why” behind client needs changes everything The importance of being proactive and “being useful” in your career Lessons from the pandemic and today’s economic challenges Practical advice for procurement officers at all levels Whether you're new to procurement or a seasoned professional, this episode will challenge how you see your role—and inspire you to think bigger. 📢 Call to action: Reflect on your work: How are you contributing to Canada today?
S4 · E9
Mar 30, 2026
33:38
“Procurement Isn’t Red Tape” — A discussion with Minh-Kai Trinh, Director at Global Affairs Canada
Is procurement really just bureaucratic red tape? Not according to Minh Khai Trinh, Director of Development Contracting at Global Affairs Canada. With 26 years in federal procurement, Minh Khai has worked across PSPC, DND, CIDA, and Global Affairs Canada, contributing to high-profile programs like the CF-18 fighter jets, the Snowbirds, and national defence procurement initiatives. In this episode of the Supply Chain Ambassador Podcast, we explore: • Why procurement professionals are often misunderstood • How leadership is about making decisions — even imperfect ones • The role of networks and collaboration in government careers • The future of procurement in the age of AI • Advice for the next generation of procurement officers If you want to understand the real impact procurement professionals have behind the scenes, this conversation will change the way you see the profession.
S4 · E8
Mar 12, 2026
16:22
From FSWEP Student to Executive Leadership with Christine Lamarche RCMP
In this episode of the Supply Chain Ambassador Podcast, host Bruno sits down with Christine Lamarche, Director General of Procurement, Material Management and Asset Management at the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Christine shares her career journey from FSWEP student to executive leadership, offering insights into procurement, supply chain management, and the critical role of material management in government operations. Her team supports major national programs including the RCMP National Fleet Program, Policing Assets Program, and procurement service delivery across Canada.
S4 · E7
Mar 9, 2026
28:57
Inside Treasury Board: Debunking Myths & Building the Future of Procurement with Alberto Garcia-Vargas
In this episode of The Supply Chain Ambassador Podcast, host Bruno sits down with Alberto, Senior Advisor at the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, to explore the transformation of procurement and material management across the Government of Canada. This conversation pulls back the curtain on how central agencies actually work, what goes into policy transformation, and why procurement professionals are more than rule-followers — they are strategic partners delivering public value.
S4 · E6
Feb 16, 2026
36:35
From Transactional to Transformational: The Future of Procurement with Jean-Claude Azar
In this episode of The Supply Chain Ambassador Podcast, host Bruno sits down with Jean-Claude Azar, Director General at the Canada Revenue Agency, to explore why procurement is more than a job — it’s a lifestyle. Jean-Claude shares his unconventional journey into public sector procurement, how curiosity and problem-solving turned a casual role into a lifelong passion, and why leadership, timing, and people management matter more than process alone.
S4 · E5
Jan 18, 2026
21:23
Turning the Tables: Bruno’s Unlikely Procurement Journey
In this special episode of the Supply Chain Ambassador Podcast, the tables are turned as Bruno steps out from behind the mic to share his own story. Guest host JJ interviews him about his unconventional path from animation and public relations to event management, supply chain, and ultimately procurement leadership in the Government of Canada. Bruno reflects on his decade-long search for direction, the eclectic experiences that shaped his skill set, and the pivotal moments that led him into federal procurement.
S4 · E4
Jan 18, 2026
19:13
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