[
40 Posts
[

All Posts

The Mid-Career Pivot: From Expert to Leader Without Losing Yourself

The hardest career transition isn't changing roles β€” it's changing identity. This piece reflects on the shift from technical expert to people leader: what it costs, what it creates, and how to grow into responsibility without abandoning what made you effective in the first place.

by Maximilian Groh, Feb 2, 2026

Building Leaders, Not Just Managing Tasks

Great managers don't just get work done β€” they develop people who can lead without them. This article lays out a practical framework for turning daily responsibilities into leadership capability, and how to know when your team is ready for more.

by Maximilian Groh, Jan 31, 2026

Influence Without Authority: A Leadership Playbook

Modern leadership rarely comes with formal authority β€” especially in procurement. This article lays out a practical playbook for influencing decisions, aligning stakeholders, and driving outcomes when your responsibility far exceeds your direct control.

by Maximilian Groh, Jan 29, 2026

AI and Human Negotiation: A Hybrid Strategy That Wins Deals

AI won't negotiate supplier contracts for you. But it fundamentally changes what's possible before, during, and after the negotiation. This article explores how procurement teams combine AI-driven analysis with human judgment to consistently win better outcomes.

by Maximilian Groh, Jan 27, 2026

Seven AI Decisions Every Leader Must Make in 2026

AI won't replace your team β€” but it will change how work is done, how value is measured, and what leadership requires. These are the seven decisions managers must make to lead people honestly through AI-driven transformation in 2026.

by Maximilian Groh, Jan 25, 2026

The Procurement Skills Roadmap for the AI Era (2026–2030)

AI won't replace procurement professionals. But procurement professionals who use AI will replace those who don't.

by Maximilian Groh, Jan 23, 2026