EP 8 — 7x CFO Bill Courtney on Strategic Procurement Leadership in Times of Crisis

In this episode of Smarter Sourcing, John speaks with Bill Courtney, 7x CFO & Senior Financial Executive, about his extensive experience in procurement and sourcing across various industries. Bill reflects on his time at companies like Ford, Hertz, and Delta, highlighting the challenges faced and the strategic decisions made during critical periods such as 9/11 and the COVID-19 pandemic. 

They dive into the importance of simplifying complex processes, the impact of leadership in driving organizational change, and the evolving role of Chief Procurement Officers. 

Topics discussed:

• Bill Courtney's journey as a CFO from Ford to Hertz, Delta, and CWT, highlighting leadership lessons, challenges overcome, and strategic decision-making.
• The critical role of procurement during crises like 9/11 and the COVID-19 pandemic in managing suppliers and costs.
• The importance of simplifying complexity and fostering partnerships to drive organizational success.
• The impact of mergers and acquisitions on procurement processes and the need for efficient integration of backend systems.
• Lessons learned about leadership, compassion, and making tough decisions during company turnarounds and bankruptcies.
• The evolution of the Chief Procurement Officer role, including increased importance after crises such as 9/11 and COVID-19.