Joshua McLeod
Category Manager
Spire Inc.
In short, what do you do?
I lead all aspects of the sourcing and contracting process in support of a Spire’s IT and Professional Services categories. I work in a fast-paced environment with frequent tight deadlines and an emphasis on communication and relationship management. I also work collaboratively with both internal clients and external suppliers to solve problems.
Your role places emphasis on streamlining and efficiency—how do you balance that with the demand for improved service and quality?
One aspect I really enjoy about my job is getting to prove every day that service and efficiency aren’t mutually exclusive. When you operate more efficiently, quality and service should, inevitably, improve. That’s why I start my projects by focusing on the value analysis and holistic impact of the change. This approach, along with business process mapping, helps me understand the entire impact of the project including, process, roles, responsibilities and how success can be determined. I also focus on change management to maintain this balance and ensure success once the change is implemented.
What is the most valuable professional lesson you’ve learned?
In my career, listening skills and a natural curiosity have proven endlessly valuable. Most notably though, I’ve learned the two go hand in hand. If you’re listening intently, you’ll naturally start to pick up on the right questions to ask. My role requires me to navigate difficult conversations on a variety of topics. When you’re having those difficult conversations, and you’re listening intently, it fosters an environment of mutual understanding. So, the more I listen, the more others are willing to as well. And this is where curiosity comes in. When you’re both listening, the questions become deeper, transforming the conversation and promoting collaborative problem solving and a deep understanding of one another.
Favorite travel destinations?
Chicago, IL, Las Vegas, NV, Atlanta, GA, and soon to be determined.
