Digital transformation and AI: leadership strategies with Mônica Granzo (Smarkets) 

has Digital transformation ceased to be a strategic choice and has become a survival imperative in the global market. However, the transition from legacy systems to the full potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) depends not only on code or hardware, but on a profound structural change in organizational culture.

In this episode of the Elas em Tech, Thaís Cano interviewed Mônica Granzo, CEO of Smarkets, to discuss how technology is reshaping the procurement sectorandwhat invisible barriers prevent companies from achieving maximum productivity.

Monica Granzo's career path: from supply chain to tech leadership

Monica's journey is an example of upward mobility marked by business acumen and innovation. With a solid foundation in Accounting and early experience in the job market, she consolidated her career leading digitization processes in large hospital networks for over 20 years.

It was upon noticing a strategic gap in the market, where companies sought purchasing solutions but lacked the technological focus to achieve them, that Smarkets was born. Today, the company operates agnostically, serving giants like Itaú, Bradesco, and Stellantis, focusing on transforming inefficient operations into centers of success.

The true value of operational efficiency

One of the central points of discussion was the cost of inefficiency. Many corporations still operate purchasing processes using limited tools, such as office suite spreadsheets.

• The cost of the transaction: in many cases, the operational cost of generating a purchase order (labor, time, and lack of automation) can be higher than the price of the product purchased, such as a simple pen.
• Unstructured data: without digitization, data does not become strategic, preventing evidence-based decisions.

Digital transformation aims to correct these bottlenecks, bringing cost savings at the point of sale and freeing up professionals for more strategic roles.

AI as the core of business strategy

AI should not be seen merely as a robot that performs tasks, but as a tool that alters the organizational structure. At Smarkets, artificial intelligence is already applied in areas such as:

1. Specification enrichment: automatic correction of incomplete purchase requests to ensure accurate technical and commercial descriptions.
2. Price monitoring: tracking SKUs in relation to retail prices to benchmark the corporate market.
3. Autonomous agents: testing AI agents that support the buyer in opening quotes, inviting suppliers, and selecting the lowest price.

The barrier of the human mindset

Interestingly, technology is rarely the main obstacle. The real challenge lies in the mindset of employees. Resistance to change, fear of failure, and professional comfort zones hinder the adoption of innovative processes. For many leaders, the fear of taking risks with something new, even with successful case studies, prolongs the innovation sales cycle.

Data-driven management: beyond gut feeling

While instinct and human experience (gut feeling) remain important differentiators, they cannot be the sole compasses. Effective management requires rituals and key performance indicators (KPIs) .

At Smarkets, promotion, hiring, or firing decisions are based on productivity metrics and real contribution to company goals. This "top-down" process educates leadership and creates a culture where data is the cornerstone of truth.

Female leadership and diversity as a strategy

The episode also highlighted the positive impact of diversity in technology. Monica shares how the election of Smarkets' first technology manager (a technical and pragmatic leader) has brought more agility and predictability to the company's schedules over the past eight months.

Diversity is not just a quota; it's a business strategy that unites different viewpoints and sensibilities to build more innovative bridges.

Conclusion: a commitment to the future

Monica's final message is a call to courage for executives and an inspiration for women: it is possible to balance the roles of mother, wife, and CEO, as long as there is a focus on building success stories that inspire future generations. Digital transformation is a journey of survival, and those who don't start preparing now risk being left behind.

Want to know more details about this transformative conversation?

Listen to the full podcast and discover how technology and human leadership are shaping the future of the supply chain in Brazil.

Written by Skyone