Orchestrate for Impact with Social Procurement

In this episode, Janna is joined by Diem Huynh, Managing Director of Sedo Group, for a powerful conversation about how organisations can use their procurement decisions as a force for good. Together, they unpack the real meaning of social procurement, how it goes far beyond ticking a compliance box, and what it takes to embed it into an organisation’s DNA. Social procurement is one of the most tangible ways to orchestrate for impact, aligning values, decisions, and operations to create systemic change through everyday actions. From ethical supply chains to inclusive employment and environmental responsibility, this episode explores how purposeful orchestration across teams, processes, and priorities can unlock ripple effects of positive impact. Key topics covered: What social procurement actually is, and how it differs from standard procurement The power of purchasing decisions to deliver social and environmental impact Common misconceptions and “tick-box” traps that hinder meaningful implementation How organisations can move from reactive to proactive approaches Practical strategies for embedding social procurement into everyday decisions The role of executive sponsorship and cultural change in making it stick How government mandates influence market behaviour—and why values-led businesses go further How social procurement exemplifies orchestration in action—aligning intent, policy, and practice to shape long-term outcomes Social procurement as a ripple effect: small actions that create systemic change How to identify and amplify the social impact you may already be creating 00:00 Introduction to Orchestrate For Impact00:43 Guest Introduction and Background02:19 Understanding Social Procurement04:27 Key Features of Social Procurement05:43 Implementing Social Procurement in Organizations07:08 Challenges and Change Management11:49 Embedding Social Procurement in Culture28:12 Proactive vs Reactive Approaches34:19 The Ripple Effect of Social Procurement36:23 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Links & Resources Sedo Group: https://sedogroup.com.au/ Diem Huynh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dhuynh76/ Follow Orchestrate for Impact Website: www.orchestrateforimpact.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/orchestrate-for-impact YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OrchestrateforImpact/podcasts Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/37BnWvatGQyU5AkRY7ibXU?si=G2f_htBsRi6LvDzjPzhcAw Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/orchestrate-for-impact/id1816620342 Subscribe & Share If you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who’d find it helpful. Music Intro and outro music by Eli DeVylder “43 (fin)” - used with permission Join the Conversation What did this episode spark for you? I’d love to hear your reflections. Reach out to me on LinkedIn