Salvador Escobedo serves as an international procurement consultant with one of the leading oil and gas operators in South America. As interim president, he has built operations from the ground up, developing lasting alliances with major suppliers while performing market research and overhauling sourcing and financial processes. Salvador Escobedo’s efforts have resulted in more competitive procurement practices that avoid significant distributor and third-party markups. He has also worked to bring more efficiency and a lower cost basis to the company’s freight and logistics processes. Mr. Escobedo began his career in leadership positions with public institutions such as Mexico’s Ministry of Social Development and Ministry of Finance. As a manager for financial strategy with the Mexican Social Security Institute, he designed a financial strategy for effectively funding health care services by tier and region. He also assessed and approved multi-annual contracts. Setting in place an innovative health care service financing system, Mr. Escobedo provided more effective physician incentives that increased the quality, efficiency, and productivity of care provided at hospitals and clinics.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My day typically starts early, with a strategic review of key priorities, followed by high-level meetings with stakeholders, suppliers, or internal teams. I dedicate time to analyzing market trends, identifying opportunities, and ensuring that procurement and supply chain operations align with long-term business objectives. Productivity comes from clear goal setting, structured decision-making, and leveraging technology to streamline processes.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I bring ideas to life by combining data-driven insights with strategic execution. First, I validate the feasibility of an idea by assessing market conditions and potential risks. Then, I assemble the right team, set measurable goals, and implement structured execution plans while remaining flexible for adjustments based on real-time feedback.
What’s one trend that excites you?
The shift towards sustainable energy procurement and digitalization in supply chain management excites me. As companies prioritize sustainability, integrating AI-driven analytics and ESG-focused procurement strategies is becoming a game changer for operational efficiency and compliance.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
I consistently prioritize tasks based on impact rather than urgency. This allows me to focus on strategic decisions that drive long-term value instead of getting caught up in daily operational distractions.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Focus on building strong relationships early in your career. Technical expertise is important, but success often depends on your ability to navigate complex stakeholder dynamics and foster strategic alliances.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I firmly believe that efficiency in procurement is not just about cost savings but about long-term value creation. Many organizations focus solely on short-term savings, while I advocate for investing in supplier relationships, risk management, and innovation-driven strategies that create sustainable competitive advantages.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Conduct post-mortems on major decisions. Whether it’s a successful deal or a missed opportunity, I always analyze what worked, what didn’t, and what can be improved. This continuous feedback loop enhances strategic decision-making.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I step back and reassess my priorities by focusing on the most impactful tasks. Going for a run helps me clear my mind, regain focus, and come back with a fresh perspective. Running allows me to process challenges, think creatively, and return to work with renewed energy and clarity.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
The ability to negotiate win-win scenarios has been a key strategy. Whether in procurement or executive decision-making, I focus on creating mutually beneficial agreements that foster long-term partnerships rather than short-term gains.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Early in my career, I underestimated the resistance to change within large organizations. When implementing new procurement models, I faced pushback due to ingrained habits and traditional workflows. I overcame it by aligning stakeholders through clear communication, demonstrating tangible benefits, and gradually phasing in changes rather than enforcing abrupt shifts.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
A real-time supplier risk assessment platform powered by AI that aggregates global economic, political, and environmental data to predict potential supply chain disruptions and recommend mitigation strategies.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
SAP Ariba has been invaluable for procurement and supply chain management. It streamlines sourcing, contract negotiations, and supplier relationships, ensuring cost efficiency and compliance in global operations.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
Book: The Innovator’s Dilemma by Clayton Christensen – it changed how I approach business strategy, particularly regarding disruption and long-term competitiveness.
Podcast: The Daily (NYT) – it keeps me informed on global trends that can impact business and energy markets.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
The Playlist (Netflix) – it’s a fascinating look at how Spotify disrupted the music industry. I appreciate stories about innovation, resilience, and challenging industry norms.
Key learnings
- Strategic procurement isn’t just about cost savings — it’s about long-term value creation and risk mitigation.
- Success in executive roles comes from balancing data-driven decision-making with strong stakeholder relationships.
- Adaptability and continuous learning are crucial for navigating complex industries like oil and gas.
- The ability to negotiate mutually beneficial agreements is a powerful career accelerator.
- Technology, particularly AI and digitalization, is transforming procurement and supply chain management.