CPO Crunch: Building leadership muscle - Procurement Leaders

CPO Crunch: Building leadership muscle By David Rae 18 May 2026 With uncertainty now structural, Procurement Leaders will ask leaders at WPC what they’re doing to win The World Procurement Congress 2026 in London is set to be the largest yet, with senior procurement executives joining us from all four corners of the world. It will be a perfect opportunity to reset, recharge and swap ideas with peers from across the ecosystem. With hundreds of CPOs in attendance, the InterContinental London O2 will be transformed into a procurement playground, with new connections taking place, challenges being shared and real value being created. It really is the best opportunity to absorb new ideas and challenge your beliefs. I’ll be facilitating several conversations throughout the week, but one session on day one of the Congress will get straight to the current issue at hand: managing through structural uncertainty. Structural uncertainty can be defined as a sustained period in which the very fabric of the global business and political landscape is in flux, when disruption is constant and volatility the norm. During such times, how do CPOs balance their commitment to long-term strategy with the need to react to the latest crisis? And what are the leadership and functional muscles that must be developed in order to win? To help us think through these difficult questions, I’ll be talking to three CPOs who are dealing with hugely complex challenges, whether as a result of the Iran war, commodity volatility, or root and branch business-model reinvention. Cassie Mackie of Etihad Airways, Nestlé’s Jacob Busk Nielsen, and Carel Aucamp of BAT are all facing challenges. The complex nature of their roles, businesses and supply chains demand laser-like focus, personal resilience and bold leadership. But there are two questions I’ll be asking the trio that I think all CPOs should spend time thinking about during these chaotic times. First, what leadership muscle have you spent time developing to help cope with the current business landscape? And, second, what opportunities have emerged as a result of the ongoing structural uncertainty? And every CPO would do well to give these questions some thought, whether they are attending WPC or not. To receive weekly insights from the Procurement Leaders community, sign up to the  CPO Crunch  newsletter using the link at the top of this page . The CPO Crunch Inspiring CPO community insights – straight from the source into your inbox. Subscribe to your CPO newsletter: Thanks for subscribing to the CPO Crunch newsletter. Keep an eye on your inbox for your first one. More insights Being a CPO: Probably the best job in the world READ MORE Research – Beyond centre-led: The future of procurement operating models READ MORE World Procurement Congress 2024: We’re only just getting started READ MORE Thought leader: How to get early supplier involvement right READ MORE Procurement – much more than a job READ MORE CPO Crunch: The procurement culture club READ MORE New research: supply chain transparency – enabling insights into the invisible READ MORE CPO Crunch: A rewarding time READ MORE CPO Crunch: Hydrogen making its mark READ MORE CPO Crunch: Looking back on the ‘year of AI’ READ MORE 2024 planning: Supporting growth by expanding strategic procurement and optimising operating models READ MORE Research: Purpose-driven procurement: Entering an age of holistic value READ MORE Research: High-velocity procurement READ MORE Can brands save profits without squeezing suppliers? READ MORE Next generation category management READ MORE CPO Crunch: Cause for (cautious) optimism READ MORE CPO Crunch: Building for the next crisis READ MORE CPO Crunch: Putting procurement at the heart of rapid investment READ MORE CPO Crunch: Communication key to cyber response READ MORE