How IBM uses data and AI to modernize procurement

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This is a podcast episode titled, How IBM uses data and AI to modernize procurement. The summary for this episode is: In this AI in Action episode, David Levy speaks with Lorie Meola about how IBM is transforming procurement through AI adoption and data management. Lorie explains how focusing on good-enough enterprise data, supported by data transparency and data visualization, leads to faster insights and better decisions. She shares how agentic AI helps teams move away from manual work and focus on higher-value outcomes. The conversation also highlights the cultural change required for digital transformation, including leadership support and iteration. The episode shows how modern procurement can drive efficiency, insight and business impact across the enterprise.

DESCRIPTION

In this AI in Action episode, David Levy speaks with Lorie Meola about how IBM is transforming procurement through AI adoption and data management. Lorie explains how focusing on good-enough enterprise data, supported by data transparency and data visualization, leads to faster insights and better decisions.

She shares how agentic AI helps teams move away from manual work and focus on higher-value outcomes. The conversation also highlights the cultural change required for digital transformation, including leadership support and iteration. The episode shows how modern procurement can drive efficiency, insight and business impact across the enterprise.

Today's Host

David Levy

|Host

Today's Guests

Lorie Meola

|Chief Procurement Officer | Enterprise Transformation Leader | AI & Digital Innovator, IBM

Lorie Meola is a global business leader and an accomplished Chief Procurement Officer known for driving transformation across complex, multinational enterprises. Recognized for her strategic vision and pragmatic leadership, she has guided organizations through complex cost takeout programs, digital reinvention, and AI-driven procurement modernization, collaborating between business, technology, and finance to unlock enterprise-wide efficiencies and accelerate AI adoption responsibly. At IBM, she leads the company’s global procurement organization, partnering across business units and leveraging data, AI, and ecosystem relationships to deliver next-level financial results while prudently managing risk for both IBM and its procurement BPO clients. She and her teams work seamlessly with business teams to ensure all sourcing requirements are leveraged to maximize quality and value from suppliers to their internal and external global client base. A trusted advisor to business leaders around the globe, Lorie is passionate about building high-performing teams, mentoring rising talent and fostering inclusion across global teams, advancing responsible AI adoption, and shaping the next generation of digital operating models. Her leadership has been featured in executive forums and industry publications focused on enterprise transformation, supply chain resilience, and the future of work. Lorie has nearly two decades of experience in leading global sourcing and procurement teams, most recently as Chief Procurement Officer for Fiserv, a leading global technology provider in the financial services industry, where she focused on driving procurement innovation, insights and optimization for her organization. Before joining Fiserv, Lorie worked at First Data Corporation, AIG and ADP in procurement, technology and implementation roles. Lorie started her career as a high school math and computer science teacher before an opportunity in a start up shifted her career into the business world. Lorie holds a BS in Mathematics from Andrews University, and an MBA from the University of Michigan.

Lorie's LinkedIn