Sourcing Star Interview: Jerry Durant

How did you get into this field – was it purposeful or by accident?

Quite by accident. In 1985 a long standing customer approached us to find resources to maintain one of their legacy applications. Through the course of discussion about resource and annual costs we jointly reached the conclusion that finding foreign resources might be a solution.  After deliberations, bid proposals, visitations and indepth reviews it was concluded to offshore the application to Calcutta.

 

In what ways do you feel your professional contributions have influenced or transformed the industry? (This could be a new approach or methodology, the application of an existing technology in a completely new way, significant thought leadership or even a career of inspiring others.)

Aside from the work which culminated in the formation of the International Institute for Outsource Management we had over 15 years in which we repeated called upon to assist buyers but also we saw an ever increasing interest on the part of suppliers.  At first it was to seek out work but we saw this as an uphill endeavor because many suppliers fell short in keeping with foreign buyer expectations. As a result we saw this as an opportunity to evaluate supplier viability, giving them a roadmap for development, develop skills appropriate to dealing in an international and culturally diverse climate, and to bolster brand development in a tangibly meaning way. These goals resulted in some of the things which I mentioned in my accomplishments such as the Outsourcing Management Body of Knowledge (OMBOK), Certification as an Outsource/Offshore Project Manager (COOPM), establishing the Outsource Management Research Center (OMRC) and skill development to address an ever changing international business market. In the latter case we were honored to be chosen as a Research Fellow at the Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio Center during the development of the Impact Sourcing Implementation Guide. 

 

In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges facing the industry today and what should be done to solve them?

This is a very interest question since a number of the advisory firms who were knee deep into critiquing outsourcing have gone on to other more vogue pursuits. The challenge today remains in obtaining business but in order to accomplish this suppliers need to shed traditional efforts in order to develop capabilities while forming durable brand. What was once price driven is now focused on value delivery. 

 

Looking at the whole of your career, what do you consider to be your greatest achievement?

Having been self employed for 35 years my greatest achievement has been survival. This would not have been possible without being on top of global trends and to put them into an appropriate context relative to both strategic direction as well as tactical implementation. 

 

What three words do you feel your colleagues and peers would use to describe you?

Practical, Adaptable, Honest/Integrity 

 

What advice do you have for those who are new to the profession or considering entering the industry?

Goals are achieved through the formation of purposeful value. To accomplish this on an international level we need to fully understand and appreciate cultural differences.