Pressing the Launch Button at Scale: How UC Creates Opportunity for Entrepreneurs & Small Businesses.
What if one of the largest systems in the world could unlock massive opportunities for entrepreneurs and small businesses?
In this episode, Hugh Zaretsky sits down with Paul Williams, Chief Procurement Officer at the University of California, to break down how billions in procurement, supply chain strategy, and leadership decisions impact real business growth.
Paul and Hugh first connected in Portugal at the Humanity Summit and are now collaborating on initiatives to expand access, innovation, and opportunity across the UC ecosystem.
This is a deep conversation on leadership, AI, procurement, and how to actually scale in today’s economy.
🔥 What You’ll Learn:
• What separates good leaders from great ones
• Why relationships drive business more than strategy
• How AI should amplify—not replace—your work • The real impact of supply chains on entrepreneurs
• Why curiosity, adaptability, and purpose win long-term • How large institutions create opportunities for small businesses
⏱️ Timestamps:
0:00 – Paul’s journey: Corporate → University of California
5:08 – Procurement at scale (10 campuses, hospitals, global supply chain)
8:12 – Supplier diversity & supporting small businesses
39:16 – Work-life balance, routines & leadership habits
44:41 – Future of UC, innovation & economic impact
🎯 About the Guest: Paul Williams is the Chief Procurement Officer at the University of California Office of the President, leading strategic sourcing and procurement innovation across one of the largest public university systems in the world. With 28+ years of global experience (Procter & Gamble, Pfizer, Mondelez), Paul specializes in supply chain optimization, cost savings, contract negotiation, and building high-performing teams. Connect with Paul: / paul-williams-17a2b6
🎙️ About the Host: Hugh Zaretsky helps entrepreneurs and executives press “The Launch Button” whether starting from zero or scaling to the next level. After a 9/11 wake-up call, Hugh transitioned from IT executive to real estate investor, speaker, and best-selling author. He has trained 12,500+ entrepreneurs and investors in building businesses and acquiring cash-flowing assets (STR, SFH, multi-family).
🌐 https://www.HughZaretsky.com
🎧 https://www.thelaunchbuttonpodcast.com
📘 Get the book: http://bit.ly/launchbuttonbook
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🌎 Do You Want to Work with Hugh or his Community? Book a meeting with him at https://www.HughZaretsky.com
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📈 Keywords: University of California, procurement, supply chain, small business growth, entrepreneurship, leadership, AI in business, business strategy, scaling companies, networking, economic impact, innovation, startup growth
🔔 Hashtags:
#Leadership #BusinessGrowth #EntrepreneurMindset #AI #SupplyChain #Networking #UC #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneurship #LaunchButton #standupforuc
