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The Supply Chain Ambassador

Mr Abrauna Yakubu

I am a procurement professional, who is all about connecting with the supply chain community in a positive, fun and engaging way. I am currently the host of the Supply Chain Ambassador Podcast.

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  • 20 episodes
  • Avg 23 min
  • English

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Episodes 20

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  • S4 · E15
    August 27 · 19 min

    Procurement Is About Clarity | Nassima Zobir Bouguerba

    In this episode of the Supply Chain Ambassador Podcast, Bruno speaks with Nassima Zobir Bouguerba about procurement, leadership and working through change. Nassima shares a simple idea: we will not always have all the answers, but we can provide clarity. In procurement, that means helping people understand what needs to happen now, making good decisions, and being willing to adapt as things change. They also discuss why procurement is about more than rules and contracts. It starts with people, conversations and a clear understanding of what everyone is trying to achieve. A conversation about keeping procurement clear, practical and human.

  • S4 · E14
    August 6 · 20 min

    Stop waiting for Permission to Learn | Richard Soulliere

    Procurement is constantly changing—and no one can know everything. In this conversation, Richard Soulliere shares why procurement professionals need to keep learning, stay curious and draw on the knowledge of their community. Richard discusses his journey into federal procurement, the value of understanding your clients, and why procurement should be seen as a partner rather than a roadblock. He also explains how a simple workplace pain point led him to create Procurement Bliss and co-found an interdepartmental collaboration network now connecting procurement professionals across the Government of Canada. Whether you are new to procurement or an experienced practitioner, this episode offers practical ideas for solving everyday challenges, learning from others and turning small improvements into meaningful change.

  • S4 · E13
    July 23 · 27 min

    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 · E12
    June 14 · 50 min

    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 · E11
    May 25 · 25 min

    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 · E10
    April 18 · 22 min

    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 · E9
    March 30 · 33 min

    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 · E8
    March 12 · 16 min

    “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 · E7
    March 9 · 28 min

    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 · E6
    February 16 · 36 min

    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 · E5
    January 18 · 21 min

    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 · E4
    January 18 · 19 min

    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 · E3
    Nov 1, 2025 · 22 min

    From Bridges to Trains: Career lessons from with Vincent Robitaille

    In this episode of the Supply Chain Ambassador Podcast, host Bruno talks with Vincent Robitaille from Transport Canada about managing some of Canada’s biggest transportation projects, like the High-Speed Rail between Toronto and Quebec and the Lac-Mégantic Rail Bypass. Vincent shares his career journey in government, explains why planning and talking to industry early is so important, and gives practical tips for anyone working in procurement. He also reflects on the challenges of big projects and how they can make a real difference for Canadians, all while highlighting the value of curiosity, honesty, and teamwork. #SupplyChainPodcast #HighSpeedRail #ProcurementTips #TeamworkCulture

  • S4 · E2
    Sep 22, 2025 · 19 min

    From Radio to RFPs: Judy Hollander's Unconventional Procurement Journey

    In this episode of The Supply Chain Ambassador Podcast, host Abrauna Yakubu chats with Judy Ann Hollander, a procurement specialist with a winding, unconventional career path—from childhood radio dreams to contract negotiations at CDIC. Judy shares the pivotal moments, career twists, and transferable skills that shaped her journey. Tune in for inspiration, laughs, and real talk about learning, creativity, and breaking into procurement the untraditional way.

  • S4 · E1
    Sep 18, 2025 · 9 min

    The Supply Chain Ambassador Returns: A New Season Begins

    I’m back! After a short break, I’m excited to relaunch The Supply Chain Ambassador Podcast with a fresh new season. In this episode, I reflect on where we’ve been, what’s ahead, and share a bit more about my own journey — from casual roles to leading procurement. I also open up about challenges like imposter syndrome, what I love about procurement, and why collaboration matters now more than ever. If you’re in procurement, supply chain, or public service — this is your space. Let’s build better, together.

  • S3 · E2
    May 23, 2023 · 15 min

    Procurement is not a Help Desk with Danielle Gudbranson, manager of procurement policy at National Resources Canada

    On today's podcast, Danielle shares with us the challenges of explaining the bureaucratic process of procurement and overcoming that, with the clients.As she says in her words "there's this giant web of rules and we have to make the connections, connect the dots between where the box stops and where the rules start and where we can play within the gray space and where we can't."Listen to the full podcast for more.

Showing 1–20 of 20 episodes