Beyond the Research

World Commerce & Contracting

"Beyond the Research" is your essential 15-minute deep dive into the most pressing topics and groundbreaking studies shaping the world of commerce and contracting. Hosted by Issy Drinkall, each episode goes beyond the pages of WorldCC's meticulously crafted research reports to bring you direct insights from the experts who helped create them.

In a world of increasing complexity and rapid change, understanding the nuances of contracting, commercial relationships, and emerging technologies is more vital than ever. This podcast series provides concise, actionable intelligence, revealing the "why" and "how" behind the data. We'll explore key findings, discuss their real-world implications, and challenge conventional thinking, all in a dynamic and engaging format designed for busy professionals.

From the strategic integration of AI in contract management to optimizing value, mitigating risk, and fostering high-performing relationships, "Beyond the Research" cuts through the noise to deliver the essential knowledge you need to stay ahead. Tune in to gain expert perspectives, uncover hidden opportunities, and move your contracting practice forward.

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9 episodes
Updated January 20

Episodes9

Newest first

January 20 · 16 min
From Control to Connection: The impact of AI agents in CLM
We explore the "From Control to Connection" report, focusing on how Agentic AI is transforming Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) from a system of rigid control to a dynamic, connected engine of intelligence and action, addressing the hidden costs of fragmentation and enhancing human judgment. Read more here.
Oct 30, 2025 · 13 min
Workforce Dynamics in the Modern Era
In this episode, we discuss the "Workforce Dynamics in the Modern Era Report (ANZ)," exploring current skill levels, future needs, the impact of AI, and organizational support systems within the Procurement and Contract Management workforce, with an emphasis on bridging skill gaps and fostering a resilient, adaptable talent pool. Read more
Sep 25, 2025 · 13 min
Most Negotiated Terms: A focus on US government procurement and contracting
We explore the "Most Negotiated Terms: A focus on US government procurement and contracting" report, uncovering how current rigid procurement practices in US government contracting lead to significant hidden costs and inefficiencies, and highlighting opportunities to transform these processes for substantial savings and improved public value. Read more here.
Sep 11, 2025 · 12 min
The Purpose of Contracts
We critically examine the "Purpose of Contracts" report, exploring the significant gap between the intended and actual effectiveness of contracts in business, and challenging the traditional view of contracts as mere legal documents to advocate for their evolution into strategic tools for fostering trust, collaboration, and mutual financial success. Read more here.
Aug 28, 2025 · 14 min
AI and the Contract Management Lifecycle
Explore the "AI and the Contract Management Lifecycle" report, focusing on how AI is transforming the role of contract managers from administrative to strategic, enhancing efficiency, risk management, and client relationships across the entire contract lifecycle. Read more here.
Aug 13, 2025 · 10 min
Conflicts and Disputes in Commercial and Contracting Relationships
In this episode of Beyond the Research, we explore the findings of the “Conflicts and Disputes in Commercial and Contracting Relationships” report, conducted in partnership with Resolutiion. Guest Fayola-Maria Jack, CEO of Resolutiion, unpacks why conflicts—though inevitable—are often overlooked, the psychological biases that prevent early resolution, and the high economic cost of disputes. She shares practical strategies for shifting from transactional to relationship-driven approaches, rethinking contract design, and fostering collaboration over confrontation to preserve and strengthen commercial partnerships. Read more here.
Jul 31, 2025 · 15 min
Most Negotiated Terms 2024
In this episode we discuss the "Most Negotiated Terms 2024" report, particularly the disconnect between terms most frequently negotiated (like liability and price) and those considered most important or most disputed (like scope and delivery), as well as the distinct challenges faced by SMEs and big businesses in negotiations. Download the Most Negotiated Terms 2024 report here.
Jul 16, 2025 · 15 min
Managing Tariffs and Market Uncertainty
The "Managing Tariffs and Market Uncertainty" report examines how businesses are currently reacting to market disruptions, the future strategies they are considering, and the critical areas they may need to address to build more resilient supply networks rather than fragile supply chains. You can read the full report here.
Jul 2, 2025 · 15 min
Humans & AI: Together, Transforming Contract Management
Today, we're diving into a report that's at the heart of current business discussions: 'Humans and AI: Together, Transforming Contract Management'. The relationship between humans and AI is no longer theoretical; it's actively reshaping how organizations operate, especially in a field as complex and repetitive as contract management. With the promise of AI offering not just efficiency but also profound insight and financial gains, the big question is: how do we strike the right balance between automation and human judgment when contracts are such critical business assets? Download the Humans and AI: Together, Transforming Contract Management report now!