NASPO Pulse

Welcome to the NASPO Pulse Podcast, your source for exploring emerging public procurement issues. Join us as we engage in insightful conversations with procurement professionals, partners, and industry leaders. Discover a diverse range of perspectives and opinions on various topics that are shaping the procurement landscape. Whether you're a state procurement official or interested in the field, this podcast provides essential insights to keep you informed. Tune in for the conversations that matter in the realm of procurement.

NASPO Pulse is a education podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 74 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Unknown Host hosts NASPO Pulse, a education show with 74 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #10

  Bigger Than Texas: Leading Procurement at Scale

  Aug 11, 202635 minS7

  What does it take to manage procurement for one of the largest and most decentralized governments in the country? Texas Chief Procurement Officer Bobby Pounds shares how the state balances consistency with agency autonomy, strengthens supplier participation, and uses vendor performance data to improve procurement outcomes. Along the way, he offers practical leadership lessons—including why procurement leaders should be "coaches, not cops." Follow & subscribe to stay up-to-date on NASPO! naspo.org | Pulse Blog | LinkedIn | Youtube | Facebook

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  Episode #9

  How Nebraska Makes Procurement Work Without an E-Procurement System

  Jul 13, 202631 minS7

  In this episode of NASPO Pulse, host Julia McIlroy sits down with Nebraska Chief Procurement Officer and General Counsel Michelle Potts to explore how the state balances centralized oversight with agency flexibility across a large state. Michelle shares insights from her unconventional path into public procurement, discusses leading with both legal and procurement perspectives, and explains how Nebraska is supporting local vendors, empowering agencies through training, and navigating challenges like AI, evolving legislation, and limited resources. Follow & subscribe to stay up-to-date on NASPO! naspo.org | Pulse Blog | LinkedIn | Youtube | Facebook

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  Episode #8

  The Contract Doesn't Fail—The Management Does: Lessons for Modern Procurement

  Jun 23, 202635 minS7

  Successful technology contracts depend on much more than well-written terms and conditions. In this episode, NASPO's Director of Legal Education, Megan Smyth, discusses the real challenges of SaaS contract management, including data security, vendor relationships, decentralized purchasing, and strategic risk management. She also explores how states are beginning to use AI to streamline contract reviews while maintaining oversight and compliance in an increasingly complex technology environment. Follow & subscribe to stay up-to-date on NASPO! naspo.org | Pulse Blog | LinkedIn | Youtube | Facebook

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  Episode #7

  From Ownership to Access: How SaaS is Reshaping Public Procurement

  Jun 15, 202627 minS7

  As government agencies increasingly adopt cloud-based technologies, traditional procurement models are evolving. In this episode, NASPO's Director of Legal Education, Megan Smyth explores how SaaS and subscription-based services are changing the way states purchase, manage, and think about technology. From ownership versus access to the hidden risks of click-through agreements, Megan shares practical insights for procurement professionals navigating today's digital landscape. Follow & subscribe to stay up-to-date on NASPO! naspo.org | Pulse Blog | LinkedIn | Youtube | Facebook

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  NASPO Pulse

  What Every New Chief Procurement Officer Needs to Know About Leadership

  May 12, 202621 min

  We're joined by Samantha Willis, Chief Procurement Officer for the State of West Virginia, to unpack what state purchasing really looks like from the inside and what makes procurement leadership work when the stakes are high, and the days never look the same. Samantha shares how she found her way into government contracts through a love of contract law, negotiation, and problem-solving. We talk about the “gravity” of leading a statewide purchasing division, why leaders need to listen first, and how institutional knowledge from experienced staff turns theory into practice. She also challenges a common trap in government procurement: assuming the rules always mean less flexibility than they actually do, and how careful legal interpretation can open better, still-compliant paths forward. We also get practical about building a strong procurement team and attracting new talent, focusing on people skills, customer service, and a willingness to learn over perfect resumes. Subscribe for more public procurement leadership stories, share this with a colleague who works in government contracting, and leave a review to help more listeners find the show. Follow & subscribe to stay up-to-date on NASPO! naspo.org | Pulse Blog | LinkedIn | Youtube | Facebook

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