Procurement isn’t just evolving—it’s breaking under pressure, and business as usual is no longer an option.
The Procurement Industry Is at a Breaking Point
Whether you’re managing strategic sourcing, overseeing ESG compliance, or trying to navigate inflation and global instability—procurement professionals today are expected to deliver more value than ever… with fewer resources and less time.
A 2023 Deloitte Global CPO Survey found that 72% of procurement leaders say their current operating models aren’t effective at managing risk or disruption, and nearly 7 in 10 believe their teams are under-resourced. And yet, the expectations keep rising.
The pressure is relentless—and the cracks are showing.
Top Challenges Procurement Leaders Face Today
1. A World of Relentless Disruption
Geopolitical conflict, inflation, labor shortages, and supply chain instability have created a new normal: constant disruption. A recent McKinsey study estimates that major supply chain upheavals now occur every 3.7 years, costing companies as much as 45% of a year’s profits over a decade.
2. Demands for Strategic Value, Not Just Cost Savings
Procurement’s role has expanded far beyond cost-cutting. Boards and CEOs expect procurement to drive sustainability, boost innovation, and enable agility. But without the right team structure or tools, many are left reacting instead of leading.
3. Decision Fatigue and Burnout
Gartner reports that the complexity and volume of decisions has risen by 65% in the past five years. 85% of procurement leaders say they feel burned out, overwhelmed by unclear priorities, siloed teams, and outdated communication models.
4. Talent Retention and Engagement Gaps
Today’s professionals want meaning, autonomy, and growth—but most aren’t getting it. The Workforce Institute found that 82% of employees say they aren’t recognized enough. Without clear purpose and development pathways, even top talent disengages.
The Solution: A New Kind of Leadership for a New Kind of World
Solving these challenges doesn’t require more dashboards, meetings, or micromanagement. It requires a new leadership model—one built for adaptability, speed, and clarity.
That’s where Fast Attack Leadership comes in.
Created by Marc Koehler, a former U.S. Navy Nuclear Submarine Officer and now a leadership expert with 35+ years of experience, Fast Attack Leadership is a five-part framework designed to help organizations build fully aligned, highly adaptable, world-class teams that can execute at the highest level—even in disruption.
This isn’t theory—it’s a simple, repeatable system that helps leaders and teams navigate ambiguity, make faster decisions, and stay aligned through change.
The Heart of It All: The One Page Purpose Plan™
At the core of Fast Attack Leadership is the One Page Purpose Plan™, a single-page tool fashioned after the one-page captain’s orders on the submarine that aligns every employee to the organization’s mission, values, strategic goals, and daily actions.
Unlike static planning decks or siloed scorecards, the One Page Purpose Plan™ serves as a living blueprint that keeps everyone—regardless of title or department—focused, empowered, and accountable.
Here’s what it delivers:
- ✅ Clarity: Everyone knows the mission, top priorities, and how their role connects to results.
- ✅ Alignment: Cross-functional teams make better, faster decisions based on shared goals.
- ✅ Agility: When disruption hits, your team doesn’t freeze—they adjust in real time.
- ✅ Engagement: Employees at every level feel trusted, empowered, and recognized.
Why Fast Attack Leadership Works for Procurement
Procurement leaders who adopt Fast Attack Leadership report:
- A significant reduction in decision bottlenecks
- Stronger cross-functional collaboration
- Higher levels of team confidence and innovation
- Better retention and engagement, especially with Millennial and Gen Z talent
Most importantly, they gain the confidence to lead with clarity, no matter the disruption.
Your Next Move
Procurement is under siege—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelmed. With the right mindset, tools, and structure, you can turn disruption into opportunity.
Marc Koehler’s Fast Attack Leadership keynote is the catalyst your team needs. It’s not just another motivational speech—it’s a strategic shift that gives your leaders and teams the tools to align, adapt, and thrive.
Let 2025 be the year you stop reacting—and start leading.
About Marc Koehler:
Marc Koehler is a former U.S. Navy Nuclear Submarine Officer and turnaround CEO who helps business leaders create fully aligned, highly adaptable teams. He is the creator of the Fast Attack Leadership™ framework and founder of Lead With Purpose. Learn more at www.marckoehlerspeaks.com.
Sources:
- Deloitte Global CPO Survey 2023
- McKinsey: “Risk, Resilience, and Rebalancing in Global Value Chains”
- Gartner: “Overcoming Decision Fatigue in Procurement”
- Workforce Institute: 2023 Employee Recognition Report
- O.C. Tanner: Global Culture Report