Ep. 24 – Striking the Balance Between AI Hesitation and Hype in Procurement – with Salvatore Lombardo
Wed Dec 03 2025
Avoiding the “AI stamp" trap in Procurement starts with one mindset shift: orchestrate AI, don’t just adopt it.
In this episode, host Mike Jansen speaks with Salvatore Lombardo, CPTO at Coupa, about how procurement leaders can turn AI into a true business driver.
Salvatore explains why too many teams chase artificial intelligence for visibility rather than value, and what it takes to build sustainable impact instead. He breaks down how to move from scattered “one agent per pain point” initiatives to orchestrated AI ecosystems that connect data, workflows and people.
Drawing on Coupa’s real-world client successes, including a €25M saving achieved by Uber through AI-driven spend analysis, Salvatore reveals how to start small, measure what matters, and keep empathy and human judgement at the centre of decision-making.
You’ll learn:
1. Why performative AI adoption fails and what to do instead
2. How to start small and scale AI responsibly
3. How to turn risk and opportunity into measurable business value
4. How to orchestrate agents across business functions
5. Why empathy remains Procurement’s ultimate advantage
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Get in touch with Salvatore Lombardo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/salva-lombardo/
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About the host Mike Jansen:
Mike Jansen is Partner at H&Z Management Consulting with over a decade of experience enhancing the value that procurement delivers to organisations. Driven by a passion for tackling challenges, Mike thrives on competition—whether with others or himself. Outside of work, Mike enjoys quality time with his wife and children.
Get in touch with Mike Jansen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jansen-mike/
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Avoiding the “AI stamp" trap in Procurement starts with one mindset shift: orchestrate AI, don’t just adopt it. In this episode, host Mike Jansen speaks with Salvatore Lombardo, CPTO at Coupa, about how procurement leaders can turn AI into a true business driver. Salvatore explains why too many teams chase artificial intelligence for visibility rather than value, and what it takes to build sustainable impact instead. He breaks down how to move from scattered “one agent per pain point” initiatives to orchestrated AI ecosystems that connect data, workflows and people. Drawing on Coupa’s real-world client successes, including a €25M saving achieved by Uber through AI-driven spend analysis, Salvatore reveals how to start small, measure what matters, and keep empathy and human judgement at the centre of decision-making. You’ll learn: 1. Why performative AI adoption fails and what to do instead 2. How to start small and scale AI responsibly 3. How to turn risk and opportunity into measurable business value 4. How to orchestrate agents across business functions 5. Why empathy remains Procurement’s ultimate advantage ___________ Get in touch with Salvatore Lombardo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/salva-lombardo/ ___________ About the host Mike Jansen: Mike Jansen is Partner at H&Z Management Consulting with over a decade of experience enhancing the value that procurement delivers to organisations. Driven by a passion for tackling challenges, Mike thrives on competition—whether with others or himself. Outside of work, Mike enjoys quality time with his wife and children. Get in touch with Mike Jansen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jansen-mike/