97: Predictive Procurement and AI in Supply Chain with Lateisha Thomas

In this episode, we sit down with Lateisha Thomas, Director of Professional Services at Arkestro and over a decade-long procurement systems veteran, to unpack the future of procurement technology and leadership.

Lateisha shares her journey from her early days in learning and development to managing massive enterprise system rollouts, and now leading change with Arkestro’s predictive procurement platform. We dive into how behavioral science and game theory are transforming negotiations, why rapid deployment is solving system fatigue, and how to maintain essential buyer-supplier trust in an era of AI automation. Plus, Lateisha offers inspiring advice for technical leaders making the shift into strategic roles and reflects on how her unexpected start at a manufacturing front desk shaped her approach to supply chain empathy.

A special thank you to Arkestro for sponsoring this episode!

Whether you're a procurement professional, an operations leader, or a technical expert looking to elevate your executive leadership, this episode is packed with practical wisdom on technology, negotiation, and people-first management.

If you're ready to eliminate change fatigue, slash sourcing cycle times, and unlock hidden savings without burdening your IT team, Arkestro is worth a look. Discover how predictive procurement can supercharge your team's strategy by visiting Arkestro.com to schedule a demo or explore their latest case studies!

✨ Connect with Lateisha and check out all Arkestro has to offer!

📱 LinkedIn | Lateisha Thomas

📱Arkestro | The Predictive Procurment Platform

💻 Learn more on the topics discussed here:

How Predictive Procurement Eliminates Change Fatigue

Behavioral Science in Negotiation: Building Trust & Driving Savings

From Tactical Specialist to Strategic Leader: Navigating the Shift