In this episode of the Leading Learning podcast, Jeff talks with Rick Grimm, CEO of NIGP: The Institute for Public Procurement.
Rick has always been a big believer in the power of learning and he’s worked hard to make leadership in education a core part of NIGP’s strategy. Recently, the organization overhauled its entire governance structure, and as part of that effort, create a voting position for an educational thought leader on its board. NIGP has also collaborated actively with academic institutions to ensure that procurement professionals are properly prepared for the challenges of a rapidly evolving work environment. Rick talks about these efforts and range of other topics.
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Listen to the Show
Read the Show Notes
[00:18] – Preview of what will be covered in this podcast with Rick Grimm, CEO of NIGP: The Institute for Public Procurement.
[01:55] – Mention of Carol Hodes, Executive Director of Knowledge Management who is serving on the advisory board of the Leading Learning Symposium
[02:35] – Introduction of Rick Grimm including a little about NIGP, who they serve and what they do.
[04:14] – What is your vision for learning for the audience you serve and how does it fit into the overall value proposition of NIGP as an organization? Rick explains what they have done to create a prepared workforce and their vision to be the stopgap by providing the body of knowledge necessary for this.
[06:56] – Rick discusses their vision to prepare the workforce by creating more partnerships with academic communities for greater curriculum opportunities. He also explains their vision to provide continual support through offering lifelong learning experiences.
[09:30] – Where does learning fit in with all the other things that NIGP does? Rick talks about his role/role of the board to develop and support procurement professionals by focusing on the new skills they will need to be successful.
[12:24] – What was the role of your board in supporting changes around learning prompted by new technology? Rick discusses the importance of understanding the evolving development phase. He also explains how people are learning and engaging with technology differently and shares the benefits of distance learning.
[15:30] – What are some ways in which you plan to innovate around all of this? Rick talks about how the results of the delivery of distance learning need to be consistent and explains what needs to be done to support this.
[17:13] – What is your role as a leader in making sure members embrace new ways of learning and get the same or more value out of it? Rick discusses the importance of not only educating the board but also members on the rewards/challenges of distance learning.
Members – and the public – can take a survey online to determine whether or not distance learning is a good option for them.
[18:52] A discussion about the challenges of education and what makes the public procurement/sector unique.
[20:49] – What do associations and their leaders need to be doing in order to maintain the leadership role they have traditionally had in lifelong learning? Rick shares the need to understand how leadership roles have been transformed through technology. He discusses strategy, resources, competition, and the benefit of collaboration to avoid redundancy in the marketplace.
[25:56]– What are some of your lifelong learning habits? Rick explains the importance of asking the hard questions, seeking out stakeholders, looking for diversity of thought and doing research.
[28:11] – How to connect with Rick
[29:31] – Wrap Up
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[31:05] – Sign Off
Great podcast Jeff and Rick!