Business Chief USA June 2019

which are further ahead, and the
landscape has yet to smooth out and
catch up. “It’s a journey,” says Schijven.
“That’s what makes this space so
interesting. You’re always pushing the
envelope because you’re working with
clients who are starting out in the
‘beginner’ phase, as well as clients who
are absolute leaders in the space – you
have to have the exhaustive content
and disruptive innovation capability to
show both of them how to reach the
next level, and get the next doubledigit
cost reduction or multiple base
point value enhancement.”
WHAT IS DIGITAL?
A key challenge Schijven sees procurement
professionals face is the shift to
digital, with one simple question on
their minds: “What is digital? What is
this all about? I’m hearing this buzzword
flying around, but I don’t have a clue
what it is. I’m Googling it and getting
around 400 definitions.” According to
the consultant: “The key challenges are
really around how to capitalize on a
world where everything is connected
through different levels of technology,
as well as understanding advanced
analytics that allow you to harness
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EXECUTIVE PROFILE
Natascha Schijven is a senior leader with deep
experience in large scale cost and strategic
procurement transformation across food & beverage,
retail, pharma, chemicals and oil & gas in Europe,
North America and Asia. She was recently recognized
by SCMA as one of Canada’s 100 Influential Women in
Supply Chain. Schijven is considered a thought leader
in analytics-empowered/digital cost transformation
and is an experienced panelist and public speaker.
She is passionate about enhancing workplace diversity,
mentoring and advancing women leaders. Schijven
currently leads the Direct Materials Management
offering for Deloitte Canada.
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