Procurement Pathways Podcast: Gut Over Glory: Building a Career Grounded in Integrity

In this episode, host Stacy Joslin speaks with Rosemarie Timko, Global Vice President, Procurement Mars, Petcare (Science & Diagnostics), about the realities of leading in an environment defined by constant change. Through a career shaped by shifts across companies, roles, and major acquisitions, the discussion unpacks how navigating uncertainty, evolving priorities, and diverse operating models builds both perspective and resilience over time.

A recurring theme throughout the conversation is the human side of procurement, an aspect often overlooked, yet critical to success. Beyond strategies and systems, the way leaders connect with people, both inside their teams and across their supplier network, plays a defining role in outcomes. In moments of disruption, it’s not just what decisions are made, but how they’re carried out that determines trust, performance, and long-term impact.

The conversation explores how leaders navigate complexity without losing sight of what matters most. It highlights the importance of consistency and transparency, particularly when managing acquisitions and supplier relationships, and the role leaders play in creating environments where people feel supported to do their best work. It also touches on the more personal side of leadership, recognizing when an organization’s direction no longer aligns with your values, and what it takes to act on those moments.

Key insights for procurement leaders include:

• Importance of treating suppliers as long-term partners to build stronger, more resilient relationships
• Role of open, honest communication in keeping teams engaged and aligned during change
• Need for leaders to create stability and trust in uncertain environments
• The impact of organizational culture and leadership on long-term performance and credibility

Listen to Stacy and Rosemarie’s conversation to learn how a people-first approach, grounded in trust, adaptability, and curiosity, can help procurement professionals navigate change more effectively and build stronger, more sustainable organizations.

About our guest:

Rosemarie Timko has been in the world of procurement for 30 years, spending time with organizations such as FreeMarkets, Ariba, Heinz, JM Smuckers, and most recently, for the past eleven years with Mars as the Global Vice President of Procurement for Science and Diagnostics, Inc., a division of the Mars Petcare Segment.  During her career, she has led both indirect and direct global organizations, bringing governance, strategy, supplier development and most importantly, career guidance to her associates and partners.