French Major to Procurement Pro

When I tell people about my journey into procurement and change management, the reaction is often one of surprise. It’s not your typical career path, and it certainly didn’t start with a plan to enter the procurement world. Instead, it all began with a love for a certain Disney movie and an unexpected opportunity that shaped my entire career.

A Love for Language Turned Into a Career Path

As a young girl, I was captivated by the movie Beauty and the Beast. The story, the characters, and the enchanting French setting all spoke to me in a way that I couldn’t quite explain at the time. This fascination led me to study French in high school and ultimately to pursue a French major in college. The decision came with an unexpected perk—a nearly full-ride scholarship that allowed me to immerse myself in the language and culture I had come to love.

But as graduation loomed, reality set in. What exactly do you do with a French major? I decided to add another major—International Political Economics—to broaden my career prospects. This field allowed me to explore the global dynamics of economics and politics, a subject that intrigued me deeply. However, as the end of college approached, I still wasn’t sure what career path to take.

The Unexpected Entry Into Procurement

In a moment of uncertainty, I sought advice from my college counselor. He handed me a book that listed potential career options based on my major. As I flipped through the pages, the word "Buyer" caught my eye. It was an intriguing option, especially for someone who enjoyed shopping as much as I did.

Fortune smiled upon me when I discovered that Schneider Electric, a French-headquartered company, had its North American office nearby and was hiring for a Buyer position. I applied, interviewed, and within days was offered the job. That’s how I found myself stepping into the world of procurement—a field I hadn’t even known existed a few months earlier.

Discovering a Passion for Change Management

My first role at Schneider Electric involved managing travel and the company’s credit card program. But my entry into change management came when I was tasked with transitioning the company from using on-site travel agents to an online booking tool—a significant shift, especially for executives who were accustomed to personalized service.

This project was my introduction to the complexities of change management. I quickly realized that success wasn’t just about implementing new technology; it was about managing the cultural and behavioral shifts that came with it. The project was a success, and it sparked my passion for leading change effectively. I learned that change isn’t just a technical challenge—it’s a people challenge.

Building a Career in Change Management

Over the years, I’ve led numerous procurement and change initiatives, including several large-scale SAP implementations and procure-tech rollouts with platforms like Coupa and Ariba. Each project reinforced the importance of doing change management right the first time. When change is poorly managed, it leads to burnout, frustration, and, ultimately, failure. But when done well, it can transform an organization.

My time at MGM Resorts was a career highlight. Working under a remarkable mentor, Stacey Taylor, I had the opportunity to build a team from scratch and lead a company-wide transformation. We implemented Coupa, opened new resort properties, and reimagined the organization’s procurement processes. These experiences solidified my belief in the power of effective change management and deepened my commitment to the field.

Founding Wonder Services: A New Chapter

Four and a half years ago, I made the leap from corporate life to entrepreneurship by founding Wonder Services. The mission was clear: to help organizations navigate digital transformations with a focus on change management and user adoption. We specialize in ensuring that companies not only implement new technologies but also get the most out of their investments by bringing their people along on the journey.

At Wonder Services, we’ve built a team of practitioners who have been in the trenches and understand the challenges of change management from firsthand experience. We’ve had the privilege of working with clients across various industries, helping them maximize ROI, maintain or improve their culture, and successfully adopt new tools and processes.

The Road Ahead: Insights and Strategies for Leaders

Looking ahead, I’m excited to share my insights and strategies for leading successful change initiatives. Change management isn’t just about implementing new technology—it’s about leading people through transformation with empathy, strategy, and a clear vision. In this blog, I’ll be discussing everything from the human side of change to the role of technology in driving success.

Whether you’re preparing for a major transformation or managing multiple changes at once, I hope these discussions will provide you with the tools and knowledge you need to navigate the complexities of change with confidence.