Spotlight: Women in Procurement Empower the Industry's Future
The Women in Procurement (WIP) interactive case study session was a true highlight at ProcureCon, featuring a dynamic panel of female leaders: Valeria Venturelli (Diversey), Cristina Sangiorgi (Sky Italia), Danielly Cortes (Stellantis), and Benan Orhan (ITW).
Together, they shared experiences and insights on empowering women in procurement and emphasised the value of soft skills, networking, and inclusivity for building the next generation of industry leaders.
Key Insights
The session was framed around a central theme: Who will be the procurement leaders of the future?
The answer, according to WIP, lies in those who understand the importance of connection, adaptability, and emotional intelligence in a rapidly evolving industry.
Empowering Through Soft Skills
Soft skills took centre stage in this conversation, with each speaker highlighting their transformative impact on their careers and organisations. Sangiorgi, recently promoted to a development manager role, attributed her success to the skills-first approach in her company, enabling her to grow beyond traditional procurement functions.
Venturelli, Senior Global Manager at Diversey, echoed this sentiment, stressing that "leadership isn’t about a title but an opportunity to inspire others."
She described how today's procurement leadership is central to soft skills like empathy, active listening, and authentic engagement.
“When you speak directly and with respect, you create value,” she said, underscoring the need for transparent communication and kindness as leadership traits.
The Role of Networking and Mentorship
WIP, founded in 2021, is a platform for women and allies across procurement to connect, grow, and share knowledge. As Orhan explained, WIP is inclusive, offering space for everyone—men, women, and professionals from various departments and industries. "We need diversity and engagement to lead the change in procurement," she emphasised.
The speakers shared personal stories that showcased the value of building networks. Cortes recounted a simple cooking experience in Italy that turned into an eye-opener on the power of diverse perspectives. "It made me realise the positive possibilities for change," she said, highlighting the importance of informal connections that can lead to professional transformation.
A Vision for Future Leaders
The conversation also turned to how WIP and initiatives like it are paving the way for future female leaders. “We are navigating new challenges, and adaptability is becoming crucial,” said Orhan. She and the other panellists spoke of creating environments where employees can thrive, not only by honing hard skills but by nurturing the soft skills that foster innovation, creativity, and talent retention.
Cortes added, “If you asked which employees are the most productive, it’s those with great soft skills.”
The group agreed that fostering emotional intelligence, adaptability, and empathy is essential for procurement professionals, especially in an increasingly digital world where human skills will continue to set great leaders apart.
Inclusive Leadership and AI
A key point raised by the audience was how men can support women in procurement. The panel’s message was clear: collaboration and respect are fundamental.
“Diversity is key to success,” said one panellist, stressing the importance of men joining and supporting WIP's efforts to create a more inclusive industry.
When asked about AI's role in procurement, the panellists acknowledged the collaboration between AI and human skills. While AI is a powerful tool, they emphasised that the "human touch" remains indispensable for creativity and emotional intelligence—traits no machine can replicate.
Cultivate Connections - Lead with Soft Skills
The session concluded with a resounding message: women in procurement must seize opportunities to connect, develop, and lead by example. Soft skills like empathy, adaptability, and communication are not just valuable—they are essential for the future of procurement.
The sunflower analogy summed it up perfectly: connected to the sun, nurturing each other, and spreading their energy to grow and inspire others.
For those looking to join this growing network, the advice was simple—reach out. Whether it’s through WIP’s LinkedIn page or a conversation at the next event, don’t hesitate to connect. It’s through these small steps that great leaders are made.
The ProcureCon Podcast
To compliment our Women in Procurement session at we sat down with two female powerhouses for an episode of the ProcureCon podcast.
Key WIP members, Danielly Pierozan Cortes and Mara Milanesi, discussed the crucial role of procurement in sustainability and inclusion. Listen now and subscribe for ongoing insights and the latest trends from the industry's top voices.
