As the CEO and Founder of Villablanca Consulting, Maria Villablanca has been a driving force behind transforming procurement into a more strategic, agile, and innovative function. With a deep passion for empowering teams to challenge the status quo, Maria has cultivated a culture where innovation thrives, enabling her company to stay ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving business landscape.
In this exclusive interview, Maria shares insights gained from hundreds of conversations with leading professionals through her Transform Talks podcast series and the TFEST event for supply chain and procurement leaders. She discusses the mindset shifts necessary for procurement to evolve beyond traditional cost-cutting roles, emphasizing the importance of leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and agility in driving sustainable procurement practices. Maria also highlights how thought leadership and knowledge-sharing play a crucial role in shaping the future of procurement.
What role has digital transformation played in reshaping procurement operations?
Digital transformation has completely redefined procurement, shifting it from a tactical function to a strategic powerhouse. It’s not just about cost-cutting anymore—it’s about agility, resilience, and data-driven decision-making. Automation has eliminated tedious manual tasks, AI is enhancing supplier risk management, and real-time data visibility has revolutionised supply chain transparency. In today’s world, procurement leaders must think beyond transactions and embrace digital tools that enable strategic supplier partnerships, sustainability, and risk mitigation. Those who are still relying on outdated, reactive processes are already falling behind.
How do you assess the return on investment (ROI) for digital procurement tools?
ROI in digital procurement goes beyond simple cost savings—it’s about efficiency, risk reduction, and long-term value creation. The key is looking at tangible metrics: reduced cycle times, fewer procurement errors, better contract compliance, and enhanced supplier performance. But there’s also the strategic impact—improved agility, sustainability reporting, and the ability to predict supply chain disruptions before they happen. A strong digital procurement strategy pays for itself by delivering resilience, competitive advantage, and insights that drive smarter business decisions.
What technologies have had the biggest impact on streamlining procurement processes?
AI and machine learning have been game-changers, enabling predictive analytics, supplier risk assessments, and automated decision-making. Cloud-based procurement platforms have enhanced visibility and collaboration, breaking down silos between procurement, finance, and supply chain teams. Then there’s blockchain, which has huge potential for improving traceability and trust, particularly in complex global supply chains. And, of course, automation—whether it’s robotic process automation (RPA) or AI-driven contract management—has removed much of the manual workload, allowing procurement teams to focus on strategic priorities.
How do you approach the challenge of integrating new technologies with legacy systems?
Integrating new technologies with legacy systems is always a balancing act. The key is prioritising interoperability—choosing flexible, cloud-based solutions that can connect with existing infrastructure rather than trying to rip and replace everything at once. A phased approach works best, starting with quick-win integrations that demonstrate value early. Leadership buy-in is crucial, as is change management—people resist new systems when they don’t understand the benefits. Successful integration is less about the technology itself and more about ensuring the organisation is ready to embrace it.
How have you fostered a culture of innovation within procurement teams?
Innovation isn’t just about technology—it’s about mindset. Procurement teams need to feel empowered to challenge the status quo, experiment with new tools, and rethink traditional processes. That starts with leadership setting the tone: encouraging collaboration, rewarding forward-thinking initiatives, and providing the right training and resources. Cross-functional partnerships also play a huge role—bringing procurement closer to finance, IT, and supply chain teams fosters an environment where innovation thrives. And, crucially, we need to move away from a pure cost-cutting mentality and towards a value-driven approach that embraces agility, sustainability, and resilience.
