In today’s climate of economic shifts and trade disruption, leading a supplier diversity program is no small task. Yet, seasoned leader Michael Byron has not only navigated these complexities, he has helped shape the future of supplier diversity.
In a recent Supplier.io webinar, Byron shared wisdom from over two decades of experience, offering actionable insights for procurement leaders striving to build resilient, high-impact programs.
Michael Byron: A Legacy Built on Purpose and Performance
Michael Byron has led supplier diversity at industry giants like Albertsons, SuperValu, and Walmart, where he helped exceed a $20 billion commitment to women-owned businesses. Now at the Conference Board, he guides peer executives through critical conversations and strategies.
His journey from merchandiser to inclusion advocate highlights the value of bringing business acumen into supplier diversity leadership.
“This job is about influence,” Byron explained. “You don’t make the buys, but you help people understand why it matters to the company.”
Context: Why Supplier Diversity Leaders Must Act Now
With global supply chains in flux, now is the time for procurement to lead from the front. As Byron put it, “Many of us have been through challenges before, but today’s environment demands more purposeful, data-driven action.”
Market pressures like tariffs, inflation, and regulatory shifts are intensifying. According to Supplier.io and Hackett Group data, 79% of companies have increased diverse spend, and 75% plan to enhance data integrity.
“This isn’t about checking boxes,” Byron stressed. “Supplier diversity is a business imperative.”
1. Leverage Data to Strengthen Your Case
Data is no longer optional. It’s the foundation of influence. Byron recalled transforming a compliance-focused initiative into a business-driving force by proving value through data. “People couldn’t argue with the numbers,” he said. “They saw impact, not obligation.”
Supplier.io’s tools help programs uncover up to 20% more small and diverse suppliers, automate certification tracking, and generate audit-ready spend reports. Accurate insights give leaders the credibility they need to influence decisions.
2. Build Coalitions Across the Business
Supplier diversity doesn’t succeed in a silo. Byron emphasized the importance of business alignment: “You have to embed supplier diversity in the business. That means earning trust, speaking their language, and showing how this work helps them win.”
Cross-functional engagement turns passive stakeholders into champions. Byron’s influence model relied on his internal network: “Because I came from the business, I already had the relationships to drive change.”
3. Identify Risks and Act with Resilience
Disruption isn’t a risk—it’s a certainty. That’s why forward-thinking leaders use supplier diversity to improve supply chain resilience.
“We had to move beyond the Tier 1 list,” Byron noted. “We looked for scalable, local partners who could step in if big suppliers faltered.”
Supplier.io’s platform helps organizations proactively identify local and diverse suppliers, reducing risk and improving flexibility.
4. Focus on Local and Small Suppliers
When tariffs and trade policies shift, proximity becomes power. Byron called out the value of finding qualified local suppliers: “Sometimes, the answer isn’t thousands of miles away. It’s in your own backyard.”
This approach not only reduces logistics costs but also supports community growth and aligns with ESG goals.
Conclusion: Lead with Data, Purpose, and Partnership
Michael Byron’s experience is a masterclass in making supplier diversity both strategic and sustainable. The path forward requires clarity, courage, and collaboration.
As Byron reminded us, “Supplier diversity is where I found my passion. It’s also where I found real business impact.”
To future-proof your supplier diversity program, lean on accurate data, build trusted business partnerships, and diversify your supplier base with small, local, and diverse suppliers. The results? Stronger supply chains, measurable value, and meaningful progress.
Ready to secure your supplier diversity program and protect your supply chain? Reach out to our team today to schedule a custom demo.