Speaking up after 25 years in procurement.
On the 2nd of September 1987, I started my very first job, an engineering apprentice with Shell. I didn’t know it then, but that day marked the beginning of a journey that would span almost four decades, across different industries, continents, and leadership roles.
Incredibly, 38 years later, that path has taken me from the engineering floor to the board room, and from oil & gas to defence, nuclear, marine, and now giga-projects in the Middle East.
Across that time, I’ve only worked for four companies. Each one has left its mark on me, shaping not only my skills, but also my character, how I see the world, and what drives me.
Today, I find myself reflecting on what it all means, the scars earned, the lessons learned, and the triumphs that followed.
Why I Decided to Be Visible on LinkedIn
After almost four decades in industry and 25 years in procurement, something has been quietly stirring within me; a desire to do more. Over the past year, that feeling has grown stronger, evolving into a genuine desire to give back.
When I began sharing my reflections and experiences on LinkedIn, it wasn’t just about visibility or networking, it was about contribution. I wanted to share what I’ve learned with those starting out in their careers, with mid-level professionals looking for direction, and with anyone curious enough to listen.
I don’t pretend to have all the answers. Procurement and leadership are too nuanced, too complex, for any one person to claim they know it all. But I do believe in the power of storytelling, in using my experiences, both good and bad, to help others grow faster and more confidently than I did.
Sharing lessons is my way of building legacy.
The Power of Connection
When I began posting on LinkedIn, I didn’t expect the level of engagement, authenticity, and passion I have encountered. Procurement, as a global community, is far more connected than I ever gave credit for.
People are all that matter.
I’ve had conversations with professionals from every corner of the world, from graduates taking their first step into the profession to senior executives running billion dollar supply chains. Despite the differences in geography and experience, I’ve found one thing in common, people are deeply passionate about procurement and supporting one another.
What has truly energised me is how eager people are to engage in real conversation, not surface level comments, but meaningful exchanges about leadership, transformation, and growth.
People want to learn, share, challenge, and inspire. They want to find new ways of taking our profession forward, and that shared purpose gives me excitement for the next generation of procurement leaders.
Being part of that conversation is a privilege.
Networking is a Learning Opportunity
For me, the greatest value of LinkedIn is how we can all learn from each other. Every post, every comment, every message is an opportunity to learn something new.
I think of it as building my own “knowledge database”, a growing repository of insights, best practices, and perspectives. I learn not just what works, but why it works and equally the lessons behind failure.
I believe Procurement thrives on shared knowledge as a fundamental principle. None of us have all the answers to today’s challenges, whether it’s sustainability, digital transformation, or geopolitical risk. These issues require collaboration, open dialogue, and the exchange of ideas.
That’s why I believe networking is about learning. It’s about being open to other people’s experiences and finding ways to apply them in my own context. To do that, I passionately believe in staying humble and maintain a desire to learn every day and with every opportunity.
The Influence of Great Leaders
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with extraordinary leaders, people who shaped not just my career, but my character.
I can still remember the words of a former Managing Director, who once told me, “People are all that matter.” At the time, I didn’t fully grasp the meaning of that comment. But over the years, through every tough decision, late night deadline, and challenging project, it became a guiding principle.
Great leadership, I’ve learned, isn’t about control, it’s about empowerment. It’s about creating the conditions where people can perform at their very best, feel trusted, and know that their work matters.
I’ve also learned that leadership is not about being perfect, it’s about being authentic. The best leaders I’ve known have been vulnerable enough to admit mistakes, resilient enough to recover from them, and humble enough to share their lessons. Those are the leaders who leave a legacy and they are the kind of leaders I aspire to be.
Why I’m Sharing My Journey
When you’ve spent decades in a profession, it’s easy to take your experiences for granted. But what feels like common sense to some may be a lightbulb moment for others.
That’s why I’ve started writing, reflecting, and sharing. If even one post helps a young professional progress, or gives someone the confidence to step into the unknown, then it’s worth it.
What has truly energised me is how eager people are to engage in real conversation, not surface level comments, but meaningful exchanges about leadership, transformation, and growth.
I want to give back to the procurement community that has given me so much, not just through technical insights, but through stories about people, resilience, accountability, and growth.
The Journey Ahead
Scars, Lessons & Triumphs (SLT) is my way of bringing all this together, a space to reflect, to share, and to inspire. Each post in the series dives into a specific theme, from failures that shaped me, to leadership philosophies, to lessons from major projects and transformations.
I absolutely believe growth does not come from staying in your comfort zone. It comes from looking back honestly, learning from what went wrong, and using those lessons to move forward.
As I continue with scars, lessons, and triumphs, my hope is that just one post, one conversation, or one connection, makes a difference and helps others along there own paths.
Scars. Lessons. Triumphs.
Three words that sum up not just my career, but the mindset I believe every professional should carry.
About Mike George
With nearly four decades of experience spanning engineering, procurement, and supply chain, Mike George has built a reputation for leading transformational change across some of the world’s most complex and demanding industries, from nuclear and defence to oil & gas, marine, and large-scale construction projects in the Middle East.
