James Chang

James Chang

VP of Procurement Pluralsight
Innovating Procurement executive to unlock and enable the full potential of this critical function within any organization. Investigating in AI to aid Procurement professionals to be more resilient, agile, and efficient but keeping the most important element in the function intact - human factor.

Monday March 8, 2027

11:40 AM Keynote Panel: Why Won’t They Stay Still?: Navigating The Impact Of Persistent Cost Increases Caused By External Market Pressures

From tariffs and geopolitics to changing regulations and evolving supply dynamics, supplier pricing continues to shift. In a market where the old procurement playbook isn't enough, leaders must rethink how they anticipate and respond to persistent cost pressures spanning energy & utilities, oil, packaging, semiconductors, freight, travel, contingent labor, and more. Join this keynote panel to engage with executives who are finding new ways to anticipate market changes, strengthen supplier relationships, and stay ahead of evolving costs with strategies that are working now. 

Key Takeaways: 
  • Identifying the key market forces (tariffs, geopolitics, regulations, and supply dynamics) driving changes in supplier costs and pricing 
  • Understanding how to distinguish market-driven changes from negotiation opportunities 
  • Developing strategies to anticipate market changes and their potential impact on supplier costs 
  • Learning what strategies are working for procurement leaders navigating ongoing market changes 

2:50 PM Let’s Dish: Practitioner Led Candid Conversations (1 Round Of 35-Minute Discussions)

It's time to get into the real issues shaping procurement today. Join peer-led discussions focused on what's actually happening in the field right now. Exchange perspectives with experienced leaders, share what's working (and what isn't), and explore common challenges in a collaborative setting. These sessions are designed to spark candid dialogue, surface practical ideas, and drive learning through shared experience. 


1) A Blessing In Disguise: Turning Stressful Situations Into Strategic Opportunities  

Jodi Hugdahl, Strategic Sourcing Manager, Fulton Bank 


2) Bigger Isn't Always Better: Unlocking The Advantages Of Leading Procurement In A Smaller Organization 

Miles Baxter, Senior Director, Procurement Services, Broadcast Music 


3) It's Never Going to Be 100%: Building Workable Data With AI For Sustainable Success

Eric Dulin, Managing Director of Sourcing, Data & Technology, FedEx 


4) Are We Losing The Human Touch?: Protecting The Human Side Of Procurement In An AI World  

James Chang, VP of Procurement, Pluralsight 


5) We Have To Do Something Different: Proving Procurement's Worth In The Modern Era 

Tiffanie Vo-Jones, Director, Strategic Sourcing and Category Management, Claritev  


6) The Meter's Running: Monitoring AI Usage To Ensure The Costs Don't Get Out Of Hand 

Lavanya Ravi, Industry Expert


7) Procurement Process Simon Says: Deciding Which Purchasing Processes Should Be Standardized Across An Organization 

Mike Gordon, Head of North America Procurement, EMD Serono 


8) No, It's Mine!: Aligning Ownership And Accountability Across Procurement, Product, Legal And ESG 

Lisa Miller, Industry Expert 

Pooja Bansal, Global Supply Manager, Technology, Lyft 

 

9) Today's Sourcing A-Team: Building A Tech Forward Procurement Team


Check out the incredible speaker line-up to see who will be joining James.

Download The Latest Agenda