Elevate Procurement Dialogues - with Lerato

Hosted by Lerato Sebata

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Episodes

Latest episode

Jul 2026

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EN-US

About the show

This podcast is your go-to source for insightful conversations, expert tips, and fresh perspectives on procurement and supply chain management. Our mission is to empower professionals, inspire change, and make the complex world of procurement more accessible and enjoyable. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just curious about this dynamic field, 'Elevate Procurement Dialogues' is your destination for knowledge, growth, and a touch of inspiration. Subscribe now, and let's elevate together!

Listen to episodes

28 recent

July 30, 2026Episode 111 hr 1 min

Why Suppliers Are Rejected During Tender Evaluation, ESD & more

In this episode of Procurement Dialogues with Lerato, I speak to Xolani Mnguni from Sun International about why suppliers are often rejected during tender evaluation. We unpack the common mistakes businesses make when submitting bids, from incomplete documents and compliance gaps to weak evidence, poor pricing and misunderstanding evaluation criteria. This is a practical conversation for SMEs and suppliers who want to improve their tender submissions, understand what buyers look for, and become more evaluation-ready. Follow Lerato Sebata: Stay connected with Lerato Sebata on all social media platforms: LinkedIn: Lerato Sebata YouTube: Lerato Sebata on YouTube Instagram: @lerato_procurement_genius Thank you for tuning in to ' Procurement Dialogues with Lerato.' Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review us on your favourite podcast platform. We appreciate your support

July 30, 2026Episode 101 hr 7 min

Building KHOI Tech: Innovation, Health Watch & Tech That Saves Lives

In this episode of Procurement Dialogues with Lerato, I sit down with Thato from KHOI Tech to unpack the journey of building a technology business from the ground up. We speak about entrepreneurship, innovation, resilience and the development of Health Watch — a solution designed to use technology in a practical way that can support health, safety and even save lives. This conversation is for entrepreneurs, innovators and SMEs who are building solutions with purpose, and who understand that technology must solve real problems in real communities. Follow Lerato Sebata: Stay connected with Lerato Sebata on all social media platforms: LinkedIn: Lerato Sebata YouTube: Lerato Sebata on YouTube Instagram: @lerato_procurement_genius Thank you for tuning in to ' Procurement Dialogues with Lerato.' Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review us on your favourite podcast platform. We appreciate your support

July 20, 2026Episode 941 min

Building an Events Business After Retrenched | Sbonelo Duma

In this episode, I sit down with Sbonelo to talk about how he and his team started an events management company after being laid off. What makes their story powerful is that they later got an opportunity to provide services to the same company they once worked for. We speak about starting over, building from nothing, resilience, business opportunities and what it takes to keep going when life forces you to reinvent yourself. Follow us on all social media platforms, Lerato Sebata email: info@roigroup.co.za www.roigroup.co.za #ProcurementDialogues #Entrepreneurship #SMEStories Follow Lerato Sebata: Stay connected with Lerato Sebata on all social media platforms: LinkedIn: Lerato Sebata YouTube: Lerato Sebata on YouTube Instagram: @lerato_procurement_genius Thank you for tuning in to ' Procurement Dialogues with Lerato.' Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review us on your favourite podcast platform. We appreciate your support

July 2, 2026Episode 81 hr 5 min

Funding the Forgotten SME: PO & Invoice Funding with Sourcefin

Winning a tender or securing a purchase order is only the beginning. For many SMEs, the real challenge is having the cash flow to deliver. In this episode of Procurement Dialogues with Lerato, I speak to Jedd Harris from Sourcefin about purchase order and invoice funding, and how these funding solutions can support SMEs that are often overlooked by traditional finance. We unpack what makes an SME fundable, how Sourcefin approaches PO and invoice funding, the risks entrepreneurs must understand, and why pricing, documentation and delivery readiness matter before taking on larger contracts. This conversation is for SMEs, suppliers and entrepreneurs who are ready to grow, but need to understand how to fund delivery responsibly and sustainably. Follow Lerato Sebata: Stay connected with Lerato Sebata on all social media platforms: LinkedIn: Lerato Sebata YouTube: Lerato Sebata on YouTube Instagram: @lerato_procurement_genius Thank you for tuning in to ' Procurement Dialogues with Lerato.' Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review us on your favourite podcast platform. We appreciate your support

June 28, 2026Episode 755 min

Using AI To Win Tenders | Kweku Quansah, Inventor of tenders.bid & AppLab

In this episode, I sit down with Kweku Quansah , founder of tenders.bid and AppLab , for an important conversation on how AI can help businesses approach tenders more strategically. Kweku developed tenders.bid to help businesses access tender opportunities more intelligently, and in this discussion we unpack what AI could mean for the future of tendering, supplier readiness and smarter bidding. We talk about how businesses can use AI to improve how they search, prepare and respond to opportunities, while also being clear that technology is not a substitute for business readiness, strategy and execution. This is a valuable conversation for SMEs, suppliers and entrepreneurs who want to understand how the tender space is evolving and how to position themselves better in a more digital environment. In this episode, we discuss: How AI is changing the tendering space How businesses can use AI to prepare better bids Why smarter tools still require strong business fundamentals The role of platforms like tenders.bid in opportunity access What the future of bidding could look like for SMEs A practical and forward-looking conversation for businesses serious about growth through procurement. Follow Lerato Sebata: Stay connected with Lerato Sebata on all social media platforms: LinkedIn: Lerato Sebata YouTube: Lerato Sebata on YouTube Instagram: @lerato_procurement_genius Thank you for tuning in to ' Procurement Dialogues with Lerato.' Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review us on your favourite podcast platform. We appreciate your support

June 21, 2026Episode 646 min

Procurement Tips & Realities businesses face when trying to access larger markets

In this episode of the Procurement Dialogues Podcast , Lerato Sebata sits down with Obakeng for a practical and insightful conversation on what it really takes for SMEs to grow through procurement opportunities. The discussion unpacks the realities many businesses face when trying to access larger markets, win opportunities, and position themselves more strategically in the supply chain. From readiness and visibility to partnerships and execution, this episode speaks directly to entrepreneurs who are serious about building businesses that can compete and deliver. If you are an SME owner, supplier, or entrepreneur looking to better understand how to navigate procurement and unlock growth, this episode is for you. In this episode, we discuss: What SMEs often get wrong when pursuing opportunities The importance of positioning, readiness and credibility Why visibility matters in supplier growth The role of partnerships in business expansion Practical insights for businesses wanting to grow through procurement Tune in for a real and grounded conversation filled with insights for businesses ready to move from chasing opportunities to building for long-term growth. Follow Lerato Sebata: Stay connected with Lerato Sebata on all social media platforms: LinkedIn: Lerato Sebata YouTube: Lerato Sebata on YouTube Instagram: @lerato_procurement_genius Thank you for tuning in to ' Procurement Dialogues with Lerato.' Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review us on your favourite podcast platform. We appreciate your support

April 7, 2026Episode 51 hr 6 min

Building Multiple Businesses as a Female Entrepreneur | Bold Woman Award winner by Veuve Clicquot

In this episode, I sit down with Refilwe Sebothoma to unpack her journey of building multiple businesses as a female entrepreneur and what it has taken to lead with vision, resilience, and purpose. As a Bold Woman Award winner by Veuve Clicquot , Refilwe shares insights on entrepreneurship, leadership, business growth, and the realities of building from the ground up. This is a powerful conversation about ambition, navigating challenges, creating impact, and staying bold in business. If you are an entrepreneur, business leader, or woman building something meaningful, this episode will leave you inspired and challenged to think bigger. In this episode, we explore: Building multiple businesses The realities of female entrepreneurship Leadership, resilience, and vision Lessons from growth and setbacks What it means to build boldly and with purpose Tune in for an inspiring conversation with a woman who continues to build, lead, and make an impact. Follow Lerato Sebata: Stay connected with Lerato Sebata on all social media platforms: LinkedIn: Lerato Sebata YouTube: Lerato Sebata on YouTube Instagram: @lerato_procurement_genius Thank you for tuning in to ' Procurement Dialogues with Lerato.' Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review us on your favourite podcast platform. We appreciate your support

March 18, 2026Episode 455 min

ESD That Builds Resilient Black-Owned Businesses | Keegan Moodley, CEO of GROW Impact

Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) programmes are designed to unlock opportunities for SMEs, yet many businesses still struggle to transition from participation to sustainable growth. In this episode, we sit down with Keegan Moodley; Founder & CEO of GROW-Impact to unpack the realities of supplier development, business readiness, and the mindset required for SMEs to scale successfully. Keegan shares valuable insights from working closely with businesses and development programmes, highlighting where many entrepreneurs go wrong and what it really takes to position a business for growth. The discussion explores: • Why many SMEs fail to maximise ESD opportunities • The gap between funding and true business readiness • What corporates actually look for in emerging suppliers • Practical ways entrepreneurs can strengthen their businesses for long-term sustainability This episode is essential listening for entrepreneurs, development practitioners, and anyone interested in the future of SME growth and supplier development in South Africa Follow Lerato Sebata: Stay connected with Lerato Sebata on all social media platforms: LinkedIn: Lerato Sebata YouTube: Lerato Sebata on YouTube Instagram: @lerato_procurement_genius Thank you for tuning in to ' Procurement Dialogues with Lerato.' Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review us on your favourite podcast platform. We appreciate your support

March 16, 2026Episode 142 min

Founder of Masa Aqua Water | Entrepreneruship- Tshimega Masa

In this episode, we speak with Tshimega, founder of Masa Aqua, a growing water business focused on delivering quality products while creating employment opportunities for young people. Tshimega shares his entrepreneurial journey, from the early idea to building a business that now contributes to local economic development. We discuss: The realities of starting and growing a business Navigating challenges as a young entrepreneur The importance of resilience, community support, and visio Follow Lerato Sebata: Stay connected with Lerato Sebata on all social media platforms: LinkedIn: Lerato Sebata YouTube: Lerato Sebata on YouTube Instagram: @lerato_procurement_genius Thank you for tuning in to ' Procurement Dialogues with Lerato.' Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review us on your favourite podcast platform. We appreciate your support

March 16, 2026Episode 247 min

Building a Technology Company in a Competitive Market - Vincent Ndlovu

In this episode of Procurement Dialogues, we sit down with Vincent Ndlovu, founder of Rubus Technology, a company focused on delivering innovative technology solutions in South Africa. Vincent shares his entrepreneurial journey — from identifying opportunities in the digital economy to building a technology-driven business that aims to solve real problems for clients. We explore the realities of starting and scaling a tech venture, the importance of adaptability in a rapidly evolving industry, and how entrepreneurs can position themselves to take advantage of emerging opportunities. This conversation highlights the mindset required to build sustainable businesses in competitive sectors, as well as the importance of resilience, learning, and strategic thinking. Follow Lerato Sebata: Stay connected with Lerato Sebata on all social media platforms: LinkedIn: Lerato Sebata YouTube: Lerato Sebata on YouTube Instagram: @lerato_procurement_genius Thank you for tuning in to ' Procurement Dialogues with Lerato.' Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review us on your favourite podcast platform. We appreciate your support