The Pulse of the Mid-Market - Mike Cargiulo from MJC Sourcing

In this episode of The Procurement Software Podcast, James Meads welcomes Mike Cargiulo, founder of MJC Sourcing, for a conversation that challenges the tech-first narrative in procurement transformation.

Mike shares how MJC Sourcing supports mid-market organisations with hands-on, execution-focused procurement expertise. Rather than leading with slide decks, Mike and his team roll up their sleeves — delivering rapid results in complex sourcing, stakeholder engagement, and supplier negotiations. With a focus on flexible, expert resourcing, his firm fills capability gaps where internal headcount is stretched thin.

Can Lean Procurement Teams Really Outperform the Big Players?

We explore how smaller, agile procurement teams — armed with the right mindset, strong processes, and modern tools — can deliver more value per head than traditional enterprise setups. Mike also shares why he believes process and people come before tech, and how AI is supercharging productivity without replacing human judgement.

Also discussed in this episode:

1. How to build procurement credibility in organisations with limited influence
2. Why bringing in A-players beats training average hires
3. The hidden risk of relying solely on internal category experts
4. How AI is helping sourcing professionals manage increasing workloads
5. Why agility and flexible talent are essential to future-proofing procurement

A compelling conversation on transforming procurement through smart resourcing, sharp execution, and a realistic view of technology’s role.

Timestamps:

[00:01:09] Why MJC Sourcing was founded.

[00:03:05] Execution vs presentations in consulting.

[00:04:22] On-demand procurement expertise.

[00:07:36] Upskilling internal teams through collaboration.

[00:10:23] People, process and tech – in that order.

[00:13:45] Productivity gains with AI in procurement.

[00:16:10] Value creation beyond savings.

[00:21:02] Driving procurement influence in tough cultures.

[00:25:15] Data’s role in enabling procurement.

[00:29:21] Can small teams outperform enterprise procurement?

[00:30:30] What’s next for MJC Sourcing.

And that wraps up another episode of The Procurement Software Podcast!

Thanks again for listening, and do please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify. Every one helps!

We'll be back at the same time next month, so see you there.

If you want to learn more about Procurement Software, check out the useful links below.

Stay in touch!

1. Connect with Mike Cargiulo on LinkedIn
2. Check out MJC Sourcing
3. Download our Tech Map for Enterprise
4. Download our Tech Map for Mid-Market
5. Download our Tech Map for SMEs
6. Find your perfect procurement tech solution in our Software Finder app
7. Sign up for the Entproc Newsletter
8. Book an Intro Call and let’s talk all things Digital Procurement!
9. Connect with James on LinkedIn