Why Empathy Will Be the Defining Skill for Procurement Leaders Beyond 2026
As councils and procurement teams look ahead to 2026 and beyond, the landscape is set to become more complex than ever. AI will reshape decision-making. Supply chains will face new pressures. Expectations of transparency and ethical leadership will continue to rise. Amid all this change, one human trait will matter more than ever: empathy.
In his keynote, Daniel Murray, CEO of Empathic Consulting, will show why embedding empathy into culture isn’t a “nice-to-have”, but rather a future-proof strategy. With a career spanning corporate strategy, behavioural economics, and neuroscience, Daniel has worked with some of Australia’s largest organisations to build cultures where empathy drives measurable performance.
Why this matters for procurement professionals of the future:
- Future-ready decision-making
In an AI-driven world, empathy will be the balance that ensures data-led procurement decisions also reflect human needs, fairness, and long-term community impact. - Resilient relationships in uncertain times
Strong supplier and stakeholder trust will be the foundation for navigating geopolitical shifts, sustainability demands, and rapid change. - Culture as a competitive edge
Councils that cultivate empathetic cultures will attract talent, improve collaboration, and deliver stronger outcomes for their communities. - Performance through people
Empathy unlocks engagement and accountability – crucial for teams managing limited resources while tackling ambitious goals.
Daniel’s session will challenge conventional thinking and give procurement professionals practical tools to weave empathy into the fabric of their organisations. For leaders looking towards the future, it’s a roadmap for staying relevant, effective, and human in an increasingly digital world.
Don’t miss this chance to explore how Strategic Empathy can help councils thrive in 2026 and beyond.
📅 21–22 October 2025
📍 Doltone House, Darling Island, Sydney
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We look forward to seeing you there!