S01 E08 The Modern CPO: Balancing Strategy and Firefighting | With Kasper Vestergaard Larsen

About this episode

What does the future of procurement look like in the age of AI? In this episode of CPO Perspective, Richard Beaumont sits down with Kasper Larsen to discuss how artificial intelligence is transforming procurement, the growing importance of soft skills, and how organizations can stay competitive in a rapidly changing business environment.

Kasper shares his inspiring journey from wanting to become a mechanic to leading procurement at the executive level. He explains how AI is reshaping procurement operations, why professionals should approach AI strategically, and how generational differences influence technology adoption in the workplace.

This conversation also explores talent management, diversity in teams, risk management, compliance, and practical career advice for the next generation of procurement professionals.

Whether you're a procurement leader, supply chain professional, CPO, or someone interested in business strategy and AI, this episode delivers valuable insights on the future of procurement.

Topics Covered:

AI in procurement
The evolving role of the CPO
Generational differences in technology adoption
Soft skills and leadership development
Procurement strategy and risk management
Talent management and diversity
Career advice for procurement professionals
Balancing operational challenges with innovation
The future of procurement careers

Key Quotes:

“Do not trust AI 100%.”
“AI is like a super buyer.”
“Diversity breeds innovation.”
“Motivation leads to performance.”

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Kasper Lassen
01:04 Kasper's Journey to CPO
02:52 Current Trends in Procurement
03:11 The Role of AI in Procurement
07:14 Generational Perspectives on AI
12:06 Adopting AI in Procurement
14:42 Soft Skills in Procurement
17:09 Balancing Firefighting and Development
20:33 Advice for New Procurement Professionals

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– Richard and The CPO Perspective podcast team

Connect with Richard Beaumont on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/richardbeaumont
Visit the Beaumont Procurement website here: https://beaumontprocurement.com

#thecpoperspective #richardbeaumont #procurementleadership #cpo #procurementjudgement #decisionmaking #strategicprocurement #procurementtransformation #chiefprocurementofficer #supplychainleadership #procurementstrategy #aiinprocurement #procurementprofessionals #businessleadership #influenceatwork Procurement has never had better tools, data, or analysis — yet when decisions are challenged, the hardest part is rarely technical. The CPO Perspective explores what actually separates high-performing procurement teams from the rest: judgement, influence, and the ability to make decisions that hold up under real scrutiny.

Hosted by Richard Beaumont — former Army Officer, McKinsey consultant, and Chief Procurement Officer — this podcast is for procurement professionals who want to move beyond operational efficiency and build the kind of credibility, leadership, and ownership that earns genuine board-level trust.