Is the future of procurement more about people than technology?

Recorded live at ProcureCon Europe 2026 in Cologne, we sit down with Tom Mills, Founder of The Procurement Protagonist, to explore why human relationships, communication and soft skills remain essential to success in procurement, particularly as AI continues to transform the profession.

Tom shares his personal journey, from battling imposter syndrome and navigating the pressures of procurement to building a thriving community through LinkedIn, his newsletter and YouTube channel.

Throughout the conversation, Tom discusses: Why soft skills could become procurement's biggest competitive advantage in the age of AI The importance of trust, relationships and collaboration in successful negotiations Overcoming imposter syndrome and finding confidence in your strengths Building an authentic personal brand and community within procurement Why the future of procurement must remain focused on people Discover Tom's perspective on simplifying procurement, embracing authenticity and ensuring the human element remains at the heart of the profession.